"Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows Vista"
It looks like Windows Vista will be the most comprehensive operating system ever produced by Microsoft, and the eye candy offered by the 3-D Aero Glass graphics are very slick. But enhanced functionality and graphical improvements come at a price--and that price is usually high-end hardware. If you plan to take advantage of all that Windows Vista offers, that's definitely true. The minimum requirements to run Microsoft's latest flagship will be much steeper than any previous operating system.

Microsoft has created two distinct hardware classifications for PC manufacturers to use for their new systems. A PC can be either "Vista Capable" or "Premium Ready." The standard Vista Capable machines have more scaled down hardware requirements than the Premium Ready machines. Other than being cheaper and a bit slower than their beefy Premium Ready siblings, the biggest difference between the two systems is that Vista Capable machines can't use the exciting new Aero Glass graphics.

Here are 10 factors to address as you prepare your existing computers to run Windows Vista. Many of the hardware requirements are surprisingly easy to meet, despite the demands of the operating system. The biggest hurdle to run Windows Vista will be the graphics card requirement, although this requirement is less stringent if you don't plan to use the new Aero Glass graphics. In general, a majority of existing PCs will be fully capable of running Windows Vista with standard 2-D graphics. It may not be as pleasing to the eye, but it's likely to be pleasing to your pocket book.

#1: Analyze your machine for upgrade readiness


Before doing anything else, you should download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor utility. This software will examine your computer and provide you with a summary of what versions of Windows Vista the computer is capable of running. Note that the Upgrade Advisor only indicates whether or not the PC will run Windows Vista. It does not indicate which requirements the PC doesn't meet.

#2: Check the CPU


The CPU requirements for Windows Vista are not earth shattering by any means. To be considered Vista Capable, the computer must have a CPU of at least 800 MHz. Those that are Premium Ready require a processor of at least 1 GHz. A large majority of computers that have been sold in recent years will meet this requirement with ease.

#3: Make sure you have enough memory


Memory is another fairly easy-to-meet hardware requirement for Windows Vista. To be considered Vista Capable, the PC must have at least 512 MB of RAM. Premium Ready machines must have a minimum of 1 GB of system RAM. Most modern PCs will either meet this requirement or be capable of a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

#4: Evaluate your graphics adapter


Those of you looking forward to the new 3-D Aero Glass graphics will need to make sure that your graphics adapter is DirectX 9 capable. WDDM (a Windows display driver model for writing drivers) compatibility is also recommended. To be considered Premium Ready, the graphics adapter must have a minimum of 128 MB of video RAM. Vista Capable cards require only 64 MB of video RAM. Unless you plan on using the Aero Glass graphics, there is no reason to upgrade your existing video adapter if it's Vista Capable.

#5: Verify that you have sufficient hard drive space


With hard drive capacity constantly increasing, available space is usually not a major concern. However, you should still be aware of the minimum space requirements for Windows Vista and take a moment to verify that your system has enough free space. To install Windows Vista, the hard drive must be at least 40 GB in size and have a minimum of 15 GB of free space.

#6: Make sure you've got a DVD drive


Windows Vista ships on a DVD, so to install the new operating system, the computer must have a DVD drive. This is another requirement that should be fairly easy to meet, since DVD drives have become commonplace or require only a fairly inexpensive upgrade.

#7: Sort out the versions


Determining which version of Windows Vista to install can be a bit more complex than it was with previous versions of Windows. Windows Vista will have five editions:

Windows Vista Home Basic. This version of Vista provides basic operating system functionality. If you don't need advanced features, such as Aero Glass, this is the choice for you. Average home users will choose this version, although stepping up to Windows Vista Home Premium will offer more functionality.
Windows Vista Home Premium. This version is sort of a cross between Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. It offers much more functionality than the Vista Home Basic edition and is probably the version that most average to advanced home users will install.
Windows Vista Business. This version is comparable to Windows XP Professional. It offers standard business functionality and will be a staple on the corporate desktop.
Windows Vista Enterprise. The Vista Enterprise version offers advanced functionality such as BitLocker Drive Encryption for laptops, application compatibility tools, and multi-language support.
Windows Vista Ultimate. The Vista Ultimate version combines the best of the home and business editions into one feature-rich operating system. This version also includes the Windows Media Center.
#8: Check application compatibility


To make your Windows Vista installation go as smoothly as possible, you should ensure that your existing applications will run under Vista before installing it. You can download and run the Application Compatibility Toolkit to help you identify applications that may not run under Windows Vista.

#9: Don't forget data backups


Backing up your data is one of the most critical steps in upgrading your operating system. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked in the excitement of installing the latest operating system. In addition to backing up your data, it's best to verify that you have all of the installation media from your existing software and the appropriate licensing information before you start the installation.

this aricle from techrepublic.com.com

Starting And Stopping Windows
Compiled By Our Editors
PC Tips

How to put get Windows Started and Stopped!
If you want to run an application every time Windows starts, it’s easy to set automatic controls that will see that it’s done with each start up. Simply right-drag the application’s .exe file, or a shortcut to that file, to the Startup folder. Next, choose Create Shortcut Here. Voila! Next time you start Windows, your program will load automatically.

What About When Scanning for Viruses, Defragging, Backing Up and Maintenance?
Not a problem! Windows’ Scheduled Tasks feature will run those absolutely essential scans and operations while you are away from your system. However, that’s only if you leave your PC on 24/7. The most power-economical way to operate is to instruct Windows to do the chores just before you shut down. That way you can shut down your computer and save power in the process.

Creating a Shut Down Program (For Windows XP, 2000 only)
Creating a shut down program is a nifty way to organize the programs you want to work for you before you shut down. This super-efficient shortcut only works with Windows XP and 2000 operating systems. First, create your shutdown folder. To keep your shutdown folder in concert with the Startup folder follow these procedures:

1. Right-click the Start button and click Open.
2. Double-click Programs and then select File, New, Folder.
3. Type Shutdown and Press Enter. Then you can give your folder a name.
4. Press Enter to open the folder.
5. Fill the folder with shortcuts to any programs you want to run at shutdown (use the right-mouse button to drag an item from any menu or folder window to the Shutdown folder.
6. Choose Create Shortcuts Here (for XP) or Copy Here (Windows 2000).
Voila! These personally selected programs will start just before your PC powers down, ensuring that the vital maintenance tasks you are accomplished prior to each shutdown It is essential that you add only utilities and batch files that will automatically shut down or cease their tasks. Please note that the names of the shortcuts in your new Shutdown folder cannot have any spaces.


10 Tips For a Healthy PC
Compiled By Our Editors
It can be an angering experience to press your PC's power button and nothing happens. It's also an agitating computing experience to see your computer go from lighting fast to molasses slow. To extend the life of your PC and keep it running in the best condition possible - here are 10 Tips For a Healthy PC.

1 - Clean Out Your System Unit
The inside of your PCs tower or desktop case gathers dust and dirt over time. This is because of the electrical charge inside the case and the incoming air while your PC uses it's fans to cool sensitive parts such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
At least once a year, you should remove the access panel and blow the dust and dirt out of the case with a can of compressed air. You will want to blow away the dust off of the optical drives, hard drives, processor, behind the motherboard and all of the other parts in the case. Be sure to follow the directions on the can of compressed air also.

2 - Clean Your Keyboard and Mouse
Over time, your keyboard can accumulate dust, dirt and other foreign matter (sandwich crumbs, candy, peanuts etc). This can be cleaned out also by using the same can of compressed air. Simply tilt the keyboard vertically and use short bursts of air between the columns of keys in a downward motion. This will blow the debris from the top of the keyboard to the bottom and out. (Remember to follow the directions on the can of compressed air for use, storage and disposal) For mice that have a ball, remove the cover plate and clean the ball with warm water and mild soap and dry. Clean the rollers inside of the mouse with a lint-free swab and alcohol. Place the ball inside the mouse and replace the cover plate. If you use an optical mouse, there are no moving internal parts and cleaning inside the mouse is not needed.

3 - Remove Unwanted Programs and Files
Programs and files that are no longer utilized can take up lots of hard drive space. This creates longer access times when your computer has to search through thousands of files to find the one you need.
When you have a program that you no longer use, uninstall the program using either the programs uninstall wizard or your computer's uninstall utility. When files are of no longer any use, remember to delete them also. Don't forge to empty your recycle bin.

4 - Delete Your Cookies
Cookies can benefit your Internet experience by saving the data from visited web sites. However if the web sites that you frequent are constantly changing, cookies are of no use to you - they only take up hard drive space. Many anti-virus software suites contain maintenance utilities that can delete your cookies. If you do not own a software package with this feature, you can use your computers utility program to delete the cookies. Using Microsoft Windows, this utility can be found by following this path.

Left Click the Start Button ~ Programs ~ Accessories ~ System Tools ~ Disk Clean Up

You will want to perform this utility on all of your PCs internal hard drive at least once every two weeks.

5 - Disk Defragmentation
Perform a disk Defragmentation on a monthly basis. This utility is a process that eliminates fragmentation in system files. It does this by physically reorganizing the content of the hard drive in order to place the files closer together and creates larger spaces for future information to be saved. Many anti-virus software suites include a Defragmentation program. If yours includes this software, just follow the directions for hard drive defragmentation. If not, access your Windows operating system disk defragmenter by using the following path.

Left Click the Start Button ~ Programs ~ Accessories ~ System Tools ~ Disk Defragmenter


6 - Antivirus Software
Antivirus software programs attempt to identify, quarantine and delete malicious software and computer viruses. Unfortunately, many people don't use this software, don't update the antivirus definitions or don't have an antivirus software program installed on their PC.
First, ensure you have an antivirus program installed on your PC. Some of the most common and popular antivirus programs are Symantec's Norton Antivirus, Computer Associates' Internet Security Suite and Kaspersky Internet Security. You must perform a definitions update to the software at least once a week and scan your PC at least once a week. Many antivirus software programs will allow you to set a schedule so that the software automatically scans at a designated day and time.


7 - Pop-ups, Spyware and Malware
With Internet usage, you're bound to receive a pop-up or pop-under, spyware or malware. Pop-ups and pop-unders are online forms of advertisements. They usually activate when you visit certain websites and are normally generated by JavaScript. Spyware is designed to intercept or take control of a computer's operation without the consent of the user. Malware is designed to infiltrate or cause damage to a computer system. You must protect your computer system against this type of software and this is done by pop-up and pop-under blocker software and Spyware / Malware scanning software. There are many software programs available that can detect and remove this malicious software. Many are part of antivirus software suites such as Computer Associates' Internet Security Suite and Kaspersky Internet Security.

8 - Leave Your PC On
Starting your PC is one of the most stressful things you can do to your PC's components. If you choose not to leave your PC on all the time, you can simply set Windows' Power Management to hibernate rather than shut down.

9 - Don't Leave Your Monitor On
Monitors have a life expectancy and to extend the usage, when you are not using your computer, turn off the monitor.

10 - Surge Protector
Power surges and brownouts happen all the time. These are fluctuations with your homes power every time you refrigerator's compressor starts, your air conditioning turns and other devices in your home. It is extremely important to protect the sensitive components of your PC by utilizing a surge protect and NOT and power strip.

Download Internet Explorer 7 Release Candidate 1
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Having problems using Windows? The following page lists new and recently updated Microsoft Personal Online Support articles that answer frequently asked questions about using Windows and Internet Explorer.

AMD processors that are designed to be ready for Windows Vista.
Desktop AMD Athlon™ 64 FX Processor
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor
AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor
AMD Sempron™ Processor
Mobile AMD Turion™ 64 Mobile Technology
Mobile AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor
Mobile AMD Sempron™ Processor
Workstation Single and Dual-Core AMD Opteron™ Processors