There's no groundbreaking news yet about the launch of Vista, Microsoft's new operating system. It will hit stores January 29th and eventually replace Windows XP, but expect at least a year before it's on every consumer computer.

Here's what's new in Vista: Outstanding graphics, better security, Windows Mail, and a system-wide calendar.

Here's what's missing: No real improvement in file management, just a different look. Many typical user features are missing, but we may uncover them in due time.

Problems upgrading: Just as we did when Windows XP was new, we need to update drivers (software) that makes our peripherals work with Vista. That includes the software for printers, backup devices, digital cameras, iPods and more. Many vendors are not yet ready to support Vista.

If you want to be an early adopter, you'll soon be able to buy a new computer with Vista pre-loaded, or you can get a great price on a Windows XP computer now. If you do buy a new computer now, make sure it is marked "Vista ready." Most computer vendors are also including a certificate for a free upgrade to Vista. But...Caveat emptor.

If you have specific questions about Vista, drop me a note at the Q & A Forum on my web site at www.cclarity.com

You needn't run right out and buy it, but Office 2007 is now on the market. It pairs nicely with a new Vista computer, but most users remain content with their current version of MS Office: 2000 or 2003. If you're using anything older than that, you might want to upgrade so you don't fall too far behind.

What's new in Office 2007? You'll wonder where the menu went... The familiar File / Edit / View / Print toolbar options are gone. Instead you'll see semi-transparent ribbons that unfold to reveal only the things the software designers think you want. There's no 'classic' view to let you work the way you're used to doing. So prepare to dig a little to find what you need, and enjoy features you never stumbled upon before. There are about 1,500 features in Office all together, and most of us use only a couple dozen. Just hope they're not the hidden ones.

As Chicago Tribune's Jim Coates says: "You have 2 choices... You can do it the Microsoft way or you can do it the Microsoft way."

Also, Microsoft has abandoned Front Page, so if your web site was created in Front Page, you might want to move ahead. Let me know if you need help.

You can try Office 2007 free by downloading a trial copy or run it right in your web browser.

1. Learn a new trick like Shift+F5 in Word to jump to the part of a document where you left off last time you opened the file, or Alt+F4 to close a window.

2. Change your passwords. Make passwords hard to decipher by using a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation, such as Sue+jiM2.

3. Develop a habit of backing up your data regularly and consistently. Don't forget to back up your email address book too.

4. Start a to-do list in the computer if you haven't already. Use whatever program works for you: Word, Excel, Act, Outlook.

5. Begin 2007 with a clean sweep by running the defrag utility. See my blog entry "Out with the Old" at cclarity.blogspot.com.

If you've moved up to high-speed internet, with DSL or cable modem, be sure to cancel those old dial-up accounts you're still paying for. Bye bye, AOL !!

Remember, you can post computer questions on the forum at my site, www.cclarity.com.

Here's to a terrific 2007 for you,

Helen Gallagher

Phone: 847-998-6240, www.cclarity.com

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