November 7, 2006
Happy Election Day
Remember to vote. He're are a few tips to ensure that your computer work goes as smoothly as possible.
Internet Explorer 7 Upgrade
Microsoft is in the process of releasing an upgrade to the popular Internet Explorer browser used by 90% of all people. The new version includes tabbed browsing, which allows you to open multiple web sites and switch between them by clicking on the tabs. Tabbed browsing can be a real time-saver, and has been very popular with the Firefox browser. In our testing, we found that IE7 to be more stable and more reliable than the previous version, IE6. You should also consider upgrading to take advantage of IE7's improved security features.
However, if you use certain software, you may need to investigate IE7 compatibility issues. We received this notice from Bonnie Hill of Hill and Associates:
As your QuickBooks ProAdvisor®, I wanted you to know that Microsoft will soon be sending out an automatic update to Internet Explorer, replacing Internet Explorer 6 with Internet Explorer 7. This affects users of QuickBooks®: Simple Start, QuickBooks: Basic, QuickBooks: Pro, QuickBooks: Premier, and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions.
I am recommending that you decline the Internet Explorer 7 upgrade if you are currently using any version of QuickBooks earlier than QuickBooks 2006 Release 8 or QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 6, Release 8.
Intuit has posted more information for you at this link: http://www.quickbooks.com/support/ie7
This approach will make sure that you are able to continue to use QuickBooks without any interruptions of the user experience.
More information about IE7 and the IE7 download page is available at the Microsoft web site. Please contact us if you run into any problems with your upgrade to IE7.
LCD Screens
Flat panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor prices have dropped. Consider giving yourself more desk space, and easing your eye strain with a new monitor. Studies have show that a bigger monitor, or a second monitor, can increase productivity by 20%. Instead of switching back and forth between different windows, you can place them side by side for easy reference or copying.
Did you know that many Windows and Macintosh computers support dual monitors? This is a great option for notebook computer users. You can simply unplug the second monitor and leave it on your desk. When connected you can use both screens at the same time and move your mouse back and forth between them, effectively doubling your Windows desktop area.
If you need help choosing a monitor, we'd be glad to help.
Protection Software
Just having anti-virus and anti-spyware software isn't enough. In order to guard against the latest threats you need to update your virus and malware definitions so your software can detect newly emerging threats. If your software asks you to check for upgrades, click "yes." If your computer is running slow, freezing up or crashing, that could be a malware problem. Call us for immediate help.
That wraps up this newsletter. Thank you for reading! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours truly,
Avi Smith-Rapaport
We Care Computers LLC
