Notes for May2009
"The question of upgrading"

If you are getting value out of a software version then a newer version would have to have major improvements to justify changing a fully working software that you are comfortable using. This brings up the question of Windows 7. Here we go again, is it worth the upgrade? The amount of tweaking that I have done to Windows XP makes any of the security and media enhancements that are added in the new Windows 7 version not worth the change. Since the changes are not significant from the previous version of Windows, Microsoft, like many other software producer's, have to present the new software with a changed look to further express the idea that you are getting something new. This means leaving the familiar and learning an entirely new layout and each year we have to ask ourselves if it is worth it. I have been using Windows 7 Beta and for me the change is not yet worth the cost in time and money. Since I have been using beta versions I hope that they are not representative of the features that the final version will include.

Notes for March 2009
Can I be the only one?"

This is kind of a follow up of last month's post about the importance the internet in the life of a computer user. I recently was helping a friend figure out why his computer would not start and after briefly looking over the computer I went to the internet on my computer to check the manufacturer's website. The problem, to be specific, is that the computer would flicker on a few times until it eventually got stuck loading BIOS information and would not load windows at all. I tried to enter the BIOS 3 times and even removed the motherboard battery to reset the BIOS. Nothing I did would make it to work so I went to the Dell website and entered the words "computer won't start" in the website search box, there we found a messageboard full of user comments about the same problem occurring for others with the same model of computer. Whenever you have a problem that just won't go away, go to the Microsoft website (if you are using any version of Windows OS) to read if anyone else is experiencing the same problem or go to the website for the device that is malfunctioning.

Notes for February 2009
"No Surprises"

I recently went to a computer parts website and starting browsing for the items I needed. Most websites now have a section with customer reviews. A good number of the reviews stated that the customer was confused by the set up instructions or that there were not enough instructions included. The internet has a wealth of information on all products. For me reading about a product before buying is one more protection that helps me get more bang for my buck. Among the resources available to buyers are the websites created by the product manufacturer, messageboards, and opinion or product rating sections on whatever site is selling the product.

Before buying my DVD recorder I went to the Toshiba website and read about the product, and I even opened the .pdf version of the product manual to see the detailed instructions. By doing this I was able to buy the blank DVDs that the manufacturer advised worked best with their device.

Take the time to read up on a product and it will be the most productive time you spend during your shopping experience.