I was very lucky at age 17 (1987) I got access to my first PC and here we are 20 years later.

I still feel like the youngest old person in Technology. Example I grew up using Intel’s 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium etc.

The first PC I spent my own money on was an intel based 386SX it ran at a whole 16Mhz and cost a whole month’s salary.

Here some examples of how technology has changed in the last 20 years.

Music:
In 1987 I was debating if CD was going to replace Vinyl.
In 2007 I am debating if downloading is going to replace physical CD’s. Although the debate would be over if the issue of DRM didnt exist.

In 1987 I had a Sony Walkman with its 90mins worth of music (45mins per side)
In 2007 I have an 80gig Video iPod with my entire music collection in it.

Lifestyle:
In 1987 I used to write letters to my girlfriend who lived in Australia.
In 2007 if I had a loved one far away I would use e-mail and Instant Messaging.

Radio:
In 1987 I would listen to BBC Radio or Local Radio.
In 2007 I listen to KCRW in Santa Monica

Shopping:
In 1987 I would actually go to the shops.
In 2007 I don’t.

Computers:
In 1987 If I needed to install or configure some software on a computer I would actually have to go to the computer and sit in front of it.
In 2007 The majority of this type of work can be done remotely.

In 1987 I had one computer.
In 2007 I have several.

In 1987 I wanted a pocket sized computer.
In 2007 I have one.

Sometimes the problem with Windows is you have so many ways to do the same thing.

In this screencast I show you 5 ways you can start an application like Microsoft Word. You might find one that is more convenient for you.

This screencast runs for 1m52s

Click the Screencast to Play.

This screencast requires the Flash plug in. You can get it here

If you’re a North West based business looking help and advice with new technology then get in touch I can help you. Tel: 01606-841587.

Please feel free to link to this content, I update regularly.

My 2007 Screencast Links:
http://www.colindiponio.com/category/screencast/

Thanks

Colin

***Updated 25/04/2007 See the comments for the latest on this issue (scroll down)*****

Apologies for the post title but it best describes the problem.

Back in Windows XP Tech Support World (or the Real World as you know it).

I spend some time today looking at the problem in Windows XP Pro. I had a laptop that when logged on scvhost.exe was taking 100% of the CPU for about 70 seconds.

Looking into what scvhost.exe was doing, in this case wuauclt.exe (basically windows update).

Turning off Automatic Updates made it go away but that’s not really a solution.

The link below was the most helpful in fixing this issue for those in the same boat.

THIS LINK NOW BROKEN
Link: http://forums.microsoft.com/WindowsOneCare/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=906329&SiteID=2

Also helpful in dealing with rogue Windows processess is the Process Explorer from sysinternals > now Microsoft (Thanks to Mark Russinovich for a such great tool)

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx

As you can see this recent BBC poll from this weekend shows Windows Vista needs a hug.

I’m in the “Love it” Camp.

I had a faulty LCD Panel on a 2 Year old Dell Latitude D610.

I gathered all the useful information from my remote user, I then placed the call and got an engineer commited to coming to site to replace the LCD (on next business day support).

The call took about 15mins.

So well done Dell, that level of service meets my expectations of your service.

Link: http://www.dell.co.uk