Computer Repair Blog / Compudoc Computer Repair Phoenix AZ

Archive for the ‘Windows’ Category

windows xp pro

Thats right, Windows XP just turned 10 years old!!  Windows XP has been a favorite for both techs and general computer users for 10 years now.  Windows Vista never lived up to replace XP.  It did have good points such as a much nicer looking interface, but instability (especially on systems not updated with sp2), driver issues, and slow boot and shut down times plagued Vista with the consumer.  I feel that with Windows 7, we get the nice graphical interface that Windows Vista started with, and the stability that we came to know and like with Windows XP. Windows XP, while still being a stable operating system, is starting to show its age.  Microsoft will no longer be putting out updates for the operating system, so instability issues will start to happen.  You already are seeing hardware that only has drivers to work with Vista and 7.  One thing that we notice here in the shop, is that the majority of computers we see in for virus removals are using Windows XP.  Read the rest of this entry »

Adobe and Java are two of the most exploited entry points for virus writers and hackers to attempt to infect your computer with a virus or spyware and malware.  Unfortunately, to surf the internet easily and have all pictures and text on those pages display correctly, you need Adobe flash player and/or Java.  The good part is that both Adobe and Java work around the clock issuing updates to plug the holes that hackers use to gain access of your computer through Adobe and Java.  That makes these updates extremely important to your computers safety!  Although both Adobe and Java’s default settings are to inform you when there are updates available, I’ve seen on many occasions where no notice is given, yet updates are available.

For Adobe updates, simply go to www.adobe.comand click on the get flash player.  While your there, make sure you have the newest version of Adobe reader as well if thats what you use for pdf’s.

For Java updates, go to your control panel, click the java icon, and click the update tab at the top, then select “update now”.

I would recommend to check for updates at least monthly, if not more often.  We always perform these updates during our Basic Tune Up service.  For any questions on Adobe or Java updates or general computer repair issues, see us at www.azcompudoc.com for computer repair in Phoenix Arizona.

Windows XP

Are you one of the majority of computer users still using Windows XP?  Well, you’re not alone, most of the computers that we see in for service are still using Windows XP.  Windows Vista was the follow up operating system from Windows XP.  Windows Vista was followed by Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7.

Why should you upgrade from XP?  Well for one, security issues.  We arent saying that Vista and 7 are totally secure, but there are many upgrades that help those systems resist some virus infections that XP would fall to.  I know that there are less Vista and 7 computers out there, so it would make since that we see more XP computers, but its a known fact that many older viruses that will infect XP will not work on Vista and 7.

Another reason to upgrade from Windows XP is that Microsoft will be discontinuing support for it soon.  That means no more updates or service packs.  This will lead to software and driver conflicts.  Many updates are to patch security flaws as well, so those flaws would go unfixed with no more updates.

The biggest impact to me is speed.  Especially if you are updating to Windows 7 with at least a dual core processor and at least 2 gigs of ram.  Vista may have looked better than Windows XP, but it didn’t run any faster.  If you are using Vista, make sure you’re using service pack 2 as it cleaned up many of the issues Vista was famous for.  Windows 7 boots faster, shuts down faster, repairs some of its own issues, is more secure, and looks great.  Its well worth the upgrade.  Another plus to upgrading to Windows 7 is that although we recommend using at least 2 gigs of ram with it, we’ve used it on a ten year old test box with 512 ram and it still ran well, can’t say that for Windows Vista.  For more help on a Windows operating system upgrade, see us at our computer repair website for the Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale Arizona area.  Computer repair Phoenix.