The following is my response to the many questions I’ve received about upgrading to Windows 7.
A Windows 7 Upgrade means you can install Windows 7 simply by inserting the Windows 7 upgrade software into your computer’s DVD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. Although you’re not required to backup and reinstall your files or reinstall your programs, I recommend you back up your irreplaceable Stuff to an external hard drive before you start the upgrade.
A Custom (clean) installation erases the contents of your computer’s hard drive. Your files, settings and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. This means to install Windows 7, you'll need to: Backup all the files and settings you want to keep, Install Windows 7 and Reinstall all your files programs.
Note: Windows 7 includes an Easy Transfer feature. It’s a free tool you can use to copy your information (but not programs) off your computer to be copied back after you install Windows 7, but it should not preclude a “just in case” backup of your irreplaceable Stuff to an external hard drive.
A Custom (clean) Installation take time and a bit of technical skill. Although the Windows 7 Easy Transfer can help, if you’re not comfortable with the process, I recommend having the installation done at home by a qualified technician.
A Custom (clean) install is required to upgrade:
XP (all additions) to Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.
Vista Home Basic to Windows 7 Professional.
Vista Home Primium to Windows 7 Professional.
Vista Business to Windows 7 Home Premium.
Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional.
A simple Upgrade is available to upgrade:
Vista Home Basic to Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate.
Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium and Ultimate.
Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.
Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate.
If upgrading to Windows 7 seems a bit confusing why not attend our “free” open to the public User Group Windows 7 orientation meeting at 6 PM, January 14th, 6:00 PM at Lee Memorial Hospital auditorium.
In fact whether you’re a Vista or an XP user if you have any questions or concerns about Windows 7 or would just like to view its most significant features, I know you’ll enjoy the multi media presentation offered by our consulting technicians.
And if you’re interested in an ongoing series of in-depth Windows 7 seminars that will be offered at Lee Memorial Hospital auditorium beginning January 9th at 9:30 AM - contact me for additional information.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Window 7 is to Vista as was 98 to 95 and XP to Millennium
If your Windows XP operating system and your current software programs are doing all you want and/or need them to do and you’re not planning any new significant resource demanding computing adventures in the near future - in my opinion there’s no compelling reason for you to upgrade your operating system or your software.
I’m reiterating this bit of Good Boot philosophy as it addresses the most often asked question I received via e-mail following my December 7th Windows 7 article.
But there were a couple of other issues I’ll mention.
Let me first reassure irate XPers that contrary to what they’ve heard, their monitors will not go blue on July 13, 2010 when XP becomes shall we say, a legacy operating system.
All that will happen on July 13th is that Microsoft will no longer provide individual support or security updates for XP.
XP will be around for many years to come. And if you’re concerned about XP security issues, I suggest the bad guys have so much on their plate trying to come up with bad things to do to Vista and now Windows 7, they’ll relegate trying to sabotage XP to a back burner.
Now for those who questioned my enthusiasm for Windows 7.
If you’ve been around for a while, you probably remember my enthusiasm for Windows 98 and XP. Both included the sum total of all the band-Aides Microsoft had to apply to their predecessor to insure a stable and reliable operating system.
As 98 was to 95 and XP was to Millennium, Windows 7 is to Vista. An all the band-Aids applied ready for prime time version of a reliable, stable and user friendly operating system.
With this in mind, I recommend all Vista users consider upgrading to Windows 7. As for Xper’s, it’s your call.
And for those who suggested there’s a conspiracy among software vendors to intimidate users into upgrading to a newer version of their software, I maintain it’s nothing more than an attempt to insure they stay in business for another year and/or an opportunity when a new version of Windows is released to provide valuable new features.
If you’re offended by the annual software vendors’ upgrade marketing frenzy, simply check the upgrade features they offer and make your decision based on whether you believe those features are worth the cost of the upgrade.
I do, however, recommend upgrading your most often used software current at least every two years.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
I’m reiterating this bit of Good Boot philosophy as it addresses the most often asked question I received via e-mail following my December 7th Windows 7 article.
But there were a couple of other issues I’ll mention.
Let me first reassure irate XPers that contrary to what they’ve heard, their monitors will not go blue on July 13, 2010 when XP becomes shall we say, a legacy operating system.
All that will happen on July 13th is that Microsoft will no longer provide individual support or security updates for XP.
XP will be around for many years to come. And if you’re concerned about XP security issues, I suggest the bad guys have so much on their plate trying to come up with bad things to do to Vista and now Windows 7, they’ll relegate trying to sabotage XP to a back burner.
Now for those who questioned my enthusiasm for Windows 7.
If you’ve been around for a while, you probably remember my enthusiasm for Windows 98 and XP. Both included the sum total of all the band-Aides Microsoft had to apply to their predecessor to insure a stable and reliable operating system.
As 98 was to 95 and XP was to Millennium, Windows 7 is to Vista. An all the band-Aids applied ready for prime time version of a reliable, stable and user friendly operating system.
With this in mind, I recommend all Vista users consider upgrading to Windows 7. As for Xper’s, it’s your call.
And for those who suggested there’s a conspiracy among software vendors to intimidate users into upgrading to a newer version of their software, I maintain it’s nothing more than an attempt to insure they stay in business for another year and/or an opportunity when a new version of Windows is released to provide valuable new features.
If you’re offended by the annual software vendors’ upgrade marketing frenzy, simply check the upgrade features they offer and make your decision based on whether you believe those features are worth the cost of the upgrade.
I do, however, recommend upgrading your most often used software current at least every two years.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
A quick trip to your external hard drive photos
Maybe you’ve accumulated so many music and/or photo files you’re using an external hard drive to store them. And maybe you’ve created Desktop shortcuts by right clicking on the music and/or pictures folder on your external hard drive and clicking “Send to” and “Desktop” (create shortcut) to conveniently access your music and/or pictures folders on your external hard drive.
However, there may come a time when rather than Desktop shortcuts, you might prefer accessing your external hard drive’s music and/or pictures folders directly by clicking the “Music” and “Pictures” tabs on Vista’s Start Menu.
If this druthers tweaks your curiosity, I suggest you first create a Music and/or Pictures folder on your external hard drive and relocate all your music and/or pictures files and sub folders into the music and/or pictures folder you created.
Once you’ve accomplished this, changing the default settings for Vista’s Start Menu “Music” and “Pictures” tabs is as follows.
Note: Windows 7 has greatly improved and simplified this task. I’ll review it next week.
To Redirect Vista’s Start Menu “Music” tab:
Click on Start > right click on the “Music” tab > click “Properties” > click “Location” > click “Move” > click “Computer” > double click on your external hard drive > double click on your external hard drive “Music” folder > click “Select Folder” > click “Apply” > on the “Move Folder Panel” click “No” > click “OK”.
Now when click Start > Music you’ll go directly to your external hard drive’s Music folder
To Restore Vista’s Start Menu Music tab to it’s original default location:
Click on Start > right click on the “Music” tab > click “Properties” > click “Location” >
click “Restore Default” > click “Apply” > On the “Move Folder Panel” click “No” > click “OK”
To Redirect Vista’s Start Menu “Pictures” tab:
Using the steps above simply substitute “Pictures” for “Music”.
Now when click Start > Pictures you’ll go directly to your external hard drive’s “Pictures” folder
To Restore Vista’s Start Menu “Pictures” tab to it’s original default location:
Using the steps above simply substitute “Pictures” for “Music”.
Note: Redirecting Vista’s Start Menu “Music” and/or “Pictures” tab to your external hard drive does not change the location nor the content of Vista’s original “Music” and/or “Pictures” folder.
A heads up: Our 2010 User Group free, open to the public meetings beginning January 14th. They will as you might guess be dedicated to Windows 7.
Our User Group consulting technicians will be available to answer your questions and provide enlightening “walk abouts” of the new Windows 7 features.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
However, there may come a time when rather than Desktop shortcuts, you might prefer accessing your external hard drive’s music and/or pictures folders directly by clicking the “Music” and “Pictures” tabs on Vista’s Start Menu.
If this druthers tweaks your curiosity, I suggest you first create a Music and/or Pictures folder on your external hard drive and relocate all your music and/or pictures files and sub folders into the music and/or pictures folder you created.
Once you’ve accomplished this, changing the default settings for Vista’s Start Menu “Music” and “Pictures” tabs is as follows.
Note: Windows 7 has greatly improved and simplified this task. I’ll review it next week.
To Redirect Vista’s Start Menu “Music” tab:
Click on Start > right click on the “Music” tab > click “Properties” > click “Location” > click “Move” > click “Computer” > double click on your external hard drive > double click on your external hard drive “Music” folder > click “Select Folder” > click “Apply” > on the “Move Folder Panel” click “No” > click “OK”.
Now when click Start > Music you’ll go directly to your external hard drive’s Music folder
To Restore Vista’s Start Menu Music tab to it’s original default location:
Click on Start > right click on the “Music” tab > click “Properties” > click “Location” >
click “Restore Default” > click “Apply” > On the “Move Folder Panel” click “No” > click “OK”
To Redirect Vista’s Start Menu “Pictures” tab:
Using the steps above simply substitute “Pictures” for “Music”.
Now when click Start > Pictures you’ll go directly to your external hard drive’s “Pictures” folder
To Restore Vista’s Start Menu “Pictures” tab to it’s original default location:
Using the steps above simply substitute “Pictures” for “Music”.
Note: Redirecting Vista’s Start Menu “Music” and/or “Pictures” tab to your external hard drive does not change the location nor the content of Vista’s original “Music” and/or “Pictures” folder.
A heads up: Our 2010 User Group free, open to the public meetings beginning January 14th. They will as you might guess be dedicated to Windows 7.
Our User Group consulting technicians will be available to answer your questions and provide enlightening “walk abouts” of the new Windows 7 features.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Windows 7 rejuvenated my ancient Laptop
Because I’m waiting on a new computer in order for me to become up close and personal with Windows 7, I had Brian Barnes install Windows 7 on our User Group laptop.
As it turned out doing so was fortuitous as it provided me an opportunity to evaluate Windows 7 on a 3 year old laptop with only 2 gigabytes of RAM.
Folks, as far as I’m concerned if you’re a Vista user you must upgrade to Widows 7! It’s a no brainer. And if you’re an Xper, the time has come for you to consider upgrading.
Windows 7 on our vintage laptop far and away outperformed Vista. From the very first Boot after installation it was obvious Windows 7 managed the laptop’s 2 Megabytes of RAM far more efficiently that Vista. And then continued to do so as I installed some of my most resource demanding software. In fact and I kid you not, had I not known better I might have been fooled into believing the laptop was a new computer.
Although I’ve not installed all my software, most of the software I did was accepted without having to seek out a Windows 7 upgrade. But be aware there are Vista software programs that will require a Windows 7 version.
My next adventure involved dusting off and connecting a vintage inkjet printer and scanner. Neither were Vista friendly. Even XP had experienced a problem locating their drivers. Without the slightest hesitation Windows 7 had them up and running.
As for the Windows 7 presentations. If you’re a Vista user after a few walk abouts you’ll feel right at home. And if you do need help there are many “How Do I’s” strategically placed to assist you.
With the exception of pinning shortcuts to the taskbar (Vista’s Quick Launch has been eliminated) the Taskbar, Start Menu and Toolbar properties are pretty much the same.
The only significant change to the Control Panel is the “Action Center” where among other settings the “Security Center” is now located.
As far as I’m concerned the way in which Windows 7 presents its features and settings is far more well thought out and user friendly than where those of Vista.
It goes without saying Xpers upgrading to Window 7 will experience an extraordinary adventure, but at least they’ll do so without suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune we who upgraded from XP to Vista experienced.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
As it turned out doing so was fortuitous as it provided me an opportunity to evaluate Windows 7 on a 3 year old laptop with only 2 gigabytes of RAM.
Folks, as far as I’m concerned if you’re a Vista user you must upgrade to Widows 7! It’s a no brainer. And if you’re an Xper, the time has come for you to consider upgrading.
Windows 7 on our vintage laptop far and away outperformed Vista. From the very first Boot after installation it was obvious Windows 7 managed the laptop’s 2 Megabytes of RAM far more efficiently that Vista. And then continued to do so as I installed some of my most resource demanding software. In fact and I kid you not, had I not known better I might have been fooled into believing the laptop was a new computer.
Although I’ve not installed all my software, most of the software I did was accepted without having to seek out a Windows 7 upgrade. But be aware there are Vista software programs that will require a Windows 7 version.
My next adventure involved dusting off and connecting a vintage inkjet printer and scanner. Neither were Vista friendly. Even XP had experienced a problem locating their drivers. Without the slightest hesitation Windows 7 had them up and running.
As for the Windows 7 presentations. If you’re a Vista user after a few walk abouts you’ll feel right at home. And if you do need help there are many “How Do I’s” strategically placed to assist you.
With the exception of pinning shortcuts to the taskbar (Vista’s Quick Launch has been eliminated) the Taskbar, Start Menu and Toolbar properties are pretty much the same.
The only significant change to the Control Panel is the “Action Center” where among other settings the “Security Center” is now located.
As far as I’m concerned the way in which Windows 7 presents its features and settings is far more well thought out and user friendly than where those of Vista.
It goes without saying Xpers upgrading to Window 7 will experience an extraordinary adventure, but at least they’ll do so without suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune we who upgraded from XP to Vista experienced.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
How can child pornography infect your computer
Every year about this time David Keller, a.k.a. Compu-Doctor, e-mails me a reminder to mention in a Good Boot it’s the season to beware of the grinches offering computer viruses, spyware, malware and phishing disguised as cyberspace goodies e.g., Internet free stuff downloads, help with a virus and virus infected e-mailed funny stuff from friends.
Although this year I thanked him for his reminder, in my e-mail reply I expressed disbelieve
that there could be anyone left in Southwest Florida unaware of how grinches can infect their computers.
David responded back with... then why is it that disinfecting computers continues to be one of my most significant sources of income? And why during the holiday season does my computer disinfecting business peak?
The obvious reason is that in fact not every Southwest Florida user is aware of how grinches infect their computers and even those who are can become so distracted by holiday activities, they let their guard down.
Now if at this point in my Good Boot you’re pooh poohing the idea that you could become a victim of the infamous grinches and are ready to accuse me of creating unwarranted paranoia, mull on this for a moment.
There’s a new malware that can be best described as functioning like the software program Napster created during the 1990's that allowed mp3 files to be shared among multiple computers. Users could access and download music stored on multiple computers.
Although this emerging new malware uses the same principle for file sharing as did Napster, it’s purpose is insidious and goes far beyond just placing a computer’s system in harms way. It can actually place a user in harms way.
It functions like this. A user is phished to a fake Web site via an e-mail link, duped into downloading a free program or asked to respond to an Internet pop up alert claiming their computer may have a virus.
When the user becomes involved in any one of these activities a program is surreptitiously installed on their computer. Once installed child pornography is download onto the victims computer. The folder containing the child pornography is well hidden on the unsuspecting user’s computer but is available to be shared by other child pornographers.
Sound scarey! It is! A computer can become a safe harbor for child pornography available to any pervert who knows the location of the computer on which the malware program is installed. And the owner of the host computer will not be aware of the downloaded child pornography nor the activity when a pervert accesses it.
And think about this! You can become an unsuspecting co conspirator, legally responsible for the child pornography on your computer should it be traced to you.
For additional information on this new cyberspace conspiracy contact David Keller at compudoc@cyberstreet.com and/or go to his web site at www.compu-doctor.com for his Prescriptions for Healthy Computing.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Although this year I thanked him for his reminder, in my e-mail reply I expressed disbelieve
that there could be anyone left in Southwest Florida unaware of how grinches can infect their computers.
David responded back with... then why is it that disinfecting computers continues to be one of my most significant sources of income? And why during the holiday season does my computer disinfecting business peak?
The obvious reason is that in fact not every Southwest Florida user is aware of how grinches infect their computers and even those who are can become so distracted by holiday activities, they let their guard down.
Now if at this point in my Good Boot you’re pooh poohing the idea that you could become a victim of the infamous grinches and are ready to accuse me of creating unwarranted paranoia, mull on this for a moment.
There’s a new malware that can be best described as functioning like the software program Napster created during the 1990's that allowed mp3 files to be shared among multiple computers. Users could access and download music stored on multiple computers.
Although this emerging new malware uses the same principle for file sharing as did Napster, it’s purpose is insidious and goes far beyond just placing a computer’s system in harms way. It can actually place a user in harms way.
It functions like this. A user is phished to a fake Web site via an e-mail link, duped into downloading a free program or asked to respond to an Internet pop up alert claiming their computer may have a virus.
When the user becomes involved in any one of these activities a program is surreptitiously installed on their computer. Once installed child pornography is download onto the victims computer. The folder containing the child pornography is well hidden on the unsuspecting user’s computer but is available to be shared by other child pornographers.
Sound scarey! It is! A computer can become a safe harbor for child pornography available to any pervert who knows the location of the computer on which the malware program is installed. And the owner of the host computer will not be aware of the downloaded child pornography nor the activity when a pervert accesses it.
And think about this! You can become an unsuspecting co conspirator, legally responsible for the child pornography on your computer should it be traced to you.
For additional information on this new cyberspace conspiracy contact David Keller at compudoc@cyberstreet.com and/or go to his web site at www.compu-doctor.com for his Prescriptions for Healthy Computing.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
The Power of the Pointer
I hope by now most Good Booters are aware of the “Power of the Pointer”. A quick way to discover XP, Vista and Windows 7 information and options.
However as a reminder to current XP, Vista and Windows 7 users as well as information for new users who will be upgrading or purchasing a new Windows 7 computer, I’m going to revisit the awesome power of the pointer.
Perhaps a sampling of how valuable a tool for discovery your pointer and mouse’s right button can be will tweak your curiosity.
Right click on:
* Start and left click Properties (Properties is Windows’ term for information). Xpers will discover Start Menu and Taskbar options. Vista and Windows 7 users will discover Start Menu, Taskbar, Notification Area and Toolbar options.
Spend some time investigating the options offered. Note their default settings should you want to return to them.
* Your Toolbar and left click Toolbars. Investigate some of the many Toolbars and Menu options offered.
If you’ve not done so already I recommend XP and Vista users activate the Quick Launch Toolbar. It’ll appear on left of your Toolbar. In addition to its default shortcuts you can add selected programs and Web sites for convenient access from your Toolbar by dragging their shortcuts from your Desktop onto the Quick Launch Toolbar. Windows 7 users need only drag and “Pin” the shortcuts from their Desktop to the Toolbar. Shortcuts can be removed by dragging them off the Quick Launch Toolbar or Windows 7 Toolbar.
* A blank area of your Desktop and left click Properties (XP) and Personalize (Vista and Windows 7). Investigate the options. Note their default settings should you want to return to them.
Also:
* At the right of your Taskbar is your Taskbar Notification Area. The icons displayed are “some” of the programs currently “running in the background”. To discover what programs they point to, pass your pointer over their icons. For additional information on how the program can be configured, right click on the icon.
* Open any software program and right click in its work area and/or Internet Explorer and right click on a Web page. You’ll be offered a menu of options and configurations.
I hope this mini-tour will provide an incentive for Xpers, Vista and Windows 7 users who have not done so already to begin a power of the pointer adventure. For those soon to be new Windows 7 users, keep the power of the pointer in mind.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
However as a reminder to current XP, Vista and Windows 7 users as well as information for new users who will be upgrading or purchasing a new Windows 7 computer, I’m going to revisit the awesome power of the pointer.
Perhaps a sampling of how valuable a tool for discovery your pointer and mouse’s right button can be will tweak your curiosity.
Right click on:
* Start and left click Properties (Properties is Windows’ term for information). Xpers will discover Start Menu and Taskbar options. Vista and Windows 7 users will discover Start Menu, Taskbar, Notification Area and Toolbar options.
Spend some time investigating the options offered. Note their default settings should you want to return to them.
* Your Toolbar and left click Toolbars. Investigate some of the many Toolbars and Menu options offered.
If you’ve not done so already I recommend XP and Vista users activate the Quick Launch Toolbar. It’ll appear on left of your Toolbar. In addition to its default shortcuts you can add selected programs and Web sites for convenient access from your Toolbar by dragging their shortcuts from your Desktop onto the Quick Launch Toolbar. Windows 7 users need only drag and “Pin” the shortcuts from their Desktop to the Toolbar. Shortcuts can be removed by dragging them off the Quick Launch Toolbar or Windows 7 Toolbar.
* A blank area of your Desktop and left click Properties (XP) and Personalize (Vista and Windows 7). Investigate the options. Note their default settings should you want to return to them.
Also:
* At the right of your Taskbar is your Taskbar Notification Area. The icons displayed are “some” of the programs currently “running in the background”. To discover what programs they point to, pass your pointer over their icons. For additional information on how the program can be configured, right click on the icon.
* Open any software program and right click in its work area and/or Internet Explorer and right click on a Web page. You’ll be offered a menu of options and configurations.
I hope this mini-tour will provide an incentive for Xpers, Vista and Windows 7 users who have not done so already to begin a power of the pointer adventure. For those soon to be new Windows 7 users, keep the power of the pointer in mind.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Second Copy revisited
Most often after convincing a novice that hard drives can fail without notice, they do have irreplaceable “Stuff” on their hard drive and they do need to consider a backup regimen, I’m asked to recommend both the best method of backing up their Stuff and the software they should consider to accomplish the backup.
Traditionally any recommendation I make to a novice is based on the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) principle.
Select a software program that will backup in standard format to an external device such as a CD/DVD or preferable an external hard drive.
For most novices should their hard drive fail it will be necessary for then to reinstall Windows and their software programs. If this be the case, I suggest a novice should only be concerned with backing up their irreplaceable Stuff. And this can be done with inexpensive, user friendly software.
I’ve mentioned my favorite backup software program Second Copy many times, but in my opinion it’s well worth mentioning again as it has all the features a novice needs to insure successful backups.
Second Copy:
1. Is inexpensive (29.95)
2. Is appropriate for all versions of Windows to include Window 7, 32 and 64-bit.
3. Places a shortcut in the Taskbar Notification Area that’s both an effective reminder to backup and a single click quick trip to its backup profiles.
4. Will pop up a reminder and pause for 30 seconds should a file in use need to be closed.
5. Provides both manual and scheduled backups.
6. Backs up files in standard format rather than proprietary format.
Note: Many backup software programs backup files in a proprietary format requiring it’s program to be installed to restore files. Because Second Copy’s backup files are in standard format you can view the file and if you wish, relocate a file or files using a simple copy and paste from the backup source device.
7. Allows you to configure as many profiles as you want to backup in any way you want.
For example: You may want to create an “Exact Copy” backup profile that purges files on your backup device that you’ve deleted from your current Documents/My Documents and other folders and/or a “Simple Copy” that just adds new files from your Documents/My Documents and other folders creating an on going, just in case archive of all your Stuff.
Go to www.centered.com for additional information and excellent video tutorials.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Traditionally any recommendation I make to a novice is based on the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) principle.
Select a software program that will backup in standard format to an external device such as a CD/DVD or preferable an external hard drive.
For most novices should their hard drive fail it will be necessary for then to reinstall Windows and their software programs. If this be the case, I suggest a novice should only be concerned with backing up their irreplaceable Stuff. And this can be done with inexpensive, user friendly software.
I’ve mentioned my favorite backup software program Second Copy many times, but in my opinion it’s well worth mentioning again as it has all the features a novice needs to insure successful backups.
Second Copy:
1. Is inexpensive (29.95)
2. Is appropriate for all versions of Windows to include Window 7, 32 and 64-bit.
3. Places a shortcut in the Taskbar Notification Area that’s both an effective reminder to backup and a single click quick trip to its backup profiles.
4. Will pop up a reminder and pause for 30 seconds should a file in use need to be closed.
5. Provides both manual and scheduled backups.
6. Backs up files in standard format rather than proprietary format.
Note: Many backup software programs backup files in a proprietary format requiring it’s program to be installed to restore files. Because Second Copy’s backup files are in standard format you can view the file and if you wish, relocate a file or files using a simple copy and paste from the backup source device.
7. Allows you to configure as many profiles as you want to backup in any way you want.
For example: You may want to create an “Exact Copy” backup profile that purges files on your backup device that you’ve deleted from your current Documents/My Documents and other folders and/or a “Simple Copy” that just adds new files from your Documents/My Documents and other folders creating an on going, just in case archive of all your Stuff.
Go to www.centered.com for additional information and excellent video tutorials.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Why I do not recommend disk imaging
Last week’s Good Boot generated quite a few questions concerning why I did not recommend novices use disk imaging backup software.
For disk imaging software to effectively restore your operating system, applications, settings and personal files to a new hard drive or reformatted hard drive, the disk image backup must be as current as their most recent modifications.
For those who have never viewed their system’s Registry, click Start, Run and Regedit. Carefully so as not to make any changes, open each HKEY folders. I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the number of Registry entries.
Registry entries began the day Windows was installed on your computer with new entries added for every subsequent change you’ve made to your system. A new Registry entry or change to a current Registry entry can be as uncomplicated as recognizing the deletion of a Desktop shortcut or as complex as the number of entries made when a new program or a program update is installed.
To insure an accurate disk image restoration of your system to include your most current Registry as well as your operating system, applications, settings and personal files, you must either initiate a time consuming daily full disk image backup or schedule “automatic” Incremental and/or Differential backups.
An Incremental backup backs up only the changes made to a disk image since the last disk image backup. Although it’s the quickest means of backup as it makes copies of only what has not been backed up since the last incremental backup, its downside is that in order to perform a full restore you must restore the last full backup first, followed by each of the subsequent incremental backups to the most current in their correct order.
A Differential backup is a cumulative backup of all changes made since the last full disk image backup. The advantage is it’s quicker, requiring only a full backup and the last differential backup to restore the system. The disadvantage is for each day elapsed since the last full backup more data needs to be backed up, especially if a significant proportion of the data has been changed.
A word of caution: Should a full disk image backup or any one of its Incremental or Deferential backups be damaged, the restore will be incomplete.
Seem complicated and/or risky? Perhaps not for an experienced user, but probably so for a novice.
Next week I’ll revisit my recommendations for novice friendly backup techniques.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
For disk imaging software to effectively restore your operating system, applications, settings and personal files to a new hard drive or reformatted hard drive, the disk image backup must be as current as their most recent modifications.
For those who have never viewed their system’s Registry, click Start, Run and Regedit. Carefully so as not to make any changes, open each HKEY folders. I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the number of Registry entries.
Registry entries began the day Windows was installed on your computer with new entries added for every subsequent change you’ve made to your system. A new Registry entry or change to a current Registry entry can be as uncomplicated as recognizing the deletion of a Desktop shortcut or as complex as the number of entries made when a new program or a program update is installed.
To insure an accurate disk image restoration of your system to include your most current Registry as well as your operating system, applications, settings and personal files, you must either initiate a time consuming daily full disk image backup or schedule “automatic” Incremental and/or Differential backups.
An Incremental backup backs up only the changes made to a disk image since the last disk image backup. Although it’s the quickest means of backup as it makes copies of only what has not been backed up since the last incremental backup, its downside is that in order to perform a full restore you must restore the last full backup first, followed by each of the subsequent incremental backups to the most current in their correct order.
A Differential backup is a cumulative backup of all changes made since the last full disk image backup. The advantage is it’s quicker, requiring only a full backup and the last differential backup to restore the system. The disadvantage is for each day elapsed since the last full backup more data needs to be backed up, especially if a significant proportion of the data has been changed.
A word of caution: Should a full disk image backup or any one of its Incremental or Deferential backups be damaged, the restore will be incomplete.
Seem complicated and/or risky? Perhaps not for an experienced user, but probably so for a novice.
Next week I’ll revisit my recommendations for novice friendly backup techniques.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Think about RAID
Of late their seems to a growing interest in software programs that back up logical drives and partitions to image files. Simply put and a bit of an over simplification, software that creates an image of “everything” on your hard drive that can be stored in an alternate location such as an external hard drive. Should your hard drive fail and have to be replaced or for whatever reason have to be re formatted, the image file can restore your operating system, system settings, programs and all your data in one fell swoop.
Eliminating the need to first reinstall Windows, then your programs and finally all your backed up data may seem like a convenient way to recover from a disaster. And in the hands of an experienced user it can be. But in my opinion if you’re a novice it should not be your backup method of choice.
If you must give disk imaging software a try be absolutely sure you purchase a quality program such as Acronis True Image software. It’s reliable and has a user friendly Windows style interface.
But please do not rely on disk imaging software programs as the lone guardian of your data files. Backing up your data files to an external device should always be part of your housekeeping regimen.
There is however an almost fool proof way to protect yourself from a hard drive failure disaster. One that heads my new computer wish list - RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks).
Although it’s more or less a luxury for personal computers, it’s a must for small business computers.
RAID version 1 provides a simple form of redundancy for data through a process called mirroring. RAID 1 typically requires two individual drives of similar capacity. One drive is the active drive and the secondary drive is the mirror. When data is written to the active drive, the same data is written to the mirror drive providing a full level of redundancy for the data on the system. If your active drive fails, the mirror drive with Windows, your system settings, programs and data will allow you to continue computing as though nothing happened.
When you replace the failed drive the RAID controller will mirror the data from the usable drive onto the new drive.
RAID does not preclude additional hard drives or if you’re an ultra conservative as I am, backing up your personal data to an external hard drive.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Eliminating the need to first reinstall Windows, then your programs and finally all your backed up data may seem like a convenient way to recover from a disaster. And in the hands of an experienced user it can be. But in my opinion if you’re a novice it should not be your backup method of choice.
If you must give disk imaging software a try be absolutely sure you purchase a quality program such as Acronis True Image software. It’s reliable and has a user friendly Windows style interface.
But please do not rely on disk imaging software programs as the lone guardian of your data files. Backing up your data files to an external device should always be part of your housekeeping regimen.
There is however an almost fool proof way to protect yourself from a hard drive failure disaster. One that heads my new computer wish list - RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks).
Although it’s more or less a luxury for personal computers, it’s a must for small business computers.
RAID version 1 provides a simple form of redundancy for data through a process called mirroring. RAID 1 typically requires two individual drives of similar capacity. One drive is the active drive and the secondary drive is the mirror. When data is written to the active drive, the same data is written to the mirror drive providing a full level of redundancy for the data on the system. If your active drive fails, the mirror drive with Windows, your system settings, programs and data will allow you to continue computing as though nothing happened.
When you replace the failed drive the RAID controller will mirror the data from the usable drive onto the new drive.
RAID does not preclude additional hard drives or if you’re an ultra conservative as I am, backing up your personal data to an external hard drive.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
Prepare carefully before installing new software
In a recent Good Boot I mentioned Microsoft offers Web sites for hardware/software compatibility, software/device downloads and a Windows Upgrade Advisor. All available to help you prepare for a Windows 7 installation.
In this Good Boot I want to be more specific about the preparation you should consider to insure your software is Windows 7 compatible. Particularly if you’ll be upgrading from XP to Windows 7.
I suggest you expeditiously begin a hunt for your stash of program CD’s and backup the programs you’ve downloaded to an external hard drive or jump drive. There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering during a program reinstallation exercise you’re missing an installation CD, a proof of upgrade CD or one of your downloaded programs.
I misspeak. Not having all your program registration numbers handy or discovering after you’ve reformatted your hard drive you forgot to deactivate a program that requires you to do so before it can be re activated on a new computer “IS” as frustrating.
Note: If you plan on upgrading to Windows 7 on your current computer, it’s best to reformat your hard drive and perform a clean Windows 7 install.
Although you might want to take advantage of Microsoft’s Windows 7 software compatibility Web site, I want to make you aware of an additional and in my opinion a quicker way to determine software compatibility. Particularly if you’re an XPer.
Go to www.revouninstaller.com and download Revo’s “free” uninstaller. Besides being an excellent deep clean uninstall program it has an extraordinary feature - the ability to obtain information on any installed program.
When Revo opens it presents all your installed programs. By right clicking on any one of the programs, Revo will:
* Initiate a Google search for a program’s parent company.
* Open a program’s Update Link.
* Open a Program’s About Link.
I suggest because Revo provides a one stop, in your face list of all your installed programs and a convenient way to access their Web sites, your chances of obtaining a program’s most current Windows 7 compatibility status, if there’s a free download to make it compatible or if you must purchase an upgrade is superior to even Microsoft’s Web site.
And you know I have to nag you.
Please consider having a qualified technician set up your new computer or upgrade you current computer. Believe me, knowing your new or current computer is tweaked to do all it can do is worth a few dollars.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
In this Good Boot I want to be more specific about the preparation you should consider to insure your software is Windows 7 compatible. Particularly if you’ll be upgrading from XP to Windows 7.
I suggest you expeditiously begin a hunt for your stash of program CD’s and backup the programs you’ve downloaded to an external hard drive or jump drive. There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering during a program reinstallation exercise you’re missing an installation CD, a proof of upgrade CD or one of your downloaded programs.
I misspeak. Not having all your program registration numbers handy or discovering after you’ve reformatted your hard drive you forgot to deactivate a program that requires you to do so before it can be re activated on a new computer “IS” as frustrating.
Note: If you plan on upgrading to Windows 7 on your current computer, it’s best to reformat your hard drive and perform a clean Windows 7 install.
Although you might want to take advantage of Microsoft’s Windows 7 software compatibility Web site, I want to make you aware of an additional and in my opinion a quicker way to determine software compatibility. Particularly if you’re an XPer.
Go to www.revouninstaller.com and download Revo’s “free” uninstaller. Besides being an excellent deep clean uninstall program it has an extraordinary feature - the ability to obtain information on any installed program.
When Revo opens it presents all your installed programs. By right clicking on any one of the programs, Revo will:
* Initiate a Google search for a program’s parent company.
* Open a program’s Update Link.
* Open a Program’s About Link.
I suggest because Revo provides a one stop, in your face list of all your installed programs and a convenient way to access their Web sites, your chances of obtaining a program’s most current Windows 7 compatibility status, if there’s a free download to make it compatible or if you must purchase an upgrade is superior to even Microsoft’s Web site.
And you know I have to nag you.
Please consider having a qualified technician set up your new computer or upgrade you current computer. Believe me, knowing your new or current computer is tweaked to do all it can do is worth a few dollars.
Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.
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