Tag: operating system

Google Android to Invade Laptops

Google Android is a free mobile OS that was originally developed for use on mobile devices. But while this may sound like this OS is mainly for miniature gadgets we are all paying much attention to, it seems that Google Android may soon find its way towards laptops and notebooks soon if Google finds a way to help the accidental OS to function normally under a notebook operating environment.

It does seem to be a good option considering that initial tests were done by two bloggers on how the Google Android can perhaps adhere towards the laptop setup.

Matthäus Krzykowski and Daniel Hartmann, posted the news on Thursday on the blog. They showed that they ported Google Android on a 1000H unit of the EEE PC series and that the operation took about four hours to complete.

The authors reported that Android is stable and has enough capabilities to make it a good operating system option for netbook manufacturers. The fact that the Android is open-source means that it offers virtually endless customizing and developing possibilities, just as Linux does today through its various distributions.

So if this is indeed a possibility, is Microsoft alarmed about it? For now maybe not but once Google finds a way to enhance the development of the Google Android to suit laptops (maybe even PCs), then perhaps a sense of urgency may be called for.

Google is certainly taking note of these developments and given their current manpower capable of getting the job done, it should not be surprising if they do indeed start checking out what they can do to cover these findings.

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Linux Can Shed Light to Windows Blackouts

So Windows has been aggressively cracking down the pirated Windows users and has gone to the extent of blacking out the computers of people using their famous operating system unusable. Now this may be good for putting a stop to piracy but may also be bad as far as user preference since to continue to enjoy the Microsoft software today, you have to pay to get a license.

Red Hat is sure to be monitoring the market as well. If there is one thing that people hate is spending, especially in these times of crisis. So we all know that Linux is free and may perhaps be a turning point as far as software preference and while adjustments and software preference may need to be addressed, it is a better price to pay rather than the discomforts that Microsoft is aiming to provide at the moment.

So if you look at it as a business opportunity, the time to break into the domination of Microsoft Corporation is now. It may still need the proper development as far as compatibility and interface is concerned, but the point of it all is convenience. Microsoft has made quite an inconvenience and this is surely going to affect most people today, especially the ones who are clueless when they update their operating systems.

If you find Microsoft falling in the market, then you know that this recourse is the protagonist for it. It has to be done but intruding through updates is simply foul at this point, regardless if they are authentic or not.

Turn Off Your XP Updates

Unless you are sure that your copy of Microsoft’s Operating System is genuine, you are best off turning those automatic updates off. Microsoft is serious in cracking down the pirated versions of their famous Windows XP and they have done this via the update service that normally comes with the operating system for patches.

This time around, once the Windows XP software has been found to be pirated, your computer will go completely black, rendering your computer useless. Now that is not a dirty way to deprive a computer owner of updates. In fact, it puts an end to “stealing” since why get something free as updates for a software that is pirated in the first place?

Depending on your stand, it would be best to avoid the updates if you are unsure of the validity of your Windows operating software. This is not really to warn Windows users on the use of pirated versions but merely informing you that your days of using these pirated operating systems are numbered.

We have heard this news sent out before. And while we may be looking for ways to avoid paying for an authentic copy of operating systems, bear in mind as well that Microsoft has stopped manufacturing and selling the Windows XP OS.

The new operating system in the market today is the Windows Vista. And while some hate it for now, better get used to it since you are really left with little options as far as operating system performance.

Software Compatibility Issues with Windows

We are familiar with the various third party programs that are offered and normally, we would have to consider their compatibility as far as systems are concerned. Normally, people would overlook the fact and assume that they are compatible with Windows XP or even Windows Vista. But while that is true, Windwos versions also vary and it would be wise to ask if they could function properly in between brands.

In fact, when we use device drivers, you can note that there are specific Windows system made for them. It does not necessarily follow that a device driver for Windows XP will also be recognized by that of a Windows Vista. They are different. The same holds true when you plan to install software such as graphics editing or programming software. You really have to check if they are compatible with you current Windows OS.

Windows Vista has so far been the culprit for these issues since it still lacks the perfection needed to accommodate most software needs and drivers. That is perhaps one reason why people are hesitant to shift towards Windows Vista. But give it time and for sure, we can see a smooth transition considering that Microsoft has always been known to address these problems.

All it needs is time for the Microsoft developers to find the loopholes and before you know it, your preferred software can be accommodated and used in your PC once more. The same holds true for device drivers which many today are having problems with. Just wait for the updates to creep in.

Deciding to Reformat Your PC

One of the hardest things to decide on is when to format your computer. When you format your PC this means permanently erasing all files that are on the computer including system and program files. Of course, before that is done, it is presumed that the files have been properly backed up or burned so that they can be restored from a CD perhaps once the entire format process has been done.

Formatting a hard drive is perhaps the easiest way out when you encounter a lot of problems with your computer. Ordinarily, it is the last resort since having to re-install that usual operating system and the programs you use have to be done one by one. Overall it would seem like a lot of work but there are some cases where you just have to re-install everything from scratch. This results normally when:

1. You Have a Virus
2. You Encounter a System Crash
3. You change Hard Disk Drives
4. You bought a new PC

One thing you can look forward to though is that you have a completely new system to which you have done away with the crash and virus issues. For sure that is quite a load off. The process may take you about an hour or so but give it some time, normally days, and you will find that you have a good as new computer in your hands.

So when you decide to reformat you computer, rest assured the whole effort is worth the wait. Just make sure you make a list of programs notes for reference in case you get lost once your PC is up and about.

Check Software before Buying Hardware

Most of the time, when you PC slows down, chances are you would blame it to obsolete hardware and parts. While that may be a possibility, it is likewise possible as well that your computer may be taking up too much load or even contaminated with a virus or spyware. So before you count the bucks on how much that new desktop is going to cost, try and consider checking first software components before making a final call to upgrade your computer.

The easiest way is to really buy a new computer. Especially if you have the funds for it, then why not? But at times, you have to be practical when upgrading, especially if your computer is not that out of date. Some people have a computer for just about a year and yet they conclude that a new one is in order which may not be that conventional considering computers and peripherals change fast thanks to technology developments.

For others who are not as keen on changing computers as frequent, this is a good alternative. In fact you can find some useful scanners and analyzers online such as that of:

1. Yahoo Anti-Spy
2. Panda Online Scanner

These two softwares are apparently overlooked. Normally, it would be best to get the whole package. But if you are on the crossroads of deciding on what to do with that slowpoke computer then perhaps it would be best to consider these analyzers before making any hasty decisions. The difference can be totally significant and easier on the pocket.

Learn Your Lesson from Past Windows Software

Everyone gets excited when there is a new operating system or software that Microsoft unveils in the market. But while most of the software that Bill Gates has introduced seem to always have bugs in them, it is quite interesting to note why the various operating systems that they unleash are always susceptible to bugs and patches.

It is understandable that operating systems are not immediately perfect once they are offered in the market. But it makes you wonder why Microsoft is always wants to distribute software that will always have its share of problems to which they should have foreseen. The answer here lies in a business aspect meaning if you are not updating your product line, your brand and image may fade fast if you don’t have another product up for release.

Knowing technology, this should always be ongoing. If you wait too long, the continuing process of product development may stand still and millions will be lost in the process.

Also, looking at the patches and service packs that Microsoft always announces, it can be seen as a form of marketing so that they can likewise keep track of who are using their products. How? Well have you ever wondered why aside from packaged service pack CD distribution, you are directed towards their site whenever patch updates are offered.

You can just imagine the load that their servers have to accommodate with practically the whole world having a Microsoft product in their home or office. But at least they know that the number of people who have bought their product are ranging from millions to billions.

Vista Is Far From Perfect

If you talk about Windows Operating systems, you would be best off with Windows XP for now. Windows Vista is indeed the new kid on the block as far as the latest operating system in the market is concerned but it is far from being user-friendly which is something that most Microsoft software and applications have been known for. Issues such as slower processes and even driver incompatibility problems may ensue so unless you want inconveniences, chances are you would be better off sticking to Windows XP for now.

But in case you have installed Windows Vista already, you would be best seeking the help of technology experts or web references if you do decide to downgrade to Windows XP. You are bound to experience a lot of problems, something I have encountered for the past days. Formatting is easy but if you don’t have the right software tools, you may end up not being able to use your computer for a couple of days because of it.

In short, Windows Vista is more of a problem than a solution. While there are dual boot options, it is just a waste of space on your hard drive. Imagine having software systems which you cannot use on your computer? Now that can be very frustrating. Eating up space for no use at all is something every computer owner would dread and sad to say, Windows Vista is doing just that for now.

Is Your Software Authentic?

The undying hunt for pirated versions of Windows operating system is still in the air and apparently while affiliated hunters of illegal using Microsoft owners are out there, it still remains that there are still over a million of users who are thriving on pirated software. For one, the humongous amount to buy a license of Windows Products does not come cheap and may not be affordable. So while the efforts are there, you have to wonder Microsoft intends to go about it.

Apparently, one is to track them using the WGA or Windows Genuine Advantage. Under this new strategy, the screen will blackout and will continue to do so until a genuine copy of Windows is installed and validated. Quite a neat strategy but the thing is, how can you target the home owners?

One measure is through the automatic update where patches are downloaded and installed for Windows protection. But for the wise users, you can easily turn off the auto update option and still continue to use the said pirated Windows version. So how do you settle that?

Apparently you cannot just barge into any private home and ask them if you can check their computer and operating system. They can always say no and should you force it you will be charged for trespassing.

If it is aimed at companies, then perhaps they can whittle down the problem. But between corporate and home business users, surely the numbers will dwindle in count but not totally. Perhaps another strategy is in order.

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Can your Rely on the Windows XP System Restore Option?

One thing you must love about Windows XP is that they have the system restore option active at times that makes it easier for you to restore at some point after you have properly backed up your system. But along with that backup includes problems such as infected files by viruses or Trojans. That is perhaps if you noticed, that sometimes, when you have to get rid of a dreaded virus, tutorials will tell you to temporarily turn off the system restore option to make sure that you don’t leave any trace of these infections.

But the question is on whether you really need the system restore turned on. Some would turn it off to be safe while others just leave it on. This is to avoid the problems of infections at times but if you are wise, it is best to leave it on, especially if you are not too technically savvy about tinkering your operating system.

A good practice to consider is to of course set a restore point and then turn off the system restore. But before you do, make sure that this restore point is virus free and reliable. That way, you can be sure that once something unfortunate occurs, you can always rely on your backed up system to get back online.

With the system restore turned on, a lot of issues can be avoided. While you may lose some current files, it is better to lose a few rather than reformatting the whole computer and lose a lot!