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..........It's Halloween, Dude !!!!!!!!!
......All Hallows Eve fun online?
...Sound On!!..GO!!!! Try this site.
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For more Halloween Music and Sounds. Try Remote Helpdesk 1 sounds.
Then Get Your Scare On Here.
tmm
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Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 2 of 4 Having caught his breath and dispatched the laugh monster (just in time for Halloween) the Tennessee Mountain Man is ready to resume his look at Microsoft's 100 Reasons Why we should be using Windows Vista. In Part 1 of Why Change To Windows Vista, Remote Helpdesk 1, examined Microsoft's reasons 1 through 25. Today we will cover reasons 26 - 50 so lets get started. MS#26. "Because you're a multitasker" While Scientific studies reveal the hidden costs of multitasking as technology increasingly tempts people to do more than one thing at a time Bill Gates and Microsoft keep pushing for more. If anyone were tempting Microsoft employees to use anything other than best practices there would be one of Microsoft's infamous law suits. Aren't all of us forced to multi task toooo much as it is? Back off Gates! MS#27. " Because your computer can keep up with you while you're on the go" Like the pager and the cell phone, the curse of the hand held, laptop, note book and other portables is that all technology, including our computers, have kept up with us too well...no uninterrupted vacations, dinners, shows, golf games, or romantic sessions. Get this contraption out of my bedroom! MS#28. "Enjoy your memories, larger than life" Sorry, The Tennessee Mountain Man finds nothing new here. MS#29. "Take the handwritten approach" O.K. Been around forever. Ever checked out at the store or used an ATM with a touch screen? How about Monday Night Football? Been there, done that. MS#30. "Restore your PC in an instant" Hello! I know I am not as smart as the Microsoft gurus but haven't that covered this already, in Part 1 maybe?! I guess that is why he is Bill Gates owning Microsoft and I own a remote helpdesk performing online computer repair services. In the army we taught by telling students what we were going to teach them, doing the teaching, and then reiterating what we had told them. But, we didn't try to cover it up calling it three different lectures. P.S. Don't miss their last caveat. MS#31. "Because your PC lets you know if something's wrong—and helps you fix it" Sorry, The Tennessee Mountain Man could find nothing new here either unless the user has been more lazy than most. It was all available with earlier, faster, less expensive, and less intrusive operating systems. Now the Tennessee Mountain Man is in danger of becoming repetitive, but Microsoft is not giving me anything to work with here. MS#32. "Streamline IT management across your business" Oh!!!!! So!!!!!!! It is actually just an upgrade Microsoft Server 2003 with all the patches and fixes included. MS#33. "Preserve a lifetime of memories" It has a back up feature!!!! Really? MS#34. "Connect to the network at work or school" Not to mention connecting at your motel, Mickey D's, your grand ma's, and a million other places. Kids and businessmen have been doing this for years...Next! MS#35. "Because you'll know it when you see it" And we haven't seen it yet....moving right along.... MS#36. "Get a "do-over" when you need it" And I have some swamp property I need to unload before you lose everything. MS#37. "Keep your info under lock and key" This may be the best reason so far. But, let's face it, if Microsoft and the U.S. Government can't keep hackers out of their own stuff do you really think you have a chance? On the other hand, have you lost the pass words to get into today's IBM laptops? MS#38. "It's the cure for red-eye" No, they were not brazen enough to say it would keep you from working nights. What they are doing is touting an existing technology. MS#39. "Relive your memories…each and every one" O.K. Microsoft likes to be redundant, remote computer repair services does not. MS#40. "Because you love what you do" Especially when the windows operating don't crash or lock up, and performs more reliably like Ubuntu. But watch Microsoft's caveat at the end of this reasoning. MS#41. "Because your PC will stay up to date, automatically" Has it not done that for years? Oh, yes, I'm sorry. The Tennessee Mountain Man almost forgot. This is apparently our warning that Microsoft will come through the back door and make any changes they want whenever they wish despite our desires and upgrade and maintenance settings. MS#42. "E-mail your photos without worrying about the file size" Oh, really? The ISP on each end of the spectrum may have different ideas. MS#43. "It's parent friendly" What is that supposed to mean? It is slow? Because it is! Oh, sorry they are referring to parental controls like the ones parents and bosses have used forever. Got it. MS#44. "Because you have a need for speed" "Need to speed up your computer? Simply plug a USB memory stick into your desktop or notebook computer and let Windows ReadyBoost do the rest." O.K., I could, but I won't. Kudos!!!!!!!! MS#45. "Because you hate all those boxes and wires" That is why we had already eliminated them.....next... MS#46. "Your music can look as good as it sounds" At Branson maybe! Now just what does this do that is an improvement over XP? MS#47. "Let the fun start now" Are we having fun yet? No!!!!!!! MS#48. "Stay connected wherever you go" Duh!!!!!! We just covered this subject! MS#49. "Take your workspace with you" Although Microsoft remains redundant, I can't help but respond....The labor laws of the U.S. makes provisions for breaks and meal times. I want to get away on occasion and Microsoft wants a robot chasing me around demanding more...more...more...more! MS#50. "Get more out of the web" Watch the caveat as Microsoft makes a johnny come lately feeble attempt to catch up with other browsers. Is the Tennessee Mountain Man speechless yet? No, but we'll take another stab at it tomorrow with "Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 3 of 4". tmm
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| | Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 1 of 4 |
Microsoft has published an extensive list of 100 reasons why the Tennessee Mountain Man and you should make the switch to Windows Vista. Microsoft should have outsourced it's brain storming of reasons to switch to Vista, but then it may not have received such favorable reviews. 'Remote help desk 1' will take a brief look at their reasoning.
'Remote helpdesk 1' has said before, in it's humble opinion, Microsoft has had no new thoughts since Windows 3 and Windows NT. To understand that is a simple thought process...perhaps we will explore it one day next week.
Outsourced IT Services having gotten that off the chest one more time, let us peek inside the reasons Microsoft thinks there is no place for those like Martha Stewart and Lyle Waggoner of 1965 Tareyton Ads who had rather fight than switch.
MS#1. "It makes using your PC a breeze."
So says Microsoft. The Tennessee Mountain Man says it sure makes the computer slow enough for most to keep up. Probably preferred by the turtles who had rather fight than switch from DSL. We'll give them credit for this, it sure runs more like a breeze than a good head wind which is preferred whether sailing or surfing.
MS#2. "Because all of your music is just a remote control click away"
Most people use remote controls on their TVs, DVDs, etc...not computers with the exception of computer repair techs who still must use a computer to reach out and perform computer examination and surgery over the internet.
MS#3. "It's the safest version of Windows ever"
The Tennessee Mountain Man acknowledges we have all been assaulted by Microsoft, no less, however, by Vista operating systems. Microsoft touts Vista's "new security tools like Windows Defender, anti-spam and phishing filters, and Parental Controls. Automatic backups, Performance Self-Tuning, and built-in diagnostics"...Really? Those tools have been available for years! It may be a good thing that Microsoft found them. On the other hand they significantly slow down the PC for the turtles.
MS#4. "See your world in a whole new light"
"The breakthrough design of the Windows Aero user interface brings new clarity to your PC experience." Sorry the Tennessee Mountain Man can't see it...not even with his new glasses. It does, however, require significant computer upgrades which your computer repair shop is sure to love.
MS#5. "It can find your stuff"
Hello! Ever hear of the build in search option in all windows versions? Besides, what can one possibly lose in that little computer that cannot be found unless the hard drive disintegrates? In which case Microsoft can't help you anyway. Back to the appreciative computer repair shop!
MS#6. "Because you're always on the run"
Sorry, The Tennessee Mountain Man, even with the assistance of online computer repair services, could find nothing new here either. It was all available with earlier, faster, less expensive, and less intrusive operating systems.
MS#7. "Because you can freeze time"
Uh!!!!! No!!!!!!! I know Microsoft and Bill Gates think they are God and insist on being worshipped by all geeks, but not since Joshua has anyone accomplished that little trick. Sorry Mr Copperfield.
MS#8. "Your PC can take care of itself: Performance Self Tuning, Self-Healing"
Reminds me of the TV Ad where the doc is telling a patient over the phone how to perform surgery on himself. Again your local as well as remote computer repair docs thank you. The average user who has ever tried to use restore disks or those built in technologies would love to strangle you. It has cost them a lot of extra dollars trying to repair the repair and unfix the fix. Microsoft knows how this goes. They are always releasing fixes to repair their fixes.
MS#9. "Unchain your mobile PC"
"Network and Sharing Center lets you set up a wireless network at home so you can experience the freedom of working from your living room, backyard, or anywhere in your home."
I'm sorry, maybe I am a little slow, maybe I missed something, but just what can you do here that you can't do in Windows 95 or NT and subsequent Microsoft operating system versions?
MS#10. "Surf more safely"
#!&%? Really? Or does it just allow Microsoft greater intrusion into our business? It is time Bill Gates learned to mind his own!
And, Better not miss the last paragraph, i.e. "Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware".
MS#11. "Help protect your kids online"
Oh, yes! Drop your kid off in front of that computer, trust Microsoft and Bill Gates and see how long it takes that child to get approached by an abuser or solicited or get into some kind of trouble.
Parents you brought them into this world. You take care of and protect them. The state can't do it, and Microsoft sure can't and has little if any incentive too.
MS#12. "Schedule showtime on your time"
The only thing The Tennessee Mountain Man is finding in Microsoft's top 100 reasons to upgrade to Vista is more costs, slower response, and more of the same issues which have contributed significantly to the destruction of the American family.
MS#13. "Because you need to know who the bad guys are"
Would someone please give Microsoft a mirror? Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
MS#14. "Make any room a media room"
Scraping the bottom of the barrel now, and still have 86 important reasons to upgrade to Vista to go. This is nothing more than a little disguised ad for the Xbox 360 and a recommendation to shuffle the kids off to another room and leave them alone to surf the worst of the web unsupervised.
Does Outsourced IT Services really need to go any further? Oh, not to worry. The Tennessee Mountain Man will cover all of the so called reasons to upgrade to Vista.
MS#15. "Because your PC remembers to back up for you"
So has everything including DOS if the owner set it to do so.
MS#16. "Get your new computer up and running in no time"
What is the definition of "no time". It is still not a MAC!!! You don't just open the box (sorry in this case it is boxes), plug it up, turn it on and go. No. No. Microsoft Computers don't work like that!
MS#17. "It's like having your own personal anchorman"
Say What? What is Microsoft smoking? What are they watching? The Naked News? How dumb do they think we are?
MS#18. "Create your own personal archive: Scheduled and network backup"
Apparently the author's head was so smoked, he or she forgot they had just essentially covered this in point 15, just a couple of minutes before.
MS#19. "Watch live TV on your PC"
Don't know about you, but The Tennessee Mountain Man was doing that on Windows 95 when desk space was a premium and there was no space in the room for a TV and a computer. Duh!!!!!!!!!!!
MS#20. "Set up your home network in a flash"
Vista does nothing in a flash short of a good power surge! And, setting up a network appears to be no easier nor more difficult than in any other windows version. Of course if you want a network in a flash, The Tennessee Mountain Man recommends the Debian derived Linux-based Ubuntu Operating System. When it installs and boots, the network is done!!!! Try that, Vista!!
Another warning to not miss Microsoft's last paragraph here. It appears they have proudly locked you out of some versions to increase their profits and reduce your options.
MS#21. "Put more playtime in family time"
Does Microsoft really expect that, if we like playing games on the computer, we have not been doing that since DOS and Windows 3 via the internet and LAN when the boss wasn't watching? Come on!
MS#22. "See everything you're working on at a glance"
With a simple click of the mouse, huh? Well if that is true as in single click (I haven't tried that one), then it might make Vista almost as fast at that trick as it's predecessors were with a couple of clicks to do the same thing....impressive? ....really?
MS#23. "Because it's like a digital candy store"
What more can I say? We all know about the candy man!!
MS#24. "Because you don't want to worry about spyware"
Why? Because as always Microsoft Windows installs trial programs to get you hooked, then requires you to purchase them after a short trial period from Microsoft or their vendors if you wish to keep a functioning program.
The Tennessee Mountain man never worried about such things. There are too many free superior ways to prevent and cure such infections.
MS#25. "It works with the software, hardware, and services you want"
The Tennessee Mountain Man says: "Yep, as long as you want what it works with.....and are willing to wait for the rest".
Sorry......laughing so hard I had to stop....we will continue tomorrow with "Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 2" on both The Tennessee Mountain Man Blog and Remote Helpdesk 1's Online Computer Repair Service Blog ..... "Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 1" is getting too long any way.
tmm
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The Eagle Flies...or...TGIF
Yea!!!
Monday we feared this day would never come. It seemed so very far away so early in the morning. Where's the java anyway? Oh! Strike that. The eagle flies today! Gotta get a short case, mow the lawn for the last time this season, settle in for a weekend of football, and try to forget that we have to do it all over again in two short days.
It is amazing, the miraculous change that over takes the grumpiest among us after lunch on Friday. Suddenly all the week's cares seem to vanish like that big stack of broken computers that welcomed us the first day of the week. Through the week the desktops and laptops seemed to multiply through lunch Thursday.
No matter how many were repaired, there were more...always more. Then suddenly everything started coming together. Now computers go out faster than they were coming in just 24 hours ago. Just as well, the clients didn't have the eagles to cover the cost until Friday anyway or at least Thursday when they felt secure enough to float a check.
| BANNED BY CLICK BANK !!!!! GET IT NOW, HERE |
Everything has it's own cycle, and a new one begins as people with a little green left in their pocket to play with begin the call. A glance at the clock as the phones ring off the hook. Just another hour or so.
"What does a web page cost?" That is a loaded question! I learned to dance around that one a long time ago. "The starting price is $1.500.00. Yes, that covers wed site design, one year of hosting, monthly submission to the major search engines for one year, and one minor change per month if you need or want it." "Yes, most people can get a decent site for that. Although, it may not work for a commercial website."
Let us find out what you want, what you need, how you are going to promote it, etc then we can get a cost estimate. Then we decide what you can afford and we are on our road to success. "No, I'm sorry, your website will not be ready Monday."
"Hello! Is this the Remote Help Desk? Can you come to my home and fix my computer?" "Do you mean you actually repair my computer from where you are?" "I don't have to bring it in? You don't need to see it? Are you sure? Well O.K."
Yes. Yes. Yes. No. No, and Yes.
"What will it cost if you come out here?" $250.00 minimum service call today. $300.00 this evening and Saturday. $500.00 Sundays and holidays. If that sounds high, you might want an estimate from the nerd herd. and, if you get off less expensively when all is said and done, I will pay your bill.
Several years ago, I received a weekend call from an elderly college professor who had all this work he needed done on his computer at home. I quoted him a price for a one hour service call. His problems were not nearly as difficult as he thought. I was through in less than half an hour to see him breaking out the liquor. He poured each of us a drink and implored me to sit and talk because he had a half an hour of my time left for which he thought he was paying.
Call it customer relations. I was glad to take a break and accommodate the old gentlemen. It was a good visit and I like to think we both learned something.
I about what it is like to get old and lonely. What it was like to be with a building full of people all day every week day and yet to be alone. He how to keep his computer tuned and keep all the junk off of it. We never got to meet again. The old man went the way of all souls...and computers to think of it. I was glad I took the time to be some company.
Don't get all wrapped up in yourself or your business. It is not all about the money. It is not all about websites, web pages, or computer sales and repair. And, it is surely not all about me nor thee. It is all about them...the customers who allow us to tell them what is wrong with that new fangled contraption they can barely turn on and off. It is all about that little fellow who allows us to repair his PC and pays our bill in spite of his misgivings. Don't abuse or misuse them.
Think about your friend the dentist. Oh, your dentist is not your best friend but a necessary evil, a feared boogie man unjustly or not. That is what you are to your client. So treat him or her like you would want to be treated, and don't be a geek!! A geek impresses no one but him or herself.
Wow! Look at the time. Please excuse me. The eagle has flown and I hear a beautiful woman, a Scotch, and a little "all you can eat" seafood bar calling my name.
tmm
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Windows Vista - Clean Install Tips
Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista
A couple of weeks ago I released an article entitled ,"9 Tips To Keep Windows XP Running Smooth". After that I published a lengthy (by necessity) article covering, "Upgrading To Microsoft Windows Vista Tips". I have since received several e-mail requests for pointers on clean Vista installs so I have compiled those conversations and am disseminating them for wider use. This will be much shorter and easier.
There are no secrets here. Everything I cover is published in the windows help files or scattered across the Microsoft website. Perhaps it is compiled in a somewhat more usable form here. At least it will keep you from having to do the searches, from sifting out the chaff, and from sorting the usable data.
Do you remember the PC and MAC ads? You might want to watch this one again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci2D1ig4df4&mode=related&search=
Don't let it scare you off. Just know there are often major changes in what a computer will have and what Vista requires.
Another warning to run the windows Vista Upgrade Advisor before doing anything else is in order. It is located at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
First, Please understand that this information pertains to a clean install....It will not work for an upgrade! If you need upgrade help please refer to my article on upgrading to Vista at http://remotehelpdesk1.com/articles.htm
Second, APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING VISTA EDITIONS (YOU WILL FIND VERSION COMPARISONS AT http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx )
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Starter
Warning:
In a clean installation, existing data is removed - that includes documents, pictures, movies, music, downloads, etc. This data includes personal data and settings. Please back up or make copies of any and all data you wish to keep to another hard drive or computer before proceeding any further.
After you install the Vista operating system, you must also reinstall all programs and restore any data you moved in the previous step. AGAIN!!...Make sure that you back up your personal and business data before you perform a clean installation.
To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista, use one of the following methods only after (I can't say it enough) running the upgrade advisor, it is located at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
Most people don't read the fine print: There are 23 (count them 23) warnings and exceptions hid behind this little ditty (Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware) hid at the end of Microsoft's 100 Reasons why you should upgrade to Vista.
RUN THE UPGRADE ADVISOR FIRST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O.K....Cleared that hurdle?
Lets get started:
Method 1:
Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the current operating system
1. Start the computer by using the current operating system.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate:
• If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.
• If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:
a. Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK.
Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
b. Click Install now.
4. When you reach the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Custom (advanced), and then follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.
Method 2:
Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD
1. Start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD. To do this, insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive, and then restart the computer.
Note To start the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, the computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive.
For more information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation that is included with the computer, or contact the computer manufacturer.
2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on the screen, press a key.
3. Follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.
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Microsoft Promised To Make You Speechless
Do you recall Pentagon Don's foretelling of "shock and awe!"? Well Bill Gates tried the same thing with Microsoft Vista, and I was not impressed with either. Both backfired!
The initial strike on Iraq presented no shock and awe to me...(and certainly nothing subsequently did)...maybe you had to be there.
Microsoft Vista was a disappointment even with Gates personally pushing it. Vista was the first operating system that Microsoft had to allow their distributors to replace, in newly minted computers, with an earlier version.
When I was a young boy scout on an outing with my troop to the Space Flight Center at Huntsville, Alabama, where the spit shined soldiers displayed all kinds of highly polished radio controlled armor, I was in awe. In fact like most boys of my era I was impressed by anyone in a uniform and, of course, the Marlboro Man (A real man's man) along with Gil Favor, Rowdy Yates, and Paladin. And, if they happened to have some kind of new electronic gadget that was even better. In the case of the Marlboro Man, his horse on the open range was sufficient. No one had ever heard of remote computer repair let alone expect him to have a laptop in his saddle bags or blue tooth stuck in his ear.
All of that culminated in Jack Kennedy's call to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". As that plea of Camelot matured in my soul, Viet Nam loomed large, and against all advice of family and friends I volunteered leaving a wife and two babies for a land I had never before heard of.
It was a land where people traveled by foot or boat, ate mostly rice, watered down Tennessee whiskey which they sold back to troops by the glass. They went without the most basic medical care at a time when Dr Kildare, Dr Casey, and Marcus Welby, M.D. were in vogue in America. I watched as women left the field where they were working to catch hold of a fence or a tree and drop a baby between their legs. They would then wrap the new born, place it the shade and go back to work. That was shock and awe to a country boy!! Hospital...doctor...delivery room...advances in science and medicine...indeed?
In the middle of the night I watched and listened as UH-1s lumbered (of course they lumber and they ride like a wagon with octagon wheels, they are just big trucks with rotors) across the horizon alternately spiting red and white tracer rounds into the jungle below. Now that left me speechless, Mr Gates! As opposed to Windows, I learned to love the sound of those flying machines. Their descendants are still used as med evac choppers even in the civilian community, and when they fly close to my house I still wake up no matter how late at night, and I remain in awe. There is a comfort in that sound that neither mom, nor dad, nor spouse....that no human can provide. On the other hand, windows has been the cause of more than one night mare.
And, shock and awe was provided when F-14s were scrambled in the early morning. It was a site to behold to see in the distance. A ball of fire literally flying low down a dark runway and then the rumble of thunder as it rotated to 90 degrees, kicked in the after burners and melting the pavement beneath it screamed off into the heavens to Uncle Ho's dismay.
There was a time when we were proud. There was a time when we thought more of helping and giving than of taking and getting, but that was before the "me generation". There was a time when technology enthralled us. There really was an age of shock and awe, but it was long before Afghanistan and Iraq. It was before every Tom, Dick and Harry had even heard of a computer let alone seen, played with, or owned one.
It was before remote controlled cars, forget about remote computer repair. It was when men did and led, not outsourced, passed the buck and blamed someone or something else... It was a time of responsibility. It was when the 4th of July instead of some virtual remote computer provided the fire works. It was when you were taught in public school that it was impossible for a person to make a million dollars in a life time. It was when men took more pride in their home site than their website (no they were not the same thing). Talk of building a web back then would get you a one way ticket to the funny farm unless you were young enough to get away with playing Spiderman, and an inter net was to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Well, all things considered, I don't know about you, but, like most blind dates, instead of leaving me speechless, Microsoft once again left me cursing.
Yep, the old Tennessee Mountain Man has been left in the dark, left in the cold, left bankrupt, left for another, left speechless (but not by Bill Gates and Company), and even found himself in shock and awe, but not in this century.
tmm
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