http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com/bus_resource.htm
It is such a honor and we appreciate the assistance of the personell at the committee for the approval!
thanks again!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Super Bowl Emerging Business Listing XLIII
I am very proud to announce Computer Gal's has been approved for the Super Bowl Emerging Business Vendor Listing in Tampa Bay!
http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com/bus_resource.htm
It is such a honor and we appreciate the assistance of the personell at the committee for the approval!
thanks again!!!
http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com/bus_resource.htm
It is such a honor and we appreciate the assistance of the personell at the committee for the approval!
thanks again!!!
What is BigCrumbs
It has been awhile since I promoted bigcrumbs, so I thought we would review their offerings. Bigcrumbs is really a must have for online shoppers! The amount of money you save on discounts/coupons is the best. In addition to the immediate savings is the cashback rewards. I have earned almost $400.00 CASH, and no telling with the discounts what my total is.
BigCrumbs features thousands of Special Offers throughout the year, such as exclusive savings of up to 80% off, free shipping and more. Don't delay, check it out today, and you will be very happy you did.
BigCrumbs features thousands of Special Offers throughout the year, such as exclusive savings of up to 80% off, free shipping and more. Don't delay, check it out today, and you will be very happy you did.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How fast is your internet Connection?
Wondering if your ISP is providing you with the broadband speed you are paying for? There are a couple good sites that you can check your download and upload stats at to make sure.
http://www.speedtest.net/
Speedtest is a pretty cool site. You can check your speed from different parts of the world and compare your results with everyone elses.
Wugnet's is another favorite of mine and they can be found here http://www.wugnet.com/myspeed/speedtest.asp
Wugnet also provides a ton of useful info and another must for the favorites!
Until Later
Computer Gal
http://www.speedtest.net/
Speedtest is a pretty cool site. You can check your speed from different parts of the world and compare your results with everyone elses.
Wugnet's is another favorite of mine and they can be found here http://www.wugnet.com/myspeed/speedtest.asp
Wugnet also provides a ton of useful info and another must for the favorites!
Until Later
Computer Gal
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Forgot the Admin Password..What Now
One of my most favorite web sites is technibble's. Technibble's offers a lot of great tips, tools and other goodies for computer techs. I highly recommend them as a must have for your favorite list.
I am copying one of their latest articles along with the original link on how to to access your / clients or friends computer when you forgot the password.
An Easy Way to Break Into a Windows User Account
In this article, I am going to show you an easy way to access a Windows user account without knowing the original password. First of all, I know there many other ways to do this such as using a live CD like Ophcrack or something like Knoppix to access the Windows password file etc… but I find this way is the easiest, most reliable and gives the most options.
In this article, I am going to show you an easy way to access a Windows user account without knowing the original password. First of all, I know there many other ways to do this such as using a live CD like Ophcrack or something like Knoppix to access the Windows password file etc… but I find this way is the easiest, most reliable and gives the most options.
This knowledge is not intended for malicious purposes. It is intended to be used by computer technicians for times when clients forget their password or unable to log in for some other reason. Don’t use this information to be a tool.
Note: You will need access to a working computer to create a boot CD. You will also need a fairly good knowledge of computers and BIOS in order to do this. This article is aimed towards computer technicians.
If you don’t have it already, download UBCD4Win using one of the mirrors here. If you do already have it on a CD, skip to step 3.
To run it, create an ISO and burn it to CD. You can read the instructions here. I wont write the instructions here because the ones on the previous link are better and this article is more targeted at computer technicians and most of them already have this CD.
Once the CD has been created, goto the BIOS and make sure your CDRom is set as the first boot device. Start up the computer with UBCD4Win in the CDRom and you will have some boot options. Choose the “Launch The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows” option.
It will take a few minutes to load fully, but when it does you should see a Windows XP like interface. Once there, goto Start > Programs > Password Tools > Password Renew.
Once Password Renew is open, you need to tell it what Windows install you would like it to effect, so press “Select a Target” and choose the Windows installation (in most cases, its c:\windows).
You can “Renew existing user password”, “create new Administrator user” or “Turn existing user to Administrator”. For this example, we’re just going to gain access to an existing user account so choose “Renew existing user password”.
Choose the account you would like to change the password for and enter in the new password. Now press “Install” on the left hand side. Restart the computer, eject the boot CD and you should be able to use that user account.
Note: You will need access to a working computer to create a boot CD. You will also need a fairly good knowledge of computers and BIOS in order to do this. This article is aimed towards computer technicians.
If you don’t have it already, download UBCD4Win using one of the mirrors here. If you do already have it on a CD, skip to step 3.
To run it, create an ISO and burn it to CD. You can read the instructions here. I wont write the instructions here because the ones on the previous link are better and this article is more targeted at computer technicians and most of them already have this CD.
Once the CD has been created, goto the BIOS and make sure your CDRom is set as the first boot device. Start up the computer with UBCD4Win in the CDRom and you will have some boot options. Choose the “Launch The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows” option.
It will take a few minutes to load fully, but when it does you should see a Windows XP like interface. Once there, goto Start > Programs > Password Tools > Password Renew.
Once Password Renew is open, you need to tell it what Windows install you would like it to effect, so press “Select a Target” and choose the Windows installation (in most cases, its c:\windows).
You can “Renew existing user password”, “create new Administrator user” or “Turn existing user to Administrator”. For this example, we’re just going to gain access to an existing user account so choose “Renew existing user password”.
Choose the account you would like to change the password for and enter in the new password. Now press “Install” on the left hand side. Restart the computer, eject the boot CD and you should be able to use that user account.
Check them out here
Keep up the good work guys!
Computer Gal
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Computer Gal's Warning of Blaster like Attack!!
There is a serious blaster like worm attack rumored to be released and spread throughout the Internet soon.
It is believed that the threat is serious enough for every Windows user to install the new MS patch without hesitation. This is the first time in 1½ years that Microsoft has released an emergency fix outside of its monthly Patch Tuesday cycle. See Susan Bradley's article from Windows Secrets for more information. We'll bring you more information as soon as we have it.
You can find the patch links from Susan's article and below
Microsoft has posted several versions of the patch that apply to different operating systems:• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 patch download• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or 3 patch download• Windows XP 64-bit Edition patch download• Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or 2 patch download• Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition patch download• Windows Vista with or without Service Pack 1 patch download• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition with or without Service Pack 1 patch download• Windows Server 2008 32-bit Edition patch download• Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition patch download
More information: Please read security bulletin MS08-067. For an excellent technical explanation of the vulnerability and possible mitigations, read TechNet's Oct. 23 description. (TechNet incorrectly refers to MS08-067 as "out-of-band," but the patch is simply out-of-cycle, because it wasn't released on Microsoft's usual Patch Tuesday monthly cycle.)
Please patch your systems immediately!
Computer Gal's LLC
www.computer-gal.com
It is believed that the threat is serious enough for every Windows user to install the new MS patch without hesitation. This is the first time in 1½ years that Microsoft has released an emergency fix outside of its monthly Patch Tuesday cycle. See Susan Bradley's article from Windows Secrets for more information. We'll bring you more information as soon as we have it.
You can find the patch links from Susan's article and below
Microsoft has posted several versions of the patch that apply to different operating systems:• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 patch download• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or 3 patch download• Windows XP 64-bit Edition patch download• Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or 2 patch download• Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition patch download• Windows Vista with or without Service Pack 1 patch download• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition with or without Service Pack 1 patch download• Windows Server 2008 32-bit Edition patch download• Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition patch download
More information: Please read security bulletin MS08-067. For an excellent technical explanation of the vulnerability and possible mitigations, read TechNet's Oct. 23 description. (TechNet incorrectly refers to MS08-067 as "out-of-band," but the patch is simply out-of-cycle, because it wasn't released on Microsoft's usual Patch Tuesday monthly cycle.)
Please patch your systems immediately!
Computer Gal's LLC
www.computer-gal.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How to Build A PC or Laptop
Have you ever wanted to know how to build a pc, well computer shopper has a great web page set up with all sorts of how to guides for building all types of different computers. They even have guides for building a laptop. Another great site for your favorites
Don't forget that computer gal's sells some great computer building / repair tool kits from $9.99 and up!
Computer Gal's LLC
Computer Gal's Moved From Brooksville Main St
Well due to all sorts of disasters we had to move out of our cute little shop on Main St. in Brooksville. There were some wiring problems, but the biggest issue was with our ATT Small Business DSL service. For some strange reason, one day our service was shut off. We were paid up to date, all was well, no reason, to just up and turn off a companies Internet service, especially a computer repair shop. I must have called 50-60 times, and each time got crazy responses as to why after 6 weeks we still had no Internet or phone service. One day they knew who we were and the next day couldn't even find our account. I will spare you the rest of the details as the attorneys are handling that for us, but we could take no more and decided we needed a building with a little newer and updated wiring.
Currently we are back at our Ridge Manor location and will probably stick with it for awhile, but will keep you posted.
Until later
Computer Gal
www.computer-gal.com
Currently we are back at our Ridge Manor location and will probably stick with it for awhile, but will keep you posted.
Until later
Computer Gal
www.computer-gal.com
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bios Central A Must for your favorites
Remember the super utility cd that I am working on. Well, also on the cd you will find tons and tons of links and documents organized by category, such as computer repair, downloads, and many others. Included in the links section under computer repair sub category hardware (& software), you will find a link to www.bioscentral.com.
BIOS means Basic Input Output System. BIOS is actually firmware, the software that is programmed into a ROM (Read-Only Memory) chip built onto the motherboard of a computer. BIOS is what makes the system run an initial Power-On Self-Test of the computer, initialize circuits, load the boot program from the boot disk, and then handle low-level I/O to peripheral controllers such as keyboard and display.
While working on a computer you will hear a series of beep codes, that you must decipher to determine what is wrong with the computer. It is kinda like morse code for the repair technician that the computer beeps out that tells us why the computer is not booting correctly.
Some motherboard also list post codes with different values such as numeric codes of
10 for CMOS ROM shutdown byte testedsignify.
There are also different key combinations that you must hit upon boot to enter the bios to make changes to the motherboard when upgrading or when making any changes to the system. An example is the f2 key for most dells. If you hit the f2 repeatedly while booting, you will then enter the bios setup.
In the document section you will have all the codes to enter the bios of all manufactures, the beep codes and post codes.
In the meantime, check out www.bioscentral.com and make a note to yourself that Computer Gal's super cd is going to be a must have for both novice and computer pros!
Until Later
Computer Gal
www.computer-gal.com
BIOS means Basic Input Output System. BIOS is actually firmware, the software that is programmed into a ROM (Read-Only Memory) chip built onto the motherboard of a computer. BIOS is what makes the system run an initial Power-On Self-Test of the computer, initialize circuits, load the boot program from the boot disk, and then handle low-level I/O to peripheral controllers such as keyboard and display.
While working on a computer you will hear a series of beep codes, that you must decipher to determine what is wrong with the computer. It is kinda like morse code for the repair technician that the computer beeps out that tells us why the computer is not booting correctly.
Some motherboard also list post codes with different values such as numeric codes of
10 for CMOS ROM shutdown byte testedsignify.
There are also different key combinations that you must hit upon boot to enter the bios to make changes to the motherboard when upgrading or when making any changes to the system. An example is the f2 key for most dells. If you hit the f2 repeatedly while booting, you will then enter the bios setup.
In the document section you will have all the codes to enter the bios of all manufactures, the beep codes and post codes.
In the meantime, check out www.bioscentral.com and make a note to yourself that Computer Gal's super cd is going to be a must have for both novice and computer pros!
Until Later
Computer Gal
www.computer-gal.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Super Utility Disk ~ Game Key Revealer
Computer Gal's is working on a Super Utility Cd that will be for sale soon. This cd will include hundreds of useful programs, applications, training, and much more. The cd will hold hundreds of useful tools that has taken me over a year to download and put together. The CD will sell for around $20.00 and will be worth every penny of it, due to the amount of software, applications, tools and time that I have in to it.
I will also have a index of each tool with a summary and link to more informaiton so you will know which tool to use and when. I will also include a emergency boot cd to boot windows so you may access your data and possibly evem repair your hard disk!
I will start listing some of the tools here, so you will get an idea of what is inlcuded in the super cd bundle!
This tool is a game key finder, for when you have lost the key to one of your favorite computer gmaes.
Game Key Revealer is a small, portable, freeware application designed to list the license/cd keys for thegames currently installed on a computer. To use, just click the “Find Games” button and it will list the license keys. You then have an option to save these keys to a text file, a word document or print it directly to from the application to your printer. This is a handy tool to run before a format because clients tend to lose the original CD covers, boxes or manuals that the license keys came on.
Read on to see a full list of the games it can reveal license keys for.
Read on to see a full list of the games it can reveal license keys for.
Currently Supported Games:
10tacle Studios- GT Legends- GTR 2
Activision- Call of Duty (all series)-
10tacle Studios- GT Legends- GTR 2
Activision- Call of Duty (all series)-
Star Trek: Starfleet Command III- Star Trek: Elite Force II-
Tony Hawk’s Underground 2
ATARI- Act of War (all series)-
ATARI- Act of War (all series)-
Terminator 3: War of the Machines- And some other games
AxySoft- Almost all games
Crytek- Crysis- Crysis Warhead- FarCry
Electronic Arts- Battlefield 1942 (all series)- Battlefield 2 (all series)- Battlefield 2142 (all series)- Black & White (all series)- Black & White 2 (all series)-
AxySoft- Almost all games
Crytek- Crysis- Crysis Warhead- FarCry
Electronic Arts- Battlefield 1942 (all series)- Battlefield 2 (all series)- Battlefield 2142 (all series)- Black & White (all series)- Black & White 2 (all series)-
Command and Conquer (all series)- Command and Conquer 3 (all series)-
Cricket (all series)- F1 (all series)- FIFA (all series)- FIFA Manager (all series)- FIFA World Cup (all series)-
Fussball Manager (all series)-
Harry Potter (all series)-
NFL (all series)-
Medal of Honor (all series)-
MVP Baseball (all series)-
Nascar (all series)-
NBA Live (all series)-
Need for Speed (all series)-
NHL (all series)- Rugby (all series)-
Shogun: Total War (all series)-
SimCity (all series)-
The Lord of the Rings (all series)-
The Sims (all series)- The Sims 2 (all series)-
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR (all series)-
Total Club Manager (all series)-
UEFA Champions League (all series)- UEFA Euro (all series)- And all other games
Epic Games- Unreal Tournament (all series)
Eugen Systems- Act of War (all series)- The Gladiators
Funatics Development-
Epic Games- Unreal Tournament (all series)
Eugen Systems- Act of War (all series)- The Gladiators
Funatics Development-
The Settlers II - 10th Anniversary- Zanzarah
GameHouse- Almost all games
Iron Lore- Titan Quest (all series)
JoWooD- Industry Giant 2-
GameHouse- Almost all games
Iron Lore- Titan Quest (all series)
JoWooD- Industry Giant 2-
The Nations- And some other games
KONAMI- Pro Evolution Soccer (all series)-
KONAMI- Pro Evolution Soccer (all series)-
Winning Eleven (all series)
Lionhead Studios- The Movies- And some other games
LucasArts- Star Wars Battlefront (all series
Lionhead Studios- The Movies- And some other games
LucasArts- Star Wars Battlefront (all series
Star Wars Empire at War (all series)- Star Wars Republic Commando
Oberon Media- Almost all games
Phenomic- Spell Force (all series)
Pi Eye Games- Almost all games
PopCap Games- Almost all games
SEGA- Medieval II: Total War- Rome: Total War
Sierra/Valve- Caesar (all series)- Counter-Strike- Gunman Chronicles- Half-Life- TimeShift- World In Conflict- And some other games
Techland- Call of Juarez- Chrome- GTI Racing- Xpand Rally (all series)
THQ- Company of Heroes- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts- Dawn of War (all series)- Forged Alliance- Frontlines: Fuel of War- MotoGP 2007- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Shadow of Chernobyl- Supreme Commander- Zanzarah
Ubisoft- FarCry-
Oberon Media- Almost all games
Phenomic- Spell Force (all series)
Pi Eye Games- Almost all games
PopCap Games- Almost all games
SEGA- Medieval II: Total War- Rome: Total War
Sierra/Valve- Caesar (all series)- Counter-Strike- Gunman Chronicles- Half-Life- TimeShift- World In Conflict- And some other games
Techland- Call of Juarez- Chrome- GTI Racing- Xpand Rally (all series)
THQ- Company of Heroes- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts- Dawn of War (all series)- Forged Alliance- Frontlines: Fuel of War- MotoGP 2007- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Shadow of Chernobyl- Supreme Commander- Zanzarah
Ubisoft- FarCry-
Peter Jackson’s King Kong-
Prince of Persia: The Two Thr, with ones-
Rainbow Six III RavenShield- Silent Hunter III- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory- Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow- The Settlers II - 10th Anniversary- And some other games
And more
And more
Look for more post coming up of the variety of utilities that will be availble for you on this cd.
Each tool by itself is normally $5.00 downloaded for you and shipped for free, if you just need one, and need it now, just let me knowand I will prepare you the download with the documenation and ship it right out.
thanks again, and unti later
Computer Gal
support@computer-gal.com
www.computer-gal.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite
What is Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite? Microsoft is providing us a new way to engage and serve customers. With Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), which is comprised of Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and Microsoft SharePoint Online. This new serive is subscription based, so that small and large busineesses alike and utilize a great number of Microsoft products for a small montly fee. Computer Gal's is also offering a package which includes all the above and ongoing management and support for the BPOS package plus new services and features designed around such Microsoft online offerings. Our Microsoft clients must select Computer Gal's LLC as their partner of Record (POR) when ordering the service
Microsoft offers the following online services at this time individually or in the business bundle.
Customers can either purchase the Business Productivity
Online Suite (BPOS), or the individual BPOS products.
Microsoft Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS) is
comprised of:
Microsoft E • xchange Online
• Microsoft Office Communications Online
• Microsoft Office Live Meeting
• Microsoft SharePoint Online
• Microsoft Exchange Online Filtering (not available as
a standalone online services product)
The customer orders are placed online, at the Microsoft Online Customer Portal (MOCP), http://www.microsoftonline.com/. During the order process, a customer is asked to
designate a partner as their partner of record. The partner selected is associated with the customer order, as POR, and will remain so, until a customer elects to make a change.
At launch, the customer subscription term length for all
services is 12 months. There are a couple exceptions for the
following scenarios:
When additional seats • are added to an existing
service for the same subscription, or
• For the purchase of extra storage for an existing
service
These additional purchases will be co-terminus with the
original service.
This new service provided by Microsoft is a win/win program, allowing businesses to expand and grow without the high cost associated with adding the software and technology staff to help maintain and support the product. Computer Gal's currently offers a package with the above that cost only a fraction of what one IT person would cost your organization and allows you to take advantage of the service and a tech all wrapped up into one.
Please email us with BPOS in the subject line for more information.
Until Later
Computer GAl
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Virus, Trojans, and Malware Oh My
Remember Dorothy of the Wizard of the Oz!!!!!
According to one of the columnist at PC World, Viruses have been on the heavy this week. Apparently dozens of various emails have been sent out with virus infected attachments or links to a backdoor Trojan horse. The total peaked at close to 11 million messages per hour early Thursday, but remained at high volumes throughout the day Friday.
There are several different variants being sent out. One has a authentic looking link to CNN that is sure to cause havic on your pc if clicked, more information can be found here http://www.pcworld.com/article/149642/article.html
The second apparently is a email with a subject of a current news related headline to entice you into clicking on the link for more and then stating the adobe flash player is required to view the video clip of the story. The player is then stuck in a loop, only to cause more pop ups and infections when you click on cancel.
The third method is links to legitimate sites that had been compromised, meaning the hacker had infected real legitimate web sites with different variations so that the user could become infected by browsing the site. Officials had found over one thousand legitimate web sites that had become temples of doom for the consumer.
The fourth looks as though it was written by second graders stating that a federal express package has not been delivered and asked you to click on a trojan horse infected invoice to be printed.
The worst of the bunch is the adobe flash updater, which as mentioned above requires you to click on the link to update your flash player in order to watch the bogus news video.
It is said a unprotected computer will last about 10 seconds on the internet before becoming infected with some sort of virus, trojan or malware.
Infections such as these can often lead to identity theft, data loss and even hardware damage when the CPU is raised to 100%.
Ok commercial time......
If you live in the central Florida area, Computer Gal's located at 500 S. Main St, in downtown Brooksville can repair most virus related issues for just $40.00. All viruses, trojans, and mallware are removed and prevention is installed. I usually scan a computer for three days with several different products to ensure my customers are not re-infected after leaving my shop. We are now running a special for a complete pc tune up that includes the above and a complete pc check up, which includes updating all your drivers, and Microsoft updates for just $59.95 Here is the link/info to our shop, so please do yourself a favor and drop off your computer today.
According to one of the columnist at PC World, Viruses have been on the heavy this week. Apparently dozens of various emails have been sent out with virus infected attachments or links to a backdoor Trojan horse. The total peaked at close to 11 million messages per hour early Thursday, but remained at high volumes throughout the day Friday.
There are several different variants being sent out. One has a authentic looking link to CNN that is sure to cause havic on your pc if clicked, more information can be found here http://www.pcworld.com/article/149642/article.html
The second apparently is a email with a subject of a current news related headline to entice you into clicking on the link for more and then stating the adobe flash player is required to view the video clip of the story. The player is then stuck in a loop, only to cause more pop ups and infections when you click on cancel.
The third method is links to legitimate sites that had been compromised, meaning the hacker had infected real legitimate web sites with different variations so that the user could become infected by browsing the site. Officials had found over one thousand legitimate web sites that had become temples of doom for the consumer.
The fourth looks as though it was written by second graders stating that a federal express package has not been delivered and asked you to click on a trojan horse infected invoice to be printed.
The worst of the bunch is the adobe flash updater, which as mentioned above requires you to click on the link to update your flash player in order to watch the bogus news video.
It is said a unprotected computer will last about 10 seconds on the internet before becoming infected with some sort of virus, trojan or malware.
Infections such as these can often lead to identity theft, data loss and even hardware damage when the CPU is raised to 100%.
Ok commercial time......
If you live in the central Florida area, Computer Gal's located at 500 S. Main St, in downtown Brooksville can repair most virus related issues for just $40.00. All viruses, trojans, and mallware are removed and prevention is installed. I usually scan a computer for three days with several different products to ensure my customers are not re-infected after leaving my shop. We are now running a special for a complete pc tune up that includes the above and a complete pc check up, which includes updating all your drivers, and Microsoft updates for just $59.95 Here is the link/info to our shop, so please do yourself a favor and drop off your computer today.
500 S. Main St.
Brooksville, FL. 34601
(352) 505-2467
ok, now back to our regularly scheduled er huh article.
For more information on the current outbreak please check out PC World's link and bookmark our blog for the latest technology and security news and updates.
ok, now back to our regularly scheduled er huh article.
For more information on the current outbreak please check out PC World's link and bookmark our blog for the latest technology and security news and updates.
Until Later
Computer Gal
Friday, August 1, 2008
Think you have a virus? Scan online Free!
There are several companies that allow you to scan your computer for free, and remove any viruses found. These are great for second opinions, that is if you think your virus protection is not working correctly and especially if you don't have any at all. You can find a list of some free scanners on my web site under internet resouces and here is a few more.
http://www.bitdefender.com/
http://www.commandondemand.com/
https://www.webimmune.net/default.asp
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/
http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan/index/?track=1&Lang=en-US&IdPais=63
http://www.pcpitstop.com/default.asp
For those of you that are interested in more detail on viruses/worms and such, this is one of the most informative web sites I have ever found http://www.infosyssec.org/
So check them out. If you having trouble booting into windows to run one of the scans, boot to safe mode with networking, by pressing the F8 key repeatively when you fist turn on your computer. This will allow you to bypass alot of files and still be able to get on the internet to run a few scans.
Good Luck
Computer Gal
http://www.bitdefender.com/
http://www.commandondemand.com/
https://www.webimmune.net/default.asp
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/
http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan/index/?track=1&Lang=en-US&IdPais=63
http://www.pcpitstop.com/default.asp
For those of you that are interested in more detail on viruses/worms and such, this is one of the most informative web sites I have ever found http://www.infosyssec.org/
So check them out. If you having trouble booting into windows to run one of the scans, boot to safe mode with networking, by pressing the F8 key repeatively when you fist turn on your computer. This will allow you to bypass alot of files and still be able to get on the internet to run a few scans.
Good Luck
Computer Gal
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Free PC Disposal Service at our Brooksville Florida Location
Computer Gal's is proud to announce our new computer disposal service at our Brooksville Florida location . There are laws regarding the proper disposal of computers and laptops. Computers contain dangerous chemicals such as arsenic, nickel, lithium, cadmium, chromium and mercury. Some of the plastics used in computers is PVC which is one of the most environmentally unfriendly plastics around. We realize there is a need for a drop off location in the Brooksville Florida area, and since we must properly dispose of our customers computers anyway, we might as well help out some folks by taking theirs too. Occasionly we can even salvage an old computer to give to a child to help them do their homework So, please feel free to drop off or we will pic up your old computers dead or alive between the hours of 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Please call the shop before hand just to make sure someone is there at 352-505-2467
Thanks again to all our loyal readers!
Computer Gal
Thanks again to all our loyal readers!
Computer Gal
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Watch Free TV on your PC Anytime with AnyTV
You know that somewhere on this big open web that you should be able to watch some free tv don't ya? The problem is where. How many times have you went to a web site thinking that you could watch a little tvola, just to find out that you just infected your computer with thirteen variations of viruses and worms. I have found just the place for you that you can not only watch tv, but listen to the radio, or watch video channels from around the world. All it takes is 3 simple steps to be on your way. First get in your car, drive 250 miles to the nearest cell tower and ...NO....just a little computer gal humor there, what's that laugh that Mork from Ork used to do......
Here is the real list of what to do....
1. First time you launch AnyTv, you'll be prompted to download the channel list, click yes to allow, as we need that (right). Click close when it is finished downloading, takes 60-120 seconds. Ok now you got the list in front of you, so...
2. If you would rather not scroll through the hundreds of foeign-language channels, from ALL OVER THE WORLD, click the "All Countries" drop down menu and select the locations that you do want to check out. Now there are a few U.S. Regions, so go threw the list so you don't miss anything.
3. Step 3, is the easiest one, pick the channel, and click the play button, ok, now let me repeat that one, choose the channel, and click PLAY, ooopps, there goes my Mork from Ork laugh again......
Ok, you can get the player in a couple places, the author's site
http://www.anytvplayer.com/download.html
Where you will click on the AnyTv FREE to download, or you can download it from PC World, where they have a nice little article about it as well, it can be found here
As always I hope I have enlighted you in someway, or at least given you something new to do with your computer. If you find any of my tips helpful or you are just a nice person, we have alittle donation button on the home page found at www.computer-gal.com, so if you could throw Computer Gal a buck or two, I promise to post more often.....No but really, I want to try that thing where everyone in the world donates one dollar to see if I can become a millionaire (oh shutup Mork)....
Till Later your favorite computer lady
Computer Gal
Here is the real list of what to do....
1. First time you launch AnyTv, you'll be prompted to download the channel list, click yes to allow, as we need that (right). Click close when it is finished downloading, takes 60-120 seconds. Ok now you got the list in front of you, so...
2. If you would rather not scroll through the hundreds of foeign-language channels, from ALL OVER THE WORLD, click the "All Countries" drop down menu and select the locations that you do want to check out. Now there are a few U.S. Regions, so go threw the list so you don't miss anything.
3. Step 3, is the easiest one, pick the channel, and click the play button, ok, now let me repeat that one, choose the channel, and click PLAY, ooopps, there goes my Mork from Ork laugh again......
Ok, you can get the player in a couple places, the author's site
http://www.anytvplayer.com/download.html
Where you will click on the AnyTv FREE to download, or you can download it from PC World, where they have a nice little article about it as well, it can be found here
As always I hope I have enlighted you in someway, or at least given you something new to do with your computer. If you find any of my tips helpful or you are just a nice person, we have alittle donation button on the home page found at www.computer-gal.com, so if you could throw Computer Gal a buck or two, I promise to post more often
Till Later your favorite computer lady
Computer Gal
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Free Full Featured Office Suite ~ IBM's Lotus Symphony
Well Gang,
As we all know I am a Microsoft partner and proud of it. I prefer that you purchase your office suites from me since I am a partner. As a partner I can save you alot of money and usually can throw in bonus gifts or software. I do understand that hey, times are tough and sometimes you need a office like program and don't have the ole cashola. Well, we all know that we have the great program open office which is easily downloaded or for the dial up users out there, I can download, burn you a copy and mail it to you, all for $5.00. Now we have another alternative.
IBM is offering a free copy of Lotus Symphony Beta 4 free for the download. Lotus Symphony was voted office productivity software product of the year for 2008 by Datamation Magazine's Readers! So, what do you have to lose? The same price applies for this product if you need us to download and copy to a cd for you. For $5.00 we will even pay the first class shipping for all US orders.
To download yourself click here or to have us create and mail to you
As we all know I am a Microsoft partner and proud of it. I prefer that you purchase your office suites from me since I am a partner. As a partner I can save you alot of money and usually can throw in bonus gifts or software. I do understand that hey, times are tough and sometimes you need a office like program and don't have the ole cashola. Well, we all know that we have the great program open office which is easily downloaded or for the dial up users out there, I can download, burn you a copy and mail it to you, all for $5.00. Now we have another alternative.
IBM is offering a free copy of Lotus Symphony Beta 4 free for the download. Lotus Symphony was voted office productivity software product of the year for 2008 by Datamation Magazine's Readers! So, what do you have to lose? The same price applies for this product if you need us to download and copy to a cd for you. For $5.00 we will even pay the first class shipping for all US orders.
To download yourself click here or to have us create and mail to you
Thursday, June 19, 2008
INSTALLING A HUSBAND (too funny not to post)
I normally don't read the joke chain letters that people pass back and forth to one another, for the obvious reasons :)
But, this was just too funny. I very good friend of mine Peggy, who is more like my adopted mother sent me this one, and since it has to do with technology (tongue in cheek), I had to post.
Ok, so women, you will know what I mean here, and men, I'm sorry, but I am a woman and well......
INSTALLING A HUSBAND
Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as NASCAR 6.0, NFL 5.1 and Golf Clubs 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do?
Signed,
Desperate.
DEAR DESPERATE,
First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta. Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.) In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7. Good Luck Ba be!
Tech Support
Thanks again Peggy for the technical humor..
Computer Gal
But, this was just too funny. I very good friend of mine Peggy, who is more like my adopted mother sent me this one, and since it has to do with technology (tongue in cheek), I had to post.
Ok, so women, you will know what I mean here, and men, I'm sorry, but I am a woman and well......
INSTALLING A HUSBAND
Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as NASCAR 6.0, NFL 5.1 and Golf Clubs 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What can I do?
Signed,
Desperate.
DEAR DESPERATE,
First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta. Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.) In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7. Good Luck Ba be!
Tech Support
Thanks again Peggy for the technical humor..
Computer Gal
Live Virus Information Feeds
Do you want to check out all the live virus information feeds all in one place? If so, here you go
http://www.wugnet.com/virusfeed.asp
Here you will find the feeds of all the big players, such as symantec, trend micros, panda and norton.
Curious for more information on those nasty critters?
http://go.compuserve.com/viruscentral
Check out this site, for more feeds and links to other useful sites.
Don't forget that we also have a list of free antivirus / firewall program downloads, and links to web sites that you can scan your computer free immediately online on Computer Gal's!
http://www.computer-gal.com/resource.htm
I'll check back later, as I have a lot of great tips to catch everyone up on, so check back soon!
Computer Gal....
http://www.wugnet.com/virusfeed.asp
Here you will find the feeds of all the big players, such as symantec, trend micros, panda and norton.
Curious for more information on those nasty critters?
http://go.compuserve.com/viruscentral
Check out this site, for more feeds and links to other useful sites.
Don't forget that we also have a list of free antivirus / firewall program downloads, and links to web sites that you can scan your computer free immediately online on Computer Gal's!
http://www.computer-gal.com/resource.htm
I'll check back later, as I have a lot of great tips to catch everyone up on, so check back soon!
Computer Gal....
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Great News!! Computer Gal's is Now a Dell Partner
What does this mean? SAVINGS for all our customers! We are now able to order direct at a huge savings for our customers! We will be adding more information in the next couple days, including new products already configured for you, or links to email / call us for quotes for custom systems.
Computer Gal
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Free Xerox Color Printer
Since Computer Gal's is a Value Added Reseller, we are able to offer many promotions to our customers.
Xerox is offering free printers to businesses that print at least 500 pages per month.
What is the catch, well, really there is not one at all. The only thing they ask is that you buy the ink/toner that you need for the printer from them at a discount of 30% off.
What is the catch, well, really there is not one at all. The only thing they ask is that you buy the ink/toner that you need for the printer from them at a discount of 30% off.
The economy is bad, and large businesses realize that, and in order to move out stock, they will offer promotions like this (rarely). This is one of the best promotions I have seen, so please consider this offer if you are in need of a color printer.
Please contact us at support@computer-gal.com for more information on how to receive a free printer, and the specs on the four models currently available.
Until later
Computer Gal!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Computer Gal's Microsoft Small Business PC Campaign
I am so excited to inform our customers about the new Small Business Campaign.
What is the Small Business PC Campaign?
The Small Business PC Campaign seeks to provide small business owners with the “complete PC”— Windows® Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1, Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007, Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2, and Windows Live™ OneCare™. To help small business get everything done easier, the “complete PC” provides them the software to: 1) work more efficiently 2) backup and better protect data 3) market and sell 4) stay more connected 5) and keep network reliable and security-enhanced.
What is the Promotion?
Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards
Windows Vista
Ultimate with SP1
$50 Ultimate Rewards check
Big Easy Offer – Rebate ($)
Office Small Business 2007
$40 Rebate
Office Professional 2007
$50 Rebate
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard
$95 Rebate
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium
$215 Rebate
Buy Local Offer – FREE Hardware
Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1
LapLink PCMover
Maxtor™ OneTouch™ 4 Mini 80GB HD
D-Link GamerLounge Wireless 108G Gaming Router
D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP
Epson® Ultra Hi-Definition R280 Photo Printer
Office Small Business 2007
LapLink Everywhere Connection Suite
Epson Stylus CX8400 All-in-One Printer
D-Link's Multifunction Print Server
Windows Live OneCare
Epson Stylus CX8400 All-in-One Printer
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard
Palm Treo 700w/x or Treo 750 Smartphone
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium
Palm Treo 700w/x or Treo 750 Smartphone
How does Windows Vista Ultimate Reward work?
When customers purchase a PC preinstalled with qualifying Windows Vista Ultimate between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008, they are eligible to receive a $50 Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards check, made payable to the local PC builder from whom they’d purchased PCs. The $50 Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards check can be used to purchase any goods or services from the local PC builder with the exception of Microsoft software and hardware.
How does the Big Easy offer work with respect to Small Business PC Campaign?
Customers purchase qualifying products between February 1 and June 27, 2008. Customers can then redeem offers at http://offers.localpcbuilder.com/redeem until July 31, 2008. Microsoft will send the customers subsidy checks they can use toward qualified purchases from the partner of their choice. (Note: Checks must be used within 90 days of the issue date.)
How does the Buy Local 4.5 offer work with respect to Small Business PC Campaign?
Customers purchase qualified Microsoft products between January 1 and June 27, 2008 from a local PC builder within the United States. They will receive a free hardware product that corresponds with purchased Microsoft® software. Customers then need to validate the software purchased by following the instructions on the redemption page. (NOTE: Redemption must take place within 30 days of purchase.)
Getting it done just got easier. Microsoft small business PC— Windows® Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1, Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007, Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2, and Windows Live™ OneCare™—allows your people to:
Work more efficiently. Save time by finding and organizing information quickly and by
automating PC maintenance tasks.
Backup and better protect data. Protect valuable business data with scheduled data backup; provide virus and malware protection without outside technical support.
Market and sell. Manage customer information from one place; create professional documents and marketing materials in-house.
Stay more connected. Easily connect, communicate, and network with people and information anywhere.
Keep network reliable and security-enhanced. Protect your business and network from unauthorized users, threats and data loss.
This is a incredible deal for our customers allowing them to save some of their technolgoy budget dollars.
Please contact us for more information, including our graphical brochure detailing the benefits available for qualifying purchases.
support@computer-gal.com
hurry...times running out..
Computer Gal
What is the Small Business PC Campaign?
The Small Business PC Campaign seeks to provide small business owners with the “complete PC”— Windows® Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1, Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007, Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2, and Windows Live™ OneCare™. To help small business get everything done easier, the “complete PC” provides them the software to: 1) work more efficiently 2) backup and better protect data 3) market and sell 4) stay more connected 5) and keep network reliable and security-enhanced.
What is the Promotion?
Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards
Windows Vista
Ultimate with SP1
$50 Ultimate Rewards check
Big Easy Offer – Rebate ($)
Office Small Business 2007
$40 Rebate
Office Professional 2007
$50 Rebate
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard
$95 Rebate
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium
$215 Rebate
Buy Local Offer – FREE Hardware
Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1
LapLink PCMover
Maxtor™ OneTouch™ 4 Mini 80GB HD
D-Link GamerLounge Wireless 108G Gaming Router
D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP
Epson® Ultra Hi-Definition R280 Photo Printer
Office Small Business 2007
LapLink Everywhere Connection Suite
Epson Stylus CX8400 All-in-One Printer
D-Link's Multifunction Print Server
Windows Live OneCare
Epson Stylus CX8400 All-in-One Printer
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard
Palm Treo 700w/x or Treo 750 Smartphone
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium
Palm Treo 700w/x or Treo 750 Smartphone
How does Windows Vista Ultimate Reward work?
When customers purchase a PC preinstalled with qualifying Windows Vista Ultimate between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008, they are eligible to receive a $50 Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards check, made payable to the local PC builder from whom they’d purchased PCs. The $50 Windows Vista Ultimate Rewards check can be used to purchase any goods or services from the local PC builder with the exception of Microsoft software and hardware.
How does the Big Easy offer work with respect to Small Business PC Campaign?
Customers purchase qualifying products between February 1 and June 27, 2008. Customers can then redeem offers at http://offers.localpcbuilder.com/redeem until July 31, 2008. Microsoft will send the customers subsidy checks they can use toward qualified purchases from the partner of their choice. (Note: Checks must be used within 90 days of the issue date.)
How does the Buy Local 4.5 offer work with respect to Small Business PC Campaign?
Customers purchase qualified Microsoft products between January 1 and June 27, 2008 from a local PC builder within the United States. They will receive a free hardware product that corresponds with purchased Microsoft® software. Customers then need to validate the software purchased by following the instructions on the redemption page. (NOTE: Redemption must take place within 30 days of purchase.)
Getting it done just got easier. Microsoft small business PC— Windows® Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1, Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007, Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2, and Windows Live™ OneCare™—allows your people to:
Work more efficiently. Save time by finding and organizing information quickly and by
automating PC maintenance tasks.
Backup and better protect data. Protect valuable business data with scheduled data backup; provide virus and malware protection without outside technical support.
Market and sell. Manage customer information from one place; create professional documents and marketing materials in-house.
Stay more connected. Easily connect, communicate, and network with people and information anywhere.
Keep network reliable and security-enhanced. Protect your business and network from unauthorized users, threats and data loss.
This is a incredible deal for our customers allowing them to save some of their technolgoy budget dollars.
Please contact us for more information, including our graphical brochure detailing the benefits available for qualifying purchases.
support@computer-gal.com
hurry...times running out..
Computer Gal
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
AOC 19' Wide LCD Monitor On Sale Now
Great News,
As you know Computer Gal's has partnered up with many distributors in order to offer our customers great savings on a variety of products, including Microsoft and IBM. We have recently partnered with AOC in order to offer you savings on Monitors, LCD & CRT, as well as TV's. This weeks saving is on their 19 inch wide LCD, model # G19LWK.
Here is the description.
| There is more to see with Envision’s G19LWK 19” widescreen desktop monitor. Maximize your view and productivity with its slim bezel design, which enables multi-display setups. Ideal for industry professionals; view applications side by side, eliminating the need to toggle between applications, and view more columns when working with tables or spreadsheets. It has 5ms response time for crystal-clear display of fast-moving objects and 300 cd/m2 brightness for superb image clarity. Enhance your viewing pleasure by watching DVDs from your computer in their natural wide-screen format. |
| Characteristics: |
| Resolution: 1440 x 900 RGB Analog & DVI-D Input Brightness: 300 cd/m2 Contrast Ratio: 800:1 Response Time: 5ms Built-in Stereo Speakers Anti-glare Treatment |
| Applications: |
| Whether you’re a top industry professional or just want the best price/performance in a monitor, the G19LWK is the solution. |
This monitor is on sale now for $199.99 plus shipping!
Please email us at support@computer-gal.com for more information!
Sherry
www.computer-gal.com
www.computer-gals.net
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Windows Vista SP1 & Device Drivers
I received this month's Microsoft Hardware newsletter and thought it might help some of you out there, so I am pasting it below in full.
Notice about Drivers and Windows Vista SP1
As the broad availability of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) approaches, it is important to review how to build quality device drivers that are deployable based on device installation requirements and best practices for Windows Vista (see Device Installation Rules for Windows Vista and Building Deployable Device Driver Packages). Windows Vista SP1 includes substantial improvements to the core operating system, components, driver stacks, and some inbox drivers. These improvements increase stability, robustness, and performance, enhance security, and include key changes to inbox drivers. As you are probably aware, our testing has revealed a few instances in which driver reinstallations result in unforeseen side-effects for some devices. In those instances, a manual reinstallation of the driver may be required after a Windows Vista SP1 installation. Because we do not want users to have a negative device experience, Because we do not want users to have a negative device experience, Windows Update will recognize PCs with problematic drivers and postpone offering SP1 to those PCs while we work with our partner ecosystem to mitigate these problems. For more detailed information, please review the following technical guidance and next steps. Based on the device installation requirements and best practices for Windows Vista, the Windows Vista SP1 update servicing process conducts an INF-based reinstallation of drivers that have dependencies on updated Windows Vista SP1 inbox drivers. This reinstallation helps to ensure a higher success rate for Windows Vista SP1 installation. Any software that is installed without using an INF-such as a Setup application or Windows Installer-remains unchanged, but the device itself is reinstalled by using an INF. The result is similar to using Device Manager to reinstall the device driver. If our testing identified problems during development, we contacted the appropriate partners to investigate the problems and provide fixes. Although we understand that as valued partners you have engaged in testing and have addressed driver problems that you discovered throughout the Windows Vista SP1 development cycle, we request your help now to mitigate any potential impact to end users who upgrade to Windows Vista SP1 by doing the following: Compare the behavior of your device before and after a Windows Vista SP1 update by doing the following:1. Perform a clean installation of the released version of Windows Vista.2. Install all Windows Vista critical and important updates from Windows Update.3. Confirm your device and driver functionality before the Windows Vista SP1 update, including making changes to the default device configuration.4.
To configure your PC to download Windows Vista SP1 over Windows Update, run the following commands at an elevated command prompt:. reg
deleteHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSp1 /f
> NUL 2>&1. reg deleteHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSP1 /f > NUL 2>&1. reg addHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSp1 /v Beta1 /t REG_SZ /d dcf99ef8-d784-414e-b411-81a910d2761d /f5.
Install Windows Vista SP1 from Windows Update.6. Confirm that your device and driver functionality and configuration have not changed after the Windows Vista SP1 update. Review your completed Windows Vista SP1 update installation test efforts and results by:. Assessing your test results for any driver-specific update problems that require our attention.. Focusing on any problems that could result in the potential for a negative device experience after installing Windows Vista SP1. For example, look for changes in device behavior or configuration. Take the following steps for any devices or drivers that exhibit problems after a Windows Vista SP1 update:. Focus on drivers that could be problematic in servicing as a result of an installation that is based on an INF.. Be aware that drivers that require an end-user action or co-installation application may have specific problems with Windows Vista SP1. Ensure that your driver complies with all recommended guidance for Windows Vista driver development described on the WHDC Driver Installation page. Help remedy device or driver problems by doing the following:. If you identify a problem, contact your IHV/OEM technical account manager. They will assist you to resolve the problem through an updated driver and temporarily suspended automatic update.. If you do not have an IHV/OEM technical account manager, see Microsoft Help and Support to submit a request for support. All requests that result in a bug will be fully refunded. We thank you for your hard work on Windows Vista SP1 and value your continued partnership with Microsoft.
Edition forMarch 11, 2008
In This Issue:
From the Editor
Notice about Drivers and Windows Vista SP1
Tools and Links for Developers
Windows Driver Developer Kits, Tools, and Programs
•
Debugging Tools v.6.8.4.0 (October 2007)
•
Windows Driver Kit and Windows Logo Kit
•
WDK Documentation (monthly updates)
•
Windows Symbols (January 2008)
•
Logo Point (Windows Logo Program requirements and news)
•
WDK Documentation in 7 Languages: Try the Beta
Developing Drivers with Windows Driver Foundation
Buy the Book
WDF Resources on WHDC Web
Hardware and Driver Developer Community
•
XML Paper Specification (XPS) Developers Forum
•
Blogs, Newsgroups, and Video on WHDC
•
Notes from Windows Development Teams
The Microsoft Hardware Newsletter provides manufacturers and developers the latest technical details for how to succeed with the Windows platform. Register now, if you're not already receiving the Microsoft Hardware Newsletter. To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. You can also unsubscribe at the Microsoft.com Web site. You can manage all your Microsoft.com communication preferences at this site.Legal Information.This newsletter was sent by the Microsoft Corporation1 Microsoft WayRedmond, Washington, USA98052
Notice about Drivers and Windows Vista SP1
As the broad availability of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) approaches, it is important to review how to build quality device drivers that are deployable based on device installation requirements and best practices for Windows Vista (see Device Installation Rules for Windows Vista and Building Deployable Device Driver Packages). Windows Vista SP1 includes substantial improvements to the core operating system, components, driver stacks, and some inbox drivers. These improvements increase stability, robustness, and performance, enhance security, and include key changes to inbox drivers. As you are probably aware, our testing has revealed a few instances in which driver reinstallations result in unforeseen side-effects for some devices. In those instances, a manual reinstallation of the driver may be required after a Windows Vista SP1 installation. Because we do not want users to have a negative device experience, Because we do not want users to have a negative device experience, Windows Update will recognize PCs with problematic drivers and postpone offering SP1 to those PCs while we work with our partner ecosystem to mitigate these problems. For more detailed information, please review the following technical guidance and next steps. Based on the device installation requirements and best practices for Windows Vista, the Windows Vista SP1 update servicing process conducts an INF-based reinstallation of drivers that have dependencies on updated Windows Vista SP1 inbox drivers. This reinstallation helps to ensure a higher success rate for Windows Vista SP1 installation. Any software that is installed without using an INF-such as a Setup application or Windows Installer-remains unchanged, but the device itself is reinstalled by using an INF. The result is similar to using Device Manager to reinstall the device driver. If our testing identified problems during development, we contacted the appropriate partners to investigate the problems and provide fixes. Although we understand that as valued partners you have engaged in testing and have addressed driver problems that you discovered throughout the Windows Vista SP1 development cycle, we request your help now to mitigate any potential impact to end users who upgrade to Windows Vista SP1 by doing the following: Compare the behavior of your device before and after a Windows Vista SP1 update by doing the following:1. Perform a clean installation of the released version of Windows Vista.2. Install all Windows Vista critical and important updates from Windows Update.3. Confirm your device and driver functionality before the Windows Vista SP1 update, including making changes to the default device configuration.4.
To configure your PC to download Windows Vista SP1 over Windows Update, run the following commands at an elevated command prompt:. reg
deleteHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSp1 /f
> NUL 2>&1. reg deleteHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSP1 /f > NUL 2>&1. reg addHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\VistaSp1 /v Beta1 /t REG_SZ /d dcf99ef8-d784-414e-b411-81a910d2761d /f5.
Install Windows Vista SP1 from Windows Update.6. Confirm that your device and driver functionality and configuration have not changed after the Windows Vista SP1 update. Review your completed Windows Vista SP1 update installation test efforts and results by:. Assessing your test results for any driver-specific update problems that require our attention.. Focusing on any problems that could result in the potential for a negative device experience after installing Windows Vista SP1. For example, look for changes in device behavior or configuration. Take the following steps for any devices or drivers that exhibit problems after a Windows Vista SP1 update:. Focus on drivers that could be problematic in servicing as a result of an installation that is based on an INF.. Be aware that drivers that require an end-user action or co-installation application may have specific problems with Windows Vista SP1. Ensure that your driver complies with all recommended guidance for Windows Vista driver development described on the WHDC Driver Installation page. Help remedy device or driver problems by doing the following:. If you identify a problem, contact your IHV/OEM technical account manager. They will assist you to resolve the problem through an updated driver and temporarily suspended automatic update.. If you do not have an IHV/OEM technical account manager, see Microsoft Help and Support to submit a request for support. All requests that result in a bug will be fully refunded. We thank you for your hard work on Windows Vista SP1 and value your continued partnership with Microsoft.
Edition forMarch 11, 2008
In This Issue:
From the Editor
Notice about Drivers and Windows Vista SP1
Tools and Links for Developers
Windows Driver Developer Kits, Tools, and Programs
•
Debugging Tools v.6.8.4.0 (October 2007)
•
Windows Driver Kit and Windows Logo Kit
•
WDK Documentation (monthly updates)
•
Windows Symbols (January 2008)
•
Logo Point (Windows Logo Program requirements and news)
•
WDK Documentation in 7 Languages: Try the Beta
Developing Drivers with Windows Driver Foundation
Buy the Book
WDF Resources on WHDC Web
Hardware and Driver Developer Community
•
XML Paper Specification (XPS) Developers Forum
•
Blogs, Newsgroups, and Video on WHDC
•
Notes from Windows Development Teams
The Microsoft Hardware Newsletter provides manufacturers and developers the latest technical details for how to succeed with the Windows platform. Register now, if you're not already receiving the Microsoft Hardware Newsletter. To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. You can also unsubscribe at the Microsoft.com Web site. You can manage all your Microsoft.com communication preferences at this site.Legal Information.This newsletter was sent by the Microsoft Corporation1 Microsoft WayRedmond, Washington, USA98052
Computer Gal's
This Week's Hot Deals Tuesday, March 25, 2008
US Robotics Wireless Access Point
Your Price: $63.33
The U.S. Robotics Wireless MAXg Access Point provides the simplest installation process anywhere, while delivering the performance you have come to expect from U.S. Robotics. Featuring exclusive MAXg
Sansa Express 2GB MP3 Player
Your Price: $67.66
The SanDisk Sansa ExpressT is the world's first cable-free, flash-based MP3 player with amicroSD slot and offers you superior features not typically offered on a smaller capacity player.It also comes ...
Brother Multifunction Printer
Your Price: $161.07*
The MFC-5460cn offers both a versatile flatbed and an automatic document feeder, for faxing and copying that do not require the use of a computer. Fast print speeds of up to 30 ppm Black / 25 ppm Colo...
HP 16x DVD-Writer with Lightscribe
Your Price: $81.02*
This Disc drive offers fastest recordable technology available today for DVD burning. You can create DVD discs that can be played on most set-top DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. It brings quality and....
View these deals and many more in our catalog
Over 400,000 products
Great Prices . Amazing Selection . Fast Delivery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Week's Hot Deals Tuesday, March 25, 2008
US Robotics Wireless Access Point
Your Price: $63.33
The U.S. Robotics Wireless MAXg Access Point provides the simplest installation process anywhere, while delivering the performance you have come to expect from U.S. Robotics. Featuring exclusive MAXg
Sansa Express 2GB MP3 Player
Your Price: $67.66
The SanDisk Sansa ExpressT is the world's first cable-free, flash-based MP3 player with amicroSD slot and offers you superior features not typically offered on a smaller capacity player.It also comes ...
Brother Multifunction Printer
Your Price: $161.07*
The MFC-5460cn offers both a versatile flatbed and an automatic document feeder, for faxing and copying that do not require the use of a computer. Fast print speeds of up to 30 ppm Black / 25 ppm Colo...
HP 16x DVD-Writer with Lightscribe
Your Price: $81.02*
This Disc drive offers fastest recordable technology available today for DVD burning. You can create DVD discs that can be played on most set-top DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. It brings quality and....
View these deals and many more in our catalog
Over 400,000 products
Great Prices . Amazing Selection . Fast Delivery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, March 24, 2008
Free Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Preview
Want to try out Microsoft's new SQL Server 2008 without downloading or installing anything. Well you can. All from the new online beta web site. You can use real data to test it out. Check it out here WWW.SQLSERVERBETA.COM
Time to close ebay store, I've had enough!
Well folks, I think it is time to begin the transition of closing our ebay store. eBay is really to much of a loss these days to continue as a viable option in our business plan. This month is another great example of how backwards their system is. I was on a two week vacation that ended this week. I returned back to the world of internet only to find out that I have a new bad feedback, three paypal claims and all my paypal funds are froze. Why, you ask, well because I was on vacation and could not answer my emails. Well, you are thinking I must not have posted my out of town status since folks and ebay are automatically assuming I am choosing them out of over 1,000 transaction to not send their merchandise too. Wrong, posted on each and every listing and on the front page of my ebay store. Matter of fact here is the note, do you think the font is to small?
Hello, Thank you for shopping at Computer Gal's as your business is appreciated! Just a note to let you know that the shop is closed for vacation until Mach 16th 2008. You may still view and purchase your item and it will be shipped just as soon as we re-open . Thank You again for shopping and remember to check the store for any additional items you may need as we love to combine shipping.
I used ebay's vacation tool to notify ebay too. Well, none of the above worked I guess. I got plenty of emails calling me a few choice words such as crook & theif and also got plenty of lawsuit threats too. Now I'm sure you are thinking these people must have ordered pretty expensive items to get so upset. Well is .99 cents expensive? Unfortunately for me, I had no internet use while out, so I could not email my customers and ask them if they noticed the banner across the listing when they ordered their item so they assumed the worse, and started the hate the ebay seller campaign. Well here comes the fun part. Paypal claims are filed and paypal freezes my account so now my funds are held up including the postage paid by my new customers. Fortunately for my customers I have enough in savings to cover the postage for the two weeks worth of orders & counting, while my funds are held up for about thirty days. Now lets assume I did not have any savings for a moment. Paypal's/ebay's tactic of holding the funds of all my orders including new orders while they investigate, does not make a lot of sense. If I did not have any savings like alot of ebay sellers I would not be able to ship any products for possibly up to 30 days. How many unhappy customers would that be for the average powerseller?
I called paypal and they said wow how terrible, your right, but....can't do anything about it. You are a victim of the ebay/paypal automatic we are keeping all your money scheme.
What kills me is, if my package had not arrived when I thought it should have, I would have immediately referred back to the listing to exam the shipping terms, and then would have probably noticed that the poor seller was just on vacation. The scary thing is a couple customers did notice, but were still mad that I did not drive back 500 miles to mail them their .99 cent game once they placed their order. I mean I should have right......I mean who am I to take a vacation.
Oh and to top it all off, my neighbor is telling everyone he is more knowledgeable in computer repair because he thinks he hacked my computer network since he copied a smiley face from my website....Hey neighbor copying a image from the internet is not hacking. You aren't even accessing my business network/files at all. Oh well, like they say, the truth is often stranger then fiction.
Hello, Thank you for shopping at Computer Gal's as your business is appreciated! Just a note to let you know that the shop is closed for vacation until Mach 16th 2008. You may still view and purchase your item and it will be shipped just as soon as we re-open . Thank You again for shopping and remember to check the store for any additional items you may need as we love to combine shipping.
I used ebay's vacation tool to notify ebay too. Well, none of the above worked I guess. I got plenty of emails calling me a few choice words such as crook & theif and also got plenty of lawsuit threats too. Now I'm sure you are thinking these people must have ordered pretty expensive items to get so upset. Well is .99 cents expensive? Unfortunately for me, I had no internet use while out, so I could not email my customers and ask them if they noticed the banner across the listing when they ordered their item so they assumed the worse, and started the hate the ebay seller campaign. Well here comes the fun part. Paypal claims are filed and paypal freezes my account so now my funds are held up including the postage paid by my new customers. Fortunately for my customers I have enough in savings to cover the postage for the two weeks worth of orders & counting, while my funds are held up for about thirty days. Now lets assume I did not have any savings for a moment. Paypal's/ebay's tactic of holding the funds of all my orders including new orders while they investigate, does not make a lot of sense. If I did not have any savings like alot of ebay sellers I would not be able to ship any products for possibly up to 30 days. How many unhappy customers would that be for the average powerseller?
I called paypal and they said wow how terrible, your right, but....can't do anything about it. You are a victim of the ebay/paypal automatic we are keeping all your money scheme.
What kills me is, if my package had not arrived when I thought it should have, I would have immediately referred back to the listing to exam the shipping terms, and then would have probably noticed that the poor seller was just on vacation. The scary thing is a couple customers did notice, but were still mad that I did not drive back 500 miles to mail them their .99 cent game once they placed their order. I mean I should have right......I mean who am I to take a vacation.
Oh and to top it all off, my neighbor is telling everyone he is more knowledgeable in computer repair because he thinks he hacked my computer network since he copied a smiley face from my website....Hey neighbor copying a image from the internet is not hacking. You aren't even accessing my business network/files at all. Oh well, like they say, the truth is often stranger then fiction.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
How to setup your computer for remote connection in XP
Want to be able to connect to your computer while your on the road, or even while your in the other room? XP has a really cool feature called Remote Desktop.
Remote Desktop, included with Windows XP Professional, enables you to connect to your computer across the Internet from virtually any computer, Pocket PC, or Smartphone. Once connected, Remote Desktop gives you mouse and keyboard control over your computer while showing you everything that's happening on the screen. With Remote Desktop, you can leave your computer at the office without losing access to your files, applications, and e-mail.
You need three things to create a remote location:
You need three things to create a remote location:
1. | Microsoft Windows XP Professional must be installed on the computer containing the files and programs that you want to access from a remote computer. The computer must also be part of a corporate network in which Remote Desktop connections are permitted. This computer is known as the host. |
2. | The remote computer must be running Windows 95 or later. This computer must also have the Remote Desktop Connection client software installed. The remote computer is known as the client. |
3. | Both computers must be connected to the Internet through a VPN connection. Note: If you're not connecting to the host computer through a VPN, you'll need to use the actual IP address of the host computer instead of the computer name. |
To set up the Remote Desktop, start with the host computer, which in this example is your work computer.
Verify that you are signed in as the administrator. Start Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance Click System Click the remote tab, and then allow users to connect remotely to this computer, then Ok You will then want to make sure you have the firewall setup to allow this exception So, back to control panel and then security center Under manage securityl settings, click for firewall Make sure the Don't allow exceptions box is not checked Click the exception tab, and verify the remote desktop is checked, click ok and now this computer is ready to act as a host. You only need to write down the computer a name, so the client computer can indicate the computer name it wants to connect to. To do this In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, click System, and then click the Computer Name tab. Write down the full computer name, and then click OK. Close the control panel, and leave this computer on. Connect your remote computer to the host computerTo connect your home computer, which is the client (or remote) computer to your work (or host) computer, follow these steps:
| |||||||
To end your Remote Desktop session:
1. | Click Start, and then click Log Off at the bottom of the Start menu. |
2. | When prompted, click Log Off. |
Good Luck!
Computer Gal
Computer Gal's Microsoft Small Business Promotion
Buy a new PC and get an Epson all in one printer AND a D Link Multifunction Print Server!
Computer Gal's is a Microsoft Partner, which allows us to offer our customers many great promotions including this one.
email us today at support@computer-gal.com for more information on how we can help your company save money and earn free products!
Computer Gal's is a Microsoft Partner, which allows us to offer our customers many great promotions including this one.
email us today at support@computer-gal.com for more information on how we can help your company save money and earn free products!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Paypal and Ebay Hell
Well,
The most unbelievable has just happened.
I received an order from a customer on ebay totalling $534.00. The customer paid for her purchase with paypal using HER credit card. I shipped the package and she received and signed for, all is well, right? Wrong. After the customer already received her order, paypal placed a hold on the funds as they say there is a problem. Well, the customer is adamant that she used her credit card to pay for the transaction and she placed an order on ebay express, not paypal, so she is confused as to my requests for her to assist me in clearing this up, by calling paypal. Customer still confused after about 10 days and does not call paypal, but contacts ebay and they tell her, what...... all is well you paid for the order, don't worry. Well, lo and behold this morning paypal released the hold only to refund the buyer the full $534.00, even though she still has the product. So now, I am out $500.00, and she has her money back in full and the product that COST ME over $400.00. I file a complaint with trust and safety about the whole mess and they email me and the customer stating that I requested a feedback withdrawl?!!! I immediately contact them and ask them why must they confuse the customer any more by requesting a feedback withdrawl, when I did not ask for that, nor have we even left feedback for eachother yet. I get a nice little canned email saying that for $29.95 I can speak to a real person that understands english, other wise for free, err this is what you get. If there is anyone out there in cyberspace that may know what I can do about this situation, please email me!
Oh well, until later guys....
Computer Gal
The most unbelievable has just happened.
I received an order from a customer on ebay totalling $534.00. The customer paid for her purchase with paypal using HER credit card. I shipped the package and she received and signed for, all is well, right? Wrong. After the customer already received her order, paypal placed a hold on the funds as they say there is a problem. Well, the customer is adamant that she used her credit card to pay for the transaction and she placed an order on ebay express, not paypal, so she is confused as to my requests for her to assist me in clearing this up, by calling paypal. Customer still confused after about 10 days and does not call paypal, but contacts ebay and they tell her, what...... all is well you paid for the order, don't worry. Well, lo and behold this morning paypal released the hold only to refund the buyer the full $534.00, even though she still has the product. So now, I am out $500.00, and she has her money back in full and the product that COST ME over $400.00. I file a complaint with trust and safety about the whole mess and they email me and the customer stating that I requested a feedback withdrawl?!!! I immediately contact them and ask them why must they confuse the customer any more by requesting a feedback withdrawl, when I did not ask for that, nor have we even left feedback for eachother yet. I get a nice little canned email saying that for $29.95 I can speak to a real person that understands english, other wise for free, err this is what you get. If there is anyone out there in cyberspace that may know what I can do about this situation, please email me!
Oh well, until later guys....
Computer Gal
Friday, January 4, 2008
Reminder that Computer Gal's offers Microsoft Financing
Just as reminder that Computer Gal's is a Microsoft Partner which allows us to offer our customers flexible payment options. With Microsoft Financing, Microsoft Partners are able to offer financing for their complete IT solution including Microsoft software, Partner services, third-party software, and hardware. Take advantage of these benefits by allowing Computer Gal's to assist your business in all your technology needs.
Microsoft Financing provides a single financing resource for all of your IT needs. Unlike traditional financing, Microsoft Financing will finance 100 percent of eligible Microsoft, third-party and ISV software; partner services; and hardware…with no hidden costs.
Please contact support at support@computer-gal.com for more information on how we can help you and your business improve your technology needs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)