PCWizKid's Tech Talk PCWizKid's Tech Talk PCWizKid's Tech Talk - Windows Vista, XP, Linux, Mac Tips and Tricks and Tutorials Articles
Don't Give Up on Vista - Latest GetaMac Ad's
2007-11-21 21:25:00 This is the latest Getamac Ad, new web-only advertisement from Apple that has appeared on a number of sites, including News.com, pcwizkid.blogspot.com , and PCMag.com. The Apple advertisement features "Mac" and "PC" as played by Justin Long and John Hodgman.Absolutely Hilarious! And I use Windows XP , Vista and have a Mac PowerBook G4, so I know... More About: Give , Give up
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Candidate Released
2007-11-20 02:28:00 Microsoft has begun rolling out to testers a near-final Release Candidate build of Windows XP Service Pack 3. Testers said they began pulling down the bits from Microsoft’s private download site on November 18.A Microsoft spokesman said recently "Late last week, Windows XP SP3 was made available to about 15,000 beta testers. A broader beta will be available at a later date. We are targeting 1H 2008 for the release of XP SP3 RTM, though our timing will always be based on customer feedback as a first priority.”The combined SP3 package is about 340MBytes in size and can currently only be downloaded from Microsoft's connect website by registered beta testers. It updates all the 32-Bit versions of XP from Home to Professional. Apart from the English language version there is also a German and a Japanese version. In addition, the website offers a script which adds a string to the Registry and allows any version of XP to receive the respective RC1 update suitable for this XP via Wind... More About: Released , Windows Xp
Ubuntu 7.10 - Gutsy Gibbon - Pros and Cons
2007-11-19 06:31:00 Are you ready to make that leap towards a different Operating system other than Windows? Can afford a Mac? Well if "free" is in your budget look no further. The latest open source release of the OS Ubuntu 7.10 - codename Gutsy Gibbon is out and waiting for you. I must say I am impressed.Like with anything you buy (though Ubuntu is free) you're probably going to weigh the pros and cons first. Here are my observations in no particular order.Pros: Installation is fast and easy, in my case I upgraded from Ubuntu Feisty 7.04.Desktop looks beautiful and Compiz-Fusion makes it out of this world. Improved interface for setting up 3D effects selection - the Compiz Fusion is now enabled by default.Layout is clean, uncluttered and all applications are easily accessible.System speed and responsiveness, both boot-up and actual work with the OS is faster than in the previous release. Startup and shutdown screens won’t blink any more, so no more watching of a boring black screen even for ... More About: Cons
Top 10 Security Treats for Windows Vista
2007-11-17 05:14:00 McAfee , owner of the popular Anti-Virus Tool has released its top 10 security issues for 2008, which include recurring online threats and a rise in communications-related threats relating to VoIP and instant messaging platforms. It is to no surprise that all this really revolves around windows vulnerabilities, specially Vista .Here is the TOP 10 list:1. Windows VistaWindows Vista is set to gain additional market share next year, crossing the 10 percent mark, including the release of Service Pack 1 set for 2008, which is likely to bump up adoption figures. "As Vista becomes more prevalent, attackers and malware authors will start in earnest to explore ways to circumvent the operating system's defenses...we can expect a lot more Vista vulnerabilities to be reported in 2008," predicted McAfee. 2. Botnets on the rise With the fuss over the havoc that was created by the Storm worm this year, McAfee sees the proliferation of botnets continuing on into next year. "Storm created the lar... More About: Security , Treats
Windows 7 - Proposed Feature List Leaked
2007-11-13 22:07:00 Microsoft about a year ago started collecting a wish list form asking people what features they would like to see in the next version of Windows , currently code-named Windows 7 . The top features in this list were recently leaked to the public.The features are listed in no particular order, but they break down into various categories depending on what part of Windows the feature request falls under. Many requests for improvements in Internet Explorer, such as a session restore function, are fairly obvious wishes for features that already exist in competitive products such as Firefox and Opera. Other suggestions, such as a tabbed Windows Explorer, look for features from web browsers to migrate into the general user interface. Also a built-in video and audio codec manager which is much needed in windows vista media player 11.For the Complete list see the following here . The feedback program that collected this list is Microsoft’s means of getting user suggestions for the Windows de... More About: Feature , List , Leaked
Vista Service Pack Hotfix For New Hardware Installs
2007-11-13 20:28:00 Microsoft released a new hotfix to the public which deals with issues users have encountered whe installing new hardware, specially when installing USB devices. This hotfix is one of many that will be part of the official Vista Service Pack 1 release early next year.The symptom is when you are trying to install the new hardware you would a message similar to this one:Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device"or"Windows found driver software for your device but encountered an error while attempting to install it."The cause of these errors is claimed to due to a Infcache.1 file that is in the %Windir%System32 folder missing, deleted or corrupted. If the Infcache.1 file is deleted or corrupted, Windows Vista does not re-create the Infcache.1 file.This hotfix replaces hotfix 937187. To get the new fix contact microsoft support or try doing the Live Update for vista. More About: Hardware , Service Pack
Windows Vista Tweak - Bootup Faster
2007-11-11 22:51:00 Is your windows Vista getting slower and slower now that you have been using it for almost a year and have installed many programs and used up more space since you first installed the OS? If so here are a few tips to tweak your PC to get that boot up performance back making it quicker. First thing you should do is always get rid of your temporary files and any unsed programs. Once you have done that then run the defrag tool to reorganize your hardrive. Defragmenting your files puts them back into one contiguous space on your drive optimizing your boot time. To get Vista's defrag tool to give you some information about your hard disk, and to control which hard disk or partition it defragments, you will need to use the command line defragmentation utility. It will still not give you any feedback while defragmenting, just as the GUI version of the defragmenter will not, but at least you can get information on the fragmentation level of your hard disk, control whether to defragment ... More About: Windows , Windows Vista , Tweak , Bootup
Windows XP SP3 rumors to have Vista Features
2007-10-17 03:17:00 The soon to be released in 2008 Windows XP SP3 is rumored to have Vista Features . According to NeoSmart Technologies, Windows XP SP3 build 3205, which was released to beta testers on last week, includes four new features among the many hot fixes and patches that have been issued since XP SP2.Features allegedly said include:- Network Access Protection (NAP), an enterprise policy enforcement technology that inspects client PCs before they access a corporate network, then updates the machines if necessary or blocks them if they don't meet specified security criteria.- Kernel module updates containing several encryption algorithms that can be accessed by third-party developers for the in kernel-mode drivers and services.- A new Windows activation model that doesn't require users to enter a product key.- New “Black Hole Router” detection - Windows XP SP3 can detect and protect against rogue routers that are discarding data. More About: Rumors , Windows Xp
TOP 10 Vista Free Downloads to Tweak & Improve Your System
2007-10-14 15:08:00 Improve your experience in Windows Vista with PCWizKid's TOP 10 free recommended downloads.1. MZ Vista Force is a system tweaker. Use it to accelerate performance, juice your browsing speed, clean up your hard disk, clear out bandwidth-wasting startup programs, and even fine-tune Windows Media Player and Explorer. Many of the settings here are exceedingly fine-grained. Want to change the speed at which the Start menu search displays? With Mz Vista Force, you can. Download Mz Vista Force.2. Vista Boot Logo Generator allows you to change it easily your boot screen with one that you created yourself or with a graphic that you find online. You'll have to create or find the image in two sizes: 1024 by 768 pixels, and 800 by 600 pixels. Both must be in .bmp format, at 24-bit color depth. Once you have them this utility replaces your boot screen with them. Download Vista Boot Logo Generator.3. EasyBCD is a bootloader modification tool for Windows Vista with many advanced options for be... More About: Downloads , System , Free , Improve
Microsoft Releases new fixes for VISTA users
2007-10-14 14:44:00 Hear the news yet? Microsoft has released another set of fixes this last 2 weeks for Windows Vista users. Since the Beta Service pack 1 release, it seems Microsoft has learnt a few things about patches on Vista and is slowly releasing fixes to ensure the final Service pack doesnt cause too much commotion.These series of fixes are mostly relating to improving speed and reliability performance and Vista x64 issues with Windows Vista.You can get the fixes from Microsoft website hereSecurity Update for Windows Mail for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB941202) A security issue has been identified in Windows Mail that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it. 10/8/2007 Security Update for Windows Mail for Windows Vista (KB941202) 10/8/2007 Security Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB... More About: Users
HALO 3 IS HERE
2007-09-25 04:47:00 In case you missed the Microsoft marketing machine beating on your skull, Halo 3 is set to release tonight at midnight. And like all major events, your friendly television stations are stepping in to freeload off the fervor…I mean they’re coming in to help spread the love.There are well over 10,000 Halo 3 parties happening around the country today, none of which you can attend. Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this. Tonight at 9pm EST Spike TV is broadcasting Game Head live from the marquee launch even at the Best Buy in New York City. “Halo 3: Launched!” will follow the festivities going on this evening as celebrities and fans gather to celebrate the biggest event in entertainment this year. Watching from home will probably be better than standing in line with smelly gamers. At least you’ll get behind the scenes access to the party, even if you can’t win any of the nifty prizes Microsoft is throwing at fans.Not to be outdone, the Sci Fi Channel has their own Halo 3 p...
Windows Vista Kernel Hacked? - Get the fix now
2007-08-20 19:57:00 Microsoft Security Advisory: Update to improve Kernel Patch ProtectionMicrosoft has released a security advisory to announce that an update is available for the Kernel Patch Protection feature that is included with x64-based Windows operating systems. The fix has been made available for those with x64 bit OS here.Microsoft says "the update does increase the reliability, performance, and resiliency provided by Kernel Patch Protection." The question is, why and what is really the problem for this high priority update? Allegedly there could be a vulnerability in the x64 kernel which is why this patch update may be so important. For example PatchGuard keeps 64-bit Vista safer from unsigned code so that when you install a driver from a 3rd party any malicious code does not affect the Kernel. More About: Windows Vista , Hacked
Vista performance boost with latest updates
2007-08-09 22:38:00 If you cant wait for the official Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista , there are some recent alternatives. Just 2 days ago Microsoft released a reliability and performance update. Download each update individually directly from Microsoft right now. These updates are not available in the automated windows update, so get these while their hot!If you want the Reliability update get here:Windows Vista 32 bit versionWindows Vista 64 Bit version If you want the Perform ance update get here:Windows Vista 32 bit versionWindows Vista 64 bit version More About: Updates , Boost
Pimping your desktop the old fashion way - Wallpaper
2007-08-07 04:02:00 Its time for a new look? or perhaps you just installed or received a new operating system and are stuck with ugly default wallpapers? No sweat, I have a few of my favorite locations on the net where you can quickly get hassle free ( no adds or popups) top notch desktop/laptop wallpaper in all sizes.The first place is WallPaperStock.net , a terrific place to get all kids of desktop wallpaper for anyone, in both regular and widescreen sizes. Another site is Wallpaper 9.com which has also a great little selection I havent found on other sites such as the Storm Trooper you see here.If you are open to Artistic talent and fan art, check out the Digitalart.org where you can find an interesting selection of artwork ranging from movies, sci-fi and fantasy.If your not the type to install Windows Blinds or other 3rd party eye candy software which may slow down your PC performance, then just changing your wallpaper is a great place to start, followed by customizing your desktop icons to match ... More About: Fashion , Desktop , Fash
Microsoft’s Next Era of Electronics - 2008
2007-07-27 21:20:00 Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer’s reveals in his presentation at Microsoft Show and Tell (Financial Analyst Meeting the direction they are taking towards consumer electronics. With Apple's new direction on focusing also on Consumer Electronics , you can see why Microsft wants to improve the user experience making more exciting and adaptable products that work with other technologies. The interaction between your latest gadget and what is mainstream and commonly used is what consumers are looking for, but how is Microsoft going to do it?One way Microsoft plans to gain market share over competitors such as Apple would be by becoming a Advertising Powerhouse and concentrating on becoming a devices company with various business models according to each type of competency (windows Mobile , Zune, Xbox and so on) while making partnerships with hardware manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung to provide the hardware.The roadmap Microsoft has planned (taken from t... More About: 2008
Windows updates - XP ends soon, Vista late with SP1
2007-07-26 17:12:00 As with each version of Microsoft's OS's there is a end of life, specifically when it comes to "officially" supporting it with updates. I remember when Windows NT reached the end not too long ago. Next its Windows XP. Yes dont turn a blind eye, before you know it there will be no more Windows XP support, maintenance software and updates will dwindle eventually. So whats next Vista ? Well with the anxiously anticipated release of Vista's Service pack 1, many have opted to stick with XP for now, but how much longer can you hang in there?With windows XP going off the market early 2008, this means that probably in 2009 Microsoft will stop releasing non-security software updates, which means you would want a supported OS , next in line is Vista. However with rumors of Vista's Service Pack now being released in later this year early 2008 and now some saying 2009!! This must be making windows users a little worried perhaps?If Microsoft continues to face delay after delay then some ... More About: Updates , Late , Ends
Tweaking Windows Vista - Get more performance fast
2007-07-20 15:52:00 Here are a few obvious and not so obvious tweaks you should be doing to your Windows Vista if you are finding performance to be a problem. If you dont want to install 3rd party tweaking utilities, maintenance software or you just want to do things manually yourself then follow these suggested tweaks.Explorer Performance Tweaks1. Click Start, right click on Computer, and click Properties.2. Click Advanced System Settings.3. Click on the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click Settings.Uncheck these options:Fade or slide menus into viewFade or slide tooltips into viewFade out menu items after clickingShow shadows under menusSlide open combo boxesSlide taskbar buttonsUse a background image for each folder typeClose the Performance Options & System Properties dialogs.Disable DEP / NoExecute ProtectionDEP, otherwise known as NoExecute, is a piece of technology in Windows that prevents processes from being altered in live memory. This lowers the frequency of certain attacks, but it can al... More About: Windows Vista , Fast
Virtual PC 2007 - Free download by Microsoft
2007-07-10 15:33:00 Microsoft has released for its windows users Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, a free download. Before you run off to get it lets review the desktop virtualization capabilities of this tool, you decide if its for you. First off ask yourself these questions and see if you agree with any or all.[Read my review on the tool] More About: Microsoft , Download , Free
Windows Vista - Powertoys
2007-06-25 19:52:00 Windows Vista - PowertoysMany windows users are used to the Tweakui goodies of PowerToys and utilities as such. It seems Windows Vista has been left out? Users are wondering where is the free tweaking utility for Vista? You might have gone to a 3rd party tweaking tool already, if you havent and are still waiting for Microsoft to release its official PowerToys for Vista, you can get some relief now.On Microsoft Technet there has been a new "unofficial" release of a PowerToy for Windows Vista - Called Elevate Command PowerToy. Essentially it allows you to run as administrator programs and command prompts. This gives you the proper privileges in case you are getting UAC issues when running simple commands or accessing certain system files in Windows Vista. Click here to download the PowerToy directly. More About: Windows , Windows Vista
TIP #17 Windows Vista - Customize your view
2007-06-15 20:38:00 TIP #17 Windows Vista - Customize your viewThe Windows Vista Explorer view can be customized further to your needs. Change how files and folders are displayed and the display the details you want about them.[Watch my video tutorial for details] More About: View
Vista Compatibility tool
2007-06-13 18:19:00 Vista Compatibility toolMicrosoft has launched the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool.You can download the version 2.0 Beta version now. The assessment tool allows you to see how much effort it will take to migrate from your Windows XP hardware to Vista by testing the hardware and device-driver capability of PCs against the OS. Microsoft claims that "Through use of the detailed inventory data, the tool will assess and report whether the computers can run Windows Vista, where to find drivers for devices on the computers, and provide recommendations for hardware upgrades, where appropriate."One major issue with compatibility is not only drivers and software, but the video card hardware demand Vista requires if you want use the eye candy effects and the Aero lookTo download the tool you will need a Windows Live or Passport log-on and register for using the tool.If you are curious to see what are the features in each version of Windows Vista, I have listed them here for you. [ Fea... More About: Vista , Tool
TIP #15 Windows Vista - Manage Your Media Easily
2007-05-28 04:12:00 TIP #15 Windows Vista - Manage Your Media EasilyIf you have media on your PC such as videos, music , photos and download the occasional movie or TV show, Windows Media Center may be your one stop show to managing it all in one place.PART 1 -ReviewMy first impression is, this is no iTunes, this is not meant to be a Adobe Photoshop and it is definitely not a DivX player. So what is this then you ask? Well let me start with some observations I had when I first looked at it. I introduce the basics of Windows Media Center [Watch my video] Attractive interface makes it easy to navigate to each area Single spot to perform tasks such as DVD burn, create a slide show, edit a photo. Ability to access online media (videos) such as TV, Movies and latest News Widescreen support (for those who can afford a wide screen monitor)There is a little of everything for everyone, however those without Vista Premium or Ultimate editions are out of luck since windows media center does not come bundled... More About: Windows Vista
Codec issues with Windows Media player 11
2007-05-28 03:20:00 Are you using Windows Media player 11?Whether you have or not yet, there are some positive upgrades such as the sleek new look, revamped playback controls, sync with your mp3 player and more intuitive media management for your large collections of video, audio and even album art.However, like with anything, take the good with bad, and for Windows Media 11 there is no exception. After trying it myself, the first thing I went to test was video codec support. I found it to be lacking. This has been a big issue in previous versions of Windows Media players. Audio files are no problem, images, not an issue, its the video type support that falls short. Again, unless you are playing a standard AVI or WMV file for example ,there are issues with other codecs such as Xvid, DivX, Mov and so on. So whats the solution if you want to keep using windows Media player 11 you ask? A Vista Codec Pack v4.4.1 has just been released containing all the codecs you would possibly need to play your... More About: Media Player , Player , Issues |
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