Upgrading From Vista To Windows 7 - To Avoid Windows 8"

 

So an older coworker of mine wanted to upgrade his quad core desktop from Windows Vista to Windows 7 operating system.  A computer guy he knows was going to charge him $100 to help him do it.  I told him to not worry about that and to just buy the software and bring it into work.

 

 

 

Once he purchased the software (which is now going up in price to force consumers to turn to Windows 8 instead of going back to Windows 7) he brought in both his desktop and the Windows 7 disk and I proceeded to help him upgrade.

 

Honestly, I love loading up a new software onto a machine for a clean install. 

 

The machine was placed in a back office on a quiet day.  All the initial "clicks" were made to get the software going.  It took around 6 1/2 hours to simply monitor from time to time, but my co-worker went home with a brand "new" computer.  All it cost him was buying both of us lunch.  48 hours later, he reported to me that the Windows 7 upgrade was a success.  It was less buggy than the Vista, as most of us who endured Vista already knew.  He couldn't be happier.  He had taken a look at the Windows 8 and just couldn't get too warm about it.  So upgrading to Windows 7 was his next best option and he did.

VERY IMPORTANT - MAJOR HACK WARNING ISSUED!

Hi folks, today I opened up my emails and read a big time hack warning being issued by the computer tech people that I look up to.  This warning is without a doubt the sternest warning I've ever received about a "possible" virus attack or hacker vulnerability.  And it's easy to know why...because it happens to be a vulnerability left on every computer and software platform including PC, Mac and Linux based machines.  So whether you have a Windows, iOS X or Linux as a software system on your machine - your computer vulnerability is as wide open as French doors on a mansion on a breezy, warm day.

Why?  Because this hack vulnerability has been left on our machines via Java (not Java Script), a good guy software, that has been a mainstay in millions of machines...in the tune of over 850 million machines world wide.  Java is a programming language that is commonly used by websites.  It's a good guy software.  However, the developers have made several missteps in recent years which have opened back doors for hackers to run software via Java, that's built right into a legitimate looking website.  This malicious software easily installs on its own and hacks right into your computer.

Two years ago a simple Java update for Apple computers, left a backdoor open that allowed some 200, 000 Macs to be hacked before a fix was rushed into place.  Today it appears that yet another update by Java Script has left some 850 million computers across all operating platforms open to yet a new hack.

I'm going to attach another blog link to this blog.  My best advice, based on what the experts are saying is to simply disable or get rid of Java on your machine all together.  Java is sot of becoming a thing of the past and may not be as useful as they used to be.  We can't afford for their software updates to constantly leave our machines open for major attacks.

I'll be working on my home computers as soon as possible.  Read the link below for further information.

http://www.techlicious.com/blog/critical-java-security-risk-requires-immediate-action/

Upgrading: Windows 8...vs Windows 7?

Today I assisted a female coworker purchase a Windows 7 desktop that was $100 to $150 off the store retail price, via mail order.  I had actually spent about an hour talking to her on Friday about the differences between Windows 8 vs Windows 7 and I could tell that she really wasn't too interested in dealing with Microsoft's revolutionary Windows 8.  Win 8 is Microsoft's attempt to kept it's name as a leader in the computer technology game, and rightfully so.  After all, they did usher most of us into the PC world from the 1990's on with their Windows platform operating system. 

Calm down Apple fans.  I was not implying that Apple's OS hasn't been around from the beginning until now.  Same with you Linux fans.  You've all rightfully deserved your place in time, history and market share.  All I'm saying is that Microsoft has done a lot to popularize personal computers - period.  Just because Apple has jumped to the front of the line, doesn't mean that Microsoft needs to step back and do nothing.  The competition between all the major tech players has been beneficial to us consumers, and profitable to the major players.  Enough said.

Now back to my point...so I helped a female coworker shop for and purchase an i5, Windows 7 PC for $460.  6gb RAM, 1 TB hard drive, 3.1ghz speed and a so so integrated graphics card.  All that included a discount coupon code.  She is currently using a 2004 PC with Windows XP, Celeron processor, 80gb hard drive, etc, etc.  So she's made a pretty good jump with her soon to be new device and it falls within her budget for such an upgrade.

Now she can really put her music, family photos, smart phones and tablet all together with a device that will give her some future proof features.  Had she been a real power user, she would have needed a little more to get her going, but the main features was more than enough for her basic needs.

That brings me to my point in this post.  If you're not really into power computing, fearful of the complexities of Windows 8, and want to stay as current as possible - then I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU BUY A WINDOWS 7 PC BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE.  At this point in time, you can buy a quality device, equipped with quality parts and features, that will be relatively future proof - that is - they will have room for some physical upgrades to give you at least 4 to 8 years of decent use.  If that is all that you desire, now is the time to shop for such machines.  If you wait until later in the year, you're going to be left purchasing the bottom of the barrel PC's that still have Windows 7.

Microsoft has made a big and bold statement these past several months.  Windows 8 is everywhere.  Tablets, phones, and PC's.  It works great on tablets, phones and touch PC's...but...ah not so great on traditional PC's with keyboard and mice.  It just doesn't "feel" right or as intuitive.  But, be that as it may, Windows 8 is definitely here to stay...learning curve or not. 

So folks don't waste another second reading this blog.  Go shop around and find yourself a PC with Windows 7.  2013 just may be Windows 7 last stand.  From here on, the playing field seems like it's going to get pretty tech wild.

To Anti-virus Or Not To Anti-virus - For Your Smartphone?

Should you or shouldn't you bother to purchase antivirus for your Smartphone?   Five and ten years ago, nobody would have even asked that question.  Most of us had just plain old cell phones that made...phone calls.  So now we've clearly moved in a much more complicated direction and the question remains how safe is my new Smartphone now that I can connect it to the Wild Wild World of the Internet.

I purchased my first Blackberry in 2007.  Another in 2009 and then again in 2011.  I then parted my Blackberry ways experimenting with an iPhone 4 in 2010 and recently a Samsung Galaxy Skyrocket 2011, and now (2012/2013) a Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  My '07 and '09 Blackberries were never any good at real in depth Internet browsing.  However, they did live up to Blackberries legendary reputation for being very secure devices.  Clearly they set the bar very high as far as mobile security was concerned.  The rise of the iPhone and then subsequent ascension of the Android phone have set newer bars as far as exploring the Internet and having a secure device.  Now that most 2012 (and up) cellular phones can jump on the Internet at speeds so blazing fast, that they can out pace some tablets from just less than two years ago with their connections speeds and browsing abilities...we've entered seme very, very uncharted territories.

Well, perhaps I shouldn't say uncharted.  If you've had a computer more than 10 years (I started using my first computer in high school some 30 years ago) you know that there were computer viruses out there in the wild that could adversely affect your device if you were not careful.  So now you have virtual mini computers in your purses, pants and jacket pockets and you're wondering if you should buy something to protect your device?

Okay let me discuss this with you this way.  10 or 20 or 30 years ago, the computer you were using probably had your semester's paper from high school or college, or a work assignment for your job.  Then later on it became important for some things you did in your home like shopping, communicating with others, sharing family photographs, etc.  Now today, you use it to schedule appointments, join social networks, log ALL of your most important phone numbers and music selections, your text messages, emails, favorite cooking recipes...apps, apps and more apps.  Are you sure you want to leave such a device open to having it's information stolen?

Now you older folks, don't get all sour and self assured that you don't need to have all that information in a tablet or Smartphone and you're doing just fine with your old tiny, winy address book next to your night table.  Phooey you!  If you have anything like my old phone book or my mother's old phone book, you have numbers written over numbers and a pages falling out left and right.  No way you could keep track of 300 plus phone numbers and addresses in that old thing.  No way that phone book can give you instant access to a map of that address after you look up the name of the business.  The instant access to such information and connections is so immediate and so "awareness changing."  Everyone I know over 45 who has recently learned how to use a Smartphone and can work it into their budget, has never, ever gone back to a regular phone.  They absolutely refuse.  They are plugged into their families, friends, jobs - whatever and do not want to go back to the old way.

Bear in mind, I did read an article last year from an alleged "tech" guy who stated that he didn't know of any particular "viruses" in the wild that were geared to attack Smartphones and tablets.  He felt that there wasn't sufficient cause for alarm or rush to purchase an antivirus for your Smartphone.  Well...all I have to say is this...5 years ago (and earlier), there wasn't even a question of needing to purchase antivirus for a Smartphone in the first place.  The phones couldn't do what they do today.  They couldn't blaze through websites like they do today.  The more places you can go to, the more likely you are going to pick something up.

IRONICALLY as I sit here writing this post, a family friend's Twitter account was hacked with a virus and I just received a text message with a virus filled link via my phone.  Had I NOT been aware to NOT click onto the link, I very well could have infected my Twitter account and Smartphone with this virus.  I sent her a regular text message and she fixed it.  But now it is just that easy to have some jerk ruin your phone or online accounts. Hopefully my antivirus would have kicked in and saved me, but you never know.  Nothing is 100%, but zero percent is 100 % ineffective.  By having antivirus in my phone and reading through a potentially infectious Social Network message, I saved myself a huge headache.

Most of the Smartphone antivirus comes "free" with full features for 30 days.  Then they switch you to basic, limited features after the 30 days and prompt you to pay for full protection for the year.  There are so many now out there this year, as opposed to last year or the year before.  In a subsequent post I will scribe some recommendations here on this blog.  For now...do some research and protect your Smartphone and tablets folks.  It might be the very last shield you have between your personal information and...identity theft. 



 

The "Case" For Buying A Case For Your Phone Or Tablet

As I sit here ready to wrap up a long and busy day, I couldn't help but to recall a conversation between myself and yet another co-worker.  It was about his iPhone not having a case, then him dropping it and boom...his screen has a nice crack on it's top right corner.

That leads me right into me making my case.  I hereby state that if you're going to buy a modern smartphone with a glass screen, that you MUST also be ready to purchase a protective case for it.  That case could be made of rubber, silicone, hard plastic or whatever the case may be.  But you must buy one.  AND you should include a fairly inexpensive screen protector if the case does not have one built in. 

Now why do I say the word "must"?  Well, in reality you don't have to.  But tell me this...have you spoken to, or been the person who DIDN'T purchase a protective case for your phone, drop it and then found out that you had to go buy a new one because your insurance didn't cover the phone or your phone contract wouldn't be up for another 18 months?

Believe me, I've seen the faces of people like you...or your friend who've been caught out there with no case and no screen protector.  Now you're forced to either spend $300 or $600 for a new phone when you could have spent another $2 to $40 and kept the phone you originally purchased safe and out of harm's way.  I know there are some hard headed folks out there, including some of you who feel that cases ruin the phone, and screen protectors ruin the view.  However, I can assure you that the folks I've seen with the worse cases and worst screen views are those folks who's phones were accidentally dropped and now that severely chipped casings and cracked screens.

Cell phone cases and screen protectors can be shopped for at sometimes insanely cheap prices on Amazon and Ebay.  You just have to spend a little time shopping.  The time you spend will be well worth it should you have a case of the butter fingers.  The same goes for tablets.  Get yourself a screen protector, leather case, or rubber case - whatever.  But do chose to do it BEFORE an accident happens with your very expensive device. 

As you shop, always read and/or listen for customer feedback.  Knowing what works and what doesn't work before you plop down your money is a good thing.  Learn from other people's mistakes or manufacturing mistakes as best as you can, then move on. 

Okay, that's enough of my ranting.  Time to say good night and go get yourself a case! Good night all. 

My New Phone...a "Phablet"

What a busy, busy two and a half weeks I've had.  I helped a co-worker in his late 50's purchase and set up his first ever Android cell phone.  He was beyond amazed at how quickly it all came to him.  So was I.  Although he fakes being a senile older guy, he actually has a strong mechanical background.  So when I explained everything to him, I used (as best I could) mechanical terminology and comparisons where possible.  In a week's time, he went from using a 4 year old flip phone to an Android and was sending text messages, pictures, setting up wall paper, clocks, widgets, etc.  It was remarkable.  Good for him.

Then came my surprise on Christmas.  Actually, I received it a few days before Christmas in order to set it up for the week following Christmas.  I was given the Samsung Galazy Note 2.  I haven't taken my hand off the thing since I got it.  It is amazing.  I actually thought that I was going to not like making my everyday phone with such a big screen.  I had been thinking to get the original Galaxy Note to replace my iPhone 4 as it is starting to show it's "grey" hairs in it's processor.  I've had it for 2 1/2 years.  A lot has changed on the "app" landscape since it came out.  It doesn't handle the newer apps too well.  It's all a financial conspiracy anyway.   The more complicated and involved the application, the better the processor you will need to handle it. 

Anyway to my surprise, the wifey presented it to me.  I guess this makes up for me getting her the iPad 3?  Umm...okay.  I'll take it!

If you don't like squinting to look at your phone for reading, writing, dual screen viewing...well then folks the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is your friend!  She's my friend.  I've hooked her up with all sorts of sound effects and whistles from various sci fy shows.  She breezes through her apps, doesn't really do major damage to her battery.  Any failures in that area have to do with me loading the kitchen sink of apps on her and now trimming them all back.

I have found that even when you purchase extended power batteries, they too eventually begin to burn out fast when you have a nut job, power user like me on them.  Within a year, they only last as long as a regular battery.  I can't tell you how many countless phones I've done that to. 

My only issue is that somewhere between Samsung/Jellybean/AT&T they put a freeze on you moving your apps to your SD card.  What the hell??   There's also this "miscellaneous" file on your phone storage that will take up to 5 or 6 gigabytes of memory.  It's supposed to be erasable, but I'm not quite sure.  The Android blogs are all over the place with this issue.  I don't think I'll be "rooting" my phone any time soon to get around this.

Either way, all this phone memory use adds up to your phone storage getting used up really fast.  Other than just inserting your SD card and your phone begins saving items to the card, GONE are the buttons where you actually can command your phone to move your apps to your card and off your phone.

Now I'm sure there's a gazillion of folks out there who have figured out a work around, but to us laymen - this is a real pain in the neck.  Should any of your run into this issue, be sure to share your work around.  As for me, I'm still reading up on it.  Again...I will not be rooting my phone if that is what's going to be necessary.

Lastly, in the past two and 1/2 weeks....screen size.  No...NOT my Galaxy Note 2 screen size.  It is really big...and really, really easy on the eyes.  Older eyes.  Younger eyes can stare at 2 and 3 inch screens all that they like.  To their hearts content.  Then when you start getting into 3.5 and 4.0 screens, now your talking my language - depending on your font size.  I'm most comfortable 4.5 sized screens and up.  Now my Galaxy Note 2 is huge at 5.3.  I love it!  Any fears I had about it's screen size being too big all went to the way side once my eyes got to view the screen and enjoy it's rich details, colors and contrasts. 

Well this past week I was lucky to witness two female friends over the age of 40, nearly cause their eyes to bleed to death trying to read on their mobile phone.  As of this writing only one of them purchased a large screen phone.

For now I'll just sit back and enjoy my Note 2.