Verbalism Personified

Too much too Soon?

To run the next version of Microsoft's operating system, codenamed "Longhorn", you will need a PC with a dual-core CPU running at 4 to 6GHz, a minimum of 2 gigs of RAM, up to a terabyte of storage, a 1 Gbit built-in Ethernet port, an 802.11g wireless link and a graphics processor with at least 256MB of video RAM.

You might be excused for reeling in shock or salivating with glee. Whatever your reaction, these requirements have shocked and astonished even the most strident PC supporter. Mac Users predictably laughed given the belief that Microsoft has squandered yet another opportunity at reducing the amount of bloat in its software.

Most people fail to realise is that Longhorn will not be released until 2006. Predictions of an early release by 2005 has gone from factual to fictional. And with more delays expected, users would propably see a watered-down version sooner, rather than the full-featured version later.

With the level of computing technology advancing so quickly, the specifications required by Longhorn would be considered the norm by 2005/6. So there is no reason to laugh, reel or be dumbfounded. Microsoft is doing everyone a favor by preparing you for what it would take to run their next generation of software by the time it is released.

This leaves Mac Users in a separate category. Apple has seen its profile rise with each release of eye-catchingly designed equipment. However careful deliberation of its technological offerings would reveal that Apple isn't quite up there with the boys. Little known to Mac Users, who think of PCs in terms of HP, Compaq and Dell, are high-end PC makers like L and Alienware. These companies have been on the forefront of computer technology as they push the envelope for gamers, corporate and power users.

But no matter the hardware, a leaky operating system in a hostile online environment would still mean a hellish computing experience for everyone. Viruses, spyware and pop-ups can quickly make shortwork of state-of-the-art. This is why there are some steps which must be taken to keep your machine in top working order.

One is to enable a firewall, this would stop hackers from taking over your machine.

The other would be to install all patches that are released by your software vendor, for instance Windows and Office Updates.

The third would be to run an anti-virus, anti-spyware and file checking program. Utilities like Norton Systemworks and LavaSoft's Ad-Aware will ensure that your files are safe while keeping your machine from being reduced to the pool of mess that threatens to engulf it.

Ignore these steps at your own peril.

posted by Teutoburg @ 5:52 PM