Corey's Corner
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To Vista or Not to Vista
 I've talked with more than a few people recently who are thinking of buying new computers, or upgrading their existing units. The big question they ask is: "Should I get Vista?"
Windows Vista is the next generation operating system created by Microsoft. It arrived well over a year ago with a lot of promotion, and with a substantial upside: greater security, upgraded graphics support, better built-in applications, and improved networking support.
But Vista also came with a list of well-chronicled bugs, compatibility issues, and hardware needs that have discouraged many users. Which is why now, 18 months later, people are still asking: "Should I get Vista?"
First, here's some perspective. My sources tell me that the older operating platform, Windows XP, will not be going away anytime soon, so if you're comfortable with that system, you can keep using it for a long time.
There's no need to be afraid of losing the Windows support feature for XP, and the features of XP are robust enough to meet the needs of most computer users I know. PC Magazine's review of Vista noted that "Vista offers conveniences rather than essentials," adding that "many features are also available for Windows XP users."
Now to the benefits of switching: Windows Vista has some nice features: a daily planner, an easy file search function that scans both document names and contents (including emails and office documents), and a built-in media center that provides a nice "all-in-one" solution for burning CDS, organizing and editing photos, and streaming video. Power users will really appreciate much of what Vista offers.
If you're thinking of upgrading your current computer, be aware that Vista requires more power from your machine, specifically additional memory (LOTS of memory), a DuoCore processor, and a video card.
Bottom line: Vista requires a complete upgrade in hard disk space, motherboard and processor, memory, and video card. If you're willing to be patient to learn and get used to the changes, you may find it worthwhile to upgrade.
But for most computer users I know, staying with Windows XP remains the best way to go.
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 Dear John,
It's a busy summer here in the Twin Cities, as we're expecting a record number of guests to come to town for the Republican National Convention in less than two months. We're working with state delegations and event planners to identify technology needs to support the needs of delegates and media alike. CRS can handle big and complicated events: check out our story about how we've worked with the National Hockey Leagues during the past four years to set up networks for their Stanley Cup Championship.
Thanks for reading the CRS Monitor, and please let me know how we can serve you.
-John Carnahan, President
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Computers On Ice:
The NHL Stanley Cup Championship
Imagine trying to pull off a major international sports event like the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup Final. Here are a few of the challenges:
- It will take place in two cities, but you won't know which ones until 72-or possibly 48 hours-before the event.
The actual start dates won't be finalized, until the previous playoff rounds are completed, and ending dates are also unknown.
Hundreds of event participants will travel back and forth between those cities as many as four times within two weeks.
Since Computer Rental Systems first hooked up with the New York-based National Hockey League in 2004 to provide computers for the NHL All-Star Game in St. Paul, we have worked with the League to support their technology needs for the Stanley Cup Final, the best-of-seven championship round of their extensive playoff system that is avidly followed by hockey enthusiasts all over the world. For us, the Stanley Cup Final represents the single biggest logistical challenge of our year.
2008 was the fourth year that CRS handled computer arrangements for the NHL Stanley Cup Championships. To serve the international media, hockey players and their families, NHL staff and event managers, the NHL needed to set up two remote offices in Detroit, home of the Western Conference Champion Red Wings, and two more remote offices in Pittsburgh, where the Eastern Conference Champion Penguins play. (In each city, one remote office was located at the arena, and the second at the host hotel.) Each site included 15 computers and 10 laser printers, all networked together and set up to run most applications, as well as email and web browsing.
The NHL staff used CRS computers to print badges, press credentials and other paperwork, throughout the two-week event. All of the people involved in the Stanley Cup Playoffs had access to internet, email, and the applications they needed to handle their work as seamlessly as possible. CRS took care of set-up, break down, and support during the event.
CRS had to be flexible to handle the NHL's needs. As the semifinal rounds played out this past May, we prepared to deploy teams to four cities: Philadelphia, Dallas, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Having equipment and people poised to set up in all four cities was critical to serving this client because things happen so quickly.The final markets were determined by the on-ice results of the playoff games, and one year we only learned the night before whether we'd be in Tampa or Philadelphia.
We also need to prepare to handle four possible end dates, because regardless of when the playoff series finishes, the CRS team has to work the next morning to disassemble the networks.
We're getting good at working with the NHL and being flexible to meet their needs. In 2004, we were set up in Tampa Bay and Calgary, 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina and Edmonton, and 2007 in Anaheim and Ottawa prior to working with them this season.
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Upcoming Events
The Convention is Coming!
Like many local businesses, we're gearing up for the upcoming 2008 Republican National Convention at the end of the summer. By some estimates, 40,000 people will be coming from all over town for a week of big activity during Labor Day week.
CRS will be actively supporting the technology needs of the convention and the many delegations that will be here, setting up remote office locations, cyber-cafes, hospitality kiosks and handling general equipment needs. Between media and bloggers, party officials, delegates and alternates, candidates and their staffs, and other groups of attendees, experts predict an unprecedented demand for technology during the first week in September. We hear that at Xcel Energy Center alone, they're adding 20 miles of fiber optic and copper cable to be prepared for this gigantic event.
Do you know of any groups coming to town for the Convention that will need computers, printers, monitors, copiers, networks to support their events? We'd be happy to work with you. Contact Steve (steve@crsrental.com) or John (john@crsrental.com), or call us to discuss your particular needs.
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