Still not using Vista!

I have my express upgrade DVD from HP and can load it onto that new computer at anytime. So what am I waiting for?

• I still have too many programs that can't use the Vista programs as intended. Losing these or forcing me to upgrade is not an enhancement.
• Upgrading does involve risk, and I don't have a way to manage a back-up plan afterwards, with my existing back-up software. I have heard that Symantec will support Ghost 10 and later to save back up images of Vista.
• Scanners, printers, flashdrives, mice...I don't have a plan yet of what to do with the stuff that won't run Vista

So what do you do? I just bought my graduating senior a business laptop for college. He made a choice that he would rather have Windows XP Pro than Vista Business for his school work chores. I read on the Microsoft Site that Vista Business and Ultimate can "downgrade" to Windows XP pro, so I could have bought the Vista Business OS and downgraded it myself. Something is upside down with that plan, since getting the warranty service on a different OS may be an issue.

So for now, I am dealing with Infomation Technology in the simplest of all strategies-if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Did you get a new Computer for Christmas?

We can all enjoy the holidays. It can be frustrating to try and configure that new PC on Christmas Day, but here are some tips that can make the whole experience more efficient and less time consuming.

Start by planning to upgrade/replace. As odd as this sounds, everything will wear-out sooner or later, and a few minutes you spend to catalog what you need to configure that new PC along with deliberately saving packing materials may make it easier for you to re-cycle that system or dispose of it in a manner that allows easy reuse.

Hard drives will need to be formatted to remove your personal information and the re-installed with the old OEM data and software. Make sure you look into a “full system restore in the back of the manual and be prepared from day one to do this.

Some applications that can perform recovery can also be used to save an image of that system when it was new.

Locate the registration information and the original product manuals. Keep them in a safe place.

Use the files and settings Transfer Wizard if you have a Windows PC.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard helps you move your data files and personal settings from your old computer to your new one, without having to go through much of the same configuration you did with your old computer. For example, you can take your personal display properties, folder and taskbar options, and Internet browser and e-mail settings from your old computer and place them on the new one. The wizard will also move specific files or entire folders, such as My Documents, My Pictures, and Favorites. Passwords are not moved with program settings when you use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. This is a feature of the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard that helps to keep your passwords confidential.

Keep a setup script or list of programs that were installed.

• If you need to perform a recovery, it provides an abbreviated step by step process to complete the recovery. You can include notes about patches or help files used to fix problems you found when installing the computer.
• An inventory of links inside of a word document can make finding the same files used a breeze.
  I use Google to search for reported error messages during setup. From the results, only use the solutions stated as being effective at solving the problem in the reply.

Some Thoughts on Networking with Other devices

As a natural extension of my desire to share information, like this blog site with others, there is also a desire to share information with my other devices. You have some options that can be easily implemented, and others may require a more deliberate and coordinated method. CNET has some good weekend projects, and setting up a wireless network is by far one of my all time Favorites on their site.

So you have a network, now what?

Sharing photos and other digital media like documents and music is easy. Microsoft provides some excellent articles, a key one for any beginner is Windows XP Networking: Sharing in the Home Office. Just a word of caution, that sharing on unprotected home networks is not a good idea. Protect those files using the firewall or router security features in addition to the protection offered by the Windows file sharing features.

If you have any media files that contain music, video or recorded TV, software like iTunes and Windows Media Player also allow these to be shared once they are added to the library and the sharing features have been enabled. Digital Books in the Microsoft Reader or Palm Digital Media format can also be shared.

What about sharing with devices that are not PC’s?

The Pocket PC handheld using the Windows Mobile software makes an excellent portable player for your digital media library.

Pocket PCs use the Microsoft Activesync software usually provided on the support CD with the handheld to transfer those files to your handheld, and then playback if they are formatted in the correct media format. Other great software products can be purchased for reasonable prices on sites like PocketGear.com and PalmGear.com.

Music files in WMA or MP3 format can be played without conversion.

JPEG photos can be viewed using either the Pocket Internet Explorer feature of the Image Zone software that can be downloaded from HP.

Movies and recorded TV, once converted and formatted to fit on the smaller device displays, can be quite enjoyable during a cross-country flight.


Wired and Bluetooth networking is similarly completed for these devices, but features vary widely between devices.

Make sure that you use the help and tutorial materials packaged with the device and update the software or firmware if you have problems establishing a connection.
Usually forums that support these devices like Dave’s iPaq Forum on Mobility Today (also a podcast!) and the HP Business Support Forum for iPaq and Aero devices are also good sources for any specific questions.

Bluetooth networking using a cell phone for dial-up networking in a manner similar to a PC modem is an excellent way to stay connected on the go. The fees are generally higher than wireless access charges. I have successfully networked three computers at home and regularly connect all of my handheld devices with complete success. I’m use Bluetooth networking for Printing and a wireless headphone connection.

Personal Digital Assistants.

From Webopedia, PDA is short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs began as pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporated handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. PDAs of today are available in either a stylus or keyboard version.

Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993, was one of the first companies to offer PDAs. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. Today, one of the most popular brands of PDAs is the series of Palm Pilots from Palm, Inc.

PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.

I have owned numerous PDAs. I started with a Palm Vx (Palm Modem and Folding KB), then bought a Sony S320 for my son since he liked to play some of the games I had for my Palm. I later used a Palm m500 for work (with a Seiko ThumbBoard). I traded up to a Palm m505 (Logitech Keycase Keyboard) and sold my Palm Vx. My first Pocket PC was an HP iPAQ h1910 that I won at a Microsoft event. I upgraded to a Sony SJ-33 (using a Belkin Keyboard). I still use a refurbished HP iPAQ h4155 (HP micro Thumb board, and Stowaway IR Keyboard) at home. I used the HP trade-in program to trade-in the HP iPAQ h1910 for an iPAQ hx2755 (with Pharos i360 GPS and Epson Stylus R320 Blue Tooth-capable printer) that is great for work and travel.

Is the PDA Dead?

Searching the Internet on the subject, when Sony got out of the market for manufacturing PDAs in June 2004, it was a real concern that the PDA market would be replaced by Smart Phones. Similarly, Pocket PC manufacturers have been reducing both new product development and product lines for traditional PDAs. Smart handhelds like the RIM Blackberry and Palm Treo models that include cellular phone features with online wireless connection to internet and e-mail services have risen in popularity. But is the Treo a phone or a PDA? The Palm-branded Smart handhelds sales have soared, but is that because the PDA market is gone? No, it is because the Smart Handhelds can deliver services to mobile customers that are in addition to those normally provided to PDA users. Notable developments in PDA hardware and software has improved security and connectivity. They can encrypt files on the device so loss results in data destruction in lieu of unauthorized disclosure. They can provide quick access to wireless and blue tooth networks, just like a full-feature computer.

So what are you waiting for? My real concern is over new the Windows Mobile (WM) 5 “issues” that forced me to settle for an older product (iPAQ 2755) in order to delay upgrading my Pocket PC from Windows Mobile 2003. You can read about this in the HP iPAQ Forum from users who have upgraded their PDAs to WM 5. It seems this new Pocket PC operating system does not run well on the older PDAs without a bunch of tweaking. Even then, there appears to be some degradation in performance. WM 5 seems to run much better on newer devices that come from the factory with it already installed (even though these newer devices have also had their share of problems with WM 5).

I use the term upgrading loosely here because upgrading to WM 5 means the loss of some key features:

• With WM 5, you are no longer able to synch via wireless connection.
• You must upgrade to ActiveSync 4.x which does not support the Backup and Restore option for WM 5 devices (it does, however support this option for Window Mobile 2003 devices).
• There is no backup software included on new iPAQs with WM 5, so upgrading would remove this function from my current situation with IPAQ Backup. I am one of those that expect to retain the software to backup their PDA after upgrade.

The added feature gained in WM 5 is persistent memory, which is the most compelling reason to upgrade, but may be unnecessary if there is little chance of losing data in the first place. Most of the volatile information in the PDA is synchronized on my host PC using the Microsoft Outlook application that comes bundled with the iPAQ. If the PDA battery loses power, then the data in the flash memory is lost. So the work around is to keep the battery charged and have never have a dead battery. I keep a spare battery charged and in my briefcase. I backup my PDA regularly to an SD card, so even if I encounter a dead battery, the PDA data is easily recovered once charged.

I have never had a problem with either of my PDAs running Windows Mobile 2003. By the way, you may not be able to upgrade your iPAQ Pocket PC to WM 5. The only PDAs that are eligible for upgrade are the hx2000 series and the hx4700 series PDAs. If they ever deliver a suitable product version for WM 5, I may upgrade the hx2755 later. Or maybe, just go with a Treo or Blackberry device.

Microsoft Critical Update may affect Dial-up Connection

We complain about how long it takes Microsoft to patch known issues. On 13 June 2006, about 12 security patches were released that fix some of these critical issues. I usually load these without question. However, this may resulted in a loss of functionality.

Recently, I lost the use of my office PC due to a hard drive crash and needed to access the web on a second PC using my dial-up service during the repair. I was unable to connect to my Broadband ISP dial-up service “Invalid Password or user name” was the error message. I called the ISP tech support to get my password reset and it was not the source of the problem. It turns out, based on further trouble-shooting, that that Microsoft patches had removed the ability to use my modem. I was told to remove the update 911280, and then reinstall the 916281 and 914389 patches and contact Microsoft. My fax/modem is also crippled. Noted when I send a fax using the fax console software, I get no response from the modem and no error message. After I shut down the PC and as the computer restarts, it sends the fax during the process of loading services.
I found some IT advice on the web that seemed to agree with my tech support.

http://www.uwindsor.ca/units/its/website/helpdesk2.nsf/(Channel)/6216A37485210D0D8525718F006AC027

Unfortunately, my attempts to restore functionality on both my home and work Laptop PCs have not been successful. Since I use my dial-up infrequently, most users won’t even know the problem exists until they are in a jam. I consider the dial-up service the emergency backup.

I sent this off to PC World Bugs and Fixes. Contacted my Computer Manufacturer, and determined that the best option may be to wait for Microsoft to "patch" this patch. I left a comment on the KB 911280 patch page for the Microsoft Developers to read.

Software Class Action Lawsuits

Several years ago I heard about a Class Action Lawsuit for Microsoft's applications, and figured that I would apply for them and see a monetary return soon. Well, I'm still waiting. In the interest of being true to the name of this Blog-Waiting for it-here are a few more that you can apply and hope that someday the Courts and Law Firms can agree to just pay the consumers what the suit intended. Or maybe we can just stop this nonsense, and provide software that is fairly marketed, tested and otherwise supported for the benefit of those who would never think up this stuff on their own!

Links and trademarks excepted, here they are:

Epson Class Action
http://www.epsonsettlement.com/index.htm

Q: What is this lawsuit about?

A: The Settlement resolves a class action lawsuit filed in California and other state courts. Plaintiffs assert claims against Epson America, Inc. (“EAI”) based on various legal theories, including breach of contract, breach of implied warranties, unjust enrichment, fraudulent concealment, violations of California Business and Professions Code Sections17200, et seq., and violations of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California Civil Code Sections 1750, et seq., relating to the performance and other characteristics of Epson inkjet printer cartridges. Among other things, Plaintiffs allege that Epson inkjet printers and inkjet cartridges indicate that cartridges are “empty” and suspend printer function, even though substantial ink remains. EAI has denied and continues to deny the claims and any wrongdoing, but has decided to settle to avoid the cost and inconvenience of litigation. The Court has not issued any rulings about the validity of the claims.

Q: What are the settlement benefits for class members?

A: Settlement Class Members who have already registered a qualifying printer with EAI, or who register a qualifying printer with EAI by November 13, 2006 will automatically receive a $45 credit to be used in the Epson E-Store for each registered qualifying Epson InkJet Printer. Registered Settlement Class Members are not required to submit a claim to receive the $45 credit.

The following printers are eligible for settlement benefits: [list of qualifying printers]. To register a qualifying printer with EAI, go to www.epsonstore.com/benefitsreg and complete all required fields. In the alternative, a Settlement Class Member may reject the $45 credit and instead elect, by not later than June 22, 2006 (the “Claims Period”), to receive either: (a) a combination of $25 payable by check and a $20 Epson E-Store credit for each registered printer; or (b) a discount of 25% off Epson E-Store purchases for a total discount of up to $100 with respect to each registered printer.

California Microsoft Class Action
http://www.microsoftcalsettlement.com/index.htm

Q: What is this settlement about? A: A settlement has been reached in an antitrust and unfair competition class action lawsuit about certain Microsoft software acquired by consumers and businesses between February 18, 1995 and December 15, 2001 for use in California. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft will provide vouchers totaling up to $1.1 billion to eligible California users of its Windows, MS-DOS, Office, Excel, Word, Works Suite or Home Essentials 97 or 98 products to be redeemed for cash after they purchase qualifying computer hardware or software.

Q: What benefits are available under the settlement?

A: You will receive vouchers redeemable for cash after the purchase of a wide variety of software and computer hardware products. The vouchers are worth: $16 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.

Symantec Class Action
http://www.softwaresettlement.com/index.html

Q: What is this lawsuit about?

A: If you purchased Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 2004, also known as NAV 2004, software package and / or Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2004, also known as NIS 2004, software package between January 1, 2003 and January 3, 2006, manufactured by Defendant, Symantec Corporation, this lawsuit may be important to you. A proposed settlement has been reached in a lawsuit in which Plaintiff claimed that:

NAV 2004 and NIS 2004 were defective for a variety of reasons, including that their use sometimes resulted in one or more of the following conditions:

• Inability to access the internet,
• A material slowdown in the performance of internet browsing speed, and
• Difficulty in uninstalling the product,
• AND that Symantec allegedly failed to communicate and disclose certain of these facts and circumstances to consumers.

For more information about this settlement, please refer to the Notice.

Q: What are the settlement benefits for Class Members?

A: As part of the settlement, Symantec has agreed to make the following relief available to Settlement Class Members who submit a valid Claim Form:
For any Settlement Class Member who submits a valid Claim Form, Symantec will provide and send to any such Settlement Class Member a fifteen dollar rebate certificate redeemable on the purchase of Symantec products from Symantec's on-line store.

For any Settlement Class Member who incurred any third party expenses in remedying one or more of the Conditions and submits a valid Claim Form, Symantec will pay up to ten dollars to reimburse the Settlement Class member for such charges.

Tax Time Again

Tax Time!
Every year, it seems the onerous chore of doing taxes gets harder for me-based on those laws passed to keep more from my paycheck or deliver on a political campaign promise that I need to fill out 3 pages of tax forms in order to be eligible to qualify for a deduction- So here it is- the tax blog!

I’ll start by saving you some money. Maybe that is enough to get you in a patriotic mood. The software-based method I use is discussed below, but there are web-based tax programs that are available, however, I have not used them. The IRS provides volunteer training for those who wish to help others- the courses are good if you want to learn tax code, and the service is great is you are challenged by the process of doing taxes on your own. There is also the typical Tax service or accountant that can do your taxes for you, and the discussion below may help you to organize your records for their use as well.


What happened to the Rebates?
The major brick and mortar Office Superstores offer phenomenal deals during the Tax season, now starting as early as Black Friday (see my previous blog on that). Typical is the Staples offer where top-of-the-line Financial management software (Quicken or Money), computer utilities (Symantec, McAfee, or Computer associates), and shredders are offered free after rebate with the purchase of the Tax software. Some of these offers require an “upgrader” rebate to make it free, so if you have never purchased a qualifying program, your first year may cost a little extra. One of the new trends I noted in the boxed tax software this year is less of these rebates are offered. The three major tax software companies (for TurboTax, TaxCut, and TaxAct) have all but eliminated them. The only significant rebate program left is H&R Block's offer to refund the $16 you'll pay them for e-filing your TaxCut federal return. This news is bad for consumers since only TaxCut reduced the software price along with eliminating the rebate. TurboTax eliminated the rebate but kept the same price. However, both TurboTax and TaxCut now include their deduction management software (ItsDeductible and DeductionPro, respectively) as part of their deluxe packages (retail versions only; you don't get the freebie if you decide to download the software). Both companies used to charge $20 for these add-ons. Block has also upped its offer of help should the IRS want to delve into your TaxCut Deluxe + State return: An H&R Block enrolled agent will accompany you to any audit. And if you start to use TaxCut, then decide you need professional help, H&R Block will credit the purchase price of the software toward the cost of an H&R Block tax preparer. With a price of $30 and a rebate for the $16 federal e-file fee, TaxCut is easily the best value of the three.

Best Deal Versus Best Software.PC World Magazine states of the three major desktop tax prep packages, TaxCut probably offers the best value for the money. Those new to tax software should seriously consider H&R Block's offering--if only because they may want to use a professional preparer after spending some quality time with the tax code. Block's offer to credit the purchase price of TaxCut against professional preparation in one of their offices gives rookies a hedge against the unknown. Even though there are only three major products in the market, shrink-wrapped tax software still manages to offer a choice appropriate to individual tax situations. Choose wisely and you won't be disappointed. I believe TaxCut Deluxe is the best of the three for my use. I had to pay $30 for the cost of the product and $16 to e-file my state return.

Managing and Organizing your Finances. One of the best reasons to use Tax Software is it allows you to import your finances-charities, investments, deductions into the software directly. I use Microsoft Money, but I’ve used Quicken and there is substantially no difference from my perspective. I would state that the “Deluxe” versions of the programs can be free after rebate-so the added functionality comes without additional cost. I simply import my banking and investment files from the web into Money, update the items in Money to reflect their tax status, and export them into the TaxCut Software. Using the included chartiable deduction management software could also get you even more back on your taxes. Using your PDA/and or office software to keep track of business mileage and expenses gets you a two-fold benefit- you get the deduction for the expense, and the device or software being used becomes a deduction as well. These records can easily be saved as comma separated values files for import into any accounting program and provide an official record for auditing.