Hi all.
I haven't posted here in a very very very long long long time.

Mostly because I've switched to Ubuntu and stopped using Windows (XP Pro/Ubuntu 7.1 dual boot = wife preferred OS and my linux).

It seems that I'm still the go-to-guy at my work cause I've repaired a few computers for co-workers and friends. Nothing big, just viruses, malware, password/data recovery, etc.
My favorite toolkit for XP has always been Hiren's boot CD (currently have v.8.9).

My question, since I've been using Ubuntu for about 6 months now, I've been out of touch with the Windows world.
I've got a date tomorrow to help a friend with a Vista laptop.

What apps should I use?
Rather than source the web for current versions of all my top apps, I'm hoping for a list of what I'd most likely need, equivalents to AVG or Clamwin, Tune-Up Utilities, Spybot S&D, etc.

So my wife says she would get me a new computer for Christmas.
I mean, it's only fair :P cause I bought her one when we were just dating years ago, and now we been married a year in January 2007, she owes me one - RIGHT? LOL
She knows I'm a picky finicky fool, so it's a few days past Christmas cause she knows the better deals are yet to come.
Together, we been spending time on tomshardware.com & newegg.com.

We've managed to piece together a great model for under $1,000, including 19" monitor.

Problem is, I somehow how got sidetracked, as is common with my ADD, and started browsing Apple.com. I really dig the MacMini http://www.apple.com/macmini/
I took their QuickTour: http://www.apple.com/ilife/quicktour/
I AM JUST EFFING AMAZED!!!

Here's where I'm at right now:
the 1.66GHz model  for $574 @ MacMall (http://tinyurl.com/faneh) +
19" LCD monitor $199 @Costco, where i work (http://tinyurl.com/wa3ya) +
$100< keyboard/mouse combo = $875+/-

that about right?

I spent the past hour or so viewing http://www.apple.com/ilife/quicktour/
My main concern (originally), as you can imagine, is losing my PC apps. Especially everything I've been able to get from this forum: Mouser, Skrommel, etc.

<< UPDATE: i just came across Parallels (http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/) so everything seems to be falling into place! :) >>

It's included with the bundle from MacMall, link above.
I should just spring the extra $155 for the hgher of the two 1.66GHz models and get the one with Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), shouldn't I?


<< i think i already answered most of my own questions, I'm just extremely OCD+ADD and I can't stand having to re-adapt to a new environment. i just hope this is as amazing as everyone makes me think it is >>

I think my local Circuit City or CompUSA is an authorized Apple Retailer, so I may visit them this weekend.
Nothing will be decided till we return from our Vegas Vacation in January. 1st wedding anniversary :D

original post here: https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=2003.msg43177#msg43177
Perhaps a CodingSnack is in order?

example:
User navigates to file/files in Explorer, selects them, RightClicks and selects the OPTION (a symphonic melody is played upon selection for added emphasis) :).
The option would kick an AHK script (in the background) that launches 7-Zip, zips the files, then proceeds to FTP the file to a predetermined location on the server.

<<my brain tends to shoot into overdrive when I define an IDEA for a Coding Snack>>

MORE DETAILS!
After the user selects the OPTION (another symphonic melody is played upon selection for more added emphasis) in the RightClick context menu, they are prompted by msgbox for:

• Archive filename (which should be prefixed by timedate stamp to prevent file overwriting)
• Archive format dropdown menu: 7z, Tar, Zip
• An unguessable Password + Password confirmation + Password Hint
• A Yes/No checkbox asking, "Would you like a HelpFile to be created?"

(HelpFile should be a text file that resides on their machine that lists the contents of the files in the archive, timedate stamp of the upload, and the hint of the password.)

User hits Submit, another msgbox appears confirming the above selections:

• filename
• format
• password
• a reminder that if they forget their password, nothing can be done to retrieve their files (or something to that effect).

:)

So, I have an overactive imagination. LOL