So what about Vista?

Microsoft's newest operating system, Vista, is not readily available and is the only choice on most PCs purchased at the retail level.

Is Vista worth getting a new PC for? Well, that all depends. The short answer is no. The long answer is "probably not".

If you do want Vista though, you are likely to be better off buying a new PC with Vista pre-loaded. This is mainly true because of the enormous hardware requirements necessary to make Vista operate at tolerable levels. If you're PC is more than 2 years old, forget it. If its newer than that, you will probably have to double, or quadruple the RAM memory first. Vista really needs 2GB of RAM. 1gb is usable, but you'll notice right away that its slow. Don't even think about trying it with 512mb or less!

A new type of flash-drive called ReadyBoost can help some too. It looks and works just like a normal USB flash drive but it has special capabilities that allows Vista to use some or all of that memory as extended RAM (mostly for swap files and such). I noticed a slight performance boost on my test computer with a ReadyBoost drive, but you're far better off installing as much real RAM as you can.

While Vista has a nice, pretty look to it, Microsoft went over board trying to avoid any security issues. You will find out very quickly that you can't do anything beyond very basic tasks without Vista popping up a warning box asking for permission. Even opening your email program or web browser sets off all the alarms. It reminded me of the first motion detection car alarms in the 70s. Even a slight breeze or the rattle of a passing train would set the alarms off until your battery died!

Then there is a problem with compatibility. Every program needs to operate in a slightly different way that previous versions of Windows. Actually, programmers have been told for over a decade that they needed to change their habits, but previous Windows versions allowed for "sloppy" programming. Many developers didn't heed these warnings, mainly because Microsoft keep changing the rules and also because programmers who used development tools other than Microsoft products didn't get all the information all the time. This creates a problem for existing programs. Some will work without a problem, but many require updates and most of the time, those updates are not free. Before switching to Vista, you must check every program you use (or will use) with the manufacturer to verify that it will run under Vista. The day before Payroll is due is not the time to find out your accounting program doesn't have a Vista ready patch yet.

As with most new Operating System releases, hardware is also an issue. Its really only been the last few years that XP hardware drivers have been readily available. We're going to see another lag in hardware compatibility with Vista too. The biggest problems you're likely to find are modems (big surprise there, eh?), printers, scanners, and digital cameras. Some older NICs and some motherboards with integrated components will be problems too. ATI has not been real good about updating their video drivers, but slowly things are improving. Like software, you'll need to spend the appropriate time to investigate all of your hardware to be sure it will run under Vista.

With these short comings out of the way, Vista is not a bad operating system. Most Vista users will tell you that it closely resembles the MAC now. I don't know a lot about MACs so I can't comment for sure, but the graphics is truly a departure from previous versions.

MS introduced a new feature called "Gadgets" which are small, highly specific utilities that (can) sit on a special "menu bar" on the main desktop and interact with you in real time. For example, there is a nice clock, a weather indicator (outside weather, not your PCs temperature :D) and so on. I'm sure there will be a proliferation of 'gadgets' available as the Vista market increases but for now, most of what you'll find are those included with Vista.

Outlook Express has gotten a face lift although there really isn't a lot you can add to a simple email client. Internet Explorer version 7 is the standard release for the browser (which you can get for XP as well if you wish). For the most part however, the real changes seem to be security related, and visual which has been affectionately dubbed "eye candy".

Worth the upgrade price? That you'll need to decide for yourself, but like all previous releases of a Microsoft Operating System, I'll wait for the first service pack AT LEAST before I put a Vista computer into production.

Is there an option? If you purchase your computers at the retail stores (which you should NOT) you're probably stuck with Vista. You might still find an 'open box' item or something similar, but the retail chains have pretty much been forced into selling nothing but Vista. If you purchase your new computer directly from the manufacturer (like you should), you can still request XP. Some will even give you a coupon for a free upgrade to Vista for a future date.

Another possible option is Linux. Ok, I know most of you have heard of Linux and mainly not good things. Its not "user friendly", there's no support, and all of that. While some of that is true, there are a few version (called distributions) of Linux that might be worth looking into.

First of all, you need to clarify exactly what you need the computer for. If 95% of your needs are for email and Internet browsing, then Ubuntu might be a good choice. Ubuntu is a more "user friendly" version of Debian Linux. It doesn't require nearly as much hardware (I have it running on an 8 year old Compaq Deskpro EN with a Pentium 3/700MHz processor and 512mb of RAM...nicely) and it 'feels' a lot like Windows. It has an excellent email program and uses Firefox as the default Web browser. The installation is painless, even for a beginner (all menu driven with the default options being perfect for just about every need) and of course, its free. There seems to be very decent support for most digital cameras along with good photo editing and categorizing programs. You can burn CDs and DVDs without any fuss, and the Open Office word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation applications are very comparable to Microsoft Office. There are lots of other programs that come with Ubuntu but I really haven't tested them all. From all I've seen though, they look like real commercial quality applications. Linux however is not Windows. You won't be able to run to the local store and buy that neat new program your neighbor is talking about. If you run a small business, your accounting program selection is going to be a lot slimmer (although there is a decent looking accounting program built in). Your Quicken files might convert to another checkbook program but you may end up with a little bit of had entry. Otherwise, for most basic needs, Ubuntu is a realistic alternative.

I have no doubt that Microsoft will see to it that Vista replaces XP (and anything older) as soon as it can (within 24 months is my guess) and I'm equally certain that Vista will become a nice, stable operating system some day. But I also predict that the dominance of Windows will end with Vista. Linux is maturing far too quickly and there are already a number of 'open source' Windows replacements in the works. I never count Apple out of the picture either. If they can get their prices down, open their application development up so more programmers can write Apple programs, and take advantage of Microsoft's inevitable missteps, Apple could easily rival the Window/Intel cartel.

Little tools I can't live without

I'm always on the prowl for cool little utilities to either make my life easier, or help me keep my computers running faster. The down side to this is that I install so many terrible programs that I find I frequently need to reformat and start over :(

However, there are some utilities I always reinstall and depend on daily. I thought I'd start this blog by bring a few of those gems to you attention.

TypeItIn is one of those handy utilities that everyone ought to have. This is a little tray application (the icon sits in the lower tray near the clock) that you click when you need it. It holds all sorts of little bits of text that one would repeatedly have to type in while using the Web. For example, I store user names and passwords to a number of sites I frequent. I have my address listed in the way most web forms ask for it. You just position the mouse where you want to begin typing, click the appropriate button on TypeItIn and it enters all the necessary information for you. You can store just about any text you want and even group some of the buttons together for larger amounts of text. For $20.00 though, this is one of my favorites.

KeyNote is another must have, and best of all, ITS FREE! When you need to keep lots of dispersed notes, KeyNote lets you manage things with ease. You can create multiple 'groups' of topics or just stick everything under one heading. One thing I find really useful is to record all the serial numbers and purchase info for the programs I buy. This way, when I need to reinstall., or enter the registration info for upgrades, etc. I don't have to wade through years of emails looking for the right one.

When it comes to anti-virus, only one will do for me (actually I have a number of products but the one I rely on the most is) Avast For home use, the program is free, for commercial use, its a wise $40.00 investment.

Keeping the PC running smoothly is a never ending process. Two very important tools for this is Crap Cleaner to weed out the temp files and 'junk' that gets left behind, and RegSupreme. Crap cleaner is free while RegSupreme runs a whopping $12.00 Use both once a month and you're PC will love you for it.

Well, that's a good starting point. Come back often as I will expand this list as frequently as I can. I will also be posting a number of 'how-to' articles that hopefully will save you many hours of frustration and/or help you get the most from your PC.