Another Day With My PC

New Year’s fast approaching. In fact, I could already see fireworks challenging the moon outside my window at this very instance. The sight is a treat. It’s not everyday that I see something new or spectacular whenever I peek out on the window.

Speaking of windows, do you expect to see something new and exciting on your desktop this coming New Year? If you’re using an operating system other than Vista, then chances are, you couldn’t or shouldn’t expect much. I still haven’t discarded XP on my old PC, and honestly I’m starting to get tired of looking at the same old desktop themes and menus.

Vista for Less

Of course, there’s a quick fix to that eyesore. I think I’ve already provided a solution to this problem on my December 26 post (Skin-Deep). There are many available Windows themes on the Web. The one that I’ve featured in the said article is a freeware by OrdinarySoft. Like most freebies on the Net, it doesn’t pack all the features of the program. You have to buy the full version. But the limited/trial version doesn’t expire. And if you’re just after the skin, then you don’t have to skin your wallet to get what you want from the program.

If you’re not a Vista fan though, or if you think that the new Microsoft OS is still aesthetically challenged, then OrdinarySoft’s mimicry of Vista would obviously just spoil your New Year. So let’s check on another alternative in cyberspace.

Willingly Deceived

Stardock provides a library of Windows themes that would surely make you look forward to opening your PC (except if you’re doing the same at the office and you’re up against a deadline). The program, called WindowBlinds, changes every perceivable detail of your desktop, be it the start menu, task bars, and even the buttons. I tried installing the trial version and it was great. My old PC suddenly seemed to have been rejuvenated. Well, not really. I mean it’s still slow, but the new theme makes the wait quite bearable.

WindowBlinds makes you feel and think that your PC is running on an entirely new OS. You may argue that the program is just a foolish superficial deception. Maybe. But the fact that many purchased Vista just for its skin makes theme programs very good alternatives. Nobody’s complaining about XP’s performance. In fact, it’s more reliable than Vista. The only complain that XP owners have about their OS is that it looks old.

Camouflaged

Installing programs like WindowsBlind may seem harmless, especially since it’s only skin deep. But be very careful when introducing any application that you’ve downloaded on the Internet, especially if the author of the same is unknown. Spyware are sometimes disguised as legitimate programs, and in most cases, they do seem to be genuine apps since they look like and perform the functions of the application that they purport to be. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye because the spyware is running simultaneously with the installed application and is camouflaged by the latter.

Make sure that you’re security suite is updated whenever you download and install programs from the Net, especially if the source is unknown or dubious. Many spyware focus on system files, including the operating system’s registry. So be sure you have a registry cleaner installed in order to protect your PC from veiled intruders. Start your New Year right by keeping your life (I mean your PC) safe and secured. Install RegCure and make 2008 a trouble-free and efficient year for you Happy New Year!

While Microsoft is highlighting the technological advances of Vista as its main selling point, a considerable number of PC users don’t actually pay attention to the litany of new functions and features of the new operating system. This is especially true for those who are not tech-savvy.

Beauty is sometimes skin-deep. Such is also true for software. When Vista was first introduced almost a year ago, the first thing that many checked out was its new interface. It is only after they’ve scrutinized the program’s shell that they started to take notice of the flesh.

For those of you who want the touch and feel of Vista’s hide but are not yet ready to chew its meat, a freeware that replicates the new operating system’s interface could be the best temporary solution to your curiosity. It mimics Vista’s Start menu quite convincingly, as well as the program’s other artwork. It’s perfectly safe and it won’t affect system performance. Try it on. It might actually convince you to shift to Vista. But, then again, maybe not.

It’s Christmas Eve. The last thing that I should be doing is discussing PC problems with you guys. However, I can’t contain my excitement in sharing with you the gifts that I think I would be receiving.

On top of my list is a Mac notebook. Although many consider a Mac as a novelty rather than as a real functioning computer, I’m still excited with the thought of owning one. I’ve never had a Mac desktop or notebook before. My first PC was a 386SX clone. My mom almost bought me a Mac, but unfortunately (or fortunately), it was the Intel-based unit that was on sale.

While the PC and the Mac are starting to blend or morph into something that could seamlessly work together, differences still abound. This makes file sharing very difficult. And since 95% of the computers in the office are PC-based, the chances of successfully or productively using a Mac at the office are as slim as the latter’s new notebook.

Another present that I think I would be getting is a copy of Vista Ultimate. What I have in my new notebook is just a registered copy of Vista Home Basic. While the copy has already satisfied my curiosity as to how the new Microsoft OS looks and feels, it hasn’t allayed my fears with regard to dependability. If just for my peace of mind, I want the full (licensed, of course) copy Vista.

The license of my other system and security suites are already expiring, so I guess a good present for myself would be a new set of PC defenders. I’m thinking of trying a new antivirus for a change. Norton has already been my companion for almost a decade. While many regard it as the most reliable antivirus in the market, many are complaining that it’s making their system slow. I might try McAfee’s. Hmm maybe I’ll even try the freeware available in www.cnet.com or www.pcworld.com.

All of these might just be wishful thinking, though. I haven’t seen any box under our tree yet. Who knows, I might just be receiving gift checks or coffee mugs (again). I guess I’ll just be getting software license renewals (from me!!). While I may be contemplating on changing my antivirus, I will definitely be retaining my registry cleaner. RegCure has effectively kept my PC free from unwanted instructions brought about by malware attack or incomplete uninstall procedures.

My friends at the office usually wonder as to why their unit runs slower than mine considering that we’re using the same type of laptop. Even the applications that we have are also the same, except for the registry cleaner. The antivirus came in free when our boss gave the laptops to us. However, that was the only sentinel that came with the unit. My officemates were already contented in having a lone antivirus to protect their unit. I wasn’t. Judging by the way our units are running, I could definitely conclude that an antivirus is not enough in keeping and protecting a computer from things that could slow it down.

Christmas is just around the corner. I’m still swimming over piles of paper that I should have already sorted out and processed, but the mandatory yuletide shopping has wreaked havoc on my schedule.

The Internet has greatly helped in putting my shopping time on a diet. I’ve bought a couple of things on eBay in order to save time in scouring through department store shelves and burning my patience on kilometer-long lines at the counter.

I haven’t checked the dailies yet, but I think there are no reports of postal service problems this season. I think we have the Internet to thank that for, too. If I’m not mistaken, I haven’t sent a single holiday snail mail this year. In case you don’t know, Hallmark moments can now be made or simulated in cyberspace.

I hope my older relatives would learn how to adapt with the changing times. Until then, I think I might still be feed the rusty old mailbox in front of my apartment from time to time.

Developing countries are fast catching up with the United States and Europe in getting their people wired or connected.

The Internet is no longer a monopoly of first world countries. Asian nations, such as India and China, are making it a national policy to acquaint their citizens with all the latest developments in IT and telecommunications. A recent report by Britain’s telecommunications monitoring agency revealed that the number of new cellular phone subscribers in India has even surpassed the total number of people who owns mobile phones in the UK.

So whenever you’re on a business trip in Shanghai, Seoul, or New Delhi, don’t think that the concierge won’t understand you if you ask them about the availability of a broadband connection. Chances are, they’ll offer you a buffet of options to transport you into cyberspace. I won’t even be surprised if the tiny island nation of Fiji turns out to be big in terms of high speed Internet access accessibility.

Despite the advances in computer hardware and software, many are still wooed by the simplicity of the applications of old.

There used to be a time when writing letters or documents on a word processor was not so complicated. The only word processing options for anybody back then who dared to snub the typewriter for a Mac or an XT is Bold, Italicize, Underline, or Indent. Life was sweet until Microsoft Word came along.

Many of those who grew up and fell in love with DOS, WordStar, or Lotus 123 had a hard time moving on and accepting the fact that the help guide of the current office applications are as complex and confusing as the nutrition facts written at the back of the burrito packs sold on a nearby 7 Eleven store. Even those whose first computer experience was with a Pentium 4 are now longing for a hardware or application that is simple and easy to use.

I hope computer and program makers would realize that what people want is not something which is faster and more powerful, but one which is simpler and more useful.

I wonder if there are still people who do not know how to use a computer. With almost every form of human activity being regulated or assisted by the PC, the thought that there are still people who are totally ignorant about it seems revolting.

Thanks to a comprehensive change in grade school and high school curriculum, a good number of people ages 40 and below know what Ctrl-Alt-Del is all about. While those pushing 60 and above are admittedly quite illiterate as far as PC use is concerned, still there is a considerable effort by a good number of them to be acquainted with the technology that many are dependent on.

Using a PC is as easy as operating a toaster. Software and PC hardware manufacturers are constantly devising ways to make the computer user-friendly. Who knows, time will come when PC would recognize and respond to mental commands.

Do you still have time for shopping?

With the advent of mobile computers, working hours have virtually doubled. While your boss may seem to be too nice in accommodating your request for shorter working hours, chances are is that he’ll be asking you to just take home some of the tasks that you should be doing at the office. The proposition may seem tempting. However, you’ll soon realize that taking home an hour’s worth of office chore would have an exponential effect as far as the time that it would need to accomplish the same is concerned.

Biggest Department Store

It’s not surprising then why the crowd at the mall is getting thinner. Many people just want to stay at home during their free time. However, shopping cannot altogether be ignored and set aside. One still needs to eat and dress up, you know?

eBay and Amazon recognized this need and soon created a virtual mall for everyone to shop in. A considerable number of people welcomed the thought of being able to buy things without having to endure long lines at the counter or flirting with a crippled wrist or fingers from juggling 10 shopping bags with just one hand. Online stores would seem to be heaven-sent. But are they?

Unhealthy

Many would contend that going out to shop exposes a person to all sorts of danger. For one thing, purse shoppers might decide to take your bag for free. Pollution might also rob you a few days or years of your life. You could also be a traffic accident statistic.

However, shopping at home might be a health hazard to. We all know that obesity is a bulging problem in the United States. More and more people are taking in huge quantities of food without burning it. The most common way of burning fat or getting rid of excess calories is by walking. Unfortunately, many are too lazy to get their feet reacquainted with the sidewalks. An improved health is just not a compelling incentive for them to go out and walk. However, shopping is. But with the way people are becoming enamored with e-commerce, the prospect of a fatter America is something that would seem already inevitable.

Virtual Snatchers

You may think that you’ve outwitted snatchers by just shopping at home. However, the virtual world is just as full of predators as the real world. Countless hackers are always lurking in cyberspace to steal sensitive financial information, such as credit card numbers, online store passwords, and other details which could facilitate a commercial transaction on the Net.

Be very careful then when shopping online. It’s just as dangerous as when shopping at an actual department store. Make sure that your PC is not vulnerable to malware attacks by activating your firewall. If malicious programs have already broke through your defenses, then you will definitely need an antivirus to rid your hard drive of any unwanted application, and a registry cleaner to wipe out instructions in the Windows registry that could make your PC execute unauthorized or damaging tasks or functions.

Many hesitate to invest in antivirus and system tool programs because they cost money. They contend and complain that they have already spent a fortune on important and indispensable applications, such as the operating system, spreadsheet, and word-processing software. However, the misconception as to the dispensability of security suites and other applications that keep your PC in tip top shape has rudely awakened many who fell victim to malware.

Sure, some may contend that they could easily reformat their hard drive and just reinstall all their applications. This would save you from spending a few bucks on security apps, but it will definitely not save you from headaches and from wasting precious time in bringing back everything you’ve previously got in your PC. You might be able to install the programs back, but what about the more important ones – the paper that that you’ve worked on for weeks, or those pictures of your family that you cherish.

Sooner or later, you’ll forget to back up your important files. And when lady luck turns on you, you might end up facing a malware attack without any kind of protection during that time when you forgot to make a copy of all the valuables that you have inside your hard drive. Don’t wait for this to happen. What’s a few bucks for an antivirus or for a registry cleaner. Those few dollars could go a very long way in securing your priceless possessions that are stored inside your computer.