The OMG Moment- I Deleted Something Important

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip # 0013

We have all done it. We back up and make backups of backups, but sooner or later anyone who uses a computer will inadvertently delete a file they didn’t mean to.
What I refer to as an ‘Oh My God!’ moment. The instant we realise something of use was by accident, or stroke of the wrong key – sometimes without even realising it – something was deleted that you’d like to undelete. The moment when you silently – in my case sometimes not so silently – say to yourself, “I can’t believe I did that.” This is one of those cases though that our misery does not want company; we want our file back. Now!
The first and most obvious solution of course is to open your Recycle Bin – by default located on your Windows desktop. This is where all deleted items go on the way to eventual digital oblivion. Many times something that was deleted is still in the trash. And it may not yet have been permanently deleted. If this is the case, the fix is simple. Open up your Recycle Bin and highlight the item you would like to restore, and right click choose Restore. The problem is resolved.
More often though, the items was disposed of and was cleaned out during a regular cleaning. This is a bit trickier. But it is not the end of your options.
There is a great freeware programme aptly called Restoration. It was created for just this eventuality. It is simple and well written and I have found it works remarkably well.
It can be downloaded as a zip file from the following location: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_download/fid,23108-page,1-c,filemanagement/download.html
A long URL, I know. I suggest you go to the on-line version of Tip and Tricks, located here:
http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.
This is a zip file which is geek-speak for a compressed file. If you don’t already have a Zip File extractor, you can download a version of WinZip at: http://www.winzip.com/downwz.htm. I know they seem to be trying to sell it to you, but you can download it and install it for free. It will work just fine. Don’t be alarmed by the price-tag, just download and install. Don’t register it or do any further follow-up. If you get to a place where they ask for billing or credit card information, just close out the browser and go back. You only need to download it and run it. Ignore all other requests.
All right, back to Restoration. This is a fast download (even with dial-up). Save it to your Hard Drive in your downloaded files – and then right click to extract it.
Once extracted, open the file titled Restoration.exe. Right click or double click to run the programme. Almost instantly Restoration will pop up. It has a simple interface. Restoration will locate your main hard drive location and list it on the top right corner of the programme. Usually it will be C:.
Now it is time to search for your missing file. The more precise you are with the name, the better you chances are.
Take a moment and try to remember, was it Letter to Auntie B or Aunt B letter?
Whatever your best guess is, enter it in the space that says, All of Part of The File. Now, Click on Search Deleted Files. Restoration will try its very best to find your deleted file. If successful, it will list it to the left with details. You may find there is more than one. Use the Restore by Copying button. That is it. Your deleted file will now be restored.
If you get no result the first time, go back and put in your best guess for the file name and below the Search Deleted Files, you will see a check box for include even if the file size is zero. Check it, and hit the Search button.
I cannot guarantee your missing file will be found, but this is a terrific programme and if it is easily retrievable, your file will be back in no time.
Restoration is a handy utility. I suggest you keep a copy around. It is easy to copy to a floppy, CD or thumb drive. It is simple, easy to use and of course it is free.
This will resolve many of your OMG moments, I hope.
Restoration has not been updated in quite a while but I checked it on the various Windows platform from Win98 to Vista. It worked well for me on all versions.
Sooner or later, I can almost guarantee you will find this programme useful and for some it will seem to be a godsend.
As always, dear Bulldog readers, let me know if this helped or if you have any questions.
You can reach me at: guygriscom@gmail.com

The Best Free Anti-Virus Programme

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip # 0012

I have received a number of questions in the past few months about which anti-virus programmes are the best and most effective. Many people are familiar with Norton and McAfee which come pre-installed on many new computers, along with AOL and other less-than-useful programmes.
These anti-virus programmes usually come with a ‘free’ 30 or 45-day trial period before you must pay annual fees for their cumbersome security suites. For a variety of reasons, these anti-virus programmes that you must pay for are in many cases actually not as effective as some excellent and free anti-virus programmes.
So, here is my recommendation for the best free anti-virus programme. It is free for individuals and non-profit use. Like many other anti-virus programmes there are usually more than one offering, with at least one that is free. I use Grisoft’s AVG anti-virus programme.
You can find the free version at this link: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/. When you are on this download page, choose the version on the far right; ‘AVG Anti-Virus Free’. Click on the download on the bottom right. You will be re-directed to CNET’s download page for this programme. Click on the download option. Depending on your connection speed your download will be between 5minutes and 45minutes (for dial-up).
You will be asked whether you wish to ‘run’ or ‘save’ the programme. Chose ‘save’ and save it to your MyDownLoad file, I save it to MyDownloadFiles/AVG.
Once downloaded open the file and run and install the programme. It will then be installed on your machine. A four coloured icon will show up on the bottom right hand corner of your window. Right click on the icon and choose the bottom option ‘Check for Updates’. A pop-up will appear chose ‘Internet’. This will update your anti-virus protection to the latest version. You should check this at least once a week (more frequently is always best).
Now your machine will be protected and even your eMails will be scanned for malicious and uninvited programmes and malware. And dear Bulldog readers it comes at my favourite price, free.
The added benefit is your machine will not be overcome with intrusive and complicated programmes. Many people do not realise that when they buy a new machine with ‘included’ anti-virus programmes that they are good only for a short period of time and then must be switched to the ‘paid for’ versions. I see on a regular basis machines infected with a variety of viruses. People think (correctly so in my opinion) that since the machine came with an anti-virus programme their machines are indefinitely protected. Sadly this is not the case.
Another question I have heard raised recently concerns the related ‘spy-ware’ programmes. Many of my regular readers will recall my recommendation of “Spybot Search and Destroy” – tip number 006 – some months back. There is confusion about whether or not an anti-virus programme will protect you from spy-ware. The answer is no.
What I recommend is that you have both an anti-virus programme and a spy-ware detector like Spybot Search and Destroy. The anti-virus is by far the most important to keep regularly up-dated and up-to-date. Depending on how often you use your machine you should run the spy-ware programme about every two weeks or so. What I recommend is you chose a day – I do a thorough system check every Sunday night – to run a full anti-virus check. Then every two-weeks or so, run a thorough spy-ware check. This should protect you from all but the most malicious and devious virus and spyware. And your computing should be relatively problem free.
A special note. For Windows users, select and allow the automatic windows update programme. Microsoft generally releases new updates and security fixes on the first Tuesday of every month. For those of you running Windows XP and more importantly VISTA you will want these up-dates as they not only improve security but insure your machine will run well.
As always dear Bulldog readers let me know if you have any specific questions relating to this column or any of your computer questions. I can be reached at: guygriscom@gmail.com.
You can read older Tips and Tricks at: http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.

VIRUS ALERT!

“Happy-2008.exe”
The Storm Worm’s New Years Greeting

Many of us are winding down in these last days of 2007. Christmas has come and gone; store bargains have either been missed or had by now. In the tech world, things are relatively quiet.
The biggest ‘buz’ has been the Queen of England creating her own YouTube channel proof that the Internet is here to stay. When 1000-year old monarchies ‘adopt’, the technological shifts are confirmed. The Queen also saw fit to deliver a message via her new ‘web presence’. Her first ‘invitation’ was sent via YouTube eMail to her son Prince Charles. I’ll bet he was thrilled.
The next ‘big thing’ on the tech horizon is the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is not happening for a week or two. The latest and greatest tech will be on display; trend-casting will be based on what shows up there. Tech-wise, the only other imminent news is the newly minted bargains in computers and computer related equipment that begins around the twentieth of January. It is always a thrill to buy a brand new machine for more than half-off the October-November price. One of the rare times in the tech world where patience is rewarded.
So why am I breaking with Tradition and bothering my Editor during such a pleasant down-time season? The answer is simple and the reason is clear. There is a lingering danger out there in computer-land. A resurgence of a Trojan Virus that by all rights should by now have been rendered benign. By late August the ‘Storm Worm’ had infected over 10 million machines and effected networks and ISPs in 108 countries.
It is a ‘bot’ exploit which turns your machine into a spammer’s tool. It has some nasty implications, but simply put, if you were infected, your machine would slow down as if molasses hard replaced your processors. Everything would take longer. There were decent ‘fixes’ and by mid-September most in the tech world thought it had been rendered useless. By October ‘the Storm’ was no more than a small squall.
Like that lingering summer cold, it had staying power, though. Most anti-virus programmes even the worst of them like MacAfee and Norton had developed protection, and security experts thought it was finished. At the worst it was a malingering annoyance for the most part easily dealt with.
For the digerati who follow such things; it seemed another challenge to Web security was thwarted and not something to worry about. Happily for all of us, there are a core group of internet security heroes, who live, breathe and follow every virus and permutation thereof. There had been some postings on internet boards about potential dangers but everyone was lulled. Myself included.
Then the first “Storm” arrived late Christmas Eve. I was blissfully unaware. By mid-morning Christmas day, my in-box was overflowing with questions and queries from our loyal Bulldog readers. The newly opened computers delivered by Santa had some problems. That is not all that unusual.
It was not until late afternoon that I began to see a pattern. Our readers had received eMails with headings like: merrychristmasdude.com, which was in fact the Email-Worm.Win32.Zhelatin.pd. It was a ‘re-direct’ and you did not need to do more than open up an eMail to become a part of the nefarious scheme.
Aside from some delayed enjoyment though this seemed to be little more than an annoyance and not a serious security problem. I followed up and most people who were ‘hit by the Storm’ were back in action in a relatively short time. I was alerted that the ‘Storm Worm’ had staying power.
Without going into details what I want to let you know is this. The forecast for New Year’s Eve is ‘Storm’. Here is what to look for and how to protect yourselves and your families.
Update your anti-virus programmes over the week-end. The problem with this particular Trojan Virus is your anti-virus cannot protect you from opening an infected eMail.
Beware any eMails that have this in the heading or Subject: happy2008.exe, happy-2008.exe, happynewyear2008.exe. Or ‘UHavePostCard’.
If you find yourselves being inadvertently directed to a web site that has the following address: newyearcards2008.com, close down your browser IMMEDIATELY.
If despite the warnings and your precautions you find your computer is running excessively slowly on New Year’s Day or shortly thereafter, then here are two actions you can take.
Download Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ad724ae0-e72d-4f54-9ab3-75b8eb148356&displaylang=en
I know this is a long URL, but it will take you straight to the sight. The download times are:
dial-up, about 20 minutes.
DSL/Cable, about 5 minutes
I wish all my friends and Bulldog readers a Very Happy 2008. A “Storm” Free, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!
If you have any questions about this or other computer problems you can eMail me @ guygriscom@gmail.com or for any of my new or former Bulldog articles you can find them at:
http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/

I Need That File!

How To Store Files On The Web.
For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Mac Tip #0011

I often hear from clients words such as, “my machine is not working properly” or “I broke my computer” and occasionally my favourite, “I broke the internet.” The most devastating though are situations where because of drastic circumstances - a fire or theft – there is simply no technical way to retrieve important information.
In recent months we have learned how to find out what is on our machines and how to find specific files that are on our machines.
It is always a good idea to have backups of your files on CD’s, DVD’s or better yet an external hard drive. But is there a way to back up essential files without any hardware or special equipment? Indeed there is if you have an internet connection – and trust me on this you cannot break the internet.
This tip is for those essential things or information you know are important. The stuff that you would be ‘lost’ without.
It is also for the things that are convenient to have a copy of; your eMail settings, browser favourites and the like along with files essential to either your work and/or well being.
But how to access information anywhere? Not just in the event of loss or accident. If you are away from home unexpectedly and need some information you know you have at home on your machine. Is there any way to store essential files in the event you may need them? And be able to retrieve them from just about anywhere? The answer is yes, and can be surprisingly easy.
I will give you a solution which requires minimum effort and of course comes for my favourite price; free.
Back in the July issue, I gave a tip for the best free eMail. In the event you are like me and even if you still had the old paper around, it might be anywhere and especially these days may have gone up in smoke lighting the essential home fire. So, I will provide a link. The G-Mail article is available at this address: http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/2007/06/best-free-email.html.
Now, if you use Yahoo or even TDS or Verizon you also will have included in your monthly subscription a “web mail” account. The operable word here is ‘web’. Check with your ISP regarding how much space you are allocated. Some ISPs limit both the amount of space and the number of eMail accounts you can have. That is why I suggest you go with what I call a ‘free-mail’ account.
Though I suggest and recommend Google’s G-Mail, you can do this with any eMail account with web access. I recommend the ‘free-mail’ solutions G-Mail, Yahoo, HotMail or even AOL’s free internet mail. If you ever move or change ISP (Internet Service Provider) the minute you are no longer a paying client, they delete your on-line mail, not to mention your on-line identity.
Your free-mail accounts will be with you into a digital forever. Even if you don’t use an on-line mail programme now, I strongly recommend you sign up for one. You can create an account with your name or your business name now. It will insure you have that unique eMail address. If you never use it, hey it cost you zip, so you have lost nothing more than the 10 minutes it takes to sign up. And it may just come in handy even if it does not ‘save your life’ someday.
Now you have a place which offers free storage for up to 5 GBs and is accessible from any machine anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
If you are writing a book or say have some special photographs or some confidential information that you might wish to use or whatever it is that is special and/or important to you, even with backups, take this added precaution. You may never need it but if you ever do you will be so relieved and grateful. Your small time investment will pay large dividends.
So how do you accomplish this task, how do you store essential and important files on the internet? Stunningly simple:
All you need to do is eMail copies of your files or documents or information or any file (dial-up users should only send smaller files one at a time) to your web-mail account. Then create a file folder or in G-Mail a ‘Label’ called “My Essential Files” or “Martha’s Book” or whatever. This simple process can be a god-send if your machine goes wonky or you are unexpectedly away from home and need to access your special information. You can even automate the filing process on G-Mail and most web-mail clients.
Some of my friends and family tell me they keep nothing essential or important on their computers. This is rarely true.
In my experience, those who have no important information on their computers are most likely to call with a desperate request. The “I lost my password, I cannot log on to my computer.” “I forgot the password for my on-line photo account, those are the only copies of my grandchildren I have”, etc.
If you lost the container/folder that your installation disks came in for an office or photo programme, do you know the key code for your licensed (and paid for) software? These are the kind of essential files I am talking about that even a casual user could benefit from having a backed up copy sitting on the web.
So, dear Bulldog readers, I strongly suggest you get in the habit of eMailing yourself. And yes, you can send yourself an eMail from your eMail address to your eMail address. Let me know if you found this useful or just have other computer related questions.
I can be contacted at: guygriscom@gmail.com. If you’d like to view any of my older columns or just want the hyper-links, just go to the online site: http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.
‘Free-Mail’ Links:
G-Mail: http://mail.google.com/
Yahoo: https://mail.yahoo.com/
Hotmail: http://www.hotmail.com//
AOL: http://www.mail.aol.com//

How Do I Find Specific Files On My Computer?

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip #0010


Last month, we explored how to discover what programmes and software were loaded on your machine, along with information about your hardware.
If you are like most users, you have quite a number of files on your machine. All kinds of files. And a surprising amount of files. Pictures of the family gathering last summer, an idea for a story or letter you might like to write some day. The results of some research done about something or someone or perhaps some item you considered purchasing. Then if you have been transferring your old files from older machines, you have files that you most likely have completely forgotten about. How on earth can you find out how many files you have, and more importantly if you are looking for a specific file how on earth can you find such a file? One specific file amongst thousands, or perhaps part of an eMail sent a year ago?
What you will need is a personal search engine. One that can look through all your files and search for the specific one you are actually looking for. You know how to search for things on the internet using a search engine, for most Google or Yahoo. What about your own personal data base or in layman’s terms your files? Every single file now stored on your computer and if you have an external hard drive all those files as well. In short, the sum and total of all your personal files. To do this manually could take days perhaps weeks. Not the kind of chore for the faint of heart. A far better idea is to download a software programme that will index and list each and every file on your machine. But just having a list still provides a challenge; you want to be able to find a specific file or group of files on the subject you are looking for. And if you are impatient like I am, you want this to happen quickly.
Microsoft has added (somewhat belatedly) an indexed search tool to its new Vista programme, but as with all things Microsoftian, it is far from perfect. Though it does work fairly well. Google the on-line star of searching offers a fairly good programme and it has the added benefit of being available to people without the new (and still currently flawed) VISTA operating system. For my money though, the best programme to index and make easily searchable your own compendium of files is Copernic Desktop Search.
Copernic creates and keeps an index of words found in your e-mails, individual files, your music, pictures, videos, contacts, favorites, and history. It then uses the index to bring up your search queries and does so almost instantly. There is also a preview pane below the file list. This shows you not only the contents of your file, but also where in that file the words in your search appear. As you might imagine, this can be immensely useful and time saving. It turns your computer and all the information stored on it into useful tool rather than a container of mysteries.
So, dear bulldog readers, I strongly recommend you download the programme – using previous suggestions to save and store it – and find out all the forgotten treasures on your own machine.
In addition to Copernic Desktop Search being a real time saver and easy way to find files lost or long forgotten, it has another of my favourite features, it is free.
You can find Copernic Desktop Search by going to: http://www.copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search/download.html.
Then under the number 1, choose: Copernic Desktop Search 2.2 – English.
After you have downloaded and run the programme, it will perform a one-time search of your hard drive, or if you have more than one, all your hard drives. This will take some time, but it will be well worth it as you will soon see.
Once it has indexed all your digital data in easy to understand language you can customise your searches by type of file, format of file or just see everything that relates to a specific search term or search string. For example say you want to see everything that refers to your Aunt Martha. Type in and everything in every file relating to Aunt Martha will appear. Overwhelmed? Say you want to just see eMails to/from Aunt Martha. Limit your search by choosing eMail only. Or chose by date, or format. Play around with this for a few minutes and soon your hard drive and stored data will be mysterious no more.
You now are in control of all that information stored on your computer, and can call up information any time you need it for whatever reason. This is a very handy tool, which will also continue to index new files and information on the fly and in the background.
Please let me know your experiences with Copernic Desktop Search, and as always dear Bulldog readers should you have any questions or difficulties contact me at: guygriscom@gmail.com. Or should you wish the direct hyperlinks just go to the online site: http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.

How Do I Find Out What Is On My Computer?

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip #0009

When most of us buy a computer, it comes pre-loaded with various programmes and software titles. Some we like and use, some we never will use and some we simply don’t really bother with.
A question that arose out of my VISTA ALERT special column reminded me that many people have no idea what is on their computers. What kind of processor, video card etcetera? How much RAM memory? What programmes do I have installed?
These are questions most of us never wish to hear or feel the need to be able to answer. That is for the most part as it should be.
But what if you want to upgrade your RAM? What is RAM you ask? Random access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) is a type of computer data storage. It takes the form of integrated circuits that allow the stored data to be accessed in any order — that is, at random and without the physical movement of the storage medium or a physical reading head. RAM is a volatile memory as the information or instructions stored in it will be lost if the power is switched off.
Why would you care about RAM? Well, whether you are considering buying a new machine or have an old machine you would like to have run a bit faster, RAM is one of the most important considerations since it has a big effect on how fast your machine runs. This is important no matter what your connection speed (dial-up, DSL, Cable or Satellite) is. How fast your computer loads and runs software depends on how much RAM you have. The newer programs are RAM hungry and it will only get worse for the foreseeable future. So let’s say you have a decent computer and for the most part you are perfectly happy with it. From time to time, though you notice that is seems slow to load or run a programme. A reasonably inexpensive (less than $80) solution is to add RAM to your existing machine. You can never have too much RAM.
This is when knowing a bit more about your machine comes in handy. When you go to the local computer store and you want to buy RAM, the salesperson is bound to ask you what kind and how much RAM do you want? Some of my faithful Bulldog readers already know the answer to this question because they wrote and asked me. For most people how much RAM is on their machine and how much can, in fact, be added is one of the great mysteries of the Universe. Here is a simple way to discover everything (and more) you ever wanted to know about your computer.
It is a simple (and of course dear readers, free) programme. It is called the Belarc Advisor. You can find it by going to: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html.
Download and install the Belarc Advisor.
When you run the programme, it will search your machine and provide you with every aspect of your machine, hardware, software and other useful features, in detail. It takes a minute or two to scan your machine. There will be a pop up that appears telling you of the progress. When it has finished, the Belarc Advisor will open a browser window and you will learn more about your machine than you ever thought possible. From your operating system to the specific information about the model and system serial number along with every piece of software and hardware on your machine, you will have information that can be helpful and useful, no matter how technically minded you might or might not be. The RAM information will be available under the ‘Memory Modules’ section. It will tell you what you have, but it will also tell you if you can add RAM memory to your current system.
Now, look down and you will see the type of antivirus software installed and if it is running properly. All your Microsoft installed ‘hotfixes’ (Windows Updates) are displayed and you will learn if they were installed properly.
Below this information is a list of all your software. It lists not only the name of your software but displays the licence and my favourite the all important key codes (what you must punch in to prove you paid for the licence). This can be helpful information if you ever need to reinstall software but do not have (or in my case) cannot find the original jewel box or CD sleeve with the required key code. A software showstopper.
I suggest you print out a copy of your Belarc Advisor report and keep it in a safe spot.
This information can also be helpful if you ever have to call technical support. It will give you the ability to answer questions about both your software and hardware that can speed the pain (and usually desperation) of calling a tech support 800 number. Should you want to know if your graphics card can be up-graded or how much memory you have, or how much you can add, simply print out a copy of the report and bring it with you to the computer store.
Take a look as well at some of the software you have installed. You will likely find you have software you have installed that you no longer need or use, as well as some software you probably never knew you had. You can uninstall this extra ‘stuff’ and you may find your machine runs a bit faster and it may speed up your ‘boot time’. This is one of those downloads that perhaps may not immediately need or use, but the information provided just may save you time and money in the future.
And the next time someone asks you what is on your computer, you can confidently say,
“How much do you want to know?”
As always dear Bulldog readers, let me know how you fared with this or if you have any questions or comments.

!VISTA ALERT!

Microsoft’s much ballyhooed release of the VISTA Operating System has come up against a wall of problems. From its delayed release (which in Micro-speak is normal procedure) last January through the early months of summer, there have been so many complaints about Vista that even Microsoft has decided to stop pretending everything is fine. They have extended the sales of the ancient XP into June of 2008. If you have built a better mouse-trap you don’t keep selling the old mouse trap. So what does this all mean? Why should you or anyone care?
Well, here is the gist. If you or someone in your family is planning on buying a new computer this week, this month, this fall odds are you will end up with Vista OS on your new machine. There are compatibility problems. Translation = your old printer, DVD player/recorder, scanner to name but a few may not have drivers available for Vista which means you cannot use them until Vista’s next upgrade called Service Pack 1 SP1. Some items will not work even then. Certain programmes will not work or run on Vista without a.) complicated upgrades/downloads b.) endless hours on the phone with tech support in Bangladesh-India and beyond.
Since January, I have had any number of requests from clients with brand new machines, often with premium razzle-dazzle specifications (a heck of a lot of money for stuff you’ll never use), complaining that their faithful printer, scanner or what-ever peripheral no longer works. DELL which pushed VISTA and a bunch of extras on a number of unsuspecting clients eventually decided to relent around late spring and told those who bought their machines with VISTA Upgrades, to revert to XP. Why? Often even brand new DELL Printers would not work with the brand new VISTA OS on brand new DELL computers.
When a major computer company’s tech department tells you that the solution to your tech problem is to get rid of the new operating system so its own equipment will run, you know things have gotten a bit out of hand. I have advised all my friends, relatives, clients and most people I do not seriously dislike NOT to buy a VISTA upgrade or a new computer with VISTA pre-installed. Why? Experience from almost 20 years with Microsoft’s concepts of new operating systems, especially in the past 12 years. ‘New’ since the new Windows and Windows 95 operating systems has come to mean, not quite ready for prime-time. VISTA brings back post-traumatic flash backs of once useful software, hardware suddenly rendered seemingly useless.
Though eventually all the hype and hyperbole about VISTA will die down and Microsoft will provide the necessary fixes, repair bugs and solve/resolve hardware compatibility problems, and VISTA will be a decent OS solution, that time has NOT arrived.
From two particularly egregious examples in the past week of little or no service from the OEM (computer speak for the company that sold you the computer, i.e., Toshiba, DELL, ACER etc.) and confusing information from Microsoft itself, I felt compelled to ask our fearless leader/editor/publisher for some emergency space in our on-line version of the Daily Bulldog.
I strongly recommend that if you are planning on buying a new PC computer that comes with VISTA preinstalled, WAIT. If you absolutely need the new computer now and between the Holidays make sure it is VISTA ready but buy it with XP installed with a VISTA upgrade included in the price. I have seen and tested the beta version of SP1 for VISTA and it resolves some but certainly not all issues, but even that is not yet available for the general public. Beta in computer-speak means test product. So, the final version will not be available for download until sometime early in 2008. Notice the qualifier I used, ‘sometime’. The original time frame for a Service Pack 1 release for VISTA was October/November, that is not going to happen.
Eventually VISTA will actually run well on most of the new machines and to be fair there are improved and long over-due security improvements and some other useful features. It is potentially more stable and has other nice features. BUT, I emphasise that time is not now.
THE SOLUTION:
If you are going to buy a machine between now and the year end Holidays here is what I recommend. Make sure the computer has at least 2 GB (Giga-bits) of RAM memory, a multi-core 64-bit processor from AMD or Intel with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz (gigahertz) or better, a separate video card with at least 128 MB (mega-bits) preferably 256 MB and DVD Super/Multi-Drive + CD-Writer.
This is more than enough computer for the foreseeable future. It will run RAM and graphic hungry VISTA programmes well and efficiently. It will run future software efficiently as well as your favourite old stand-bys. If you must buy VISTA, buy the Ultimate or Business version because they come with a free Vista-to-XP downgrade direct from Microsoft. That is right folks you read it correctly. Microsoft offers ‘official’ downgrades to XP ‘free of charge’ but only with their high end versions. Since XP sales have been extended until June of 2008 by Microsoft – the closest to an admission that VISTA was released before it was ready you will ever see from Microsoft – I would recommend you stick with XP until then.
If you do not absolutely need to upgrade your current machines, wait until around July of 2008. You will spend much less money for your new computer, since cutting edge in October 2007 will be ho-hum by July of 2008. The bugs, plagues and hassles in VISTA will be worked out by then and most likely you will have a reasonably hassle free transfer.
A Special Note for dial-up Internet users: If you have dial-up Internet services definitely WAIT before you buy VISTA. Even without the litany of complaints outlined, your phone line will be in near constant use connected – if you are lucky - with a near steady stream of up-dates that will take up and waste endless hours of your time. A friend recently spent an entire day from 9 in the morning until 11pm at night to do a ‘regular’ VISTA up-date. Enough said.

In the meantime, unless you are directly and immediately related to Bill Gates, or Michael DELL or the Hewlett and/or Packard families or have relatives with lots of Toshiba/Lenovo stock, or simply have too much extra cash lying around, save yourself endless hours of frustration, angst and fury – WAIT before you buy a XP to VISTA upgrade.
If you absolutely must have that new machine, then follow the guidelines and suggestions above. You will be very glad you did. For those of you who have written and called and messaged me about your problems with VISTA, I am trying to get Microsoft to extend their VISTA-to-XP downgrade to the more humble VISTA Home Premium, but do not hold your breath. I will do my best to provide work-arounds but I cannot guarantee I can resolve all your issues.
For the happier souls who have not bought a VISTA OS machine, you may feel like you are behind the crest of the tech wave, but I assure you, your lives will be easier and less complicated and you will end up with the best of the best of technology, to wit; Technology that works at an affordable price.

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