If you're not using Windows, I can't help you

I know that statement has the potential to annoy 15% of you. (Roughly 15% of the visitors to the St. Luke's web site are using something other than Windows.) Believe me, I do not mean to offend you. I am trying to be honest here. You see, in my day job, I am fortunate enough to be able to work on the latest computer technology. I help define what our software products need to do to help identify and solve computer problems. Most all of my work is in Windows (with a bit of Linux and DOS thrown in) because this is where our customers are focused.

What this means is that I have a Windows-worldview. I don't even have an iPhone, it's just a simple Samsung phone (that makes and receives calls just fine, thank you very much). In the interest of full disclosure, our household does have at least one iPod. However, we universally dislike iTunes.

So anyway, in this blog I will be discussing important computing topics like:

• The need to keep your computer up-to-date (for free!)
• Backing up your files--because that hard drive will fail some day
• Protecting yourself online
• Detecting and removing viruses and malware
• Wireless networking
• Social networking (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Parental controls

The discussions will be from a Windows perspective. Non-Windows readers will need to translate as appropriate. Now you may have all these topics figured out. Or maybe you have used your favorite search engine to solve a problem only to discover millions of opinions on the subject. Maybe you are not sure where to go for answers. Either way, let me know.

Speaking of Windows, you may have heard that Microsoft Windows 7 is slated for release October 22. I have been using it for some time and I think it is great. If you like Vista, you will love Windows 7. If you've heard (or had) horror stories related to Vista, I predict you will be very pleased with Windows 7. Some have described it as, "What Windows Vsita should have been" and I have to agree. Sure, some things are different but they make sense. I will go into more detail next time. The Elder Webmaster is here for you.