Vista Photo Gotchas, Software Fix
If you create digital photo tags using Microsoft's Photo Info program in Vista, existing tags can become unreadable. Worse yet, photos in Nikon's raw format can become unviewable.
Until camera companies provide driver updates, the workaround is, first, to avoid using the Photo Acquisition Wizard. Instead, use the camera maker's software to upload pics, or drag and drop them directly from the camera. Second, don't use Windows Photo Gallery or Windows Explorer to edit photo tags or properties.
In other Vista news, a compatibility patch allows a slew of older programs and games to run under the OS. Visit Microsoft's site for the fix and the list of affected software.
Costlier Support
Vista buyers receive free support for 90 days from the activation date, after which calls will cost $59 per incident. XP support has changed as well: You get two free support calls, and then must pay $59 per call (up from $35).
Firefox Update
New versions of Firefox (2.0.02 and 1.5.0.10) and Thunderbird (1.5.0.10) close a number of holes, two of which are critical. Upgrade via either program's automatic update feature, and obtain more information from Mozilla's site.
Google Desktop Fix
Researchers discovered that an infected Web site or e-mail could trick Google Desktop into divulging your data. If Google's auto-update fix (to 5.0.701.30540) didn't reach you, grab the new version from the Desktop site.
Stuart J. Johnston is a contributing editor for PC World.
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