What To Do With Your Windows 98

Problem:  In less than two weeks, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 98.  This means that Microsoft will not publish any more Windows Critical Updates or program updates.  They will stop offering telephone support, and they will stop adding new entries for Windows 98 in their on-line Knowledgebase.  These actions usually result in other software and hardware manufacturers stopping their support for Windows 98, just as most new hardware and software you purchase now do not support Windows 95.  For instance, the latest version of Office will only run on Windows 2000 or XP.

Solution: You have three choices: (a) Purchase a new computer with Windows XP; (b) Upgrade your existing computer to Windows XP; or (c) Do nothing.

Any new computer you purchase will be considerably faster than the Windows 98 PC you currently own.  The new operating system is faster and doesn’t crash nearly as often.  Since Microsoft has released a Service Pack 1 for Windows XP, it is significantly improved from when it was first introduced almost two years ago. 

Most computers need to be replaced every three to four years.  If you were planning on replacing your Windows 98 computer in the next year or two, we recommend that you do so now.  That way your computer won’t be left vulnerable to attacks that would have otherwise been prevented using Security Updates still available on other operating systems.

If you have a fairly new computer, then you may consider upgrading from Windows 98 to XP.  To upgrade, we recommend that you have a 400MHz or faster processor, at least 256MB RAM, and at least 2GB free disk space.  More RAM can usually be inexpensively added to your computer. 

Unfortunately, the upgrade process is not always easy.  Some programs may have to be uninstalled prior to the upgrade, some older programs may not work without upgrading, and new device drivers may have to be downloaded.  We have helped several customers who attempted to upgrade their computers and called us when they ran into trouble.

Some people have considered upgrading to Windows ME or 2000, thinking that those are less expensive alternatives than XP.  We do not recommend these upgrades because we’ve seen that they are more expensive alternatives in the long run.  Windows ME will be retired next year, and many of our customers have experienced more problems with it than with Windows 98.  Windows 2000 is even more difficult to install than XP because its list of compatible hardware and software is much shorter.

We can help you determine what to do with your Windows 98 system.  Please call us at (713) 861-4183.

Controlling Your Kid’s Surfing on the Internet

Many parents are concerned about how easy it is for their children to accidentally (or otherwise) view inappropriate material on the Internet or in e-mails.  Here are three ways you can restrict what your child views and receives as e-mail on the Internet.

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has a Content Advisor built-in.  To access it, select Tools, Content, then Enable Content Advisor.  From there you can set the level of language, nudity, sex and violence that can be viewed.  This system works only for those web sites that have correctly set the appropriate levels for their content.  This does not filter e-mail; to do that, you have to create Rules in Outlook Express.

Your second choice is to use a third-party program.  PC Magazine gave their Editor’s Choice to Cybersitter.  You can find out more about their program by going to www.solidoak.com. 

Your third choice is to use an Internet Service Provider (ISP) like AOL or MSN that has different customizable accounts for each member of your family.

And your fourth choice (my personal favorite) is to put the computer in an open area where everyone can see what’s on the screen.

We can help you determine which choice is best for you.  Please call us at (713) 861-4183.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

As an ongoing effort to improve our service to you, we will soon be sending all of you customers an e-mail inviting you to participate in our first Customer Satisfaction Survey.  It will be only about 10 questions, and should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.

As a token of our appreciation for your thoughtful participation in our survey, we will send you a coupon worth $50 off our next visit to you.