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Prepare Your PC for Internet Explorer 9 (Goodbye Windows XP)


Browser Speed Requires New Approach

by SoftwareGuru


When it comes to using the internet, people want the experience to be fast, safe and enjoyable.

No one likes having to wait on web content to load.

To ensure that the world's most popular web browser satisfies this criteria and more, Microsoft have decided that Internet Explorer 9 will not run on Windows XP.

It makes sense to avoid compromise for the sake of compatibility with an old operating system launched back in 2001.

To do so would go against the fundamental nature of software evolution.

Parents and students should note that the current Microsoft browser, Internet Explorer 8, will continue to work with Windows XP. 

The argument in favour of upgrading to Windows 7 is now compelling.

IE9 can now be added to the long list of benefits including greater OS speed, usability and stability as well as superior gaming performance through DX11.


























Internet Explorer 9 Objectives

Students and anyone with an interest in online technology should take a look at the IE9 developer video featured on the Software4Students YouTube profile.

In the video, lead program manager Ted Johnson explains the top objectives for the new browser.

Interoperable HTML5 Markup
- interpret the same HTML and CSS markup the same way
- Run the same JavaScript the same way

GPU-powered HTML5 Graphics and Media
- HTML5 demands a high-performance graphics subsystem

Across-the-board High Performance HTML5
- JavaScript execution
- Page Layout
- Page Display

So what does all this mean?

It heralds the day Microsoft and Internet Explorer, in relation to the web, "finally embrace common standards".

For non-techies out there, let's just say that this is big news and a welcome announcement. IE9 will rock.

Web developers won't face the ongoing problem of coding a website for one browser (Internet Explorer) and then having to make it work in others.

This decision should avoid another web standards campaign like the one which erupted over Outlook 2010.
Revamp Your PC On A Tiny Budget

Parents and students should note that it is not always necessary to buy a new computer simply to run the latest operating system and IE9.

Average user activities such as surfing the web and using Microsoft Word 2010 requires very little CPU effort.

If your home PC currently runs Windows XP, here are three steps to revamping your setup for the least amount of money.

Last week I carried out this upgrade procedure on an old Dell Dimension 5100 and it worked brilliantly.

Replacing RAM sticks and your PC hard drive is not much more complicated than replacing the batteries in your telly remote.


1. Upgrade your RAM

- Just like AA or AAA batteries, you need to know exactly what model RAM you have so you can replace your memory sticks.

- Avoid downloadable tools that may tell you which RAM you own because search engine results of your PC model and motherboard are often more accurate and give more details.

- I searched for Dell specs on their website.

- Play.com and PC World have 2GB DDR2 RAM online-only deals in the £40 to £50 range. That's fine for typical Windows 7, 32-bit performance (3 GB is perfect).

Upgrading older PCs from around 512mb to 2GB RAM will make an unbelievable different to PC performance.


2. Replace your Hard Drive which is well worn

- Washing machines wear out and so do computer hard drives. Cheap broadband and increased downloading is wearing out old hard drives (where you store all your files) very quickly. Get a new one for your new OS.

- You need an internal 3.5" SATA hard drive and PC World's cheapest is around £32 for 160GB. Best value is the 500GB model for £38.

- If you want to save on postage & packing costs, PC World will let you use "Collect @ Store" option.


3. Install Windows

- Next reinstall your XP Operating System on your new drive without connecting to the internet (thereby avoiding time wasting Windows XP Updates)

- If your PC supplier didn't give you the XP media disk but you have a valid Windows license sticker somewhere on your machine, borrow a XP disk from a friend and when prompted enter your own Windows product key written on the sticker on your machine.  

- As a Windows XP license holder, eligible parents and students are legally entitled to use the Windows 7 Upgrade DVDs from Software4Students (Full Version Software At Academic Prices, Lifetime Use!)

- Once Windows XP is installed, you can use the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD. When prompted choose "Custom Installation" which will ensure your upgrade is made using a clean install process.

Ignore the confusing "in-place upgrade" option which Microsoft should frankly stop including as it only creates massive confusion and problems.

- Now connect online to activate Windows 7 and download Windows Updates. Job completed!


Lowest Hardware Cost = £72
Lowest Software Cost = £43
Total Cost of PC Revamp = £115

It will feel and run like a brand new computer for a fraction of the cost of buying a new PC.

Say goodbye to Windows XP and with Windows 7 and IE9 you'll never look back.


Click on the following link to visit our Windows 7 Upgrade category.





 











Prepare Your PC for Internet Explorer 9 (Goodbye Windows XP)