Another Day With My PC

Microsoft has recently revealed that Windows XP is still the OS of choice among software pirates. Redmond says that this is due to Vista’s stringent anti-piracy features. However, company officials also concede that the preference may also be due to the fact that XP is still the most popular and most widely-used operating system in the world.

I think I’ve already devoted too many megabytes on this blog in highlighting the fact that XP still reigns supreme over its successor. XP fans can (at least those who don’t mind having an illegal copy) take comfort with the fact that their favorite OS will still be available in the (black) market long after Microsoft has already pulled the life support out of it.

While I’m a fan of XP, I do not suggest going against the law by buying and installing pirated software. Remember, unlicensed copies cannot access important updates. They might also be infected with malware. No amount of security suites would be able to protect your PC from an OS that mirrors a Swiss cheese due to the lack of patches and support.

I was scouring the Web for new applications that could enhance Windows XP when I stumbled upon SaveXP.com. As the site’s name suggests, it is a group which is petitioning Microsoft to keep its most successful software in the market for a period longer than the one that Bill Gates has in mind.

While I have lamented that XP’s plotted demise is too early and still uncalled for, I have already resigned to the impending fact that PC users would eventually forget their old fling and fall in love with the new OS. I was wrong. More users are now realizing that Vista’s advantage over XP is just skin-deep. Problems that hound the new OS when it was first released, such as compatibility problems and speed issues, still hover above it at present.

Time has already perfected XP. It’s unfortunate that its maker decided to axe it when everybody has started hailing it as “the one.” I guess Microsoft should’ve just released a new Service Pack for XP and overhauled its exteriors instead of releasing a new version which everybody thinks is a poor upgrade (if it’s even an upgrade) of its predecessor.

I don’t know if Microsoft will give in to the pressure. To date, there are 208,461 who have signed the petition to save XP. It’s going to be 208,462 after I log out of the site. I’m all for efficiency, and it’s my opinion that optimization could be better performed at a tried and tested operating system rather than on a program that seems to be still half-baked.

The tool that enables us to work at Speedy Gonzales’ pace and punch out at the bundy clock faster than our boss could say “overtime!” is ironically also the very thing that could sometimes keep us from catching the 5 p.m. bus.

I’m sure there have been times when Windows wasn’t so enthusiastic as you in rushing out of the office. Laggard shut down times puts a shame on dual or multiple core processors. If only we could simply press the power button to automatically shut down the system. We all know that this is a no no, though, as abruptly shutting down the computer could bring about catastrophic consequences, such as data loss and future system crashes.

However, Windows Vista allows us to jump over this rule by giving users the option to reprogram the power button. To do this, click Start, type power options, then press the enter key. Click on Choose what the power button does, then select Shut down. Save the changes and presto! It’s as easy and simple as that

Even before Vista was released, experts have already warned about the operating system’s appetite for RAM. Indeed, it’s the most demanding program as far as system resources are concerned. 2GB would usually already suffice for Microsoft’s latest OS. However, you might be in for a surprise when you take a peek at your system’s gauges.

Being the OC that I am with regard to system performance, I usually check on the meters as to how my PC is doing. Upon checking my RAM, I was surprised to discover that only a tiny fraction of it was left available. I nearly panicked, thinking that one or both my SIMM modules are either defective or totally went dead on me.

Before rushing to the phone to call my RAM maker’s customer service hotline, I decided to pour ice-cold water on my simmering fear and anxiety first by researching on the problem. I was only a few pages on Vista’s guidebook when I discovered that the OS has a unique way of handling Alzheimer’s. A lot of RAM was still left in my PC after all. What happened was Vista just placed the unused memory space in a cache labeled as SuperFetch.

SuperFetch allocates memory space to programs or processes as they need them. This ensures that each kilobyte is used to its fullest. This is definitely better than leaving memory to rot in idleness.

So the next time you check on your RAM meter, don’t be surprised if you see that you only have a few megabytes left to burn even if you’re not running any program at all. But this doesn’t mean that you can be complacent when your system slows down. Don’t just blame it on the possibility that SuperFetch might be conking out on you. Consider every possible problem. Who knows, your PC’s slowdown might really be caused by a bad memory module.

The thing that I really hate about malware attack or OS malfunction is data loss. I could deal with having to reinstall applications or even reformat my hard drive. While they may be time-consuming, they’re nothing compared to the time that you’ll spend in rewriting or recreating the files that have been damaged or deleted.

Antivirus

There are many ways by which one could prevent data loss, first and foremost of which is by installing security suites. The saying that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” also holds true with regard to PC health. Indeed, why flirt or invite disaster when you could rid yourself of the worries from the start by making sure that no unwanted programs would be able to access your system. True, antivirus programs could cure and treat infected files. However, there are cases where files get corrupted beyond repair.

Backup

While antivirus programs are very effective in keeping your PC secured from unwanted intrusions, they are not 100% fool-proof. There will come a time when malware would be able to break through the wall and infect your system. When this happens, there’s pretty much nothing that you could do about it other than to resort and to restore the second or third copies of the files that got destroyed.

Since security suites are not a hundred percent reliable, you have to take another precautionary measure in order to ensure that you won’t lose the precious files in your hard drive. A very simple but efficient and practical solution to possible data loss is by backing up. This task or procedure is not complicated. Backing up data simply means making second copies thereof and saving them in another media.

Brainless Task

You don’t need a program in order to perform this task. However, doing it manually can be quite tedious, especially if you have thousands of files saved in your hard disk and scattered in different folders. This is the reason why there are several back up programs in the market despite the fact that the task simply involves dragging folders into the disk where you intend to save your data.

You don’t need a third party software if you’re using Windows Vista, though. Backing up in Vista is an effortless task. Its back up feature takes care of everything from file selection to file destination. All you have to do in the process is to change the disks or drives whenever they’re already full. It’s as simple as that.

Save Often

Back up regularly. Take note that you’re adding new files or modifying existing ones everyday. The file that you’ve saved a month ago might already be entirely different from the one that you have right now. Make sure that the media where you’re going to save the file is reliable. DVD disks, as well as external hard drives, are among the dependable storage devices. Flash drives could also be viable alternatives. However, data could be easily erased therein.

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.

News has been lurking around the IT community about the release of a reliable test result on Windows XP SP3 which could further extend the lifespan of Vista’s predecessor. XP users will definitely be elated by the report since that would mean a few years more of mileage for their aging, but still reliable, operating system.

Many are still wondering why Microsoft is still constantly changing the oxygen tank of its most successful OS. Indeed, giving XP more than nine lives would certainly scratch Vista’s chances of dominating the OS market by 2008. Instead of competing with Mac’s OS X, Vista is in a precarious situation wherein it finds itself competing with another product that comes from its own creator.

The reputation of Vista as a very demanding OS is deterring millions of PC users from overwriting their old operating system with Microsoft’s new one. This should serve as a lesson for Redmond and Mac to make sure that their next OS would not unduly tax even entry-level processors.

What is it about Microsoft and leaks?

NeoSmart Technologies has recently revealed that Windows XP’s third service pack will be featuring patches and updates that are primarily designed for Vista. The leak has fueled speculations that Microsoft is indeed bent on extending the life of its most successful OS by incorporating Vista technology into it.

Among the handful of Vista features inserted in SP3 include Network Access Protection (NAP). This security component functions as a filter, checking client PCs before they’re allowed to connect with other computers in a network.

Another Vista feature that will be incorporated in XP through SP3 is a new activation procedure that dispenses with tedious checkpoints and would allow users to immediately use or install the product without being asked for the activation key.

Windows XP SP3 will be made available by early next year. The new service pack brings a sigh of relief to millions of PC users who still haven’t shifted to the new OS as this would ensure the viability of the software for a few more years.

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