Chuck's Blog

Video’s Not Displaying

Chuck has been getting a few emails from users not being able to display his embedded videos. If you are having this problem, can you send me what operating system you’re using like XP, Vista or Windows 7, what browser you’re using, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox & etc. I have not been able to duplicate the problem so I need some assistance. If you having this problem send your information to: ed@ourlighterside.com

Thanks
Ed

Family Pack Returns in time for the Anniversary of Windows 7

All summer long we’ve given you some great reasons to purchase a new PC and make the move to Windows 7, an operating system loved by a whopping 94% of folks who use it! Here’s one more: starting October 3 in the U.S., Windows 7 Family Pack will be available for purchase at participating retailers and online at the Microsoft Store. Purchasing the Windows 7 Family Pack gives you three upgrade licenses of Windows 7 Home Premium for the low price of $149.99. To take advantage of Family Pack, you’ll need a PC running a genuine copy of either Windows Vista or Windows XP that is capable of running Windows 7. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can tell you which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer(s). Read more:

How to disable Fast User Switching

If you have more than one person sharing a computer, Fast User Switching in XP allows you to switch between accounts without having to log off. It’s handy if you need to quickly switch back and forth. However, if you’re the only one who uses your computer, it’s just another service that starts at bootup and uses resources. And it’s easy to turn it off:
Click Start | Programs | Administrative Tools
Click Services
In the Services console, scroll down to Fast User Switching and double click it
Change the startup type to Disable
If the service is running, click the Stop button
Click OK.

Windows XP Still Less Secure than Win 7 and Vista

Microsoft has released a new Security Incident Report–the eighth volume of Microsoft’s quarterly overview of computer and network security trends. The report illustrates once again that security can be greatly improved by upgrading to the latest software, and through user education. Read more:

Coming: Windows 7 SP 1 beta

It was announced at TechEd Monday that the public beta of SP1 will be out by the end of July.
http://www.win7news.net/2YZAZG/100610-Windows7-SP1

Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 explained, trial download now available

Supposedly the iPad Killer

Microsoft talks up tablets, shows off new phones

Microsoft Corp set out its ambitions to dominate the consumer electronics market on Thursday with Windows-powered tablet computers and smartphones designed to beat back advances by Apple Inc and Google Inc. Read complete story:

Windows 7 SP1 beta is here and available for download

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, you can rejoice in the fact that we’re a little closer: a public beta has been released and is ready for download on the Microsoft web site. Before you get too excited, note that it doesn’t include any new features, just a roll-up of all the updates that have been released so far. If you want it anyway, you’ll need to register for “guided evaluation.” Check it out here:

ABC’s of Windows XP

For those of you that are still running Windows XP, here is a good web site for tips and hints.

Go here:

Adios USB 2.0–Hello USB 3.0

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TechBite’s columnist Steve Bass writes weekly commentary on the technology products he loves, the strategies for getting the most out of them, and the gotchas that can cause computing misery. Plus a couple of weekly laughs.

Adios USB 2.0–Hello USB 3.0; Freebie Photo Tool

Since 2004, over 150 million scans have been run at PC Pitstop, making Optimize the world’s most popular computer optimization software. The all new Optimize 3.0 is an incredibly powerful tool that will now do even more to boost the speed, stability, and overall security of your computer. There has never been a better time to run a FREE Optimize scan and rediscover your PC’s true performance.

USB specs are inflated… they always are. USB 2.0 is rated at 480 Mbit/s (about 57MB/s) while USB 3.0 is 4.8 Gbit/s (572 MB/s). In the real world, the only users getting these speeds are the marketing people who dreamed up the specs. On my PC, USB 2.0 moved files at 25MB/s and USB 3.0 can get up to 55MB/s.

Here’s a comparison between file transfers with USB 2.0 versus USB 3.0.

I used TeraCopy, a free copying utility, to measure the transfer speed.

TeraCopy shows you the speed of the transfer.

USB 3.0 Right Now
Unless you have a need to be on the edge, I’d say wait. But I know some of you want USB 3.0 now, so you have two choices: Buy a new PC with it built into the system board, or spend about $45 for a USB 3.0 adapter.

I used StarTech’s 2 Port PCI Express SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Card Adapter with two external ports. (For $60, you can choose a card with one external and one internal port for connecting internal USB devices.) They’re both backward compatible to USB 2.0. You’ll also need a USB 3.0 cable, about $15.

Installation is no different from sticking in any other adapter–open the PC’s case and insert the card into an empty PCI Express slot. You’ll need to make a connection from your PC’s power supply to the card using an LP4 molex connector (most power supplies have extra connectors).

Be aware that the maximum throughput of these cards is limited by your PC’s bus interface. PCI Express Gen 1.0 is stuck at 2.5 Gbps. (Use the freebie SIW–System information for Windows–to find out your PC’s bus interface speed.)

If you have a notebook, you can try StarTech’s Card Adapter. Because the adapter isn’t powered, though, the external device you use may need its own power source.

On a sad note, you’ll be disappointed to hear the USB connector that plugs into your PC is still dopey–you’ll have to continue guessing which side is up.

New USB 3.0 cables (you’ll still have to guess which way to plug it in…)

Need a USB 3.0 Device?
You’ve probably figured out that there aren’t tons of USB 3.0 devices out and about, and you’ll pay a premium for those that are available. USBEverything has a list of USB 3.0 gadgets (it also has a nifty FAQ with details about the new standard)