Microsoft Releases Beta (Testing) Operating System
Long referred to as “Longhorn”, the new Microsoft Operating System in the works is now named “Vista”. In late July, Microsoft released the pre-production version to about 10,000 engineers and beta-testers. Some of the key features include new searching and organizing abilities, a redesigned start menu and an update to the Internet Explorer (version 7) browser. However, other features, such as improved management capabilities for laptops and better photo and video handling, are not expected until later test releases. The test version makes it easier to turn off a Windows PC without fully shutting down, as well as other new abilities, such as connecting to a network-connected projector for presentations or making changes to Windows settings without permanently logging in as an administrator. Microsoft hopes to have all testing complete and the production version ready for use in computers the last quarter of 2006.
Effective August 2, 2005, Microsoft is making the piracy check of the Windows XP Operating system mandatory if you want to download any add-on products. Security-related updates will not require the check, but Windows Update and Microsoft Update that notify you of the last releases will require validation. This Piracy Check is part of Microsoft’s “Windows Genuine Advantage” program which is trying to cut down on the number of illegal copies of the software in circulation. Microsoft estimates about 1/3 of all their operating system software in use is illegal.
Virus/Spyware Warning & Updates
Spyware is Doing More than Sending Marketing Information
The latest invasion of “spyware” has been written to track “keystrokes” on your computer. This can be used to gather important personal information like credit card numbers, passwords, and etc. The cover story of the May 30, 2005 issue of Business Week magazine goes in-depth to analyze a recent Internet scamming bust of mammoth proportions. An international ring of spyware hackers infiltrated up to 18 million email accounts and pinched 1.7 million credit-card numbers. An estimated 4,000 organization members auctioned Account numbers, PINs, and passwords, and spent millions in fraudulent online purchases across eight states and six countries.
You can perform a variety of on-line security checks by going to the One on One Computer Consultants Home page at: ( http://www.1on1cc.com ) and clicking on the link to Symantec Security Check. You can perform a Virus Check, Security Check, and/or Trace a Potential Attack on your computer system.
"Free" Software Downloads
HP Offers Free Templates
If you’re looking
for some help in making cards, organizing photos, or even making
marketing materials for your business, HP “Creative Projects” might be
the web site for you. You will find templates for Holiday Events,
Sports, Home at Work, and etc. Although the templates were developed by
HP, they can be used with any printer and most of the label projects
will print on Avery Label stock.
Go to: (
http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/257-0-0-39-121.html
)
Speaking of Avery Labels
The
industry-standard for labels are Avery Label Numbers. Just about every
label printing program refers to the Avery Label Part Number. Of course,
Avery would like everyone to purchase their product and not a
competitive knock-off, so they offer “free” label making software. Some
are independent programs and others are templates for Microsoft Word.
Go to: (
http://www.avery.com/us/software/index.jsp )
Many More Templates for Microsoft Office Users
Still the best deal
around for Microsoft Office users, the Office Template Gallery offers
pre-made designs and layouts of common and not-so-common documents.
Business documents, Classroom presentations, Nasty (but polite) Letters
to Company Executives, are just a few of the hundreds of templates
available.
Go to: (
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/default.aspx
)
For links to other free software downloads, go to: ( http://www.1on1cc.com/downloads.htm ).
Power Outage Season has Arrived
With the warmer weather comes the need to crank up the air-conditioning system. With the record breaking temperatures and humidity comes the consumption of large amounts of electricity. That consumption leads to electrical “black-outs” and even worse, “brown-outs”. If you have your computer plugged in to a conventional power strip, then you probably have protection against “power surges” like lightning, but nothing else.
It’s reported that over 60% of computer system failures are due to power fluctuations. Since you’re dealing with magnetic media (your system hard disk drive) any fluctuation in line voltage can cause the magnetic filed to collapse destroying data or the hard disk drive itself. For as little as $39.98 (plus tax) you can prevent this catastrophe by adding a battery backup unit, also referred to as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Your CPU and monitor simply plug into the battery protected outlets with a simple connection to one of your USB ports. The included software constantly monitors the line voltage. In the event of a “brown-out” the UPS will maintain a constant voltage to your equipment. In the event of a “power outage”, after a short period of time, the UPS will safely shut down your computer system, protecting your valuable data.
APC (American Power Conversion) makes affordable UPS units for the home and small business user. The APC Back-UPS ES Series has both a 350VA (street price $39.98) and 500VA (street price $59.98) unit available. The 350VA (Model BE350U) is suitable for a small CPU and 15 inch monitor. If you have a larger monitor or wish to protect your printer, then the 500VA (Model BE500U) would be a better choice. NEVER CONNECT A LASER PRINTER TO A BATTERY BACKUP UNIT! The power surges are too large and can damage the unit. There are many manufacturers of these units, Belkin, EverReady, MinuteMan, and etc. All do an adequate job and offer added protection for your valuable data. GET ONE, NOW!
Added Tip: Plug your new UPS (Battery Backup) into your power strip (surge protector) that is plugged into the wall outlet. This will give you an added level of protection for your UPS. Any surge, like lightning, will trip the surge protector before it can damage your UPS device.
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )