Youssef Kassab | Computer & Communications Engineer

My experience with Firefox 4 so far

2011-04-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Firefox 4 is a big step forward compared to firefox 3. I've been using Firefox for more than 4 years now and I feel it is the most secure browser to use. The new version enhanced the speed of firefox. My browser now opens much faster even if I have about 5 tabs opened at startup. I like the new Add-ons interface. I like the new ability to pin as an app tab, it gives you lot of space if you want to keep some tabs open. The new add-ons bar is also very useful. In general I was really satisfied with the upgrade.

Can Your Old Desktop/Laptop Run Windows 7?

2009-10-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

If your laptop/desktop is running Microsoft Windows Vista OS (which most consumer computers that shipped beginning in January 2007 do), it already runs parts that meet the current requirements of Windows 7. If the laptop runs Vista, it will run Windows 7.
For non-Vista systems you can download the Upgrade Advisor to see if your laptop qualifies. To give you a little more detail, to run Windows 7 your computer must have the following:
• A processor rated at 1 Gigahertz or faster
Even if you bought a laptop in 2003, when the first batch of Pentium M processors (codenamed “Banias”) came out, Windows 7 appears to have it covered as well, as long as you have at least 1GB of memory, 16GB of hard drive space, and a DX9 graphics card. Even low-powered cheap desktop PCs will have at least a 1.6GHz processor these days, and likely have 2.0GHz or faster CPUs.
• 1GB of RAM (2GB for 64-bit Windows 7)
More memory doesn’t hurt either, especially with older computers that ship with 512MB. Memory modules are inexpensive, easily accessible, and can mean the difference between a clunker and Windows 7 bliss.
• At least 16GB of storage space (20GB for 64-bit Windows 7)
• A DX9-compatible graphics card, with the WDDM 1.0 driver
A laptop with an ATI or nVidia chipset is a really good sign that it’ll run Windows 7, but make sure you have the latest graphics driver handy. Windows 7 has native driver support for legacy nVidia and ATI cards. Updated drivers are just a precautionary step.

Even laptops going back 5 or 6 years can run Windows 7, and simple hardware upgrades can be made to ensure an optimal user experience. If your laptop can’t run Windows 7, it probably belongs in a museum. The majority of desktop PCs bought since 2006 should be able to run Windows 7 fine, particularly if you bought with future-proofing in mind. If your PC is older than 2004, then you should run the Upgrade Advisor to test your system. Microsoft’s tool will let you know if you need a minor upgrade (more hard drive space, more memory, discrete graphics), or if it’s a lost cause (too slow processor, older integrated graphics with no upgrade slot). Remember, there’s no shame if you keep XP running or maybe try out Linux to freshen up that old system.

Windows 7

2009-10-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Windows PC users can hold their heads up high again—after the Vista fiasco, Microsoft needed a big win, and Windows 7 might just be the ticket. In fact, you could say that this is the Windows operating system we’ve been waiting for.

Is Windows 7 Right for Your Business?

There may be a lot of reasons to switch to Windows 7 at home, but what about at work? Naturally, businesses big and small have been thinking about whether to upgrade to the new operating system. Some analysts say it’s inevitable for businesses that skipped Windows Vista and stuck with XP—if they want to keep up, they’ll have to consider Windows 7 as computers continue to age.

So does Windows 7 make it worth giving up that well-known-if-not-loved XP? What are the benefits and drawbacks specific to SMBs? Take a look at our reasons for and against the upgrade. The points that follow may help you make a decision that impacts your workday for the better. First the reason for an upgrade.

Yes, You Should Upgrade to Win 7:

You can still use XP apps. If you need Windows 7 speeds but have applications that only run on eight-year-old Windows XP, XP Mode can save you. This free, downloadable add-on for the Pro, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 lets your old programs run as if native to Windows 7. XP Mode does not require a separate, licensed copy of XP. Sure, you can accomplish the same thing with third-party software, but that’ll cost you.

Better search. If you’re an organizational pro, you never need to search your hard drive. But the chance that all your employees are equally gifted is about as likely as Steve Ballmer using an iPhone. Search is the killer app on the Web, and Windows 7 might finally have made it so in the OS. Vista integrated a search box throughout the interface; you’ll find one in the Start menu, the control panel, and Windows Explorer. In Windows 7, it’s the results that count. You can narrow the returns on the fly when you get too many. The search bar retains a history of what you’ve looked for, so you can quickly find things again. There’s a better preview available for search results, as well. Finally, you don’t have to worry about employees being organized when it comes to digital data.

Your driver is here. Older systems had a hard time with Vista upgrades due to lack of driver support for the hardware. Heck, so did some newer systems. That’s unlikely to be the case with Windows 7. It has more in common with Vista than not, and Vista’s had lots of time to get all the hardware support it needs. Better yet, Windows 7 is designed to go directly to the driver download pages of major vendors if a compatible driver isn’t found.

DirectAccess may be the best access. DirectAccess is just that: direct access to your business network from anywhere, via secured tunneling using IPsec and IPv6—without the use of a trusted virtual private network (VPN). Don’t worry about IPv6 costs—Windows 7 comes with IPv6-to-IPv4 transition technology that integrates with current networks. It’s a whole new way for connecting securely. The catch: Your network has to run Windows Server 2008 R2, so this solution won’t work for offices without dedicated IT staff. If you do have Windows Server, it’ll only take you a few clicks to connect clients via the Web. It’s significantly easier than setting up a VPN server. Users can be authenticated with Active Directory, so the Windows 7 solution not only provides network permissions, but can push software updates to users as if they’re connected to the business intranet.

Better enterprise features. There’s a lot of good stuff in Windows 7 Enterprise (which is essentially Windows 7 Ultimate bundled on corporate OEM systems) besides DirectAccess, specifically for security and management. That includes BitLocker, which encrypts entire hard drives, andBitLocker to Go , which does the same on removable USB flash drives. AppLocker lets IT pros specify exactly what programs are run on Windows 7 systems, so users can’t bring in games from home. And more languages are supported. None of these features need Windows Server 2008 R2 to function, but it is necessary to have Server 2008 if you want to use the Windows 7 Advance Group Policy Management 4.0 tools to control them from afar.

Less user annoyance This might be subjective, but anyone who used Vista at all to install a program knows the heart-stopping fear that hit when a screen went blank for a split second. But instead of a crash, it was a feature, not a bug, part of the User Account Control (UAC) that forced you to approve installation of programs (among other things). UAC is still in Windows 7, but it’s far less intrusive. Plus the control panel for it got infinitely simpler, with just a slider-bar to indicated just how much control it should have.

64 whole bits. Not that you couldn’t get a 64-bit version of Vista, but every box with Windows 7 comes with both the 32- and the 64-bit version inside. You’ll want the latter if your hardware can support it. 64-bit will work, for example, with more than 4GB of RAM; if you’ve got an older CPU and less RAM than that, don’t bother. You only get one activation key, however, even if it looks like there are two versions of the OS in the box. (Use the free SecurAble utility to determine if your system can even handle a 64-bit OS. Microsoft also offers an Upgrade Advisor.)

Less useless bloatware. Say good-bye to unused extras like Windows Mail or Movie Maker. You’ll have to get them from Window Live’s Web site in the future—if you even want them. That won’t stop system vendors from shoving some shovelware onto your company computers if you get them at retail; for that, use The PC Decrapifier for a pre-use cleanup.

More work time. Windows 7 boots up several seconds faster than Vista on identical hardware. That’s precious time during which your employees can be productive! Okay, that’ll last only a while, until installing new software and everyday use slow down start time, but with the right hardware, Windows 7 should zing along plenty fast in all uses.

No, Keep Your Biz With XP:

No learning curve. There’s a hidden cost when you upgrade users to an OS with as many significant interface changes as Windows 7: training. Windows 7 is a looker and features big improvements, especially over XP. But, after almost a decade, users know XP backwards and forwards and getting them up to speed on Windows 7 might take time your company can’t afford. Even programs like WordPad and MSPaint have a new interface (the Ribbon from Microsoft Office 2007), which could make some users apoplectic.

XP updates until 2014. You might feel you have to upgrade to Windows 7 because eventually Microsoft will stop patching XP for security and other issues. And it will. But do you consider five years from now soon? If you’re happy with XP (and can live without the tech support from Microsoft, which ended earlier this year), why change?

No direct XP upgrades. Think you can just pop a Windows 7 disc into a system and upgrade the OS but leave your software and data intact? Think again. Microsoft is only allowing “in-place” upgrades from Vista—XP users have to format their drives and do a clean install.LapLink has an elegant solution, iYogi, for one, is offering “migration assistance” to help move data (but not programs), but either will cost you money and time to use. If you’re okay with the nuke-and-boot-and-reinstall scenario, do it; why upgrade and wonder if XP is responsible for new Windows 7 problems?

New hardware needed. You’ve been running XP for years just fine on computers that were the top of the line in 2001. The chances of them supporting Windows 7 are slim. We’re not talking just upgrading a couple of components—it’s going to be time to get all-new systems, which can be costly, even if computers are cheaper today. Remember, at the very least, you need 1GB of RAM and 16GB of disk space just to install the 32-bit version of Windows 7. You need even more RAM and disk space to go 64-bit or to run XP Mode. Furthermore, installation from disc requires a DVD drive. You can get around that requirement, however, by copying the files to a bootable USB flash drive; instructions are available online in various places, including here. Slipstreaming the install on to a USB drive has the added bonus of giving you the same Windows 7 image to put on all the company computers.

The advances coming out of Windows 7 may be more evolution than revolution, but that doesn’t mean they’re not great for your company if you’ve got the right equipment, and the money to buy it, and users capable of handling the change. If so, take the plunge. You’ll likely find the upgraded OS has an interface, security, search, and more to like. But if you don’t like it, be sure to let us know.

Windows 7 Tops Vista in Performance

There have been some media reports, much of them instigated by utility developer Iolo, that claim Windows 7 boots up more slowly than Vista. After testing, however, the new OS starts up significantly faster than Vista on the same machine. And it’s not just faster in boot time, but on a number of other benchmarks. Most users will experience noticeable performance improvement if they upgrade from Vista.

In the past, Microsoft operated under the assumption that PCs will continually get faster and more powerful, so it was less concerned about growing and slowing the code. Windows 7 is different. Despite the abundance of new user interface, convenience, and networking features added in Windows 7, performance has actually been improved.

Installing Windows 7 on your old hardware

The majority of desktop PCs bought since 2006 should be able to run Windows 7 fine, particularly if you bought with future-proofing in mind. If your PC is older than 2004, then you should run the Upgrade Advisor to test your system. Microsoft’s tool will let you know if you need a minor upgrade (more hard drive space, more memory, discrete graphics), or if it’s a lost cause (too slow processor, older integrated graphics with no upgrade slot). Remember, there’s no shame if you keep XP running or maybe try out Linux to freshen up that old system.

Expert Ezine Aritcles Author

2009-09-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yes this is me, I became an expert ezine articles author. My first article titled "Why is Open Source Better Than Commercial Software?" is published on EzineArticles.com. You can click on the below badge to check my profile.

Visit My Personal Blog for my latest articles

2009-09-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

You will find articles about the difference between AH1N1 and cold, you will find some job openings, a description of Berytech and others. Click here to visit my Blog!

What is Open Source?

2009-08-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Open source is a development methodology, which offers practical accessibility to a product's source (goods and knowledge). The term open source gained popularity with the rise of the Internet, which provided access to diverse production models, communication paths, and interactive communities.

Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code. The distribution terms of open-source software must comply with the following criteria:

1. Free Redistribution

The license shall not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license shall not require a royalty or other fee for such sale.

Rationale: By constraining the license to require free redistribution, we eliminate the temptation to throw away many long-term gains in order to make a few short-term sales dollars. If we didn't do this, there would be lots of pressure for cooperators to defect.

2. Source Code

The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source code as well as compiled form. Where some form of a product is not distributed with source code, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost preferably, downloading via the Internet without charge. The source code must be the preferred form in which a programmer would modify the program. Deliberately obfuscated source code is not allowed. Intermediate forms such as the output of a preprocessor or translator are not allowed.

Rationale: We require access to un-obfuscated source code because you can't evolve programs without modifying them. Since our purpose is to make evolution easy, we require that modification be made easy.

3. Derived Works

The license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow them to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.

Rationale: The mere ability to read source isn't enough to support independent peer review and rapid evolutionary selection. For rapid evolution to happen, people need to be able to experiment with and redistribute modifications.

4. Integrity of The Author's Source Code

The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form only if the license allows the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build time. The license must explicitly permit distribution of software built from modified source code. The license may require derived works to carry a different name or version number from the original software.

Rationale: Encouraging lots of improvement is a good thing, but users have a right to know who is responsible for the software they are using. Authors and maintainers have reciprocal right to know what they're being asked to support and protect their reputations.

Accordingly, an open-source license must guarantee that source be readily available, but may require that it be distributed as pristine base sources plus patches. In this way, "unofficial" changes can be made available but readily distinguished from the base source.

5. No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups

The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.

Rationale: In order to get the maximum benefit from the process, the maximum diversity of persons and groups should be equally eligible to contribute to open sources. Therefore we forbid any open-source license from locking anybody out of the process.

Some countries, including the United States, have export restrictions for certain types of software. An OSD-conformant license may warn licensees of applicable restrictions and remind them that they are obliged to obey the law; however, it may not incorporate such restrictions itself.

6. No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor

The license must not restrict anyone from making use of the program in a specific field of endeavor. For example, it may not restrict the program from being used in a business, or from being used for genetic research.

Rationale: The major intention of this clause is to prohibit license traps that prevent open source from being used commercially. We want commercial users to join our community, not feel excluded from it.

7. Distribution of License

The rights attached to the program must apply to all to whom the program is redistributed without the need for execution of an additional license by those parties.

Rationale: This clause is intended to forbid closing up software by indirect means such as requiring a non-disclosure agreement.

8. License Must Not Be Specific to a Product

The rights attached to the program must not depend on the program's being part of a particular software distribution. If the program is extracted from that distribution and used or distributed within the terms of the program's license, all parties to whom the program is redistributed should have the same rights as those that are granted in conjunction with the original software distribution.

Rationale: This clause forecloses yet another class of license traps.

9. License Must Not Restrict Other Software

The license must not place restrictions on other software that is distributed along with the licensed software. For example, the license must not insist that all other programs distributed on the same medium must be open-source software.

Rationale: Distributors of open-source software have the right to make their own choices about their own software.

Yes, the GPL is conformant with this requirement. Software linked with GPLed libraries only inherits the GPL if it forms a single work, not any software with which they are merely distributed.

10. License Must Be Technology-Neutral

No provision of the license may be predicated on any individual technology or style of interface.

Rationale: This provision is aimed specifically at licenses which require an explicit gesture of assent in order to establish a contract between licensor and licensee. Provisions mandating so-called "click-wrap" may conflict with important methods of software distribution such as FTP download, CD-ROM anthologies, and web mirroring; such provisions may also hinder code re-use. Conformant licenses must allow for the possibility that (a) redistribution of the software will take place over non-Web channels that do not support click-wrapping of the download, and that (b) the covered code (or re-used portions of covered code) may run in a non-GUI environment that cannot support popup dialogues.

Sources Wikipedia, Open Source Initiative

Welcome to my Blog

2009-08-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

This site is the personal blog of Youssef Kassab. A computer and communications engineer with experience in all ICT fields. This blog will contain some technical articles in general.