What Is Virtualization, A Virtual Machine, and a Virtual PC?

June 16, 2009

in advanced computing,Linux,Macintosh,Vista,Windows

by David Hakala

In a recent answer to a reader’s question, I discussed Running Vista and XP Simultaneously.” That article discussed the dual-boot method of keeping two operating systems on one machine, loading one at a time by rebooting. There is another more convenient way to switch from one operating system to another.
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Can I and Should I Delete or Remove Vista’s Recovery Partition?

in data storage and recovery
Vista

Vista’s recovery partition is critical in case of installation crashes. However, to save space, you can move its capabilities off your hard drive to offline storage.

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I Want a New Computer with Windows XP, not Vista

in Vista
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If you’d like a new PC but would rather run Windows XP and not Vista, it’s still possible to find new computers with XP installed instead of Vista, or the option to “downgrade” to XP. Also, recent reports suggest that retailers may have longer than Microsoft originally said to convert to selling Vista-only PCs.

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Why Is My Windows Taskbar Cluttered with Small Program Icons?

in Vista
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Icons in the Windows Taskbar can provide convenient access to often-used programs. But in some cases these icons are just, at best, cluttering up your taskbar, and at worst, slowing down your computer. Fortunately, you can choose which program icons are displayed on the taskbar.

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How to Use Speech-to-Text Software

in applications
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While third-party speech recognition software will do the best job of recognizing your voice and transcribing your words to text. But Microsoft Vista’s built-in speech-to-text is serviceable, especially if you follow a few steps.

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How to Disable Outlook 2007 Synchronizing Folders

in computer performance
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The resource-hogging synchronizing folders feature in Outlook 2007 can’t be stopped without opting for a different email client. However, you can adjust various settings to minimize the impact on your computer’s performance.

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Pros and Cons of Microsoft Windows Defender

in privacy & security
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Microsoft Windows Defender is an OK anti-spyware program included with Windows XP and Vista. But there are better programs available, and in any case PC users would still need to supplement Defender with some kind of anti-virus protection.

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Open Office 2007 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files With Office 2003 Versions

in applications
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With many PC users having switched to Windows Vista, while others stick with Microsoft’s previous operating system, Windows XP, some Microsoft Office files are getting lost in translation. It is possible to open Office 2007 Word, Excel and PowerPoint files (including Word files with the .docx extension) with Office 2003, but the formatting may change.

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Getting a “Restore” CD From a Vendor and Using Vista’s “Preserve My Data” Feature

in data storage and recovery
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Due to their licensing agreements with Microsoft, vendors of computers with Windows Vista preinstalled cannot provide buyers with a Restore CD. However, the built-in Restore program is able to reinstall Vista—albeit while wiping all existing data and applications from the hard drive.

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Best Ways to Get Microsoft Windows Updates

in computer performance

You can set your computer up to get Microsoft Windows updates automatically, or pick and choose when to check for update packages that should keep your computer secure and keep it performing well.

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How Can I Print the Contents of a Windows File Directory?

in applications

If you need to print a Windows file directory to help organize the materials on your computer, you don’t have to modify the registry. Take the simpler approach of downloading directory printer software.

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