One on One Computer Consultants (www.1on1cc.com)
February 2007 eNewsletter

New Computer Technologies and General Information

Microsoft VISTA Arrives

Proceed with caution, if you’re planning on moving up to the Windows VISTA operating system. There are a few glitches with the new software and some compatibility issues with existing programs (QuickBooks 2006 for one). Dual boot systems running XP and VISTA run into problems with the system restore feature. The VISTA desktop search isn’t a s good as some third-party tools. The VISTA backup program is not backward compatible with NT Backup (Windows XP/2000), which means your old backups can’t be read by the new operating system. In any case, before even considering the operating system upgrade, you should download and run the Windows VISTA Upgrade Advisor. Microsoft says that computer that are only a couple of years old should be able to upgrade, but don’t take any chances. Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

You can also try CNET’s on-line VISTA Readiness Advisor (much faster, but you’ll have to download an ActiveX control) at: http://www.cnet.com/4520-33_1-6671810-1.html

Virus/Spyware/Spam Warning  & Updates

W32.Surubat.A@mm

This virus is classified as a mass-mailing worm that also copies itself to network shares. The virus is sent as an email attachment and when opened will look for network shares and send itself to every address in your email programs. It selects one of those addresses as the “sender” in an attempt to get others to open the attachment. This virus is classified as a “low” threat and can be removed by most anti-virus programs with an updated virus detection database.

"Free" Software Downloads

Microsoft Office Accounting 2007 Express

That’s right; Microsoft has entered the Accounting Software market. This quite powerful “express” version of their Microsoft Office Accounting 2007 has just about all the tools you’ll need to maintain the records for your small business. The only drawback I found was the inability to manually run payroll. (You have to sign up for ADP for your payroll needs.) But, other than that it is quite a nice little program and it’s free. You do have to register, but you can install it on one desktop and one laptop, but can’t use them at the same time. The software integrates with Microsoft Office products so that you can customize your forms and reports. For more information and a comparison to the full version, go to: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/accountingexpress/FX102097791033.aspx

Google SketchUp 6.0.277

Google SketchUp is a free, easy-to-learn 3D-modeling program. The program les you build and/or modify 3D drawings. It’ relatively easy to use and includes a good tutorial. You can store unlimited 3D images on-line at the Google 3D Warehouse. Go to: http://www.sketchup.com/

Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting Trick

Sometimes there are so many programs loading at startup and/or running in the background that it takes an extremely long time to run diagnostic software or computer system utilities. This can be especially true if you are still using an older operating system like Windows 98 or ME. You can have your computer start with a minimum of programs running by using the “msconfig” utility packaged with Windows. Go to “Start”, “Run”, and type in “msconfig” (without the quotation marks). Select “Selective Startup” and remove the check marks from the first 4 items. Restart your computer and run your diagnostic or utility programs. Once they have finished, open “msconfig” again, select “Normal Startup” and restart your computer.

For more computer Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
( http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )