A Philosopher's Blog

Philosophical Essays on Many Subjects

Windows Vista

Zone Alarm and Windows 7 64 Bit

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I recently replaced my 2006 PC with a new model that runs the 64 bit version of Windows 7. When I tried to install Zone Alarm the installation locked up my PC and then it kept locking up when I tried to restart it. Apparently the software had managed to damage the system in some way.

The solution is a bit annoying, but works:

Step 1: Reboot into safe mode.

Step 2: Complete the installation.

Step 3: Uninstall the software.

Step 4: Reboot.

I’m still trying to find a decent firewall for Windows 7, but the ones I looked at were not yet 64 bit compatible. Fortunately, Windows own firewall is compatible.

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Windows 7

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Image representing Windows as depicted in Crun...
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While I did attend a very nice Windows 7 launch party, I’m still running XP on my main PC and OS X on my iBook (with Windows 2000 running nicely in emulation). I do have Vista on a laptop, but only because it came with Vista and I could never quit muster up the gumption for a downgrade to XP.  Interestingly, though I have used it the least of any computer I own, it has thrown up the most blue screens of death. But, to get back to Windows 7.

My desktop PC (a repair job based on the burned out shell of a friend’s “one fan short” computer) is running XP Pro quite nicely. While I am more of a Mac person, I find XP Pro with Service Pack 3 to be fairly stable and good with resources (of course, it was released almost a decade ago). Most importantly, it does everything that I need an OS to do-that is, it allows me to run the software I use without too much trouble. When Vista was spawned to torment the world, I passed because I saw no compelling reason to “upgrade” to a annoying resource hog. I do not regret that at all.

When Windows 7 was announced, I knew that I would probably have to use it eventually-after all, my PC is reaching the end of its expected life. However, I also knew that I would not be shelling out money for an upgrade. Rather, I figured I would just buy a new PC after Microsoft got around to beating some of the worst bugs out of Windows 7.

Based on my limited experience and research on Windows 7, it seems to be roughly a service pack of Vista. That is, it is basically Vista that works a bit better: it is less annoying, a bit faster, and hogs slightly less resources. However, there seems to be nothing compelling about it-beyond the fact that Microsoft has discontinued XP and soon it will be the only real Windows game in town.

While Windows 7 has some nifty interface features, I can honestly do without them or, if I must have them, I can find some third party freeware to do the same thing. Of course, my view of an OS is to take it as a metaphor for a worktable-it is there to provide the foundation on which I work, not to be getting in my way with fancy features. I am, however, concerned with security and stability. Not surprisingly, I rather like Linux.

Like many people, I find Microsoft’s multiple versions of Windows to be annoying. I rather like Apple‘s approach: have one OS for consumers and a server OS. Don’t have numerous versions that seem to differ only in fairly minor ways (other than cost). Presumably Microsoft thinks that it can make more money with all these versions and perhaps this is correct. When I do buy a new PC, I’ll shop for the best hardware deal and then probably just deal with whatever version of Windows 7 is on there. I’d take a stab at sorting out all the different versions, but that should be something Microsoft makes clear. Fortunately, someone has taken the effort for me.

If you have an XP machine and are happy with it, then it makes sense to just stick with it until it dies. While it might be able to run Windows 7, it makes more sense to use the money for an upgrade and put it towards a new PC. After all, some new PCs are priced close to the cost of a full version Windows 7.

If you have a Vista machine, then you might be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7. If you bought your PC on or after July 1, 2009 then you are probably in luck. If you bought before then, then you will need to buy an upgrade. If you are a student, then you can get the upgrade for $29.99.

Of course, my view is that Microsoft should issue a free upgrade to all Vista users as an apology for that mess. At the very least, they should allow them that $30 deal.

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Beating those Broadband Blues

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I run into broadband connection problems fairly regularly. Some of the causes relate to the fact that I’m stuck with Comcast, the cable infrastructure here is from the 1980s, and the area around me has been recently developed into student housing complxes (thus adding to the load on the system). Howver, I do run into problems on my end as well. I’m sure you do, too. This guide is for Windows XP. If you are using Vista, my condolences.

If you find that your connection is not working or has stopped working, here are some steps to take. Try one and then move on to the next.

  • Make sure your modem and router are actually on. Checking the cables is also a good idea. Make sure they are all properly plugged in and not loose. Also, check to make sure that the modem indicates (most modems have a cable light) that the cable is actually working-sometimes it goes out.
  • Go to Control Panels and open Network Connections. Right click your connection (most likely called “Local Area Connection”) and select repair. After it is done, check to see if you are connected. If that doesn’t work, go to the next method.
  • Go to Start and select Run. In the text field beside “Open:” type netsh winsock reset and hit okay. A DOS style window will  appear and hopefully your connection will be restored. If that doesn’t work, try the next method.
  • Go to Start and select Run. In the text field beside “Open:” type ipconfig /release and hit okay. A DOS style window will  appear as your IP address is released. Now, go to Start and select Run. In the text field beside “Open:” type ipconfig /renew and hit okay. A DOS style window will  appear as your IP address is renewed. If that doesn’t work, go to the next method.
  • Power your modem and router off, wait about 30 second and then turn them back on. If that does not work, hit the reset button on your router. If that doesn’t work, remove all the cables from the cable modem (power, ethernet and cable) and unplug the power to your router. Wait 30-60 seconds and then plug the cables back into the modem. Then plug your router back in.

If your connection is still not working, you are on your own. Good luck talking to your ISP.

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More on Chrome

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Google Chrome
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Like all sensible Windows users, my PC has several anti-malware programs. I have two firewalls (ZoneAlarm and the Windows XP one), a dedicated antivirus, several anti-spyware programs, root kit removers, programs for assessing the processes that I am running, and so on. My browser has custom security settings and various add-ons to combat nasty scripts and such. Windows itself has more patches on it than a hobo’s jacket. In short, my computer has a massive defense system that I have cobbled together. It would, of course, be nice to not have to deal with all this stuff-it clogs up the memory and robs my PC’s CPU. Plus, there is the worry that some new malware will manage to get through and do bad things. Google promises that its Chrome OS will do away with all this. Allegedly, “users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates.” While that is a wonderful promise, cam Google deliver?

One thing that indicates that Google might not be able to do so is the fact that the Chrome browser and Googles other software are not immune to malmare (technically, viruses are now considered malware). Of course, Google can point a finger at the other operating systems that their programs run under and cast some (but obviously not all) blame on them. If Google controls the whole OS, then perhaps they can create that perfect system.

Google can, of course, do many things to make their OS resistant. First, they are building Chrome on Linux and that provides them with a well researched base from which to begin. They can avail themselves of all the work that has been done securing Linux-thus starting out with a “new” OS that is well grounded on years of development by many private and public organizations. Second, by basing Chrome on Linux they gain the same sort of defense that Apple enjoys-fewer users means fewer efforts made to create malware. Of course, if Chrome becomes big, we can expect a surge in malware development for Linux. However, even combining all existing versions of Linux together, they hardly make a dent in Windows’ empire of domination.

Second, Chrome can make use of various security methods that will help a great deal. For example, Chrome can severely limit what the OS can and cannot do, thus reducing the sort of damage that malware can do. Windows Vista tried to do this via a rather annoying system and Google will need to make its security system both more effective and less annoying than that of Vista. Chrome also might make use of virtual computers to handle risky tasks, thus sandboxing  some malware and keeping their damage in check. Of course, this would also have to be implemented in an effective and easy to use way.

Third, despite all the hype about being a Windows killer, Chrome seems to be aimed at providing cloud computing on netbooks. By limiting the purpose of the OS relative to the “do it all” Windows, perhaps Google can have a much more secure system. Of course, this would seem to limit Chrome’s appeal and its market share. After all, most users are not using netbooks and the cloud is still mainly, well, a puffy cloud of ideas and dreams.

While Google can make a secure OS, the dream that users will not need to worry about malware will most likely remain just a dream. After all, the OS has to run programs and that makes it possible for malware to run. After all, they are programs as well. Writing into the OS code a way to prevent every possible malware operation seems to be an impossibility. No doubt some clever mathematical wizard can work out some law or formula that expresses this fact. Adding to the challenge is that some malware is not distinguished by its code, but by its purposes. For example, a program that downloads files to your PC from the net can be beneficial (your software checking automatically for updates) or malicious (malware downloading even more malware).

Another factor ensuring that Chrome will not be malware immune is the fact that people make mistakes and do not foresee everything. As such, it is certain that there will be vulnerabilities and exploitable parts of the Chrome code. After all, almost anything that a user must be able to do can be something exploitable.  The only perfectly secure OS would be one that did nothing at all.

My view, at least until Google proves me wrong, is that Chrome will have vulnerabilities and will need patches. After all, unless Google has God coding for them, there will be imperfections in Chrome and that means vulnerabilities.

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Windows 7

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Windows XP
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While Windows 7 is not due to hit the shelves until late October, Microsoft is offering a deal to people who pre-order upgrades now. At this time, owners of XP and Vista can buy an upgrade to Windows 7 Home for $49 and the Professional version for $99. People who bought a Vista PC recently can (or might) qualify for a free upgrade.

While this is cheaper than the usual Microsoft pricing options, there are some problems. The first is that there is, as of yet, no special price for updating to the Ultimate Version. So, if you have Vista Ultimate on your PC, then you must either pony up the full upgrade price or settle for a downgrade to get the “special” pricing. Also, if you do downgrade from Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Pro or Home, then you’ll need to do a clean install. An upgrade that upgrades (Home to Pro) or stays the same (Home to Home or Pro to Pro) allows (in theory) an in place upgrade. The second problem is that Microsoft’s special price for the Pro version is only about $30 less than the price of a full version of Mac OS X (and you can buy a family license for up to 5 computers for slightly more). I’m not a big fan of Microsoft’s multiple versions approach nor of the significant price differences. Apple is much nicer to its customers: one (non-server) OS and one price, with an excellent deal for multiple licenses. Of course, Apple does charge a premium for its hardware, so I suppose they can be more generous with their OS. That is one reason why I have a PC (I really can’t justify buying  a Mac Pro). The other is that most PC games are for Windows.

I don’t plan on upgrading since my desktop PC is rather old (it is running XP Pro). Instead, I’ll just replace it in December (I want to give Microsoft at least two months to crank out the inevitable patches and fixes). After all, $100 is a good chunk of the price of a mid-range PC these days. Throw in the annoyance cost of upgrading an older PC (driver problems and so on) and it makes little sense to do anything but buy a new PC (or just not upgrade at all).

I do have a Asus EEEPC that is running XP. I did almost consider spending the $50 to get the home version, but that is $50 spent now and I wouldn’t get the software for months. Plus, it works fine-so why risk screwing that up? After all, I got it to be a simple, reliable laptop for travel and work.

Now, if you have been trying the Windows 7 beta and love it, then it could be worth it to do the early purchase. Especially if your current PC is under the cruel domination of Vista.

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