Wednesday, November 25, 2009
REVIEW - PARALLELS DESKTOP 4.0 FOR MAC
Quick Take:
Pros: Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac is a very stable program that enables guest operating systems to run on top of host operating systems. Thus, you can run multiple operating systems at the same time. The result is the best of both worlds: you can run Mac OS X normally, but if you really need to run a Windows application, you can do so within Mac OS X without rebooting.
Cons: Probably not suitable for gaming. Windows Vista or Windows 7 RC1 Aero effects not supported (Updated - May 23, 2009)
Detailed Review:
There were two, maybe three reasons why I didn't make the switch to a Mac sooner.
(1) Expense: At first blush, a Mac appears to be so much more expensive than a Windows PC.
(2) The cult of Mac: Mac owners frequently rave about their machines like they have found religion. Being a naturally skeptical person, I didn't want to join the crowd.
(3) The unknown: My job requires that I work with Windows. Would using a Mac cause more headaches that it was worth? Would switching reduce my productivity?
Regarding (2), there is no doubt that Mac users are a bit rabid about their computers. I remember thinking to myself a long time ago, "Who cares? They are just computers. Who gets excited about computers?" If you're the type of person who intentionally does the opposite of a trend, I can't really help you there. Yes, Macs have a reputation for being trendy. Deal with it.
Now, regarding (1) and (3), the answer to (3) ("Productivity without Windows?") actually justifies (1) ("Expense"). My job requires that I work in a Windows environment during the workday. Besides Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Office is THE program that I used for the majority of my day. Before I made the switch, I tried using Open Office as a substitute for Microsoft Office. While Open Office (especially the excellent version 3) will work in a pinch, I simply could not submit *.doc (Microsoft Word format) documents that had been edited in Open Office.
The reason? My work requires that I use some pretty complicated Word templates that just didn't quite translate.
The perfect solution presented itself: desktop virtualization.
Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac allows you to run Windows on a Mac without the need for rebooting. In a nutshell, Mac OS X is your "host operating system." You can install and run instances of "guest operating systems" within your host operating system. Windows is actually running in a window (or full-screen, if you prefer). Thus, you are running a virtual computer within your host computer.
The excellent "coherence mode" allows you to run Windows applications side-by-side with your Mac OS X applications. Imagine having Safari AND Internet Explorer running next to each other in OS X. Yep, it looks weird, initially.
The setup process was relatively painless. Basically, you install Parallels as you would any other software. Then, Parallels guides you through the Windows installation. Then, you can also install your Windows applications, like Microsoft Office. Now you're running a Windows virtual machine on your Mac!
How does this justify the added expense of a Mac? Well, I look at it this way. If I buy a PC, I'm going to be running Windows or Linux. There is no real legit way to run Mac OS X on a PC without violating the End-User Licensing Agreement (EULA). However, if I buy a Mac, I can run Mac OS X AND Windows, so I'm kind of getting two computers for the price of one.
Parting tips:
(1) After you have installed your guest operating system (e.g., Windows XP,
(2) Please remember that if you're running Windows on your Mac, you MUST take the same precautions as you would if you were using a PC. This means that you should install antivirus and antispyware programs in your Windows virtual machine.
(3) You can install a wide range of 32 or 64-bit operating systems as guest operating systems, so you are not just limited to Windows. Currently, I have Windows XP, Windows 7 Release Candidate 1, and Ubuntu Linux.
(4) Because you are running a guest operating system in a virtual machine, program performance is not going to be as good as if you were running the programs natively. Parallels are probably not the best option for graphics-intensive gaming. To learn more on this topic please visit www.bombecafe.blogspot.com or to download free to this software go to www.rajapakistani.blogspot.com
Read more...
WHY DO I NEED TO REPAIR MY REGISTRY?
Why on earth would I think that I needed to repair the registry in my computer? Lots of people don't even realize that this overlooked item causes most of the problems they have when you get:
- A PC running much slower than it previously used to
- Pages on Internet that take forever to appear
- Blue screens become more and more frequent
- Longer start up times
- The inability to even open up programs, where previously there was no problem
Your registry is basically a place that holds all the information for your hardware and software to be able to manage your operating system. Very simply put, if you didn't have it, your PC wouldn't be able to work. It follows therefore that if it's properly looked after, you'll have a much smoother running computer.
The things you take for granted, like installing, or un-installing different things, generally browsing the net, are all factors that help your computer to become disorganized. The longer you allow this to continue, the greater your chances of serious problems, and, even worse, serious bills.
By maintaining your registry on a regular basis you can save yourself the hassle of calling out a "techie", and by simpy investing in a registry repair tool you can avoid potential damage.
Do take care to read reviews on the various tools available, and beware of those that promise you can do it yourself. The DIY method is, I guarantee, a surefire way to endless problems with your PC.
It can't be stressed highly enough that if you do nothing, the electronic rubbish that has accumulated in your machine, because of system references that have now become invalid, or are simply missing, will, inevitably, in the course of time, have an adverse effect on your PC's normal operation - specifically performance.
One last word of advice - if a product, in this cases a repair tool, says it's free - don't believe it. All you'll get is a short-term offer, and then you'll be expected to sign up long term. There are quality reviews that can help you make the best choice - don't ignore them - after all, they ARE free. To learn more on this topic please visit www.bombecafe.blogspot.com or to download free to this software go to www.rajapakistani.blogspot.com
Read more...
APPOINTMENT SOFTWARE - POWER IN SIMPLICITY
It is well known that appointment schedule software simplifies office management. Minimized human error, streamlining tasks, and efficient promoting organization, creates a larger margin between lost time and accomplished goals. But, not only does a quality appointment software supply a record of client financial history and activity, it also provides schedule utilization for multiple appointments and multiple locations along with the required equipment, room, and staff for each individual appointment. The flexibility of appointment software is nearly limitless.
While setting aside a time slot per client is the most common way for scheduling appointments, it certainly isn't the only way. Chiropractors and Touring Agencies thrive on multiple clients in a single time slot. With appointment software you can still arrange for a certain room with the necessary equipment to be prepared for a particular client. Or, for a certain group to reach there desired destination with individualized accommodations. Try it out to see if it's a good fit for your company too. If not, just change back to your original method without the fear of losing any data.
In compliment with the ability to schedule multiple clients for a single time slot, appointment software also provides the opportunity to sell your appointments in packages to encourage return business. Not only does this give you the possibility to makes appointment setting simpler, but it also gives you the possibility to offer your customers a discounted price as an incentive to return. You can sell your packages to reach a certain dollar amount, as a flat monthly fee, or with a predetermined number of sessions. The more flexibility you offer your clients the wider the possibility they have for returning.
With appointment software you are enabled to set standing appointments for regular clients even if packaged appointments are not the best method of appointment setting for your business. With the simplicity of setting multiple appointments for a single client you can still utilize time saving management and avoid spending time setting repeat appointments each time your client returns. And in the future, if your client has to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you can still treat each appointment as an individual session and handle them as such.
Appointment software is a powerful office tool for your staff that can actually save time and effort. With the simplified managerial tasks it affords, your staff will have more time to meet the needs of your most important assets, your clients. To learn more on this topic please visit www.bombecafe.blogspot.com or to download free to this software go to www.rajapakistani.blogspot.com
Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
