So You Think You Are Still Ready for Vista?

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:23:32 GMT

Sept 24 2007

I wanted to follow-up to a previous Tip from Feb 25 'So You Think You Are Ready for Vista?' of this year regarding the software compatibility problems with Microsoft's Vista. Here are the updates since that time:

iTunes:

iTunes is now Compatible with Vista. You can download the latest version 7.4.2 at: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Palm:

Palm Desktop software and HotSync is compatible with Vista with a few limitations. You can download the Vista compatible version at: http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/. Download the Palm Desktop and HotSync after selecting your Phone model and Carrier.

QuickBooks:

QuickBooks 2008 compatible with Vista

QuickBooks 2007 compatible with Vista

QuickBooks 2006 NOT compatible with Vista

Here's the compatibility chart of supported QuickBooks versions from Intuit.

ACT!:

ACT 2008 compatible with Vista

ACT 2007 limited compatiblility with Vista after download and installation of the Windows Vista HotFix

ACT 2006 NOT compatible with Vista

ACT Premium for Real Estate NOT compatible with Vista

Here's the compatibility chart including links for addtional support and download information from Sage Software.

If you are still considering Vista, be sure that ALL YOUR PROGRAMS will run on Vista especially your PRINTERS, SCANNERS, CAMERAS, and anything else you plug into your computer.

What should I do to prepare my computer before I give it away?

Sun, 9 Sep 2007 21:11:22 GMT

September 10 2007

Before you give your old computer away, you should probably take a few moments ensure that you don't leave any personal information on it. You may think that deleting files and old programs will do an effective job, but this is a misperception because deleted files and programs can be easily recovered. The best way to remove your personal information is with a Hard Drive Clean-up program.

Once installed, a hard drive clean-up program will erase your entire hard drive including all files, programs, and even the operating system. In addition, it will overwrite the deleted files with several random characters making the recovery of the deleted files virtually impossible.

These programs start about $30 and can be purchased in most electronics or business products store. Here are just a few:

-Drive Scrubber: http://www.iolo.com/ds/3/

-Window Washer (the System Eraser utility in Window Washer): http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/windowwasher/?id=H2-HHO_Links-WW&WRSID=3071fb61c6fe68131c28fe4a363413d2

-WipeDrive: http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive-erase-hard-drive.php

Once the process is started, it will take some time to complete so please plan accordingly. Depending on the number of sweeps of random characters, wiping your hard drive may take a few hours to a full day. The clean-up program you choose should provide an estimated time for completion when you start the process.

After you have wiped your hard drive, you can sell, donate, or recycle it. If you decide to sell it, expect to only get a fraction for what you paid.

If you want to sell your computer:

Ebay is a popular venue to sell old computers: http://www.ebay.com

If you choose to donate it and live in Austin:

You can do so at Goodwill Industries: https://www.austincomputerworks.org/

If you want to recycle it:

Both Dell and HP offer recycling programs:

Dell

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/dell_recycling?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Free recycling on Dell brand computers also including:

-Printers

-Printer Toners

-Printer Cartridges

HP

https://warp1.external.hp.com/recycle/

Accepts all computer brands for a nominal fee.

That's it!

Business Software Made Easy - Time Saving Tips

So You Think You Are Still Ready for Vista?

What should I do to prepare my computer before I give it away?