Windows Vista and AVG Anti-virus/Anti-spyware

This and That Technology Tips
Windows Vista and AVG Anti-virus/Anti-spyware

February 14, 2007
Volume 7: Issue 1

Happy New Year and Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone has had a great holiday season, where you had lots of food, added lots to your waist line (oops - I meant, subtracted), and received lots of fun holiday cards - hopefully from Send Out Cards.

We have had lots of big evolutionary, not revolutionary, product announcements/introductions these past couple of months - the iPhone, Windows Vista, and Office 2007. Contrary to what Bill and Steve might have you believe, these are refinements of already existing products. The iPhone (at $599) definitely has the "cool" factor going for it (although The Treo, The Motorola Q, The Blackjack phones all do what the iphone already does at anywhere from $99 - $499). Windows Vista has the "semi-cool" factor and Office 2007 has cool redesign. Due to the multiple features and complexity of all these products, Windows Vista will be covered this issue, and Office 2007 will be covered in the next one.

Enjoy,

Clyde

Windows Vista

Windows Vista, Microsoft's replacement of Windows XP, was officially launched on Monday, January 29th, 2007.

Here are a few highlights of the new features. We'll be covering these more in-depth as the year goes on....

1. Improved security - Windows Defender, IE 7.0, and a "lock-down" on all new installs. Most of these security features are on Windows XP with a few upgrades.

2. New Aero design - makes your Windows machine more Mac-like with Translucent Windows. Either go Vista or Mac for this effect.

3. More tightly integrated multi-media features. Windows Media versions of Windows have been folded into all versions of Windows Vista.

4. Instant Search feature - Windows is constantly indexing your files for quicker and more accurate search results.

5. Scrollable list of Programs on "Program Menu" - no longer the expanded out across your screen look.

Should you upgrade, stay put, or buy new machine with Vista?

The biggest problem facing those who want to upgrade to Vista is that most computers need to have very quick processor, be stocked with lots of Ram and have a great video card. Most systems sold prior to 2006 shipped with either 256 MB or 512 MB of RAM. I've been recommending 1 G of RAM for over 2 years now. Since mid 2006, I've recommended that most people get 2 G of RAM for multiple reasons - RAM prices have come down tremendously, Windows XP runs much better with a minimum of 1 G of RAM and Windows Vista definitely runs better with 2 G of RAM.

Thinking of upgrading your system with Windows Vista? Try one of the following tools to see how much you'll have to upgrade your system before you upgrade to Windows Vista.

Vista Readiness Advisor via Cnet: Vista Upgrade Readiness Advisor - or the official Microsoft Upgrade Advisor.

Uh-Oh - Folks using iPods/iTunes - beware of Vista - might want to wait a few months before upgrading.

My recommendations

If you just can't wait to upgrade and your system is robust enough, go ahead and upgrade. I would definitely install with dual-boot, so Windows Vista is your first choice, but you can still get back to Windows XP if you need to.

If you're curious about upgrading, but can wait, I would. I would wait until at least Service Pack 1 is released to fix all the bugs. You can run the aforementioned advisor to see what equipment changes you might need.

If you need a new PC or Laptop, and can't wait until Service Pack 1, I'd say get the new computer with Vista on it. If you have multiple machines in the same environment, you may want to stick with Windows XP on your new machine to insure compatibility.

Key tip: If you still want Windows XP, go through the "business division" on the website of HP, Dell, Gateway. In most stores and on the consumer side of things, you won't see Windows XP any more. It's not what the customer wants that's important - it's what Microsoft wants (oops, did I just say that?).

Some additional reviews & articles

Cnet Labs tests First Vista
Vista Tips and Tricks
Nine Annoying Features of Vista
The Vista Era Begins
10 Windows Vista Peripherals You'll Want
Putting Windows Vista to the Test
Windows Vista - Look before you Leap

Some Cool New Tools

Vista Boost Advanced tool for tweaking the Vista Registry. Use with caution.

Tweak VI Tweak hundreds of features, 13 plugs to optimize Windows Vista.

Great Follow-up System, double your business
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AVG - Anti-virus & Anti-spyware - time for a free Update!

We have installed AVG software, the free anti-virus software, on many of your computers. The program has been telling you 7.1 will expire on February 18, 2007. The reason for the update is that 7.1 is not Vista (the new Operating System by Microsoft) compatible. The large button is for you to purchase 7.5. There is also a small link where you can upgrade to 7.5 for free. It's great for both Linux and Windows. If you are tired of Norton or McAfee sucking up all your system resources, try AVG for free today. Another fine product is AVG Anti-Spyware. For this product, I would suggest getting the pro version, since it does real-time scanning. If you think you'll remember to do the scanning on a weekly basis - go for the free version.

Hope you enjoyed the ride....

Clyde Lerner, In The Moment Computing Phone: 408.732.8500 E-mail comments/feedback to: http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php

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Use the power of the Internet to create a paper greeting card and send it in the mail without leaving the comfort of your desk! Request a free gift account and I'll show you how to use this remarkable relationship-building tool. www.sendcardswithease.com

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