The dreaded BSOD on Windows 7

You'd think that the latest version of Microsoft Windows would not be plagued with the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The other night, I was getting quite frustrated because one of my PCs running Windows 7 kept crashing with the BSOD. Fortunately, it was not a mission-critical computer, but it was still frustrating. I'm hoping that it doesn't have to do with some of the updates and patches Microsoft recently released in Windows Update (Microsoft Update).

Maybe it's time to load Linux on some of my machines so that I can have a robust system that I can always depend on. Then again, maybe it's time to switch to a Mac. I'm waiting for Mac to come out with a really thin tablet. Maybe that will be the day that I make the switch.

Re-installing Windows 7 on my Thinkpad X200 Tablet

I recently got a new hard drive so I'm now reinstalling Windows 7 on my Lenovo ThinkPad X200 tablet PC. I could have cloned my old hard drive, but I generally prefer the clean installation method. It gives me a chance to do a bit of housekeeping.

Thanks to a fast Internet connection, I was up and running in a very short amount of time. I used my Windows 7 DVD to install the OS, then I used a combination of the Lenovo System Update and the Microsoft Windows Update to install all the necessary drivers and system software.

If you're still running XP or Vista on a tablet PC, then you really should try Windows 7. I've found that this OS offers some great features for the tablet form factor. If you really need XP or Vista, then simply create a second partition and test drive Windows 7 on that second partition. If you're running out of space on your hard drive, then do what I did: upgrade to a larger HD.

Tuesday is Microsoft Updating Day

Microsoft traditionally releases updates on Tuesdays. Specifically, the second Tuesday of every month. This day is often called "Patch Tuesday." Today is no exception. Microsoft released several updates for Windows 7. One of them was a tool to remove malicious software on your PC.

Are you keeping your computers updated? I know many people who are still running systems that lack the latest service packs and important security updates.

• If you're running Windows XP, you should have Service Pack 3.
  
• If you're running Vista, you should have Service Pack 2.

Don't let your computers remain vulnerable to security attacks. Keep them updated on a routine basis. While I'm giving advice, I suppose I should also add:

• Monitor your hard drives.
• Run security software.
• Back up everything on a regular basis.

Mac OS X 10.5.8 update now available

If you're running Mac OS X 10.5, you should know that the 10.5.8 update has been released. Here's what's included in this update:

* Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
* Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
* Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
* Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
* Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
* Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
* Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
* Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
* Addresses data reliability issues with iDisk and MobileMe.
* Improves overall reliability with AFP.
* Improves overall reliability with Managed Client.
* Improves compatibility and reliability for joining AirPort networks.
* Improves Sync Service reliability.
* Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
* Improves compatibility with some external USB hard drives.
* Includes latest security fixes.

Updated Drivers and Software for the Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet

I just downloaded and installed some of the updates from Lenovo for my Thinkpad X200 Tablet PC. The new software seem to have fixed some of the Wi-Fi connection problems I was having before. The Thinkvantage System Update is undergoing some changes and it probably won't be running until May. So, you have to manually download and install these updates.