You can install the compatibility pack on a computer that is running Microsoft Office 2003 programs, Microsoft Office XP programs, or Microsoft Office 2000 programs. When you install the compatibility pack, you can open, edit, save, and create files in the robust Office Open XML Formats.
The following link to the Microsoft Support website explains How to install the Compatibility pack:
A:I often get this question. First, I recommend that you properly erase all of the data on your old machine(s), as simply deleting it is not enough. Anything stored on magnetic media (ie. Hard Drives, Flash drives, Floppy Disks, etc.) can be restored with the proper knowledge and tools. Deletion software designed to write and overwrite 0's and 1's multiple times to military standards is commonly used to make it exceedingly more difficult to recover. Read Microsoft tips for donating computer equipment. After appropriate data handling, consider the National Cristina Foundation for your donation. A local Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center also accepts donations. You can also check the free "Reconnect" service offered by Goodwill Industries in conjuction with Dell:
A:I haven't found any one complete security suite that provides excellent protection, and trust me, I've been testing all brands and combinations for years in real-world "kid-tested" environments. (See my Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Guidebooks for details). Each time a new version is released, I consider and re-evaluate my choices. My current solution is a layered approach consisting of compatible products that work together synergistically. I call the combination my "Malware Protection Cocktail" or "MPC". It consists of what I consider to be the very best Anti-Virus/Malware program combined with the very best Spyware cleaner and a top rated (and free) Firewall. A recommended system cleaner is also included in the MPC. Be certain to perform a good backup before you install any new software. My current backup selection is Norton's Save & Restore combined with a Western Digital MyBook USB external hard drive - both are available at discounted prices from Buy.com
A:First, read my comments in the next question below regarding use in a business setting. If you are purchasing for home, and it's a new computer (I wouldn't recommend upgrading on an existing system) I think you'll enjoy the experience on a certified machine with a minimum of 1GB of RAM (the more memory the better). The Windows Vista Home Premium version is the one you'll most likely find to be appropriate for your needs. Be aware that certain existing software products are still being modified to work with Vista or won't work at all. Be prepared to update your software collection, specifically your Anti-Virus. Check with your software websites to confirm tested compatibility before you make the plunge. You may need to spend more than you budgeted for on those "extras" to fully enjoy the new system. If you are an iTunes user and have an iPod, please read this post iTunes and Windows Vista
Checkout Dell's Windows Vista center for more valuable information here: Dell's Windows Vista Center
A:My opinion about new software releases and upgrades in general has always been conservative in nature. I don't recommend putting version 1.0 of anything into a business production environment until the pioneers help to get the bugs out. After the first service pack, it's normally safe to move ahead as long as your existing software applications are compatible. Application software and peripheral hardware upgrades may be necessary, so plan carefully. "Measure twice and Cut once" is my motto. With that said, when buying a new computer, one should anticipate the requirements of the new Operating System. Be certain to purchase the correct foundational hardware to support your current and future upgrade needs.
Here is a link to Microsoft's Vista "Get Ready" site to help you make an informed decision:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready
A: There are many reasons why a system slows down over time.
The first is actually the Operating System. It degrades as the
Registry gets overloaded with "junk". I use a program by
Macecraft called Reg Supreme Pro. You can download a 30-day
free trial at http://www.macecraft.com
Second, using Norton, you may have also encountered a spyware infection that is robbing memory.
and slowing the system down. What version of Norton do you have?
Run the Panda Activescan program on my "AskAvie's Antivirus Guidebook" to get a second opinion.
Thirdly, your hard drive slows due to disk fragmentation.
Download Diskeeper Professional, the #1 automatic defragmentation software and have it analyze and defrag your drive.
Games are very memory and CPU/Video intensive. The Inspiron line is not the most suitable
notebook for gaming, however the 9100 is the closest to acheiving it if it is spec'd right.
An independent video card with at least 128MB of RAM would be helpful. If you are using
shared RAM for your onboard video, you are stealing memory from your total 512MB and
an upgrade to 1 - 2GB would be in order.
Hope these suggestions help you. Feel free to follow-up and let me know how you're
making out.
Thanks for checking in...
A:Internet Explorer 7.0 is the latest Microsoft browser version. A much anticipated update, Microsoft is looking to provide better security and functionality including "tabbed browsing", features competing browsers such as Firefox and Opera have boasted for a long time. Be aware that many websites and application software may not yet be compatible with this new browser. While I do like what I see so far with IE 7.0, many of you may need to uninstall IE 7.0 until the applications and web sites that you rely upon play catch-up.
Here is a link to Microsoft's IE 7.0 Q&A site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/support
A:Here is the Dell info page with all of the details:
What you should know about the August 2006 Dell Battery Recall:
https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/
A:Microsoft's update #911567 affects the X-Unsent field in e-mail headers which results in the challenge. Short of removing this update, (and risking functionality of security fixes for related updates). My fix for this is to copy the contents of the body of your e-mail template and paste it into a newly created e-mail or simlarly to forward the e-mail and erase the original header info. While inconvenient, it is still faster than creating the e-mail from scratch. See Microsoft's answer via this link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918704/en-us.
A:You Bet! Apple just released a FREE Beta version of "Boot Camp", a solution that let's you choose to boot your Intel-based MacIntosh computer either as a Mac or a true Windows machine. You will need a complete Windows XP license to do the installation and remember to secure the Windows XP just as you would any other installation. Running Windows XP on a Mac doesn't protect you from the vulnerabilities all XP systems face. Instructions with software is available for download here: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp for details.
A:Sure. There is a free service that allows you to send a text message using e-mail. Just e-mail your SMS text message to mobilephonenumber@teleflip.com replacing the word "mobilephonenumber" with your contact's actual 10-digit mobile phone number . Visit http://wwww.teleflip.com for details.
A:Yes, and the company has a patent on the design. The Patented AKP is a simple, one touch adjustable keyboard support for any sitting or standing application.
A: A new concept in software application distribution is now a reality. With the proliferation of high-speed Internet access, it is now functionally possible to offer office suites on-line. Here is a site that offers a FREE web-based Office compatible solution. It even gives you the ability to create PDF documents from your creations along with 30MB of on-line secure storage. You can setup an account now at:
Thinkfree Office
A:Here is a site that offers a web-based instant interface to AOL's IM or ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, or Jabber or GTalk. You'll even see your buddy lists appear automatically.
Meebo
A:
Here's Dell's answer to your question for LCD notebook displays:
I use compressed air for the keyboard combined with a lint-free cloth.
Commerical solutions for cleaning the screen are available, however the major manufacturers seem to agree that the best product is Klear Screen. Read through Dell's recommendation first,
then consider www.KlearScreen.com. It contains NO Ammonia or Alcohol. I found a similar product called Monster ScreenClean that is fantastic.
I use it on my notebooks, Flat Panels, and LCD TV's, and it works like magic. (Visit the link on the left to Amazon.com for a great price too!) Lately however, I'm using a product that even surpasses Monster and it's called Eco-SheenTM. It's a new product designed as a water-less car wash, but its safe and effective on all types of non-porous materials, and wow - what a cleaner it is. I keep 2oz. sample bottles available whenever I'm on the road and I clean clients screens, copy machine glass, etc. It works flawlessly and creates a protective coating that resists dust and fingerprints. Most clients want me to leave the bottle with them - and I do - for just $6.00 it's a steal. Learn more about it on this website - http://www.ProtectiveEnergy.com
A:
It's proper e-mail etiquette to refrain from sending large attachments. Many recipients just don't have the e-mail storage capacity to receive them. Also, your mail recipient may not have the time to download a large attachment on a slow connection, so the following solution can help you maintain an e-mail "friendship". You send it offers you the ability to upload your attachment to their webspace and simply e-mail a link to your contact. In this way, your recipient can choose when they want to download the file and do so without burdening their e-mail server. You can upload files up to 1 gigabyte in
size. Then you send a notification to the
recipient. Recipients will only see the files
they’re invited to view. They also can download
the files. Just keep in mind that files are
destroyed after one week. Further, the company
says safeguards are in place to maintain the
security of your files. The service is FREE.
Try it now .... You send it
A:Yes on both questions. Microsoft acquired GIANT Company Software in December, 2004 (GIANT Company Software) GIANT's technology is the basis for Microsoft's Anti-Spyware product. You'll find a link to this on my AskAvie's Anti-Virus Guidebook in the Spyware/Adware section.
Many users who have tried the new BETA version have identified and removed items that were lurking on their systems. Note that this software is only compatible with Windows 2000 and Windows XP versions. As with any "cleaning" product on the market, care is needed to prevent the removal of items that actually should remain on the system (false positive's) and professional advice and support is often required to properly handle infected systems.
Always create a "System Restore Point" and perform a thorough backup of your important data files before implementing any new software solution. I've personally run the Microsoft product on my own system and so far have not had any negative results. Review the newsgroup section of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware website for the latest user feedback during the beta.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center Some programs seem to stop working after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2
To Disable the Messenger Service Manually:
-- Click on the Start button in the taskbar
To Re-Enable Manually:
Follow the above steps, but change the Startup type to "Automatic,"
1) In your web browser -Internet Explorer v6.0 - click on "Tools" in the menu at the top and select "Internet Options"
2) Click on the Privacy tab and reduce the security level to the point where it will accept your cookies.
3) Click on Apply / Ok
That should do it. Cookies, (like the crumbs Hansel and Gretel dropped along the way to find their way back home) allow web sites to customize their visitors experiences such as show your name when you visit, or create a special look for you that you designed. They are text files that are stored on your own computer that the site looks for whenever you return. Often, sites will track visitors so they can develop statistics about their visitors. They are normally harmless, however, sometimes, the very act of enabling a site to "drop" a cookie on your system can allow it to "drop" files you don't want - such as a malicious file, etc. As long as you are cautious in your web travels, cookies are routinely harmless and helpful to both you and the web site host.
A:The primary difference between Big Planet and AOL is the fact that Big Planet is a true ISP or Internet Service Provider. AOL is an on-line service with Internet access. Before the Internet was a popular medium, AOL
existed as a proprietary on-line service for it's members. So did Compuserve, Prodigy, etc.
These services retrofitted their service to offer the increasingly popular Internet access. To do so, they
decided to still maintain their on-line service as a "private society" so they could maintain the unique services
they had always offered. This put restrictions on their users ability to access the Internet unlike true ISP's which offer flexibility and many other Internet access features.
AOL uses a "firewall" approach to the Internet in that all of their users need to channel into the Internet through
AOL's gateway to the Internet rather than each user having their own individual connection. For one, this slows
down the individual users access. Two, this prevents services that require end-users to have a unique IP
address from communicating with the end user, hence, products like Dialpad, that offer free long distance calls over Internet connections don't work with AOL. Also, Internet connection sharing (ICS) is prevented when AOL is used as the primary
connection to the Internet. This means that homes or offices with more than one user can't share an AOL connection as they can with an ISP connection like Big Planet.
Moreover, AOL uses a proprietary e-mail system, stemming again from the nature of their on-line service. AOL's
e-mail system has major limitations in handling graphics, attachments, enhanced HTML page transfers, etc.
between AOL and non-AOL e-mail transports. For business use, AOL lacks the flexibility for true Internet
access and commuications. See an example of this at: Why is Big Planet's e-Mail system different than AOL? Folks that wish to maintain their AOL service and take advantage of the benefits of Big Planet may consider the "Bring Your Own Access (BYOA)" service offered by AOL. For $14.95/mo., AOL permits their customers to have unlimited access as long as they connect using another ISP. This is easily accomplished by using AOL key word "BILLING" and selecting the "Bring Your Own Access" service billing option. Contact Us for more details on this - it's really easy to setup and lightening fast when combined with a Big Planet ISP account. A: Both Outlook Express and Netscape Messenger offer you the option of attaching a signature to your outgoing e-mail messages. You can design your signature message using a word processor capable of creating a plain text file or just use the Windows Notepad. Create and save your signature file with a name and location you can reference through your e-mail program. In Outlook Express, select Tools, Stationery, Signature and point to the location of the signature file you've created. If you are using Netscape Messenger, select Edit, Preferences, Identity, and enter the path to your signature file. Everytime you compose a message your signature file will appear at the bottom. You can adjust the message and save it using the same file name or create several different signatures and reference the filenames as needed by adjusting the name/location of the signature file as described above. A: This is easy to do, with NameSecure a domain registration and hosting service. At the site, just below the What Internet name do you want? You enter the name such as "whatsinaname"
A: You have just experienced the inevitable. Hard Drives are mechanical devices and they will crash one day - it's just a matter of time. Electrical surges, virus exposure, etc. can also contribute to data loss. Luckily, there are companies that are dedicated to data recovery. One that I use and recommend for my clients is ECO Data Recovery located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. While data recovery is a very delicate process, these folks know their stuff and charge very reasonable fees considering they are the "brain surgeons" of the computer industry.
Give them a toll-free call at 1-800-339-3412 or visit their website at http://www.ecodatarecovery.com/index.html
Q: Avie, I bought my kids Netbooks for Christmas. Is there anything special you recommend we do with these Netbooks?
A:Netbooks are great little portable access machines. Be sure they install good quality Anti-Virus and Firewall software to protect their systems. I recommend Vipre Anti-Virus Anti-Spyware and Sunbelt Personal Firewall. If you buy them via my Anti-Virus link (above), you save an extra $5.00 using the coupon code (under the Vipre banner there) from the standard $29.95/yr. price. It's a great deal. Also, since Netbooks don't come with built-in CD/DVD drives, you should do an image backup so if need be, you can easily restore the Operating System and all programs and data on the drive. I recommend Acronis True Image Home 2010. You can download a Free 30-day trial from my Backup page (the link is above under he "Find it Fast Links". It'll save you big time if you need to restore down the road. Just backup to an external USB Hard Drive and keep that drive in a safe place. For data backup only - offsite and protected - try Carbonite. A link for that is also on my Backup page. Also, be sure to do the Windows updates so you have the latest Microsoft Patches in place for added security. Netbooks make it easy to travel and access stuff back at home and in the office. GoToMyPC makes it easy to leave all your stuff on your main machine and simply gain access to it via the Internet. Download a free trial using the banner ad in the upper left corner of this page. Call me for help with any of these - I use them daily in my consulting practice. They are all fantastic tools.
Q:So, recently, I have this notice that my machine is infected and I have to purchase a $50.00 program to remove the infections. What do I do?
A:
Sounds like you are a victim of "Scareware". Millions of computer users are now dealing with the possibility of getting infections simply by clicking on links in search engines and visiting what seems to be harmless websites. Unpatched Windows machines using Internet Explorer often are most vulnerable to these types of "drive-by" downloads. If you or someone you know has been touched by this type of thing, please visit my Anti-Spyware link in my list of Find It Fast Links at the top of the page for a cleanup solution. If it's something you need further help with, call me for clean-up assistance. Here's a story in the Wall Street Journal that explains exactly what is going on:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123976230407519659.html
Q:Can I use earlier versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to open and to save files from 2007 Office programs?
A:
Microsoft has added the new Office Open XML Formats to the following 2007 Microsoft Office programs:
A compatibility pack is available to make sure that you can open and save Office Open XML Formats in earlier versions of Microsoft Office.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923505
Q: We just upgraded to new equipment. Can you recommend a place to donate our old computer?
Q: What is the best anti-virus, malware protection product to use for my Windows operating system?
. Norton Save & Restore can perform a complete image of your entire hard drive on a regular basis. The restoration of any individual file or the complete hard drive with programs, configurations and data is a breeze. Just aSKaVIE if you need help with any of these solutions.
Q: Now that Windows Vista - Microsoft's new desktop operating system, is widely available, what do you think of it?
Q: I'm thinking of buying a new computer. With the anticipation of Windows Vista - Microsoft's new desktop operating system, what things should I consider?
Q: I have a Dell Inspiron 9100 that is two and a half years old. It has been slowing a lot up lately. It gets slower with more programs I have open, and it is deadly slow if I play a computer game. I think that I need to increase my RAM from 512 MB, but I wanted to get a better opinion before I go and spend the money. I was not sure if there could be another reason it is slow or if there is another solution I should try. I have Norton Anti Virus and I have 19GB of 56GB used up on my hard drive. Could you let me know what you would do? If I do need more RAM, how much more should I get, and do you know of any places that I can get a good deal on it?
Q: I noticed that the new Internet Explorer 7.0 is now available as an automatic update throught the Windows XP update service. How will this affect me?
Q: Please tell me more about the August 2006 Dell Battery recall affecting over 4 million notebook batteries?
Q: I've just updated Windows XP with the latest Security Updates. The update affected my ability to re-use saved Outlook Express e-mail templates. What's up?
Q: I'm considering a new Apple Mac with the Intel Processor, can it run Windows XP?
Q: Do you know of an easy way to text message someone if all you know is their phone number?
Q: I'm looking for a podium type stand for my keyboard and mouse that could be used under my desk. The desk isn't deep enough to fit my screen, keyboard and mouse and one of those tray things won't work. Do you know where I can get something like this?
For more info, visit: http://www.akp-inc.com/
Q: I need to work with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Powerpoint, but I don't own the programs. Is there a way that I can do this legally?
Q: Is there a way that I can Instant Message without downloading a client to my computer? I'd like to be able to securely communicate while on different computers and I don't always have the priviledge to install new software on a public machine.
Q: What do you recommend I use to clean the screen of my laptop? Also, the keyboard is pretty dusty, should I buy one of those spray blasters?
Q: I'm having difficulty sending a large attachment with my e-mail? What can I do?
Q: Did you hear about Microsoft's new entry in the Anti-Spyware business? Have you tested the Beta version?
Q: I hear that a major new update is available for Windows XP users. What are the Top 10 Reasons to Deploy Windows XP Service Pack 2?
A:IT Professionals routinely recommend a "wait and see" attitude when it comes to a major software update and with the new release of XP Service Pack 2, certainly caution should be advised. This long-awaited update addresses security concerns and ease of use issues. As a result, the impact of the updates can affect your currently installed applications. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Deploy Windows XP Service Pack 2 directly from Microsoft
Q: I just bought a new computer and would like to prepare it (and myself) so that virus and other things don't "get us". What should I do?
A: AskAvie specializes in helping new computer users get answers. We help new users and veteran computer owners setup new systems so they are ready to deal with any challenges. "Your Personal Computer Drivers License" may be a perfect addition to provide the necessary guidance. For help, call AskAvie anytime at (888)-374-3712.
Q:I would like to prepare an Appropriate Internet Use Policy for my company. Do you know of a template or example of such a document that I can use to get started?
A:A company called TemplateZone offers a structured Employee Policy software product that includes many different templates that allow you to input your company information and automatically prepare these types of documents. Need help with this? - Just "AskAvie".
Everything you need to create a great employee handbook!
Q:I have heard that disposing of an old hard drive poses security challenges for people. Is there a safe way to erase an old hard drive if I plan on selling or donating it to someone?
A:With knowledge and the correct software, data can be recovered even after erasing, reformatting and ever partitioning.
The following article explains the issues as well as the methods to deal with old equipment. Need help with a data transfer or disposal - Just "AskAvie".
IEEE Computer Society Article-A Study of Disk Sanitization Practices
Q:I have a student who is going to college this year. Is it possible to get insurance for her computer that covers things the warranty won't like theft, accidental damage, etc.?
A:Safeware,®
The Insurance Agency, Inc.,
is one of the first agencies to specialize in insurance programs designed to
meet the demands of computer, electronics and high-tech equipment owners. For
nearly 20 years, Safeware’s ongoing success is attributed to its ability to
keep pace with the ever-changing climate of the computer and electronics industries.
Visit their site for a FREE Instant Quote:
Safeware,®
The Insurance Agency, Inc.
Q:I have annoying Windows Messenger Pop-Ups appearing randomly while on-line. What can I do about turning them off?
A:Here's a step by step method to disable the Messenger Service in Windows:
-- Open Control Panel
-- Go to "Administrative Tools"
(XP users may need to go to "Performance and Maintenance" first, then "Administrative Tools")
-- Double-click on "Services"
-- Scroll down to "Messenger"
-- Double-click on "Messenger"
-- Change the Startup type to "Disabled"
-- Click "Stop" to stop the service
then click "Apply," then click "Start" under Service Status.
Q:I have a new computer. When I try to browse some web sites, it says I need to "enable cookies". What the heck is that all about?
A:It's your security settings on your Internet Explorer v6.0.
Here's what you need to do:
Q: Avie, I Can't Open E-Mail Attachments in Outlook Express
A: This has become an increasingly common issue for folks that have recently upgraded their browser. Due to concerns over security, Microsoft has enabled by default a warning when opening certain file types sent as attachments. Here's how Microsoft explains it and how to adjust for the challenge:
Support at Microsoft
Q: Avie, can you help me understand more about virus threats and how to deal with them?
A: The "Virus" topic is one that affects all of us that use computers especially those of us connected to the Internet. I've put together an entire page dedicated to this area to help answer this important topic and to provide links to key resources on the web:
AskAvie's AntiVirus Guidebook
Q: Could you please compare and contrast AOL to Big Planet? Is there a difference?
Q: How can I place a signature or standard note at the bottom of every e-mail so that I don't have to type it each time I compose a new message?
Click here for an example you can copy and modify for your own needs
Q: How can I obtain a "real" web address, you know. . . I want a "www.something.com", how do I make sure it's available and how much will it cost?
If you find the one you want available, it will cost $7.95 to register the domain for 1-year. This includes the service to forward the name to any web page you like (ie. dwp.bigplanet.com/whatsinaname). Also included is unlimited domain forwarding to any individual e-mail address (ie. anybody@whatsinaname.com would go to whatsinaname@bigplanet.com) And you can purchase the name even before you purchase your web site location. That way, you own the name and can use it when ever you want to. It's yours to keep as long as you keep it registered. Good Luck!
Q: I did not take your advice and I know you'll be upset with me but I haven't backed up my data for over a year and my hard drive just died. What can I do -my entire business is on that drive?