The Search is Over!

Well, this was kind of funny… I had just started this blog entry and pushed it aside for a day, but it looks like the media has shoved it right back.

I’ve been using Windows Vista since it was first offered as a beta on the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) in late 2005. My goal was not to immediately bog down the operating system with any software that I had gotten used to in Windows XP. I wanted to give all the new features of Windows Vista a chance.

Now, almost two years later, I’ve learned what I like and don’t like about Vista. But one thing I held out on for the longest time was the built-in Windows Vista desktop search. I tried my darndest and gave it every opportunity, but I just couldn’t work with it anymore!

It’s so convenient that it’s there when you open any folder of explorer. The search backend seems to work great… it doesn’t seem to interfere when indexing, the index is not very large at all, and the results when searching come up quick.

But, enough was enough. I’m just not happy with it. In my opinion, the user interface is clunky and I find it confusing… sometimes it doesn’t find a file that I’m looking for when I know it’s there. The filtering options are not designed well and I don’t like that I can’t see a preview before opening the file.

Now don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I want the impossible. Maybe I’m just spoiled because I tried out some of the different desktop search software available when I was using Windows XP (such as Google Desktop, Yahoo! Desktop Search, and Copernic Desktop Search). I came to find that Copernic Desktop Search is just what I need. It’s fast, I think the interface is extremely well-designed, and I can filter easily as well as preview the files.

A few days ago, I disabled the Windows Search service and installed Copernic Desktop Search (like I used in the good ol’ XP days!). There are a couple downsides to Copernic… the index is pretty large and it isn’t integrated into Windows Vista all over the place like the built-in search is. The first issue with the index being large is not that big of a deal with the capacities of hard drives you get nowadays – I don’t know too many people that call me because they’re running out of disk space on their PCs (servers are a whole other story!!). So, that leaves the problem about the lack of integration in Windows…

Recently, however, Google was nice enough to step up to bat and put some pressure on Microsoft about this. So, in the midst of my writing this, I got to make some changes because Microsoft announced yesterday that they are going to update the Windows Vista code to allow users to choose third-party software for their desktop searches. Here’s one of the many links out there giving the scoop: Microsoft Agrees To Open Windows Vista Search.

The change will be put into an update that Microsoft plans to release by the end of the year. It looks like I’ll gain the convenience of having search integration throughout Windows after all. As for Windows Search, I'm sorry we couldn't have parted on better terms, but you can’t say I didn’t give you a chance.

-- Jim

How to Survive the Worst PC Disasters

I just came across a pretty good article in PC World magazine that I thought could help out quite a number of you out there. So, I went out and found the link to the article on their website for those interested:

PC World - How to Survive the Worst PC Disasters

The writer, Christopher Null, goes through some of the common problem scenarios that home users face on their computers or with their network. Here are some of the scenarios discussed:

• Your computer won't boot
• You just told off the CEO in an e-mail and instantly regret it
• No PCs show on the network
• Your identity has been stolen!
• Your Net connection is dead
• You're being sued by the RIAA/MPAA
• Your device just got doused with water--or worse
• You're inundated with pop-ups when you boot your PC (adware/spyware infestation)
• You deleted a critical file--and have no backup
• Your hard drive has crashed
• You forgot your Windows password
• Your presentation just croaked

He goes on to help with some troubleshooting steps to take as well as how to avoid the problems in the future. It was an interesting article, and although it's not full-proof, nothing in the troubleshooting world is... but it's definitely worth checking out.

Keep in mind that if you're looking for some detailed preventative measures you can take to avoid problems like losing critical files or step-by-step instructions on recovering from situations where your hard drive crashes, Just the Computer Essentials is what you need.

The Just the Computer Essentials book was written specifically to help users that desire something other than technical jargon. The book has over 200 screenshots so you get to see step-by-step how to accomplish the task needed. And it's written more like a conversation to keep the technical stuff from flying over your head. Check it out at http://www.booksbyjim.com.

-- Jim

Purchase "Just the Computer Essentials" from BooksByJim.com

Hi everyone! It looks like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com are having some minor problems with my book right now. As a workaround, I have setup the ability to purchase Just the Computer Essentials right from www.booksbyjim.com. I've configured it through PayPal (well-known and secure), but you do not need a PayPal account in order to get it... credit cards are also accepted.

Thanks everyone for your support!

-- Jim