get their hands on the next version of the operating system.

Also on that date Microsoft will make available Office 2007 - its suite of business programs.

Home users will have to wait until January 2007 to get hold of a copy of the Vista software.

Opening Windows

Vista is the long-awaited update of the Windows operating system that was originally slated to be released in August 2006. The software has been under development for more than five years. The release will be a simultaneous global launch.

The software is a major overhaul of Windows and updates many of the core technologies. New elements include improved security, an improved 3D interface, plus new sound and networking technologies.

Vista, known as Longhorn during its gestation, will be available in six separate versions to match the differing needs of computer users.

Three of these are tuned for businesses, two are for home users and one will be for developing nations., and final official pricing has yet to be released.

Here is a check list of the recommended hardware profiles to run VISTA. If you plan to move to VISTA and you are not sure if it could cope then call in for help and information to our office (details at bottom of page).

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR PC.

Following on from last weeks article about good PC practice, here are a few hints and tips on troubleshooting …
Troubleshooting Do's are extremely important to remember since they will save you money as you follow these steps to prevent damage and save you grief should you ignore any of these which may result in a problem showing up.

Take the time to go over these troubleshooting Do's first and pay close attention to removing any and all static buildup from yourself before attempting to do any troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Do's consist of the following procedures.

DO you make sure your hardware device drivers are up to date with any patches downloaded and installed. Take the time to visit your video card, sound card, motherboard, and other hardware manufacturer web sites to see if you have the most up to date device drivers.

DO you check that all connections are seated firmly and properly in their sockets. This is a must check as these connections do tend to work themselves loose over time and cause problems you may blame on software.

If you have been working in your system unit recently and you noticed a fault manifesting itself, you want to go back and take a look at all connections you were near. Look to be sure your fingers did not press against other connections and causing then to work loose.

DO you perform preventive maintenance on your computer and keep it clean regularly? It’s a good idea to open up the system unit and remove all dust that have accumulated on the motherboard as well as all other boards.

Dirt and dust conducts heat and will cause the computer to run at higher temperatures than it normally would. Take a look at the vents in the back of the case and remove dust that has accumulated.

The best way to remove dust from all circuit boards in the system unit is by a can of compressed air, available at any computer store and now, most retail stores.

DO you make absolutely sure you have removed any and all electrical static buildup from yourself before working inside your computer and before touching any new circuit cards and chips.

Please don't overlook this troubleshoot tip. It would be a tragedy to ‘zap’ a component whilst carrying out simple home prevention measures.

RAM, short for Random Access Memory chips are very vulnerable for this. So to rid yourself of Electrical Static Charge you may consider purchasing a Wrist Strap. This tool is especially designed for this. If you don't want to go this route, you can simply touch the case's mental chassis.

Troubleshooting