I’ve been using Windows Vista Premium on this Gateway MX-6455 laptop for a couple of weeks at this point. I must say, Vista is easily the best-ever version of Windows.

One thing that struck me from the start is the overall smoothness of multitasking in Vista. Even when I push the processor and hard drive to the limits, Vista remains responsive. The Start button, along with other open program windows will pop right up when I click on them. In Windows XP, things would often come to a standstill on the same hardware rendering the computer virtually unusable.

I bought an extra 120 gigabyte laptop drive for backup purposes to use in my external USB housing, which powers the drive right from the USB port, no need for an external power source. I used the built-in backup function in Vista for the first time this evening. I must say, of all the backup programs I’ve used in the past, this one gave me the best performance ever. The computer remained completely responsive and usable while the backup was underway. I’m quite impressed.

If you are thinking about buying a new computer with Vista Premium preinstalled, go for it. Vista is is a great operating system.

I was having a problem with the Sprint PCS “Connection Manager” software in Windows Vista Premium disconnecting from the Internet after about two minutes. I called the Sprint PCS air card tech support, and the guy there gave me a great work-around that will work for anyone using a Sprint PCS air card.

Simply create a new Windows dial-up connection, using the Novatel/Sprint modem as the dial-up modem. For the phone number, put in #777, and then click finish. The username and password fields must remain blank. That’s all there is to it. Next, click on “Connect” and the modem will connect to the Internet via Sprint PCS.

If you have used the Connection Manager software, reboot your computer before attempting a direct dial-up connection or it likely won’t work because the port will appear to be in use.

A British teenager volunteered to get a “Full English Breakfast” design tattooed on the top of his head. Here are a couple of links to some videos of it. The first link is a video of the tattoo in progress:

http://videos.icnetwork.co.uk/icnorthwales/headLg_Prog001.wmv

The second link is of the final completed tattoo:

http://videos.icnetwork.co.uk/icnorthwales/tattoo.wmv

Here’s a link to some still photos of the tattoo in progress:

http://www.lep.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2039734&SectionID=5395

I just read an interesting article that debunks 10 myths that have been making the rounds about Windows Vista:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877-6156413.html

By reading the article I found out that I can upgrade my machine at home by adding the appropriate PCI graphics card along with boosting the memory and adding a USB memory key to utilize the Windows Vista “Ready Boost” memory boosting feature that effectively adds additional memory beyond what the motherboard design is limited to.

I’ve upgraded to the 32-bit version of Windows Vista Premium here on my Gateway MX-6455 laptop that originally came with Windows XP Media Center. I’ve gotten all the device drivers to work, and I’ve been using Vista exclusively for the past couple of days. I must say I really like Windows Vista. This is the best version of Windows ever.

One of the most powerful features is the integrated search function that operates throughout the operating system. It’s extremely quick and powerful.

The other feature that’s extremely useful is called “Ready Boost” and essentially lets you add more memory to your machine via a high-speed flash memory chip or USB memory key, up to 4 gigabytes extra. That’s really quite an innovative use of two technologies that have been around for a long time now — flash memory and USB 2.0.

At this point I’m even considering upgrading my six year old machine at home to Vista Basic. Both the search and Ready Boost are part of Vista Basic. Vista also starts much sooner and the computer is usable much quicker than it is in XP in the booting process. It was a long time in the making but Microsoft has hit another home run.

To my darling husband,

Before you return from your overseas trip I just want to let you know about the small accident I had with the pick up truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately not too bad and I really didn’t get hurt, so please don’t worry too much about me.

I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally pushed down on the accelerator instead of the brake. The garage door is slightly bent but the pick up fortunately came to a halt when it bumped into your car.

I am really sorry, but I know with your kind-hearted personality you will forgive me. You know how much I love you and care for you my sweetheart. I am enclosing a picture for you.

I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again.

Your loving wife.
XXX

P.S. Your girlfriend called.

I spent a bit more time with Windows Vista Premium this evening and I was able to get the built-in Conexant sound card working under Vista in my Gateway MX-6455 Media Center laptop. I was also able to get my M-Audio Fast Track USB sound card to work with Vista as well using the Fast Track driver along with CastBlaster. I’ve still got plenty of files to migrate from XP Media Center over to the Vista hard drive along with other programs to install, but getting the sound to work crosses a major hurdle towards ultimate migration from XP to Vista.

I really like the Vista Aero Glass and “Flip 3-D” interfaces. Everything just seems to be more colorful and look better. Overall performace is also better. My verdict on Vista is that it’s worth upgrading to provided your computer hardware is up to it.

Want a driving career? Then check out http://www.drivercareers.com

John Edwards has been dubbed the “Brek Girl” for a reason!!!!

Check out this YouTube video of Hillary Clinton singing off key: