Keep your computer safe from kids and your kids safe from your computer

I'm always amazed at how many people, who work at home, allow their children to use their work computer. Kids should have their own computer to do school work or play games. (Personally, I believe that it should not connected to the internet.) It is my experience that games and work computers are not a good mix. Games involve installing extra drivers for game devices, pounding on keyboards and giving your computer mouse a run for its money. Kids on the internet download all kinds of trouble especially "free software". A good gaming computer also requires more in the way of hardware than a business computer. I can't tell you how often I had to install a new video card to help the parent of a crestfallen child who wanted to play the next game in a series. To protect their children, I have been recommending that my clients install a free program on their computer. Called K9 Web Protection from Blue Coat Systems http://www.bluecoat.com/ , it allows the administrator to block categories of sites that they don't want their children to see. It doesn't slow down the computer and as an added bonus it logs every site that is visited. It also allows you to prevent internet use during certain hours of the day. So if you want to protect your computer from your children, get them their own computer. If you want to protect your children, get K9. http://www.k9webprotection.com/

Windows Vista is it for You?

What is Windows Vista?

Vista is the new operating system from Microsoft that was released recently to replace Windows XP. It comes in five editions; Windows Vista Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Business, and Enterprise. A new computer with Vista will typically have either Home Premium or Home Basic on it. Microsoft developed Vista to take advantage of the new computer hardware that is available now and will become available in the coming years.

Why would I want it?

If you get Home Premium or better, the first thing you will notice is that the slick new Windows Aero graphic user interface is stunning. It has improved security, so a virus will have a harder time infecting your computer. You will find it easier to navigate and search your computer for documents. Microsoft has also improved the multimedia components of Windows with the new Media Center and Photo Gallery.

Why wouldn’t I want it?

PC makers say it will require more processing power, graphics capabilities, and memory than is typical of today's mainstream machines. You may find that Drivers are not available for your peripherals. Security enhancements will make it more difficult for you to install software.

Do I need it?

You’re not going to have a choice if you buy a new computer. The great majority of now PC’s will already have Windows Vista on them. Look for a computer with Home Premium or Ultimate not Basic.

So what should you do?

If you've already got a PC running Windows XP smoothly, it's hard to see a reason to upgrade. You should wait until they fix Vista’s glitches. Reviewers feel that “Vista's release was rushed.” John C. Dvorak of PC Magazine says to wait about six months until they release a service pack to patch the bugs in Vista.

Do not upgrade old systems to Vista, you are asking for trouble as it is unlikely to be compatible with your current hardware and software. At most, you’ll be able to run Vista Home Basic but it is a waste of money, as it is no better than Windows XP.