In the shadow of Vista: Office 2007

Now that the Microsoft Vista's over-hyped launch has appropriately fizzled, CNET.com looked at the companion Office 2007 and has the following report, admired for its brevity:

"The good: Previously hard-to-find features now easier to explore; Word embraces basic desktop publishing tools; Excel formulas are easier to reference; PowerPoint presentations are more attractive; Outlook improves task and time management; improved integration throughout the applications; smaller application and file sizes; new file formats are easier to salvage if corrupted; document security is more straightforward.

The bad: Drastic design changes demand a steep learning curve if you're upgrading; new interface isn't always intuitive; contextual tabs and style galleries can be distracting; users of Office 2000 through 2003 must install converters to open Office 2007 files; no easy way to save work to the Web."

If you are using Office 2000 or 2003, and happy with it, there's no need to chase after this new version. But if you're in the market for an update from Office 97, or want to purchase individual components, focus on the 'good' as shown above, and conquer the bad by learning about the new features. Absent a way to save work to the web, you might also want a good web editing program. Let me know if you need help along the way.

When a blogger types in China...

Last week, I made a presentation to a writer's group about blogs: their immediacy, their impact, and the pleasures of a space on the web where writers like me can post brief essays about any topics of interest at any time.

I doubt there were any skeptics in the audience after my presentation, based on all the positive feedback I've received. If there were, today's Chicago Tribune rather proves my point about the efficacy of blogs.

On Page One in the Sunday Tribune there's an article by Evan Osnos, a Tribune foreign correspondent :

"Chinese blogger's crusade has Starbucks feeling heat"

The blogger, Rui Chenggang, a television anchorman, believes Starbucks should withdraw it's shop from the 600-year-old majestic palace complex in the Forbidden City as a sign of cultural respect.

As a result of the blogger's campaign, palace authorities are weighing the issue, and thousands of Internet users are visitings Rui's blog. China has 20 million bloggers and 137 million web users, according to the article, which states: "With few other ways to protest within China, consumers see the web as a raucous town square."

News of this blogger's efforts have spread to CNN, MSNBC, Yahoo.com News, Technorati - the blog search engine, and probably Starbucks headquarters too.

I'm unable to link to Chenggang''s blog for you, because it's written in Chinese. Our insular American web browsers generally can't display Chinese characters, but you can find out more by looking up his name at technorati.com or google.com.

Vista Lust?

Okay, Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, launches at midnight tomorrow. Isn't that a lot of hoopla for an operating system? Sit tight if you can fight the desire for Vista. Your computer would need more memory, a bigger hard drive, a faster processer, new graphics card, and a DVD drive just to load it. Plus, many peripherals such as printers, backup systems and digital cameras won't work on Vista without udpated software.

If you don't believe me, here's the viewpoint from The Chicago Tribune's Jim Coates today. He's everyone's favorite print columnist and he says:

"... and many experts are telling their clients (correctly, I think) to stick with Windows XP until their next machine. This is because much of Vista focuses on ease of use and beautiful displays one can get by without for a while."

SeaMonkey

Our loyalty to Netscape as the most secure browser, with best features, is likely coming to an end.

I'm currently evaluating SeaMonkey from Mozilla as an alternative.


Many clients report Netscape crashes when opening web pages that are created with advanced graphics, flash screens end embedded video.

Netscape v. 8.3 is stable, but many of us are holding on to v. 7.2 because it is the last version to include email. Newer versions are browser only, exactly like IE and Firefox.

But Netscape was always fantastic. It was relatively safe from hackers, offered tabbed browsing, robust email with an excellent junk filter, labels to sort mail by priority and sub-folder support.

Then there was the outstanding ability to edit web pages and publish them on the fly. I used this feature every week. The HTML editor was unique to Netscape. Copy-cats IE and Firefox didn't add that to their browser, and couldn't seem to figure out a way to include email.

SeaMonkey, from the original makers of Netscape looks like a good replacement. You can download the product here: http://www.mozilla.org/projects/seamonkey/
or wait til I have a chance to conclude a 30-day test of the program. Write to me at Helen@cclarity.com if you have questions or opinions about SeaMonkey.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

1. Use more than the minimum number of six characters, since longer passwords are generally more secure than shorter ones.
2. Use punctuation symbols in your password, such as a period ( . ) or an exclamation point ( ! ), and a mix of upper and lowercase letters.
3. Replace a letter or two with a number or symbol that looks similar, such as @ for a or 1 for i.
4. Avoid common words or well known information about yourself (such as birth date and family members' names) as part of your password. Instead, use a word or phrase that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to figure out.
5. Use a memory aid. One common method for creating strong passwords is to create a phrase that only you would understand to use as an aid for remembering your password (mnemonic).

For example, a common mnemonic used to help school children remember the notes for the lines of the G clef musical scale (EGBDF, from bottom to top) is "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge." An associated password for that mnemonic could be gClef_3gbdf.


Why Create a Strong Password?

Online criminals are, unfortunately, very sophisticated at figuring out passwords. The strong password requirements that BizLand enforces are far more effective at keeping your account secure than simple everyday words.

Here's a test you'll likely fail:
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx
and see how quickly your password fails to pass their basic security check.

Any questions? Contact helen@cclarity.com

Coincidence? I don't think so

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Here is my book cover, for Computer Ease, launched in November, 2005.



And here is the Nov. 6, 2006 New Yorker.

I'm getting a kick out of the similarity to my book.

Vista update

Microsoft Vista, the operating system to replace Windows XP will begin shipping at the end of this month, and will be on most new computers by next month. Before it's even on the market, Microsoft has launched the "Vista Ultimate Extras" package. As I've said before, Vista is indeed a refreshing and exciting interface, but none of the glitz matters if we still just want to do our work the same way. There are long-term, significant improvements in security, but don't get caught in the hype. For example, the two biggest features of the Ultimate Extras package are: Texas Hold'M Poker and DreamScene to animate your screen wallpaper. As I said, the hype won't improve productivity, so either buy it for fun, or wait til you get a new computer and spend time learning some of the more worthwhile features.

Out With the Old?

Let's make a clean sweep at the end of the year by talking about defragmenting your hard disk.
It's not as simple as it used to be, due to today's large hard disk sizes, but is still essential to keep file fragments from getting scattered.

As files are written to a hard disk over time, their fragments get saved in non-contiguous spaces. You'll know it because when you go to open files, you hear the hard drive working to pull the fragments from each space on the disk. If it takes longer and longer to open frequent files, you'll know they are being stored in non-contiguous space.

Think of it like looking through your office for random pieces of paper that all belong in one folder. You waste time hunting for the scraps and putting them back together in the right order. Long term, there is a risk of being unable to grab all the pieces, which is how files become corrupted.

The larger the file, the longer it takes to find all the remnants. So if you routinely work with very large files, defrag is an important tool.

When drive heads have to work harder, seeking fragments across a large space, chances of a drive crash increase. This problem is compounded by today's super large drives.

What to do?
Go to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools and you'll find Disk Defragmenter. When you open it, click Analyze or Details and look at the map - even if it says only 0% or 4% fragmented, run the program anyway.

It's best to run Defrag overnight, because you can't use the computer while it is reorganizing files. If you're impatient you can use a utility like Diskeeper to maintain the disk over time, or look into the new Defrag utility Microsoft is launching with Vista.

"I only have eyes for ... all your data," says Google

A Chicago Tribune article today addresses privacy concerns with using some online software, specificallly Google Desktop. Too many web users think of such offerings as a free service or cool tool, but the profit motive of billion dollar companies should send a warning message.... they're in it for the money.

When Google offers their Desktop tool, allowing you to store and track searches, including searching files on your own computer, you are allowing Google to read, store and track your data for years, until 2038 in the example cited in this excellent article by the Tribune's David Greising and John McCormick.

"Google's Desktop program, a virtual file management system, scans all of the users data - text files, tax returns, electronic wills and such. It indexes and stores the data on enormous server "farms" all around the world.
Desktop even automatically stores copies of deleted files. "

Lest you think it is not within their right to do so, the article points out a fact I repeat over and over to clients: Read the privacy statement, even the legalese. By agreeing to such terms, you're signing away your privacy rights.

The irony in the Google cool factor is that you can search your desktop on your own, using Windows Explorer or third-party products like EnFish that don't report the data back to the vendor.

You pay a price for "free" services.

Any questions, email Helen@cclarity.com

Can you un-backup your data?

Most of us have learned (the hard way) to back up our critcial computer data regularly. Whether you choose floppy, zip, CD, USB or another method, make sure you can recover files from a backup too.

If you use a program that creates a backup set, you won’t be able to recover just the one file you need. You’ll have to revert back all the files in the set. And, you'll have to use the same program you used to create the backup. That could spell trouble.

If you have old, old backups that you need, you should modernize the backup media over time. For example, if your great American novel is backed up on a 5-1/4 inch floppy disk, it’s not likely you’ll be able to find a computer with that drive size. The same is becoming true with 3-1/2 inch floppy drives. Most new computers now ship without a floppy drive. They've become obsolete, in favor of more portable USB thumb drives.

CDs can become unreliable - as though the data fades right off. The coating on CD’s does not last forever. For long-term storage they should be kept upright in cases, away from light sources, heat and humidity.

Popular and inexpensive USB thumb drives have at least a ten year data retention ablity. And we hope USB ports will be around that long. This year they are the #1 stocking stuffer for tech fans of all ages.

Even file formats can be a problem. Files created in very, very old versions of Quicken, Word, and obsolute programs will not easily convert to new programs - so if your computer records go back more than ten years, keep upgrading them to new software and new backup devices over time.

So, as you make a year-end backup, make a note in 2007 to review your backup media and make sure you aren't backing up your data to an unreachable void.

Multi-tasking: Enough already !

I wrote previously about the London study indicating multitasking had the same effect on the brain as marijuana. And, not in a good way.

Another study explains that drained, confused feeling we all experience... can't focus, lose details, fatigue easily - it's not iron-poor blood, it's technology, if not used well.

A study by FirStep Inc., Pennsylvania business strategists, says U.S. office workers get interrupted on the job as often as eleven times an hour. Cost to businesses? It's a staggering $588 billion/year.

Read more:

• Add in the distracting lure of checking e-mails, surfing the Internet and chatting by computer, and workers interrupt themselves nearly as much as they are interrupted by others, experts say.

• "With instant messaging on your desktop and alerts and e-mail notifications, you set yourself up for it," said John Putzier, founder of FirStep Inc. business strategists in Prospect, Pennsylvania.

• A typical manager is interrupted six times an hour, one recent study showed, while another found the average cubicle worker is interrupted more than 70 times a day.

• Other research has found office workers getting interrupted every 11 minutes, even as another study said nearly half of workplace interruptions are self-imposed.

• A study by Basex found office distractions take up 2.1 hours of the average day - 28 percent - with workers taking an average of five minutes to recover from each interruption and return to their original tasks.

• Still another study found a group of workers interrupted by e-mail and telephones scored lower on an IQ test than a test group that had smoked marijuana."

Feeling worse now?
A large part of the problem, and the problem with email in general is that we have no way to separate the critical from the comical. At first the sense of busy-ness and jumping from task to task might feel good. You're getting a lot done, staying on top of what matters, but there is something terribly seductive about being plugged in. Soon it turns into overload and as you keep pushing buttons, switching gears and jumping among topics, you don't realize your effectiveness drops rapidly.

Don't embrace the over-connected nature of technology if it is wearing you down. Control the intrusions, and enjoy greater satisfaction. Imagine: Start a task and finish it without switching to five or six other non-urgent interruptions.

Like any good habit, it takes practice. Give yourself two weeks over the holidays to break the cycle of always-on, and stop responding to every interruption. Let me know how it works for you, and remember you can ask questions anytime on Computer Clarity's forum at http://www.cclarity.com/questions.html .

But remember... Just because it's up 24 x 7, you don't have to be.

Happy Holidays,
Helen

Computer requirements to run Vista and sample pricing

CNET.com is running daily updates on Vista now that corporate users are testing it.

The recommended minimum specifications are:
* A 1GHz processor.
* 1GB of RAM.
* A 40GB hard drive with 15GB free space.
* A graphics card that supports DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver.
* 128MB dedicated memory for the graphics card.

Note that if your graphics card is not supported then you will not be able to run the new Aero interface (including some animations and the Glass look) and some included software, such as the DVD creator, will refuse to launch. If you are questioning whether or not your graphics card is supported check with the manufacturer's website...most have lists of supported cards. Note, however, that for the most part integrated grapics are not good enough.

To find out if you meet the requirements to use the various features and display the advanced graphics of Windows Vista, it is highly recommended that you click here to download and run the Vista Upgrade Advisor first. (Requires Windows XP.) You can also click here for a similar online test from ATI.

========================================================

Official Vista Pricing:

Full Retail:
* XP Home w/ SP2: $199
* Vista Home Basic: $199
* Vista Home Premium: $239
* Vista Business: $299
* XP Pro. w/ SP2: $299
* Vista Ultimate: $399

Upgrades:
* XP Home w/ SP2: $99
* Vista Home Basic: $99
* Vista Home Premium: $159
* XP Pro. w/ SP2: $199
* Vista Business: $199
* Vista Ultimate: $259

Those who already own a license to a copy of Vista can purchase additional licenses by purchasing the associated License Pack, which costs an average of $20 less than the above listings.

Also for comparison, equivalences are:
Windows Vista Home Basic = Windows XP Home
Windows Vista Home Premium = Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows Vista Business = Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate = No matching SKU

Waiting for Vista

While you're delaying the purchase of a new computer so you can wait for one running Vista instead of Windows XP, keep these thoughts in mind, courtesty of Computer Clarity:

1. Timing: The retail version of computers loaded with Vista will be in 2007.

2. Vendors are now offering computers that are "Vista ready" meaning the processor and memory are up to Vista standards, and some are offering a free upgrade to Vista when it comes out. Why? Because they fear everyone will stop buying computers until Vista launches, and PC makers will have the weakest holiday season in years.

3. Price: New computers loaded with Vista will be very expensive, especially compared to today's great bargains in the $400 range for both desktops and laptops.

Example: The Vista operating system is priced at $399 for the Business version, $239 for Home Premium, and $199 for Home Basic (all subject to change).

So if you wait to buy a new computer, it looks like you'll be seeing prices over $1,000.

Blogs reach readers

The highly respected Pew Internet and American Life Project shares some fresh stats on blogs today:

Only about 8% of internet users blog, but that's about 12 million American adults.
39% of American adults, 57 million, read blogs.
54% of bloggers have never published anywhere else.
82% of U.S. bloggers think they will still be at it a year from now.

Am I the only one who thinks it's really funny that they conducted the research poll by phone? I know, I know, they wanted a random sample of Americans, not just committed bloggers.

More analysis on this research will be presented at Midwest Writer's Association Nov. 30, 2006 meeting at the Wilmette, IL library. More info is available at www.midwestwriters.com.

The World Is a Kitchen

Being a contributor to The World Is a Kitchen is a delicious experience. Among my promotional events, the IWPA Book Fair at the Chicago Cultural Center was a real highlight. My essay about cooking with Turkish women in their homes captivates would-be travelers and hungry foodies.

http://worldisakitchen.typepad.com/the_world_is_a_kitchen/2006/10/
the_world_is_a__2.html

This book is a super holiday gift for travelers, cooks and foodies.
http://www.travelerstales.com/catalog/kitchen/

Cheers,
Helen

Technology - what's your definition?

I read this morning that the 16th century painter Velasquez was noted for pioneering unique systems. The article, in fact, refers to them as "techniques and technology."

Curious, I delved further to see what technology would have been available to him, while painting kings in the courtyards of Spain's castles.

The answer: long-bristled and long-handled brushes.

Serves as a good reminder that your "technology" doesn't always have to be the next new gizmo, just whatever works for you. How you interact with technology means more than the gigahertz, as long as you know how to handle the paintbrush!

Cheers,
Helen

Fall events & readings

Speaking at The Midwest Literary Festival in Aurora earlier this month was terrific. My talk on "Be a Better Writer with Technology," went over well, and has resulted in a lot of inquiries from the eager writers in attendance.

Upcoming events include:

January 24, 2007 Midwest Writers Assn, Wilmette Public Library (Blogs)

www.midwestwriters.com PUBLIC IS WELCOME $5.00

February 24, 2007 Beverly Branch Public Library, 2121 W. 95th Street, Chicago "Computer Ease" speaking and book sales

March 8, 2007 Off-Campus Writers' Workshop, Winnetka IL (Self-Publishing)

www.ocww.bizland.com

April 2007 Writer's Fest, Wheeling, IL Public Library

http://www.itpld.lib.il.us/ > "Computer Ease" speaking and book sales

June 2007 Gotta Write Festival, Schaumburg

Recent Events:
October 5, 2006
Glenview Chamber of Commerce Business Expo - free to the public

October 13, 2006
Chicago Writers Assn. author readings & signings at The Book Cellar, 4736-8 N. Lincoln, Chicago

October 21, 2006
Chicago Cultural Center, IWPA Book Fair - free to the public

November 7, 2006 Glenview Chamber Tech Talk

November 8, 2006 American Assn. University Women / technology panel

November 10, 2006 The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

November 30, 2006 Midwest Writer's /members only

At these events, I'll be sharing publishing strategies, and offering Computer Ease as well as the new book The World Is a Kitchen, from Lonely Planet's Travelers' Tales series.

Is Google a Dinosaur?

Most of my readers know I always root for the underdog, so it's no surprise I've never been a big cheerleader for Google. Too big, built on the fly, and most importantly, delivers search results based on popularity.

The Chicago Tribune is doing a terrific series this week "Gunning for Google" which thoroughly explains Golliath and its multi-billion dollar success. Even Google's co-founder Larry Page is quoted in the Tribune as saying "You're important if other people think you're important."

I don't think that's a good basis for news, research or educating ourselves on important topics. Google is too big, stumbles on itself, and is caught in a tailspin of popularity making it less meaningful. As I always say in my own business, "You can't be all things to all people."

Give other search tools a chance

I like Clusty.com because it clusters search results down the left column. So if you search for "medical research" instead of 222 million results and many ads at Google, Clusty shows you the top 177 results out of 33 million. The left column then takes those 177 best results and clusters them by category, so you can explore exactly what you want: Clinical, Universities, Journal articles, etc...

I have always liked Yahoo.com - have you seen it lately? Instead of a big blank page like Google, Yahoo has a test version (beta) of a home page providing instant local traffic and weather in a sort of web balloon that appears when you move your mouse over the buttons. You can customize the page for local TV listings, movie theater schedules, and see all news categories in addition to a powerful search engine, all on one page.

Sign up for my free e-newsletter if you want to keep informed with a monthly dose of "clarity."
http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=24316a

Blogging in Bed??

As computers follow TV into the bedroom, The Chicago Tribune reports on a "Menage a Treo." Wish I'd thought of that title .... The article, by Katie Hafner, New York Times News Service points to an interesting trend.

The proliferation of electronic gadgets, overstacked schedules and tired people has created a marriage between people and their gadget addiction. I'm not sure its a good idea to bring those pesty little multi-taskers to bed with us.

Blackberry and Treo gadgets are 'smart phones' allowing you to read endless news headlines, check email, cry over your calendar. Not a precursor to a good night's sleep. Even they need to be turned off eventually, and to recharge, just like us.

Yet, the article found that in the blue glow of the screen, many people unwind at night by updating their blog, answering e-stacks of email, planning birthday parties, and engaging with the computer as a giant to-do list. We all appreciate the portability of a laptop, or the lighter notebook computers, instead of being chained to a desktop, where you work at the altar of messy electronics. With a notebook, you work where you're comfortable and when you can relax and think without distractions.

And there is an intimacy using a notebook computer if you're quietly engaged with it, but not if the time becomes a struggle. Weary, restless eyes clicking on web pages, to-do lists, and work, would lead us to a new form of e-somnia.

So, retreat to your room to relax, watch a DVD, listen to music or audio book, but be careful.... the bedroom is our last bastion of solitude, isn't it?


Cheers,
Helen

Announcing "The World is a Kitchen"

I’m pleased to share this great news…

The World Is a Kitchen
Cooking Your Way Through Culture
is now available

Published by Lonely Planet Travelers’ Tales series

My contribution, Flavor by the Spoonful, tells of my joyful adventures cooking with Turkish women in their homes.

The thirty stories that make up this book, plus recipes, will satisfy your yen for travel, adventure and great foods from the world’s kitchens.

The World Is a Kitchen reveals the diverse traditions of other countries through cuisine, utilizing both stories and recipes. Chefs, travel writers, and dedicated foodies share their unique experiences, transporting readers into kitchens around the world.

Editors: Michele Anna Jordan and Susan Brady

$16.95 Trade Paperback, ISBN 1-932361-40-5

www.theworldisakitchen.com