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Computers, Laptops, desktops, Tech Tips
Virus Tip: How to Disable Print and File Sharing in Windows XP
One of the first things you should do if you think you have a virus is to quarantine your PC and disconnect from your home network to prevent the infection from spreading to other computers in your home. You don't want to disconnect from the Internet entirely however or you won't be able to download updates for your anti-virus software. Doing this on a Mac (in Preferences: Sharing) or in Vista (go to the Network and Sharing Center) is (relatively) straightforward, but under XP it takes a little maneuvering. Here's how to do it:
Disable File and Print Sharing:
- Right click on the network icon in the system tray and choose "Open Network Connections"
- Right click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties"
- Under the "General" tab uncheck "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks"
- Open "MyComputer"
- Click on the "Tools" menu and open "Folder Options"
- Under the "View" tab uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers" as well as "Use simple file sharing"
Microsoft Gets Sued Over Windows XP Downgrade Fees
Microsoft may be doing its best to move past Windows XP once and for all, but a Los Angeles woman is alleging that the company is all too happy to bank some extra change on the OS in the meantime, and that it's essentially trying to have it both ways. As a result, she's now suing Microsoft over its XP "downgrade" fees, and requesting that the lawsuit be granted class-action certification so others can get a piece of the action. Apparently, Emma Alvarado bought a Lenovo PC last June and had to pay an additional $59.25 to downgrade to XP, which she claims is simply a case of Microsoft taking advantage of consumer demand for XP to pad its profits. The suit further alleges that the seemingly endless extensions of the XP deadline were "likely due to the tremendous profits that Microsoft has reaped from its 'downgrade' option." For Microsoft's part, it insists that the company itself "does not have a downgrade program," and that it doesn't get any of the money from the Vista-to-XP downgrade options. [Thanks, Cargojack]
Windows XP Given Stay of Execution... Again
Eight years after its release, Windows XP simply refuses to slip quietly into the night. Despite the litany of complaints against the aging operating system, users and PC manufacturers are loathe to embrace its successor Vista.
We've lost track of the number of times that Microsoft has extended the life of XP since it was originally supposed to ride off into the sunset in February of this year. Now the boys in Redmond are planning to offer the operating system to PC makers through at least May 30 of 2009. That, of course, does not include the support it plans to offer for the operating system on low power computers like netbooks, which extends through June 30, 2010.
Considering the reluctance of companies like Dell to completely ditch XP, we wouldn't be shocked if Microsoft just continue to extend its life until it can get Windows 7 out the door. [From: Silicon Alley Insider]
What's New in Windows 7?
Mistake in AVG Update Debilitates Foreign-Language Windows XP
Yesterday, security software company AVG made available an update for the AVG 8 program that incorrectly identified an essential Windows file as a Trojan horse, CNET reports.
Only impacting users of the Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French and Dutch versions of Windows XP, the update suggested that users delete the Windows system file user32.dll version 5.1.2600.3099 (an important system file). Those who followed the prompt rendered their PCs useless, with their computers either refusing to reboot or beginning an endless cycle of rebooting.
Hurriedly scrambling to remedy the mistake, AVG has posted a walk-through solution to the problem and a corrected update. Since, in the past, we've glowed about AVG's ordinarily excellent (and free) anti-virus software, we have heard that today the Switched cafeteria is serving crow. [From: Yahoo! Tech]
Microsoft to Extend Windows XP 'Downgrade' Option By Six Months?
First off, we'll warn you that these reports are currently unconfirmed by the suits in Redmond, but word has it that Microsoft is working with at least one OEM to have the Windows XP "downgrade" deadline pushed out from January 2009 to at least July 31, 2009. That's according to an e-mail sent from Microsoft to an unspecified partner company, which purportedly details a plan to work with other buddies in pushing that deadline out another half year. Given the results thus far, we suppose we're not too surprised to hear that firms are still clamoring for the XP option, but one wonders when this madness will ever end. Will folks really be opting for XP on new machines after Windows 7 is out? [Via Download Squad]
Amazon to Sell $100 OLPC Laptop
Update: As it turns out, OLPC says that a dual-boot XP and Sugar OS XO will be shipping in the "next month of so." Happy pappie?
Windows XP Officially Unavailable After Today
Companies will be allowed to sell XP until their stocks run out, and computer manufacturers will still be able to get their hands on the stripped down version targeted at low cost PCs like the Eee, but for the consumer, the options are running out. The fear of Vista is intense, even inspiring a Save XP campaign.
A "downgrade" option will still be available to most people buying a new Vista-equipped PC, though manufacturers are looking into ways to shortcut the system and offer computers pre-downgraded to XP. Microsoft may be trying desperately to herd the computing masses towards Vista, but we're sure this isn't last we've heard of the little OS that could. [Source: AOL Money & Finance]
Computers, Advice, Windows Software
Hate Windows Vista? Here's How to Keep or Switch Back to Windows XP
Are those windows of yours looking a little smudged lately? No, we're not talking about the windows in your house or apartment, or the windshield of your car. Instead, we at Switched, like many other consumers and tech watchers out there, are looking at the somewhat confusing view put forward by Microsoft and computer makers for the future of Windows the operating system.
Windows Vista was introduced last year to much fanfare but has since proven to be a bit of a disappointment among individual computer users and businesses. They've all been slow to adopt the new system. And in an odd twist in the normal progression of new technology, Windows XP (the older and widely-used operating system in use on the majority of PCs in the marketplace) will continue to be available on many machines through June – and even beyond – along with various levels of support by Microsoft.
Why would anyone want an older operating system such as Windows XP? Well, if you've tried Vista recently, you'll probably have learned that many programs and computer peripherals still don't work for the new operating system. And don't even get us started on how slow Vista can be. Windows XP, which has been around for a few years, has none of the above problems.
If you think Windows XP is still the right operating system for you, then there are solutions available.
June 30th is the last official date that Windows XP will be available on regular new computers. HP and Dell, however, will offer an operating system "downgrade" on several models beyond that date, which means you buy one of their computers with Windows Vista, but also receive the installation discs with Windows XP, giving you a choice of which system to use. These downgrade options will continue through the beginning of 2009.
And then there are the makers of ultra-low-cost PCs, which will offer Windows XP on some of their bare-bones models until June 2010.
And this is the story of Windows XP: It doesn't die, it just fades away. [Source: PC World.]
Microsoft Extends XP's Life Again -- For Low Cost PCs Only
If you're thinking this sounds too good to be true, you're right. There is a catch. Windows XP will only be available and approved for so-called Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULCPC), such as the Eee or Classmate. Microsoft is giving manufacturers the option of using XP Home or Vista Home Basic on its ULCPC devices. But even in its most stripped down form, Vista is often more than these machines can handle and makes them operate more slowly.
This seems more or less like an admission that Vista has been a disappointment for Microsoft. The OS was geared at high powered desktops with dedicated graphics cards. Unfortunately for Mr. Gates and crew, the computer industry took an unexpected turn towards smaller and cheaper computers. Small form factor desktops, home theater PCs, and ultra-portable laptops are the hot markets right now, places where low power components are necessary to keep components cool, quiet, and lasting hours on a single battery charge.
We don't doubt Microsoft did its best, but Vista was not long for this world.
From Cnet
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Dell Goes Back to Windows XP
Though Microsoft isn't requiring computer manufacturers to fully transition to building Windows Vista-based systems until January of next year, Dell jumped out ahead of the pack early and promised to complete the switch before the end of this past March.
However, it seems the world's second-largest PC maker was a little too quick on the draw. Word is out today that after a flood of requests and complaints from customers, Dell has dialed back its VIsta commitment and has begun shipping XP computers again. Vista is, of course, still an option for shoppers, but they can now also choose from the tried-and-true Windows XP Home or Professional operating systems.
This is not such a bad move, considering the mounds of software and computer accessories that don't work with Vista yet. Just the other day we tried to watch 'Lost' in HD full-screen mode on the ABC site and were told the full-screen player doesn't work with Vista, so we had to watch the little grainy version instead.
We're hoping that by year's end, Vista will finally be a reasonably useful upgrade.
From BBC News and Engadget
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