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12.04.06 - Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0

The new Acrobat reader is timed to the release of Acrobat 8.0. Again, be sure to manually un-install ALL previous versions prior to installation. Download here.

11.1.06 - Internet Explorer ver. 7.0

We've received many questions about Microsoft's new browser, IE 7.0. In general, the best advise is to start with a "clean" computer before you try installing it; make sure your PC is free from all Malware. Then, manually create a restore point BEFORE you attempt installing it. Read more here:

10.06.06 - End of support for Windows XP Service Pack 1

On October 10, 2006, Microsoft will end all public assisted support for Windows XP Service Pack1 (SP1). After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide any incident support options or security updates for this retired service pack under the policies defined by the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy.

To enhance the security of your computer and to continue to receive updates for Windows XP, we recommend you upgrade your computer, for free, to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

09.23.06 - Microsoft Office 2007 versions

Office 2007, scheduled to released 1st quarter next year will have up to 8 different versions. For a comparison, take a look here: For the Office 2007 Preview site, click here:

09.18.06 - What is Wireless "N"?

Briefly, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) ratifies international standards on many technologies, including wireless networking standards. To date, we have wireless A, B, and G. "N", has NOT YET been standardized. Any product you buy as of this writing, is a pre-release product; not only subject to change, but varying implementation based on different manufacturer designs. Our advise? Stay away from all "Pre-N" products until ratified.

08.14.06 - Dell to recall 4 million batteries

Dell is issuing a massive recall of 4.1 million battery packs, used in several of its laptop lines, because of a risk of overheating and fire.

Also Dell 2.0 Dell seeks to "lower costs by outsourcing more functions, even product design"

08.01.06 - VOIP is inevitable

From Byte Magazine - Five Things You Must Know About VoIP - click here to read the pdf

Dell, which posted an 18 percent decline in quarterly profit, had been the last major PC maker to use processors only from Intel... More here

05.17.06 - Let's play 20 questions, with Windows Vista that is

20 Questions About Windows Vista

05.01.06 - PIRATED software users be warned!

Software theft hurts the entire industry. Microsoft will permanently flag personal computers that are not running a genuine copy of Windows. Read more here:

04.08.06 - A rare look inside the GRA labs

In an undisclosed location, photos were recently leaked of GRA's testing labs. Do we like it clean? Oh yeah, we do! Take a look here:

04.01.06 - For a perfect fit in technology

If an off-the-shelf PC doesn't meet your needs, you might be ready to try on a custom-built machine. Read more here:

03.16.06 - 6 Flavors of Vista?

Well, yes - but really only five for the US, here they are in more detail.

With the imminent release of Microsoft Windows Vista later this year, many have asked, "Is my PC Vista ready?" The answer may not be so simple. With an announced 5 different versions of Windows Vista, Microsoft's hardware requirements for Vista are pretty high. Lots of RAM, one of today's higher end processors, and a dedicated GPU (Graphic, or video card) are just a start. Cutting edge SATA (serial ATA, w/NCQ) hard drives are also a plus.

GRA custom build PCs in the last 18 to 24 months or so, probably already have most, if not all of these high end components already. The vast majority of our business class PCs already have an advanced PCIE (PCI Express) port, SATA drives, 64-bit CPU's, and other high end features, awaiting future upgrades.

"Most people who bought lower cost PCs from companies like Dell and E-Machines may very well be sorely disappointed when they find their almost new PC will have to be replaced to run Windows Vista.", said Tom DeFeo, senior IT consultant for GRA. "This makes my argument once again; you get what pay for, and pay for what you get. Don't expect a $900 PC for $399. When you buy a $399 PC, that's exactly what your getting. Lower cost PCs were not designed to be scalable. The only upgrade path is replacement." 

01.30.06 - End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me

June 30, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition as part of the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support, including security updates, by this date. Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are outdated and can expose customers to security risks.

11.18.05 - gEEkWaRe

Ok, from time to time, I'm asked to post "geekware" stuff that mainly those of us in the field would appreciate. Although all consumers should know what DRM software is and what it does, few would be interested in the technical aspects of it. For those interested, look here for a well detailed report.

11.01.05 - Bulging capacitors haunt Dell

Dell plans to replace components on some of its Optiplex business PCs but will not issue a product-wide recall, a spokesman for the company said Monday. Read more here.

10.03.05 - Unsecured Wi-Fi would be outlawed by N.Y. county

Is your wireless network secured? If not, GRA may help you avoid breaking the law. Read more here.

09.29.05 - Hanging Up On Dell? - Higher prices expected for better support

"Early next year Dell will introduce a series of one-year memberships so customers can opt for various levels of help, at various prices." Read more here: Hanging Up On Dell?

03.01.05 - It's that time of the month again!

Ok, so it's not exactly "meat loaf day", but the second Tuesday of every month is significant, at least in Microsoft's world. That's the day Microsoft regularly releases security updates and patches for Windows XP. According to MS, if there are any urgent or severe patches, they'll be released when ready. Having a regular schedule allows for systems admins, as well as end users to be aware of when to expect rollouts of security updates, and prepare accordingly. If an end user does not have an "always on" broadband connection, we suggest running a manual update.

01.12.05 - Mozilla FireFox, a viable Microsoft Internet Explorer alternative

Since Microsoft has dropped popup and other feature support for IE 6.0 not running on Windows XP, FireFox is a very good alternative. In our experience, it's a lean, mean browsing machine, which for now, is free from most of the spyware attacks aimed at Microsoft's products, and  it's free. While GRA does not support it, feel free to get more info here:

01.05.05 - Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 available

We know how fat and klunky the Acrobat reader is, the large drain on memory, resources, the long wait for it to open, but now there's good news. The updated version 7 finally has made some progress to speed things up a little. Since it is used by so many authors, on and off the Web, we recommend that you download it here. Prior to doing so, you may want to manually uninstall any old versions lying around, as the install is very "AOL like", in that it does not see previous versions and will not remove them for you.  

12.10.04 - Poor support from Big name PCs

We're not surprised. GRA customers have always been treated to first rate, consultant level support handled in the USA. "outsourcing of tech support to foreign countries by companies such as CyberPower, Dell, and HP/Compaq continues to be a hot-button issue for PC owners. Compaq, Dell, and HP desktop owners gave these companies below-average marks for phone support, with many respondents saying that the techs were difficult to understand and that it was hard to reach someone helpful..." Read more here:

08.26.04 - Are your kids Fie sharing?

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that it has launched a federal criminal probe of piracy on a peer-to-peer network.

08.01.04 - Windows XP Service Pack 2 to be released this month

Go get it!

04.26.04 - Washington wakes up to spyware, adware

Read more here:

01.15.04 - Spyware reaches record proportions

What is Spyware?

By now you should know what Spyware is, and how to prevent it. "If I had a nickel for every computer infected with this malware...", say Mr. Farulla, CIO of GRA Computers. "The best way for people to deal with it is to become educated about it. I urge all PC customers to call companies like AOL, MSN, and Dell and ask for a detailed explanation of what it is, what it does, and how to prevent it. Our clients and customers are well briefed on the subject. Some of America's largest companies, including Merck, General Motors, and Verizon, have used a version of spyware. Read more HERE

01.15.04 - Windows 98 and Windows ME support extended

Through June 2006. "Go configure"... read more here:

12.01.03 - GRA announces all-in-one Web Hosting Solutions

Let GRA take the hassle out of Web Site hosting. We will "one-source" all aspects of your Web Site including. For more info, see Hosting.