Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Parallels Desktop 6
Why Parallels Desktop 6?
I have chosen Parallels Desktop 6 because I do find it easier to maneuver. As I've only had the intention to install Windows 7 on it, it runs pretty well! First of all, you do need to update your Apple Mac OS X and then insert your Parallels Desktop CD and begin the installation. You could configure the capacity of the virtual hard disk which you desire and the amount of memory to be allocated via the 'preferences' option.
The installation of the Parallels Desktop 6 (PD6) went smoothly without any problems. Straight after installing it, the programme will ask for an installation DVD or CD for your new OS. I do feel that the software is user friendly and I did not have any problems with the installation.
Pros
With the installation of Windows 7 on my virtual hard disk, I can run both Mac OS X and Windows 7 at the same time without much of a problem. Bear in mind that it will be best to upgrade your Mac's memory to 8GB (although 2x8GB is possible with both Samsung and OWC but it cost around US$1400 a pair of 8GB). I would most probably upgrade it to 16GB in due course. With 16GB, it will most definitely help to speed up processes under Mac and Windows.
Cons
With PD6, there are a few things which the software developer could improve. First of all, they could improve on the support for Apple's bluetooth and usb ports as I can't use Nokia PC Suite with bluetooth under Windows 7! I can only use usb via Nokia's Ovi Suite. That is just so cruel.
Final words...
I would definitely recommend this product. Well, it is selling quite cheaply on eBay as compared to some online stores. Just get it and you will like it.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Sneaky Microsoft - IE browser again!
If you noticed, you are not capable of using google as your search engine provider anymore! You could choose from a variety of providers e.g. Bing and Yell.com but not Google! That is just crazy! You and I know that Bing does not offer searches as good as google does. Why would Microsoft want to disallow users to do so then? If that is not bad enough, Microsoft have also disable Yahoo as one of the search providers. With both Google and Yahoo out of the way, is there any good in using the search bar to search for anything? Well, the alternative thing to do is to head off to google.com to look for the information which you are looking for.
Microsoft is sneaky!!!
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Windows 7 - Love or Hate?
Personally, I don't really like to use Vista at all right from the beginning when it was launched. I had to use it as the notebook which I purchased then came with Vista. As I do not want to spend more money, I had to stick with the pre-installed operating system. Microsoft has admitted their mistake of releasing Vista as it was much slower than XP. Well, the question here is why Microsoft wants to release Vista despite knowing that it is not better than XP? Isn't it because they want to keep their fan base and attract more customers?
These days, we are talking about open source operating system. It started off with Red Hat, then Debian and now there are lots more Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and the UI of those distributions are getting better as the day goes by. However, the only problem with Linux is that it is short of drivers. Apart from that, it is almost free and so unlike Windows 7 where it could cost you up to £120 if you want to upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to the Ultimate version where it will allow users to install other languages on their system and the use of Virtual PC (basically Windows XP in Virtual Mode).
After the disaster with Vista, Microsoft went back to the drawing board and released Windows 7. Initially it was just a rumour that it is better than Vista but benchmarks showed that Windows 7 is not only better than Vista but also overtook XP!
We have to set aside Vista and look at the bigger picture here. Windows XP was released in 2001 and it is now 2011 and it is showing its age. Microsoft would need to refresh their product line. Up comes Windows 7 and it is suppose to support more drivers than the combination of XP and Vista not taking into account that it will have less crashes or BSOD. Is this true?
I made a purchase for a copy of Windows 7 before it was launched so I got it cheap at around £35. My initial reaction was that it consumes a lot of disk space. I think in the end, I would be much better sticking on to Windows XP for the moment until the support expires in 2014.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Windows 7 SP1
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Windows 7 SP1
Update: 28/10/2010 - I don't see any signficant changes after installing the SP1 though.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Linux safer than Windows?
Well, Dell has a point though. Not many people arer well versed in most of the DOS command these days although the latest Ubuntu is trying to close the gap between Linux and Windows' infamous GUI interface. I think Ubuntu is doing well. However, I don't quite get Linux because I am more used to the user friendliness of the Windows system.
One good reason of using Linux is that the OS is not prone to crashes as much as Windows. This will make Linux more stable than Windows. However, the development of Linux is rather slow but yet the open source is constantly improving...
Go Linux!!!
Friday, 26 March 2010
Security Risks
That would mean that both Google Chrome and the Opera 10 are still "alright" to use. I'm sure that Google would always have to patch their browser just in case of an attack. I was really shocked that someone could hacked into a fully patched Windows 7 using the vulnerabilities on IE8 itself. Wow...
Just think about security, guys!!! You do need to have at least an up to date antivirus system and if it is possible, a firewall on your pc/laptop.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Laptop Shutdown
The problem is that after upgrading to Windows 7, the fan keeps switching on and spinning quite loudly as compared to before Windows 7 days (it was on Windows Vista previously). Microsoft....Help!!!
Update: 21/02/2010 - Finally solved the problem by wiping out the existing OS (Windows 7 Pro 64 bit) and install the laptop with Vista 64 bit, then wipe the hard drive again and reinstall Windows 7 Pro 64 bit. After doing that, I started updating the Windows OS. When I asked me to restart, I will just restart the laptop. After finishing with it, I would only then install programmes on the laptop.
It's working fine now without any shutdown. If you ask me what was the cause of it, I would not be able to tell you but the problem is now solved. Mind you, I do have a laptop stand which will allow more room for more air intake (with the stand lifting the laptop to a 30 degree angle).
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Windows 8?
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Speed Up Windows 7
First and foremost, uninstall all unnecessary programmes from your systems. This is particularly useful when your computer comes with pre-installed softwares from Dell, HP, Toshiba, Acer or Sony. If you can't uninstall them, the best thing to do is to reinstall Windows 7 but do not insert the programmes dvd from your supplier (e.g. Dell) so that non essential programmes will not be installed onto your pc/laptop.
The second thing to do is actually to deal with registry edit. I know that it is difficult but I'm sure that you will be able to do it. Remember, you are doing this at your own risk!!!
You could also upgrade your memory to 4GB or even 8GB if it is possible as 64 bit OS will take anything up to 128GB of memory if your system were to support it.
Besides that, you could also ensure that you defragment your hard drive once a month and update all your drivers including your anti virus definition.
More could be seen here, here and here.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
PC Pitstop
I had the opportunity to benchmark my laptop using Windows XP Home Edition, Windows Vista Home Edition and Windows 7 Professional Edition on PC Pitstop. An advantage of using PC Pitstop to benchmark your computer is the ability for you to save all your previous test results so that you can go through it later when you want to.
To my experience in the past, I find Vista quite stable but it has a major flaw - You need to have a decent combination of cpu/memory/hard drive/graphics card to be able to experience the full aero effect. Using PC Pitstop's benchmark on my laptop running Vista with SP2 returned a score of 4344. A typical value for my laptop's configuration would only have a result of 4076 so my laptop is in the lead with 4344.
Using Windows XP with SP3 returned a score of 3709 which is below a typical score of 4076! That is just sad. Windows XP is fun and agile but it has two major flaw - It does not support DirectX above 9.0c and the API is not doing its job as compared to both Vista and Windows 7! It is not a problem for me if Windows XP does not support DirectX 10 or 11 (presently) but I am finding the fan noise on my laptop simply unbearable!
I then load up my laptop with Windows 7 and ran the same benchmark again. Guess what? PC Pitstop returned a score of 4220! That score is even lower than the score when I had my laptop running on Vista! That is simply unheard of. I thought that Windows 7 is supposed to be even better than both Windows XP and Vista!
To be fair, Windows 7 is an upgraded OS from the previous versions and I quite like to use Windows 7. However, there is a problem with Windows 7. I'm sure that you all will know that since it is a new OS, many old softwares will not be able to run on it. If that happens, not to worry. What you need to do is to buy Windows 7 Professional version and above so that it will allow you to install virtual Windows XP on your Windows 7. Sound cool, isn't it? I have tried using Windows 7 with Windows XP mode but it will not allow me to update my Nokia's firmware. It requires either XP or Vista, both 32 bit and 64 bit. What a shame, isn't it?
In the end, I ended up using Vista all over again - Thanks to Dell...
Monday, 2 November 2009
Windows 7 - Very Popular
I have no doubt about it so far. I've managed to get hold of one copy on the day the OS was launched. The OS is pretty slick and no crashes so far (fingers crossed). The only thing which I need to do is to add more memory since I'm using VT all the time. It is really funny as Windows 7 will only allocate 512MB of memory to run Windows XP on top of Windows 7. I wish that I could allocate more memory to Windows XP but I'm still searching for the answer. 512MB of memory is sufficient to run Windows XP via VT but I'd just like to have more memory generated towards it. If I'm not mistaken, I will be able to allocate more memory to run Windows XP if I were to install more physical memory on my pc.
Right now, I do have 4GB. I do believe that if I were to upgrade my memory from 4GB to 8GB, it will surely increase the chance of the system allocating greater than 512MB when I'm running Windows XP. I will have to take a look at the price of new memory modules in the market right now.
At this moment, there is nothing stopping Microsoft from gaining ground towards their new OS. The Windows 7 is "HOT" and I'm really happy about it. I would hope that Microsoft will continue to improve on the successful Windows 7 to include 512bit encryptionon its IE 8 browser or above.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Windows 7 - The Good
From a consumer's point of view, changing is not easy unless you are one of those technological "geek" who is looking out for new technology all the time. Nevertheless, it is vital to understand what Windows 7 has to offer.
I've mentioned about some good things about Windows 7 and I am here to provide you with more information about Windows 7 .
The Good
Windows 7 is pretty decent. You can run Windows XP mode on top of the exisitng OS without problems. This is true provided you have the required hardwares to support it. One good example will be a cpu which supports "Virtualisation". Most of the new Intel Core 2 Duos/ Quads/ Core i7/ Core i5 and AMD's X2/X3/X4 and X4 II will be just fine. Pleae google and check your cpu's specifications before running Windows 7 on Windows XP Mode.
With Windows XP mode on Windows 7, you can run older programmes without a fuss. That is true though. I've come across some of the programmes which could not have run on Windows 7 but it runs perfecly under Windows XP mode. One good example will be Nokia's PC Suite. Nokia's PC Suite does NOT support Windows 7 at this moment so one would have to use Windows XP mode to install and run the programme if Windows 7 is installed. I would recommend Windows 7 Professional because you get the best of both worlds - affordability without breaking your bank account. I don't think you need Windows 7 Ultimate unless you feel that you need it. Most of the time, consumers will not be able to fully utilise all the extra functions on the "Ultimate" version. Trust me, the Windows 7 Professional is sufficient for you "geeks" like me.
Another good point about running on Windows 7 is that it is not as power shungry as Windows Vista. Having compared between Windows 7 and Vista on my laptop, I have to conclude that Windows 7 will use around 25% less resources than Vista running the same applications at the same time.
My third point of the goodness of Windows 7 is that the retail version of the Windows 7 comes with both 32 and 64 bit! You can now choose whether you want to install 32 bit OS or 64 bit OS! I love it as I would always go for the later as I do like 64 bit OS though. Moreover, there is sufficient memory on my laptop and there is no issue about the existing hardware running on 64 bit OS so what not try it then, right?
There are already many discussions about the advantages of using 64 bit OS but it is vital to ensure that one has compatible hardwares, e.g. a cpu chit which supports 64 bit and so on. Good luck!!!
Monday, 26 October 2009
Before you Install Windows 7
Even since I have installed Windows 7 on my computer, I could get connected to the internet easily and certainly the menu is so much faster as compared to Windows VIsta. I love Windows 7 Professional. I really hope that there will be more service packs for Windows 7.
So far so good. Windows 7 is good. Two thumbs up!
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Windows 7 - Virtual PC/ Windows XP Mode
Having said that, it is now my turn to write something about the use of Virtual PC or Windows XP Mode under Windows 7. I am so used to Nokia PC Suite (I'm a big fan of Nokia) in which I depend a lot on the software. I can send and receive text messages without me physically picking up the mobile phone to send and receive text messages. I can also make and receive calls through my laptop using the headset and refrain from using the mobile phone closed to my ears. I think with the latest news about the danger of using mobile phone close to your ears, it is time to put more pressure on Windows 7 to help use out.
Running Windows XP within Windows 7 is possible provided you are using a cpu which is VT enabled. Most of the new cpus will have VT enabled but you ned to check it out from AMD or Intel.
One thing for sure though - Running Windows XP on Windows 7 is pretty good... Try it! This is particularly useful as there are many programmes which are not compatible with Windows 7.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Windows 7 Professional Installation
22/10/2009 - 0035
That was the time where I have received an e-mail from Microsoft stating that I can download the required files to install Windows 7 Professional. Once I've downloaded the setup file (which took less than one minute to download), I've set out to download three more components, one of which is the main .exe file.
22/10/2009 - 0700
The download took around 90 minutes which was good. The laptop shut itself off once the download was completed. Initially, I thought that it will be just a straight forward installation but I was wrong. I kept on getting the same error during installation - No sufficient permission to install Windows 7 Professional!
I could not believe what I have seen taking into account that I am the only administrator on my laptop. That was really strange.
I have tried to enable total sharing of all my folders but yet no joy. In the end, I was rather desperate to find an answer. All hell went lose.In the end, I have managed to find the answer
Didn't I always praise the internet for getting useful information? Yahoo!!!! I have solved the problem! The thing is that if you are thinking of installing Windows 7 on your netbook through the downloaded Windows 7 OS, it could be done by using an external hard drive.
If you are using a laptop or pc and you have downloaded the Windows 7 from the internet, you need to use the above method which I have mentioned to create an .iso file before using PowerISO to burn the .iso onto a DVD. The process should take no longer than 30 minutes depending on your DVD burner.
The whole installation process including searching for the information to burn an ISO file took me around 3 hours to do so. Excellent!
Good luck!
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Windows 7
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Change Your Password!!!
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Windows 7 - the update
As far as I am concern, the Ultimate Version is the best but I think the Home Premium Edition E is sufficient for most folks. I just could not wait for Windows 7 to be launched as my Windows 7 RC is telling me to upgrade to the full version...
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Windows XP on SATA laptops
Windows XP was established as one of the best OSs which Microsoft can offer. One would question the ability of Microsoft to produce better OS, unlike the buggy Vista even after the first two Service Pack. That is why they are going to release Windows 7. So far, I have been very happy with Windows 7 RC and I will be waiting for the upcoming Windows 7 to be released.
What about those people who wants to use Windows XP instead of Windows Vista or Windows 7 RC on a laptop which is powered by an SATA hard drive without an external or an internal floppy drive then? Isn't it hard to install good old Windows XP on it then? The answer would be where it is slightly hard to install but it is not impossible. What you need to do is to firstly get hold of an original Windows XP cd with COA, then you need to download Nlite. Make sure you also get your laptop's SATA driver ready. What you need to do is to copy the entire Windows XP cd onto a folder and then run Nlite. The instructions could be found on where you have downloaded the file from. What it will do is actually to merge Windows XP with your laptop's SATA driver so that XP will be able to recognise your laptop's hard drive.
Once it is done, simply save it as an ISO extension. Burn the ISO image with MagicISO or PowerISO. Once it is done, pop in the cd into your laptop's optical drive to see whether the cd will actually boot up. Once you have clarify that it could install Windows XP, reboot the laptop and start running the cd from startup and the rest is history.
Good luck!