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In this
January 2007
edition:

A Word From TechGuy

Tech News

Update AVG by January 15

Windows Vista on January 30

Overdone Christmas Lights

TechGuy on Computer America

Community Updates

A Word From TechGuy

Are you ready for an exciting New Year? If you happen to use AVG for your anti-virus, be sure to upgrade before January 15th. Windows Vista comes out on the 30th… and I’ll be appearing on Computer America the same day!

As always, we could really use articles, reviews, or ideas for articles! Please email me at mike@techguy.org

Happy New Year,

Mike Cermak
"TechGuy"

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Tech News

Update AVG by January 15

Grisoft offers a free anti-virus for home users called AVG Free. (Businesses are required to purchase the commercial version of AVG, but it's very affordable!)

If you already have AVG installed on your computer, you may get a warning that you need to upgrade by January 15, 2007. Most people are currently using AVG version 7.1, but you are required to install the newer version, 7.5. Here is how to upgrade to the latest version of AVG Free:

1. Go to www.free.grisoft.com
2. Click on the "AVG Anti-Virus Free" link near the top.
3. Click on the "Download free version" button near the middle.
4. Under the Windows heading, click on the link that starts with "avg75free_..."
5. Click on the "Open" or "Run" button that appears.
6. When the Setup program runs, you’ll have to click Next and accept the license agreement.
7. When it asks you to "Select Setup Type", choose "Repair Installation" and click Next.

Having troubles? Head over to http://forums.techguy.org/ and post your question, and always remember to keep your antivirus up-to-date!

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Windows Vista on January 30

It's official! The latest version of Windows, Microsoft Windows Vista, will be released to the public on January 30th. This latest version of Windows offers enhanced security, some pretty graphics, and some very cool new organizational features. It's definitely worth checking out, but be warned -- it requires a lot more from your computer than any previous version of Windows. It's been designed to take advantage of some of the latest computer hardware, and won't run so well on that extra computer you have in the corner. My advice? Unless you have a real powerhouse of a computer, buy a new machine with Vista pre-installed. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the official Microsoft Windows Vista web site as well as the Tech Support Guy Windows Vista forum.

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Overdone Christmas Lights

In the last issue, I asked if anyone knew how to synchronize Christmas lights to music. Well, I asked... and the users of TSG responded! I got a handful of very helpful emails. It seems that the unofficial authority on this new style of decorating is PlanetChristmas. There you will find a lot of holiday decorating advice, as well as a very active user forum. I’ll be sure to post videos of our house next year!

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TechGuy on Computer America

Mike (aka TechGuy) will be appearing on the Computer America radio show on Tuesday, January 30th beginning at 11:00 PM Eastern.

Computer America is America's longest-running nationally syndicated radio talk show about computers. It airs every weeknight at 10:00 PM Eastern (7PM Pacific -- you figure it out if you're overseas. =)

It's an entertaining program about technology hosted by Craig Crossman and Carey Holzman. Mike Cermak (TechGuy) appears on the show very month to argue... or discuss... whatever computer topics might be in the news. Since he will be appearing on January 30th, expect to hear a lot about Windows Vista, which is being publicly released the same day.

You can listen live at www.computeramerica.com. Mike will be in their chat room during the program.

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Community Updates

By angelize56

Happy New Year 2007 to everyone! May your year ahead be filled with many blessings!

In case you missed the new rules for "General Conduct In The Community Forums"...Mike (TechGuy) has posted them!

Random:

How are you feeling right now? In one word describe that to us!

As the New Year is trumpeted in...what are your reflections
on the year 2006?

As you ponder your life...what do you feel is the greatest lesson you've learned thus far?

Are you a fan of "American Idol" or the TV show "24"? Feel free to join in and give us your thoughts as both shows start their exciting sixth season this month!

Announcements:

In case you didn't know or missed the announcement...we have four new "Community Moderators"...members Ciberblade, LANMaster, iltos, and LauraMJ! Congratulations and best of luck to all of them!

Our very own TSG site owner TechGuy (Mike) has been a guest on the radio talk show "Computer America"! Way to go Mike! Tune in...listen...even chat live on his air dates!

The "Fire Pit" continues to be a hot thread! Drop on by and share your thoughts with everyone! All are welcome!

Once again...Happy New Year 2007 to all of you! Until next month...smile!

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