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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?
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?
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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Microsoft Caves to Consumer Pressure, Extends Windows XP's Lifespan
Just few short days after we asked you if it was time to 'downgrade' from the Windows Vista operating system back to Windows XP, Microsoft has announced that it will extend XP's run for those of us uninterested in the seemingly guaranteed headaches Vista has to offer. In response to a variety of problems reported by customers and lackluster Vista PC sales cited by manufacturers, Microsoft will continue to sell XP five months past its original end-of-life date, now through to the end of June 2008.Microsoft is also extending sales of Windows XP Starter Edition, a very stripped-down version of the operating system built for very low-end PCs in developing countries. Starter Edition's stay of execution has been extended until the end of January 2010, which is a wise move for Microsoft since few people in the emerging markets it is targeting can afford the high hardware requirements that Vista demands.
Microsoft's current forecast expects that XP will account for about 22 percent of Windows sales in the current year to June with Vista comprising the remainder, a surprisingly high percent for an OS that is supposed to be being phased out.
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Is it Time to Downgrade from Windows Vista?
Nine months after the much delayed, and much ballyhooed launch of Windows Vista, things are not looking good for Microsoft's new operating system. Since its release, users have lodged a litany of complaints against Bill Gates's new baby, including poor device and application compatibility, high hardware requirements, and frequent crashes. In order to sell new computers, which more often than not come with Vista pre-installed, PC manufacturers and retailers are now offering to downgrade customers back to Windows XP. The U.K. electronics retailer Dabs.com now offers to install XP onto new Sony VAIO computers instead of Vista, with the option to switch back to Vista in the future. As we reported last April, Dell has also begun offering XP as an option over Vista, and even Microsoft itself recently made it easier for partner PC-makers to roll machines back to Windows XP.
But, there's more bad news for the ailing operating system. DSG Internation, the company behind several large consumer electronics outlets in Europe (Dixon's, Curry's, and PC World among others) has been forced to severely discount Vista machines after lackluster sales. To add insult to injury, many mainstream manufacturers are now offering or preparing to offer the Linux operating system as an alternative to any flavor of Windows.
Microsoft's Service Pack 1 for Vista is now available in limited beta tests. This first system update is critical for Vista since, traditionally, most businesses wait for the the release of the first service pack before migrating to a new version of Windows. If user complaints are not addressed in this update, many consumers may choose to skip Vista altogether. Considering the fact that Microsoft just ended support for Windows 98 last May, it's possible people will remain with XP until something better comes along.
From Slashdot
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