Differences between Windows 7 and Windows Vista

1. Peripherals are integrated in a smoother manner:

Now, every time you plug in a plug and play device, you will be having a different experience each time. Because this time, Windows 7 has turned its peripheral detection and support, more device central rather than shooting just an auto-run option as it used to do in Windows 7 and windows Vista. This will be more helpful, when you will be using different kind of peripheral devices. By far, almost all kinds of devices will be supported with the necessary drivers. And as if its not enough, Windows 7 will help you find the website of your peripheral device's manufacturer, and allow you do more than what you could have done with the auto-run interface only. Just for an example, say you plug in a camera, Windows 7 might take you to that manufacturer's website, where you might be having an option of uploading your photos to an online album. Best thing is, you won't be running out of drivers for your peripheral devices, as Windows 7 has been included an ocean of such drivers, and if by chance the driver is not existent there, Windows 7 will find it over the net for you.

2. Very much improved UAC:

The only problem, that was always discussed in most of the forums, and many questions which remained unanswered, and so many users who left the with an unsatisfied soul; will all be changed. Finally, we will be getting rid of annoying overprotective dialogue box that used to appear almost all the time, even when you changed the cursor speed or installed a software; as Windows 7 has shed overprotective dialogue boxes but still maintaining the quality protection against malicious attacks. Windows 7 will only display messages when major settings are changed.

3. Brand new taskbar:

What do you have at your bottom right corner of the screen? a set of icons which keeps popping up balloons one after another, giving an illusion of fancy lighting in a wedding? Well, don't worry anymore; as in Windows 7 Microsoft has made sure that you have the complete authority to change the settings required and allow or disallow only the required icons and also change the settings for notifications that might appear on screen and probably annoy you. Even the small little triangle that used to expand into the taskbar revealing all programs that are running; is gotten rid of. Now at the same place, if you move your cursor, you'll be getting a list of processes that are running.

4. Super fast performance:

Probably this is the major improvement upon Vista, which will heighten the sales of Windows 7. Microsoft had promised that it would deliver an Operating System that would be much faster than Vista. And yes it did, when the beta version of 7 was released and was tested. Windows 7 has very few startups process, and hence unspoken of, loads very fast. And in fact there are very few processes that run in the background and eat up memory cycles. But, anyways, performance of final release is yet to be tested. But till then, 7 have been rocking.

Easy steps to protect your PC or Laptop

Every time we log into the internet, we constantly worry about our computers getting infected by some malicious virus or some one hacking into our PC or laptops to steal our personal information.Installing anti-virus software programs on your computer or laptop is very important if you want to safeguard your computer from worms and viruses.Most programs now include real-time antivirus protection and additonal spyware protection.I am about to share basic steps to protect your PC or laptop while you are using internet.We all know that most viruses and malicious spyware or malware travels through two ways only. First, the most obvious way is through internet by web-surfing,using IMs (instant messenger),emails and hacking. Secondly, those computers and laptops do not have access to internet,it gets infected through flash drives or commonly known as portable drives.

Let us see how an antivirus/anti-spyware/malware works,

These software programs uses two different ways to detect viruses :

* Examining files to look for known viruses by means of a virus dictionary.
* Identifying suspicious behavior from any computer program which might indicate infection.

The spyware removers software is designed to detect and remove spyware, adware, and other malware such as keyloggers, rootkits, Trojan horses, and browser hijackers. Many anti-spyware software programs can also detect and eliminate few computer viruses.

A Firewall basically works as a gate-keeper. Firewalls enforce a set of rules that determine which information is allowed to pass or restricted and they all are trying to block access based on some set of rules.You can also set rules and customize settings just like instructing your gate-keeper which person to deny or allow pass the gate.

Most of us do not wish to spend so much money on buying antivirus and any kinds of security software programs that is out on the market,but guess what?? If you want good protection then it is possible to get some security software programs with out spending a single dime on them.We know them as freeware software programs and they are good at keeping your PC or laptop safe.

Installing an antivirus software program on your computer will never be enough, you need other protections as well because antivirus programs can not cover all bases and firewall program can not filter out cookies. Therefore, you have to take three-four steps to setup a full protection for your computer or laptop.

1st. Install Antivirus.

2nd. Install Firewall.

3rd. Install Spyware removal tool.

4th. Install Malware removal tool.

I have tested almost every freeware security software available at the moment and I am about to name the best free ones I have found so far and remember, they all have manual/auto update option available do not forget to update them regularly to keep your security software programs updated. Here are the some free security software programs to safe guard your PC or laptop.

Free antivirus software programs:

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5.374

Avira AntiVir Personal 9.0.0.403

Avast Home Edition Free 4.8.1335.90414

Free Firewall software program:

ZoneAlarm 8.0.065 (It alerts you when they have updates available and you need to download and install Microsoft Hotfix Package [KB943232] to use this firewall software and once again this update is also free ).

Free Spyware software program:

Spyware Blaster.

Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition.

Free Malware software program:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.38

The above is a greatly simplified introduction to keep your PC and laptop safe from intruders and viruses.If you have any question, please leave it on the “comments” section and I will try to answer them. Thank you.