I’ve been using Windows since before Windows 3.1, which is when this unruly beast finally became functional. You can’t imagine what it was like running PageMaker and Photoshop on machines that sometimes took a full minute or so for screen redraws. Crashes were a regular occurrence, driving me nuts and making me wonder why I bothered. Finally, with version 3.1, Windows became relatively stable and PCs were almost fast enough to run the struggling OS comfortably. Now, over 20 years later, here we are at version 7. As usual, Microsoft and pundits are touting it as the greatest thing since sliced bread. But we’ve heard that before…

With each Windows release the everyday enduser encounters numerous serious issues that don’t turn up during development and testing–upgrade issues, program compatibility issues, performance issues, security issues, you name it. Let’s face it, Vista was a disaster. Even after Service Pack 2, it’s still a bloated dog.

So, the question is, is Windows 7 what Vista should have been?

So far, my experience with Windows 7 has been relatively positive. But then, I doubt that I am the average PC user. (In fact, I doubt there really is such a thing as an average PC user.)

So, instead of simply recounting my limited experience with the new OS, let’s also take a look at what others are saying about Microsoft’s latest OS.

One thing we should all know by now is that moving to a new version of Windows will undoubtedly be an adventure, a test of our patience and fortitude.

Another Convoluted Edition Scheme

As with Vista, Microsoft has once again come up with an elaborate Edition scheme to confuse you and relieve you of more of your money. The more you need your computer to do, the more Widows 7 will cost you. Oh how I long for the days when all you had to do was buy and install Windows, without trying to figure out what level of user you are. This time, at least, there are only three Editions (so, Microsoft knows we don’t like this whole edition thing). Rather than go over all three and what they allow you to do, here is a link to a page on Microsoft’s site comparing them:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare

Speed and Stability

Several testers, including Microsoft, are touting Windows 7’s speed. Microsoft’s ads are calling it “snappy.” There’s a lot of hype out there about faster boot speed. Here’s an article about how fast the new OS boots:

http://windows7news.com/2008/11/11/windows-7-boot-speed-benchmark/

Most of the tests I’ve seen test how long it takes to display the desktop. But these tests are done primarily without virus and other software installed. Besides, just getting to the desktop is half the battle. Vista displays the desktop rather quickly, but the OS continues loading long after that. In fact, programs are slow to open and sluggish for quite some time after the operating system “boots”, to the point where Windows is nearly unusable for several minutes.

The real issue is, of course, how fast will programs load and perform their magic. Outlook, for example, is sluggish under Vista, and always misbehaving. We won’t know until the OS is released and running in real world environments how nice Windows 7 plays on PCs with various configurations.

Granted, Microsoft’s beta environment and sampling is much more sophisticated than with previous releases, but haven’t we heard that before?

My experience so far is that the new OS seems fairly stable. No real problems with crashing. Here’s an article from a guy with similar experience:

http://www.benhblog.com/2009/01/windows-7-beta-stability-is-solid.html

Notice, though, that Ben had trouble with one of his programs, which takes us to the next issue.

Program Compatibility

More often than not, upgrading Windows means also upgrading several programs, or running them in compatibility mode. Here’s an example of some experiences people have had running Photoshop CS4 in Windows 7.

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=720420

I haven’t had a lot of trouble with the graphics and design software I run, mostly Adobe products. And it really looks like most applications will run alright in Windows 7. Here are a few sights where people are listing their experience with various programs:

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=150360

http://www.joejoe.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=17767

New Features

So, we upgrade software to get new features, right? Well, Windows 7 has a bunch of those. Even Vista was easier to use than XP, once you found everything. And that’s the issue again. Microsoft seems to move things around and change how things are done for no apparent reason. A classic example is Office 2007. Does anybody know why it’s so different from previous versions?

Many things are different in Windows 7. For example, you setup dual monitors in an all new way.  So, there is always a learning curve.

Anyway, I found most of the new features useful, though nothing to get excited about. Here is a list of the new stuff:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features

So far, it looks like Windows 7 is relatively stable, fast, and pretty slick. But I’ve said that before about other upgrades. We’ll see…

William Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

The tech edit  for the new Introduction to Flash course on Ed2Go is nearly finished. It should be up and available soon. The name of the course is “Introduction toAdobe Flash CS4″. It is a beginner’s course on creating basic Flash movies and Websites with the latest version of Flash, Creative Suite 4.

ed2go is the largest online course provider, offering hundreds of courses through most major universities, colleges and other learning facilities.

Course Details

This twelve-week course will introduce students to the basics of using Flash, and will cover the following:

• Getting to know the Flash interface
• Flash’s drawing tools
• Flash’s text tools
• The Flash Timeline and frames
• Intro to ActionScript
• Using images, sound and video clips in Flash
• And much more

Bill Harrel - www.williamharrel.com

Here’s an easy way to sync sounds with animation in Flash without scripting. Give it a try. You won’t believe how easy it is.

You can learn this technique in William Harrel’s Introduction to Adobe Flash CS4 over at Ed2Go.

CTW and williamharrel.com are proud to announce the launch of the new Gold Coast Recovery Center Website. Gold Coast Recovery Center, Inc. is a non-profit corporation based in Ventura, California. The purpose of the corporation is to mange The Meeting Place, a meeting hall and gathering place for 12 step fellowships and people recovering from substance abuse. The Meeting Place currently hosts over twenty-five 12-Step meetings monthly, as well as various service committees for Ventura County recovery fellowships. Recovering people, or people seeking recovery, are welcome to attend any and all meetings at the facility. You are also welcome to start your own recovery meetings at The Meeting Place. All substance abuse recovery-oriented organizations are welcome. Feel free to contact us about how we can help you get a meeting started at The Meeting Place.

They are an upstart non-profit and are dire need of donations. You can reach them here:

http://www.goldcoastrecoverycenter.org

Bill Harrel -www.williamharrel.com

Nowadays, financial problems can happen to nearly anybody, even those of us who do our best to keep our  houses in order. Insolvency is rapidly becoming a huge issue for many families throughout the U.S. A few years ago, new laws made filing bankruptcy more difficult, including requirements that you get financial counseling and take courses to help you understand your finances and help you determine is bankruptcy is right for you.

Oh brother! So, here you are, broke and distraught. Now they want you to sit through some grueling and boring class on finance with a bunch of folks in the same boat.

Internet to the Rescue

The good news is that the law does not rule out taking the course on the Internet in the privacy of your own home. williamharrel.com has recently developed such a course for the folks at Money Matters, a division of DBSM, Inc.

 

Actually, the law requires that you take two courses, one before you file and one after you file. In order to successfully navigate the BK quagmire, you must file certificates for both courses. And the two certificates, “Bankruptcy Certification” and “Pre-Discharge Education”, must come from a government certified agency. My BK now, or MyBKNow.com, has been approved to issue both certificates. 

For a complete description of the course requirements, go here:  http://www.mybknow.com/faq.php?

I have known the folks at Money Matters for over 25 years. While there are a few other online courses out there, there isn’t a nicer, more reputable organization to turn to for help during this most trying of times, bankruptcy.

You can check out My BK Now here: http://www.MyBKNow.com

William Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

Many thanks to Brian Gardner and the folks over at StudioPress for their impressive and delightful WordPress themes. I have just used one of them, Streamline, to upgrade this blog. Thanks to them, no longer is Communications Technology Watch boring and ordinary. The StudioPress Streamline theme is complete, reasonably priced and easy to implement, saving me countless hours redesigning this site from scratch. Great craftsmanship. You can bet I’ll be back the next time one of my clients needs a blog.

Clear Instructions

I was genuinely impressed with how well everything works within the theme, and the instructions on the StudioPress support Website are well-written, clear and complete. Not once was I held up waiting for answers from the StudioPress support team. I found everything I needed on the support site. And the few questions I did have (pre-purchase) were answered via email immediately. Few things are more frustrating than waiting hours or days for support to get back to you. 

Superb Tutorials

As a writer of many aftermarket software books and how-too articles, I have some experience in telling endusers how to do things. Seldom have I seen a clearer set of tutorials. Each process is laid out and identified so well that I didn’t have to waste time looking for answers. I appreciate vendors who consider my time valuable. (And, of course, a well constructed support site saves the vendor’s time, too. Still, there are many endusers who either refuse to use the resources or, no matter how well they are written, can’t seem to understand them.)

Keep up the Good Work

Nowadays, many companies are choosing to use WordPress and other blog server software to construct entire Websites. a trend I was somewhat dubious about at first. Especially since my background is design and I hate to program. Thanks to StudioPress and companies like them, we, the programming-challenged, can keep up with technology without having to spend all our time mired in experimenting with and debugging frustrating code. I encourage Brian and StudioPress to give us some more themes. And, yes, I understand it is hard work and takes time.

You can check out the StudioPress themes here: http://www.studiopress.com/

For examples of various sites that use StudioPress themes, go here: http://www.studiopress.com/showcase

To keep ups with StudioPress news, such as special offers, checkout their blog: http://www.studiopress.com/category/announcements

William Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

Yes, creating Websites is fun and rewarding work. And nothing is more fun and rewarding than creating Flash Websites, or other Flash applications, such as online movies or training courses. Nowadays, learning to use Flash is a must for student Website and Web application designers.

So, naturally I was thrilled when I landed the assignment to write an introduction course for Ed2Go. The name of the course is “Introduction to Adobe Flash CS4″. It is a beginner’s course on creating basic Flash movies and Websites with the latest version of Flash, Creative Suite 4.

ed2go is the largest online course provider, offering hundreds of courses through most major universities, colleges and other learning facilities.

Course Details

This twelve-week course will introduce students to the basics of using Flash, and will cover the following:

• Getting to know the Flash interface
• Flash’s drawing tools
• Flash’s text tools
• The Flash Timeline and frames
• Intro to ActionScript
• Using images, sound and video clips in Flash
• And much more

The course is well underway and should be available is a few months.

Bill Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

OK. So we have another IE, version 8. Once again Microsoft piles on the features, changes the interface, and introduces frustrating new “security” with disregard for the enduser. It’s a toss-up as to whether a couple of new wizz-bang enhancements make upgrading to version 8 worthwhile. Why is it that it always takes a service pack or two before upgrades to this product are stable?

Nifty New Features

Granted, there are a couple of new features that will make browsing somewhat easier, but I would rather have seen the bloat and performance issues fixed–besides, this new version has introduced a couple more problems. But let’s look at the good, before ranting about the bad and the ugly.

Accelerators

Accelerators don’t really accelerate anything. They are designed to save you steps. And, for the most part they do. The concept is that you can get in-place content with a few mouse clicks, rather than having to navigate to new pages.

Here is an example of how it looks with Live Maps:

 Web Slices

Web Slices is, perhaps, the best new feature. Basically it allows you to flag specific Web pages. IE will then monitor them and notify you when the content on the page changes. This is great for monitoring blogs, auctions, and so on. And you can setup as many Web Slices as you want and set the monitoring and notification intervals.

Here is an example of Web Slices monitoring an Ebay auction:

Here is a link to a page on Microsoft’s site that describes Web Slices in detail:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/web-slices.aspx

The thing to keep in mind with both Accelerators and Web Slices is that the owners of the sights you want to monitor have to setup server-side Accelerator and Web Slice applications in order for your IE to use them. So far, not many sites have Web Slices or Accelerators available.

Other new features

There are some other new, not-so-exciting features that Microsoft is touting as all that and a bag of chips, but for the most part they are ho-hum. Here they are:

• InPrivate Browsing
• Search Suggestions
• SmartScreen Filter

You can get descriptions of them here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/overview.aspx?tabid=1&catid=1

And, of course, there is always Microsoft’s constant “security” enhancements. Whether security is acutally enhanced (or that these changes are necessary), I am not really qualified to judge. But I do know that each new browser upgrade makes using IE more difficult.

For example, (and I am just getting started using IE 8), some security enhancement in IE 8 has crippled my ability to upload images to this blog through the WordPress interface while using IE 8. I keep getting an error that the target directory can’t be created. (The directory is already there.) None of the documents on Microsoft’s support site address this specific issue. So I have had to change the way I upload images. Or use another browser.

The same Old Bloated IE

I have always had problems with IE that I never have with Safari or FireFox. Since upgrading to Vista, the latest two issues are quite aggrivating. First, for some reason, now and then IE just stops working. I get a Not Responding error. Sometimes, after several minutes, it corrects itself. Other times, I have to go into Task Manager and kill IE to get it to work again. Second, when ever my Laptop goes to sleep (as it does every night), after waking it up, I cannot get IE to open within 5 or 10 minutes, not without rebooting my computer, that is.

(I know, you’re thinking that something is wrong with my computer. Perhaps, but, again, the other two browsers don’t behave like this.)

One of the reasons I upgraded was to try to solve these two issue. No luck. The program is still huge, takes much too long to load and is terribly quirky. If I run into any more problems, I am going back to version 7. It is usually a good idea to wait for the first service pack release before upgrading any Microsoft product.

Bill Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

For those of you who use the Writer’s Market website, or those thinking about it, to help market your wares, beware. A little over two months ago they did a redesign that totally ruined the site. Listings are incomplete, searches don’t work properly, and the site crashes regularly.

I have been communicating with them, and all I can get out of them is, “We’re working on it.”

Frankly, I have never seen a Website be out of commission this long. I have been a user of Writer’s Digest products for nearly 20 years and am immensely disappointed in their lack of performance. My lack of confidence is escalating.

You can visit the site at www.writersmarket.com

William Harrel – www.williamharrel.com

Saturation, or oversubscription and congestion, are common problems on most Internet Service Provider backbones. During peak hours, traffic hogs can cause you ISPs network to slow to a crawl, playing havoc with critical applications, such as Voice over IP calls and Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections.

The way most ISPs address this, rather than beefing up their Network’s capacity, is by throttling heavy users and/or certain types of Internet traffic, such as bit-torrent applications and uploads. The FCC has ruled that throttling traffic is illegal, and that providers need to find other ways to deal with congestion.

Google has funded an effort to help users identify throttles and blocked ports on their connections, as described in the following Wall Street Journal article:

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/01/28/google-launches-a-net-neutrality-test/

The Measurement Lab itself is at the following URL:

http://www.measurementlab.net/

However, each time I have tried to use it, it fails at some point. Must still be under development.

Bill Harrel – www.williamharrel.com