The New Year

Windows 7

I got a new laptop with Windows 7 on it. I like it. I am recommending it to my clients. It is not too different from Vista so Vista users won't be totally lost. XP users will have a steeper learning curve but will still benefit from upgrading to 7. I recommend if your pc can handle the upgrade, then proceed. If not and you are ready to upgrade your hardware, buy a new pc with Windows 7 already installed.

Remote Control Programs

Why do you need to know about them if you don't do desktop pc support? We all have friends and relatives who are constantly asking us to fix pc problems. With remote control programs we can fixe many of these problems without going to their homes or offices. This saves a LOT of travel time and money, especially if we aren't getting paid for our services.

I use a program called logmein (that's log me in) for more permanent remote control that may require me accessing pc's without the owners being present. All of my clients have agreed to allow me access to their pc's when they are not present. I can do repairs, training, and routine maintenance.

For situations where the client may want a less permanent program, I use either crossloop, or Fog Creek Software's copilot program. Crossloop is part of a pc help site that connects pc technicians to users in need of help. The crossloop remote control (screen sharing) software will work without having to create a login id on crossloop. Fog Creek Copilot software is free to use on weekends. And, you can get a $ 5.00 day pass during the week.

All of these programs work very well.

Peace,

Dave

http://www.davepickel.com