Windows Vista Problems
Everywhere I go either online or offline, as soon as someone mentions 'I have Windows Vista,' the response they get is 'I had Vista but I formatted it and installed XP.' Even people in my family and friends criticize Vista yet they use it. I asked them why this was the case and they replied saying the same reason that Vista is slow. Some users act as if they have a history of family hatred towards the whole Microsoft Corporation. It is very common amongst programmers to delete Vista and install Linux based operating systems. For an average user, Vista seems overwhelming but the reality is that the negative hype has made it even worse to turn on a Vista installed computer and not worry.
Why Users Hate Vista
Here are several accomplices that hurdle together and form a gigantic problem for Vista users. The primary hazard for any Vista user is the infinite use of system tray. This is perhaps the root of all problems. When you log in to Vista, if it takes several minutes to settle down, you follow a tendency to resent waiting thus the resentment allows a restrained usage of the operating system. While system tray progresses and the sidebar recuperates, if you click any program during these processes; for instance internet explorer, the wait time extends. But the biggest setback in windows vista is that you need a good set of ram, coherent with a fast microprocessor to run all those processes. Standard desktops or laptops (cheaply priced) are the ones that sell more but no one notices the fact that they are equipped with near minimum vista (Home Edition) requirements. These innumerable users who buy these systems create havoc around the operating system. They are completely oblivious to the power and resourcefulness of the system. Often these masses create bad word of mouth and volunteer as Vista 'guides' to prospective Microsoft Buyer. Use Windows Defender to Stop Startup Programs
Easy Step-by- Step Guide
1. Open Windows Defender through the Start button.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Windows Defender.
4. Click the Tools button
5. Click Software Explorer.
6. In the Category box, click Startup Programs.
7. Select the program you want to prevent from running, click disable
Stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts
1. Open Windows Defender through the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Defender.
2. Click the Tools button, and then click Software Explorer.
3. In the Category box, click Startup Programs.
4. Select the program you want to prevent from running, click disable
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Run Windows Vista Faster
The Solution
I consider myself an above average computer literate. I am not a programmer but an average user like you. Since yearning for a laptop for over a year, I have finally bought one. Its specification is enough to satisfy a Windows Vista Home Premium edition. I only use the laptops for internet surfing, writing in Microsoft Word, analysis in Excel, scheduling and emailing in Outlook, listening to Mp3, watching and streaming DVDs, and finally playing (low-end or web based) games if I have time.In order to fulfill these tasks, I have uninstalled programs that had no need. For instance, I don't need two programs for picture viewing, two DVD burning programs, trial programs, etc. Instead I kept the essential utilities and core programs of Vista Home Premium. Once you have removed these programs, here is a list of 'The Ultimate Essentials' for any new personal computer:
AVG Anti-Virus, Free Edition
AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements. Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.My Take: I chose this product because it was free of charge (no strings attached). In addition, the virus definition updates are free (no subscription, no registration), bundled up with an anti-spyware and email scanner. It is a little heavy at start-up but it gets better once it's loaded.
Mozilla Firefox Web Browser
Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser. Firefox includes pop-up blocking; tab-browsing; integrated Google search; simplified privacy controls; a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser; and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online.My Take: An absolute delight compared to the integrated MS Internet Explorer. Aesthetically pleasing yet delivering a fast internet experience. Upon using Firefox, I can multi-task easily between programs and if the browser stops working (Like IE), Firefox restores the previous session. Best of all, I devour all the plug-ins provided through their website.
Microsoft Windows Vista Stuff
Vista i en nøddeska...
Using Windows Task M...
It almost feels like...
un bug en si mismo
April, 2009
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iTunes Music Player
iTunes Music Store offers Windows users the same online music store as Mac users, with the same music catalog, the same personal-use rights, and the same 99-cents-per-song pricing. With music from all five major music companies and more than 600 independent labels, the iTunes Music Store catalog now offers more than 1,000,000 songs. Features include a free download with no hidden charges for extra features, MP3 and pristine-quality AAC-encoding from audio CDs, smart playlists, more than 250 free Internet radio stations, and the ability to burn custom playlists to CDs and MP3 CDs, to burn content to DVDs to back up an entire music collection, and to share music via Rendezvous over any network, cross-platform.My Take: A must have for any IPOD users. Not only does it sync with IPOD but does a great job at organizing music with downloaded album artwork. I prefer it to be a better interface than Windows Media Player. Easy registration with ITunes stores allows instant song download.
Microsoft Office 2007 - Standard
The 2007 Microsoft Office system has evolved from a suite of personal productivity products to a more comprehensive and integrated system. Building on the familiar tools that many people already know, the Microsoft Office system includes programs, servers, services, and solutions designed to work together to help address a broad array of business problems.My Take: Office has always been a mandatory part of my computer buying custom. I would recommend this because Office has organized the clutter that existed before. I am able manage time, task, emails, documents, presentation with the newest piece of technology such as; Digital Signature line, PDF and XPS document converter, program recovery, SharePoint synchronization, etc.
Buy Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office Standard 2007 FULL VERSION
Amazon Price: $319.99 (as of 12/25/2009) 
Skype - Free Calling
Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses innovative P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secures file transferring. Skype calls have better sound quality than your regular phone and are highly secure, with end-to-end encryption. Improves video quality for video calls.My Take: I am so impressed by the sound quality and ease of using the skype messenger that I have even signed up for their premium account. When you bundle up Firefox and Skype, every telephone number appearing in Firefox web browser is callable through Skype. That to me is just amazing how these two have bonded together. Not only this, Skype has a feature which lets you search for local business and call them right from your computer. This is one program everyone should have.
iDrive - Online Backup Classic Software
2 GB of full featured Online Backup for free. Features include Automatic Backup, True Archiving, Versioning, Continuous Backup, Mapped Drive Backup and Web-based Backup Management.My Take: Since I have a laptop and I travel frequently, my chances of having a stolen or damaged laptop are high. I have downloaded this on to my computer which then asks me to identify folders that need a backup. I point the software and it does the rest. This program gives you that worry free feeling and best of all 2GB is free and enough for all my documents.
Sign-up Here for a FREE 2GB Account
Advanced WindowsCare Personal
Slow down, freeze, crash, and security threats are over. Advanced WindowsCare Personal is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer. It provides an all-in-one and super convenient solution for PC maintenance and protection. All work will be done with 1 click and 1 minute. This fantastic program is available free of charge. Compared with its nearest competitor, Advanced WindowsCare Personal provides the more essential and practical formula for Windows: Removing Spyware and Adware, Preventing Security Threats, Privacy Protection, Fixing Registry Errors, Temporary Files Cleanup, Startup Cleanup, Repairing Windows, Speeding up System and 1-click Mechanism.My Take: A nice and easy to use software that has cleared and improved much of my system performance. Best of all ITS FREE!! It does not contain any spyware and has over 9 million downloads since its launch. I recommend this software if you want to make Windows Vista Faster.
ReadyBoost USB Flash Drive
Give it more power!
Do you need more RAM for your Vista System? There is a nifty way of adding more power and speed by utilizing the Windows Vista ReadyBoost feature. All you need is an USB Drive, ReadyBoost compatible (note: not all flash drives are compatible) when inserted, right-click on the drive properties and you should see a 'ReadyBoost' option. Buy ReadyBoost USB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro 4 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive SDCZ6-4096-A11 (Black)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/25/2009)
List Price: $37.99
Used Price: $14.00
Kingston 4GB USB 2.0 Hi-Speed DataTraveler 400 with Sync, Readyboost (DT400/4GB)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
List Price: $30.99
Used Price:
PNY Attache 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive P-FD8GBATT2-EF (Black/Blue)
Amazon Price: $16.88 (as of 12/25/2009)
List Price: $37.99
Used Price:
Kingston 2GB USB 2.0 DataTraveler with ReadyBoost (DTR/2GB)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)
List Price: $32.99
Used Price:
Yahoo Widgets
The Yahoo Widget Engine (formerly known as Konfabulator) is a JavaScript runtime engine for Windows and Mac OS X that lets you run little files called Widgets that can do pretty much whatever you want them to. Widgets can be alarm clocks, calculators, can tell you your WiFi signal strength, will fetch the latest stock quotes for your preferred symbols, and even give your current local weather.
My Take: Get rid of the heavy Windows Sidebar and install the Yahoo Widgets instead to get performance without sacrificing the convenient and handy tools for your desktop.
SpyBot - Search and Destroy
Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.the best according to PC World & PCMag.com
My Take: Spybot has been my companion for years and has saved my computer from the worst of Spywares. If you do have spyware, I highly recommend to run this utility.
Links to Softwares
- AVG Anti-Virus, Free Edition
- AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product.
- Mozilla Firefox Web Browser
- Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser.
- iTunes Music Player
- iTunes Music Store offers Windows users the same online music store as Mac users, with the same music catalog, the same personal-use rights, and the same 99-cents-per-song pricing.
- Microsoft Office 2007 Standard
- Providing homes and small businesses with the software essentials they need to get tasks done quickly and easily. Buy it today, download a free 60-day trial with option to buy, or try the 2007 products online.
- iDrive - Online Backup Classic Software
- 2 GB of full featured Online Backup for free. Features include Automatic Backup, True Archiving, Versioning, Continuous Backup, Mapped Drive Backup and Web-based Backup Management.
- Skype - Free Calling
- Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world.
- Advanced WindowsCare Personal 2.9
- #1 in Diagnostic Software (out of 549 products)
- Yahoo Widgets
- Add standalone applications that provide a variety of features and content.
- Spybot - Search & Destroy
- Version 1.6 features improved speed for on-demand scans, support for a dozen different browsers, and easier on-access use.
Wrapping up
Above, I have presented a list of programs I have installed, which have managed to make my Windows Vista experience outstanding. You can search for all of these incredible programs at Download.com.
You can also reduce the start-up time by pressing start icon, in the search field type 'MSCONFIG' > enter, say yes to the Vista Permission, on the top click startup tab, there you'll find four columns, increase the width of 'command' coloumn and simply uncheck the ones pointing to programs you don't want (Do not uncheck any system files as it may result in instability or corruption of files). Once the start-up gets better you will automatically find the programs above to be the best choice for your Windows Vista.
You can also reduce the start-up time by pressing start icon, in the search field type 'MSCONFIG' > enter, say yes to the Vista Permission, on the top click startup tab, there you'll find four columns, increase the width of 'command' coloumn and simply uncheck the ones pointing to programs you don't want (Do not uncheck any system files as it may result in instability or corruption of files). Once the start-up gets better you will automatically find the programs above to be the best choice for your Windows Vista.
"Testing more Softwares, Check back this lens on 9/30/09"
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- d-artist d-artist Oct 25, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
- boy did I need this! 5*
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- aj2008 aj2008 Oct 20, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
- Another must have for any computer is "CCleaner" which will clear all the rubbish off your system, including temp files - navigating around Squidoo creates lots of temp files on your PC. I run it every 3 or 4 days and always free up at least 40mb of space. Just Google "CCleaner". You can also repair Registry files & there is a backup facility as well. Good info here.
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- mulberry mulberry Oct 19, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
- Great info. I have Vista and adapted to it pretty easily but I know a lot of people complain about it.
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- babyknittingpatterns babyknittingpatterns Oct 18, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
- I am surprised by the numbers as to who uses what, very interesting lens. Makes you think.
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- Amanda_Blue Amanda_Blue Oct 14, 2008 @ 11:48 am
- A very helpful lens, thank you, and one that I shall re-visit in order to keep abreast of your updates.
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