Make sure you get the Windows XP downgrade option when purchasing Vista
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008If 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.
off? Not necessarily. There are 2 types of operating systems, x32 and x64; otherwise knows as 32 bit and 64 bit. If your computer doesn’t specify which one, then it is x32. Only when it specifically reads x64 near the Windows sticker is when you know it is x64. You cannot buy either one, your computer’s architecture is inherently either x32 or x64. So, you inherit these types.
Now, that we’ve covered the bits, let’s talk about the bytes. Here’s the graph the each type can handle:
There is currently an ongoing class action suit against Microsoft. The suit contends that Microsoft Vista has not been “Vista capable” on its computers. Specifically, users have complained that
A year ago, Microsoft promised that existing computers that met Vista minimum requirements will work seamlessly. Also, Microsoft put out labels on new computers saying “Vista capable” or “Vista ready.” This class action suit disagrees with these promises. The big revealing fact is not what we’ve found with Vista, but what the court was able to find by ordering Microsoft to allow open access to over 200 internal e-mails. A former CEO said that he used Vista and didn’t find that the video-powered processor didn’t play well with his videos. Another executive complained to another staff member of the slow Vista speed. Further, one board member mentioned his inability to connect to his printer that worked fine for Vista. These points all point to the favor of the class action suit. The last revealing and most poignant point is one of the Microsoft execs relaying to another internal member that they should do what’s right for the consumers instead of re-doing Vista. We don’t know what that exactly means, but it doesn’t sound too consumer-friendly. The court has reviewed these e-mails and will probably have the final say on how Microsoft reveals the Vista struggle.
a mac? This inquiry usually is asked after a computer dies. Our answer, which is entirely subjective, is: We like Dells, Lenovos, Sonys, and Macs. And it depends what you’re using it for. Our favorite laptops are the Dell Latitude series, Lenovo x series, and Sony Vaio. On the Mac end, we like the new Macbook duo Core series and are not sold to highly on the Air Book.
For PCs, we still opt for Windows XP Professional, not Vista, and recommend 2GB of RAM and at least 80GB of hard drive space on a laptop and 120GB of space, if not 250GB, on a desktop. The rest are “nice to have” options. We’re not big fans of Gateway, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, and Samsung. We are ambivalent about HP as they are good laptops, but loaded with unnecessary games and do-dads. When buying your PC, make sure the operating system CD or DVD comes with it in case any
The blue screen of death can be a shocking and miserable situation. All of sudden, you are writing a document or reading the news online, and.. BAM!!.. you have a blue screen with white cryptic writing. The writing will typically start with “0×000000…” What do you do?
So, which one should you go with? The default configurations are $300 cheaper with the iMac, but you’ll get more hard drive space and RAM with this factory-configuration on the XPS One. As always, you’ll need to bulk up with
putting your computer through the defragmentation process allows your computer to access your most-used files faster. Essentially, the computer will put your everyday files and applications, such as e-mail and Microsoft Word. physically to the front of your hard drive where it is faster for the CPU to read and access that store info. Those programs and data, i.e. scheduled tasks and control panel, that you hardly use will be re-allocated to the back of your hard drive. In sum, the defrag utility that Windows contains by default allows your computer read your files faster.
Please note that if your computer is running slowly, chances are defragging might not help. A slow computer could mean possible
With all of the hype of 
Instead, the service pack simply updates the latest version you have whether Internet Explorer 6 or 7.
Microsoft has produced the Home Server called
Server version that is touted for small businesses, but other than that really doesn’t pose too many differences or unique features about it.
The Home Server, similar to any other
Windows Vista is now improved with its Service Pack 1 Release. For more stability and reliability, you may
supporting new types of hardware. Without Service Pack 1, there was a problem with recognizing many types of printers, scanners, and usb devices. Without being able to have
more reliable.


