Since the release of Vista in January of this year, I have witnessed a lethargy toward this new Microsoft operating system. Recently I have noticed a departure from the lethargy to one of curiosity.
Question: Why Vista?
The answer to this question could take more space than is available in this column. Vista is a new and exciting experience that arouses the spirit of accomplishment. The software has been well prepared in allowing users to tailor it to their own liking. There are four distinct editions with one to fit your individual desires and needs:
1. Home Basic is for those who want a "bare-bones" operating system for Web surfing, e-mail and the sense of security.
2. The Home Premium edition adds more features including the elegant Aero desktop (best choice for laptops), collaborating and sharing documents, extending Vista to secondary displays and sideshows to experience photos and entertainment with Windows Media Center.
3. The Business edition is excellent if that is your desire and need.
4. The Ultimate edition encompasses all of the above plus protection against hardware failure, Windows Fax and Scan, scheduled backup to automatically backup your files, remote desktop connection, network and sharing center, Windows Bitlocker drive encryption, Windows DVD Maker, premium games and Movie Maker in high definition.
For a sample of the choices you have to make Vista your system: Right-click the desktop; a screen will appear that allows you, by clicking Personalization, to change Windows colors and appearance, select a desktop background, select a screensaver, alter the sounds, etc. These are just some of the reasons for you to consider joining the millions who already have an edition of Vista on their PCs. If you have any questions or need assistance you can get them here: RJWhelpful4u@aol.com.
If this sounds like a commercial for Vista, far be it! These are my true feeling for this system, and the longer I work with it the more I enjoy it and welcome the change and challenge. I have in previous columns alluded to some of the pitfalls and things that can be disturbing, but like all new things, it has its bugs to be exterminated.
Question: What are Microsoft Power Toys?
They are tools, but Microsoft calls them toys. They are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released. Microsoft states, "We take great care to ensure that Power Toys work as they should, but they are not supported by Microsoft. For this reason, Microsoft technical support is unable to answer questions about Power Toys." Power Toys are for Windows XP only and will not work on Vista. You can check them out at www.microsoftpowertoys.com. Set a restore point and enjoy.
Question: Can I restore the registry through system restore?
Yes, but bear in mind that when you use system restore, you are losing all of your input after you set the restore point. If your registry is in trouble and you have a suitable restore point, go for it. Check the date of the restore point and you will know how much input you have lost. Another drawback is if the restore point doesn't work, you can try another and another, then your alternative is a full reinstall. I recommend a full and complete backup at the end of each session. Then, if you have an emergency, you only lose one day's input. I also recommend a separate registry backup; then, if a problem occurs, you will be recovering only the registry and not the entire operating system. Problems with the registry that call for a recovery are an indication of an underlying cause. After the recovery, run the Free Registry Cleaner from Eusing, Ccleaner and Advanced Windows Care, Personal Edition - all are freeware. Then run the free registry defrag. If you still have a problem, contact me!
Question: I have taken your advice and backed up. How often do you suggest?
I know, backing up is about as much fun as a root canal, but it's a lot less painful. Think of it like putting a broken arm in a cast, only in this case, the cast never comes off! How often? Every time you use your computer! I know you think I'm paranoid, but weigh a few minutes of back-up time against hours of reinstallation. System restore is an alternative but not as good or dependable as a full backup.
Tweak and Tune (www.tweakandtune.com) is a utility that helps you fashion XP to you own desires. Prior to digging in, set a restore point. Some of the changes can be dangerous.
Question: My hard drive died. What can I do?
If you have a full backup, a hard drive replacement is necessary. That eliminates the trauma of a full system reinstall. The cost of the hard drive depends on what you choose and its capacity. Forget the installation cost and do it yourself. If you can use a screwdriver, you can save upwards of $45 or $50. That way you will have the old drive that is full of your personal information. Have someone else replace it and they have your old drive. All new drives come with a set of instructions for the installation. While you are in the tower, it would be a good time to clean the dust from the fans and/or add additional memory. So, there is always some good that can come from distress.
Here is a situation that I have mentioned on several occasions: the devious manner in which some companies attempt to lure unsuspecting PC owners to become customers and subscribe to their software. Case in point: As part of my tinkering, I recently downloaded RegSweep and ran a scan. It found 144 errors in the registry. Now, I have four of the best registry cleaners around, and I ran them one-at-a-time then I re-ran RegSweep. It came up with 143 errors. Pure scare tactics, since all of these errors would cause my PC to crash. To get rid of all of that bad stuff you have to register (pay for) the software. The alleged errors are part and parcel of their "teaseware." I have also come across the same situation with the Advanced Registry Optimizer. Do not take their stuff as fact. Be very cautious when surfing the Web. Some of these come-on offers can be bringing along "drive-by" malware.
Next week we get back to XP with "tweaks, tips, and tricks" to spruce up the software (sort of like a lube and oil change) and more of your questions like "Why does it take so long for my computer to start up?" Same old, same old, but I shall deal with it. Stay well! - Ray Wilson
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Vista Registry Fix - Get the Maximum Efficiency Out of your System
There are various symptoms of registry related problems, some of which may be identified as overall slow performance of your system, untimely error messages while working with your Windows Vista, or sudden crash of your system. In other words, registry problems make your system behave in such a way, which it should not or you do not want it to behave. The remedy for this problem is to go for Vista registry fix.
Now, for fixing the registry, the utmost important thing for your concern is to get a Vista registry cleaner. However, beforehand, you need to understand what exactly is the Windows Registry or simply Vista registry. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database of settings that is used by Vista to store the information relevant to its configuration, application, hardware and software files. Whenever an application is opened in your system, the registry adds information to it and this process follows for every application that is opened in your system. With the prolonged use of Windows applications, the registry can get cluttered with information, which many a time may no longer be required or becomes irrelevant. Therefore, in such situations you need to perform an instant Vista registry fix, and for this you need to use a Vista registry cleaner.
The registry cleaner enables you to remove the various inconsistencies in the Windows Registry and thereby helps in enhancing the performance of your system. The primary function of the registry cleaner is to scan your Windows Vista efficiently and effectively, and delete the various unnecessary entries in the Windows Registry. A good registry cleaner always offers registry backups before deleting the unused registry entries so that whenever you need any particular registry entry in the near future, you can restore immediately. It also deletes the registry entries made by spyware and adware programs to provide network security to some extent. So, using the Vista registry cleaner, you can perform Vista registry fix to keep your Windows Registry up-to-date and also schedule, backup and restore the registry according to your convenience.
Now, for fixing the registry, the utmost important thing for your concern is to get a Vista registry cleaner. However, beforehand, you need to understand what exactly is the Windows Registry or simply Vista registry. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database of settings that is used by Vista to store the information relevant to its configuration, application, hardware and software files. Whenever an application is opened in your system, the registry adds information to it and this process follows for every application that is opened in your system. With the prolonged use of Windows applications, the registry can get cluttered with information, which many a time may no longer be required or becomes irrelevant. Therefore, in such situations you need to perform an instant Vista registry fix, and for this you need to use a Vista registry cleaner.
The registry cleaner enables you to remove the various inconsistencies in the Windows Registry and thereby helps in enhancing the performance of your system. The primary function of the registry cleaner is to scan your Windows Vista efficiently and effectively, and delete the various unnecessary entries in the Windows Registry. A good registry cleaner always offers registry backups before deleting the unused registry entries so that whenever you need any particular registry entry in the near future, you can restore immediately. It also deletes the registry entries made by spyware and adware programs to provide network security to some extent. So, using the Vista registry cleaner, you can perform Vista registry fix to keep your Windows Registry up-to-date and also schedule, backup and restore the registry according to your convenience.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A little Q & A
Q. I am paranoid about doing anything to my XP PC that may cause a problem. You often suggest using a hard disk cleaner called CleanUp and a registry cleaner called Regseeker. Are these programs necessary? What do they do and will they cause me any problems?
A. . CleanUp is relatively safe (99 per cent) as it simply cleans up cookies, internet history, and temporary internet files, etc. I use it daily and apart from freeing up disk space it reduces the risk of getting viruses and spyware from all the rubbish that is downloaded to your system every time you open a web page.
On first use, set the options to Standard and you should be fine. If in doubt, make a backup of valuable data. CleanUp will not greatly improve system speed and, while free, the author does appreciate donations. It works on XP and Vista.
Regseeker is also relatively safe (90 per cent) but it is more invasive as it cleans the registry of unused and obsolete entries. It makes a backup that can be restored if there is a problem. The only issue I have ever had was with a multifunctioning printer that refused to work after running Regseeker. I use it monthly and it typically removes 200-plus obsolete entries. The first time you run it you may be shocked - it will find several hundred items. It will improve system speed. It works with XP and Vista but you need to have administrator privileges (UAC) to run with the latter.
If you want to purchase a commercial program that does what CleanUp and Regseeker do, look at PC Tools Desktop Mechanic (www.pctools.com/desktop-mechanic). Commercial programs have a duty of care not to harm your PC and to provide user support. Free ones generally do not.
Warning: There are hundreds of free programs that all offer to do something marvellous. But Windows performs sufficiently well not to worry about memory and download accelerators, world time checkers, obscure cleaners, smiley faces or anything else. The strongest advice is that no one should load any so-called free program other than ones that I, or readers, have checked out and are pretty sure are OK.
A. . CleanUp is relatively safe (99 per cent) as it simply cleans up cookies, internet history, and temporary internet files, etc. I use it daily and apart from freeing up disk space it reduces the risk of getting viruses and spyware from all the rubbish that is downloaded to your system every time you open a web page.
On first use, set the options to Standard and you should be fine. If in doubt, make a backup of valuable data. CleanUp will not greatly improve system speed and, while free, the author does appreciate donations. It works on XP and Vista.
Regseeker is also relatively safe (90 per cent) but it is more invasive as it cleans the registry of unused and obsolete entries. It makes a backup that can be restored if there is a problem. The only issue I have ever had was with a multifunctioning printer that refused to work after running Regseeker. I use it monthly and it typically removes 200-plus obsolete entries. The first time you run it you may be shocked - it will find several hundred items. It will improve system speed. It works with XP and Vista but you need to have administrator privileges (UAC) to run with the latter.
If you want to purchase a commercial program that does what CleanUp and Regseeker do, look at PC Tools Desktop Mechanic (www.pctools.com/desktop-mechanic). Commercial programs have a duty of care not to harm your PC and to provide user support. Free ones generally do not.
Warning: There are hundreds of free programs that all offer to do something marvellous. But Windows performs sufficiently well not to worry about memory and download accelerators, world time checkers, obscure cleaners, smiley faces or anything else. The strongest advice is that no one should load any so-called free program other than ones that I, or readers, have checked out and are pretty sure are OK.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Let ASO spruce up your PC
The care and feeding of your personal computer is a never-ending saga. Sure they are powerful, but don’t be fooled: These temperamental beasts require constant pampering.
There are two ways to approach computer maintenance software. If you’ve got the time to do the research, the best strategy is to build your arsenal of tools piece by piece, selecting only the best applications, regardless of publisher.
It’s a lot like building a computer or stereo system - matching up the best components to get the job done. If price matters, this method is also the most expensive.
The second approach involves minimal time, effort and expense. Instead of piecing together your software, why not just buy an all-in-one package that has everything you need and more? Besides, when all your tools come from the same box, compatibility issues are nonexistent. Good software suites also share a common interface, making it all easier to learn and use.
The all-in-one software package that has my eye these days is Advanced System Optimizer, or ASO, from Systweak Inc. Now at version 2.01, ASO features a stunning array of more than 30 tools for fine-tuning, cleaning and repairing your PC, including more than 200 tweaks to customize Windows and improve its performance.
The program’s main interface gives you instant access to every tool in the suite, divided into nine categories. Here are some highlights from ASO V2:
● System Cleaner tools can help you revive a sluggish system. Here you can find and remove junk that litters your system, hidden in places you’d never find on your own. This tool will locate all duplicate and temporary files from every corner of your hard drive.
You’ll also find tools to back up and clean your Windows registry, as well as manage exactly what loads at Windows startup.
● System Optimizer offers a nice array of tools to defragment and optimize memory - both physical RAM and Windows resources.
You can also defrag and optimize the Window registry, after making a back up and restore point, of course. This section contains that massive collection of 200-plus Windows tweaks, all nicely grouped and easy to understand.
● System Tools includes such items as System Information, which scans your hardware and software and presents a detailed report - extremely useful for tech support and troubleshooting.
The System Analyzer and Advisor take this information and offer tweaks to improve performance. There’s also a tool for viewing detailed information about any of your files and folders.
● Privacy and security tools include a new Spyware Detective that scans your media for bad stuff your firewall or antivirus software might have missed. To secure your data, there’s a data shredder that prevents recovery of deleted files and tools to erase your tracks in all aspects of computer use.
The list of mini-apps and tools just keeps on going. There are tools to repair corrupt .zip files, split and join large files, manage your Windows log-in settings, blacklist and block certain programs from running on your system and encrypt files or folders for security.
There are even some tools here you wouldn’t expect in a system optimizer, like sticky pad reminders, appointment planner, media files organizer and a host of aesthetic options to personalize your operating system.
Absolutely busting with features, Advanced System Optimizer Version 2 is available for Windows XP and Vista, currently discounted to $35.95 at the Systweak Web site, www.systweak.com. Take ASO for a test drive before you buy, and while you’re there, check out the rest of Systweak’s impressive product line.
There are two ways to approach computer maintenance software. If you’ve got the time to do the research, the best strategy is to build your arsenal of tools piece by piece, selecting only the best applications, regardless of publisher.
It’s a lot like building a computer or stereo system - matching up the best components to get the job done. If price matters, this method is also the most expensive.
The second approach involves minimal time, effort and expense. Instead of piecing together your software, why not just buy an all-in-one package that has everything you need and more? Besides, when all your tools come from the same box, compatibility issues are nonexistent. Good software suites also share a common interface, making it all easier to learn and use.
The all-in-one software package that has my eye these days is Advanced System Optimizer, or ASO, from Systweak Inc. Now at version 2.01, ASO features a stunning array of more than 30 tools for fine-tuning, cleaning and repairing your PC, including more than 200 tweaks to customize Windows and improve its performance.
The program’s main interface gives you instant access to every tool in the suite, divided into nine categories. Here are some highlights from ASO V2:
● System Cleaner tools can help you revive a sluggish system. Here you can find and remove junk that litters your system, hidden in places you’d never find on your own. This tool will locate all duplicate and temporary files from every corner of your hard drive.
You’ll also find tools to back up and clean your Windows registry, as well as manage exactly what loads at Windows startup.
● System Optimizer offers a nice array of tools to defragment and optimize memory - both physical RAM and Windows resources.
You can also defrag and optimize the Window registry, after making a back up and restore point, of course. This section contains that massive collection of 200-plus Windows tweaks, all nicely grouped and easy to understand.
● System Tools includes such items as System Information, which scans your hardware and software and presents a detailed report - extremely useful for tech support and troubleshooting.
The System Analyzer and Advisor take this information and offer tweaks to improve performance. There’s also a tool for viewing detailed information about any of your files and folders.
● Privacy and security tools include a new Spyware Detective that scans your media for bad stuff your firewall or antivirus software might have missed. To secure your data, there’s a data shredder that prevents recovery of deleted files and tools to erase your tracks in all aspects of computer use.
The list of mini-apps and tools just keeps on going. There are tools to repair corrupt .zip files, split and join large files, manage your Windows log-in settings, blacklist and block certain programs from running on your system and encrypt files or folders for security.
There are even some tools here you wouldn’t expect in a system optimizer, like sticky pad reminders, appointment planner, media files organizer and a host of aesthetic options to personalize your operating system.
Absolutely busting with features, Advanced System Optimizer Version 2 is available for Windows XP and Vista, currently discounted to $35.95 at the Systweak Web site, www.systweak.com. Take ASO for a test drive before you buy, and while you’re there, check out the rest of Systweak’s impressive product line.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
AppSpout: Recent Reviews from the PCMag.com Software Team
Two big new apps have come across the PC Magazine software team's desk recently: BitDefender Total Security 2008 and Adobe Premiere Pro CS3. The latest version of BitDefender's full-featured security suite has a snazzy new interface with tough-as-nails protection against viruses and spyware. The Firewall and Registry Cleaner could use some work, but it's still worth a look. Check out the full details in this in-depth review.
You can pretty much always count on Adobe to deliver top notch software, and Premiere Pro CS3 is no exception. This expert video editing tool offers an extensive feature set with help from new third party apps like Encore CS3. It was impressive enough to earn our Editor's Choice award. Find out more in this full review. While you're at it, come check out other recent reviews from the software team after the jump.
Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard: Acrobat isn't cheap, but it's the gold standard for PDF editing. It offers flexible, feature-packed PDF creation, editing, commenting, and import-export. Letting you translate an entire Web site into a single multipage PDF and create and embed an index in PDF files for fast searching.
deskPDF Professional: This easy-to-use PDF creator makes turning docs into PDFs as easy as dragging and dropping. It offers straightforward PDF creation through a Microsoft Office toolbar button or a desktop icon, and even converts Office file comments to PDF annotations.
PDF Converter Professional 4: This app lacks the polish of its rival, Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, but it does have superior OCR and export features. Not to mention a much more appealing price tag.
EasyBib.com: This site makes creating bibliographies quick and painless. No more hunting down your own references and figuring out how to arrange the information. EasyBib takes the info and puts it into MLA format for you--a huge help for students or researchers.
SpaceTime beta 0.9: SpaceTime will introduce you to a new way of searching and browsing the Web--if you have a PC with enough oomph. SpaceTime features a beautiful interface that lets you surf the web in 3D.
Cozi.com: If you're looking to make sense of your busy family life, Cozi can help. This free service provides a family calendar, a shopping list, and messaging online or via a downloadable program. It's low on features, but the ones it has are excellent and easy to use.
Eyejot: A terrific little service, Eyejot lets you record and send a video message with the same speed and ease as composing an e-mail.
WinUtilities 5.72: WinUtilities is a highly useful set of Windows utilities, particularly when it comes to system-cleaning tasks. But it's not cheap, and it doesn't do everything.
You can pretty much always count on Adobe to deliver top notch software, and Premiere Pro CS3 is no exception. This expert video editing tool offers an extensive feature set with help from new third party apps like Encore CS3. It was impressive enough to earn our Editor's Choice award. Find out more in this full review. While you're at it, come check out other recent reviews from the software team after the jump.
Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard: Acrobat isn't cheap, but it's the gold standard for PDF editing. It offers flexible, feature-packed PDF creation, editing, commenting, and import-export. Letting you translate an entire Web site into a single multipage PDF and create and embed an index in PDF files for fast searching.
deskPDF Professional: This easy-to-use PDF creator makes turning docs into PDFs as easy as dragging and dropping. It offers straightforward PDF creation through a Microsoft Office toolbar button or a desktop icon, and even converts Office file comments to PDF annotations.
PDF Converter Professional 4: This app lacks the polish of its rival, Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard, but it does have superior OCR and export features. Not to mention a much more appealing price tag.
EasyBib.com: This site makes creating bibliographies quick and painless. No more hunting down your own references and figuring out how to arrange the information. EasyBib takes the info and puts it into MLA format for you--a huge help for students or researchers.
SpaceTime beta 0.9: SpaceTime will introduce you to a new way of searching and browsing the Web--if you have a PC with enough oomph. SpaceTime features a beautiful interface that lets you surf the web in 3D.
Cozi.com: If you're looking to make sense of your busy family life, Cozi can help. This free service provides a family calendar, a shopping list, and messaging online or via a downloadable program. It's low on features, but the ones it has are excellent and easy to use.
Eyejot: A terrific little service, Eyejot lets you record and send a video message with the same speed and ease as composing an e-mail.
WinUtilities 5.72: WinUtilities is a highly useful set of Windows utilities, particularly when it comes to system-cleaning tasks. But it's not cheap, and it doesn't do everything.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
BitDefender Total Security 2008
BitDefender vows to "secure your every bit," and BitDefender Total Security 2008 works hard to keep that promise. It includes the essential firewall, antivirus, and antispyware modules as well spam protection and parental control. This version adds a backup module and system tune-up tools, putting it head-to-head with Symantec's Norton 360 and Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare. A completely new user interface makes the product much easier to use, even for those without an advanced degree in computer security. The price looks a little high, but it covers three installations for two years: Most suite prices cover just one year. And you get unlimited 24/7 tech support by phone, e-mail, or live chat.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Wise Registry Cleaner
Wise Registry Cleaner scans Windows registry for incorrect or obsolete information in the registry. By fixing this obsolete information, your system will become quick and can work better.
After Wise Registry Cleaner analyzes your system for problems, you can individually view each of the problems found and call for a detailed description. If you wish, you can also have all problems corrected automatically.
All changes to your system are monitored by Wise Registry Cleaner and can be undone with a few mouse clicks.
After Wise Registry Cleaner analyzes your system for problems, you can individually view each of the problems found and call for a detailed description. If you wish, you can also have all problems corrected automatically.
All changes to your system are monitored by Wise Registry Cleaner and can be undone with a few mouse clicks.
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