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Latest Updates and Recommendation: -
Microsoft Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 - I still have
reservations about this OS from Microsoft. It seems fine for home users that
don't have older software they still need to use. I hesitate to
recommend this product for any business users, but it does work if you don't
mind a few annoyances and a slower GUI. I highly suggest a dual-core
processor with at least 2 GB of ram.
- Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3 - a much better version of the OS with new security features including a better firewall, anti-virus software monitoring, & auto-updating. Also includes pop-up blocking in Internet Explorer as well as better Active X security. The OS can still can use some work, but it is much better than it's predecessors. The Home Edition of XP is fine if your not on a business network, but I do prefer the "Pro" Edition. Figure to pay no more that $200.00 for the Professional Version at most retail stores. You MUST buy one copy per computer.
- Microsoft Office 2007 with Service Pack 1 - includes a much more enhanced and functional Outlook with the best junk mail filter Microsoft has yet provided. I've seen as much as a 99% reduction in spam using this new Outlook. You can get the Student & Teacher Edition which includes MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Outlook for less than $150.00 at Best Buy or other larger computer retail stores. What's even better is that this version is licensed for up to THREE computers. You must have a student or student I.D. card (or be a Teacher) to purchase this edition.
| Software - Free (Also
see my Top Recommended Downloads on the Home Page)-
Tired of Microsoft Products? - OpenOffice version 3.x (www.openoffice.org)
is a great "free" alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite. It's
compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The downside? - no
email client, but Mozilla's Thunderbird (also free) is a better product
that Outlook Express and helps to fill out the package nicely.
- AVG Antivirus - for many users, this is the best FREE
Antivirus software I've found and now includes Anti-spyware
protection. It doesn't interfere with your computer as much as
it's more commonly known commercial cousins like Norton or McAfee.
It also works well with Microsoft XP's & Vista's antivirus software
monitoring feature.
- Windows Defender - is basic anti-spyware tool offered for
free by Microsoft for Windows XP and included with Vista.
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- Dell Dimension - I have had success with Dell's new
VOSTRO Series. If you are ordering a PC for your business you should upgrade to Windows XP Professional
or VISTA Business Edition. Do NOT get Microsoft's XP or
VISTA Home Edition unless your computer is to be used only at home or in a single
non-network environment. Go to
www.dell.com for
more information or to place an order.
- Dell Laptops - I've had some difficulty with Dell laptops
in previous years, but the new VOSTRO series is very nice. With
laptops I recommend purchasing the extra warranty.
- HP Pavilion - I have clients that have had good results with
HP's line of computers. The reliability is decent in
both the desktop and laptop versions. Check out
www.hp.com for more information.
- Sony Laptops - I don't have any recent experience with the Sony's, but I've heard good things. They come highly recommended by a number of "techies."
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