- Home
- Consulting
- Domain Registration
- Hardware & Backup
- Internet Setup
- Maintenance
- Networking
- Operating Systems
- Peripherals
- Printers & Supplies
- Remote Access
- Security & Firewalls
- Software
- Training
- Referral Program
- Testimonials
- Newsletters
- Contact Us
Newsletter Number Eighteen - March 2007
In this Newsletter... More on Vista, Remote Desktop Protocol...
You're getting this Newsletter because you are a client, friend, prospect or just because you enjoy the content and want to be kept in touch with some of the trends affecting Small Businesses and Information Technology.
Thank you for joining me again this month. As always, I trust that you'll find this issue informative, interesting and of value.
My South Africa trip was delightful but exhausting. Half way around the world and back in 10 days.
Daylight Savings Time
As some of you may be aware, the United States Congress has passed the Energy Policy Act, which modifies the current daylight savings times to start 3 weeks earlier, and end 1 week later. Both Canada and the United States are adopting the new daylight savings time effective 11th March 2007, continuing through November 4, 2007.
To accommodate these changes, several software updates are required, most notably on all computer operating systems and mobile devices. If you're using Windows XP and have the latest updates, then your system will have no trouble with the time change at 2.00am on the 11th March. If you're using Windows 2000, the you will need to get the TZEdit.exe application, run it, change the start and end and you're done.
Go to the following link...
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/dst_hu2?systemlist=w18
and click on the Download button. Save it (to the desktop so you can find it). It's a self-extracting file, save the extracted file to the desktop too. Double-click the tzedit.exe file and update. You're done. The image below will help you with the correct settings (assuming you're in the Eastern Time Zone).
Vista™: Some experiences to share......
I've recently set up a few systems for some of my "pioneering" clients, as well as two systems for myself so I can get "intimate" with the operating system. Overall, it's a very pretty environment to work in (on) and tends to load somewhat faster than Windows XP or its predecessor Windows 2000.
To buy or not to buy? If you're getting a system for home use then go for it. It's similar in a lot of respects to Windows XP. If you're moving from Windows 2000 to Windows Vista then you're going to have to learn some of the new ways of doing things. The interface is "sexy" and as I've mentioned to some of my clients and colleagues, it's a "PC that thinks it's a Mac". To get effective use out of Vista, you will need (in my opinion) a Dual Core processor (CPU) like a Pentium D™ from Intel, or better still, something like the Core 2 Duo also from Intel™. Memory (RAM) requirements are at least 1GB, preferably 2GB. Yes, it will run on less, but....!
Windows Vista Home Premium for home use and Vista Business for business use - particularly if you want to connect to a Domain Controller in your Business Server Environment. For multimedia capability you will want to get Windows Vista Ultimate . This version encompasses everything you get on all other versions as well as a bunch of additional features. Vista offers an "Anytime Upgrade" to Ultimate for a fee.
One thing that will drive you crazy and is well illustrated by the latest Mac TV ads is the constant request to Allow or Deny when trying to run or open files. The advertisement certainly makes the point!
When (if) you switch to Vista, you'll also want to consider purchasing Office 2007 for better integration and similar look and feel. It will cost you! Most systems that come preconfigured with Vista have an Office 2007 60 Trial Version to whet your appetite. You can purchase the appropriate license through links in the Trial version. Office 2003 works fine if you already have it available.
My verdict? If you're using it at home, then for sure, buy a system with Vista installed. For business, give yourself another couple of months for some of the early bugs to be fixed.
Remote Desktop Connection.
Have you ever needed to connect to your computer from a remote location? Windows XP Professional offers this capability. It has a "tiny" version of Terminal Services built in. Terminal Services is the Windows component that permits secure 128 bit encryption using Remote Desktop Protocol (find it under All Programs, Accessories, Remote Desktop Connection or All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Remote Desktop Connection if you have not done all the recent updates. You will need to enable Remote Control, give your system a Static IP and Port-Forward your Router. If this is too complex for you, then I can come out and facilitate the connection for you.
Have you taken a look at my web site recently?
It's had a face-lift and I like it. I hope you do too?
Spot the Typo? Win a Prize
Yes... I do make typographical errors from time to time (who would have guessed)? Mainly because I'm a lousy proofreader of my own work. Sometimes I get the newsletter proofread - mostly not, because I leave it too late and then just want to get it out to you. Here's the deal. If you spot an error, send me an email with the details and I'll correct it on the Web Site copy and you get a mouse pad and a pen for your troubles and a big "thank you" for helping!
In the upcoming issue... Data Recovery Success, Why you might need a Server, and more....
Once again, I appreciate your perspective on the content of my newsletter, both good and bad. I look forward to hearing from you. Just click this feedback link and let me have your comments.
PS: Feel free to forward this issue to any peers, friends and associates you think would benefit from its contents. They will thank you, and so will I!
To subscribe, click this Subscribe link and send the email request to us.