All These Versions of Windows Vista — What’s Best?

Thinking of purchasing a new PC? If you’ve done some looking around, you may have noticed that you can’t buy a consumer PC with Windows XP anymore. And Windows Vista comes in several different versions. So how do you what’s the best choice?

There are five versions of Windows Vista: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. The Home Basic version is for budget or low cost consumer PCs. Unless your needs are very basic, don’t purchase a PC with this version.

The Home Premium version is seen most often on new consumer PCs. It has numerous multimedia features that make working with your digital music, photos and movies easier and a lot more fun. Some Vista Home Premium PCs are equipped with a TV tuner and a remote control that can even replace your digital video recorder or Tivo!

The Business version allows for remote access and lets you connect to a network server. As the name says, get this for PCs that are used for any type of work or business.

Vista Enterprise is the premium business version. It adds security and management features and is only available to companies who purchase five or more licenses at a time. It’s best for larger companies.

If you can’t decide, get the Ultimate version. It combines the features of all versions, so you won’t miss out on anything. We recommend Vista Business in most instances.

Wide Screen Monitors—Why Bother?

You may have noticed that new PCs are bundled with wide screen monitors that are similar in shape to flat screen high definition televisions (HDTVs).

Why is that? If you’ve seen a movie or a program on a HDTV screen, you’ll know why. The new wide screen format allows you to see much more and in greater detail. When you use a wide screen with a PC, the same is true.

Instead of buying a two monitors to accomplish the same purpose, a wide screen monitor can do the job for a lower cost. In fact, wide screen monitors are only a little more expensive than standard monitors.

You can look at two pages at once with Word or Adobe Reader. Outlook 2007 was designed to be used with a wide screen monitor to show all the details of your busy day.

The end result helps you to be more productive. And, when you slip in the occasional DVD, it looks great!

Computer Security Policy—Do You Have One?

Do you have a computer security policy documented for your business? We’ve found that most small businesses don’t and you may want to consider one to keep things safe for you and your clients.

A computer security policy provides guidelines for using your business’s computer. You may want to start with very basic rules regarding the use of the computers in the office, namely:

· Keeping your password secret from others

· Changing your password regularly

· Establishing guidelines for using work files on an employee’s home computer

· Keeping customer information private and not revealing it to others who do not have permission to view it

· Allowing web browsing and email for business purposes only

You may want to consider restrictive policies as well:

· Software should not be installed unless approved by management

· Personal files (such as documents, music and pictures) are not to be stored on any computer

· User login information for terminated employees should be disabled promptly

There are numerous other guidelines we can suggest for you, however we hope these examples can help you create a policy that’s appropriate for your business. 

Just like a good backup plan, don’t wait to do this until after something happens and you wish you had a policy in place.

Instant Messaging Threat

An instant messaging threat has been making the rounds recently. This has been seen on Microsoft’s instant messaging programs, Live Messenger and MSN Messenger.

The threat comes in disguised as a message from one of the people on your contact list. It includes a smiley face icon and an internet link.

When most people see this message, they’re inclined to click the link. That single click, unfortunately, will start downloading a threat to your PC.

As security software (antivirus, antispyware, antispam, firewall) becomes more sophisticated, the security threats are following suit. Offers and pictures that are intriguing hook people into clicking a link and downloading malicious programs. In many instances, people override their security software thinking it’s OK.

Unfortunately, this technique (known as social engineering) is also used to fool people into divulging personal information such as bank account numbers, social security numbers and other data that can be used in identity theft.

To be safe, don’t click on a web link or reply to any email message unless you’re certain the party at the other end is legitimate.