Another Day With My PC

Catholics have this belief that every child that is brought out in the world has original sin. This sin comes from mankind’s biblical ancestors, Adam and Eve. In order to get rid of original sin, the child has to be baptized. After being Christened, the child begins life without any burden of sin.

That sinless existence also comes a few times in a PC’s life. The system doesn’t bear the weight of any needless software during the time that it’s taken out of the box. Of course, a computer is practically helpless or useless without any application installed in it. The first burden that it has to carry, then, is the operating system.

First Sin?

Many consider Windows as the first sin or burden of a computer. Everything seems to be perfectly fast and smooth when a new PC conducts that first run or check in DOS or Linux. However, such pristine condition or impeccable performance won’t last long. As no PC could ever survive or be useful without embracing Apple or Microsoft’s religion, the commission of original sin is consequently inevitable.

Putting it to the Test

Of course, operating systems are made to make things easier for the user. Hence, it’s quite wrong to look at it as if it’s Pandora’s box. Of course, your system will definitely slow down once it begins to run on Windows or OS X. That’s just normal considering that DOS or Linux practically needs just a fraction of processing power in order for it to function. In contrast, Windows or OS X will definitely put processors to the test, especially if it’s a single core model.

Still Pure

Despite taking up a few gigabytes of hard drive real estate, as well as keeping task manager busy, your PC should still be able to run smoothly after the installation of XP, Vista, or OS X. I’ve installed XP on a Pentium M notebook with just 256 of RAM and it ran without a glitch. Navigating through the commands or windows was seamless. The ease by which I was able to go through things or tasks made me wonder for a short while if the specs of my notebook were mistakenly labeled.

Problem in Disguise?

Slow PC performance starts when you install the other applications. You’ll definitely feel the drag after you’ve installed an antivirus. It’s already a given that the presence of a security software in your system will slow it down. That’s a consequence that every PC user will face regardless of the processor that he has.

Some users try to solve the problem by getting rid of their antivirus altogether and just rely on their cautious nature to ferret out malware attacks. Of course, this is a reckless move. Antivirus or other system utilities will slow your PC down. However, the greatest drag or burden that keeps PCs from running at optimum speed comes from malicious applications and not from legitimate ones. You may not notice this immediately, but you’ll definitely be noticing your nails grow while waiting for your programs to load if you’ll let your system roam around cyberspace without any armor on it.

Necessary

Do not court disaster by dispensing with system utilities that you think would just waste hard drive space or slow down your system. Antivirus programs or registry cleaners may take up some space and may sometimes demand a good deal of processing power every time they’re scanning your PC for malicious instructions. The small inconveniences that you’ll experience from scans and clean ups are nothing compared to the major hard drive sweep that you’ll be doing when unwanted software starts squatting on your main disk.

Do you still have that very first PC of yours?

I was browsing through some of the sites on the Web for old computer parts for my prehistoric AMD K62 computer when I chanced upon the Computer History Museum’s Web page. Google may have already placed the K62 on its “ancient PCs” list as I saw words, such as “vintage” and “obsolete,” on the search results.

Old PCs are already practically useless. They can’t run most of the programs that are commonly being used today. Sure, you may still have old DOS programs on your shelves. But chances are, most of them are already corrupted or aren’t working properly anymore.

Some Web sites offer free downloads of old PC games and applications that might still run on old XTs. Call me a nostalgic weirdo, but the thought of being able to run WordStar or play Pacman on my old 286SX clone PC still gives me that static energy effect all over my body.

I hope that there will be more individuals or organizations that would sponsor exhibits involving old PCs. It would be fun to let generation X have a glimpse of what it was like when the typewriter was still seen as a threat to computers as far as word processing was concern.

If you think that virus authors are quickly discouraged by knock out blows from antivirus programs, think again.

IBM’s Internet Security Systems has recently revealed that an old foe of anti-malware applications is slowly making its way back to center stage again. The worm, which debuted in January 2003, is known as Spammer. It damaged countless systems during that year, making it one of the most dreaded and unwanted programs in recent history.

Resurrected?

Many thought that the worm had already been completely wiped out of every PC unit after security suites focused on its eradication during the months and years after its discovery. In fact, many have already forgotten about it during the past two years. However, IBM’s revelation had brought back its ghost, along with the reluctant prediction that the worm may come back with a vengeance.

What’s the Worry?

Many are downplaying the possible dangers that Spammer could bring to present computer systems. For one thing, security suites have already dealt with it successfully in the past. Hence, they shouldn’t encounter any difficulty in doing a repeat of their bout with the worm a few years ago.

The problem though, is that security software are having a tough time keeping at pace with the release of new viruses or the modified versions of old unwanted programs. It’s not as if Symantec or McAfee will be able to automatically detect the release of every worm or virus that is born in cyberspace. That’s almost next to impossible. Most of the time, they only come to know about the unwanted program after it has already infected a number of systems. There are thousands of hackers and malware authors around the globe. The number is simply and obviously overwhelming.

Keeping the Program Manageable

It would be very easy for antivirus applications to just retain old virus definitions in order to stem future attacks from old worms. However, this is quite impractical. Without retiring old virus codes, the size of anti spyware or antivirus programs could easily swell to exponential proportions. I’m sure you wouldn’t want your antivirus to be as large as Windows Vista, would you?

This practice of trimming down antivirus programs to manageable levels by retiring old definitions creates gaps on the security of a PC unit. Hence, all that a defeated virus author has to do in order to make a comeback is to put his creation in hibernation for a few years, then resurrect it after a new version of the antivirus that eliminated the worm comes out. This is a very easy task for the malware maker, especially since he need not even have to make any modification anymore.

New Approach

Security suites and system utilities, such as registry cleaners, should come up with a new plan on how to prevent the resurrection of old worms and viruses without having to resurrect its old warriors. There must be some way by which an antivirus or anti malware software could efficiently protect a unit from all known forms of unwanted software without being bloated by definitions and other algorithms.

Have you ever wondered what the OS of the future would look like? Vista was formerly touted as the operating system that would define and dictate the others that would come after it. However, many were disappointed to find out that most of its supposed new features are actually just rehashes of XP.

Everybody’s dream OS should not only be able to run PCs. As every human activity will soon be controlled or supervised by computers, the next version of Windows or OS X should be able to answer or screen phone calls, regulate the heater in the living room, and of course, operate the microwave.

The commercials that we see where everything is automated are not virtual realities anymore. They’re already here. You could operate or set almost anything in just a push of a button. However, we still don’t have that universal remote control which could integrate and harmonize every electronic gadget in our home. I hope Apple and Microsoft would consider extending the reaches of their future operating systems to devices other than the PC, for after all, most of the devices that we have are actually PCs in disguise.

Now who would’ve thought that this would be possible?

Microsoft and Cisco have recently acknowledged the need to be interdependent in an industry where monopoly is shunned outright. The top honchos of both corporations recently met to discuss ways for the two IT leaders to cross-sell their products to their respective customer bases.

The unusual cooperation stemmed not only from mutual respect, but also on demands by consumer for the integration of both companies’ products. It’s not easy to avoid the goods produced by the two IT giants. Microsoft’s Windows runs around 80% of PCs all over the world, while Cisco has about the same amount or degree of share as far as the IP networking industry is concerned.

Many are hopeful that this new development between two of the world’s IT leaders would spark a new trend of cooperation and openness between all the players in the sector. This would definitely eliminate compatibility problems that hound many PC users when integrating products from different manufacturers.

Are you still using Windows XP? Chances are is that you’ll be nodding to the question, especially when we’re talking about your PC in the office.

Despite the fact that big companies have the resources to wipe out old programs and replace it with new ones in just a blink of an eye, many of them are holding their horses as far as shifting to Vista is concerned. A recent report has shown that there are still many apprehensions playing in the minds of IT managers with regard to using Vista.

Old Fears

One of the reasons why companies are still reluctant to retire Vista’s predecessor is the former’s reputation of conking out due to compatibility problems. While this issue hounded the new OS during its first month in the market, it’s quite surprising to know that this worry still lingers considering the fact that third-party device driver finders and providers already abound on the Internet. The lack of system utilities for Vista has also already been addressed, with many antivirus and registry cleaner programs having been labeled as “Vista-ready.”

Waiting for SP1

So why are corporations still not taking the plunge despite developments which makes such a move already safe and feasible?

Analysts point to the pending release of the operating system’s first service pack as one of the reasons why potential corporate clients are still playing the waiting game. Vista’s SP1 contains a collection of patches, security applications, and drivers which would greatly enhance the OS’ ability to respond to threats and errors. While there are already many Vista problem-solvers on the market, many are still counting on Microsoft to fix things for free. Until Microsoft releases the pack, big companies would most likely continue to squeeze some extra mileage out of XP.

Still in Life Support

Another reason why big clients are shunning Vista is Redmond’s continued support for XP. Bill Gates probably thought that XP would die a natural death once users start to ditch it for Vista. However, this did not happen, or at least not at the pace at which Microsoft had hoped for.

It has been suggested that in order to convince (or force) users to embrace Vista, it has to cut the air flowing into XP. Microsoft contemplated such a move, but was met by stiff resistance and threats from those who are reluctant to use the new OS until every apprehension with regard to its safety and compatibility has been addressed. The operating system’s maker immediately blinked, probably because it still hasn’t found the answers to many of the problems plaguing Vista.

No Need to Rush

The shift to Vista is inevitable. This event might not take place as quickly as Microsoft wants to, but it will certainly happen. This is the reason why Microsoft is not in a rush to kill its most successful product. As long as it continues to breathe life to XP, it will have ample time to plug the holes that presently turn off big companies in accepting Windows Vista.

If you’re planning on filming that last summer outing of yours in high-definition, make sure that you won’t run or edit it on a computer that uses Windows Vista.

Many consumers are complaining that they are having difficulties in running and loading contents in HD format. The reason for this is that Microsoft has purposely designed Vista to reject or modify HD audio or video files when they appear to be unlicensed. The algorithm was incorporated in the OS to protect copyright owners from unauthorized distribution of their products.

While this strategy would definitely curb video and audio piracy on the Internet, it would also effectively hamper or prohibit users from loading HD contents that they themselves have made. Take note that HD technology is fast gaining ground, and ordinary people are steadily embracing the innovation.

Microsoft should balance the interests of its corporate and individual clients lest it turns off either or both of them. 20^th Century Fox or Warner Bros. may be one of Redmond’s biggest clients, but individual consumers still make up the bulk of their market.

I was at a local mall yesterday when I came across several desktop and laptop units running on Windows Vista. Although the sight was a bit common nowadays, I was still curious as to processors that were powering the units since the price tags did not seem to suggest that they were high-end ones.

True enough, they were merely Celerons! It’s quite a surprise considering that many touted Vista as a gas-guzzler. In fact, the first PCs that got the “Windows Vista Capable / Ready” seal have at least dual core processors in it.

Celeron chips were originally planned to be interred with XP. However, this cheaper alternative from Intel worked perfectly fine when it played the new Microsoft OS. Could it be that the chip’s maker injected some steroids to the processor which gave it extra strength to load and run Vista?

I’m not sure of Intel made some modifications to their low-end chip. However, I noticed that the manufacturer of the units which featured Celeron processors flooded their product with a least a gigabyte of RAM. Now we all know that adding more RAM to one’s PC is like getting a complete processor upgrade altogether. This news should give hope to those who want to jump to Vista but are quite apprehensive as to the capability of their hardware.