teknote systems corporate blog

Computer users have watched notebook computers go thinner and light as paper, so what’s next? Even smaller! That’s right, now web surfers have the no-lugging option of sporting miniature notebook computers for logging onto the internet. What could be more handy than a purse-sized computer for checking favorite websites while sipping a latte at the coffee house, as opposed to a 19″ desktop replacement taking up too much table space? A Netbook is the answer.

But wait. Before you go crazy purchasing any old Netbook computer, Teknote Systems recommends that you do some comparison shopping first. Take inventory on how you plan to use the computer and what will be needed in support of that usage. What kind of operating system fits into your comfort zone? Be aware that most manufacturers charge extra for Windows, pre-loading Linux Ubuntu instead unless you request otherwise. Take a long and close look at the specifications. Will the Netbook have enough memory to support software specifications? Review the fine print, or else upgrades may be necessary in your future.

For more information, visit the following websites for help in becoming an informed Netbook shopper:

• Comparison of Netbooks - Wikipedia
• Netbooks Compared: Obsessable Comparator
• IntelliReview: Top 10 Netbooks Voted by Consumer Reviewers
• Business Week, Stephen H. Wildstrom: HP’s Mini 1000 mi Takes Netbooks a Big Step Forward

Apple’s release of its new Mac OS X Leopard has all the tech critics talking raving. Not only is the operating system an improvement on an already proven leader, but Leopard applies a human touch with the use of file Stacks for organization and Finder for management. As an additional and much needed feature, Apple also introduces Time Machine as a solution for file backup and recovery. And with a pricetag less than $200 for a new install or upgrade, these features (and 300+ more) are well worth the investment for Apple computer users.

This is the kind of stir in technology that makes us Windows users tempted to jump ship…

Recently posted in a Microsoft Watch blog, a technology columnist delivers a scathing review of Microsoft’s Vista operating system:

The Vista experience is broken. It’s long past time to fix it. Not since Windows ME or Mac OS X 10.0 have I observed a more troubled consumer operating system. This is a difficult post to write, because I really don’t want to beat on Microsoft about Vista yet again. But yesterday’s continuation of the Windows Vista Capable lawsuit and several conversations I had today are reasons to look at what Microsoft got wrong and why the company should make things right.

Simply put: Windows Vista is a train wreck, but it didn’t have to be. Unfortunately, my “Wow” moment was accepting Windows Vista for what it is. Vista will succeed in the marketplace because of the huge infrastructure built up around the operating system. But that doesn’t mean most people will like using Vista, or even ask for it. [more]

~ “Broken Windows” by Joe Wilcox, eWeek Microsoft Watch, Aug. 9, 2007.

Ditto… ouch.

Effective May 1, 2007, Microsoft Office 2003 will no longer be available

As of May 1st, customers can no longer have Microsoft Office 2003 pre-installed on their systems. Only Microsoft Office 2007 will be offered on all systems - including those with Windows XP.

Is Microsoft Office 2007 compatible with Windows XP?

YES. All of the new and exciting features of Microsoft Office 2007 are completely compatible with Windows XP

Is Microsoft Office 2007 backwards compatible with previous versions of Microsoft Office?

YES. Microsoft Office 2007 files will automatically convert to readable/usable files for anyone using any prior version of Office and vice versa.

Are there any issues with Microsoft Office 2007?

NO. All of the functionality within Office 2003 is available in Office 2007

Why should I want to install Office 2007 on my systems?

Microsoft Office 2007 was designed to be more user-friendly. The new Ribbon shows visual representations of tools and commands, unlike prior versions of Office in which the user had to search the toolbar to complete a task.

People speak and Dell listens:

In a reaction to customer demand, Dell has restarted selling PCs with Windows XP installed. The change came after Dell’s feedback site was swamped with calls for the return of the venerable software. Now customers can opt for the Home or Professional version of XP on six models of Dell machines.