I wish to buy a laptop that will play sims pc games.  Do I need to get a hard
drive of 160gb or more?  What other requirements do I need for a new PC?

It’s always a good idea to look at the requirements of the programs and games you’re looking to use on your new computer before you buy the product.  New computers today are designed to run some of the most intense games, including laptops; you just have to make sure you’re looking at the right product line.

Let’s look at ways to navigate your way around the internet to determine product specifications for the Sims 3 (the newest release I think?)  and other software you may be looking to install on your new computer to determine what hardware you should choose for your new laptop.

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I was wondering if there was anyway to legally watch the Windows 7 Launch online somewhere?  It seems interesting and the pictures on the website are nice, but I would like to see how they did it live and some more demonstrations.  Thanks!

In this day and age, everything is posted online…including video!  With media giants like YouTube and Hulu, you’re bound to see some cell phone footage or even someone who brought a hand held video camera.

For this type of large event, Microsoft made sure they had their own crew in place to video tape the event and actually stream it live during the launch.

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My computer is infected with Security Tool, the impostor anti-virus. Is there
anyway to get rid of this pest. It already backed itself up in my computer and
my scanners won’t find it.

Removing programs like Security Tool can be a bit of a process and challenge but it can be done.  Security Tool likes to control the scanners you run to try and remove it by altering the core files of the programs itself so it cannot find the rogue spyware program.

To remove Security Tool, we’ll have to try a couple of steps that will terminate the process of Security Tool and then another that will go in and remove the actual program.

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I was in the market to buy a new TV because they are becoming more cheap, but my friend told me that they are really more expensive than the list price?  Is there some hidden cost that the seller is not advertising or is there a cost along with buying the TV from my cable provider?

Unfortunately the sad truth is that new TV’s are not as cheap as they are advertised because of those hidden costs that come with them.  While a lot of these hidden costs are smaller items and accessories you buy (which can still add up to one larger sum), the other true kicker is the hidden costs that are reoccurring such as changes to your cable and electricity bill.

If you’re in the market for a new TV, there will be some added expenses you might want to checkout before making your big TV purchase.

Read more about the Hidden Costs When Buying a New TV

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Welcome to the weekly closing thoughts at What the Tech. I decided I want to start adding a more personal thoughts and opinionated section here on the blog so I’m going to try towards the end of each week and speak my mind on some tech related events, news, stories and what not…I hope you enjoy!

It was a big week for the tech industry with Windows having its first full week after releasing Windows 7 and it’s been doing very well. It’s great to see the commercials include a bunch of the features about what Windows 7 is capable of, coupled with the usual family appeal it attempts to market. I think what really gets to me after the release is the Apple commercials…I mean…What the Tech?!

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I just turned on my computer and started to get some pop-up of a program that’s called Antivirus System Pro?  I never downloaded that before but its starting to take over my machine and keeps reporting that I have a lot of security alerts and I cannot use Internet Explorer anymore.  Is this fake or is this real and how do I remove it if it is malicious?

Good job of picking up on malicious piece of software!  AntiVirus System Pro is a rogue anti-spyware that likes to report tons of fake results and security alerts like you’re reporting.  It is also programmed and designed to start up right when you boot into Windows so it will keep hogging up your system resources as well.

Like you also picked up on, we will need to remove this software.  It will help you gain control back of Internet Explorer; the program tends to hijack the use of Internet Explorer.

Read more on How to Remove AntiVirus System Pro

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I just bought a new Blackberry Tour but I’m unsure on how to setup an email shortcut from my Yahoo! account to come to my Blackberry.  Do I have to pay to unlock it on Yahoo! or can I just get it straight from my browser or will it come automatically?  Thanks for your help!

Blackberries are the cell phones of the future and I hope you’re enjoying yours.  I have some great news regarding your question; not only is it very easy to setup an email account to forward to your Blackberry, it’s also free and quick!

Let’s try these step by step directions to get your phone setup and ready to receive your Yahoo! email.

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Windows 7 released a great deal of improvements in its OS, but one of the most noticeable differences and improvements is in the Multimedia and Entertainment system.  They put in a great deal of time and effort to include extra features, better aesthetically appearing menus and windows as well as “cool” applications you would never assume your PC to include.

I expected a new media interface or maybe a couple extra features with the multi-touch system but boy was I wrong and in for a pleasant surprise…

Read more about the New Media and Entertainment System in Windows 7

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Microsoft has struggled recently after the release of Windows Vista with many users wondering how does Vista make life easier for me or what were the improvements from Windows XP?  Steve Ballmer was very intent on making his audience know the point and design of Windows 7.

Ballmer was quick to jump out last Thursday about how Windows 7 was designed and what types of machines will be optimal for the software.  He covered the wide versatility of the new OS and the different types of technology we can expect to see coupled with.

Read more on Why Windows 7 is so Great!

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Microsoft wanted to make a big splash with this event and they did a great job setting up for it.  The exclusive event this year was classy and catered well while maintaining an impressive tech room show-feel.  For those of you who were unable to attend the event or watch it live, check out some pictures below of how the studio was setup and how the show room was setup.

Microsoft also did a fabulous job of including the “history” to Windows 7.  They touched on what the motives are behind this new OS, how many engineers, testers and beta users they included and what feedback they took from the testers and how they changed their original product to conform to what the people wanted.  For those of you who’ve never seen a piece of software change shape before (…and boy do they change…) it will be an interesting experience to understand how rigorous and large of a processes the finalizing of a product takes!

Read more on The Windows 7 Event and Creation of Windows 7

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