Blog

Social media marketing (SMM) is a form of internet marketing which seeks to achieve branding and marketing communication goals through the participation in various social media networks.”

By now you’re probably familiar with the various forms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, Blogs, etc., but are you aware of how these forms of media can help you market your business? Social networking now accounts for almost one quarter of all time spent online in the U.S. so if you’re not currently using these services, you should get started right away.

The main benefit of social media is the human element, which brings a personal touch to your brand or business, and enables you to build trust with your clients. Jen Straw of Last Straw Media says, “A successful social media strategy must include building and maintaining relationships through conversations and engagement.” Social media is about people and relationships, not how many friends and followers you have. Once you get caught up in the numbers, you will start to miss out on the powerful connections that can help grow your business.

Here are just a few methods with which you should get started:

• Facebook now has more than 500 million users and offers exceptional business marketing opportunities. If you haven’t signed up for Facebook yet, you should as soon as possible, then create a Business Page.
• Twitter isn’t just “what I had for dinner” anymore. Twitter still may not be in the same league as Facebook but with an estimated 200 million active users and one billion tweets per week, it’s growing and gaining popularity. Twitter has put together a simple guide to help you understand what Twitter can do for business. You can also check out Mashable’s Twitter Guide.
• Blogs like Word Press and Blogger are a great addition to a company website. You should plan on blogging at least once a week and be sure to link your blog to your Twitter and Facebook accounts.

If you’re not sure how to get started, search for your competitors, evaluate how they use their social media sites to market themselves, and do what they’re doing. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Take time to find the people you want to communicate with and then join the conversation. One way to engage in conversation is to ask questions rather than just posting comments; this will create an opportunity for your audience to start talking.

Another key benefit to building your brand online through social media is the enormous SEO (Search Engine Optimization) boost your business website can get. Google and Bing now show real-time information pulled from social networks, meaning that if you were to search “REALTOR” on Google, Google will give you real-time results from Twitter and other social networking sites. The more time you spend creating great content and building relationships with people, the more people will then start to link to and share your content with their followers resulting in more traffic to your website. Search engines love links so share that love by linking out to other blogs and websites to share others’ content. The more you share, the more your content will be shared in return.

Make sure you post useful and relevant content. When posting to any of your sites, be sure to write about topics that people will search for in search engines. Remember that content should not be about you but about the needs of your audience. Including photos and video in your posts not only makes them more interesting, it helps your search engine rankings as well.

The bottom line to social media success is active participation, relationship building and creating great content. Find out what your target audience is looking for, what interests them, what keeps them coming back for more, and then give them more of it. Listen, be engaging and be yourself!

E-book Readers
An e-book (electronic book) is a text and image based publication in digital form that can be read using a hand held device called an e-book reader. There are several advantages to using this method over traditional print media.
1. There are over 2 million free books available for download, including all fiction from before the year 1900.
2. E-book websites can include the ability to translate books into many different languages.
3. E-books are generally cheaper to purchase compared to other traditional media.
4. An e-book can be purchased, borrowed, downloaded and used immediately.

The e-book reader market is highly saturated, giving consumers many options. There are some e-book features to consider before purchasing a model.

Screen
While there are multiple different screen variations, the two most popular are e-ink and LCD. The LCD screens will illuminate your text making it ideal for reading in low light conditions. The e-ink screen, however, will offer a more natural look that mimics how a paperback might read. The screen size can vary from 5” to 10”. Note: the bigger the screen, the heavier the device. Some of the 10” e-book readers can be quite cumbersome to work with and can fatigue you quickly because of their associated weight.

Capacity
Capacity is the amount of storage space on the hard drive within the device. Some e-book readers offer the ability to expand the storage through the use of a MICROSD card. Be sure to check the initial storage as well as the ability to expand onboard storage, especially if you are an avid reader.

Additional Features and Compatibility
The varieties of e-book readers come from their additional features and compatibility with a variety of e-book formats. The most common additional features are 802.11b/g/3g connectivity, online newspaper subscriptions, integrated dictionary, touch screen, text-to-speech and web browsing. Compatibility is also important to consider when deciding on a reader. Some readers will only read proprietary formats associated with the manufacturer’s distributor and library. Make sure to check if your reader will work with your e-book library.

Price
Price is most often the deciding factor for most e-book reader purchases. There are several entry level e-book readers (e.g., Kindle, The Nook) starting at or around $139.00 USD. You will most often get the best price by purchasing your e-book online. If you have a local computer store nearby, you may want to visit it to “get a feel” for the device before purchasing it online.

Remember to contact Tech Helpline for your computer support needs. Form Individual Memberships, please click here.

Our computers are like automobiles. If you keep them maintained, they will run smoothly for many years. Too often many things bog them down, causing them to run less efficiently. Tech Helpline often receives calls requesting help to speed up users’ computers. Below you will find many helpful tips for helping you keep your PC computer well maintained so that it can run as quickly as the day you unboxed it.

System Tray Icons
On the lower right-hand corner of your Windows PC’s display, you will see many icons related to programs running in the background. This is called the system tray. You may identify these programs by hovering over the icons. What you will usually see is the volume control, the current time, your security software or antivirus software, and any messengers (Yahoo!, Windows Live) you may be using or have installed.

All of these programs are prime examples of items which may be holding you back from a faster computing experience. Your Excel worksheets may take longer to open because you are running “Skype Messenger” in the background when you start the PC up. Your e-mail may take a while to load in Outlook because “Kodak Easy Share” has set itself to always be loaded in the system tray. These and many others are examples of programs you may uninstall or configure to not load when you start up. To configure them, right click on the icons and look for any Options or Preferences you may access to find where to uncheck this option.

Internet Explorer Toolbars
The most commonly used web browser, Internet Explorer, can pick up a lot of clutter over time which can severely hamper its performance. The culprit, usually, is a toolbar for “Google”, “Yahoo”, or “MyWebSearch”, which loads each and every time you start the website browser to access something on the Internet. It is highly recommended that these be uninstalled, if not used, to increase the computer’s efficiency. Internet Explorer 8 offers an “X” on the left side of each toolbar which can assist in removing the toolbar’s presence.

The Little Things
There are a few other things to consider to ensure your computer has optimal speed. Virus Scans scheduled by your security software and computer backups run by your external hard drive or off-site backup software should be managed to run when you are not using the computer. If your computer is a laptop, many times it will run fastest if connected to a wall outlet for power, as factory settings for most laptops will cause them to implement power-saving features, slowing down computer performance.

And finally, avoid running too many programs at the same time. Having too many programs and processes open on your computer will slow it down.

Following these considerations will save you from the frustration of having to wait on your computer to get further work done. Of course, if you have any questions, call Tech Helpline to speak to one of our knowledgeable computer repair tech support analysts. We would gladly assist you with any of the steps mentioned above.

Every few years, Microsoft releases an overhaul of its Office product suite, and this year Office 2010 was released. With this product, Microsoft also released web Office access to compliment the suite in light of products such as OpenOffice.org and Google Docs.

What is new?
Each product in the Office suite now carries the Ribbon interface, first introduced in Office 2007. This interface, often dreaded by many at first, is actually a very refreshing feature as it puts the tools you use most right at your fingertips.

The next major change is the removal of the windows “Pearl” from the upper left-hand corner and the return of the “File” menu, which is an entire dialogue screen in each program. The “Backstage View”, as it’s called, has a print preview and many save and print options for the user to take advantage of.

Microsoft Word has received a security update in Office 2010 in its “Protected View”. The protected view prevents Word from accessing macros in the document or ‘active x’ scripts which can run and wreck havoc on a computer.

PowerPoint now receives a broadcast feature, which allows browser streaming of presentations to anyone in your office or even others over the Internet. This feature requires a SharePoint server in an office environment, or, if used on the Internet, a Windows Live! account. The broadcasting does not include sound or video playback, but it is great for voice conferencing with a program such as Skype.

Microsoft’s note-taking champion, OneNote, is now included in every single version of Office, making it a great reason to upgrade if you love the tool. The tool allows you to take, organize, and share notes from meetings while maintaining the freedom to brainstorm and alter almost any aspect of your notes dynamically.

The Flagship E-mail program that everyone is most concerned about upgrading to is Microsoft’s Outlook 2010, which as mentioned earlier, receives Office 2007’s Ribbon interface. The most prominent feature, important to those with busy schedules, is the ‘Calendar Preview’, which shows you a preview of your calendar any time someone sends you a meeting request. In enterprise environments that support Microsoft Exchange E-mail accounts, the users may now enjoy the use of voicemail in their accounts. Something to make certain to take note of is the inclusion of threaded conversations. This is when an e-mail discussion,  with the same subject line, falls into one e-mail ‘thread’ and can be expanded to show all the e-mails within it. This makes it extremely easy to manage your e-mails by topic and content.

Finally, the biggest change to the Microsoft Office suite is not a purchased part of the suite at all, but Microsoft’s choice to include complimentary, web-based office document creation and editing tools right in your web browser. If you have a Windows Live! Account, you can even save a document in Office 2010 and share it with someone over the Internet.

Office 2010 Editions
Microsoft Office 2010 comes in three editions: Home and Student, Home and Business, and Professional. All of the editions come with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as OneNote. The Home and Business edition adds Microsoft Outlook, and the Professional edition adds Microsoft Access and Microsoft Publisher.

Final Thoughts
If you don’t already have a Windows Live! account, now may be the time to look into acquiring one to test out the complimentary Office document tools Microsoft has released online. The Office 2010 60-day trial is available through Microsoft’s website and is a wonderful way to test the product before investing in the suite. Office 2010 is available at most software retailers, and there are many deals at popular web stores such as Amazon.com.

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Since Apple’s announcement in late January, the new iPad has gained a lot of attention in the REALTOR® world as a device which could potentially be used for signings, filling forms, and checking email on the road. This is a device we receive questions on almost daily from REALTORS®. We’ve tested and explored the possibilities of this great, new beautiful hardware and have come up with some conclusions that will help you with your purchasing decisions.

What is the iPad?
But what is the iPad, exactly? According to Apple, the iPad is a “new class of device between a Smartphone and a laptop”. What does this mean, exactly? Well, the iPad runs the same graphical interface as the iPhone, but does not make phone calls. This means applications compatible to the iPhone would be very close to working as well on the iPad. This is a wonderful device for web-browsing, watching movies, showing property photos uploaded with iTunes, reading magazines, and looking at e-books using Apple’s custom software.

Purchase options
One thing to consider is that the iPad will not be your only device. The iPad supplements your other devices and works around your needs. As such, the iPad comes with many purchase options.

The iPad comes in two styles; “Wi-Fi” and “Wi-Fi + 3G”. The difference being with “Wi-Fi” you can access the company’s wireless internet, and with “3G” you can purchase a data plan with AT&T and access the Internet anywhere, making it easy to use “Google Street View” to show the neighborhood of a property. The “Wi-Fi” and “Wi-Fi + 3G” options each come in three packages; 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The wonderful part is, being a satellite device, you are asked to sync your iPad with a PC or Mac upon turning it on, allowing you to manage and backup all your information at your convenience.

Functionality
The iPad has many capabilities, but it has some incapabilities we’d like to point out for you. The iPad cannot use Adobe Flash, which is a web technology used to view many integrated technologies on websites. Youtube is supported, but this is because Youtube is not Adobe Flash-based as it was in its infancy. The iPad is also incapable of printing on it’s own. Another very important functionality concern is the iPad’s lack of support for Adobe Reader/Acrobat. How does this affect you? Digital contracts and forms are created for Adobe Reader. Not having the ability to run Adobe Reader on the iPad means you cannot fill out these forms. The iPad also does not have a camera, which means you will have to use iTunes to transfer pictures over by syncing it to a PC or Mac. Some MLS providers have also informed us that the iPad’s functionality does not support their websites. We recommend that you contact your MLS before purchasing the device.

What fits your need?
There are many devices which have a niche. Smartphones are one. With a Smartphone you can ‘Google’ anything, manage a calendar with tasks, send email, and make phone calls. The iPad does all of this except make phone calls. In essence toward this idea, the iPhone is best for these tasks, with the iTouch device at a close second for being the same as the iPhone without the phone capabilities.

The laptop is another niche item. You can create documents, manage office spreadsheets, create forms, and print out documents. Because of this, the iPad fits as an expansion of your work environment. It is, itself, not a laptop, so it is to be treated as a device which you can use to manage your photos, browse websites, or use one of the many “App” applications which can be purchased from Apple’s “App store” web storefront.

Before purchasing an iPad, every REALTOR® needs to realize that he or she must find the need and niche for which device fits within his or her work environment. The device is great for taking notes, surfing the web, viewing videos on Youtube, or showing photographs of properties to potential buyers. The device is a supplement to tools we already have. The consideration is finding how it fits your needs.

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Do you find your computer performing sluggishly? It could be a number of things causing slow performance, such as lack of disk space, disk fragmentation, the development of bad sectors, and so on. Use your computer’s built-in tools to fix such areas and optimize its performance.

Clear Disk Space
A great way to clear up disk space on your hard drive is by using the Disk Cleanup tool. The tool allows you to choose which files you want to delete, such as:

• Temporary Internet files
• Downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets)
• The Recycle Bin
• Windows temporary files
• Optional Windows components you don’t use
• Installed programs that you no longer use

To use the Disk Cleanup Tool, simply click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. In the Disk Cleanup box, select each of the files you want to delete. It is safe to delete all items in the list, but read the description of each file type before doing so to double check. The process only takes a few moments to remove the files and replace disk space.

The process is the same for XP, Vista and Windows 7, but in Vista and Windows 7 you can simply type “disk cleanup” in the search bar to pull it up faster.

Disk Defrag
Another easy way to improve performance is to do a disk defragmentation.  A disk fragment happens when the data of a file is spread across several sectors of the disk, which requires your computer to search longer to piece the data together. By performing a disk defragmentation, your computer will rearrange the files on the disk so that they are stored closer together – thus, speeding up your access to the data.

To complete a disk defragmentation, click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. In the box that opens, click on the drives you want to defragment, and then click on the Analyze button. The Analyze option will let you know whether or not you should defragment the selected drive.

Once complete, Disk Defragmenter will display the results. You can see detailed information about the defrag by clicking on View Report.

Fix Disk Errors
Find and fix disk errors by using the Error Checking utility. Your computer can obtain bad sectors, which basically slows down its performance. One of the main attributes of a bad sector is that it makes file saving difficult, if not impossible. The Error Checking utility can scan your computer for bad sectors and file system errors, and can determine if you have files or folders out of place.

Microsoft recommends running this once a week to prevent data loss (for people who use their computers daily).

Before you run this program, be sure to close all open files. Click Start, and then My Computer. In the My Computer window, right-click on the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.  In the Properties box, click on the Tools tab, and click on the Check Now button.

In the Check Disk box that opens, you’ll want to select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.  (This is called Error-Checking in Windows 7). If any bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

We hope this information has been helpful. And remember, if you have any computer repair or computer support questions, call your Tech Helpline experts!

Koobface is a mass-mailing virus that infects a computer when the user attempts to download a media player link. The virus targets Microsoft Windows users of the social networking websites Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Friendster and Twitter.

The Koobface virus usually shows up as a harmless-looking Facebook message peeking your interest about an online video of you. Once you try to play the video you are confronted with a screen telling you that a “Flash Player” is needed to play the file. However, the link provided on this page is not actually the link to Flash Player, instead it is a virus, and your computer will become infected by clicking the link. The virus could allow an attacker to remotely steal your Facebook password and other sensitive information.

Koobface has been around since August 2009, mostly targeting social networks, and a variant that targets only Facebook users surfaced in December, with a more potent version appearing in March 2010.

If you have questions about the virus, please contact Tech Helpline or visit Facebook’s security page.

Another virus attack made headlines in this past Winter, infecting at least 75,000 computers worldwide. Even large companies and U.S. government agencies were not safe from the Kneber botnet, the name given to this virus. Experts believe it originated from an Eastern European cyber criminal group hacking their way into computers to retrieve login credentials for online financial sites, email systems, and social networking sites such as Facebook. According to NetWitness, an Internet security firm, the group is most likely selling this stolen information on the black market.

Not long before the Kneber botnet attack, another virus was earning considerable attention among the Facebook community for attempting to infect computers using a fake virus alert. This particular virus works by sending a message to one’s inbox, or posting a message on Facebook users’ walls warning them of an “unnamed app” that could be slowing down their Facebook application. The message then directs users to search for the unnamed app in their settings. While no malicious link is included in the actual message, if users decide to search the web for more information, they could wind up on a malicious website that encourages visitors to download fake antivirus software.  Sometimes these sites require payment for the software, others just use this opportunity to infect machines with viruses or retrieve personal information. Either way, users should be very cautious.

How to Avoid Rogueware

Unfortunately, there are more and more groups preying on those who don’t question enough.  Which leaves an even bigger question, how can rogue software be avoided?  Follow our top three tips to lessen your chance of encountering a malicious virus.

Tip # 1 – Don’t believe everything you see. If you’re surfing the web and suddenly get a strange pop up window or warning message explaining your computer has been infected with a virus and requires paid software to remove it, don’t take the bait. This is a clear sign of rogue software at work. Many times these sites will mimic the look of common programs to trick users into thinking this message is coming from their system, all the while gaining access to your machine or worse, your wallet.

Tip # 2 – Install and maintain good software security tools. There are plenty of free options available to help you create a perfect level of protection. First, make sure you have antivirus software to detect possible threats. View an earlier blog of some of our antivirus recommendations. Second, make sure you have an anti spyware program on your computer as well. Spyware and adware collect information about you, usually without your consent, and can cause damage to your computer. Often times, this data is transmitted through free downloads over the Internet. When you have your own antivirus and anti malware software installed, malicious activity is usually detected before they have a chance to pop up on your screen and do any real damage. Plus, knowing the look of your security software will allow you to spot and ignore any imposters.

If you wanted to further your protection, you may even consider setting up your own firewall, which blocks outside users from getting into your computer.

Tip # 3 – Stay educated. One of best ways to avoid threats is to stay connected with industry experts.  Sign up for tech newsletters, read blogs or tech forums on security issues, visit your security software provider’s website for up-to-date news or known issues, or read product reviews on trustworthy sites like www.download.com. Another great way is just talking with knowledgeable friends, family, colleagues, and clients to see what tips and products they recommend.  Or, please feel free to call you’re tech experts at the Tech Helpline. We’re here to help with your computer service needs.

Ever had a printer problem? That’s like asking if you’ve ever had a bad day. Although we often love what printers produce, let’s face it, we have all dealt with their temperamental side.

While every printer brand and model will differ slightly in their capabilities, there are some common printer repair tips that can be applied across the board. We’ve compiled a list of common printer issues and have provided steps on how to resolve them.

Toner
If your documents are not printing properly (i.e., blank pages, smudges, horizontal or vertical lines, or barely visible ink), it’s probably a problem with the toner or toner cartridge. Try cleaning the printer with a lint-free cloth or compressed air. You may want to purchase a cleaning kit to keep handy, which would include items to clean the printer regularly. After cleaning it, print a test page (click Start > Control Panel > Printer and Faxes > right click Properties > Print Test Page).

If the problem still remains, try installing a new toner cartridge. Print another test page to see if that corrects the issue. If you still have problems after adding a new toner cartridge, check the printer’s display window to see if it provides any error messages. If so, you may need to check your owner’s manual for further instructions.

Power and PC Connection
While this sounds very simple, many times it can be the culprit of a non responsive printer. Ensure the printer’s main power cord is plugged into a functioning outlet or power strip. If it connects to a power strip, make sure the light is switched on. Also, check to see if the printer is turned on, especially if your error happens in the morning. Someone could have turned it off the previous evening.  

The problem could also be a bad connection to your computer. Trace the cable from the back of the printer to the back of your computer to make sure it hasn’t come loose.  

Print Queue
An issue that often happens regardless of the manufacturer is that the print job errors out and gets stuck in the printer queue. The printer queue can be located on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, and it shows you all current print jobs. By hovering the cursor over the image, you can tell if you have any pending print jobs. If the print job is not printing, try to remove it from the print queue. Look for the printer icon in your taskbar, right click on it to open all active printers and faxes, and highlight the print job to cancel. If it doesn’t allow you to cancel the print job, browse to the following location and delete all files located in this folder: (C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS).

Usually there are two files for every one print job that is stuck in the queue. Sometimes a restart of the computer is necessary after deleting the files.  

Drivers
Another common problem is printer drivers. Drivers are simply software created especially for your printer to function with your computer. It is very important that you have the appropriate drivers for your particular printer manufacturer and model. The easiest way to find the drivers is by going to the manufacturer’s website, where you can download updated drivers at no charge.   

Before downloading any new drivers, check to see if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit machine.  The reason for this is because drivers are created for each, and if you install a 64-bit driver on a 32-bit machine you may encounter problems. Go here to find out if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit.

If you still have trouble after updating your drivers, it might be a problem with the printer software.  Sometimes the information becomes corrupted or deleted. In this case, you can try reinstalling the software that came with the printer when you purchased it.

Multi Function Printers
Multi function printers often include printing, faxing, copying and scanning capabilities all in one. While they can be great tools, they can also cause much stress when not working properly. The reason they can be so troublesome is because you have to determine which part of the product is not working. You should follow the same approach as we mentioned earlier, checking the power supply, toner, cleanliness of the machine, and making sure you have updated drivers. If none of these items seem to be the problem, check the manufacturer’s website. If the problem is a known issue, they will have troubleshooting tips on their website.

A good tip to keep in mind when using a multi function printer is to make sure you are using the appropriate mode for your activities. For example, if you frequently fax signed documents to clients or financial institutions, you’ll notice that the quality of the document lessens the more times you fax it. But there’s another option – if you have a multi function machine, use the scanner option to save your signed document as a PDF file. Then you have an electronic copy that can be e-mailed, faxed or printed with the same high quality as the original document.  

We hope you’ve found some of this information helpful. And remember, if you need computer or printer advice call Tech Helpline. Our tech support analysts are here to help.

Introducing Windows 7
You’ve probably heard about Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7. It’s the first new release since Vista in 2006. If you were one of the many unsatisfied Vista users, then you may consider making a switch to Windows 7. We’re not advocating one operating system over the other; however, we do want to provide you with information so that you can make your own decision.

What’s new?
There are plenty of reviews about the new operating system, and they all share an underlying theme. While Vista was not the XP successor users were hoping for, Windows 7 has real promise of filling the gap. With its revamped user interface, yet low-key, minimalist approach, it offers a much altered experience to that of Vista.  

Enjoy new user interface enhancements like the reorganized Taskbar, which gives the Mac OS X dock a run for its money. Experience features like Jump Lists that keep the most recent things you’ve used close by for fast access; or the Pin feature which lets you “pin” programs or files to your Taskbar or Jump Lists. 

Keep your desktop organized with Aero Peek, a new management tool that provides thumbnails of all open windows. Scroll over thumbnails to get a peek of the full view window. Or use the desktop peek feature to view your desktop by making all windows transparent with a simple click of the mouse. This might be one to get used to because Windows 7 has omitted the Sidebar, the portion of the screen that Vista reserved for gadgets. Now you’ll find your gadgets such as your calendar, pictures, weather or games directly on the desktop.

A few other changes worth mentioning are enhanced security with less annoying UAC (User Access Controls), easier network sharing with HomeGroup, and XP Mode for programs that require a PC running XP. 

Which edition is right for you?
Windows 7 comes with six different editions to choose from – Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, OEM, and Enterprise. However, the three editions that will be most marketed are Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.

For most users, Professional will be the appropriate choice. While Home Premium has all the cool user interface enhancements and updated Windows Media Center, it lacks the tools needed for working in XP mode, backing up to a network, and joining a network domain – all of which are activities many professionals may require. For an additional $20 you can get the Ultimate edition that includes BitLocker, a security enhancement that encrypts all computer drives, including USB flash drives and portable hard drives to protect your data and passwords.

Upgrading options: 
You also need to determine if you’ll be doing a clean install or an upgrade. This may be decided for you, depending on the operating system you’re currently running.

Windows XP users: Unfortunately, XP users only have the option of doing a clean install to Windows 7. In fact, most experts suggest a clean install because not only does it provide a fresh start, it also removes old files and registry entries that could slow down your machine. The only down side to a clean install is that you lose all your programs and data. However, that can be remedied by backing up your data and transferring it over once you’ve completed the installation.

Should you upgrade? The choice is yours. If you currently own a strong operating XP machine, there’s no need to upgrade just because it’s available. XP will continue to be a primary operating system for the foreseeable future.

Windows Vista users: Depending on the Vista edition you currently have installed, you may be able to do an upgrade to Windows 7 rather than a clean install. The benefit of doing an upgrade is that it requires less free space for installation and transfers over your existing programs and user data. View the chart below to see if you qualify for an upgrade.

Should you upgrade? For those who have recently purchased a computer running Vista, the decision is a bit tougher. A Vista machine running Service Pack 2 is a stable, efficient operating system. However there are some Vista computers that would benefit from the upgrade, such as laptops with a single core processor or computers with less than 2 GB of memory because of the built-in memory management that Windows 7 provides.   

Check your requirements
Before you start your installation, please make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements. These will vary slightly depending if your machine is a 32 or 64 bit. If you’re not sure which version you’re running, go here for instructions to find out.

One last step you might want to consider before installation is running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The advisor tool will scan your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues and will advise you how to resolve potential issues. 

Final thought…
The choice to upgrade to Windows 7 is completely up to you, but if you’re in the market for a new computer then Windows 7 is definitely a great choice. Windows 7 is simply the operating system Vista should have been. And while your current computer may function fine, if it meets the requirements to upgrade, most likely you’ll enjoy the benefits the new system has to offer. 

We hope that this information has been helpful and remember if you have any questions or need computer repair or remote tech support, call Tech Helpline.