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Newsletter Number Twenty One- June 2007
In this Newsletter... On-Line Backup, Windows Vista from the trenches, backing up iTunes, a new column - Athol's Rants, why Grisoft AVG AntiVirus, and protecting yourself against spyware.....
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.
On-Line Backup - a special report from the Globe & Mail on 16 May 2007
Please read this article by Joanna Pachner, Online storage becoming businesses' backup; it'll drive home a philosophy that I have long preached. When done, call me to discuss how I can help you protect your business data from catastrophic failure.
Windows Vista
So... I finally took the leap from Windows XP Professional to Windows Vista Business. It was (and still is) painful. The OS is pretty, there is no getting away from this fact. My system has a high-end video card using NVIDIA GeForce 7600 chipset and graphics resolution is very high and very quick. The following graphic is from my system (and is also a link).
Learn more about the Windows Experience Index
Some programs don't work, some require your approval to run and others need to be "Run as Administrator" - QuickBooks Pro 2007 is one such culprit. My HP ScanJet 7400 is a problem too. See Athol's Rants for more of the caveats. As I see things, a new system will have Vista - be prepared to upgrade peripherals. 1 GB of RAM is the minimum I would recommend.
You'll need a quicker processor - at least a Pentium D (Dual Core) at 3 GHz. Disk space is relatively inexpensive. For example, 250GB runs less than $90.00.
Another point of interest, which is not specifically Vista related, is that most of the new systems have SATA (Serial ATA) Drives. IDE (PATA - Parallel ATA) Controllers for the older drives are being omitted by the manufacturers. You will also see more CD Drives (burners) coming in SATA configuration.
To get the full Vista effect, you will also want to upgrade to Office Suite 2007. Get your wallet ready!
Backing up iTunes
Have you lost your iTunes music because of a drive failure or some other system contamination? There is a way to do this in the newest release of iTunes (Ver: 7.2.035)
Click on the File menu, then click Backup to disc...
Follow the prompts and you'll be able to come away with your music backed up. No more excuses.
Athol's Rants - a new column
This column came about during (and continues) as I implement Windows Vista as my primary business Operating System (OS).
During 2003 I purchased a very good HP ScanJet 7400 Desktop Scanner. It has served me well, at least until I ventured the Vista route. Now I have a mediocre scanner with minimal functionality. In fact, it was only when I was able to get from HP the "basic scanner driver", that I decided to cut over to Vista. I'm not sure I understand the driver design issues well enough other than I (and you) will be getting rid of functioning peripherals as you pursue your Vista dreams.
There's more to rant about. I did an installation of two systems for a new client last weekend and continuing through until mid-week. We had to "release for greener pastures" a perfectly good HP LaserJet 1020 because (at this time) it is not compatible with Vista. Here's the rub... the client also had an HP LaserJet 1012 (which is an older model than the 1020). Also incompatible, but wait, there is a work-around. Install the printer as if it were a Laserjet 1150 and it works. Be careful if you're using it in a networked environment. The printer when used as a networked printer gets into an error condition. You will need to power it off then on again, for it to work as a stand-alone USB printer.
We did solve the networking issue by installing a new HP colour LaserJet 2605dn. This is fully Vista compatible and had (in addition to USB connectivity) an Ethernet Interface and which can print in duplex mode (can print on both sides of the paper instead of having to turn the paper over and print a second time.
Why Grisoft AVG (because it works)...
I continue to talk about the virtues of Grisoft AVG AntiVirus software. For a single workstation, the cost of AVG Professional is $38.95US or less than $44.00CDN - for two years. It works - it's that simple. For most of the work that we do (you and I) the Windows XP and Vista Firewall is effective and adequate, so why do you want to buy a package that can provide a firewall and AntiVirus scanning of files and emails? Never mind the unpredictable issues you will encounter when trying to use or share resources across your network.
Do yourself a favour, go to the Software Link (on the left of this screen) and click on the AVG Button. Go to Downloads and select Trial versions. Download AVG Professional 7.5, save it to your hard drive and install it. Let me know if you're disappointed.
Protecting yourself against spyware
What is spyware? This link to my Google Search "what is spyware" gave the definitions... I particularly like the Wikipedia definition...
In a nutshell, spyware is a pita (pain in the a**)! Of the tools I've used, I have found Spybot S&D the most effective Spyware Removal tool out there.
You can download a copy from the Spybot S&D Download page. Don't forget to make a donation. Click on hate first item Download Spybot S&D 1.4. Save and run!
Spot the Typo (continues)? Win a Prize (a standing offer)...
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 website copy and you get a mouse pad and a pen for your troubles and helping me.
In the upcoming issue...... Updating your iTunes Library, other Remote Connectivity options...
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!
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