windows xp

...continued from Part 1 and Part 2 . Every year Microsoft introduces the "latest technology", bent on revolutionizing computers or their software. Anyone who's familiar with Microsoft is naturally suspicious when "new" technology is introduced -- ... and for good reason. Web TV, Microsoft TV and WinCE smartphones, Xbox, various versions of Media Center PCs, Watches, Media2go, Xbox 360, and the Zune (to name a few) are all products that either went away rapidly or lost billions of dollars. This year it's Windows Vista, Longhorn Server and a new Computer Table called "Surface" with a hefty price ... (view more)

Independent security tests performed by CRN.com suggests that Windows Vista is only marginally more secure than Windows XP. CRN spent a week testing both operating systems against various Trojans, viruses and various exploits. The tests were ... performed with Windows Vista Business on an HP Compaq 6515b notebook with Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) and an HP Compaq nc6400 with Windows XP with Internet Explorer 6 (IE6), both using the default security features and settings. Finjan's RUSafe sniffer tool (a security tool that sniffs live traffic and generates logs that can be analyzed to help protect you ... (view more)

Dell has announced that it will begin offering Windows XP on some of their consumer systems due to significant customer demand. The company said many customers have been asking for XP as part of the Dell IdeaStorm project, which asks customers to ... help the company come up with product ideas. "We heard you loud and clear on bringing the Windows XP option back to our Dell consumer PC offerings," Dell said on its Ideas in Action page. Users vote on various suggestions. Bringing Windows XP back received over 10,000 votes. Interestingly, adding Linux received over 123,000 votes. Starting ... (view more)

In what appears to be a last ditch effort to sell more of it's newest operating system (OS), Microsoft has notified computer manufacturers that by the start of 2008, they will no longer be allowed to ship PCs loaded with Windows XP. "The OEM version ... of XP Professional goes next January," said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. "At that point, they'll have no choice." "Dell recognizes the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system," Dell said on its Direct2Dellblog . Dell plans to continue offering ... (view more)

Hewlett-Packard's (HP) newest energy star PCs won't ship with Windows Vista. In order to comply with the new Energy Star 4.0 business desktop computer standards, the Compaq dc5700, dc5750 and dc7700 will be loaded with Windows XP Pro, despite the ... fact the HP recommends Windows Vista Business. Ted Samson, a writer with InfoWorld , interviewed Todd Kruse, the global desktop product manager at HP. "We will introduce Windows Vista configurations that are Energy Star 4.0-ready in the near future. Because we were able to begin testing all the components including the 80% efficient power supply with ... (view more)

The wait is over. Internet Explorer 7 (IE7), an enhanced version of the Microsoft's popular browser system, is now available for download on the company's website. Dean Hachamovitch, General Manager of Microsoft's Internet Explorer team, promises a ... new and improved browser. "We listened carefully to our customers, and are delivering a safer browser that makes the tasks they do everyday much easier." Internet Explorer 7 reduces exposure against both phishing and malicious software attacks; Microsoft has fortified the browser and is offering users more complete information and support with ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Salomon A. writes: " Dear Dennis, With what program or how can I protect, (lock/unlock) my USB HARD drives with a password? I bought the Acronis Image and did my backup-image to a USB drive, but now my external drive is ... vulnerable. There are so many programs for scrambling files and folders but what I am looking for is really a 'Master' password like Windows XP. Thank you so much for any assistance you can provide. " My response: I don't know of any such a product that is "sold separately", per se, that will allow you to lock your external enclosure with a ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Les M. writes: " Dear Dennis, In December 2003, I purchased a copy of Windows XP Home Edition as part of an upgrade to my PC (main board, processor, RAM, etc), from a local dealer in the UK. This software cost me over $100.00 US ... dollars. During the subsequent time, I have on several occasions had to format my hard drive and reload Windows, due to otherwise insoluble problems. As you probably already know, every time a fresh copy of Windows XP is reloaded, you are required to activate it online within 30 days. Two or three days ago, I switched on my PC as usual and waited ( ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Jill P. writes: " Dear Dennis, I find your articles very interesting and informative. Thanks for that. Question: In the My Documents folder, my music, pictures, etc. are appearing on my husband's screen of Windows XP. I tried to ... make the folder private (with no sharing privileges), but the option is ghosted and won't allow me to choose this feature no matter what I do. How can I make my folders private? " My response: According to Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #307286, the folders you wish to remain private must reside in "your user profile (Drive_letter:\Documents and ... (view more)