Well, this newsletter marks the jump from every four months to every three months on the newsletter. Maybe one day soon it'll be monthly! If you've missed the previous newsletters, be sure to check them out. And yes, yet another reminder - if you're not backing up your files on a regular basis, you're living on borrowed time.

Windows Vista - Update

A quick update from the last newsletter - Windows Vista is set to be released very soon. While I can't find anything on the web with a firm date, it will most likely be in January or February 2007. In the meantime, if you're looking for a new computer for Christmas, your best bet is to get a gift certificate and wait until new systems are shipping with Windows Vista pre-installed. But if you can't wait, make sure your new computer is Windows Vista Capable. And most systems now are coming with an Express Upgrade so that when Vista is released, you will be able to upgrade to Windows Vista at no additional cost.

If your computer isn't that old and you're interested in upgrading to Windows Vista, you can download the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and find out if your system meets the minimum requirements, and if there are any issues that you should anticipate before installing.

Internet File Sharing

Many of you with teenagers (and probably a fair number of you young adults) either have peer-to-peer file sharing programs on your computer or have had one installed in the past. Parents often ask me what I think of those programs, so let me give you my quick opinions on the matter.

First, the way these programs are usually used is illegal. The programs themselves are not illegal, just the way they're used. Check out this recent article as just one example of what's currently happening in the courts involving kids, their parents, and the recording industry.

Second, but probably more important than the first, is the security risk. Aside from opening a part of your computer up to access by anyone on the Internet, you are downloading content from others with unknown intentions. At best, they're just trying to "stick it" to the recording industry. At worst, they're the next big hacker / virus author / spyware distributor trying to use your computer as a distribution point for their next great piece of malicious software. And while I certainly don't want to overstate that risk (it's fairly small), you wouldn't download music from "Joe's Virus Infected Music Repository," so why download it from a nameless IP address that may or may not belong to Joe.

Lastly, for you parents, you should be aware that I've run across a lot of downloaded pornography on computers with file sharing programs installed. It's just one more step to take to protect your kids.

If I've convinced you of the potential evils, then it's time to check and see if you have one installed. The most common file sharing / peer-to-peer programs include:

• LimeWire
• Morpheus
• BitTorrent
• iMesh
• KaZaa
• Grokster
• Bear Share

If you're not sure if one of these is installed on your computer - ask your kids first. Explain the risks. And if you're still not sure, call to set up an appointment so we can make sure that you're OK.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for continuing to entrust your friends and family to my care. December is a busy month for everyone, so if you anticipate any computer needs, please be sure to give me as much notice as possible.

Have a great weekend!

Don

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