The First Five

There’s nothing quite like a fresh install of Windows.

It takes time. It takes patience. And, at least once during the process, I want to strangle someone at Microsoft.

Once I’ve updated all my device drivers and let Windows Update do its thing, I launch into a fresh, unadulterated Windows desktop. it’s the equivalent to that new car smell. You know it’s not going to last more than a week or two, but you might as well enjoy it while it lasts!

Dear Microsoft

Dear Microsoft,

Windows and I go back a lot of years together. Too many to count, but let’s just say my first PC gave me the choice to login to Windows 3.11 or MS-DOS. While our relationship has been mostly great (XP, 7), it’s also been bumpy (ME, Vista) at times. But I’ve stuck with Windows as my primary computing platform because it’s versatile, familiar and supports the programs I rely on each day.

Thunderbolt with PCs

We have recently an influx of Mac users wanting to migrate to PC but they generally have a few concerns. The first is having to learn Windows. The other is having Thunderbolt support. Let’s see how we address those issues.

Windows 7: The End is Nigh

Windows 7 updates are being limited by Microsoft on the latest processor platforms, and in combination with the other issues we’ve seen lately when installing Windows 7 we are now only listing it as an option on well-supported configurations… until we run out of licenses, then it’s over.

Bring On The New Year

The start to a new year is a good time to review your PC. Last weekend I pulled out my desktop PC and performed the following:

Reducing Distractions

A few years ago, the owner of Puget Systems told me about a product that had helped him focus on his work. I’d been feeling less productive and more distracted when trying to work, so I decided to install the application he recommended which is called Rescue Time. I installed the free version, and let it do its thing in the background.

Time for William to learn Linux

I’m going to diversify my operating system portfolio, integrating the leading open source project into my existing range of Microsoft options. (Did I nail that financial analogy or what?)

Windows 7: The Big Goodbye

Back in July of 2009, Windows 7 took over from the much-maligned Windows Vista. It has been widely received as one of Microsoft’s best operating systems, nearly as well liked as Windows XP. All good things must come to an end, though, or so it is said – and Windows 7’s end is nigh.

Windows Downgrade Rights Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft has a program which few people are aware of that allows users of select Windows editions to run older operating systems. They call this “downgrade rights”, and even among those who are aware of this option there is often confusion about what all it covers and how to take advantage of it. This brief FAQ is intended to address some of the more common issues that can come up, and link to further details for those who need them.