March 27, 2008
XP virtual computing avoids dual-boot complexity
It's possible to have Vista and chow down on your XP cake, too, if you apply a free — for now — virtual machine. If you're stuck with a Vista PC, but you really prefer using XP, I'll show you how to set up XP as a virtual machine on Vista, plus some tricks you can use to get the most out of this setup. Read more »
Reader tips on portable computing flow in
In my Mar. 20 article, I described techniques for putting an entire Linux OS on a flash drive, which is almost like having a pocket computer that can run many of your favorite applications. I mentioned some limitations and presented a warning, but readers have come to our aid with insights on protecting and using your diminutive computer accessory. Read more »
Is that a good spot over there?
It's a vehicular jungle out there, with packed traffic, surly drivers, and a paucity of parking places, all begging the question, "Where the Sam Hill is everyone going to park?" Read more »
Get better results deep-cleaning Windows drives
This week, I'll add to my previous comments on free and easy ways to eliminate what the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows leaves behind. You can quickly eliminate megabytes or even gigabytes of hard-to-remove junk and boost your system performance! Read more »
Make a bootable thumb drive that runs XP
Some users benefit from having a bootable version of Linux on a USB flash drive — but did you know it's possible to do the same with XP? This week, I'll tell you how and explain a few challenges that stand in your way. Read more »
QuickTime, iTunes install Safari — like it or not
The auto-update routines for QuickTime and iTunes, two programs that play multimedia files, have quietly begun installing Apple's Safari browser unless PC users are sharp enough to turn off a little-noticed option. This week's abomination makes me question the entire concept of trusting auto-update mechanisms as a way of seeking better security. Read more »
