Ok, time to answer some mail.

Is Windows 98 still good?

Short answer – no. It is no longer supported by Microsoft and is open to security issues and compatibility issues. The good news is, because very few people are still using 98 most computer hackers aren’t bothering writing code for it, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t upgrade.

Should I stick with XP, I’ve heard Vista has problems?

Well, like anything generated by Microsoft, Vista does have…….issues, for some people. It seems to depend on what you are demanding from your computer on whether you have issues with Vista. The most common problem is hardware issues. Most people are finding their old hardware is not compatible with Vista. Sometimes you can make it work and sometimes it will work but with limited features. In short, unless there is something you really want from Vista, stick with XP for now.

What’s wrong with using a free Antivirus program like AVG.

Nothing, if it works. I’ve had to take AVG off of computers because it just wasn’t doing its job. On the other hand, some of my clients love it and have used it for years. If it’s working use it, if it isn’t, then you have to replace it with something that works. The good news, Trendmicro is now available in stores. More user friendly than Norton and not as widely attacked, it is an excellent antivirus program.

Important: Do not load more than one antivirus program on your computer, it will have a meltdown. You can run more than one antispyware program as long as only one is live, but antivirus programs use the same files to operate and they really do not like sharing. So, if you are switching from your current one to another brand make sure you completely uninstall the first one. Don’t know how to do that – what a coincidence, I can do that for you.

I turned on my pop-up blocker and now I can’t access some websites that I really need to get on.

Pop-up blockers have their uses, but they don’t know the difference between an advertising pop-up and a logon pop-up. Also, if you have too many pop-up blockers, ie Internet Explorer has a built in pop-up blocker, Vista has pop-up blockers, plus there are third party blockers, if you try to run them all then you will have issues surfing the net. If you are running Internet Explorer and have a lot of pop-ups try using Firefox – a much better browser, however, none of Microsoft’s websites will work in Firefox. Download Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com , also, don’t try to uninstall Internet Explorer -it’s an integral part of Windows and won’t allow itself to be uninstalled. Don’t you just love Microsoft’s marketing tools?

That’s all for today, keep those comments and questions coming.

Chatter