Personal Computer Tutor
Personal Computer Tutor November 2009
This is a reminder email about how I fell about upgrading to Windows 7 and also a recap about annoying update messages.
 
Windows 7 Upgrade?
I'm still being asked if upgrading to Windows 7 will make someone's computer better.  The answer is no!  Please don't believe the marketing hype that upgrading your current computer to Windows 7 will make it faster.  It is never true that a new operating system runs faster after an upgrade.  Not only will it be a time/money consuming endeavor but you will not see any noticeable performance gain.  It is a big deal to upgrade an operating system and you would need to make sure that all the software you currently have for things like your video card, printers, scanners, anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, etc all will run under Windows 7.  So not only will you pay for an expensive upgrade from Microsoft but if you end up needing my help you may easily spend what a new computer would cost.  So save your money for a new computer rather then spending on the Windows 7 upgrade.
 
See my September 2009 newsletter for more info.
 
Software Updates
We are all bombarded with messages from different companies about updates.  It is hard to tell with ones are safe and which ones to bother with.  Updates from the following companies are fine and should be done at your earliest convenience.  If you don't have time to do it right away then is is fine to ignore the message and do it later.  Sometimes it is a good idea to do updates when you are done using the computer because the update may require a restart.

 
OK to do updates from:
  • Microsoft Windows and Office programs
  • Adobe Reader, Flash Player
  • Apple QuickTime
  • AVG
  • Google Software
  • Java
  • Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird
  • Mozy Online Backup
  • Real Player
  • Skype
  • 1&1 Easy Login

Do not bother with updates from the following companies:
(Using current versions is fine and I can always update you the next time I see you.)
  • AOL (Only do an AOL update if you are having problems with your current version.  You may get changes you do not like.)
  • Advanced System Care (IOBit)
  • Apple iTunes (Unless you have a new iPod you really don't need to change iTunes and you may get changes you do not like.)
  • Auslogics
  • Belarc
  • CutePDF
  • HP, Canon, Brother, etc. printer software (If you printer is working do not fix what is not broken.  These printer software updates can cause problems where none existed previously.)
The list goes on and on so if you get a message that I have not mentioned send me a quick email and I will let you know if you need to do the update or not (no charge for this kind of quick email).
 
See my March 2008 newsletter for more info.

 
 
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Personal Computer Tutor
Claude Kerno
719.650.9916
ckerno@pctutor.com - www.pctutor.com