I must say that when Windows 7 first appeared on the scene for a trial download, I was one of the first to get it and begin experimenting with it at work. I have been anxious to see if Windows could produce an operating system to rival the Mac Os, which by all accounts is much more media friendly and simple than Window XP, the operating system I had at the time. I was not disappointed. The new Windows has been stable and user-friendly since their beta release last year.

When Windows 7 officially launched in October of this year, I was literally drooling over the idea of getting a copy. My only reservations: would ALL my cherished programs work on it? I use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Video Editing Suite, Bibleworks, and a few other expensive software packages I did not want to have to repurchase. Again, I was not disappointed.

When my laptop began its early descent into the grave with hardware issues, I was sick to my stomach…but the rewards of having Windows 7 has been a great consolation. Below I’ve listed some of my praise for the OS for you, and if you want the long list of tips and tricks I have collected off the web for the new Windows, download that from me by clicking this link Windows_7_tips.

1. The new interface makes the taskbar look a lot less crowded. I have 3-4 programs open at all times, and have a lot easier time switching between them now. Even better, since most computer screens are now widescreen formatted, I am able to place the taskbar on the side of the screen without any problems, giving me another inch of precious vertical screen space across the bottom. (See the attached tips sheet for how to do this: make your taskbar icons smaller too)
2. Windows makes the screen more efficient. I don’t feel as if I have to maximize every program anymore. I can open email, Itunes, or Microsoft Word and not feel as if I need to have the program filling the screen to get things done. This is particularly helpful in that Windows will place a program on exactly half of the screen if you simply drag the program to the side of the screen and let go.
3. Windows 7 is more secure. Gone are the days when sharing my documents on a home network meant anyone connected to that network could modify them. Now I can password protect anything I share. Whew! That was a big worry in days past.
4. Windows is only $30 for students! That’s right, until January 3rd, Windows 7 Home Premium is only $30 for full time students. I just got my copy, do you have yours? Get it here: http://www.win741.com/
5. Windows makes things simple: From operating the Media player to attaching an external monitor, Windows makes the new daily life of computers very simple. I recommend that you purchase it with your next computer: ditch the Mac! and enjoy.

A few considerations when buying a new computer:

1. 32 bit vs. 64 bit: Windows and Mac are both upgrading their systems for higher performance. 64-bit is the term for the newest operating system standard. I won’t get into all the details, but Macs are pretty much 64 bit now, and any PC you buy should also be 64-bit. In a few years, 32 bit computers will be ancient, so I recommend you stay ahead of the technological curve.
2. Graphics cards and RAM matter. If you are buying a new computer, make sure it has 4gb of ram and a good graphics adapter. Windows 7 is very pretty, with lots of 3-D effects. Those effects come at the cost of using more memory and requiring the computer to use its graphics capabilities.
3. You get what you pay for: For that reason, I highly recommend avoiding purchasing a bargain netbook or refurbished system with Windows 7. Spend the money like you are buying a Macbook…if you pay 700-1000, you are going to get a laptop you are very happy with. If you spend $200 for an HP laptop, you may regret your decision. And don’t buy an HP or Acer. They are the lowest quality laptops on the market currently. Stick with Dell, Lenovo, Sony or Toshiba.

This post from Mike Huckabee really added some clarity regarding the benefits of healthcare reform.

47 million uninsured Americans =

12-13 million illegal immigrants

15 million qualify for existing plans, but have not signed up

10 million could afford insurance, but choose not to buy it…spending their money elsewhere.

Also: Why roll out a permanent healthcare plan to the entire country without trying it somewhere first?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLmPB8QLaw8[/youtube]

I must say, I am continually impressed with the innovation of the staff at Google. They continually add features to the web that make things free, user-friendly, and convenient.

Their new phone 411 service is that good too. Call 1-800-466-4411 and say the place name, city and state, and you’ll get connected to them for free! Tried it, love it. I urge you to save it in your phone for later use.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN0q8SvlQAk[/youtube]

John Smith started the day early

having set his alarm clock

(MADE IN JAPAN )

for 6 am.

While his coffeepot

(MADE IN CHINA )

was perking, he shaved with his electric razor

(MADE IN HONG KONG )

He put on a dress shirt

(MADE IN SRI LANKA ),

designer jeans

(MADE IN  SINGAPORE )

and tennis shoes

(MADE IN KOREA )

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet

(MADE IN INDIA )

he sat down  with his calculator

(MADE IN MEXICO )

to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch

(MADE IN TAIWAN )

to the  radio

(MADE IN INDIA )

he got in his car

(MADE IN GERMANY )

filled it with GAS

(from Saudi Arabia )

and continued his search for a good paying

AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging and  fruitless day

checking his Computer

(made in MALAYSIA ),

John decided to relax for a while.

He put  on his  sandals

(MADE IN  BRAZIL ),

poured himself a glass of wine

(MADE IN FRANCE )

and turned on his TV

(MADE IN INDONESIA ),

and then wondered why he can’t

find a good paying job

(in AMERICA)

AND NOW HE’S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A PRESIDENT

( MADE IN   KENYA)

(Not sure who to credit for this…just another mass communication worth posting here)

Recently I sent out a short post on understanding homosexuality. Today I’m adding to the lessons learned by adding a link to another insightful talk on the subject of depression.

Unlike other talks on the subject, this is not a Scriptural “how to” sermon on being depressed. It’s not about having a depressed attitude, and beating it by quoting Scripture, serving others, or going to a healing service. It’s about what to do as a Christian when you are physically depressed.

I recommend this talk to EVERYONE, because it shows you how to properly encourage someone who is truly dealing with this problem.

download the audio here: http://www.dts.edu/media/people/?namekey=Tommy_Nelson

The talk is called “A Christian Looks at Depression”