Hello again!
Wow.. have *I* been away for awhile or what!? ;-)
I'm even surprised myself to see that my blog is still here.
Thank you Google! ;-)
Thank you Google! ;-)
Lots of stuff has been happening since my last post.. a state to state move.. medical problems.. etc.
I guess ol' techs never die.. they just get caught in a 'to do loop' of sorts and our brains get carried away somewhere else.
Oh well.. back to techy stuff...
So.. if you are *still* using Windows XP, you *need* to upgrade to at least Windows 7. This is due to Microsoft having ceased support for XP back in April of this year; last month last i checked.. ;-) The cessation of support by Microsoft means they won't be downloading anymore security update patches to XP. This means your personal data is at risk of being compromised by software security breach.
To perform the upgrade, here are some things you need to do.
#1 > Download, install, and run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the link below.
This will scan your computer and generate a report that will tell you what software you need to update to be compatible with Windows 7. And it should also advise you as to what Windows 7 package you need to install.
#2 > On some Windows machines, it will be necessary to backup your personal data, docs, photos, etc. Then do what is called a "clean install" of Windows 7, which includes formatting before installing Windows from the Windows 7 DVD.
If you do not *have* a Windows 7 DVD, you will need to order one online, or buy it from a 'big box' store like WalMart or Best Buy.
#3 > You will then need to update Windows 7 with whatever Service Pack software that the Microsoft "Windows Updater" tells you to download and install.
#4 > Then.. you will need to reinstall whatever applications you were using before on XP and check to make sure that they are updated to the latest versions so as to be compatible with Windows 7.
#5 > Then.. you will need to update software drivers. These are small pieces of software that tell Windows 7 what hardware it needs to communicate with.
#6 > And finally, reload all your documents, pics, etc. from backup.
#6 > And finally, reload all your documents, pics, etc. from backup.
The *easiest* way of updating software drivers is to buy a program like Driver Max, or Slim Drivers, or Driver Detective, or some such. Otherwise you may be tearing your hair out to find all the drivers you need separately.
All the above is unfortunately necessary if you wish to stay with the same machine.. this is what needs to be done for a major upgrade such as this. The *good news* is.. you won't need to do this for about another 6 years.. when Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft.
OR.. you can just ignore all the above, bite the bullet, and buy a new or refurbished PC with Windows 7 or Windows 8 already pre-installed. And then you'd still have to install applications that you'd like to use if they are not also pre-installed on the new machine.
Either way you choose to go.. be sure you download and install a good antivirus program. I recommend Avast. It's what i use; i don't get any commission from the company that makes any of the software that i recommend. Avast also happens to be the *most* popular antivirus software at http://www.download.com/ There are 2 other programs i am currently recommending.. 1 for cleanup.. Advanced System Care. And for full defrag and optimize.. Smart Defrag 3. Also both at the above linked website.
Okey dokey..?
Like they used to tell me in the Navy.. "That oughta keep yah busy for a microsecond."
And that was a compliment. Because they knew i'd be back asking more questions.. wanting to learn more...
Til next time.. Keep on computin'!
Your Cyber Pal,
Ol Doc CPU
;-)
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