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February 2006

Winter finally arrived this month, though what snow we received has all melted. Temperatures are bouncing between above and below normal, so it makes it difficult as to what to wear.

Microsoft has remerchandized it's Anti Spyware product as Windows Defender (Beta 2). Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. This release includes enhanced features that reflect ongoing input from customers, as well as Microsoft’s growing understanding of the spyware landscape. Click here to read about the changes made and download the new product.

In this issue we have created a synopsis of industry news, tips and tricks, and our usual monthly special. Also, check out this month's special.

Safe computing;

Robert

News: Internet Explorer 7 Adds New Security - First publicly available beta also includes tabbed browsing and other features. More...

Windows Vista Passes Major Milestone - A new version of the operating system came out last week, and this one is the first to be "feature-complete." What does that mean? It's the software equivalent of yelling "All aboard" and "All ashore that's going ashore" simultaneously. If it ain't in there now, it's not going to be, and any other extraneous stuff has been pulled. So what's really in Vista? There is a huge story up at PCMag.com, with over 50 screen shots, detailing exactly what Vista will and will not contain. If you're at all interested in the future of Windows, you have to read the story, and look at the screen shots. The final march to launch has begun.

Worms and Flaws Rock Apple's Secure Image - First it was a pair of worms called Leap and Ingtana that targeted the relatively safe Mac OS X operating system. Then a serious flaw was discovered in Apple's Safari Web browser. And now, suddenly, the Macintosh platform isn't looking so secure. Should you be worried if you use a Mac? Should you wipe that smug grin off your face when you compare notes with Windows users? Read analysis of what's going on, and our view of whether this is the beginning of a trend or just sour grapes from the Wintel community.

End of Support For Windows98 and WindowsME - Effective June 30, 2006, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me will transition to a non-supported status. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide any incident support options or security updates. Existing support documents, however, will continue to be available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web site. Time to think about upgrading your computer and moving to Windows XP-SP2. More...

Dvorak Speculates on Apple adopting Windows - At first he was skeptical. Why would Apple ever drop OS X and adopt Windows instead? But after thinking it through, John C. Dvorak decided that this is exactly what will happen. Why would Apple try Windows? He pulls up evidence from all over, from the missing FireWire port on iPods to the failure of Apple's "switch" campaign. Is it possible? Or is John smoking something (or both)? Check out his column and decide for yourself.

Go Back and Forth Through Multiple Web Pages - You probably know that you can use the back and forward buttons in Microsoft Internet Explorer to go backward or forward exactly one page. But did you know that you can also jump several pages at once? Just click the down arrow beside the buttons to view recently visited pages. Then click any page title to jump to it immediately.

Featured tip is courtesy of the book Windows XP Killer Tips by Kleber Stephenson.

Don't Expect to Build Your Own Vista Media Centre PC - I love building my own computers. It gives me complete control over everything inside, and it's great working on a one-of-a-kind system. But that pleasure may be going away, as we move to high-definition DVD burners and Vista. That's because the hardware-based encryption technology probably won't be certified for the DIY-er. What a shame. Read our detailed story about the problems, and then complain to your favorite source. Otherwise the home-built computer could become a thing of the past.

Microsoft Plans Six Versions of Vista - Speaking of Vista, Microsoft has firmed up plans for the release. When the much-delayed operating system finally comes out, probably later this year, there will be six different versions. At the low end is Windows Starter 2007, with Vista Enterprise at the top. What's inside "Starter"? What's in between? Our story explores what we know now, including which versions will get Media Player functionality and which ones won't.

Microsoft to Unleash Host of Office 2007 Suites - Microsoft is announcing 34 Office suites, programs, servers and services to meet the changing needs of its customers. Take a look.

Tips & Tricks: Make Room by Compressing Folders and Directories - If you have folders or directories that contain many large files, compress them. Not only does this save a ton of space, but you can also work with compressed folders the same way as any other folder.
1. Right-click your folder and click Properties.
2. Click the General tab, and then click the Advanced button.
3. Select Compress Contents to Save Disk Space, and then click OK.

Featured tip is courtesy of the book Windows XP Killer Tips by Kleber Stephenson.

Maximize Digital Photo Print Quality With a Simple Formula - You've probably spent a lot of time capturing, organizing, and backing up your photos. When printing them out, following a few simple guidelines can help ensure that you get good quality prints. Learn more...

Learn how to spot "drive-by downloads" - Software has been downloaded onto your computer without your knowledge or intervention, get tips on how to avoid them.

Add pizzazz to your Word Text documents with AutoShapes - Rectangular text boxes may be fine, but sometimes your Word document needs a little something extra. Find out about the variety of non-rhomboidal AutoShapes available for your text, which include clouds, banners and more. Learn more...

Adjust Mouse Wheel Scroll Speed - If you own a wheel mouse, then you can control how many lines your mouse scrolls when you turn the wheel.

1. Click the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
2. Click the Printer and Other Hardware icon, then the Mouse icon. (Note: This is in Category view, not Classic view.)
3. Click the Wheel tab in the dialog box, change the number of lines your mouse scrolls with each turn of the wheel, and then click OK.

Featured tip is courtesy of the book Windows XP Killer Tips by Kleber Stephenson.

Neck or Sholder Pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips - If working at your PC is becoming a pain in the neck, it might be time to rearrange your work area and change some computing habits. Start the new year off right by following these simple suggestions for healthy computing.

This months special: Buy 6 hours of training for the price of 5. To take advantage of this deal, you must register by March 24th. Regular price $120, sale price $100. This special applies to all residents of the greater golden horseshoe of Ontario.