YES YOU CAN GET A DISCOUNT ON WINDOWS 7
Craig wrote in from Indianapolis, where he catches my show on WIBC 93.1 FM. He was going to buy Windows 7 when Microsoft was offering discounts for pre-ordering. But, he missed out. He wants to know if Microsoft currently has any deals on Windows 7. If not, he'd like to know if there will be any discounts as Christmas approaches.
For those who aren't aware, Microsoft ran a Windows 7 discount program this summer. Those who preordered the operating the system got a tremendous discount. Savings on upgrade versions of Windows 7 were almost 50 percent. Unfortunately, that deal ended in July.
But, there's good news, Craig. Microsoft is running a new promotion on Windows 7. You can get up to 58 percent off an upgrade version of Windows 7! There's a catch, though. In order to buy the discounted upgrade version, you must buy a new Windows 7 machine. It must run Windows Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate.
Obviously, this discount isn't going to appeal to everyone. But, it is ideal for some households. If you have a machine running Windows XP, buy a new computer running Windows 7. Then, install your upgrade copy of Windows 7 on a Vista machine. It's a neat way to get your entire family on Windows 7.
This also highlights one of the more interesting aspects of Windows 7. It is more fun when all of your computers run it. Home Group makes it easy to set up a home network. It also improves music, photo and printer sharing.
This discount is available from retailers like Amazon and Staples. Your upgrade copy of Windows 7 must be the same as the version on the Windows 7 computer. The deal expires on Jan. 2, 2010.
Microsoft may offer other discounts in the future. And remember: Students qualify for a $30 upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Also, you can buy the Windows 7 Family Pack. It will upgrade three computers to Windows 7 Home Premium for $150. It works with XP and Vista.
For more answers to your Windows 7 questions, keep reading. Or, head over to my site!
CAN YOU TRACK A CELL PHONE BY IMEI?
Eric wrote in from Park Hill, OK, where he listens on KRMG 740 AM. He lost his cell phone and isn't getting much help from his provider. So, he's looking for a Web site that will let him track the phone by IMEI. He wants to find out if someone is using the phone. He'd also like to be able to locate the phone.
The International Mobile Equipment Identity number is assigned to all GSM phones. CDMA phones have a similar number. It is called the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) on newer phones. These numbers identify the phone and allow access to a network.
Technically, a phone can be prevented from accessing a network via IMEI. The provider would ban the IMEI on its network. Additionally, the phone could be added to a list so other providers can block it. In fact, this is common practice in Europe. Not so in America.
You may be able to convince your provider to block the phone by IMEI. But, you won't be able to get the phone blocked on other providers. And, you certainly won't find a site where you can track your phone by IMEI.
Really, though, worrying about IMEI numbers is a waste of time. You should call your provider and let it know that your phone was stolen. You should also file a police report. I wouldn't expect that to go anywhere, though. The police have more pressing matters. You'll probably just need to accept the fact that your phone is gone.
When you get a new phone, speak with the provider about tracking services. These aren't ideal. But, they may help you locate a lost or stolen phone in the future. My column will explain how these tracking features work. You'll also learn about the pros and cons of tracking.
The iPhone has a tracking feature. There have been several publicized cases where the tracking has helped recover a stolen phone. Find out how this feature works and what you need in order to use it.
Finally, losing your phone is bad enough. But, for many people, losing the data on the phone is more disastrous. Fortunately, you can back up the data on your phone easily. My handy free download will help. And iPhone owners will also want to learn how to back up their data.
FINDING A GPS UNIT WITH ROUTE OPTIMIZATION
Ken in Dandridge, TN catches the show on WNOX 100.3 FM. He wrote in because he is in the market for a GPS unit. And, he's looking for one with a very special feature. He wants one that will do a "milk route order agenda." He'd like some help finding what he needs.
I've never heard the term "milk route order agenda," Ken. But, I have a pretty good idea of what you mean. You want a GPS unit that can handle multi-leg trips. You put in several destinations for your trip. The GPS will guide you from point to point. In GPS-speak, this is called multi-destination routing.
It isn't terribly difficult to find a GPS unit with multi-destination routing. There's just one problem, though. Most GPS units guide you from destination to destination based on their entry order. They assume that you want to go to the destinations in the order you specified.
Multi-destination routing may be fine. But, you probably want multi-destination routing with route optimization. You will enter your destinations in the GPS unit. The unit will then calculate the most efficient route for your trip.
Most major manufacturers offer GPS units with multi-destination routing and route optimization. Expect prices to start just north of $200. Make sure that a particular unit has these features. If they're not listed in a unit's specifications, move on.
Before you hit the store, read my tip. You'll learn about specific models of GPS units that feature route optimization. It will take a lot of the guesswork out of buying a GPS unit! Then, be sure to read these great GPS tips on my site:
CLEANING PORN FROM A LAPTOP
Patrick in Dallas tunes in on KRLD 1080 AM. He let his nephew borrow his laptop. When he got the computer back, there were links to porn sites. The links were in the browsing history. They also come up in Vista's search. Patrick's talked to his nephew. But, he needs some help getting the computer cleaned up.
This could be a simple problem, or it could be somewhat more complicated. Your first step is to clean out your browser. This may also take care of the problem in Vista's search. Search could be pulling up items from your browser's temporary files.
But, I think you will probably need to do more than clean out the browser. Porn can be difficult to clean up when it gets on your machine. So, do the usual security routine. Run antivirus and anti-spyware. This probably won't get rid of the files. It should stop them from coming back, though. If you need security software, hit my Security Center for free programs.
Next, run CCleaner. This will get rid of unwanted things on your computer. It should take care of most of your problems. Get CCleaner for free on my site. Then, get some help using CCleaner in my handy tip.
Now, Vista's Instant Search can contain references to old files on your machine. Even if you delete an item from your PC, it could stay in search. So, you'll want to clean out Instant Search, too. Cleaning out Instant Search isn't particularly difficult. My tip will help you remove those nasty porn references from Instant Search.
MAC USERS: Spruce up e-mail using Stationery
Ashley in Atlanta, GA, uses her Kim's Club membership to listen online. She used to hand write letters to friends and family. But she reluctantly switched to e-mail. Today, she uses Apple's Mail application on her iMac.
She enjoys using Mail. But the sterile black text on white background is boring her. She used to buy elaborate stationery for her hand-written letters. She wonders if there is a way to spruce up her e-mail.
E-mail is quick and easy. But it doesn't have a lot of flair. Lucky for Ashley, you can easily add some in Mail.
When composing a new message, click the Show Stationery button. You'll get a list of premade e-mail templates. These are filled with colorful backgrounds and images. They're grouped into categories like Birthday, Photos and Sentiments.
Click on one to apply it to your message. Each has a title and body text box. Just click on either and start writing. Some of the templates contain stock photographs. You can use these or replace them with your own photos. Just drag-and-drop any image file over the stock photos. Right-click an image to zoom in and out or reposition it.
You can do more with e-mail than you think:
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PAY IT FORWARD: I'm sure at least one person you know might benefit from these tidbits. So, spread the love. Forward this newsletter to all your friends. Encourage them to de-stress, too, and sign up for our newsletters!
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DON'T STOP YET – THERE'S MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Rookie Rundown—Which apps should I download for my touch?
• Which Windows 7 version has Media Center?
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!
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