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Still Alive - Angel Update
Just letting all my friendly supporters & client's know I am still busting behind with the MA while completing my internship. By the time I am done I expect I will be able to both fix your system and counsel your PTSD (Perpetual Traumatic System Dysfunction). Thank you for the support and keeping my business going as I wiggle through my availability!
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| New Changes in the Computer World ! - As you have probably already noticed, Windows Vista is now OUT and completely replaced Window XP. I am finding, as I shop for computers for clients, that the XP systems are a bit harder to get a hold of and the old operating system is hard to find. I couldn't even get the 2003 version of MS Office (Power Point, Excel, Outlook, Word). So this newsletter is to discuss some of those changes and help you keep your "upgrading" ideas clear. |
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Upgrade or Not to Upgrade - - -
The questions are slowly coming in - "Do I upgrade?" Although I have purchased the software to upgrade my laptop I have ALSO purchased a new hard drive, well aware that I may be risking a lot by completely upgrading right now. The reason? Vista is so new there are a lot of manufacturers of parts and software that didn't get their hands on development kits until a little late in the Microsoft game. That means that there are possibilities that if you have a device or software that is relatively new it may not be supported. Until I get a handle on all the possible issues, I don't recommended it unless buying a new machine that comes with Vista installed. I know I need the practice so I can work with clients and their issues... but give it a little time.
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I expect that in the next two months there will be all kinds of updates as manufacturers get their act together. Regardless, from the three machines I have now set up for clients, there are some fabulously fun pieces to the new Vista. Unless you are ready to relearn some things (Vista renamed half of their items, keeping me on my toes) don't jump in too soon. I expect I will be doing a lot of training in the future.
Windows Vista Update Advisor is available to scan your system and determine what upgrades, changes, and incompatibilities exist for your system - Highly recommended before you spend the money to upgrade. |
| What's New in Vista? |
- Navigating the computer is a whole new adventure. They got rid of the words "start" on your task menu, so you start with the windows blob that integrates all those annoying shuffling menus into one pane that scrolls --> a little bit to get used to, but rather clean.
- My Documents has changed to the "User's" complete folder: Documents, Pictures, Music, Cookies, Favorites & Downloads - all isolated for easy use
- Added Security Features: integrated Windows Defender and MS Internet Explorer 7+ are set up to add extra security while surfing the internet.
- New Look - Windows Aero™ which offers a new translucent look, flippable views, and some sweet new visuals.
- Explorer (what you use to find stuff on your computer) now utilizes "bread-crumb trails" a system of links in a path. A lot of web sites use these to help you go back from whence you came. So, instead of navigating in and out of folders (which you still are doing) you instead move along paths.
- Gadgets - light mini-applications: Vista's way of being as appealing as Mac OSX Tiger - but it stays on the desktop as opposed to disappearing. Actually a feature I really like. I used one by Google, but it wasn't as pretty. You can add your own gadgets, and customize most of them.
- Mobility Features - All important laptop settings found in one place (sync for pda's, phones, and other devices) Sync, Presentation, and Roaming features
- New and improved Windows Backup & Restore features that allow you to manage your data and keep it backed up.
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Updates on Rates
- Home User (1 computer) - $60/hr (2 hour minimum)
- Small Office/Home Office (2+ computers) - $75/hr (2 hour minimum)
- Special Trip (less than 1 hour) - $60/$75 + $10 travel fee
- Referrals - If I get a new client from a referral you made, your next appointment will be reduced by $20. Let me know if I haven't honored this as I often get busy with a handful of new clients and they don't always tell me. I will also give them a $20 discount if they let me know you referred them! Let your friends know!!
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| Some Great Places to Visit Online |
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Please be prepared to get emails from help@mycomputerangel.com -
and make sure I don't fall into your spam folders! I have phased out my edufner address.
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If you received this as a forward from a friend, you can sign up for these newsletters too!
Subscribe to the Computer Angel (Evelyn Dufner) newsletter
You can always contact me
For HELP - For ADVICE
OR to make an APPOINTMENT!
Evelyn Dufner
407-312-0901
(the computer angel)
Please share this with your friends
and help to spread the word!
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Removing your "Junk" Drive
The daughter of one of our favorite clients heard me talking about my small "pen" drive or "jump" drive and retorted, "I thought they were called JUNK drives cause they store all your junk!" I have fondly begun calling it a junk drive ever since.
If you have an USB device (like a junk drive) attached to your system, you will notice an icon in the Notification area, which - when clicked - will give you the option to Stop your hardware, before you unplug it. Smart idea to protect your data and your junk drive.
So, how is that done? Find the little icon on your task bar (lower right had corner)
- Right Click it (or double click)
- Select "Safely Remove Hardware"
- If you double click it you will get a list of all USB devices, and you can select your jump drive and "Stop" it.
What many "Junk" users don't know about removing these drives is that the system polls the drive every few minutes. If you pull it out without warning the system you are doing so, it might poll the device and corrupt the data. Take good care of these little gizmos - they are wonderful tools and can last several years if cared for properly.
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