What’s New in Computing  

Since our last newsletter in June 2005, advances in the computer world continue across the board.  

Chip makers are continually announcing processors with ever greater speeds. Memory is becoming dirt cheap.  Computer prices continue to fall.  One can carry the entire contents of  “My Documents” on a key ring flash card.  Microsoft has announced introduction of a new operating system, Vista, in 2007 (see page 2).  The internet is maturing thanks to the spread of higher speed broadband and wireless communications (WI-FI”).  This technology allows users to set up computer networks on their own.  

At one point use of the internet and e-mail became seriously threatened  by spam and spy ware invasion of privacy, but internet providers have made progress combating this threat. 

All of these advances make Internet based applications worth considering.  Rather than buy business software such as MS Office for up to $400, one can now avail themselves of similar web based programs for free. 

For example, Google, the web’s most popular search engine, also offers web a based calendar, spread sheet, word document, games, such as crossword puzzles,  a drawing program called Sketch Up, a photo organizer called Picasa2, and G-mail. 

We tested all of these services and found them to be simple to learn and adequate for simple uses.  Documents created by any of these programs are saved on Google’s servers and are therefore available to be examined anywhere there is a computer connected to the Internet.  Thus a consortium of people in different locations can jointly edit a document. 

Google is not alone in offering web-based applications. Microsoft, for example, has announced the launching of a new free service for small businesses called Office Live. 

It includes free developing and hosting of a web-site, accounting services, data storage, and e-mail services.

For a small monthly fee, a small business can have access to about 20 business applications designed to make small businesses as efficient as larger businesses. 

One should understand that usage is entirely dependent upon internet connection.  If ISP service is down, one’s business is helpless, with no access to vital information until service is restored. 

We are Moving to Chestertown, MD 

As many of you know, we have spent our vacations over the last ten years cruising the eastern shore of the U.S. from Florida to Maine.  In the process we discovered the beauty of the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay.  When an opportunity to buy a lot on the Chester River came up, we jumped at it.  We are now in the process of having a house designed and built on the property.  We probably will be able to move there in 2008. 

We remain committed to you our clients and remain available via e-mail to advise and consult after we have moved. 

If anyone has technical problems or wants to purchase a new computer after we have moved, I have made an arrangement with Paul Hsu to take your calls. 

He can be reached during working hours at 617-908-3497, or by e-mail at phsu@zotrope.com

Paul is a licensed Microsoft technician, builds and repairs computers, and is conversant with all the latest trends in computer technology.  In fact he has built many computers for our clients and us.  In addition to his knowledge, he is an extremely polite and attractive person.  We know you will like him when you have a need for his services. 

A Preview of Microsoft Vista

Microsoft has announced expected release in early 2007 of a new operating system called Vista, replacing Windows XP.  Beta versions have been widely tested for months, so that its new features are known.  One nifty new feature is Instant Search allowing the user to simply type a word or two to find a file.  Also, a new Windows Explorer allows one to see into a document without opening it, thus saving time in finding a particular file. 

Security is beefed up against viruses, worms, spyware, and unwanted software according to Microsoft’s product descriptions.  Microsoft will provide automatic updates to combat new attempts to disrupt internet communication.  A new feature Defender will give warnings against attempts to download malicious software.  Independent anti-virus vendors have protested this feature, as unfair competition, and claim that Micrsoft’s security will be less efficient than theirs. 

Vista will feature Internet Explorer 7 with increased security and privacy features. 

Vista also features new sidebars that can remain on the desktop such as a clock, or news headlines. 

Microsoft claims that Vista will increase computer performance with new features called Ready Boost, Super Fetch, and Ready Drive, allowing faster file retrieval, and better coordination of memory, including added flash card memory. 

Backup features will be improved.  Also speech recognition will be an integral part of the system. 

Vista will come in several editions, including Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, and Home Basic Official prices have not been announced but preliminary estimates are about $500 for Ultimate, and $250 for Home Basic. 

One can download a small program called Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft to see if your present computer is compatible with Vista.  We tried it on our computer, and got a positive answer, but also advice to install more memory, a DVD drive, and upgrade our video card.  It appears that Vista is anticipating the downloading of movies to DVD’s  that can then be played on home T.V.’s

Digital Gizmos

With Christmas just around the corner we thought our readers might like to know about the latest electronic gadgets available for that special person. 

Radio listeners  might look at XM Radio (www.xmradio.com), offering over 170 commercial free channels via satellite allowing anyone with a receiver to listen continuously where ever they are.  Receivers cost between $240 and $40, the more expensive ones doubling as a MP3 player.  We own a “Roady” that we can set up in our car, at home, or on our boat.  Subscription costs $12 per month. 

Another neat music player is the new Apple I Pod Shuffle, weighing 15 grams and costing about $85.  Download music from the Internet or copy music from a CD onto the shuffle’s memory card (www.apple.com/store). 

For video games, Microsoft’s X-Box 360 costs about $400 plus about $30 per game.Competitors include Sony’s Playstation 3, and the Nintendo Wii both just released and hard to find at stores.  

For video recording, the ultimate at present is the TiVo Series 3 High Definition recorder (www.TiVo.com) costing about $800 plus a monthly subscription fee.  Of course one needs a high definition TV to go with it. The choice of plasma vs. LCD screen will be the subject of another article.