Windows Vista, the new Microsoft operating system, is slated for early 2007.  Does your current computer have what it takes to run Vista?  Below are the necessary requirements:

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

• A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
• 512 MB of system memory.
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
• 1 GB of system memory.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum) Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• DVD-ROM Drive.
• Audio output capability.
• Internet access capability.

If you’re having difficulty making the jump from the PC world to Mac, there is an easy way to bridge the gap.  You can install software that allows you to run Windows on a Mac.  This way, you can enjoy the seamless, clean graphical look of a Mac and not have to learn a whole new operating system and applications.  You can run Windows XP on an iMac or iBook.  The best of both worlds.

Below is software that allows you to toggle between a Mac and Windows operating system:

Parallels:  Pro:  First software to be made for an Intel-based Mac OS X 10.4.6. and higher.  The easiest and smoothest of the bunch.  Con:  You have to purchase a copy of Windows along with this $80 software.

Virtual PC for Mac:  Pro:  Top emulator and feature-rich software for working between Macs and Windows.  Good value at $129.  Con: Does not run on Intel-based Macs

iEmulator:  Pro:  For an inexpensvie $25, you can easily work with Windows on your Mac.  Con:  Windows 2000 runs faster than Windows XP

Now, you can end the age-old dilemma between choosing a PC or Mac.

The best things in life are for free. Well, except when it comes to free music. Free download sites like Kazaa and Limewire prove free songs, but you might get unwanted surprises as well. For instance, you might receive spyware and viruses with your download.

Also, the download is at your risk so that it might not be even the song you want. Note that this free audio is shared from other computer users so the integrity of your files are as good as your neighbor down the block.

Try to stick with iTunes or borrowing music legally from friends. This way, you will receive your songs free of unwanted spyware, viruses, and incorrect information.

Many times, a printer is thrown out due to the ink drying up or ink streaking. Avoiding these issues and  extending the life of your printer is easy. Here are 3 easy steps to perform printer maintenance:

1. Make sure you replace dormant paper in the tray. If paper remains too long in the paper tray with no activity, the paper could curve and cause print misalignment.

2. Find how to clean your printer’s print heads. These are the nozzles through which the ink passes from the cartridge to the paper. Cleaning the nozzles usually prevents ink drying and faint or misaligned printing. Sometimes, you have to clean the heads several times to fully optimize the print quality.

3. Update your printer software to ensure the best resolution quality for your printouts.

If these 3 steps don’t work, try inserting another print cartridge. If all of the above fails, a new printer might be on the horizon.

A new trend has been to back up files online. The cost is usually determined per  gigabyte. For example, 5GB of storage space costs up to $30 / month. The more gigs you have, the cheaper the overall price is. However, the price is is still expensive due to how your files are backed up. Online backups are basically someone with a computer like you who backs up your files onto a hard drive. The only difference is that they are hosting your files from a web host.
The good news is that you can back up your files online on your own! This can save you time and money.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up for a domain if you don’t already have one. A domain is your own website address.

2. Host your own website.

Steps 1 and 2 may be done by subscribing to a web host, such as GoDaddy

3. Within your host, set up a username and password for your FTP account. An FTP account allows you to save your computer’s files to your server.

4. Transfer files from your computer to your ftp account. You may do this by going to a web browser and type in: ftp://www.yourdomain.com & enter your username and password. Then copy and paste files into the white box which is your web space.

Although setting up a web host with a domain is typically for creating your own website, you may use this method as a smart way to save important files online. Backing up this way can be as cheap at $5 / month for 100GB!. Usual online backups costs at a minimum of $400 / month for such storage.

Here’s to smart computing!

Camera phones are the new craze. Although the quality of the pictures are not digital camera quality, it is very convenient to e-mail pics on the fly.

Below are the steps to take to e-mail pictures from your camera phone:

The details will vary from phone to phone, but the basic concept is the same. To e-mail directly from your cell phone:

1. Go to the picture gallery and select a picture to send.

2. Click options, then click Send.

3. If you previously saved the contact information, select the address from the phone book. Be sure to select the e-mail address from the contact information, not the phone number. Otherwise, you’ll need to enter the e-mail address manually.

4. Insert a text message or an audio clip (optional).

5. Click Send.