PC Memoirs

It is time to start reviewing the new operating system from Microsoft, as I’m sure many PC users are eager to find out what Windows 7 has to offer. For everyone that wasn’t able to download the new beta version or test the new system yet, I have put together a summary of major changes compared to Windows Vista.

Speed: Windows 7 seems to be faster and it uses less resources than Windows Vista. It also includes fewer bundled programs (such as Windows Messenger), which makes it load and run faster.

Design: The new interface is designed to reduce clicks and make content more accessible (some people suggested this system would see the end of the computer mouse). The resource-hogging sidebar has been removed and there are simplified shutdown controls with textual menus. It also includes an Action Center for pulling security and maintenance features into a single menu for simpler management. Another major change is the inclusion of the ‘ribbon’ with shortcuts to favorite programs at the base of the screen.

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Windows 7 beta is out, so it’s time to test it and see what the fuss is all about. Is it going to be better than Windows Vista and better than Windows XP? Will it live up to expectations? Or will it be another failure like Windows ME and Vista (just my opinion)? I will put together a list of new features in my next post, but you cannot know for sure what it’s like until you test it yourself. You can download the Windows 7 beta version and try the new system (see my last post).

To all the PC users who doubt Windows 7’s capabilities, here are two facts that might convince you to upgrade to the new operating system when it’s released later this year:

• Windows XP is a great system; I love it and I still use it. However, it’s over 7 years old and let’s face it: It looks kind of old too, especially when you compare it to Windows Vista. It’s only a matter of time before Windows XP becomes obsolete, like Windows 98 (although I realise there still Win98 users out there). The sales have stopped and Microsoft support will be available only for 5 more years.

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Sometimes you have to repair the Windows XP installation because system files required to run the operating system have been either deleted or corrupted, or a virus has contaminated your hard drive. Another reason why you might have to do this is when you replace a component in your PC, such as the motherboard. When you install a new motherboard with a different chipset, Windows XP detects that there is a new hardware component for which it doesn’t have the correct drivers. Because the motherboard is a critical component, on which other parts in the PC depend, a simple driver installation won’t work. In fact, Windows XP won’t even start. The only solution is to repair the operating system.

If you don’t want to lose any of the files and settings on your computer, you can reinstall Windows XP without formatting the hard drive. This is called repair-installation. Windows XP installation CD is the only tool you need.

To repair Windows XP, please follow the following steps: Read the rest »

If you notice a bright dot on your LCD screen in an area which is normally completely dark or colored, then you probably have a stuck pixel. On the other hand, if you see a black dot when the picture is supposed to be all white or bright, then you are seeing a dead pixel. Unfortunately, dead pixels cannot be repaired and you have to either replace the screen or learn to live with it. Luckily, stuck pixels are more common and there are ways to repair them.

You can try to repair the stuck pixel by using pixel fixing software. I tested two programs when I was repairing a screen on a brand new laptop: JScreenFix and UDPixel. In theory, pixel fixing software can reenergize pixels by rapidly turning them on and off. JScreenFix works through a small window that turns pixels on and off about 60 times in a second. These rapid changes can reactivate the pixel permanently.

I installed JScreenFix and positioned the window above the affected area, where it’s supposed to work its magic for 20 minutes. However, even after several attempts it didn’t repair the pixel. UDPixel works by changing the pixels surrounding the stuck one and it usually runs for a few hours. Again, UDPixel didn’t solve my problem. Before you try this next method, I suggest you try the software first, as you might have more luck.

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Did you know that your IP address is being tracked and recorded when you surf the Internet? Every Web site you visit can see your IP address and record your every move. Someone can even find your exact location (your ISP protects your private details). This is also how  spyware and cookies are sent to your computer. And it’s even worse if your ISP provides a static IP address, which never changes. If you want to hide your IP address so you can surf the Internet anonymously, there is an easy way to achieve this.

First, to view your current IP address go to whatismyIP.com and write down the 4 numbers separated by dots. If you want to change this IP address, you can download a program that lets you change or mask the address or simply configure your Web browser to use a public proxy server. This is a free service that allows your PC to connect and hide your real IP address (and location) before you start viewing any Web pages. It acts as a buffer between your PC and the Internet resources you access. This prevents unauthorised access to your computer and sites spying upon you, collecting information about you and your surfing preferences, installing cookies and bombard you with spam and junk mail.

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