Windows XP extended to 2010 - for low-end PCs

For the majority of standard computer manufacturers, the operating system sold with new computers now is some version of Windows Vista. If you have not yet dealt with Vista, you probably will at some point (it's not as bad as you have probably heard). Yes, it is more of a memory hog than XP; that's why your new computer should have more memory. Vista's big advantage over XP is that it is more secure. But I will save that for another post.

There is a new class of computers now emerging: low-cost laptops and desktops. These are computers whose primary functions are to view websites and send email. They are becoming more common in developing countries where the average person cannot afford a full-featured computer.

For this class of computer, Windows Vista is just too resource-hungry. Therefore, Microsoft has extended the deadline for Windows XP, allowing manufacturers to still sell XP pre-installed on the limited-resource computers. Some of these machines may also be sold with Linux, which is a free, open-source operating system. Linux is generally considerd to be a more "geek-oriented" operating system and much more stable than any version of Windows.

These low-end laptops and desktops are generally priced under $300. The example pictured below is available here for $248 (click image for full size).

You would not want one of these as your primary computer, but they're cheap enough that you could get one for each of your kids, so that they could access the web and email (just make sure you add the safe-surfing protection I wrote about not long ago).

How to speed up your Windows XP computer

Most people have wondered at times, "How can I speed up my computer?" I know many of you have, because it is the most common problem I am asked to fix.

Problem solved.

I have just completed Scott's Ultimate Guide: Speeding Up Your Windows XP Computer. This guide contains 50 separate procedures that you can do today - right now - to make your computer run faster. (These simple procedures apply to Windows XP; I am going to start writing a similar guide for Windows Vista shortly.)

The procedures are accompanied by lots of screenshots, so that you can see exactly what to do. Those of you that have worked with me in the past know that I avoid "tech-talk" - each step is spelled out clearly so that you can perform it and see an immediate benefit.



Click the link below for more information and instructions:

Scott's Ultimate Guide: Speeding Up Your Windows XP Computer

Switch users more quickly in XP

Switch users fast. If you're working on a PC with multiple user accounts, you can bypass the welcome screen when you switch users. Open the Task Manager (click a blank spot in the taskbar and select Task Manager from the pop-up menu), click on the Users tab, right-click on a user name, and choose Connect.

Many families still have one computer that is used by several people. Each user can have his or her own desktop. When Windows XP starts up, you just click on the user name that applies, and you get all of your own "stuff" (icons, programs, wallpaper, etc.).

The normal procedure to switch users is to click Start - Log Off - and then either log off completely and log in as the other user, or you can click the "Switch Users" option. But there is even a quicker way.

Hit Ctrl - Alt - Delete. In the window that pops up, click on the Users tab. Right-click on a user name, and choose Connect. Now you are logged on as that user (although you might have to enter the password if the user account is configured that way).

I don't know why weathermen seem to be funny, but this week's video shows what happens when a cockroach happens to show up while a weatherman is trying to do his job. He doesn't like cockroaches. Not at all.