Hacksar

If you have used Windows in the past few years, (and now with Windows 7 out, if you aren’t using it, you should), you may have noticed that there are certain options that Microsoft claims to have implemented for “your benefit” or “security”, when in fact they are just plain annoying. Have you ever come across automatic updates downloading and completing installation all without even informing you, only to find a window pop up saying “Windows needs to restart to complete installing updates” and has a postpone button (which has a max time of clearly not long enough) and just a count down timer that will automatically restart your computer if you aren’t there to hit Postpone? I hate that option, because there have been so many times when I have important documents open, or processes that I’m waiting to complete (I’m looking at you, Adobe installation), and so I’m not at my computer. If you want to disable that option, there is a simple (but hidden) way to forever turn off the automatic restart and even stop automatic updates from pestering you to restart, so you can do it on your own time. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide.

1. (continue reading…)

If you are in the market to purchase a new computer or laptop (especially for those college-bound freshmen!), you are in great luck. Windows 7 is the next Windows operating system (like Windows XP and Windows Vista), and it is tremendously better than Vista ever can be. Not only is it much faster and streamlined, but its user interface is also much better. It has multiple features for backwards compatibility for Windows XP programs.

However, nowadays, almost all computers (and laptops) come with Windows Vista. In fact, companies charge you extra if you want to downgrade to Windows XP. Being a computer geek myself (as are many others out there), I have absolutely refused to touch Vista ever since it was released. I tried out the beta for Windows 7 and I was blown away – I can’t wait for the actual release of that amazing operating system. I also happen to be in the market for a laptop, but I found that all the good laptops seem to ship with Windows Vista preinstalled (which I can’t stand). Rather than having to dish out $100 or more when Microsoft finally releases Windows 7, I did some research and found out how to get a free upgrade from Vista to 7 (when it comes out). Keep reading for the simple, official, and legal way of doing this.

(continue reading…)