Category Coming Soon
 
We have been writing occasional articles on the upcoming release of Windows 7. As our last chance to write before the October 22nd release date, we are here to fill you in on making the upgrade from Windows XP (because most of us are still running it):
 
1) The upgrade from XP to 7 must be a "clean" install. This means that you will have to restore backed-up data, reconfigure your settings and preferences as well as re-install all of your applications.

2) Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and have it tell you exactly where your machine stands.

3) Take a look at the different versions of Windows 7 to determine which one is for you. We are recommending the Professional version for most of our clients.

4) The upgrade process will involve backup and restoration assitance to help get your files onto your new operating system.
 
 
Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate allow you to run Windows XP programs in "Windows XP Mode" for quality performance, but if you wish for some reason to revert back to XP without too much of a hassle, it is a good idea to create a complete disk image of your Windows XP machine before you perform the upgrade so you can just copy it back to your hard-drive and have everything exactly as it was. We provide small business IT support, and from all of the testing we have done, this should actually be a good experience for users. As long as your machine is fairly recent, you will find that 7 is every bit as good as XP and enhanced in many ways. Happy upgrading!

Posted by Keith Lancaster At 2:55 PM Location Reseda, CA | Permalink | Comments (0)

Category Coming Soon
 
Three months ago, we mentioned in an article that Windows 7 was in the works; an official announcement has been made regarding its release date, so we are coming back to provide you with an update. Microsoft is projecting that the new operating system will hit retailers on October 22nd both in box form and pre-loaded on PC systems for sale. There are many signs that the new Windows 7 will be much more pleasing to users of all kinds than Vista and even Windows XP, so we are still crossing our fingers that all of the hype and positive rumors are true.


For those who are in need of a new PC before then,there will be free or discounted upgrades from Windows Vista will be available to anyone who purchases a machine shortly before the release date. While the PC manufacturer supplies these, there are rumors that Microsoft will be offering some kind of discount to all Windows Vista users. This has been left open and is yet to be confirmed. Want to test it out to see if Windows 7 is something you will be in line to buy this holiday season? Head over to the Microsoft website, where they are providing the Windows 7 Release Candidate download.

Posted by Keith Lancaster At 3:22 PM Location Reseda, CA | Permalink | Comments (0)

Category Coming Soon
Bluetooth has made its way back into the news now that information is being shared about the upcoming 3.0 standard. To anyone who uses the bluetooth technology, whether it be talking on a cell phone headset, transferring files or any other type of synching, the new revision should look quite promising. PC World has published a few of the newly-released specs:


-Data speed Transmissions up to 480Mbits/s short range (up from 2.1 Mbits/s!).
-Improved power consumption (a.k.a. better battery life).
-Enhanced Connectivity to reduce dropped connections.

There is no information available as to which devices will be 3.0 ready, but the Bluetooth Special Interest Group will be providing a list of manufacturers on April 21st.  Like many others working in small business IT support, I'm really looking forward to seeing what the new Bluetooth can do!

Posted by Keith Lancaster At 4:31 PM Location Sherman Oaks, CA | Permalink | Comments (0)