Oct 07 article archive

These articles are publications of Remote Helpdesk 1 specializing in online computer repair, on line PC repair, online help desk, online it services, on line helpdesk, remote computer repair, remote help desk, remote it services, remote helpdesk, remote PC repair, outsourced computer repair, outsourced it services, outsourced PC repair, outsourced help desk, outsourced helpdesk, contract helpdesk, contract help desk, contract PC repair, contract it services, and contract computer repair. They may be republished free, but must be republished as is, in tact, and with proper credits.

It is the opinion of the Tennessee Mountain Man that in the final analysis, most people and businesses would be better served to stay with whatever operating system they currently run assuming the have not already "upgraded" to Windows Vista.

Some things are just so simple, true and obvious that remote online computer repair helpdesk cannot argue with them.

O.K. The more things change, the more they stay the same....especially with Microsoft.

MS#78. "Because you've got more ways to take your music with you wherever you go"

Computerman is master of nothing, dacomputerman is married! Computer man runs nothing but his mouth.

Tennessee Mountain Man has been watching TV since before the Amos and Andy Show (sorry kids, don't worry about it), and while TVs have gotten smaller and their screens larger and colorful they have not gotten smarter.

In fact, the case can be made they have been really dumbed down since the Huntley and Brinkley Report (I know I did it again). They need something to make them smarter, but this is decidedly not it.

Could be, I suppose. But, really...online computer repair has more important uses for computers than to be used as expensive hubs and switches and pleasure routers.

What did I do with number for Ghost Busters? I don't need it? What I don't need is something to eat up more memory on an already exceedingly slow operating system.

On XP if you don't want to spend the money to move on...which Microsoft plans to eventually try to force you to do so.

Sorry, the first thing that comes to mind is the miffed child taking his ball and stumping home.

Remember this: "Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware"?

That's right it haunts these halls like a bad dream you can't escape. Caveat emptor is the rule for Windows Vista more than any other operating system released to date by Microsoft.

There is plenty of free online back up and storage accessible from anyplace with a computer connection.

Yes, I am afraid it is all down hill from this point. Like remote online helpdesk 1 said before, it does not appear Microsoft has bumped into an original though since Win 95 and Win NT...if then.

Since Microsoft could not or at least did not produce anything new here maybe they could do like The Tennessee Mountain Man (da computerman has been diagnosed with CHF and Colon Cancer) and leave a request that "I Did It My Way" be sung at their funeral.

Oh, this is sooo coool, soooo neeeew, we have only been using it a few years now.

This article is a publication of Remote Helpdesk 1 specializing in online computer repair, on line PC repair, online help desk, online it services, on line helpdesk, remote computer repair, remote help desk, remote it services, remote helpdesk, remote PC repair, outsourced computer repair, outsourced it services, outsourced PC repair, outsourced help desk, outsourced helpdesk, contract helpdesk, contract help desk, contract PC repair, contract it services, and contract computer repair. It may be republished free, but must be republished as is, in tact, and with proper credits.

We are almost there, this is part 3 of 4. Actually it has somewhat more meat than Part 2, but once again starts trailing off towards the last few reasons covered by the Tennessee Mountain Man today. Computer man can't help but wonder if a third grader actually did prepare Microsoft's reasons to smile or upgrade to Vista.

The Tennessee Mountain Man actually wishes Microsoft had this one right for the average American. But, alas Americans play less than the citizenry of most other countries. Outsourced computer repair techs, unlike the money moguls at Microsoft, recognizes it now takes two people working not only full time but over time to feed and clothe the family.

"Because we love to play", may have been more accurate; but living to play? Americans have long proven their propensity to live to work unfortunately.

Remote helpdesk 1 is the proof in the pudding! Who has time for computer games? As to whether Windows Vista makes the games easier, faster, more fun....give me a break.

Microsoft's brain storming appears to have found great and long followed general rules for success in any endeavor. "The house divided against itself cannot stand". Mutual cooperation on the job, in sports, or in family affairs goes a long way.

As to inviting people to work with you on projects over the Internet, a company network, or an ad-hoc wireless network....We have been doing that for years... long before Windows XP was corrupted to come up with the many Windows Vista versions simply to enrich Microsoft coffers.

Bill Gates and Microsoft actually believe they have us so indoctrinated that we cannot entertain ourselves without them and a computer. Wrong!!! Da Computer man can still shoot basketball, toss a football, ride a horse, play horse shoes, swim, boat, fish, hunt...sorry I got a little carried away. More folks do need to re-learn how to entertain themselves and break away from all the electronic gadgetry.

Some of Microsoft's reasoning, however, reminds old online computer repair geezers like the Tennessee Mountain Man of some of the motel ads on TV. Come On!!!!!!!!!! Wow! Online helpdesk would have never thought of that little trick before Vista and without the help of Bill Gates! "We'll leave the light on for you." N E X T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amen!!!!! Today is the first day of the rest of your life, but P L E A S E get a life. Hopefully not after Microsoft's blueprint.

The rest of this reason, like most of their reasoning, appears to be little more than someone "making work" or needing to fill newspaper space. Speaking of needing to get a life!

Hogwash!!!! Unlike the rest of mankind, apparently Microsoft never heard of Windows 3 or the "print screen" command.

Really? Can you say Kodak? How about Polaroid? Well, don't! Outsourced it services still needs the online pc repair work.

Yes, please! Music soothes the savage beast! Maybe Microsoft needs something besides elevator music, however.

We used to do that with a radio which had a red light that burned when the radio was on. As a lad the Tennessee Mountain Man used to set for hours with an eye glued to that light watching radio shows. Those were the days!!!

Dacomputerman knows all about that! That was all before WMP 11 and Microsoft's control over his entertainment choices.

"Blend your photos and home videos into a rich movie experience, complete with soundtrack, titles and credits, and creative transitions."

So Microsoft can report you! You do know, they know what you had for dinner last evening and whether you skipped breakfast this morning, don't you? Listen....sounds like they are the phone with an artist formerly known as Prince now.

"Windows Movie Maker lets you retain high-definition quality as you capture, edit, and publish movies from your HD camcorder."

The remote computer repair folks told me this is "déjà vu all over again". Dacomputerman thought he was just getting old and senile.

Oh, and don't forget this little ditty: "Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware".

"The easy-to-use Windows Firewall with Advanced Security provides advanced protection to help shield you and your PC from malicious attacks."

MS#62. "Because it remembers what you like to do—and helps you do it faster"

Please refer to MS#59 above! Then go immediately to the Prefetch File located in C:\\Windows and dump it's contents. Do this daily and note the improvement in OS response time.

By now most people have learned to avoid the helpdesk of major computer companies including Microsoft...maybe especially Microsoft and certainly especially if your first language is English.

Fortunately also most people ignore the recommendation in this reasoning. Otherwise a lot of us would be out of business.

Can you say, déjà vu once again? Swamp land, anyone? anyone? how about a bridge?

"Windows Fax and Scan makes sending and receiving faxes directly from your PC as simple as using e-mail. With fax templates linked to your address book, it's easy to retrieve a fax number, attach your documents, and just click to send."

The old magnet on the refrigerator didn't work, I doubt this will. But maybe it will work better for you than for the old computer man at online remote computer repair.

MS#69. "Because you want the quality of your printouts to match the quality of your work"

So is your significant other!! Right. Just keep the aspirin or WD40, as the case may be, handy...headaches do happen! And, don't miss the standard little caveat at the end of Gates' reasoning.

Please excuse the computer man while he day dreams a bit. Favorite things...O.K...no..no..unmentionable. So move on to Meerschaum pipe, BCA smoking tobacco, Scotch, T Bone, Lobster....alright...alright...moving along.

schhhhhhh! Please don't tell Microsoft that these news tickers have been around forever.

MS#73. "Because your photos and home movies don't have to be stuck in your PC anymore"

Perhaps the question should be, How many times can you take, déjà vu? Sorry Microsoft never pondered that quandrum.

Having caught his breath and dispatched the laugh monster (just in time for Halloween) the Tennessee Mountain Man is ready to resume his look at Microsoft's 100 Reasons Why we should be using Windows Vista.

In Part 1 of Why Change To Windows Vista, Remote Helpdesk 1, examined Microsoft's reasons 1 through 25. Today we will cover reasons 26 - 50 so lets get started.

While Scientific studies reveal the hidden costs of multitasking as technology increasingly tempts people to do more than one thing at a time Bill Gates and Microsoft keep pushing for more.

If anyone were tempting Microsoft employees to use anything other than best practices there would be one of Microsoft's infamous law suits.

Like the pager and the cell phone, the curse of the hand held, laptop, note book and other portables is that all technology, including our computers, have kept up with us too well...no uninterrupted vacations, dinners, shows, golf games, or romantic sessions. Get this contraption out of my bedroom!

O.K. Been around forever. Ever checked out at the store or used an ATM with a touch screen? How about Monday Night Football? Been there, done that.

Hello! I know I am not as smart as the Microsoft gurus but haven't that covered this already, in Part 1 maybe?! I guess that is why he is Bill Gates owning Microsoft and I own a remote helpdesk performing online computer repair services.

In the army we taught by telling students what we were going to teach them, doing the teaching, and then reiterating what we had told them. But, we didn't try to cover it up calling it three different lectures.

MS#31. "Because your PC lets you know if something's wrong—and helps you fix it"

Sorry, The Tennessee Mountain Man could find nothing new here either unless the user has been more lazy than most. It was all available with earlier, faster, less expensive, and less intrusive operating systems.

Now the Tennessee Mountain Man is in danger of becoming repetitive, but Microsoft is not giving me anything to work with here.

Oh!!!!! So!!!!!!! It is actually just an upgrade Microsoft Server 2003 with all the patches and fixes included.

Not to mention connecting at your motel, Mickey D's, your grand ma's, and a million other places. Kids and businessmen have been doing this for years...Next!

This may be the best reason so far. But, let's face it, if Microsoft and the U.S. Government can't keep hackers out of their own stuff do you really think you have a chance?

On the other hand, have you lost the pass words to get into today's IBM laptops?

No, they were not brazen enough to say it would keep you from working nights. What they are doing is touting an existing technology.

Especially when the windows operating don't crash or lock up, and performs more reliably like Ubuntu.

Has it not done that for years? Oh, yes, I'm sorry. The Tennessee Mountain Man almost forgot. This is apparently our warning that Microsoft will come through the back door and make any changes they want whenever they wish despite our desires and upgrade and maintenance settings.

Oh, sorry they are referring to parental controls like the ones parents and bosses have used forever. Got it.

"Need to speed up your computer? Simply plug a USB memory stick into your desktop or notebook computer and let Windows ReadyBoost do the rest."

Although Microsoft remains redundant, I can't help but respond....The labor laws of the U.S. makes provisions for breaks and meal times.

I want to get away on occasion and Microsoft wants a robot chasing me around demanding more...more...more...more!

Watch the caveat as Microsoft makes a johnny come lately feeble attempt to catch up with other browsers.

Is the Tennessee Mountain Man speechless yet? No, but we'll take another stab at it tomorrow with "Why Change To Windows Vista: Part 3 of 4".

Microsoft has published an extensive list of 100 reasons why the Tennessee Mountain Man and you should make the switch to Windows Vista. Microsoft should have outsourced it's brain storming of reasons to switch to Vista, but then it may not have received such favorable reviews. 'Remote help desk 1' will take a brief look at their reasoning.

'Remote helpdesk 1' has said before, in it's humble opinion, Microsoft has had no new thoughts since Windows 3 and Windows NT. To understand that is a simple thought process...perhaps we will explore it one day next week.

Outsourced IT Services having gotten that off the chest one more time, let us peek inside the reasons Microsoft thinks there is no place for those like Martha Stewart and Lyle Waggoner of 1965 Tareyton Ads who had rather fight than switch.

So says Microsoft. The Tennessee Mountain Man says it sure makes the computer slow enough for most to keep up. Probably preferred by the turtles who had rather fight than switch from DSL. We'll give them credit for this, it sure runs more like a breeze than a good head wind which is preferred whether sailing or surfing.

Most people use remote controls on their TVs, DVDs, etc...not computers with the exception of computer repair techs who still must use a computer to reach out and perform computer examination and surgery over the internet.

The Tennessee Mountain Man acknowledges we have all been assaulted by Microsoft, no less, however, by Vista operating systems. Microsoft touts Vista's "new security tools like Windows Defender, anti-spam and phishing filters, and Parental Controls. Automatic backups, Performance Self-Tuning, and built-in diagnostics"...Really? Those tools have been available for years! It may be a good thing that Microsoft found them. On the other hand they significantly slow down the PC for the turtles.

"The breakthrough design of the Windows Aero user interface brings new clarity to your PC experience." Sorry the Tennessee Mountain Man can't see it...not even with his new glasses. It does, however, require significant computer upgrades which your computer repair shop is sure to love.

Hello! Ever hear of the build in search option in all windows versions? Besides, what can one possibly lose in that little computer that cannot be found unless the hard drive disintegrates? In which case Microsoft can't help you anyway. Back to the appreciative computer repair shop!

Sorry, The Tennessee Mountain Man, even with the assistance of online computer repair services, could find nothing new
here either. It was all available with earlier, faster, less expensive, and less intrusive operating systems.

Uh!!!!! No!!!!!!! I know Microsoft and Bill Gates think they are God and insist on being worshipped by all geeks, but not since Joshua has anyone accomplished that little trick. Sorry Mr Copperfield.

MS#8. "Your PC can take care of itself: Performance Self Tuning, Self-Healing"

Reminds me of the TV Ad where the doc is telling a patient over the phone how to perform surgery on himself. Again your local as well as remote computer repair docs thank you. The average user who has ever tried to use restore disks or those built in technologies would love to strangle you. It has cost them a lot of extra dollars trying to repair the repair and unfix the fix. Microsoft knows how this goes. They are always releasing fixes to repair their fixes.

"Network and Sharing Center lets you set up a wireless network at home so you can experience the freedom of working from your living room, backyard, or anywhere in your home."

I'm sorry, maybe I am a little slow, maybe I missed something, but just what can you do here that you can't do in Windows 95 or NT and subsequent Microsoft operating system versions?

#!&%? Really? Or does it just allow Microsoft greater intrusion into our business? It is time Bill Gates learned to mind his own!

And, Better not miss the last paragraph, i.e. "Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware".

Oh, yes! Drop your kid off in front of that computer, trust Microsoft and Bill Gates and see how long it takes that child to get approached by an abuser or solicited or get into some kind of trouble.

Parents you brought them into this world. You take care of and protect them. The state can't do it, and Microsoft sure can't and has little if any incentive too.

The only thing The Tennessee Mountain Man is finding in Microsoft's top 100 reasons to upgrade to Vista is more costs, slower response, and more of the same issues which have contributed significantly to the destruction of the American family.

Would someone please give Microsoft a mirror? Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel now, and still have 86 important reasons to upgrade to Vista to go. This is nothing more than a little disguised ad for the Xbox 360 and a recommendation to shuffle the kids off to another room and leave them alone to surf the worst of the web unsupervised.

Does Outsourced IT Services really need to go any further? Oh, not to worry. The Tennessee Mountain Man will cover all of the so called reasons to upgrade to Vista.

What is the definition of "no time". It is still not a MAC!!! You don't just open the box (sorry in this case it is boxes), plug it up, turn it on and go. No. No. Microsoft Computers don't work like that!

Say What? What is Microsoft smoking? What are they watching? The Naked News? How dumb do they think we are?

Apparently the author's head was so smoked, he or she forgot they had just essentially covered this in point 15, just a couple of minutes before.

Don't know about you, but The Tennessee Mountain Man was doing that on Windows 95 when desk space was a premium and there was no space in the room for a TV and a computer. Duh!!!!!!!!!!!

Vista does nothing in a flash short of a good power surge! And, setting up a network appears to be no easier nor more difficult than in any other windows version. Of course if you want a network in a flash, The Tennessee Mountain Man recommends the Debian derived Linux-based Ubuntu Operating System. When it installs and boots, the network is done!!!! Try that, Vista!!

Another warning to not miss Microsoft's last paragraph here. It appears they have proudly locked you out of some versions to increase their profits and reduce your options.

Does Microsoft really expect that, if we like playing games on the computer, we have not been doing that since DOS and Windows 3 via the internet and LAN when the boss wasn't watching? Come on!

With a simple click of the mouse, huh? Well if that is true as in single click (I haven't tried that one), then it might make Vista almost as fast at that trick as it's predecessors were with a couple of clicks to do the same thing....impressive? ....really?

Why? Because as always Microsoft Windows installs trial programs to get you hooked, then requires you to purchase them after a short trial period from Microsoft or their vendors if you wish to keep a functioning program.

The Tennessee Mountain man never worried about such things. There are too many free superior ways to prevent and cure such infections.

The Tennessee Mountain Man says: "Yep, as long as you want what it works with.....and are willing to wait for the rest".

Monday we feared this day would never come. It seemed so very far away so early in the morning. Where's the java anyway? Oh! Strike that. The eagle flies today! Gotta get a short case, mow the lawn for the last time this season, settle in for a weekend of football, and try to forget that we have to do it all over again in two short days.

It is amazing, the miraculous change that over takes the grumpiest among us after lunch on Friday. Suddenly all the week's cares seem to vanish like that big stack of broken computers that welcomed us the first day of the week. Through the week the desktops and laptops seemed to multiply through lunch Thursday.

No matter how many were repaired, there were more...always more. Then suddenly everything started coming together. Now computers go out faster than they were coming in just 24 hours ago. Just as well, the clients didn't have the eagles to cover the cost until Friday anyway or at least Thursday when they felt secure enough to float a check.

Everything has it's own cycle, and a new one begins as people with a little green left in their pocket to play with begin the call. A glance at the clock as the phones ring off the hook. Just another hour or so.

"What does a web page cost?" That is a loaded question! I learned to dance around that one a long time ago. "The starting price is $1.500.00. Yes, that covers wed site design, one year of hosting, monthly submission to the major search engines for one year, and one minor change per month if you need or want it." "Yes, most people can get a decent site for that. Although, it may not work for a commercial website."

Let us find out what you want, what you need, how you are going to promote it, etc then we can get a cost estimate. Then we decide what you can afford and we are on our road to success. "No, I'm sorry, your website will not be ready Monday."

"Hello! Is this the Remote Help Desk? Can you come to my home and fix my computer?" "Do you mean you actually repair my computer from where you are?" "I don't have to bring it in? You don't need to see it? Are you sure? Well O.K."

"What will it cost if you come out here?" $250.00 minimum service call today. $300.00 this evening and Saturday. $500.00 Sundays and holidays. If that sounds high, you might want an estimate from the nerd herd. and, if you get off less expensively when all is said and done, I will pay your bill.

Several years ago, I received a weekend call from an elderly college professor who had all this work he needed done on his computer at home. I quoted him a price for a one hour service call. His problems were not nearly as difficult as he thought. I was through in less than half an hour to see him breaking out the liquor. He poured each of us a drink and implored me to sit and talk because he had a half an hour of my time left for which he thought he was paying.

Call it customer relations. I was glad to take a break and accommodate the old gentlemen. It was a good visit and I like to think we both learned something.

I about what it is like to get old and lonely. What it was like to be with a building full of people all day every week day and yet to be alone. He how to keep his computer tuned and keep all the junk off of it. We never got to meet again. The old man went the way of all souls...and computers to think of it. I was glad I took the time to be some company.

Don't get all wrapped up in yourself or your business. It is not all about the money. It is not all about websites, web pages, or computer sales and repair. And, it is surely not all about me nor thee. It is all about them...the customers who allow us to tell them what is wrong with that new fangled contraption they can barely turn on and off. It is all about that little fellow who allows us to repair his PC and pays our bill in spite of his misgivings. Don't abuse or misuse them.

Think about your friend the dentist. Oh, your dentist is not your best friend but a necessary evil, a feared boogie man unjustly or not. That is what you are to your client. So treat him or her like you would want to be treated, and don't be a geek!! A geek impresses no one but him or herself.

Wow! Look at the time. Please excuse me. The eagle has flown and I hear a beautiful woman, a Scotch, and a little "all you can eat" seafood bar calling my name.

Americans like The Tennessee Mountain Man are such optimists and patriots that the country just keeps growing and growing despite the messes of our own making and those imposed on us. And, without once considering where it is taking us.

Little wonder we know neither what the Holy Book nor the Hebrew, Muslim, or Christian prophets such as Michel de Nostredame have to say. Having lost the meaning of charity (love), the most important gift we had to lose the rest. We have even corrupted and confused "profit" with "prophet" as in prophet.com. Wise geek dot com says, in part: "The term prophet has several definitions and is based on issues of faith and belief. Loosely, a prophet is one of two things:
1) He or she receives a direct message from the divine, which is meant to be communicated to others.
2) He or she is able to somehow tap into divine knowledge and make predictions about the future of the world or about individuals."

But I digress thinking upon the cause rather than the reality. The Reality for example: The Tennessee Mountain Man hates chewing gum of any kind. He hates it being spit on the ground where it sticks to his shoes. He especially hates seeing bubbles being blown with bubble gum and hearing people who can't resist popping and smacking their chewing and bubble gum, a problem not associated with smokeless tobacco products.

Remote Helpdesk 1 is much more likely to terminate a computer repair technician for chewing gum than reporting to work with a hangover, or chewing tobacco. Outsourced IT Services customers do not want to hear a tech or anyone else chewing and popping gum or food in their ears.

Burk Pendergrass hates it when bubbles of any kind burst because someone always gets negatively effected. But the age old gum mess should have at least taught us how to recognize a bubble. It is, after all, exactly what the name implies. It is a bubble and bubbles all do the same thing. They tend to swell to an unsustainable point where they burst splattering all over anything or anyone within range.

In the 80's everyone was chasing a realtor's license because real property is where the money was. The result, almost everyone got burned.

In the 90's the tech industry had seemingly come of age and anyone and everyone with a nickel to invest was chasing tech stocks. The and result, everyone got burned.

2008 is almost here and guess what? Tech stocks are back in vogue while real estate investors are taking a beating once again. Guess what?

Bubbles: We may be patriotic and we may be optimistic, but for a capitalistic society we sure are short on memory. It is simply amazing that we can remember in an instant all the negatives associated with chewing gum and bubble gum, while blinded by our inherent driving greed we can't or won't see that big heavy bowling ball racing towards us like a speeding bullet getting ready to knock our feet out from under us again.

So far, we haven't seen men killing themselves in numbers like the last stock market crash, but what else could such a greedy future hold?

Don't the Holy Bible speak on this? Bible? Ah, yes. That uh...That Book mother always had prominently displayed in the living room and den. That Book which was always on the corner of dad's desk. Didn't it say something about gaining the whole world and loosing your soul? I wonder what ever happened to that Book?

Today every subject and discipline and government agency has it's own "bible" usually with the word "Bible" being part of the name or title. There is the evil bible at evilbible.com, the computer repair bible, the windows bible, the photoshop bible, the investor's bible, the job hunter's bible, and even the novel..."The Poisonwood Bible". Wonder what those bibles say about technological advances, bubbles, gum, greed and housing and God knowing you have need of these things and that He will provide? Wonder how their text compares with what dad's Bible said?

Oh, well...It is just human nature - Bubbles: Tech, Housing and Gum. In fact, see the tracks? A bubble head has recently been here. Better watch where you are stepping!

A couple of weeks ago I released an article entitled ,"9 Tips To Keep Windows XP Running Smooth". After that I published a lengthy (by necessity) article covering, "Upgrading To Microsoft Windows Vista Tips". I have since received several e-mail requests for pointers on clean Vista installs so I have compiled those conversations and am disseminating them for wider use. This will be much shorter and easier.

There are no secrets here. Everything I cover is published in the windows help files or scattered across the Microsoft website. Perhaps it is compiled in a somewhat more usable form here. At least it will keep you from having to do the searches, from sifting out the chaff, and from sorting the usable data.

Don't let it scare you off. Just know there are often major changes in what a computer will have and what Vista requires.

First, Please understand that this information pertains to a clean install....It will not work for an upgrade! If you need upgrade help please refer to my article on upgrading to Vista at http://remotehelpdesk1.com/articles.htm

• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Starter

In a clean installation, existing data is removed - that includes documents, pictures, movies, music, downloads, etc. This data includes personal data and settings. Please back up or make copies of any and all data you wish to keep to another hard drive or computer before proceeding any further.

After you install the Vista operating system, you must also reinstall all programs and restore any data you moved in the previous step. AGAIN!!...Make sure that you back up your personal and business data before you perform a clean installation.

To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista, use one of the following methods only after (I can't say it enough) running the upgrade advisor, it is located at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Most people don't read the fine print: There are 23 (count them 23) warnings and exceptions hid behind this little ditty (Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware) hid at the end of Microsoft's 100 Reasons why you should upgrade to Vista.

Lets get started:

Method 1:

Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the current operating system

1. Start the computer by using the current operating system.

2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.

3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate:

• If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.

• If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:

a. Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK.

Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.

b. Click Install now.

4. When you reach the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Custom (advanced), and then follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.

Method 2:

Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD

1. Start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD. To do this, insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive, and then restart the computer.

Note To start the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, the computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive.

For more information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation that is included with the computer, or contact the computer manufacturer.

2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on the screen, press a key.

3. Follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.

MORE INFORMATION

When you try to upgrade to Windows Vista, the Upgrade option that is located in the Install Windows dialog box may be unavailable. Additionally, an error message may appear in this dialog box. To help troubleshoot the issue that you experience, use the following Knowledge Base articles:

927295 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927295/) You cannot select the Upgrade option when you try to install Windows Vista, and you receive the following message: “Windows cannot determine if another operating system exists on your computer"

927296 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927296/) You cannot select the Upgrade option when you try to install Windows Vista, and you receive the following message: "Your upgrade partition has multiple operating systems"

927297 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927297/) You cannot select the Upgrade option when you try to install Windows Vista, and you receive the following message: "You must rename or remove <FolderName> before upgrade can continue"

926069 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926069/) You cannot select the Upgrade option when you try to install Windows Vista, and you receive the following message: "Upgrade has been disabled"

927688 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927688/) You cannot select the Upgrade option when you try to install Windows Vista, and you receive an error message that is specific to hardware that is installed on your computer

928432 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928432/) The upgrade option is unavailable when you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD

932004 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932004/) Error message when you try to upgrade a computer that is running Windows XP to Windows Vista: "The legacy OS does not meet the software update requirements: 'Service Pack 2 for Windows XP'"

932005 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932005/) You cannot select an upgrade option for Windows Vista, and you may receive an error message: "You cannot upgrade Windows in Safe mode"

932006 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932006/) Error message when you try to upgrade a computer to Windows Vista: "The upgrade cannot be started because the content on your installation disk is written in a different language than the language on your computer"

932007 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932007/) Error message when you try to upgrade a computer to Windows Vista: "The installed operating system does not support an upgrade to Windows Vista"

932009 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932009/) Error message when you try to install Windows Vista by using Windows Vista installation media: "Upgrade has been disabled - To upgrade, start the installation from Windows"

For more information about how to upgrade a computer to Windows Vista, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

918884 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918884/) How to install Windows Vista

Do you recall Pentagon Don's foretelling of "shock and awe!"? Well Bill Gates tried the same thing with Microsoft Vista, and I was not impressed with either. Both backfired!

The initial strike on Iraq presented no shock and awe to me...(and certainly nothing subsequently did)...maybe you had to be there.

Microsoft Vista was such a disappointment. Vista was the first operating system that Microsoft had to allow their distributors to replace, in newly minted computers, with an earlier version.

When I was a young boy scout on an outing with my troop to the Space Flight Center at Huntsville, Alabama, where the spit shined soldiers displayed all kinds of highly polished radio controlled armor, I was in awe. In fact like most boys of my era I was impressed by anyone in a uniform and the Marlboro Man (A real man's man). And, if they happened to have some kind of new electronic gadget that was even better. In the case of the Marlboro Man, his horse on the open range was sufficient. No one had ever heard of remote computer repair let alone expect him to have a laptop in his saddle bags.

All of that culminated in Jack Kennedy's call to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". As that plea of Camelot matured in my soul, Viet Nam loomed large, and against all advice of family and friends I volunteered leaving a wife and two babies for a land I had never before heard of.

It was a land where people went without the most basic medical care at a time when Dr Kildare, Dr Casey, and Marcus Welby, M.D. were in vogue in America. I watched as women left the field where they were working to catch hold of a fence or a tree and drop a baby between their legs. They would then wrap the new born, place it the shade and go back to work. Hospital...doctor...delivery room...advances of science and medicine...indeed?

In the middle of the night I watched and listened as UH-1s lumbered (of course they lumber and they ride like a wagon with octagon wheels, they are just big trucks with rotors) across the horizon spiting alternately spiting red and white tracer rounds into the jungle below. Now that left me speechless, Mr Gates! I learned to love the sound of those flying machines. Their descendants are still used as med evac chopers even in the civilian community, and when they fly close to my house I still wake up no matter how late at night, and I remain in awe. There is a comfort in that sound that neither mom, nor dad, nor spouse....that no human can provide.

And, shock and awe was provided when the F-14s were scrambled in the early morning. It was a site to behold to see in the distance, a ball of fire literally flying low down a dark runway and then hear the rumble of thunder as it rotated to 90 degrees, kicked in the after burners and melting the pavement beneath it, as it screamed off into the heavens.

There was a time when we were proud. There was a time when we thought more of helping and giving than of taking and getting, but that was before the me generation. There was a time when technology enthralled us. There really was an age of shock and awe, but it was long before Afghanistan and Iraq. It was before every Tom, Dick and Harry had even heard of a computer let alone seen, played with, or owned one.

It was before remote controlled cars, forget about remote computer repair. It was when men did and led, not outsourced. It was when you were taught in public school that it was impossible for a person to make a million dollars in a life time. It was when men took more pride in their home site than their website (no they were not the same thing).

Yep, the old Tennessee Mountain Man has been left in the dark, left for another, left speechless, and even been in shock and awe, but not this century.

Did you take the weekend off? Did you? Really? Did you turn off the cell phone? the crackberry? the pager? Did you leave the laptop in it's case? Did you resist the urge to check in with the answering service?

Were you able to relax? Did you forget about work? Did you enjoy your time with the family? Did you do something that you used to really love? something you have really missed? Did you get into it and enjoy it as much as you did back in the day without once thinking about Monday or work?

You see, I know you. I know, like most people in this world, you went to bed last night (and the night before that, and the night before that) dreading today. I know you didn't sleep well and did not want to hear that alarm clock this morning. But, alas it went off right on schedule....o.k. just a few more minutes you thought as you rolled over and pulled the cover a bit tighter...P L E A S E !!!

As you try to think ahead to payday, Friday appears to be somewhere out in the miserable infinity of time and space. Even last Friday seems so long ago. It must have been because there is nothing left in the wallet to show for it. Hump day is of little solace right now, it too seems sooo verrry far away.

Boy, how you would like to tell that jerk you work for to take his job and shove it. Getting a positive attitude is the hardest part of your day, and maybe you just had to postpone that little psychological bit of mind bending for another day.

Caus' it just ain't happening !!!! So smile! It's Monday! Dare to Dream! It's Monday! It's a New Beginning! Dare To Dream! It's Monday!!! Pull a Julie Andrews. Grab an umbrella and do a little song and dance as the rain drops keep falling on your head. It can still be just as much fun as when you were young and love was blossoming. Force your world to take on a new glow!

You see, my daddy, knew you too, knew what makes you tick, knew how you feel. He was an excellent auto mechanic back in the day. You know, one of those people who heard your car pull into the driveway and knew what was wrong with it. He could fix it too! But that was before computers. Computers? The curse of modern man. Most vehicles did not even have automatic transmissions or air. If yours did, it cost you a small fortune; money that could be better spent. And, air conditioning for your '55 Chevy Belaire! Buy it at Sears and install it yourself...I'll spare you the details.

Dad always wanted his own garage but he had five mouths to feed, a farm to keep going and a job at the factory in town. He worked a swing shift. One week he worked days, the next evenings, the next nights and then after a 24 hour break he did it all over again.

Not having the time, money, or energy to chase his dreams, he decided, unconsciously, ( I am sure) to live them through me. He bought me a new set of Craftsman Tools from Sears and enrolled me in an auto mechanic school. Sorry, that just was not meant for me or I was not cut out for it.

Daddy, a WW II Veteran, had a third grade education, a strong back, and a sharp mind. When I was lost in advanced math classes, I could read a problem and without hesitation he would say, your answer is...now how you get there I don't know. He was always right but the prof wanted to know how you arrived at the conclusion.

He was also sick, we just didn't know how sick. Medicine back then was not what it is today. Today it is not what it will be in another decade. He hurt a lot. Trying to find some short lived relief he and Four Roses became good friends. He took all kinds of medicine, but nothing helped. I recall him lying on the couch in pain dreading going to work in the afternoon. But, just like you, he would go. He had a family to support and promises to keep.

Because of his work ethic and commitment to family and community he was well respected by all who knew him. He could borrow money at the bank on a handshake...try that.

Pops never talked much about his dreams until I was in the army - Viet Nam...a new war, a new time. Even then he still could not do anything about his future. There remained two kids at home in public school. He could, however, now dimly see that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. So, slowly, cautiously, he started preparing.

Like me, daddy loved the fall and winter, holidays and snow, hunting and fishing. He was planning his biggest Christmas ever when word came he was dead. He had passed from the land of the living without realizing his aspirations. He had given the man his last conscious hour...not for the man but for his family, friends, creditors, and community. He essentially died in the factory, on the job. keeping promises and fulfilling commitments, dimly aware of the suppressed dreams forced to the back of his mind..

Dad was a great example and mostly because of his work ethic, I am a work-a-holic to this day.

So, like you, I am painfully aware it is Monday! I know you are having a rough day. I know you were tired before you started. I know you were depressed before you got of bed. I know you are full of doubts. I also know you have wants, wishes, hopes and dreams however weak they may be today. I know you want to walk out on everything and never go back. I know.

Monday or not, it ain't happening. So smile! It's Monday! Dare to dream! It's Monday!

Love something or someone more than yourself...It's Monday! Keep your dreams alive and keep walking. You are headed in the right direction. You are headed for a new beginning, It's Monday! You can be more than a survivor, It's Monday!

Like you, I remain haunted by the spirit that drove both my Dad and American Poet Robert Frost who wrote: "I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep; and miles to go before I sleep". But, let us not wait until we sleep like my dad did for then there are no more dreams to chase in the land of the living.

But, will you have something worth getting up for next Monday? Will you have something bigger than yourself that draws you out of bed early? Will you have something that puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step like when young love consumed you? Will you dance in the rain and do for others like your heart had never been broken?

Will you walk with your head held high as if you had never learned grown up things like those we love we lose, there is little love or care in the world, there is never enough money to go around, there is no Santa Clause, the tooth fairy don't exist, Halloween is just an excuse to eat too much candy, and the Easter Bunny is a figment of some retailer's imagination?

I don't know...........Do you? Can you put these things behind you and become a child at heart?...full of love?...accepting all things?...hating to go to bed rather than to get up?...and eagerly anticipating Tuesday with all the surprises it holds for you?

You have time! The Lord God created the world and everything in it in less than a week. You're still breathing, and It's only Monday!

Well, We come to the end of another week...Unless...

Sub Titled: The "do da tribe"

There are TGI Fridays, Freaky Fridays, Photo Fridays, Illustration Fridays, NPR's Science Fridays, Pragmatic Fridays, Friday Night Lights, and then there is my Friday and your Friday. The non-Friday. We will work late today, and early tomorrow.

There is no perceptible end or beginning to a week, a month, or even a year. They all seem to run together. One day morphs into another. If not for the calendar in the lower right hand corner of the computer screen we could not distinguish one hour, one day or one month from another.

We are members of the "do da" tribe. Our primary interest in life, "do da" check come yet? We simply want to get our hands on that check. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and fears to borrow from tomorrow. It is only 10 weeks, 76 days, until Christmas!!!

In the mean time there is Halloween candy (lots of expensive Halloween candy and decorations) to buy, Thanksgiving Dinner to provide, and ....oh, what's the use?

God only gave us 24 hours in a day because that is all we can handle...and to handle those few hours we need to sleep at least 8 of them! Yet, Friday is hardly over before we are consumed with the next day's and next week's perceived problems and cares. No one understands. Even worse, no one cares!

I mean, you have a $3,000.00 payroll to make next Friday, and you don't have $100.00. Sure, you just made payroll this morning but now you are broke and you don't know how you are going to make it next week. Everyone but you is busy planning their weekend and their holidays.

Your hair is prematurely gray, your head is balding earlier that your dad's did, you are over weight, you have chewed the mouth piece off your favorite Dunhill, you have high blood pressure and your cholesterol is all out of wack...well duh !!!!!!!

Please allow the Tennessee Mountain Man to share one of the few things he is certain of..."There is a God and I am not Him and neither are you". And, "He can and will do what you and I can't, if we will let Him". He cares about you. But, it is not just about you or me.

God is not a door knob or a tree as some have suggested but a person who also cares for those you care for... for those you must pay, provide insurance for and provide a safe work environment for. You are only His instrument for caring for others. Please, you do your thing and let Him do His before you wind up with heart disease and cancer like the Tennessee Mountain Man!

We get a new start every 24 hours. Let us not blow it by killing ourselves early missing out on what He has for us and depriving others of the blessings He has for them.

For those of you who stayed with me, here is some FREE HELP from Remote Helpdesk 1 for your on line business; but please, let it be until Monday and if you need any further help there are numerous outsourced it services resources at http://remotehelpdesk1.com and more are being added all the time.

Well, alas, the do da tribe and it's intrepid members come to the end of another week! Let's make a deal, Monty? I'll take the weekend off if you will!

Monday will come soon enough, and all things big and small will still be there waiting for us.

Go to a ball game, go fishing or hunting, go to the county fair or to the October Fest and have a G R E A T Weekend !!

Grill one of those venison steaks for me, and I'll see you around the tribal council Monday.

tmm

Upgrading To Microsoft Windows Vista Tips

The traditional annual days of giving are at hand. Some people will want to upgrade (if it can be called that) to Windows Vista.

Recommended minimum hardware requirements for Windows Vista

Note A Windows Aero-capable graphics card is a graphics card that meets the following requirements:

Operating system requirements to upgrade to Windows Vista

The table below outlines the upgrade options mapped to the different Windows Vista editions.

If you are currently using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional x64, you are eligible for an upgrade copy to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista, but a clean install is required.

Upgrade copies are not available for versions of Windows earlier than Windows 2000. These earlier versions of Windows require you to install a full copy of Windows Vista.

If the edition of Windows Vista that you choose to install will result in a loss of functionality over your current edition of Windows, you will need to do a clean install, or install Windows Vista to a new partition on your PC.

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Before you begin

Before you run the Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating.

Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Ready to upgrade? Check out these special offers from Microsoft partners.

The Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Review the upgrade options available for earlier versions of Windows.

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista. You can also use the Upgrade Advisor to determine if your Windows Vista-based PC is ready for an upgrade to a more powerful edition of Windows Vista.

This small software tool will scan your computer and create an easy-to-understand report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues, and recommend ways to resolve them. Upgrade Advisor can also help you to choose the edition of Windows Vista that best fits the way you want to use your computer.

Upgrade procedure

The Upgrade option is unavailable, and you receive an "Upgrade has been disabled" message

When you try to upgrade to Windows Vista, the Upgrade option is unavailable.

This release would probably best be titled "Find American Made Computers". Why? Because you can't. You can't because there are none. Maybe it should be titled "Because There Are None"...because there are none!

Have you really checked one of those big box computers lately at Wal Mart, Office Depot, Circuit City or your corner computer shop? "Made in China" is typically stamped all over the box, and even though our dogs were poisoned, our children are playing with toys loaded with leaded paint, the U.S. had to return ships laden with "bad" sea food, and every day brings a new fear or recall we go blindly on our self centered way.

God knows America needs to be a service oriented industry and nation. We do not wish to work up a sweat or get dirt under our finger nails when such menial labor can be outsourced off shore so cheaply. Our children are not even allowed to play for fear they might get hurt, get sick or get dirty.

Every child needs a broken bone, the mumps and measles, a big old dirty collie dog like Lassie to play with,