Computer upgrades are Tough but Necessary

If you're considering a new computer or an Computer upgrade, here's what you need to know about the different versions of Windows 7 and which version you need to pop for:

Home. This is the version that comes installed on most computers you buy at your local electronics or office retailer. It's going to be sufficient for most self-employed individuals who do not rely on any Windows XP software.

Professional. I have two reasons you would want to pay extra for this version: Your company uses a server (like mine) or you need to use older software programs that were built to run with XP (like my sister whose industry software requires it).

Ultimate. The only reason you would want to pay more for this is to use the software in a foreign language. Only Ultimate lets you change languages.

Before you upgrade computer, any operating system or buy a new computer with a new operating system, you MUST make sure your critical software and equipment will run on it.

This is especially true if you have custom-developed, industry-specific, or expensive third-party software. For instance, when I switched to Windows Vista a few years ago, I had to get a new keyboard and monitor.

But more important, our expensive contact management system wouldn't work with it.

Microsoft is trying to mitigate some of those problems. Here's how:

1. BEFORE you switch, check for compatibility problems. Go to Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor to scan your own software and hardware. This is very important.

2. Also check Microsoft's Compatibility Center to see which software or hardware will work with Win 7 at microsoft.com/compatibility. This is a list, rather than a diagnostic, as the Upgrade Advisor is.

3. Win 7 Professional and Ultimate Editions can run in XP mode, so programs written for XP theoretically should be able to operate with it. But this is not true for the Home edition.

4. Until July 30, Microsoft has a deal with a company called Change Base to provide their service free to help remediate your current programs to make them compatible with Windows 7.

Source: Usatoday.com Read More!

Launch of Studio XPS 7100 by Dell

Dell has launched its latest desktop offering Studio XPS 7100 which is powered by AMD six core processor. The desktop is touted as the cheapest six core processor based desktop available in the market and is packed with a range of powerful features too. A powerful PC, it has unmatched graphics and multimedia features.

For people who have been looking for a powerful PC to easily perform their multi thread tasks simultaneously, the PC is a perfect option to go with. This powerful PC has powerful multimedia features making the social networking experience for user a treat.

Some of the primary features of the device are AMD Phenon II X6 processor which is powered with AMD Turbo Core Technology and ATi Radeon HD graphics card. With the PC, buyers get 3D browser experience using AMD Fusion Media Explorer. Other prime specialties of this latest desktop include Dual channel DDR3 and 3TB hard disk.

All these features make the PC a perfect gaming PC which is enamored with some superb multimedia capabilities. In India, the Studio XPS 7100 will be priced at Rs. 49,990 which surely does not look costly at all in view of the powerful features, this Dell PC come with.


Source: gadgetsnreviews.com Read More!

McAfee to reimburse faulty update victim

McAfee has announced support and reimbursement to consumers who have had an inoperable or severely impaired PC as a result of the faulty DAT file released earlier this week.

Indian users can call on McAfee's local toll free support number 1800 425 2454 from 09:00 to 21:00 throughout the week. A qualified technician will attend the call and diagnose the computer's current status to determine the fastest way to get it up and running. However, if the technician can not get the system up and running over the phone, McAfee will provide users with software that can help resolve the issue. Users can either download the software fix from a working PC connected to the Internet, or McAfee will express deliver a CD to the users.

For impacted home or home office customers who have incurred costs to repair PCs as a result of the security update issue, McAfee will reimburse reasonable expenses, such as a visit to a local tech support specialist. Details of this program, including steps to submit a reimbursement request, will be posted on the McAfee Web site within a few days

Additionally home or home office users whose PCs were rendered inoperable or severely impaired as a result of the security update will receive a free two-year extension of their current McAfee subscription product at no charge. This extension will appear in the "My Account" section of the McAfee Web site within the next 30 days.


Source: cxotoday.com Read More!

Desktop or Laptops Computer

This is one question that asked many people. "Should we get a desktop or laptop?" It’s depending on your requirement. Desktop and Laptop both are same computer.
For and unfortunately, most uses may require the power of a desktop pc. I will list some of the more common uses of a pc and discuss the specs needed.

Office Uses:
Mostly use in office like Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. We also use for mail checking, store data and use like small server. This type of computer have not heavy requirement for extra use. You have able to handle very easy that type of any new desktop or laptop.


Multimedia Applications Uses:
laptops are mostly used for listening to music or watching movies. The only times that it will not be adequate is if you want better components like a much larger and better screen resolution and better sound quality. If you want high resolution viewing, you can connect a laptop to another separate monitor but then you might not be able to go with a higher resolution because of your graphics hardware on the laptop. Also, your sound options are very limited with laptops. All laptops use onboard cards that are adequate for most uses but for the highest sound quality, you will not have it and your external component options are very limited. For desktops, you have a wide range of choices for internal PCI slot upgrades. To sum it up, for high resolution and high definition audio, you may have to go with desktops.

PC Games:
Here I am not talking free in build games in your computer or laptop Solitaire or any other simple game. We are talking about PC Games like Counterstrike, Crysis, Sins of a Solar Empire etc. If you want batter playing of pc games then you have required heavy hardware it will depend on the graphics hardware.

Multimedia Encoding:
If you are looking any video or audio production and encoding, you better go with desktops. You will need lots of hard drive space and most laptops do not have choices for very large drives. You will also need a very good processor and a powerful video card will help too.
The most important are computer installation with Latest OS. Read More!

Features of an Operating System

I will introduce some latest operating system features and what are the features that a particular operating system should have used. Some of these features are a part of all operating systems, while some of them may or may not be available in the computer operating system you are using. So I will give you online computer support 24x7 every time.

Managing Hardware/Software
As already know, it is the operating system that causes the software and hardware in a computer to interact with each other. It is also the platform that causes one software in the computer to communicate with another. Once the computer operating system in a computer loads during the booting up process, other application software’s can be loaded into the computer.

Consistent Application Program Interface
Application Program Interface which software development peoples refer to as APIs allow the applications those run on one computer to run on another computer having the same computer operating system. It is important that the operating system has a consistent API. Undoubtedly, every operating system will have deferent type’s requirements, but it should be enough to support computer hardware’s.

Program Execution
The operating system to execute all the types of computer programs running in it. It is a rather more complicated process. It allows to multitasking and allows different programs to run at the same time and share the many types of computer system resources. Here, it requires allotting RAM space to different computer applications running on the computer. The execution of more than one program may also require the computer operating system to prioritize the operations running on the computer system.

Memory Management
we already defined in the part on program execution, it is up to the computer operating system to provide memory to the different programs running on the computer system. It has to prioritize and allocate memory to each application. Even when data is saved in a secondary storage device, it is the computer operating system that decides how that particular chunk of information should be stored.

Networking
Computers need to communicate with each other via networking. A computer without Internet is not even imaginable. It is the task of the computer operating system to provide the required networking features. It allow to you used two or more computers to connect and form a network or connect to the Internet. More on computer networking.

Security
Computer system security that an operating system should provide is undoubtedly one of its most important features. We used passwords setting for logging in, to providing firewall protection; everything comes under the tasks of an operating system. Many network utilities may require printer sharing, file sharing and using TCP/IP protocols. Hence, it becomes very important for the computer operating system to provide proper security so that the computer's security is not compromised in such cases. Read More!

Importance of AVG Antivirus

When your PC behaves strangely like, applications taking longer to launch, computer is running very slow, hard disk becomes inaccessible, etc. it indicates that your system is infected from malicious programs. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to install updated antivirus on your system. You can install any antivirus on your system, provided that you have purchased genuine copy of that antivirus.
Features
AVG antivirus offers many benefits to you like protection against malicious programs, etc. Now, you can do banking, shopping, surfing, searching, chatting, e-mailing, downloading files, etc. without any terror of infection by malicious programs. This antivirus offers you protection against online scammers, hackers, etc. It protects you from phishing attack by securing your confidential information from intruders.
Usability
AVG antivirus 8.5 is integrated with many new facilities, which were absent in its earlier version. You can easily download and install AVG antivirus 8.5 on your system with the following steps:
STEP 1: Download the installation file of AVG antivirus 8.5 on your system from its official website.
STEP 2: When you will be prompted, do not open the file, but click on the “Save” button and select location where it should be stored.
STEP 3: Reboot your computer when installation file gets saved.
STEP 4: Locate the AVG installation file, and double click on it to start its installation.
STEP 5: Follow the instructions in the installation wizard.
STEP 6: Enter your license number when prompted.
STEP 7: Restart your computer when prompted by the installation wizard.
After completing the installation process of AVG antivirus 8.5 on your system, you can protect your system from malicious programs.
Limitations
You can face blue screen error while installation of AVG antivirus. It can freeze your system and would not be able to work with some of the applications installed on your system. Read More!

Know How to Install Windows 7

Windows 7 is the latest Windows operating system, and is successor of Windows Vista. It is available in many editions namely, Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate.
Features
Windows 7 consists of Action Center, which consolidates all the messages from Windows Defender, User Account Control, etc. In case, Windows 7 requires your attention, the Action Center icon will appear in the taskbar.
This operating system has the feature of backing up individual folders, libraries, and drives. Its calculator is integrated with new Programmer and Statistics modes. In this operating system, you can easily move and resize gadgets.
Usability
Windows 7 offers you the facility to perform all your tasks with your fingers, like browsing online newspapers, flicking through photo albums, shuffling files and folders, etc. You can perform an upgrade installation of Windows 7 on your Windows Vista based PC, with the following steps:
STEP 1: Turn on your computer and when Vista gets started, do one of the following:
a) Insert the Windows 7 installation disc into your computer. Setup would start automatically, if it does not click on “Start” and then on “Computer”. Open the Windows 7 installation disc on your DVD drive, and then double-click on setup.exe.
b) If you have downloaded Windows 7, then browse the installation file, and double click on it.
STEP 2: Click on Install now on the “Install Windows page”.
STEP 3: On the “Get important updates for installation page”, it is recommended to receive the latest updates in order to protect your computer.
STEP 4: On the Please read the license terms page, click on “I accept the license terms”, and then click on “Next”.
STEP 5: Click on Upgrade, on the “Which type of installation do you want?” page.
STEP 6: Follow the instructions to complete installation of Windows 7.
After completing Windows 7 installation, you can enjoy with its features like Aero, etc.
Limitations
While performing Windows 7 installation, you can face a technical error. You may face issues while sharing files between Windows 7 and Windows XP systems. Read More!