Internet Explorer users: Stop what you're doing...

News alert today: April 28, 2014

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advised computer users to consider using alternatives to Microsoft Corp's Internet Explorer browser until the company fixes a security flaw that hackers have used to launch attacks.

The bug is the first high-profile security flaw to emerge since Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows XP earlier this month. That means PCs running the 13-year old operating system could remain unprotected against hackers seeking to exploit the newly uncovered flaw, even after Microsoft figures out how to defend against it.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a part of Homeland Security known as US-CERT, said in an advisory released on Monday morning that the vulnerability in versions 6 to 11 of Internet Explorer could lead to "the complete compromise" of an affected system."

Read more at Chicago Tribune or CNN or your favorite news source.

Favorite new toy: Windows 7 under the tree

If you're wishing for a new computer, I hope you find a Windows 7 PC or laptop under your tree. If you have a Windows XP computer with enough power, memory and disk space, you can get by with a shiny new Windows 7 DVD and install it over Windows XP.

It's not quite as easy as opening a box with a fully configured Windows 7 set up on a hot new computer, so here's a link to some resources to help you if you choose to upgrade over Windows XP.

The Windows 7 Easy Transfer process will copy all your data files to the new computer (cross-over cable required)


Microsoft installation guide for each version

TechFlash guide to loading Windows 7 over XP

A New, New Computer

Today is the launch day for Windows 7, the first new PC operating system in about seven years. I was one of the few to buy a new computer today. You know I did it for you -- so I can work with the new system and hep you with yours.

Windows 7 is available as a DVD to upgrade your Vista operating system. Prices for the DVD start at $119. And, I got a 15" laptop with Windows 7 for only $299. So you can see why it was such a good deal.

I'll report back soon on what hardware and software problems crop up, and explore some of the beneficial features. I'm hoping there are at least a few improvements in file management and intuitive interfaces. But for speed and performance... it rocks!