Tag: vista

The Importance of Hard Disk Partitioning

We see a lot of hard disks in the market today that come in large sizes. We see 80 gigabyte hard drives up to 160 gigabyte. That is quite a large storage capacity if you compare it to the old ones we have some years back and one thing you should be aware of is that the larger the storage, the risky it is as far as perhaps losing data once the hard disk crashes or breaks down.

The best way to go about it is to partition the hard drives into smaller parts. For example, you can partition an 80 gigabyte hard disk into 2 40 gigabytes or even 4 20 gigabyte drives. As you can see, even in smaller partitions, they are still big and normally for most operating systems like Windows Vista or Windows XP, the most you would need would be about 4 gigabyte at the most.

When it comes to installing software, you can install it on the other drive letters assigned. For example, you can install MS Office in drive D or an anti-virus software in drive E. This helps ensure that you are balancing the applications you are installing which in the end can save you the trouble of losing space.

For documents, you don’t have to always follow the usual My Documents on the C drive. You can configure it in a way that it is saved on the other drives. Or if you are lazy to configure, the beauty of partitioning is that you can easily transfer in between drives so that if crashes occur you can retrieve the files and transfer them via DOS or Windows.

Partitioning can be done on the setup menu during your first installation of Windows. Decide and then assign what partition size you want and then install from there.

Don’t Risk System Capable Tags for PCs

Often you would come across new software or operating systems like Microsoft Vista that assures you that they can run on previous PC hardware despite its high requirements prior to installation. Now the question that remains is on whether you will buy the claim or not?

Apparently as a PC user, you will not know if the claim is really true or not unless you try it. While some computers can accommodate them, there are the hidden lines that include actual performance rendering that has not been stressed. For sure, having a PC that was able to accommodate a previous Windows operating system like Windows XP will have its problems with an advanced and higher grade operating system. Issues such as processes and of course computer speed are bound to be the significant factors and as a PC user, you should place this into consideration.

With that said, would you wait to upgrade a computer before installing new software or take the risk? The safer way out is to really install these operating systems on a brand new PC with latest specs. It is not bad to improvise but if you demand high quality performance, save yourself the trouble of trying to make do with an old system that is bound to give way and perform below par.

Do take note that these are part of a marketing gimmick to save the PC companies from being unable to sell their old stock of computers. As a sign of reprieve, software manufacturers put that into consideration so make sure you avoid it.

Blackout OS Issue Targeting Two Issues

As far as the blackout issue today that Microsoft has been embarking on, it is obvious that it is a crackdown on the illegal and pirated use of operating systems, particularly Windows XP. Aside from a sales pitch, could it be another approach to which people endorsing the much pronged Microsoft product are also being pushed towards the age of upgrading their operating systems to Windows Vista?

It does make sense. For one, we are fully aware that Windows XP will cease to be distributed and hence no more updates shall be unleashed. With that said, it looks like Microsoft is simply justifying its stand of pulling the plug on Windows XP, a much preferred operating system today compared to the buggy Windows Vista.

So on the consumer side, you have an option; turn off the automatic updates of your Windows OS. It is the best you can do right now and as the years pass, you are running with smaller options as further bugs may no longer be given patches nor updates. Hopefully though by that time, Windows Vista has already been perfected.

As far as hardware requirements are concerned, it is a fact that you have to upgrade soon. It doesn’t have to be the whole set. Focus on the chips, motherboard, memory modules and the processor. Some may need new casings since the size of the new parts may not perfectly fit into the old casing.

This early, plan what you are going to buy. New chips are bound to be released but the good side is that new minimum required PC parts today may depreciate already by that time.

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.

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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Why Force Consumers to Use Windows Vista?

Other than being one of the most sought after software today, Microsoft is indirectly commanding is to operate according to their wants. This obviously stems from the fact that most people today would be wise to use a Windows Vista since Windows XP will no longer be in the market if you need to reformat or buy a new PC.

But it gets better. Along with this notion comes the understanding the your PC has to be the latest in the market. Banking on the old ones may get you into problems such as slower computing and eventually banging your head on the wall because your PC is so slow. We all know that people want speed when they work or use their PC and apparently if you put both these developments together, you need to be wise in spending and buying your next computer station.

For most it may seem unfair. Being forced to upgrade your hardware and software is something that not all people can easily do. For one thing, thanks to the contribution of the economic crisis, any average consumer would want to save as much as possible.

In short, computer upgrades are common for companies or people who are techie. But if you talk about the average consumer, this is really a problem. There is an alternative however. You can always look for the fly by night vendor and ask if they have a Windows XP in stock. If not, well, you just have to deal with current trends as dictated by Microsoft and the technology market.

When will Microsoft REALLY Stop Windows XP Distribution?

If you are a long-time Windows XP user, you have to wonder when the sales for this Microsoft operating software will cease to be sold. The last we heard was that Windows XP will stop selling by June but apparently thanks to the Netbook, there seems to be an extension of sorts. This desktop PC from Microsoft is set to come out this August and if that should happen, how can Microsoft stop production if they are offering a desktop PC that runs only with Windows XP?

Everything is geared towards pushing all Microsoft users to shift to their new OS, the Microsoft Vista. If you look at it, this new installment is applicable only to new computers with higher specs. For old PC users, you will notice that the preference is still the Windows XP series since other than using up lesser resources, they cannot afford to upgrade to the new PCs in the market today and just because Microsoft say so, it does not follow that they should buy new hardware as well.

Add to the fact that people will make do with what they have. They still have their original CDs (assuming they are licensed) and with that, you have to understand that shifting to the new OS may not be among their priorities. Microsoft may have Netbooks but apparently closing down the Windows XP will have to wait. We just have to look at the past on how they phased out Windows 95 and Windows 98. Evidently, Windows XP will be among that group.