Computer Corner
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Microsoft unveils Vista's successor 
05:43 PM CDT on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's estimated that nine out of ten of us who use a personal computer are using a PC that runs on Microsoft Windows.
But Vista — the most recent member of the Windows family — hasn't exactly been a critical success since its introduction last year, as arch-rival Apple likes to point out.
The "PC" character in Apple's TV ads no longer uses the word "Vista" — using a game show buzzer in an attempt to obliterate every mention of the tainted trademark.
In reality, Apple's nemesis really does still use the word "Vista," but the company's focus now is on the next version of the operating system: Windows 7.
Microsoft offered the first public glimpse of Windows 7 at a developers' seminar this week.
Guess what? Windows 7 looks a whole lot like Vista. But Microsoft says it will feature a number of enhancements to make it more user-friendly.
For instance, you'll be able to more easily manipulate multiple windows by "docking" them to the top, bottom or sides of the screen.
Microsoft says Windows 7 is engineered so that you won't need a more powerful computer to be useful, an issue that has plagued every upgrade of the operating system to date. That alone could make it much friendlier to users who want to use the new version on an existing computer.
You'll have to be patient if you're thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, however; Microsoft says it won't likely go on sale until the year 2010.
That would seem to provide an extended window of opportunity (pun intended) for Apple to gain more market share from computer users who are frustrated with Windows.
The days are ticking down to the big presidential election next Tuesday, but — of course — Texans can vote early and beat the crowds from now through Halloween night.
You have no excuse for failing to know where or how to cast your ballot, thanks to VOTEXAS.org — a one-stop online resource from the Texas Secretary of State.
It will first help you confirm that you are registered to vote. Then you can research early voting and Election Day polling places.
Many citizens enter the voting booth without really knowing who or what is on the ballot beyond the major races. At VOTEXAS.org, you can view and print out a sample ballot specific to your precinct in case you'd like to do a little research on unfamiliar races or candidates.
This is a tremendous and easy to use resource for all Texans. Check it out.
And be sure to have your computer dialed in to WFAA.com next Tuesday for our comprehensive online coverage, featuring live vote totals and streaming video of state and local races.
We haven't forgotten Halloween at WFAA.com either!
There's a special section on our home page with reports that include:
• Getting your pets ready for trick-or-treating
• Gordon Keith's Halloween scream competition
We also invite you to send your Halloween snapshots and video clips to share with our online audience. Just go to WFAA.com/you for more information.
WFAA.com is changing the way it looks. Starting Thursday afternoon, the design of our home page will get a fresh new design, but the shift is more than cosmetic.
We want our users to see more news at a glance when they come to our site. You should now be able to view 17 news headlines and a dozen video clip headlines without scrolling; how many you actually see is related to the size and resolution of your computer's screeen.
Change can often be painful, but in this case we think you'll like what you see!
E-mail askwalt@wfaa.com
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