Confessions Of A Berson Mind

Back to Computer blogging.  Windows Vista will be released on January 30, 2007, and it will cause a huge commotion in the Computer Industry.  That may be all fine and good, but what should you, the actual user of real computers, know and/or care about with Windows Vista?  Here’s my quick take:

Vista is a complete recode of the Windows OS.  Now that may not mean much to you, but it should help justify the upgrade.  For all the people who got burned by the hideous Windows ME (which was a buggy, flashy coat covering Win 98), the transition to Vista from XP will be similar to the transition from 98 to 2000/XP.  Simply put, it’s different enough that you will NEED to change in the next 2-3 years.  But that’s also an important point to make…you have time.  You do not need to rush out and pick up the Vista disc at your local Circuit City the day it comes out.  You may, but I’d suggest you not.  Historically, Windows products become hundreds of percent better with the release of Service Packs, so I would advise you to wait until Vista SP1 is released to make the upgrade (I would expect that in about a year from the original release date).

Berson3 Computers doesn’t exactly have the luxury of choosing which software to use.  Be rest assured, although a few of the office computers MUST be upgraded to Vista to stay on par with the learning curve in the industry, still other computers will remain XP just for sanity sake.  Additionally, once the release of Vista is official, Berson3 will discontinue the release of PCs with XP preinstalled.

Seems sort of hypocritical, doesn’t it?  First I tell you to not upgrade for a year, but then I tell you that we’ll be selling computers with Vista installed.  What gives?  Simply put, it’s more of a “not broken, not fixing it” policy.  If you have a computer with a very nice XP installation on it, why change it until Vista is solid?  However, if you’re buying a brand new computer…then by all means, jump in at the deep end and benefit from the cool toys that Vista includes.  Bottom line = upgraders should wait, New PC purchasers should go ahead with Vista.

Speaking of cool toys, what does Vista include?  First and foremost is the new desktop environment, named Aero.  This means your desktop will be able to function in 3D, with enhanced visualizations, window movement, etc.  Aero is the prettiest Operating System environment to ever be released, even beating out MAC OS X.  Additionally, those of you who suffer from Malware (Viruses/Malware/Spyware), which we all pretty much do in the Windows world, things will get better with a new permissions system.  Without getting into detail, Windows has made it much harder for malignant programs to install themselves.  The problem is not a cure-all, and may not be long-lasting (malware coders are always thinking of new stuff), but it will certainly help for a couple of years, and that may be all some of us need until the next improvement comes out.

What’s not so cool?  First of all, Windows is coming in more flavors than I keep track of, meaning it’s going to be released in 5 different editions.  I think 5.  It might be 26 by now.  Which one should you pick?  Berson3 has done the research and recommends Windows Vista Home Premium.  Why?  It includes all the guts that you need for home use, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s much more complex than that…but like I said, we did the research, now you don’t have to.

Oh, back to upgrading.  A big question is: CAN you upgrade?   Vista has tough requirements that a lot of mainstream computers may not be able to hold up to.  Here’s the main gist:  1Ghz Processor, 1GB RAM, DVD Drive, 40GB HDD with at least 15GB free space (I actually don’t have that on this machine right now!), Internet capability, Audio Capability, and a DirectX 9 Video card with 128MB RAM.  I can tell you right now that NONE of the computers by big D that I’ve serviced in the past two years meet those requirements, and those are all MINIMUMS.  For those of you who remember upgrading to XP, the minimums don’t work so well.  Investigate more here.  As far as Berson3 is concerned, all computers released after November 15th, 2006, are Windows Vista Home Premium capable and include the free upgrade option (which is free for the software, and about $20 for the shipping).
That’s about it for now, post your comments or questions, and I’ll respond AQAP.

~CR3

As you can hopefully tell, I’m trying to become more dedicated to my “blogcraft.”  Updates across all of the blogs I maintain (there are three, in case you didn’t know), two each in only three days.  I must have a fever or something.

Anyway, yes, there is huge news coming on the future of Berson3 Computers, and the direction we’ll be heading for the years to come.  Think…Berson Holdings?  No…maybe…Berson Limited?  Er, Bersonified?  Haha, ummm….well, you’ll get it later.

Also, I need to show some love to those who read this blog.  I thought there was two? three? readers out there?  Which is actually pretty bad considering how my mother isn’t actually one of those ferverent readers.  The list is much longer than that, and I appreciate each and every one of you.  (29/LTT!)

More to come…

~CR3

Here’s the rundown:

For those of you who have been waiting, the CornfieldCustoms.com RC1 has been released.  Ok, yeah, so that’s major nerd speak, but what that basically means is that the site is complete, the content is intact, and that most of the bells and whistles are in place as well.  Every site that Berson3 releases will continue to evolve over its lifetime, just like the CFC site will.  In the coming months many images will be redone by someone who has a keen eye for photography and the education to match.  Yes, I know who that is, but I can’t tell you yet.  Also, the ability to purchase the parts (and maybe even bikes?!) online will be added.  We’re not too far from that right now, but payment handling needs to be decided first.

Cinn City Bake Shop.  It’s the project that won’t die, but also won’t fully start either.  Things are being juggled right now, and instead of having all the eggs in one basket (for a location) the eggs have been split up amongst a couple smaller baskets.  Vague?  Yeah, I know, but when it’s done it’ll make more sense.  In the meantime, I hope to be updating the blog soon.

Who believes in Berson Power??? I do!  The Berson Power page has received a small tweak with the addition of links to all the sites that we control.  This way, customers can see the great work that we can and continue to do.  Want your own powered by Berson site?  Click here.

And since this is the Owner’s blog, I can write about anything I want to right?  Well, then welcome to the fold, the newest Reber, Quince.  That link will take you to a page with a couple pics that were taken his first day with us, which was Saturday the 9th.  We have better pics that as soon as I’m less busy with real work, I’ll put up there, and then I’ll tell you about it here.  I think he’s pretty damn cute, and yes, i’m comfortable enough in my masculinity to use the word “cute.”

More news: Look for the relationship between AVG and Berson3 to continue to evolve!  AVG, Berson3′s choice for AntiVirus software, has extended the lifespan of their wonderful AVG Free product, and have updated it to version 7.5.  Things were looking pretty bleak when it was assumed that they would not re-up the existence of the free product, and that all of Berson’s current customers would have to switch to a less-powerful option.  Not true!  Version 7.5 is the best yet!  Not to mention the fact that Berson3 is now also a AVG reseller.  What this means is that you will now be able to select and purchase AVG products straight from Berson.  Also, you will begin to AVG advertisements adorning our pages (it’s always good to have a sponsor!) in which your clicks will help our site.  What would you buy from AVG?  The AV software is spectacular, but their Anti-Malware package is the best all-round protection software available.  It includes fulltime AV software that you don’t have to update or schedule, amazing Anti-Spyware software which is capable of doing in depth scans, and a full-time firewall.  The AVG way is to make sure you don’t have to mess with their stuff to make it work.  The Anti-Malware package is the ultimate in “don’t touch it” software.

There’s more, but I’ve been rambling.  It’ll show up here soon.