I decided today would be a good day to dual-boot my laptop with Windows 7 RTM. I figured with all of the hype around it, being faster and better than Vista, a trial run wouldn’t hurt. Worst case, I boot back into XP and delete the second partition. Since I’ve only been using W7 for an hour or so, I’m only going to touch upon some of the immediate highlights.

Installation. The installation is DVD-based, and just like Vista, it’s colorful (GUI). It also supported by USB wireless mouse and keyboard! The speed and ease of the installation is fantastic. I should have timed it, but I really don’t think it took more than 20 minutes. It felt quicker, but I’m sure it wasn’t.

Initial boot-up & log in. After adding the computer to the domain where I work, restarts, log-in’s, and desktop loads (to the point where all programs have finished loading) were extremely fast. Also, Microsoft has removed all of that fluff that’s included when you initially log into a Windows XP machine. The desktop is clean of clutter, and it already includes a cool background.

Device Manager – check device drivers. I figured as with all previous Microsoft operating systems, there’s bound to be a few devices that need the manufacturer driver. This was true for the video and sound driver. No big deal though, as I went to Dell’s website and downloaded what I needed. Obviously it was lucky for me that Dell has Windows 7 drivers for this laptop! After loading up both drivers, I did a quick reboot, and things started looking more clearly.

Antivirus. We run Symantec Endpoint 11 MR4, but it wouldn’t install properly. We downloaded MR5, and it loaded perfectly.

Legacy applications. We use Numara Track-It for our Helpdesk, which installed with no issues.  In addition, we use the typical Server Administrative Pack tools (for Windows servers). In Vista and Windows 7, the standard adminpak.msi found on Windows 2003 servers no longer works. I had to track down the new version, called Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) made especially for Windows 7 RTM. That dropped a nice shortcut in Control Panel that included all of our beloved tools. Even the once-hated Windows UAC has backed down quite a bit during all of these software installations and system changes.

So far, I’m very impressed with Microsoft’s new OS. Some will call it Microsoft’s redemption, some will continue to be haters. Take it for it is, and for what it’s worth! As I get to test out W7 in greater detail, you’ll read about it here. Below are screen shots of my system config, for your information.

For years now, more and more retail stores are offering wireless Internet access to their customers. Companies such as Optimum provide larger Wi-Fi outdoor access at places such as train stations, supermarket locations, etc. With all of these various places to get a wireless signal on your mobile device, why do we still refer to finding such locations as “going to Starbucks for wireless”? It’s funny to think back to them being one of the first retail chain stores to provide such a service, and probably because of so, we still refer to that type of commodity as “going to Starbucks”!

Some Blackberry users at my work were recently upgraded to the new Blackberry Tour 9630 from Verizon Wireless. This phone is a great addition to the Verizon Wireless family because it includes 3G support, which was previously found only in the Storm. However, it lacks Wi-Fi, so if you can’t get Verizon Wireless service (or the appropriate abroad carrier), you’re out of luck. That shouldn’t be a big problem because Verizon Wireless has a huge coverage area in the lower 48 states and their affiliates around the world.

After configuring two of these phones today, one right after the other, I noticed some considerable “trackball lag”, as it’s being referred to on the Web. Basically it appears as if the phone is locked up for a few seconds, then responds to trackball movements and keyboard input. Forums talk about utilizing the Memory Scrubbing feature, or having the phone replaced all together. One option that I found was to change the theme, which so far seems to be working well. The phone comes with two themes – VZW and Precision Zen. If you’re experiencing this “trackball lag”, try changing the theme. The layout is basically the same, except for a different background (of a cool looking arched bridge).

The phone seems to be a winner in other aspects though. It’s slim, feels solid in your hand, and takes cues of all the new Blackberry case designs. Comes with a 2GB microSD memory card, a global SIM card, international charging adapters, and a belt-clip style holster. It’s very close in size to the new Curve 8900, with a similar keyboard to that of the 8800 models – just “refreshed” for the new Blackberry designs, and of course the latest trackball design.

If you’re looking for a new Verizon Wireless Blackberry with international and 3G features, but can live without Wi-Fi, get your hands on the Tour. And if you’re eligible, VZW is offering a “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” of any Blackberry!

Jump over to LinkedIn below and take my poll!

http://polls.linkedin.com/p/53898/vepxt

The Chinese government is at it again. Could you imagine having such control over communications? They can shut down the Internet at will, block sites like Twitter so users can’t post updates about a riot in progress. It just seems so unreal!

http://www.cio.com/article/496575/Internet_Twitter_Blocked_in_China_City_After_Ethnic_Riot?taxonomyId=1436

Best part is, they call the guy who made the purchase “clinically insane”! He paid $17,500 for a rare NES video game that Wikipedia reports only 26 were made back in 1990. He apparently got a deal on it, because Ebay reports other copies of this game going for $25,000!

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/the-17-500-video-game/1332488

In search of a mobile app to add new posts, I came across a nice little plug-in to view this site on a mobile device. It strips away all the graphics from my theme, but it allows you to read my blog entries in a mobile optimized format. I’ve tested it on my Blackberry 8900 and iPod Touch – it works great! If you don’t see the mobile version, please let me know.

Yesterday I had achilles tendon surgery from a basketball injury months ago. So now I’m home, on the sofa bed, leg up, and watching TV – and I’ll be in this condition for the next few days at least. There’s only so much TV that you can watch though, in light of video-on-demand services and DVD’s. In today’s portable technology age, we sometimes take things for granted that we don’t realize how much easier it makes our lives!

Here’s what I’ve equiped myself with while I’m on bed rest:

- Samsung NC10 mini notebook. This mini notebook has a super-long battery life, generous keyboard keys, built-in video camera, wireless, and best of all – lightweight! Last thing I want right now is a heavy laptop on my lap.

- Blackberry 8900 Curve. I’ve had this phone for a few months now, but it’s a great, portable way to check work email, update my Facebook status (which could be done with the laptop, but much faster with the Blackberry), and take any phone calls from family and friends calling to wish me a speedy recovery! I can also snap a couple photo’s of my wrapped up leg with the built-in camera and share them on Facebook, MMS, or email.

- iPod Touch. My newest toy! With built-in wireless (including access to the iTunes store!), internet, cool apps and of course, music, I can entertain myself with some tunes or even video if I choose. I can purchase music and vids at the touch of “button”, listen to podcast, play games, and more.

- TiVo Series 2. The TiVo is the oldest tech in the bunch, and has been a loyal companion for TV for a long time! The TiVo is wired up for networking, so I can download movies and TV shows on-demand, check movie times (for when I’m ready to leave the house), and transfer shows from the other TiVo in the house. Add in the second hard drive that I installed for 3x the storage, I’ll be able to have movies ready for viewing and be able to record all the shows I want!

http://www.webex.com/mobile/

Any 3G or Wi-Fi enabled smartphone can now join WebEx meetings. Everything from video to audio is available during a meeting! Right now, the service is currently only available for iPhone’s, but Blackberry’s and Windows Mobile will join the ranks in April 2009.

It’s no surprise that more and more people are using their cell phones, even when out on a date. Even if it’s just to check for a text message, or if it’s web enabled, check your Facebook account, etc. These days, the limits are endless. It’s funny though how when there is an uncomfortable moment of silence, the default choice is to break out the cell phone! I’m guilty of it too, but it’s hard to imagine how we all got by just a few short years ago. I suppose we all tried a little bit more to make conversation. The best is if you need an exit strategy, you can have a phony call come in to get you free.