As long as Microsoft has sold us Windows, there have been compatibility issues. In the versions before XP, it was less of a bother as there were ways to easily work around most problems. With XP, though, it seemed that Microsoft upped their efforts to only let Windows certified or approved software and hardware be installed on your system. When Vista debuted it was a real issue. Up until Vista SP1 was released there were huge problems with many software versions and new hardware. When Windows 7 was to come out and start its relationship with the public, Microsoft [...] Continue Reading…
December 9, 2009
A good idea from Windows Vista has been brought into Windows 7 by Microsoft and made better – and actually useful as well. It is (and was) designed to encrypt your hard drive to protect it from thieves, should they get their hands on your precious machine – an important feature for a notebook PC. It was known as BitLocker.
Now, think about the incredibly ubiquitous USB key drive – they come in so many shapes, sizes, colors and designs and can be found in almost every corner of the planet. They give them away for free at shops in [...] Continue Reading…
December 7, 2009
In Part I, the Windows 7 feature known as Libraries was discussed in some detail. However, there are most likely some other questions to answer. These are centered on just how this new system works to allow you the ability to see so much in one central location. The next bit of useful information is to know how to customize – add or delete files to the Library – Libraries to work for your purpose, whatever that may be. Business or pleasure, Windows 7 has yet another useful feature at your disposal.
Actually, this part of the OS is just [...] Continue Reading…
December 5, 2009
Now that Windows 7 has been released, several of you are probably already taking advantage of the neat new features – Aero Peek, Jump Lists, new Taskbar, XP Mode, or whichever tickles your fancy and makes your work easier. Again, we turn to a feature which has not captured the press as much as the others. This new feature may forever change the way you organize and access your data from now onwards. This new feature is called, simply, Libraries. So, what exactly is this and what does it do? Furthermore, how do you use it? That first question [...] Continue Reading…
December 2, 2009
When using a Microsoft operating system (OS) of any version, it is always a good idea to have an antivirus installed and continually updated against new threats. Even Apple is starting to see computer viruses targeted at them and Windows 7 will be on their list since it is now released to the public. No matter what Service Packs, Security Updates or other fixes and patches Microsoft releases, none will catch every potential weakness in the OS. There are simply too many smart people out there working very hard to turn that weakness into a point of exploitation for [...] Continue Reading…
November 30, 2009
Since Part 1 we have seen several useful new tools in Windows 7. It does seem odd how little these are being talked about even in the Microsoft commercials and advertisements. I would have expected to see features like the Action Center or the new Credentials Manager highlighted as new additions to the Windows family. However, the new operating system (OS) does have plenty of other attributes which make it an appealing upgrade. Here in Part III, though, we will not be reading about those. This is the final set of new tools which make Windows 7 easier to [...] Continue Reading…
November 29, 2009
As we looked at some cool new tools in the Windows 7 operating system (OS) in Part I, we will look into more of them here. The previous batch was quite nice; the Action Center eases security, UAC changes, troubleshooting, and recovery procedures. The Problem Steps Recorder allow you to record a set of operations which cause some problem you wish to have solved – that makes it much easier to explain yourself to anyone helping you resolve issues. And, finally, we looked into the ISO burner – simply a handy and easy way to burn images to CD [...] Continue Reading…
November 26, 2009
We are all aware of all the coverage that Microsoft’s latest operating system (OS) is generating; you can’t even look at a tech-oriented website without seeing some story related to Windows 7. It is everywhere. However, not much has been printed on the tools within Windows 7 which make it easier to use. Most of the stories we see deal with the new Desktop or the new Taskbar – even the new ‘libraries’ feature has been given more focus. Here we will look into the new tools and see which of these you may find to be very useful [...] Continue Reading…
November 24, 2009
The netbook is a relatively new phenomenon, but only in its popularity. The first ‘netbooks’ actually got their start in Europe in the late 20th century. In Japan they became popular, but not as popular as mobile Internet. In the US, it seems that it has only become widespread in the last three years. Some saw it coming; if you were in the industry, you would have known for years as they kept popping up at computer shows and in the computer media. They are actually not a bad idea at all. If you travel a great deal for [...] Continue Reading…
November 21, 2009
Many features in Microsoft’s Windows 7 are very useful for the ‘super-typists’ out there, but who would turn down the ability to customize the way the keys on your keyboard are mapped? No one would, to put it simply. The people who will make the most use of such a program are the power users who also fall in with the well-skilled typists. They always like having some extra edge which makes their work easier, and they should have that. Well, with KeyTweak, anyone can change the keyboard layout without having to create your own – not recommended.
KeyTweak will [...] Continue Reading…
November 18, 2009
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