February, 2007 | archive
  

Well Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, has finally arrived and with it brings a whole new way of computing. Vista has a very different look and if you have the right hardware you can take advantage of all that the new operating system has to offer.

This month see the Vista File for 10 Reasons Why you Should Upgrade to Vista (and 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't.), the Vista Upgrade Advisor and 10+ tweaks you can do to Vista to make it fly.

But first, see the digital file for three things we like, and what to watch out for with regards to Vista.

Happy Surfing!

Regards,

Chris Gruiters

digitalfile

On January 30, 2007, Microsoft released its new operating system – Windows Vista.  This replaces Windows XP and is packed with improvements, according to Microsoft. 

3 things we like about Vista

Search
No longer do you have to rely on long file names to make things easy to find again.  Vista lets you add keywords to files, so add tags like ‘sales, Michael' to a digital photo called ‘presenting at the conference.jpg'.  Search will then find this photo during a ‘sales' search, even though sales isn't in the file name.  Search for Michael and find all the photos with that tag.  The search function also now reaches out to more than just files and can also include your emails and even web sites you have visited.    
Family Safety Settings
Whilst some families have turned to additional software to restrict their children's computer usage, Microsoft has now included some of this functionality natively in Vista.  You can now control allowed websites and downloads as well as restrict which specific programs and games will run.  Detailed reporting will show you exactly what your children have been using on your computer as well as which websites they have visited
Graphics – Aero and Flip 3D
‘Aero' graphics enhance the look of Vista.  The glass-like opaqueness of some see-through frames can be altered.  Hold your mouse over a window on your task bar and you'll see a mini pop-up displaying the contents of that window, rather than just having to rely on its title to figure out what it is.  Hold down ‘Alt' and press ‘Tab' to see thumbnails of your open windows or the ‘Windows' key plus ‘Tab' will stack them in 3D so you can flip through them like playing cards. 

But watch out for ….

Your Vista upgrade budget
Be warned, you'll need 4-8 times the memory (RAM), 10 times the hard disk space and 3 times the processing power (CPU) compared to Windows XP and maybe a new graphics card to support Aero.  This may mean budgeting for hardware upgrades as well as the cost of the Vista software.  That assumes that your existing computer can be upgraded.  If you are still running Windows 95, 98 or ME, it may be more cost-effective to buy a completely new system.

Vista Versions
Vista comes in four main ‘flavours' – Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.   Some countries will also get two other versions - Starter and Enterprise.  Not all versions have all of the Vista functionality.  Home Basic does not include Aero, Flip 3D, Media Centre and more.  Home Premium gains these without the business functions.  Business adds backup, networking and remote desktop but loses Media Centre whereas Business Ultimate has everything.  Of course, the price increases accordingly.
Software & hardware compatibility
Microsoft assures us that its own, current products will work with Vista, but the responsibility lies with the other manufacturers to ensure their software or devices will work with Vista too.  Major vendors such as Corel and HP have committed to delivering updates if necessary to ensure Vista compliance, for some of their products.  For more information, check with each vendor individually.

Talk to us about how Vista can benefit you and what is required for your particular upgrade. 

The comptroub file is Computer Troubleshooters means of communicating with you on a regular basis. It provides updates of the changing digital age and informative reading.
We trust you enjoyed this edition. 

Happy surfing

The Team @ Computer Troubleshooters - Oakleigh
ph: +61 3 8503 7057



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Oakleigh
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news
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Pirates quick to offer Vista>>
Vista fails to 'wow' the web >>


vistafile
10 Reasons Why Should Upgrade To Vista... (and 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't) >>
Tech Republic, Jan 2007


Vista Upgrade Advisor >>

10+ tweaks, tricks, and hacks to make Windows Vista fly (.pdf 700kb)>>

Tech Republic, Jan 2007




tuneup
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Make your computer:

Run Faster?
Stop Freezing?
Stop Error Messages?

A “High-Tech Computer Tune-Up” could be the answer.
Normal, everyday use causes your computer to slow down, dust accumulates in the wrong places, programs get installed and uninstalled. Power Loss or incorrect shut-downs can cause files to fragment and become unusable. Viruses are rampant and there is always the possibility that one is residing in your machine. Restore your productivity with this important computer maintenance!

• Perform Virus Scan
• Optimize Registry Files
• Remove Unnecessary Temp Files
• Remove Unused Programs
• Remove Erroneous Start-Up Files
• Scan Hard Drive
• Clean Mouse Rollers

NOTE: Due to the vast number of issues that can cause computer problems, the “High-Tech Computer Tune-Up” may or may not solve your particular problem.


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