Upgrade to Windows 7 Now

We recommend that you begin planning to update your outdated and legacy Windows XP/Vista computers, regardless if those computers are still working.

Microsoft announced that 2014 will be the official end-of-life for Windows XP. Windows XP is the most commonly used PC operating system in the world today, and we certainly still have many clients operating on this platform.  Windows XP was first released in 2001 which means this platform is 12 years old – and that is a very long time in the world of technology.

Security Risk

In the first half of 2012, Windows XP SP3 computers were infected at a rate almost three times higher than Windows 7 computers.  Much has changed since its release in 2001 and XP is simply too antiquated to combat modern-day hackers and virus writers.

via Malware Infection Rates by Microsoft Security Blog

 

Technical Support

In April 2009, Microsoft moved Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) from “Mainstream Support” to “Extended Support”.  This means that Microsoft will continue to provide regular security updates, but technical support, warranty claims and design changes are no longer being offered.

Upgrade to Window 7

Many older PCs are simply not powerful enough to run Windows 7, and even if they are, the investment to upgrade may exceed the value of the computer.  Certainly, for computers that are at least four years old, it is more cost-effective to replace them with new computers that have Windows 7 pre-installed.

Start Planning Now

This is not something that needs to happen overnight, but if you start planning now then you could potentially phase this migration over a number of months spreading the cost of your technology spend.

If you would like to start planning for your Windows 7 migration, please give tech3Support a call today!

Note* – Windows 8 is not a recommended upgrade at this time.

Monitor Setup for All Graphics Cards

Monitors have become mini TV’s and connecting to them has changed. I thought this would be helpful to show you what you need to setup your monitor(s).

Let’s get started.

Monitor Setup for all Graphics Cards

The following guide will help you determine the video adapter(s) needed to properly support your monitor setup. Please note that other optional adapters may be required for multiple monitors setup.

Step 1 — Check your Monitor(s):

The first step in determining if you require an additional video adapter(s) is to check your monitors for the type of connections: DisplayPort, DVI or VGA.

Step 2 — Check your graphics card(s): 

The second step is to determine the type of connectors of your graphics card (back of your computer). These are the standard outputs available.

Step 3 — Determine what video adapter(s) you need:

Using the below table, line up your monitor input with your graphics card output. This will help you decide on the type of video adapter or cable you will require to connect your monitor. Additional adapters can be selected in the adapter section during system customization.

Step 4 — How to Connect:

Connect your monitor(s) to your graphics card using the appropriate cables and adapters.

Tech Resolutions and More

We don’t want malware, trojans, scareware, crapware or spamware. We just want safer, more reliable and secure computing for 2013, right?!

So, what are we going to do differently?  Time to get a game plan and make your tech resolutions today.

Tech Resolutions

1. Check your backup procedure: Backup solutions are not a “set it and forget it” process. You definitely need to verify the process is still working and that the destinations drive is functioning. And if you don’t have a backup procedure in place, do it now, please. (SyncBack FREE V6, can be used to automate backups to an external drive and Mozy is great for online backups)

2. Maintenance your computers: Just like your car needs an oil change and new tires, your computer needs maintenance too. Hire an IT Pro to come in every 3-6 months and clean out temp files, patch it, updated it, stop unwanted startup programs, check the antivirus and backup process. We all depend way too much on our computers to not be proactive and make sure they are in working order.

3. Check your anti-virus software program: Make sure it is up to date, that it is scanning weekly. Microsoft Security Essentials is my recommended product. It is available to small businesses on up to 10 PCs for FREE!

4. Change passwords: When was the last time you changed your bank logon ID? Yea…that’s what I thought. Let’s get that changed today. And for Pete’s sake, let’s use a better password.

5. Replace those power strips with “one” Power Surge protector. Power strips are great for plugging in lamps, speakers, pencil sharpeners, but not your modems, routers, backup drives, computers, etc. (APC  or Belkin Pivot Plug)

6. Clean it: Clear off old icons, files, folders and crap from your computer desktop. Put those files and folders in your Documents folder where they belong. I regard my computer desktop as an “inbox”, not a junk drawer.

Dual Monitors (Windows 7 Bullet Asylum theme)

Also, wipe down your mouse and keyboard. Bust out the dust inside your computer with a can of air. (Or have the IT Pro do it)

7. Organize and keep your computer software all in one place and easily accessible.

8. Inventory your computer hardware for insurance purposes.

9. Establish one location, one notebook, one folder, whatever it may be, for all your User ID’s, login passwords, email passwords, router settings and anything to do with computing.

10. Now go have a Happy New Year!

These simple steps will definitely provide you a better tech year. Best of luck with your other resolutions too.

HP Expert Day

HP “Experts” will be on some of their most popular small/medium business printer, mobile, and desktop/workstation boards ready to answer your questions on Wednesday, January 9th from 10:00 am to Thursday, January 10th 10:00 am EST (Wednesday, January 9th from 3:00 pm to Thursday, January 10th 3:00 pm UTC).

Go to the Forum(s) (see links below) and post your questions. More than 50 HP “Experts” will be on the Forums and will do their best to answer your questions. They may need to get some more information from you so please check the box “email me when someone replies.” (You do need to register to post or reply in HP’s forums)

The following links will have “experts” on-hand during this event:

Printing and Digital Imaging

Desktops and Workstations

Mobile Products

Oh and this is FREE!

Expert Day – January 9th/10th

Time to Buy My New Phone | HTC DNA or Samsung Galaxy S3?

Went out yesterday to touch and feel the phones available from Verizon.

Bauer mentioned the Samsung Galaxy S3 as a look-see, and I wanted to check out the HTC DNA.

Here’s a comprehensive video that Phone Reviews put together:

Note** the HTC DNA is HUMONGOUS people! Put two of them together and some wheels on it and you got a skateboard! Sure it has impressive hardware, but you’d need a separate messenger bag to drag it around. It’s redonkulis and sadly, and with some hesitation, I can’t use it.

The Samsung Galaxy S3, on the other hand, albeit it pretty slick, it’s got an outdated operating system, dual core processor and frankly, I don’t do Samsung.

Since an iPhone isn’t an option and the Windows Phone lacks (apps, period) and some critical apps that I need and use, we’ll just have to wait and see what next year brings. I’ve done this drill before…

DELL Recommends Windows 7

Have 15 desktops to purchase and went online to peruse my options:

DELL Recommends Windows 7

I’m just sayin’…

Has Microsoft Floated to the Surface?

I am just not sure I get it. Excuse me for a moment while I clear my thoughts.

Microsoft is jumping into the tablet market in ten days and I just can’t help but think, “will it float to the surface?”

Here is 3 simple reasons why:

1. They are building the device themselves. Sure, they have a hit with the Xbox console, which has been out on the market forever, but who do you know that has a Windows Phone… or a Zune?

2. It’s NOT an iPad so why are you pricing it the same as an iPad - Starting at $499 for the 32GB version without Touch Cover and a 32GB version with the Touch Cover for $599. Microsoft is also offering 64GB model for $699 with a Touch Cover included. (cost an additional $119 for a Touch “keyboard” cover, which you want, don’t you think? The matching cover…keyboard) (via the Verge)

3. Windows 8 and no apps. As of the beginning of October, there is no Facebook app; no Twitter app; no YouTube app; no CNN app; no IMDB app; no Dropbox app;  no Hulu app; no ESPN app; no MLB at Bat app. There are no YouTube, Google Maps, or Gmail apps. Can you say oopsie?!

Not really sure why I would volunteer to be that test monkey for their new tablet. I mean, it’s a tablet for Pete’s sake! We are going to read with it, check our emails and surf around the net. Can you price your product as though it is an iPad when this is your sloppy specifications? (From Microsoft’s website, here’s the download spec sheet link) Seriously?! Really?!

Now, let’s just take a quick look at Apple’s iPad tech specs… Go on, click the link. (be sure to click on their Technical Specifications and/or Open link when you get on the Apple web page) We’ll wait whilst you peruse the Size, Weight, Storage, Display, Chip, Camera, Battery, Input/Output, Audio, Video, Built-in Apps, etc…

It’s OK, we’ve got a few minutes here while you finish up.

I am a PC not a MAC, but it is lame not to have full specs on your product. Or apps that actually make your device useful.

Let me quote ThinkGeek:

Since I have a Microsoft store down the street, I think it is only fair for me to go in there on October 26th and get some pics and report back. Stay tuned!

Can the Windows Store possibly be ready by Oct. 26? via PCWorld

UPDATE as of October 16th at 9:00am: Microsoft has posted the TECHNICAL SPECS! (And you can Pre-Order Now)

HP’s Smartphone

In her interview with FOX Business News last week, HP CEO Meg Whitman said HP needs to “take advantage” of the smartphone form factor since HP is a computing company, and in many countries, smartphones are people’s primary computing device. She did not give any details as to when an HP device would hit the market, but said her mantra for the company is “better right than faster,” focusing on fine-tuning a complete product rather than rushing into the crowded space.

Seriously Meg? Really?! Try on, “always wrong and too late.”

Don’t you remember you sold off your WebOS division a year ago, “in an effort to recoup some of the money the company spent purchasing Palm.”

Put more focus on the quality of all your products, and give your website a useful makeover that makes finding technical support and parts easier. As if any of that matters to you or the stockholders.

HP will cut 29,000 jobs…. ”simplify business processes, accelerate innovation and deliver better results for customers, employees and stockholders.” HP decline.

via TechNewsWorld

Wikipedia WebOS

UPDATE OCTOBER 3, 2012:

Meg Whitman, Hewlett-Packard’s chief executive, beat up her company on Wednesday.

Ms. Whitman told a meeting of Wall Street analysts that they should expect sharply lower revenue and profits. She also told them not to expect the company to fully right itself before 2016. “We have much more work to do,” she said. Read on…

Gigabit Wi-Fi: 802.11ac

It’s been about 5 years since 802.11n wireless routers and devices hit the market. I remember the first N draft routers. The performance was wonky. Unstable speeds and lost connections.

Even though 802.11ac specification won’t be finalized until sometime in 2013, Netgear will be selling an 802.11ac Wi-Fi router, the R6300, which will debut in May. Netgear boasts that it will be 3 times faster than 802.11n, backwards compatible and allow HD streaming goodness throughout your home.

802.11ac will run on the 5Ghz channel and uses wider channels to move more data. And there’s some question as to whether residential users will get very much at all out of .11ac, as home Internet connections (to say nothing of residential-class Ethernet switches and router ports) top out well below the 1.3Gbps that a three-stream, 40-MHz. .11ac product can nominally reach.

Realtek Network Controller Deep Sleep Mode: SOLVED

The Realtek Network Controller was not found. If Deep Sleep Mode is enabled Please Plug the Cable.

This just happened yesterday and we tried all the posted remedies. Pulling out the RAM chips for up to 10 minutes, unplugged the power supply to the motherboard, fiddled in the BIOS settings to disable/enable the on-board LAN, patted our heads and rubbing our belly. Nothing worked, same stupid error. (Sure, pulling out the RAM chips and such might work for some of you, but didn’t work for us)

Short of having to re-image the drive, we decided to strip out all the cards off the motherboard. Pulled off the USB card, video card, sound card, PCI Express card and the RAM chips. Cleared off the motherboard! (we left the power supply cables attached)

Put back in the RAM chips ONLY and booted it back up. Ok, the realtek network controller is now loading correctly. So we started adding back the cards to identify the culprit. (Which turned out to be The PCI-Express to PCI Adapter Card)

We were unable to reassign the IRQ for that device so we just left it out and VOILA! SOLVED.

Once you get it up and running again be sure to do the following:

Open Device Manager:
1. Go to Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Choose System and Security
4. Click Device Manager (under System)
Open Network Controller properties:
1. Double-click Network adapters to expand it
2. Double-click the Realtek Network Controller
Turn off Deep Sleep mode:
1. Choose the Power Management tab
2. Untick “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”