Val, my low tech solution would be to backup =data only=, then wipe the disk, then reinstall the operating system and all programs one by one.

The Next Windows After Vista Will Demand Radical Rethinking From Microsoft

While it's putting the finishing touches on Vista--a near-final test version could arrive this week--Microsoft is at work on the next major version of its most important product, a system code-named Vienna that's supposed to introduce a whole- sale reworking of the Windows desktop. Before that, a tune-up of Vista, dubbed Fiji, is in the works.

But post-Vista Windows will break with the past only if Microsoft can figure out how to do things differently. Here are the challenges the company faces as it works on Fiji, Vienna, and whatever follows them:

Faster delivery. First and foremost, Microsoft must figure out how to deliver Windows features faster. If it takes another five years to deliver the next major upgrade to Windows, Microsoft's golden goose is cooked.

More Web functions. Microsoft must increase the operating system's value by delivering many of its functions on the Web, in ways that can be updated as PC users' needs change. The Web can be a fabulous delivery vehicle for a modern operating system, but Windows has to get smarter about handling data and programs that live online. Windows Live and Office Live are part of the answer, but Windows itself needs to become Webified.

A partially web-based Windows OS? Is the writer of this on crack? (It came from InfoWeek .)

I haven't had time to read the whole thing....

Windows is pretty much a clusterfuck at this point. The code horribly complicated, with "more than 50 dependency layers", over 50 million lines of code, and thousands of developers. It's difficult, probably impossible, at this point to fix bugs in the code without introducing new ones.

A lot of people, not just the one pundit you quoted, are suggesting that Microsoft do what Apple did; create a newer, much simpler operating system, and run older versions of the OS inside a virtual machine for compatability.

I would be very surprised if MS didn't have one or more skunkwork projects along those lines working in secrecy.

Tom, insent (a couple hours ago....)

I would be very surprised if MS didn't have one or more skunkwork projects along those lines working in secrecy.

MS has a huge R&D dept., right?

How to install RAM in your Mac (and save big $$$)

From Digg. With lots of Dig commentary [link]

One person asked this...

Is it okay to mix and match sticks of RAM made by different manufacturers? For example, OWC 1GB + Apple's 1GB

... and got this reply

Technically, yes. As long as they are the same speed and layout SS or DS. You'd also have to be careful with timings.

Most OEM memory is either agressively timed or passively timed. A MacBook Pro is likely to be agressively timed to see an extra performance boost. So you'll have to get quality memory with some decent timings. If you buy value RAM that doesn't perform well at low latency you'll have some compatability issues. And likely, freezing and all those other crazy symptoms apple users claim they never see because of their godly OSX.

If you don't put the right set of hardware in to begin with, you're doomed from the start, no matter what software you run.

... with a bunch more comments following.

Is this stuff that I should worry about if, say, I buy a new iBook and add memory myself?

eta: I'd probably buy more memory from OWC, picking whatever OWC said is compatible.

Also, Jilli -- did you ever download "On the Amazon" from my server? I sent you a couple of emails about it.

Yes, I did. I guess this means the "Yay thank you!" email I sent didn't get to you. But I did, so thank you very much!

So, mostly a lurker myself and would hope to make a better impression than this is likely to give, but it would seem that my options are limited.

Being a techno-phobe myself, and realizing the multi-dimentional brilliance the Buffistas, was hoping for some basic application assistance.

Don't hate me 'cause I'm technically inept.

No worries on the hating front, jubsews! What kind of help do you need?

Have a cure for stupidity?

To much to hope for, I'm sure. At any rate, I attempted to install the Firefox browser and there was a conflict with my security software, so I had to uninstall it, before turning off the other software and attempting to re-installing it.

The problem is this: When I initially (and ineptly) downloaded and intalled the program, selected to set it as my default for just about everything. Now I can't get any of my updates to install (spysweeper, iTunes, etc.) because there is no Firefox.

I pray to the computer Gods for a better brain.