Torian Group Times “Technology with Integrity”

Windows Vista is out in retail stores. There are still significant compatibility issues with older hardware and software.  Microsoft offers a compatibility testing tool: www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

In addition, you will need to check compatibility with your software.

For now, be cautious about Vista for business. It makes sense for new home computers, as long as any games you like will run. Remember, there are 4 different versions.

Also, in many cases you are entitled to an upgrade. Vista also offers a “family discount”.

www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/familydiscount.mspx

Microsoft on Vista: www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx

www.networkworld.com/topics/vista.html -- News

www.winsupersite.com/vista/ - In depth review

 

Office 2007 is also out in Retail. It is a compelling upgrade, but requires a fast computer with lots of memory to run well. MPAN members should have gotten Office 2007 and Vista in the January action pack: www.msreadiness.com/WS_abstract.asp?eid=15005080

If you exchange files with other businesses, you may start getting office 2007 formatted documents. The file format is completely different from earlier versions of MS Office, although there is an option to save in the old format. The office compatibility pack allows older versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to exchange files in the new format: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101686761033.aspx

Plan to spend some time learning the new interface (or set the option to use “classic” menus).

There are a lot of resources available for learning about Office. Microsoft is offering free online training here: www.microsoft.com/learning/office2007/default.mspx

And on demand webcasts here: www.microsoft.com/office/greattips/on-demandlist.mspx

 

Wireless Networks are much more vulnerable to attack with the release of new cracking tools that make it possible to crack most WEP keys within a few minutes. Security on business wireless should be using WPA or better encryption, rather than WEP. Older wireless access points and cards may need to be replaced or upgraded. This is a serious issue for businesses using wireless. http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1814

 

Daylight savings time is changing, and computers will need to be updated to handle it correctly.

Instead of April 1 it will start March 11. www.microsoft.com/windows/timezone/dst2007.mspx

If you have your own Exchange mail server some special steps are involved. Patches may be required for mobile phones using outlook sync as well. http://blogs.flaphead.dns2go.com/archive/2007/01/23/more-dst-2007.aspx

Windows 2000 is unsupported, so you must purchase the patch for $4000, or manually edit the registry as described here:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914387

 

Tim Torian

Torian, Group, Inc.

http://www.toriangroup.com