1) I will backup up my important data
2) I will use a virus scanner
3) I won't be the 1st on my block to try new software
4) I will use a UPS on my computer
5) I will be extra careful opening email and visiting web sites
6) I will remember and repeat often- "If it's not broken, don't fix it"
Happy Y2K !!!
This month I'd thought I'd share with you my views on the Microsoft court case. I share in the court's view that Microsoft has used its' position to unfair advantage when faced with possible competition. I can give you an example. If you use Windows '95 and have a very large hard drive, if you right-click on the drive under "my computer", you will likely see the free space incorrectly reported. What is the fix? Easy ! Just install Internet Explorer 4.01 with the desktop update. I bet this makes Netscape users happy ! Plus, by the way, the desktp update is buggy, so all consumers get the added "bonus". I personally would like to see the operating system divisions and application divisions split apart. This would help level the playing field.
What about Windows 2000?
Windows 2000 is another name for Windows NT 5.0. You will note that Windows 2000 has many "flavors". This is primarily do to problems Microsoft had developing it and getting it out the door. In my humble opinion, the main reason for the new release is to get Windows NT (new technology) into the mainstream. Windows NT has had a history of poor hardware support by PC vendors. If the hardware inside the PC was not in the "Hardware Compatibilty List", there was no guarantee that Windows NT would run properly on your PC. Given the small market share NT had, vendors developed for Win '95 instead. This is why I feel Microsoft is going this route. NT needs a boost. This will force the vendors to better support it. If you need a server on your network, I strongly recommend Novell. Linux is becoming a strong contender and is worth watching.
How about Software Upgrades?
Before doing a software upgrade, ask the questions:
What new features does it
have?
Do I need it to maintain
compatibility?
Is it fully tested and received
good reviews?
Does it affect my existing
software? (New software can update shared files and cause unexpected
trouble)
Does it solve problems that
are frustrating me now?
Our processor fan deal is still on... D & M Electronics, Inc. will sell you a replacement ball bearing (the best one, NOT sleeve bearings) Pentium Processor fan. (for a typical Pentium chip) for only $4.95 if you mention this newsletter. This is a $10.00 savings over Radio Shack's $14.95. This offer is good as long as supplies last and does not include installation. (We have several dozen in stock.)
That's it for this month... if you have a topic your would like me to discuss, just email me! Next time I will talk about email clients and Outlook Express in particular. Here's a "puzzler" for you. In the address spot in your browser, type the number 3631583778 and watch what happens. Next month I'll tell you why.
Until next time... Happy Computing !
Past Newsletters
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