After waiting on the phone for over 45 minutes to get a XP Home edition Authenticated I came to the conclusion this is ridiculous. In 2 days I had to call Microsoft to authenticate a copy of Windows XP. I’m really getting tired of this and really can’t wait for an alternative to Microsoft.

                                                     I’m hearing good things about Apple and have always loved Linux. Security concerns are my only concern and Microsoft does have a big edge in that department. I know that when Apple & Linux are mainstreamed, major security concerns will develop.

                        I’m still on hold with Microsoft’s UK office, this is ridiculous. I may buy an Apple this weekend, an hour waiting on hold reminds me of the old days of computing, they sucked....

This Stupidity cost you this time Microsoft. I had just read about exam insurance for our Microsoft Exams. I left up the article on my desktop with intentions of signing up this morning. Oh Oh, my desktop got rebooted by one of Microsoft’s updates. Will Microsoft ever learn????

I can’t find that article so it looks like Microsoft’s out of luck on getting me to sign up for this exam insurance. Point: Microsoft’s Automatic Reboots are BS. I’m so sick of Microsoft’s ownership & control of my PC. I’ll reboot when I want to, not when YOU (Microsoft) decides its time.

                                      The “SAYT32” promo code worked (For Microsofts Action Pack) as of 12- 13- 2006  9:00 PM.  I just renewed and used the above code to receive a free pair of speakers. There's always some type of gold in those promo codes.

Don’t forget to visit us at http://www.AbacusComputer.us

Microsoft’s move into music/video players is off to a good start with the ZUNE. This Gem allows me to sync up my Albums I’ve Ripped to the Hard Drive, to my ZUNE. I add an Album ZUNE knows, and syncs it up.

 Now I go in to my vehicle and play my catalog of songs thru the wireless transmitter. No need for the Multi CD player (it ONLY holds 5 disks) since ZUNE holds a lot. I've got over 50 albums in, 23.9 gigs of free space left. 300 albums? This is great. The shop will close so I can work with this new Microsoft Product. Training is a Bitch……

I may start subbing for Dell, Details soon.

The definition of spyware/adware  is a piece of software that either delivers advertising with out the owners consent or software that records things you do on the Internet and either sells or uses that information with out the computer users consent or knowledge.

AOL is Spyware. It delivers Advertising through Popups & Manipulation of its search engine. How do you think AOL makes money if it no longer charges for its services?

3 days ago a clients PC had 22 different AOL related processes running. 25% of his processor & memory resources were being used by AOL. AOL’s security suite is weak and should be replaced with Computer Associates Anti Virus & Microsoft’s Windows Defender. The Microsoft firewall is more than adequate at stopping unknown internet traffic.

Never run 2 AntiViruses, and/or  2 Firewalls, one the same computer. This will cause major problems in your PC and should be avoided. Spyware programs are a little different but try limiting the use of multiple AntiSpyware programs.

Client comes in, computer is not running correctly. Task bar is 4 times its normal height, many different tasks listed on task bar, and connectivity issues. I UNINSTALL NORTON; this takes time because Norton does not uninstall all Services. I have to go into Services and manually disable them. I install the Computer Associates EZ Armour trial from Microsoft’s web site.

EZ Armour finds viruses, problem stopped dead. I’m still waiting for Computer Associates to screw up but in 4 years, they’ve done great. I did talk (Yes Talk) to a CA Engineer about a small issue a couple months back. Have you EVER talked to a Norton support Tech? I‘ve never been able to get thru Norton’s Pearly Gates and talk to anyone.

Norton, you can only blame your selves for loss of Market. I’m much impressed with CA and there attitude of listening to there customers. CA sells a 3 pack cheaper than 1 Norton or McCaffe anti virus. I’m not compensated at all by CA, and purchase AV from them for my clients that have used the one year free trial.

Go to http://www.Microsoft.com , type in Free Anti Virus Partners in the search box. CA’s EZ Armour 1 year trial should be at top. Follow the directions and you too, can get a free CA Trial.

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