We have been testing Vista in our office for over 2 years now. It is stable, fast (as long as you have at least 1gb ram memory). We would not recommend considering upgrading a Windows XP system to Vista. It can cause compatibility issues with your older PC and will typically require completely erasing the old system and about 5 hours work to get it installed and working smoothly. This assumes your older system has enough power to run it well. If you are buying a new system and do not have any peripherals (printers, scanners, etc) or software older than 3 years old or proprietary special business programs you should consider Vista in our opinion. You should also consider your networking needs as Vista is great if it is networking with other computers. In a mixed environment (XP, 98, Server together with Vista) there may be other considerations to think about. We can assist you in making a decision. *We can still get business class computers with XP that includes Desktops and Laptops fir those who require or want them. XP is typically no longer available at stores. *Microsoft has announced it will discontinue selling XP 6/30/08 so Vista will be the only option available soon after that date.

These are mandatory updates in our opinion. This is the best way to keep you system secure and protected. Without this installed you cannot protect your system. Windows XP is quite mature. It has been out longer than any other Operating system including Apple's Operating Systems. In order to take advantage of this maturity you must install these updates. They are free and do not take very long if you have Cable or DSL Internet. If you do not we have many of them on CD.

New ones are being discovered every day. Check out www.sarc.com to find out about the latest threats.

This should be your biggest concern regarding safe computer use. You need to run multiple protection and removal tools at least monthly to be safe. We recommend the following tools. If you can* you should enable the Microsoft Windows Xp firewall.

* If you have a LAN (local area network) and share files or printers this may cause a conflict without advanced settings).

Spyware programs make money for their publishers by reporting your Internet travels and sending you advertisements. Some also report your name, e-mail address, and other personal information.

Many ostensibly free programs come with spyware or adware. The program installer doesn't always describe every program being installed.

Different people have different definitions for each. CNET calls any program designed to deliver ads or to get marketing information adware. Spyware is a subset of adware, focused on reporting personal information.

Most adware-removal tools act like antivirus tools. They maintain a library of spyware filenames and registry keys, searching for and removing them from your computer.

Many adware and spyware programs deliver ads via browser pop-ups, even if you aren't online. Frequent browser pop-ups usually indicate adware has infected your computer.

Real truths everyone must know

• Spyware infects 9 out of 10 Internet connected PCs.
• A recent Spyware study found the average computer has 28 spyware traces.

Is your PC exhibiting any of the following spyware symptoms?

• Slow computer performance
• Continuous pop-up ads
• Unexpected results from web search
• Extremely slow Internet connection
• New browser toolbars

• Microsoft's Windows Defender    Great removal and protection (currently in beta until 12/06)
• AdAware    Great Removal Tool
• Spybot S&D    Great Removal Tool that offers some immunization capability
• Spywareblaster    Great Immunization Tool
• AVG    Excellent Removal Tool
• HiJack This    Advanced Web Hijack removal Tool
• ComboFix, SDFix, PSSmitRem    (needed to clean SmitFraud Variants)

*** These tools are best used by professional and or advanced users with knowledge of Windows or Apple Operating systems and current security threats. Incorrect use can cause systems to become unusable. Proper use requires regular updating and scanning. These packages are continually being updated and protection and removal requires you are using the latest versions available. Typically this requires going to the developers web site to check for actual software program updates in addition to the normal protection definition file updates. (definition file updates are what tell the software what things are bad and what is good) Each software program has a different interface and correct and safe use requires complete understanding of the individual application and it intended use.

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