Feb 5, 2009 | backup, Microsoft, OneCare, security, Vista, WinXP
Many people have strong religious convictions about antivirus and security programs for PCs. I’m guilty of that too but let me try to step back and give you a reasonably unbiased overview of where we are in 2009. For the last few years, I’ve been recommending...
Feb 3, 2009 | computers, Microsoft, Vista, Windows7
Microsoft announced the different versions of Windows 7 today. You’re likely to see some reporting and commentary emphasizing the number of different versions and complaining that it’s too complicated. It’s not. The buying process will actually be more straightforward...
Feb 2, 2009 | security, software, Vista, WinXP
Many of you are seeing an update for “.NET Framework 3.5 SP1” that isn’t installed automatically; the little gold shield or Vista update icon appears by the clock looking for you to click the OK button manually. .NET Framework is a programming environment that...
Jan 30, 2009 | Microsoft, software, Vista, WinXP
Microsoft SyncToy is the best utility you’ve never heard of. SyncToy automates the process of copying a folder and all of its subfolders to an external hard drive or another computer on your network. Once it’s set up, it efficiently keeps the two copies in sync –...
Jan 28, 2009 | Apple, Microsoft, Vista, Windows7, WinXP
The Windows 7 taskbar has been reworked, perhaps not for the better. It will display icons for frequently used programs, with no particular attention paid to whether those programs are running or not. You’ll see hype about the convenience of the “jump list” that can...
Jan 22, 2009 | computers, mail, security, spam, Vista, WinXP
Several people have asked me about the most recent variations on old, old themes. Email warnings about dangerous messages, like the one on the right. Newspaper articles about the latest virus. Nothing is new. The latest threats are the same as the old threats. Let’s...
