Posts Tagged ‘Microsoft OS’
But there are some important things to bear in mind when you do.
Hardware issues: Switching an OS will not void hardware protections like a manufacturer warranty or Geek Squad Black Tie Protection should you experience hardware failures, but these would not cover driver related issues. Drivers tell your operating system how to handle your hardware, and driver problems could prevent them from working properly. This might keep your notebook’s webcam from working, or limit your printer’s capabilities. You should always make sure you have the updated drivers for any equipment you have.
System requirements: Some operating systems require particular specifications which might vary from what the “native” OS requires: memory, disk space, even processor. For example, Boot Camp will only work on an Intel-based Mac.
Limited Support Options:
While the Geek Squad remains committed to the “any coordinates, any operating system, anytime” philosophy, many hardware and software manufacturer’s may limit support for different OSs. They may release drivers and software but essentially make them “use at your own risk”.
Have a backup plan: As with anything involving a computer, make sure you have a backup plan both for your data and for your OS. If your computer did not come with restore disks make sure you burn them BEFORE you blow out the OS to install Linux, so you have a point to fall back on.
There is a lot to be gained from using an alternate operating system on your computer. Just make sure you are properly prepared for some of the hurdles it may introduce.
It has come to Geek Squad’s attention that a Microsoft Windows Update released on August 25, 2009 is inadvertently causing x64 processor based computers with Windows Vista x64 SP1 to crash with a blue screen (BSOD) and the error message “STOP: 0x0000007E”.
This update, update id: KB973879, was pushed to install on computers via Windows Update. The update has been temporarily removed from Microsoft’s Web site and Windows Update.
Computers with Service Pack 2 installed prior to August 25, 2009 are not affected by this issue.
If you have a computer that is affected by this issue, please use the following directions to resolve it:
FROM NORMAL MODE OR SAFE MODE:
If this does not resolve the issue visit your local Best Buy or call 1-800-GEEKSQUAD (1-800-433-5778).
A Microsoft operating system vulnerability has led to the worm infection of 1.1 million computers in a 24 hour period. This figure, which is a remarkable rise in infection rates given the time frame, brings the total estimate of world-wide infections up to the 3.5 million mark.
The security flaw that this worm uses to propagate itself was discovered back in October 2008. Microsoft issued a “patch” in order to fix this system issue the last week of October as well. It was considered an “out of cycle” or “emergency” update for the Windows operating system due to the danger of the security exploit, which includes allowing the worm to execute code on your computer. Affected systems include: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003/2008 and Windows Vista (all Vista versions).
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