** Issue #12 February 1st, 2007 **
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#1- News, News, News
You can now add your comments to articles that appear in the newsletter. It's a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with other readers, and me. At the end of each article is a comment link. Click the link, enter your info, and type away!
Daves Computer tips is the Official Internet, Computer, Windows, Tips, Tricks, Help, Support, and Online Resource of the Indianapolis Colts! (OK, I made that up and I'm not affiliated with the Colts in any way!)
In This Issue...
#2 - Do you have a buck or two?
#4 - Mark Index Entries - Provide an index for your document.
#5 - My recommended Software - Updated to reflect the Anti Spyware winner! Looking for software? Want the best?
#6 - The Lighter Side - Some humor to lighten your load!
#7 - Useful websites - Websites I've visited lately that you may find useful.
In the next issue...
I want to talk about security, passwords, and the internet. , passwords, and the internet.
Here is where I beg!
I hope you find this newsletter useful. I strive to provide information in a manner that is entertaining and useful for everyone. There is something in each newsletter for everyone. If you enjoy reading the newsletter I would appreciate if you would tell a friend, relative, or coworker. Use any means necessary to spread the word about Daves Computer Tips. A quick suggestion: Someone (please) buy me a TV commercial during the Super Bowl!
As always I appreciate your comments and suggestions about the site and newsletter. If you would like to share please contact me at dave @ davescomputertips.com.
Carol is our resident "Office Goddess". If you have Microsoft Office questions or suggestions for future Office articles shoot her an email at carol @ carolscorneroffice.com.
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#2 - Do you have a buck or two?
Total collected to date is 15% of the cost, so the purchase is on hold for a while longer. Be assured the money is tucked away and will be used for no other purposes, as I promised.
I'm asking those that have an extra dollar or two and appreciate the work I do if they would donate a couple of dollars to support the newsletter. The money will be used to purchase a new computer running Microsoft Vista. The new computer will allow me to begin adding relevant Vista content to the newsletter! If you don't have the extra money I understand. If you don't think this newsletter is worthy, I won't hold that against you. If you don't agree with me groveling for donations I understand. I won't hold anything against anyone. I won't give those that can donate special treatment (other than a heart felt thank you). I won't change the newsletter. The only purpose of this request is the purchase of a new computer to further the efforts of my site and newsletter.
If you enjoy the Daves Computer Tips Newsletter and find it helpful you may donate by clicking the PayPal button below. You may donate any amount you feel comfortable with. Every little bit helps and is appreciated!
#3 - Viva La Vista
By David Hartsock
It's here! Did you hear that? No, not that! That sound. I'm talking about the whoosh of consumers rushing to stores to purchase Windows Vista!
Vista has been a long time coming. Many hail it as the next best thing to sliced bread, while others say it's little more than an XP upgrade. The truth lies somewhere in between. Vista is not an upgrade as Windows Me was to Windows 98, nor is it the result of a super secret NASA research program. It is for the most part, because of the underlying changes, a completely new OS.
The good
Vista is a major leap for Microsoft. Vista is new and improved from the kernel up. The kernel is the "brain" of the operating system. Vista has hundreds of new features. The most notable to you will be the Aero interface. Here is a list of new and updated features:
| Windows Aero | A new GUI adds transparencies and animations |
| Windows Explorer | Redesigned to use bread crumb navigation |
| Search | Faster and more thorough |
| Sidebar | A new desktop panel where the user can add little programs for weather, etc |
| Internet Explorer 7 | On Vista IE7 can run in protected mode Isolating it from the OS |
| Backup and Restore | Finally a reasonable backup application built into the OS |
| Windows Mail | Outlook Express replacement |
| Windows Calendar | A new calendar application |
| Photo Gallery | Finally a way to manage photos |
| DVD Maker | A new application to create DVDs |
| Meeting Space | Replaces NetMeeting |
| Media Center | Is now part of to OS and not marketed as a separate OS |
| Shadow Copy | Saves multiple copies of files |
| Mobility Center | A new control panel applet to quickly access laptop settings |
| Windows Update | This is now a control panel applet - not a web application |
| Parental Controls | Allows control over which websites, programs, and games users can use |
| SideShow | Allows a second display device to show items like time, date, etc. |
| Speech Recognition | Built in speech recognition |
| Reports and Solutions | Actually see a record of problems and solutions |
| Performance Assessment | Adds an easy way to measure and track system performance |
| ReadyBoost | Allows the use of Flash Drives as a super fast page file (virtual memory) |
| ReadyDrive | A new technology that adds Flash memory to Hard Drive to increase performance |
| SuperFetch | Analyzes usage and prefetches programs you use most to increase performance |
| IPv6 | Upgraded internet protocol |
| Improved Wireless | It couldn't get worse, could it? |
| Display Driver Model | The OS and other applications use this to display their content in an entirely new way |
| User Account Control | User accounts default to a limited state and will be automatically prompted for admin rights |
| BitLocker | Entire drive encryptions on the fly |
| Windows Firewall | Upgraded to protect both inbound and outbound network traffic |
Of these new and improved features the following look very promising to me:
Backup and Restore: Finally a better solution which will allow easier file backups included with the OS. The average user (especially one who doesn't read Daves Computer Tips) isn't aware of great programs link Acronis True Image. This will give them an application native to the OS. Hopefully this will result in a lot less data loss.
Speech Recognition: This technology has made great strides in the last 10 years. Inclusion with the OS will but the technology into the hands of millions over the next few years, which (hopefully) will lead to wider use and better integration in other software programs.
Performance Assessment: This your PC has slowed down? Now you can actually see if that's true by taking benchmarks and comparing them to earlier tests.
Windows Flip and Flip 3D: Using Alt+Tab has always allowed switching between programs. In Vista it shows a actual screen shots of the programs. The taskbar will also show a screen shot of a program when you hover over the icon.
ReadyBoost: Physical RAM is the fastest way for Windows to work. When Windows runs out of RAM is starts using virtual memory (the paging file) to store parts of memory that aren't a priority. The paging file is a file on your hard drive and hard drives are extremely slow when compared to RAM. This results in a slower and sluggish PC. ReadyBoost allows the user to insert a compatible flash drive or SD card which Windows will use as the primary paging file, which should help eliminate the sluggishness.
ReadyDrive: Drive manufacturers have started making hybrid drives that contain flash memory. This will allow Windows to read and write to the flash (much faster than the actual hard drive) and have the flash written to the hard drive when there is time. Though these drive aren't common yet they will allow Windows to start and operate faster.
SuperFetch: Windows will monitor which programs you use and will preload them in the background so they start faster.
Kernel Memory Management: The kernel is the brain of the OS, basically controlling everything including memory. The memory management component of the Vista Kernel is a total rewrite with an emphasis on better memory management. This means that what memory we do have will be better utilized.
Installation and Upgrades
Windows Vista is sold on a DVD. If you want Vista you need a DVD drive. The cool part is all versions of the OS are on the DVD. The installer recognizes the key you will be required to type in and knows which version to install.
If you have Vista Home Premium and you decide you need Ultimate it's easy. Microsoft has added a special upgrade pricing structure called Windows Anytime, which is available now through July 30, 2007. Windows Anytime
Vista Home Basic to Home Premium = $79
Vista Home Basic to Ultimate = $199
Vista Home Premium to Ultimate = $159
Vista Business to Ultimate = $139
Another great plan is Vista Family Pricing. If you visit your favorite retailer, such as Newegg, and purchase Vista Ultimate you will be able to buy up to 2 copies of Vista Home Premium for $49 each. That's a savings of roughly $170 per copy.
The Bad
Microsoft's minimum requirements for their OS are usually on the low side and that continues with Vista.
Windows Vista® system requirements |
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Vista Capable |
Vista Premium Ready |
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Processor |
800 MHz |
1 GHz |
Memory |
512 MB RAM |
1 GB RAM |
Graphics Memory |
Not applicable |
128 MB dedicated RAM |
Drive Capacity |
20 GB |
40 GB |
Drive Free Space |
15 GB |
15 GB |
Optical Drive |
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM |
DVD-ROM only |
Anyone who has any experience with Windows XP on an older machine knows that Microsoft's minimum system requirements for that OS where way optimistic! Expect the same from Vista.
In Windows XP most people operate as an administrator, which means they have complete control. The downside of this is that any software running has access to everything the operator can access. This is a major concern because this is the most prevalent way spyware, malware, and the occasional virus infect your PC.
Vista accounts operate on a limited basis. This means to perform specific tasks you may be required to enter a password. This will be a pain, at least until we get used to it or someone finds a way around it, but will hopefully lower your chances of spyware, malware, and the occasional virus from wrecking havoc on your computer.
Vista is available in 4 versions to the consumer, which will add much confusion. In the past we had XP Home and XP Pro. If we were to compare XP to Vista then Vista Home Premium would be comparable to XP Home. Vista Ultimate would be comparable to a combination of XP Media Center and XP Pro.
| Feature | Home Basic |
Home Premium |
Business |
Ultimate |
| 64-bit processor support |  |
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| Games Explorer | |
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| Instant search | |
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| IPv6 support | |
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| Parental Controls | |
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| Speech recognition | |
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| Sync center | |
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| User account control | |
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| anytime upgrade | |
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| backup & restore | |
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| calendar | |
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| defender | |
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| display driver model | |
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| easy transfer | |
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| firewall | |
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| hotstart | |
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| windows mail | |
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| media player 11 | |
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| Mobility center | limited |
limited |
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| Windows photo gallery | |
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| ReadyBoost | |
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| ReadyDrive | |
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| Security center | |
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| SuperFetch | |
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| sidebar | |
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| Windows update | |
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| Welcome center | |
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| XPS document support | |
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| Log-in authentication | |
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| Aero interface | |
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| Windows meeting space | limited |
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| Windows right management | |
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| Windows Tablet PC | |
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| DVD maker | |
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| Media Center | |
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| Movie maker | |
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| Movie maker HD | |
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| Domain join SBS | |
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| Encrypting file system | |
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| Smart card management | |
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| Group policy support | |
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| Roaming user profiles | |
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| Virtual PC express | |
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| Bitlocker encryption | |
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| Fax and scan | |
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| Shadow copy | |
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| Ultimate Extras | |
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| Full Price | $379.99 |
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| Upgrade Price |
This isn't necessarily bad, but Vista comes in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions (just to add to the confusion). All modern processors will run both, but most of today's software is written in 32 bit. Another issue with 64 bit Vista is that device drivers aren't available for all hardware, meaning some of your hardware may not work. Microsoft requires all device drivers for 64 bit Vista to be signed. This may present a problem when an exploit is identified in a device driver. If this happens the device driver for Vista 32 bit can be rewritten and pushed to the user in very little time. If this were to happen on 64 bit Vista you may be in for a wait, while your computer remains vulnerable.
The Ugly
WOW! The cost. It doesn't get any uglier that that!
Microsoft has also added some protections to the kernel to help prevent infections from virus, malware, and spyware. The problem here is that Anti-Virus companies believe they need direct access to the kernel. Microsoft disagrees.
I find it hard to believe that MS is not allowing the AV company's access. If it weren't for the AV companies Windows XP would be all but useless to many people. In fact I think MS owes a lot to these companies.
MS has recently introduced their own antivirus product and I bet it has access to the kernel. I see this as a leverage move on their part. They can use their access to better control virus scanning, detection, and removal in hopes of gaining market share. My viewpoint is if a company can't write reasonably secure software why would I want to trust them with scanning, detecting, and removing a virus that infected the computer through their poorly written software in the first place.
I see this as Microsoft builds a huge house with thousands of doors and windows. Many of the doors are unlocked and many of the windows are open. They have the front door locked, barred, bolted, and protected to the hilt. I come along and know that there are unlocked doors and open windows. I offer to help guard Microsoft's house, because I'm good at it, until they can find the openings and secure them. Microsoft says NO, they can handle it.
Hopefully the antivirus companies and Microsoft will come to an agreement as I don't want the wolf guarding the hen house.
A little advice
If you're buying a new computer for Vista please buy the most memory and fastest processor you can afford. If you plan to upgrade your computer to Vista buy more memory and a faster processor if you can afford it.
Hold off on 64 bit versions. Stay away from the Home Basic version unless you have a computer that barely meets the requirements, can't be updated, or you only need to check email or surf the internet.
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#4 - Mark index entries in Word
by Carol A. Bratt
Providing an indexed list of topics and terms along with the associated page number is a nice feature for books and some other documents that are longer than usual. Having said that, creating an index can be a pain! Luckily MS Word has made the task a bit easier because it keeps track of page numbers and sorts the entries for you.
There are two steps involved in creating an index. First mark each index entry, the item you want to include in the index, and then compile the index. Doesn't sound so bad now does it?
Your readers will love you because an index enables them to quickly find the information they want.
The first step to creating an index is to mark the words you want to include.
- Select the word you want to include in the index.
- Press Alt + Shift + X to access the Mark Index Entry dialog box.
You can also use the menu, but it seems a bit labor intensive to select Insert | Index and Tables, click the Index tab, and then click Mark Index Entry to access the very same dialog box don't you agree?
- Type a new word in the Main Entry box, if you like.
- Use a subentry for an index heading that should fall under a more general category. For example, you might have this entry and subentry: Browse Object: Use of.
- Press Enter or click Mark to insert a field code for the index entry. The dialog box stays open so you can continue to mark entries. Click Mark All if you want to create the same index entry for each instance of the text you selected before pressing Alt + Shift + X.
- Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each index entry.
- Click Close when you are finished.
The index entry field code is inserted into the document. When you click the Show/Hide button, you can see it surrounded by dark brackets. Don't worry – it will not print because it is formatted as hidden text, designated by the dotted underline.
If the entries are still visible to you when you turn off Show/Hide, turn off viewing Hidden Text. To do this, choose Tools | Options | View and click Hidden Text to remove the check.
Carol writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Visit Carol's site at www.carolscorneroffice.com.
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#5- My Recommended Software
Anti-spyware and Anti-malware Software
Webroot SpySweeper - Daves Computer Tips Seal of Approval Winner! See the test results HERE. Spysweeper provides the best protection of the seven anti-spyware programs tested! Great detection and removal rates with a small real-time protection memory footprint. This is the one you want! SpySweeper includes the ASK toolbar. Be sure to uncheck this option during installation. Free 14 day trial.
CounterSpy - Runner-up in my Anti-Spyware test. Not only does CounterSpy scan and remove spyware, it also uses real time protection. Real-time protection prevents spyware infection. Free 15 day trial. Winner of Computer Shopper Magazine's Best Buy Award!
Antivirus and Firewall Software
ESET Smart Security - New from the maker's of NOD32. Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, and Firewall all wrapped into one effective, swift, and low resource package. It is what I use to protect each of my computers!
Kaspersky Antivirus - Kaspersky is my second choice for antivirus software. A good program that is very close in performance to NOD32. Free trial.
Online Armor Firewall - You shouldn't be on the internet without a software firewall that offers inbound and outbound protection. Online Armor is the Best of the Best. Online Armor uses an interface that is easier to navigate than most other firewalls and the protection level can't be beat! Online Armor is available in both a free and reasonably priced paid version, which offers even more protection!
Audio and Video Software
Acoustica Audio Converter Pro - This program converts audio formats and bitrates. Perfect for those with portable audio players or large music collections. 30 day trial.
Adobe Premier Elements - Elements is the consumer version of Adobe Premiere. It costs 1/6th the price, but is very capable of making videos that will impress everyone.
DVDFab is my favorite DVD software. I tried over 30 different programs before settling on DVDFab. It offers every function of the other programs and more! Copy, burn, shrink, convert for mobile devices, or convert for streaming. Almost all of the other programs I've tried did not function as advertised, were extremely slow, or did not have features that worked as advertised. DVDFab works, and works as advertised! It's easy to use, has a pleasant user interface, and it updated often.
Computer Hardware
Crucial Memory - Memory (RAM) is the upgrade that gives any computer the best bang for the buck. If you want to speed things up with more memory, why not purchase it from the leading source of quality RAM memory. Great selection, good prices, excellent support, and a lifetime warranty! A real winner!
CyberGuys - The place to get those hard to find cables and accessories for your computer!
HP Computers
- My current pick for new laptops and desktops. In the current market I don't think you can beat HP's combination of price and performance. Their laptop line is very cost effective and the design is absolutely beautiful!
Newegg - Newegg.com is known for great service and awesome pricing on computers, upgrades, and electronics. If you're looking for computers, computer parts, or electronics you owe it to yourself to start here! Great Products. Great Prices. Great Customer Service!
Computer Maintenance Software
Diskeeper 2008 - My current favorite defrag program. As files are written and erased from the hard drive they begin to leave "spaces" behind. When the drive is written to again files are broken up to fill in these spaces. This causes the drive to go to several different locations to read an entire file, which slows performance greatly. Diskeeper has several advanced features such as; automatic defrag, scheduled defrag, and the ability to defrag the MFT (Master File Table) and paging file. 30 day trial.
Registry Mechanic - A very thorough and efficient registry cleaner and defragmenter. A definite must to maintain peak performance and stabile operation. 30 day trial.
Computer Utility Software
Acronis True Image 11 - Do you value the data on your computer? Do you value your time? How much time will you spend recovering data and returning your computer to its original state after a hardware failure or software glitch? True Image is my #1 choice in backup tools. Whether you choose file or image based backups (you should use both!) True Image will perform better than any other application I've used. Disk images created with True Image are generally 10-20% smaller than those from comparable programs. If your time and files are as important to you as mine are to me this is a must have.
Acronis Disk Director - My favorite tool to partition, format, and resize hard drives.
Roboform - This program is the next best thing since sliced bread in my book! This program integrates into Internet Explorer and firefox. It generates very secure passwords at the click of a button. How do I remember these complex passwords? Roboform allows you to save passwords and personal data in an encrypted format. A master password (yes only one password to remember!) allows access. Roboform in IE and FireFox works like a super powered bookmark. You click the site you want to go to and Roboform opens the site, enters your username and password for the site (if required) and as if by magic clicks the submit button. If you shop online Roboform can enter your personal information and credit card information, which is also stored in a secure encrypted file, in one click. A real time saver with great security thrown in to boot! 30 day trial.
WinRar - What is commonly called a zip utility, similar to the more widely known WinZip. WinRar is faster and works with more formats for about 1/2 the price of WinZip. 30 day trial.
Desktop Utility Software
LogonStudio - Change the screen that appears when you boot Windows (the one with the moving bar graph). Hundreds of free skins available online. It's free.
Cursor XP Plus - Change the cursors on your computer. Hundreds of cursor packs are available online for free.
Icon Packager - Change the icons on your computer. Icon Packager puts you in control to change every icon with the click of a button. Tired of the plain icons built into Windows? There are hundreds of Icon Packs available online for free, which will add a truly personal feel to your computer.
WindowBlinds 6 - This is the icing on the proverbial cake. WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of Windows. By changing the appearance of the task bar, start menu, and any other window or program you open. It adds transparency, shadows, alpha blending, and animations. Hundreds of themes are available online for free.
Internet and Email
1&1 hosting - If you want to start your own website, blog, photo gallery, or have a personalized email address then 1&1 is for you. 1&1 can not be beat for reliability, features, support, and price. 90 day guarantee.
Google Gmail - The best internet based email (webmail) available. Each mailbox has a 6.5GB limit. The interface is superb, and the spam filter is top notch. You will never need to delete an email again! It has a great search function and a feature called thread view, which makes finding emails easy. A webmail account offers several advantages including not being required to change your email address if you change service providers. Gmail requires an invitation from a current member. If you are interested shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.
Microsoft Outlook 2007 - Outlook is the current email client of choice for corporate America. I get well over 200 emails a day. Outlook has a few features I really need such as a plug in for automatic backups, office sounds which offers me some audible feedback, and the ability to change headers. I've used Mozilla Thunderbird and liked it a lot. With the amount of mail I go through I really need the features of Outlook. If you aren't a heavy user, or don't need the features I do then Thunderbird is a great alternative.
- An amazing, free, web browser. If you aren't using it you should be! Highly customizable through addins called extensions. There are thousands of extensions which can allow FireFox to do just about anything you can imagine. More importantly, Firefox is not subject to ActiveX, which is a large part of Internet Explorer, AOL, and MSN. No ActiveX means much less chance of getting spyware! Firefox also conforms to web standards more closely than Internet Explorer, which means you will see what the authors intended, not Microsoft.
Mozilla Thunderbird - A great free email client, from the same folks that brought us FireFox. Easy to use and highly customizable through extensions.
Photo and Picture Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements - Photoshop Elements is a consumer version of Adobe Photoshop. If you are serious about digital photos you will find Photoshop Elements a great program to have at your disposal. Elements provides all the functionality most will need at 1/6th the price.
Picasa - A great (FREE) way to organize, edit, and share your digital photos.
#6- The lighter side
After spending countless hours surfing the web in search of various funny or interesting things to share with you here are a few of my finds to lighten your day! I go through a lot to please my readers!
Blue Sunday - A very cool song supporting the Colts!
Video Here - See the underhanded tactics that the Bears go to in an attempt to win the Superbowl!
Bob & Tom Colts Tribute - an update to the original 1984 version.
Naptown Shuffle - Colts tribute with a hip-hop theme.
Superbowl Stumble - rewrite of the original Superbowl Shuffle.
One More Mission - Duke Tomato song
Do the Peyton - Duke Tomato song
Superbowl bound - Bob and Tom
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#7- A few website's you may find useful
John's Best of Free Software - John Hood has a great selection of free software. Have a look! He links to us here at Daves Computer Tips and he's a straight up person.
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