It has been reported by Windows that users are left vulnerable if using Safari as a web browser.  Typically, Windows users use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer that comes with Windows for surfing sites.  Alternately, Firefox, Netscape, and Opera are other popular web browsers.  Safari has not be used a lot on Windows, and that is probably the reason for a lack of security that is left for Safari Windows users.  Safari is typically associated with Apple computers since it is bundled into the Apple systems.

What can happen to Windows users if they install Safari?  If they mistakenly visit a malicious site or download spyware, their system can potentially be hacked into.  This is definitely a serious issue. 

If you still want to use Safari on your Windows computer, you can apply one quick fix to safeguard your computer. 

If you do use Safari, Microsoft says you can apply a workaround to protect yourself.  You’ll need to change the default download location by performing the following:

• Open Safari and navigate to Preferences under the Edit menu
• Select a different location on the local drive after clicking Save Downloaded Files to

Microsoft and Apple both haven’t released when this would be fixed as Apple seems less concerned that Microsoft does about this.  By the way, Safari is an Apple product.  That explains Apple’s ho-hum approach to this.  We recommend to just steer clear of Safari on Windows computers until this is resolved.  There are plenty of other web browsers to use in the meantime.

If you need to reinstall your Windows, you can use your computer’s Windows restore CDs.  That is the ideal way to reinstall Windows since it includes a full list of drivers, loaded software for your hardware devices.  With just the Windows CD, you still have to install of the drivers after. 

If you don’t have the manufacturer restore CDs, you can order them from your computer manufacturer.  If your computer is still under warranty, you will receive them for free.  If out of warranty, you’ll need to pay a fee around $50 - $85 for the restore CDs.  This is an overlooked small fee, compared to the $199 - $299 fee that Windows costs. 

So, next time when you need to reinstall Windows, start looking or buying your manufacturer’s CD and save some time and money.

We get this tech inquiry all the time: Can I replace one of my laptop keyboard keys that fell off?  Sometimes, the key is pulled off by a touch of the finger.  Other times, a child might mischeviously rip a key off for fun.  So, it’s only one key.  It can just be put back on, right? 

Well, one some rare models of laptops, the key can be re-inserted or snapped back in.  However, most models are made were the keys are either practically soldered in or once the key comes off, its contacts are never the same and cannot be re-inserted.  Most fallen keys are ruined once they are disassembled.  

So, what can you do?  You really have to buy a new keyboard and have laptop repair technician install it, or install it on your own if comfortable.  When installing a replacement keyboard, you must be sure to ground yourself to not shock any components, and have a flat head and phillips screwdrivers handy.  The keyboard replacement typically consists with removing 6 - 8 screws and flipping off the keyboard/LCD plastic off.  Smaller laptops might entail removing the front frame, LCD panel, and other parts to locate the keyboard removal.

If you’re a naysayer, and want to put back a key, please note that if it cannot snap back, your key re-insertion is temporary at best.  And please don’t consider crazy glue!  Your key would be a permanent letter statue after crazy glue has its way with it.

If your computer doesn’t start up fully or reboots upon startup, there are many ways to figure out the issue and correct it.  You might have a virus, Windows corruption, software driver conflict, or hardware issue.

One helpful way to determine what he issue is with enabling the Boot Logging option.  You may do this by hitting F8 at startup and then selecting “Boot Logging.”  If your computer is still not starting up, restart your computer, hit F8 again, and select Safe Mode. 

After booting into Windows fully, go into C:\%SystemRoot%\ntbootlog.txt and read to find out which driver, hardware device, or software is the culprit.  Then, resolve the issue or ask a certified Windows tech to do the computer repair work for you.

Before Windows Vista SP1, all x32 (32-bit) computers didn’t display 4GB within the computer although 4GB is installed.  The computers would allocate 256MB - 512MB RAM for video, motherboard, and resources.  That would leave app. 3.5GB left for applications and processing, the real reason for installing so much RAM.

Now, Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista solves the 4GB jip.  No more are you jipped when you upgrade to 4GB of RAM.  Now, when you install 4GB of RAM, you get and are shown 4GB of RAM.  This is the first big win for Vista - RAM is actually accurately allocated.

Does your Windows computer take too long at startup?  Is your loading time unbearable?  This can happen if you have too many startup programs running in the background.  When a program starts up, even if you’re not using it, it is running in the background and takes up processing speed.  This processing speed not only slows up the startup time of your computer, but also the overall speed.

You can stop programs from starting up.  Please note that by removing these programs from starting up doesn’t mean you’re permanently removing them.  It just means that these programs may be used at a time of your preference.

You may remove these programs by going to: Start->Run-> and type in msconfig and hit enter.  Click the Startup Tab and uncheck those programs that don’t need to be working at startup.  Make sure not to remove anti-virus programs and manufacturer necessary software.  After restarting your computer, you should experience a faster startup

If you cannot boot your computer into Windows, you might still be able to boot into safe mode.  Why go into Safe Mode?  What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode allows you to still boot into Windows if you have a bad software driver or corrupted startup file.  Safe Mode can let you still get into your computer, and while you’re in your computer, you can attempt to resolve the problem.  You may get into Safe Mode but tapping F8 at startup. 

If you thought the new Windows Vista operating system is bad, wait until you hear this…  Microsoft is already in the works to create a new Windows operating system after Vista.   Vista has become so glitchy that Microsoft feels compelled to already start working on a better operating system.  Basically, Microsoft is looking to create an operating system that is entirely different from Vista so that consumers will have a more enjoyable and stable computer experience.Vienna, is the code name Microsoft is calling this new operating system.  Longhorn was the code name used for Vista during its pre-release.  Most different will be the desktop which will be entirely different than the Vista interface.  Don’t worry - Microsoft is still in the rebuilding phases of Vista to ensure all of the incompatibilities are fixes.  So, before the new Vienna OS is released, Vista should hopefully be stable and working more smoothly.What can you expect with the Vienna operating system?   It will be faster, more secure, and with less problems. 

Yes, but only in certain cases.  We recently had a client who had expensive Bloomberg software on his computer.  His motherboard died and he needed desperately to be up and running since he’s a day trader.  The only issue was his license for Bloomberg expired and wasn’t able to reinstall it any more.  The obvious fix was to take the hard drive and throw it in another computer.  Is it that easy?

No, it’s not that easy to take a hard drive and put it into another computer?  Why?  If the motherboard is not the same or very similar, whether XP or Vista, the computer will not start up all the way and will instead give you the typical boot options (i.e. Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, Normal Mode, etc).  You’ll need to make sure your computer model is the same and chances are so is the motherboard, and then you can make the hard drive swap.

What do you do if your motherboard is different?  If you’re going from and to Windows XP, you can get by with doing a Windows repair after putting the hard drive in .  You’ll need the Windows XP CD and know how to run an automatic Windows repair and re-certify the license.  You might need a Windows certified technician or you may potentially wipe all of your files.  With Windows Vista, there is no other way typically as Micosoft has become even stricter with Vista.  Even with the same motherboard model, Vista will recognize that it is still a different one and not allow you to boot into Windows…period.

If you’re looking to purchase a new computer with Microsoft Vista, make sure you also get the downgrade license to Windows XP.  What does this mean?  This means if you don’t like Vista, you can easily downgrade, or install, XP.  The “easy” part means that your computer will also contain an operating system CD that includes Windows XP with all of the hardware device drivers.  The key point to take from this is that the downgrade license includes the drivers.  Without the drivers, you might find yourself looking all over the Internet for the relevant XP drivers.  This could take a certified Windows expert 3-4 hours and take the layperson 7-10 hours.  Whether you think Vista is for you or not, it is in your best interest to get the downgrade version.  Many times, this added version is free or a few extra bucks.

This downgrade license is available for a reason.  There have been continued complaints from Vista users and in order to accomodate the public, manufacturers are offering this XP Operating System CD along with Vista to provide an option for any future Vista complainer or unhappy camper.  Make sure you protect yourself and get this downgrade option also.