12-08-2008 03:12 PM
12-08-2008 03:34 PM
A lot of old software? Lets talk about this one
When you mean old software, what are you referring to? I have games and applications that were originally designed for Windows 98 and ME , and they still worked fine on Windows Vista. Windows Vista has a compatability mode built into its core that allows you to run programs that were designed for older operating systems. The success rate of compatability is pretty high, and Windows usually notifies you upon installation of a program if something in the way of your system is going to cause a conflict. In extreme cases it fully prevents you from installing the program if it determines that installing it can cause severe compatability issues on your computer.
12-08-2008 04:03 PM
12-08-2008 04:14 PM
There are lots of great FREE alternatives to the big stuff out there that work 100% with Windows Vista and does not require a paid subscription to use them.
Some programs I like that are FREEWARE antivirus programs:
AVG Antivirus 8.0
Avast Antivirus
Avira Anti-Vir personal edition
Freeware Spyware / Adware removers:
Ad Aware
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spyware Blaster
These are some of CNET Download.com's highest rated programs and they are all free for personal use with no payment neccesary.
For Microsoft Office, there is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office called OpenOffice.org, Its 100% compatible with all your word , excel and powerpoint files and it does all the same things Microsoft Office 07 does except its free
Finally on the Photoshop side, I use an excellent freeware alternative to Adobe Photoshop called "The GIMP" it supports plugin like effects similar to Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro and its interface is user friendly.
Hopefully this helps.
All these programs can be obtained on http://www.download.com
CNET also has excellent tutorials on their website on how to use these programs.
12-08-2008 10:39 PM
Yes, I have and use most of the freeware you mentioned. I do prefer trend micro antivirus on my vista system, but use AVG on my xp laptop. I tried openoffice, and while it is a good program, I still prefer ms office. I use GIMP for some of the filters which I prefer over the photoshop filters, but I use photoshop for some of it's features which seem better than GIMP.
Do you have an opinion concerning my question about "Sony requiring Best Buy to return my laptop to them for repairs"?
12-11-2008 04:34 PM
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12-11-2008 09:19 PM
Aaron-GS,
Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate the information you furnished, however I still don't understand how Sony can dictate to Best Buy (and me) that my laptop, which no longer has any manufacturers warranty; must be returned to them. The only contractual obligation for repairs to my laptop is from Best Buy due to the extended warranty I purchased from Best Buy.
Please understand that we would not be having this conversation if Sony didn't insist on wiping my hard drive when the only thing my laptop needs is a replacement keyboard.
You might want to mention to Sony that I planned on buying my wife a new large screen Sony television for Christmas. I'm sure she will be happy with the 47" Samsung I purchased at a different vendor. I know I will enjoy the new Canon G-10 camera which I also purchased at different vendor. I will be purchasing another laptop computer after the new year. While I am sure it will not be a Sony, I'm not sure where I will purchase it.
Thanks again
Ted
12-12-2008 02:41 AM
12-12-2008 10:40 AM
zerogwd,
"Out of curiousity, why does Sony's poor support have to do with shopping at Best Buy? Is it because they didn't tell you it might have to be shipped to Sony at a later date even if the PSP was through them?"
That thought did enter my mind because the extended warranty was purchased from Best Buy. I assumed Best Buy would repair my computer if required.
"Keep in mind that the part you want replaced is OEM and not something that can be gotten from another supplier, too, as that could very well be why Sony is forcing BB's hand.
Just a guess. "
Yes, you are correct; and that is how I would want it. I can purchase the part #141780221 direct from Sony for $62.91 and so can Best Buy. Lets see now! If the replacement part costs $62.91 and my extended warranty cost $329.00, that still leaves Best Buy a little profit on the warranty.
I have now purchased extended warranties from Best Buy totaling $630.00 and I only have one laptop to show for it. They lost my first laptop when they sent it to HP for repairs. I had to spend an additional $800.00 to have a usable laptop after they lost my first laptop. I am a little reluctant to allow them to send another laptop to the manufacturer who says "we will fix your keyboard, but we will also format your hard drive wheather it needs or not.
Go ahead, tell me I am unreasonable with a straight face.
Ted
12-12-2008 03:35 PM
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