Free Computer Consultant ………. Daily Insights

You don’t need to wait for Windows 7 to discard MSConfig for Windows startup tuning and application control.

Download Autoruns from the Microsoft Technet site now and use it instead. Autoruns is a vast improvement over MSConfig with about 3 times the number of information tabs and better viewing of the information.

Autoruns is also more valuable for hunting down malware since you can simply right click an entry and search the web for information on exactly what the program is and does.

Do be careful before deleting, though, and I always like to have a current backup of the system registry before making changes like this.

Windows Registry Backup and Restore

How a System State Backup can Save your computer

Since I’ll be using one today I thought it was a good time to post this Flip HD Camcorder coupon deal.

$5 off Internet’s Lowest Price on the Flip HD Camcorder – #1 Seller on Amazon – Coupon Code: FLIP

This Flip coupon is for TheNerds.net. They really seem to try to do a good job with Internet sales and service. Or, forget that, just make it cheap. That’s what they’re doing with the #1 selling product at Amazon.com, beating the price.

Accessing the data from a hard drive via USB has never been easier. This USB hard drive adapter from Vantec handles SATA and IDE (2.5 inch, 3.5 inch and 5.25 inch) hard drives.

The separate power supply for the hard drive is included with the kit also.

This adapter is great for recovering data from a hard drive or just convenient access to a drive you don’t want to install or can’t install in your laptop.

Vantec SATI/IDE to USB 2.0 hard drive adapter kit

How do I replace a laptop hard drive?

How about why?

The answers to both of those questions can be found in this new video:

The hard drive I was replacing in this video was junk; no data recovery possible. Emphasizes the importance of good backups, right?

You might also replace a hard drive if you are upgrading to a larger one. In that case, I would have used Acronis True Image to clone the hard drive to the newer unit.

The How-To Geek had this advice and on how to transform your Windows XP computer desktop to look more like Windows Vista or the new Windows 7.

Great advice, neat article, looks easy enough.

But please note the asterisks under the first image “Editor Note:  Major modifications like these should be attempted with caution because it can create instability in XP.”

As I mentioned in a forum post this week to someone who was using Windows 7 RC-1 on a netbook: gorgeous interface doesn’t impress me near as much as reliability.

If you really want that new updated look and feel, I suggest you wait until year end and buy a Windows 7 upgrade.

I (and my clients) need our computers to work, not just look pretty.

This week I received a call from a client with a laptop reporting that the internal hard drive was not found. Upon examining the laptop, I heard a “clinking” noise which the client said “oh, yes, that started yesterday”.

Yesterday, I’m afraid to say, was not only the time to call me but the IMMEDIATE time to update the laptop’s backup. Turns out there is a backup but it’s over a week old – so not much lost. But a few files the client would have liked to have back.

She doesn’t want them so badly as to pay $800 or so for a professional data recovery service, though.

New, strange noises, especially those of a metallic sound, need to be dealt with immediately. Don’t turn it off, BACKUP NOW!

Grab a USB Drive (flash or hard drive) or update your online backup.

Mozy Online Backup free trial

Carbonite Online Backup free trial

KeepIt! Online File Back-up and Storage

BBC News reported this week that a hacker destroyed both of flight simulator site Avsim’s servers. 13 years of hard work, forum posts and user created and shared content – poof.

What about backups you ask? Avsim dutifully backed up one server to the other, both exposed to the internet. What? You call that a backup? Well, yes, it’s a backup protecting against hardware failure.

But what about fire, theft, etc? Were the servers located together?

Obviously, this was about 1/3 of a backup plan (get it? backup, backup, backup)

1. Backup the data against hardware failure (hard disks essentially)
2. Backup the data against fire, theft, weather (including floods). This means OFF-SITE.
3. Backup the data against corruption. What if the data is corrupted in some way today, but now discovered immediately? That’s what the tape from last week, last month, last quarter, last year – you get the idea – is for.

This week I was discussing a new server for a client to replace an old one. The old one has a tape drive. Sooo not today, says our software vendor. They recommend a hard drive backup with all of 2, count ‘em 2, hard drive cartridges.

That gives you a fast backup tonight, and a fast restore tomorrow. Great. That covers one potential problem. What about the rest?

I have yet to discover what backup medium works as well as tape for giving us a file from last week, month, quarter or year. (Some accounting files are only changed monthly, quarterly or yearly – I’ve been there on this one).

The new hard drive backups are fantastic – IF – augmented by some other means of archival and off site storage.

For home users you can get 2GB of online backup storage for free from Mozy; they also have a free trial.

Carbonite is another great online backup solution with a free trial, but no free storage.

Check them out today; BEFORE you lose data.

Many people are asking about whether their PC can run Windows 7. The only reason I can think of to be anxious for Windows 7 is if you are unfortunate enough to be running Windows Vista now.

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you’re not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there’s a quick way to do a simple check.

Download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta.

This is a beta, not perfect, but supposed to be pretty good.

Windows 7 is supposed to be a much improved version of Windows Vista.

The same rules apply here as with any other computer hardware or software purchase:

“If it works, don’t fix it”.

If you are running Windows XP and all is good, wait until it isn’t before you run out and worry about getting Windows 7. If it’s any good, it will still be there when you’re ready for it.

I’m always on the lookout for coupons and discounts on computer hardware and software for my readers.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is one of the computer security software suites that I use, support and recommend. They are currently offering 40% off (Regularly $49.95, now just $29.95) as part of the Spring Dads & Grads promotion.

If you don’t have a quality antivirus, antimalware and software firewall product on your laptop or PC, now is the time to take a look at ZoneAlarm and get your computer protected!

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite software at 40 % off – Reg. $49.95, now only $ 29.95 ! Valid through June 15, 2009.

Panda Security Products (Panda Antivirus Pro 2009, Panda Internet Security 2009, Panda Global Protection 2009) are all on sale for 35% off, but only through the special links below!

You can use this link for a comparison of the 3 products:

Panda Security Comparison Chart

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For all 3 of these products, the license allows you to legally use the product on 3 PC’s!.

In a nutshell, all 3 Panda security products provide antivirus, antimalware, personal firewall and phishing protection. Panda Internet Security adds safe internet browsing and backup/restore; Panda Global Protection adds, on top of that, PC optimization and a 2GB online backup system.

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