Windows 7: 32-bit v 64-bit

If you’re wanting to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate but aren’t sure whether you should do the 32-bit or 64-bit, the following links provide instructions:

• For XP:  Click Here
• For Vista:  Click Here

It does matter which one you install, but it’s pretty easy to find out what you need if curious.  Most will be able to get away with the 32-bit, even if you are capable of running 64.  That is, don’t install 64 if you’re running 32, but if you’re running 64 you can do 32.  Why do I mention this?  Because the 64-bit version recommends more memory (RAM) than the 32-bit version (twice as much, as in 2G).

As always:

• back up your data before installing,
  
• and if you aren’t doing this on a secondary computer (which MS recommends), make sure you have a restore disk to put either XP or Vista back on if required.

Also remember that starting March 1, your computer will begin the shut down process every two hours until you purchase the full market version of Windows 7 (or take it off).  It’s what Microsoft calls it’s “warning.”  I think three months of this process is beyond lame (the RC doesn’t expire until June 1) but it’s their call and probably covers them in more ways than just economically.

Happy Downloading!

Filed under: Software, OS

Windows 7 – Free for 13 Months?

Just read this article from ComputerWorld talking about the Windows 7 Release Candidate. 

Filed under: Software

Good Online Software Training

Generally speaking, most items on this site are DIY, free or virtually free because of purpose for the site.  But a primary goal is assisting with good tools:  those things that give you good bang-for-your-minutes so you can spend more time on ministry and less on technology frustrations.

In that vein, I want to mention a resource that is not free but can produce significant time and frustration savings.  Very little costs us more time and frustration than having the software we need, but not being able to get it to do what we want.  We’ve all been there and Lynda.com can help.

Filed under: Resources, Software, MS Office, Online tools, Software, training

When Do You Need To Upgrade Office or Windows?

With the release of Windows 7 coming this year, you may be wondering if you need to upgrade your operating system if you use a PC – particularly if you did not upgrade to Vista and still run XP.  Naturally, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, but I will offer a few of the guidelines I suggest when asked this question.

Filed under: Maintaining Your Computer, Software, computer maintenance, MS Office, OS, Planning, Software

Don’t forget about anti-virus software

If you, your ministry or your church owns a PC, you need anti-virus software.

Filed under: Maintaining Your Computer, Software, anti-virus, licensing, Software