How to Show/Hide the Administrator Account in Vista or Windows 7

25 April 2012
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Having been asked this a few times lately, there is a very simple solution.  This works for Vista and Windows 7.

• Log into a User Account with Administrative privileges
• Go into your Start Menu (icon bottom left of the screen)
• Type CMD into the Search box to display the CMD Icon
• Right click the CMD Icon and choose Run As Administrator
• When the Command Prompt appears, type one of the following lines:

net user Administrator /active:yes

(to show the Admin User)

net user Administrator /active:no

(to hide the Admin User)

You will get a message confirming success, and that's it done!

We don't recommend using the Admin User as your only/main User Account, it is best left as a back door entry in the event of Operating System problems.

Windows 7 has definitely arrived, but don't panic, XP will not disappear overnight

23 January 2010
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Windows 7 is all the rage at present, and it is generally agreed that it is a serious improvement from the short-lived, much hated, Vista.

We were all warned that, when Vista came on the scene, support for XP was going to disappear quickly and everyone was urged to migrate across as soon as possible. The well-documented problems with Vista, and its general sluggishness, caused an outcry and XP was left alone, to potter along until Microsoft could release Windows 7.

For the portable market, where the numbers are increasing year on year, the choice is very limited. Most come now with Windows 7, Vista is sold mainly on older stock, and XP is scarcer than hens teeth.

Let's have a look at all 3 versions of Microsoft Windows, and consider some of the issues surrounding each:

Windows 7

• Definitely sleeker, much faster and generally better to use than Vista (some argue its faster than XP, but the most of the hardware it runs on is vastly superior, we have the slowness of Vista to thank for this shift in PC specifications).
• Still a few compatibility issues, particularly as regards legacy/old software applications. Some hardware doesn’t seem to work totally with Windows 7 as yet, but we’d have to assume the manufacturer will release drivers for W7 quite quickly now.
• Laptop manufacturers have all jumped on the bandwagon, and the vast majority of new laptops come only with Windows 7 as their Operating System (OS). This is less of a hassle to the domestic market, but can prove to be a headache for the business market, since they are more likely to have legacy applications/hardware to take into consideration.
• Layman customers, particularly domestic, are being mis-sold these new laptops and Windows 7, with little being told to them of the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit operation. Lots of the new laptops are being shipped with Windows 7 64-bit, which can cause some problems when running legacy applications, designed for 32-bit operation. Before installing 64-bit Windows 7 onto any existing hardware, ensure that ALL components are 64-bit compatible, and that you have no specific software applications which will not run on 64-bit.
• Microsoft has thrown everything at Windows 7, so it is here to stay. We will all have to get along with it one day, as new hardware comes with Windows 7 pre-installed. So maybe embracing Windows 7 earlier rather than later, might be the best way forward.

Windows Vista

• Whilst Vista SP2 (Service Pack 2) definitely brought Vista and its operation forwards leaps and bounds, it is still considered slow and cumbersome, and riddled with spurious errors.
• Vista is not the Operating System of choice for new laptops, so sales of it should die out quickly. Most will prefer Windows 7 to anything Vista has to offer.
• From an IT support point of view, Vista still has way too many spurious errors, which can take some time to repair, than Windows 7 or XP.
• Those who managed to miss Vista altogether are the real ‘winners’, because they will eventually have to move to Windows 7, but have managed to avoid the nightmares Vista has caused some users.
• Support for Vista RTM (ie version before any Service Packs are installed, SP1 or SP2) is set to be withdrawn on 13 July 2010, so we would urge users to upgrade to SP2 as soon as possible. Sometimes these Vista SP’s can cause problems when attempting installation. A quick trip to your local computer repairs guy will cost little, but will allow the repair guy to upgrade machines to SP2 manually.
• We do not recommend that users spend the money migrating from Vista to Windows 7 on existing platforms, unless there are specific reasons. We do, however, recommend you ensure your existing copy of Vista has been upgraded to Service Pack 2 (Vista SP2).

Windows XP

• XP is still a very popular choice of Operating System and, even with its Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, it is still a solid choice of OS.
• IT system builders have been threatened since the first release of Vista, that support for XP would disappear relatively quickly. The backlash, mainly due to the poor performance of Vista, meant any such ideas had to be shelved quickly.
• Some legacy applications still run best on XP, and will continue to do so, until developers come out with a new version of the application, designed specifically to run under Windows 7.
• Support for XP Service Pack 2 (and previous) will be withdrawn on 13 July 2010 (source: OEM System Builder Team on Twitter), so we would urge all users to ensure they have Service Pack 3 (SP3) installed as a matter of urgency.

Conclusions

We see no reason to run out and buy Windows 7 to replace an existing Operating System version, and maybe it is best your existing hardware remains on the OS it currently has.

You will have to consider Windows 7 at some stage, choices are particularly limited with new laptops, but you need to look very closely at your existing applications and whether or not they are fully compatible with Windows 7 before you take the plunge.

Windows 7 has a ‘Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter’ added, which allows you to run specific applications in a compatibility mode, or as older versions of OS. This will work in most cases, but some legacy applications will not even install properly, so this tool is useless in that event.

We have noticed some poor selling of Windows 7 machines, as 64-bit is becoming as widespread as 32-bit with some manufacturers in particular. The layman user is not aware of 64-bit and the fact that it has serious compatibility issues with some specific applications, which were designed primarily for 32-bit operation. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous retailers are simply forcing this onto the unsuspecting buyer, without checking to see if it will cause them problems. 64-bit is definitely faster than 32-bit, and will be the architecture of the future, but until all applications and hardware components are totally compatible, it cannot completely replace 32-bit just yet.

If you were lucky enough to avoid Vista, then ensure you have upgraded your XP to Service Pack 3 and run a while yet with it. As and when you purchase new hardware, look towards introducing Windows 7 and migrating your whole system across over a period of time.

Home users tend to have less legacy applications, than business users, so the jump to Windows 7 is not such a drastic move. Still, the Home user nowadays has loads of little applications, performing a multitude of specific tasks, and these would need to be looked at (Google them for known Windows 7 issues) prior to making the jump.

Don’t just dump XP yet. It has been supplied up until very lately on the new Netbook range of PC’s (mainly because Vista runs way too slowly on their cut-down hardware capabilities), and Vista scared a load of people away from jumping forwards from XP. We can still purchase it and sell it with new PC builds (though this might dry up sooner rather than later), and all in all it seems XP is going nowhere just yet. The removal of support for versions up to SP3 is a bit of a red herring, as the vast majority of XP users will already be using SP3, and can happily work away with their existing setup.

Our advice – only move to Windows 7 when considering new hardware, and we would still urge you to watch out for Service Pack 1 to be released (past experience has told us this is a necessity for new Microsoft Operating Systems).

If any of our customers has any specific issues with Windows 7, or would like to discuss a potential new hardware purchase before taking the plunge, please call us, advice costs nothing but saves a lot in some cases.

Microsoft Vista - Service Pack 2 (SP2)

18 June 2009
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 is now available for download, and you should start to notice it appearing in your 'Automatic Updates' very soon, if not already.

What is the purpose of SP2?

• Program compatibility fixes (including all previous Vista updates, and some specific compatibility fixes for certain programs)
• Hardware support (additional support for Bluetooth wireless technology and improved performance for Wi-Fi connections after the computer resumes from 'sleep mode'.  You can also record data to Blu-ray disc media.
• Operating system updates (including Windows Search 4.0, plus improvements for TV recording using Media Player)
• Hotfixes (a number of hotfixes to improve Vista, and repair bugs)

Important points to note, before you install SP2:

• It takes at least an hour, so if you are using a laptop, ensure you have it plugged into the mains
• Your PC will restart a couple of times, so ensure you have all other applications closed prior to installation
• You must already have Vista SP1 installed before you can install SP2
• There have been some problems with certain sound drivers and other hardware, but this is not a big issue, you simply need to update these drivers after you have completed the SP2 installation.
• If you had previously installed the 'pre-release' version of SP2, then this will have to be uninstalled before you install the full SP2 release.  The 'pre-release' version has a limited 'shelf life' anyway.

For further information regarding Vista SP2, and installation problem information, visit Microsofts website HERE.

Firefox 3 is just around the corner

01 June 2008
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Well, we have been test-driving Firefox version 3 for the past week or so, and it is great. A vastly improved web browser than its predecessor, which I have been using for quite some time very happily (until now).

Mozilla say that Firefox 3 has the following improvements:

• More secure (in that they have really upped the protection offered to users from Malware, Virus attacks, etc)
• Easier to use (Lots of little improvements to password-handling, downloading, add-on handling, etc)
• More personal (Lots of improvements to help you be more organised, and to save you time)
• Improved platform for developers
• Improved performance (Speed, memory usage and reliability all improved)

More details on the specific improvements offered can be found HERE.

We have been running the RC1 version, and it is definitely much improved in terms of performance, which was a slight issue with previous versions. This version of Firefox is definitely the best web browser I have ever used personally, and it makes much better use of my time when browsing, something I spend quite a portion of my day doing.

Things like the improved 'Location Bar' are just stunning improvements, and the added security it now has built in makes life quite a bit safer online. The visual improvements are quite good, with some nice icons for XP & Vista.

Firefox 3 is not on full release yet, and Mozilla have been flooding the internet trying to drum up support for their 'record' attempt on their proposed release date. They have been running a campaign to get people to 'pledge' to download version 3 on the release date to allow them to attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most downloads in a 24 hour period.

There is no definite date for release yet, but it is expected to be mid-June, and we will be recommending to all our users to get Firefox 3 - we love it !

Anyone wanting a detailed review of Firefox 3 should visit Mozilla Links.

UPDATE 17th June 2008:

Well, today was the day that Mozilla decided to release Firefox 3, the eagerly awaited free web browser, with an ever-increasing following.

It can be downloaded HERE (there is also a brief tour video near the bottom of the page).

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is available for download

07 May 2008
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Microsoft, in their wisdom, have made Service Pack 3 (SP3) available for download for Windows XP. Many will see this as the last SP for XP, with the eventual removal of retail packs of XP expected at the end of June 2008.

There is no real need to worry though, as the majority of our users buy an OEM version of XP pre-loaded onto their PC, and these will be available for quite a while to come yet.

SP3 includes all previously released XP updates, including security updates and hotfixes. It also includes a small number of new enhancements which will not affect the way most users work at all. These additional updates are really to permit those who have Windows Server 2008 to have some of the new capabilities on their legacy machines (things like Network Access Protection, etc).

Microsoft ensure that they mention that this SP3 will not be bringing new versions of Windows functionality to XP (eg Vista), but they will provide updates for things like IE6 and IE7 according to which you have installed on your PC.

You can easily install SP3 by downloading and installing from:

• Microsoft Download Centre
• Windows Update

Please note:

• SP3 is cumulative, so will deploy on top of SP1 and SP2
• XP SP3 supports the same languages as XP currently does

What do I do about Windows Vista?

31 May 2007
Posted in Software and Operating Systems

Windows Vista is the new operating system from Microsoft. As it is, XP will still be on sale for a year or so, then still be supported (but not supplied anymore). Most people will be unsure as to whether or not to get Vista yet or wait – hopefully the following information will help you make an informed choice.

Which Version should I choose?

1) Ultimate

Ultimate is the choice for those users who want all the functionality available with Vista. It combines the best of the Home and Business versions and adds some additional features.

2) Home Premium

This is the preferred edition for home desktops or laptop/mobile PC’s. It provides the productivity, entertainment and security necessary for your PC at home or on the move.

3) Home Basic

This version is for the basic home users who simply want access to emails, surfing the internet and photo handling. It permits easier setup and maintenance, with additional security features built in. Realistically, this version has not got most of the functionality that Microsoft are advertising for Vista, but it will permit a user to have a cut-down version of it. Note – Windows Aero is not available with Home Basic.

4) Business

This is the first version of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. It selects and tailors a number of the new features of Vista specifically for business use.

5) Enterprise

This version meets the needs of larger organisations with more complex IT infrastructures. This is the premium business edition of Vista, with all of the features of the Business edition plus extra capabilities to help lower IT costs and improve data protection.

64-bit editions are available for serious computer users who are running a computer with a 64-bit processor and who require the higher end of functionality to handle media, gaming, technical computing or demanding financial analysis. Unfortunately you will have to ensure that ALL applications, system and devices are 64-bit compatible or you will not be able to run it.

To choose which version is the best for you, please have a look at Microsoft’s comparison chart HERE.

The Problems

Unfortunately, since its release, Vista has had many differing opinions from numerous sources. The problems reported with it at present are:

1) Most PC’s just are not high enough a spec to run it properly. Even PC’s, which are being sold as ‘Vista Compatible’, are not fully compatible with all the versions available. A lawsuit has been filed in Washington seeking class-action status for 10,000 people and damages in excess of $5million – they say that whilst the PC’s have been slapped with stickers stating they were ‘Vista Compatible’ or ‘Vista Premium Ready’, these machines could run nothing more than the most basic of Vista installations.

2) Numerous existing software applications are not compatible. Although you can run your application in ‘compatibility mode’, there are reports of serious numbers of applications which will just not run under Vista.

3) Drivers are not always available for existing hardware devices. This problem will become less of a problem as and when manufacturers get to grips with Vista and provide the updates necessary.

4) Specifications that are provided as ‘minimum’ by Microsoft to run Vista are very low. The realistic minimum (we will call it the ‘preferred minimum’) will be listed later in this article.

5) There have been numerous reports of it being very slow, though this is probably down to the fact that the PC being used did not meet the ‘preferred minimum specification’ which IT vendors are beginning to recognise.

What can you do?

1) Upgrade Current PC to Vista? We at Comspec are not recommending to people that they upgrade to Vista for current PC’s and Laptops. If you intend to upgrade, then at least wait until Service Pack 1 is released. This will remove a number of the current problems, and give time for hardware manufacturers to get the necessary drivers into the public domain. Hopefully a number of the compatibility issues will also be sorted out. Please remember back to when you first got XP – we all had reservations about it at the beginning, but SP1 sorted most of these (with SP2 making it the Windows version we all know and love at the moment).

2) When buying a new PC Again, there will be problems even with new PC’s at present. The existing software/applications you have will not run properly on it and you will have problems getting drivers for accessories or upgrades. We have even heard of some new Vista PC’s being supplied without the proper drivers for some of the onboard devices.

3) Wait and spend wisely We would recommend to our client base that you wait for a while before deciding how to approach Vista. This will allow new software to filter through which has been designed for Vista, and the manufacturers to release components and devices which have been made for Vista. Some of the new laptops being proposed (designed specifically with Vista in mind) look awesome and will make better use of the increase in functionality.

What do you need to run it?

Microsoft have the following ‘minimum supported requirements’ for PC’s that intend to run Vista:

• 800MHz processor
• 512Mb system memory (RAM)
• 20Gb hard drive with at least 15Gb free
• Support for Super VGA graphics
• CD-ROM drive

Realistically, we would not recommend that you even try to run Vista on a PC with this specification. Microsoft ‘recommended’ system requirements are: Home Basic:

• 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 512Mb of system memory (RAM)
• 20Gb hard drive with at least 15Gb free
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32Mb of graphics memory
• DVD-ROM drive
• Audio Output
• Internet Access

Home Premium/Business/Ultimate:

• 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1Gb of system memory (RAM)
• 40Gb hard drive with at least 15Gb free
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
  • WDDM Driver
  • 128Mb of graphics memory
  • Pixel shader 2.0 in hardware
  • 32 bits per pixel
• DVD-ROM Drive
• Audio Output
• Internet Access
• Additional requirements for extra functionality (tv card, touch screen, etc)

Comspec recommend the following ‘preferred minimum’ to run Vista smoothly:

• 3.0 GHz processor (32-bit or 64-bit)
• 1Gb system memory (2Gb would be better)
• 80Gb hard drive with at least 40Gb free
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics
• Minimum of 128Mb of graphics memory
• Network support, either 100Mb Ethernet or 802.11g (or both)
• All USB ports must be USB 2.0
• DVD-ROM drive
• Audio Output (preferably HD audio – as this will become a requirement)
• Broadband Internet Access

We would ask that you take extra care when installing the 64-bit version – you must ensure that your PC will support 64-bit operation and that all of your devices and applications will support 64-bit operation.

We hope that the information contained in this article have cleared some things up for you, but do not hesitate to call us if you require some additional information.

Download this article to keep as a PDF document here