Vista incompatabilities

After more than five years, Microsoft is releasing Monday a complete rewrite of its Windows Operating System, replacing Windows XP with a new version called Vista. Despite the multimillion marketing campaign, you may NOT want to be among the first to buy the new software package.

Lost in all the hype and hoopla are warnings about a whole bunch of software compatibility issues. Some of the every day programs you rely on may not work on your PC unless you get an update or, in some cases, purchase entirely new software.

Among the popular applications that have had issues: Quickbooks, Lotus Notes and several anti-virus problems. Those who use Virtual Private Networks to access work computers remotely may have problems, too. To find out whether your system – software and hardware – will work with Vista, head over to a special section on the Microsoft Vista Page. It offers free downloads of programs that will scan your current system and let you know what works… and what doesn’t.

Vista is the most sweeping and secure Windows update yet. And while it may very much be your best PC solution, my suggestion is to inventory your favorite software and make sure it is Vista compatible before you buy.

Squidoo is hot new Net craze

The Internet keeps evolving and the latest online craze is a Web site called Squidoo that takes the social networking craze of a My Space and combines it with the video popularity of You Tube.

Squidoo is on a big time roll, using something it calls a lens… a combination blog, video file and user-contributed network of text and multimedia aimed at making sense of the Information Overload. You have no idea what you’ll find here… a link to an interactive animation program that has a little guy climbing lines you make with your cursor… instructions on how to do an “Updo” that fastens long hair at the top of the neck…. A site dedicated to office pranks like covering a cubicle in Post It notes… newspapers…or turning a keyboard into a plant…

You can become a Lensmaster for Free and then share your favorite sites and passions and grab the lists and recommendations of like minded Squidooites.

Online Diet Help

We’re only a few days into the New year and that new diet is a lot harder than you thought… right?

Fear not… I can help. There are some great Web sites and online tools that will not only help you lose but keep you motivated to keep losing.

Log on to lose it at Websites like Cyberdiet, which makes it about as easy as can be to find the right diet and stick with it. Walk through the Getting Started section.. set your goals.. plan your meals and activities. There’s a ton of articles and suggestions on how to lose weight…and there is a robust community of like-minded dieters you can hook up with for online chats or recipe swapping.

The Calorie King boasts having the world’s largest food database. Know the calories and fat you’re consuming by looking them up here, including take out meals from fast food joints.

Experts say a key to losing weight is writing down what you eat. The Fit Day site has a free online diet and weight loss journal that tracks, charts and monitors your progress.

Finally, get a Diet Buddy. Weight loss experts say two are better than one in keeping you motivated, sharing secrets and providing support.