Well, I spent most of the day today converting videos from our old format (Windows Media 7) to the new one that works with Vista (WM9).
I just found out, however, that there is a way to control the Windows Media Encoder using VBScript (a programming language) so I need to look into that tomorrow morning. I still have a LOT of videos to go, and if I can write a script to do them all automatically, that will save a lot of time - and get these videos out to you sooner.... and let me finish up the NEW classes I've been working on (Excel, Word, Photoshop, etc.)
On the bright side, I did have a lot of time today to get some customer service emails answered (there are still a lot of them in there... be patient with me). And, I spent time today poking around in Vista. I'll be honest, I haven't used it much since it was released, but since more and more of you are telling me that you're switching to Vista (some by choice, MOST because they were forced to) I've been brushing up on it myself.
I like the pretty new interface, but I hate the pretty new interface. For old-timers like me (yes, I'm in my 30s, but I'm an old-school DOS user) it's a pain. I thought switching from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 was a shock... this is pretty different too. Once you're used to how everything works, it's a real nightmare trying to find stuff (Oh, they moved the wireless network settings HERE!)
Honestly, I still use Windows 2000 in my office. It's tested. It's FIXED. It's bulletproof. It runs great. It's secure. It does everything I want it to. I have no reason to upgrade. For those of you who buy a new computer, however, guess what... soon your only choice will be Vista. So better get learning! I hate giving timetables, but I'd like to have Vista tutorials out hopefully by the middle of next month (once I finish everything else that's been backlogged).
Oh, that brings up another rant. I'm extremely ticked off at HP (you know, Hewlett Packard). My wife still has Windows 98 on her computer - same reason. It works fine for what she needs to do, which is basically Internet browsing and the occasional game (usually card games, nothing high-tech).
Well, we had to reinstall her OS, and of course we couldn't find her printer drivers. I make a hidden partition on every computer I have and put the drivers on it (sound, video, etc.) but forgot to do it for her new printer because she didn't get it at the same time as the computer.
Anyhow... I went to HPs web site to download the drivers and they're saying that they no longer support Windows 98. OK, that's fine. I understand as a company they no longer want to be responsible for an old operating system... but don't take the drivers off your web site! Just leave them up there and say, "here they are folks, but we can't support you on them." That's all you have to do.
Now my wife has a $200 paperweight on her desk because HP decided they won't give her drivers for a product she only bought a year and a half ago. They get my weekly BONEHEAD award. Whoever made that decision there needs a reality check. I still have local clients that I work with, and a LOT of them still use Windows 98 in their offices.
Anyhow, sorry for the long-winded rant. I've been up all night compiling videos (I'm waiting for one to finish right now so I can go to bed) and when I get tired, I tend to go off on tangents.
Take care. Until next time. If you need anything, Email Me. Oh, and that brings up one more quick point... don't forget you can always contact me via Instant Messenger. My AOL username is "Amicron1" and my ICQ number is 7109079.
19 years ago
