Technology is always moving faster than most of us can keep up to. Many have been forced into purchasing Microsoft Vista on our new machines, but miss the look and feel of Windows XP. Here you will find a few tweeks that can make you relax and feel at home with your new computer. Soon you will be buzzing around again like an old pro.

First off, where is the START button?

Vista has replaced “Start” with their lovely logo. As pretty as it is, once selected your brought into a whole new wold of panic. Everything has a new look and organization. If you are comfortable with the organization within the “Start” structure, skip to the next tip. If your missing the feel and convenience of the classic Window’s XP “Start” menu, follow these steps.

1. Right click the Windows Logo (”Start”)
2. Properties
3. Classic Start Menu
4. OK

Test drive your classic “Start” menu. Ahh, now doesn’t that feel better?

Where is “My Computer”

Another issued I discovered and did not care for in Vista, was having to locate where the accessibility to desktop icons I use frequently had been moved to. If your like me, I utilize “My Computer, Network, Control Panel” and others on my desktop for easy access. Here is how we can put them back for you.

1. Right click any vacant area on your desktop
2. Personalize
3. Change Desktop Icons (upper left)
4. Select a check mark for the options of “Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel”
5. OK

How to Change Vista Shut Down Power Buttons

The default setting for Window’s Vista power button is Sleep. This can catch you off guard if you own a laptop and believe you are shutting it off for the first time, to then return and it is still running. Don’t worry, this can be configured easily within the Power Settings.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Power Options
3. Change Plan Settings
4. Change Advanced Power Settings
5. Scroll down to “Power buttons and lid”
6. Locate ”Power buttons action”
7. Select Setting: “Shut down” (drop down list)
8. Locate ”Start menu power button”
9. Select Setting: “Shut down” (drop down list)

Back to Peace

Like every new release of Windows, the icons are prettier, they are always in different locations, and the names change. However, with these quick shortcuts we can bring you back to peace with your new operating system. Have fun and enjoy!

Tags: Operating System, PC by Chris Hebert
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The most common problem with a PC is the neglect of preventive maintenance. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, most PC owners neglect simple preventative maintenance, which can save them countless hours of unproductively.

As a IT professional, I would like to share with you a favorite website along with many tips. One of my all time favorite websites as a geek (don’t worry if your not) is Major Geek.

Recently I was approached by a client with a PC which was running dirt slow. You could actually watch windows open and close. The poor computer had four different anti-virus programs trying to run at the same time. You can over due it! In addition, it had malware, Trojan’s, and a outdated Windows XP Service Pack. All of these things can lead to a very sick PC.

Use the Major Geek website as a reference for excellent downloads.

How To Protect Your Computer

1. Install an up to date anti-spyware:“Malwarebytes” was recently recommended by a friend, to use on a heavily infected PC. Malwarebytes worked flawlessly for me. My long time favorite has been “Spybot-Search & Destroy,” although I would choose Malwarebytes over Spybot.
2. Install an up to date anti-virus: AVG Free Edition comes highly recommended. Currently, I personally use this software on all of my personal and business computers. With the free edition, the user can adjust the setting to accomodate a desired system scan time.

Don’t Forget Your Memory

1. Install more Memory: Installing more memory is a quick fix to a faster running PC. Windows XP can operate on 256 Mb RAM. Microsoft Windows Vista memory requirements are larger than those of its predecessor Windows XP. My recommendation is at least 1Gb RAM, possibly more depending on the software used.
2. Belarc Advisor: A very useful software program which identifies what is under your hood. This free tool identifies your hardware and software. Use this program if you do not want to dig inside your computer, but wish to upgrade your memory. Belarc Advisor produces a detailed profile of hardware and software installed on your computer, including all software serial numbers.

Updated Service Pack

Lastly, make sure your PC has the most current Windows Service Pack installed along with any security updates. These updates are created specifically to fix any existing bugs, and enhance the performance of your software.

Tags: Computing, Mac, OS, Operating System, PC by Chris Hebert
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