The Mid Week Infusion

Resolved a problem with Vista - an HP printer keeps trying to re-install itself because it is using the XP drivers. Vista sees the drivers as incorrect and begins the installation process. I tried to install the HP software in compatibility mode, but the install doesn't allow that. *Super*

Hopefully, the drivers downloaded from the HP mothership will do it. Otherwise, I'm thinking I'll wipe clean the installation of all the HP SW and use the native, basic drivers. If that doesn't work, I'll run it over with the truck.

I rather hate the sheer bloat of the HP install anyway. I don't want (and most people don't need) all the crapware they tie in to the drivers package. Do we need another photo organizer, updater, etc? I think not.

Another issue from HP-land is that the HP CUE Discovery service is retarded. It looks out across the network to find installed printers and adds them to the list of available printers. Ever see a printer listed as 'Auto Auto HP 600'? Thats why - the service keeps finding it and adding it.

They spend so much time trying to defeat ink refillers, maybe they could spend a minute adding a unit identifier value to the firmware so that the individual printer could be identified *once*? Could someone get to work on that, please? kthxbai

Also found time to optimize/secure a Vista laptop; have I mentioned how much I hate Norton? I'm also not real fond of Trend Micro's firewall that comes with their Internet Security Pro (I think thats the name). Note to TM: any firewall that makes you have to drill down in the menu structure to add exception rules that cover communications across your own network is too user-unfriendly to live. Get to work on that too.

In a business note, progress continues on definitions of processes. Oh yes, thats sexy stuff! Following the examples described in the book, 'The e-Myth Revisited', I'm defining all the activities so that I can present a consistent client experience.
Also, having clearly defined processes allows another person to pick it up and run with it. The goal is, of course, to transition away from working in the business to working on the business. And since my time is only going to get less free in the near future (12-18 months), I will probably be seriously considering hiring sooner rather than later.