Windows7 is the latest gift of Microsoft with which many users are not yet fully familiar with. Online tech support or specialized operating system support service providers help users build an insight on its advanced features and utilities the interactive way. According to them you get a high quality computing experience through Windows 7. Such feature packed operating system has actually helped user in various ways. So, consult your computer support vendor to get the most benefit out of it.
When you are upgrading your OS or simply installing it newly, just think of Windows7. Many operating system support professionals consider this a sensible option for most users. In fact, people are picking this version of Windows operating system increasingly. However, if you are upgrading your existing OS especially from Windows XP, you might have to take computer support assistance for there are no definite ways to come. Operating system support technicians advice users to install new Windows 7 by transferring the applications and files manually to the new setup. So while you are migrating this way, you must have a complete XP back up before formatting the system. Some vendors help to create a dual boot setup combining Windows 7 and XP.
You can find remote operating system support help desk that can either format your system and install the Windows 7 newly or migrate your existing setup from the existing one. Some of the computer support service providers instruct users to run either of the OS setup as needed. Having dual OS setup might sound a little unusual, but the coexistence of these two operating system set ups is pretty popular occurrence in modern computer technology.
The advantage of Windows Vista over XP is that a direct upgrade path is there to switch to Windows 7. Therefore, the data and applications would migrate to Windows 7 without having to do anything. Here to be on the safe side, it is advisable to keep a backup in case you want to upgrade to what ever Windows version. Here also you have the choice to work with a dual boot of Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Vista operating system users are also entitled to a hassle free and cheap upgrade price. To perform the partitioning task on the system hard drive, specialized operating system support professionals resize the existing partitions to make room the new one.
You can also expect to get desktop personalization assistance for Windows 7. Tech support is provided to help users access the advanced tools provided with Windows 7 for additional customization and other tailored application. You can find Aero Snap features following easy computer support directions to customize an open window position in some interesting ways.
As for the downside, The Windows upgrade is limited to certain versions like Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate; Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows Seven Home Premium etc. However, you can make the fullest use of this next generation operating system just by hiring a remote tech support professional.
The article is intended to describe the procedure of partitioning hard drive on a Windows 7 computer. The method explained here is fairly simple, reliable, and self-performable. It is still recommended that users follow and implement the instructions accurately. Doing so will save them from running into problems and eventually contacting Microsoft technical help to fix them.
Do you want to partition your Windows 7 hard drive? Do you need help doing so? If yes, then the article is for you. Windows 7 is truly an advanced operating system as it offers so many features and utilities that never existed in the previous versions. Disk partitioning is one among those features that allows users to resize, create, or delete hard drive partitions. The below mentioned guide will help you do the desired task on your own. This essentially means that you don't need to call up Microsoft tech support for help.
Instructions:
Click on the Start menu and navigate to the option Computer. Right click on Computer and select Manage from the dropdown menu. This will open up the Computer Management window. Scroll down to the option Storage, click on it and then click on Disk Management.
This will show you all the drives listed currently in your computer. Point your mouse to the drive that you want to partition, right click on it and choose Shrink Volume from the dropdown list of options.
This will open up a dialog box showing total size before shrink and available space etc. Type the desired amount that needs to be shrunk in the box next to Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB.
When done, click on the Shrink button. The shrinking process can take some time depending on the shrink amount and the disk size. Be patient until the process completes. When completed, you will be shown Unallocated space in a dialog box. This is the size of shrunk volume. Right click on Unallocated space and then select New Simple Volume from the dropdown menu.
This will open up the New Simple Volume Wizard window. If you don't want to format the newly create volume, you can choose the first option saying Do not format this volume. If you want to format, click on Format this volume with the following settings. Choose NTFS from the File System dropdown menu. Type a drive letter in the box next to Volume Label. Leave the Allocation unit size to Default. Click on the Next button and then the Finish button to close the window.
You can also download and run a free hard drive partitioning tool from a trusted website. Choose from an available range of free tools. Some of them include Ultimate Boot CD, System RescueCD, Ranish Partition Manager, and GParted Live among others.
Additional Tips:
You must have admin privileges to do the partitioning.
Each successive version of Parallels Desktop pushes the technology to the limit, speeds up the virtual machines, and adds new features. Version 7 continues that tradition and also exploits some of Lion’s new features. It’s a must-have upgrade.
Parallels Desktop is an application that exploits the ability of the Intel CPUs to simultaneously run additional operating systems as guests, in a virtual environment. (These are called virtual machines, or VMs.) That allows, for example, supported versions of Windows, Linux, Solaris, and other OSes to run inside a window (or full screen) right along with OS X.
Parallels Desktop 7 (Parallels)
All of the screen shots in this review were taken by the author, except as noted.
What’s new in PD7
Parallels never sits still. Each new version seems to pull a rabbit out of the hat and introduces compelling new features. Each version, used by millions of customers, also reflects considerable feedback from them. Parallels Desktop 7 (PD7) adds:
Lion Launchpad support.
Lion full screen support.
Consistency with Lion gestures.
Windows hard drive now shown on OS X desktop.
Parallels Wizard makes it clearer how to set up a new VM.
Ability to purchase Windows 7 from within the Wizard.
Ability to download Linux VMs from within the Wizard as pre-built Virtual Appliances. For example, Fedora 15.
Ability to install OS X Lion as a VM, pulled right from the recovery partition of Lion.
New version of Parallels Mobile which allows access to PD7 and its VMs remotely from, say, an iPad or iPhone.
Continued removal of barriers between OS X and Windows. Windows apps support copy and paste with OS X apps and printer access is seamless from Windows to Mac connected printers.
The Mac’s iSight/FaceTime camera can now be shared between OS X and Windows.
PD7 user interface rewritten in 64-bit Cocoa, a continuation of the conversion to a full 64-bit system started in PD6.
The Help system has been rewritten to have the look and feel of OS X Help.
Parallels claims that, according to its internal testing, PD7 provides up to 45 percent faster 3D graphics compared its predecessor, Parallels Desktop 6. Windows launch time is 60 percent faster. I didn’t do a timed performance test, but I can confirm that the Windows 7 launch time feels much faster.
Installation
PD7 installs right over PD6. Everything required is updated by the installer, and PD6 is deleted from your Mac. So if you think you may need PD6, for some reason, you should tuck it away somewhere safe and offline.
I am a user of Little Snitch, a kernel extension and user app that allows one to monitor OS X’s outgoing connections. During the install and configuration of Parallels Desktop, an amazing number of (legitimate) outgoing connections are made, and if you happen to click the wrong button (as I apparently did), the Ethernet interface by the VMs can be outright killed. One manifestation of this is /Library/Parallels/Parallels Service.app gets blocked in OS X’s firewall.
I didn’t have any luck fixing this manually, so I disabled the OS X firewall, disabled Virus Barrier X6* and disabled Little Snitch. Then, thanks to the fact that Parallels Desktop always includes an uninstaller, I uninstalled PD7 completely and reinstalled. Then my VMs were able to access the Internet normally. I’ve slowly turned my security back on, step by step, with no further impact.* If you’re using Little Snitch and/or an additional firewall in a security app, I recommend you disable them before you upgrade to PD7, so it can do its thing with various outbound connections fast and seamlessly.
The PD7 Wizard
The first thing you’ll notice is that the PD6 Splash Screen is gone. attractive and colorful opening screen was jarring at first for veteran users, and it seemed to be a concession to the many new users to help them get started. But, over time, it seems it just slowed users down, me included, and it’s now gone. Parallels correctly assumes that the first thing you want to see is a list of your VMs and then launch one.
My Installed Virtual Machines
In place of the former Splash Screen is a handsome looking Wizard (File -> New…) that guides you through the typical tasks you may want to perform, for example, purchase, download and/or install Windows 7, install another virtual machine from an .iso file, download a Fedora or Ubuntu as a pre-configured Virtual Appliance, or migrate your files from a physical PC. The look of this Wizard is in beautiful grey and silver tones, but more importantly, it’s intuitive.
The PD7 Wizard
If you select the second major icon at the top, the Wizard will either let you select the SuperDrive for a guest OS install or it will display, in the popup, the list of .iso files you’ve previously downloaded. It couldn’t be easier.
Guest OSes as .iso files
In my case, I hadn’t upgraded from Fedora 12 to anything later, and so I elected to download Fedora 15 from the Wizard. The VM list has a nice display of the progress. After you’ve downloaded the Fedora or Ubuntu Virtual Appliance, it’s ready to launch with “parallels” as the name and password of the administrator account.
VM list and download progress
To launch on of the VMs, just click it. To configure one of the VMs, right click it.
My Experiences with PD7
The first thing I tested was my previous install of the Window 7 VM. At launch, I got this message:
For some reason, this VM was unable to see the iMac’s SuperDrive. I contacted Parallels about this, and I’m still waiting for an answer. I found it interesting that Fedora 15 had no trouble mounting a DVD on my iMac and seeing the files. (Meanwhile, it turns out, changing the Windows 7 configuration option for the hardware to “Default CD/DVD” solves this problem.)
Other than that, and the initial trouble I had with Windows 7 accessing the Internet (my fault; see above), Windows 7 launched very quickly and was very responsive.
Fedora 15 launched nicely after download, but exhibited an odd white screen cosmetic defect when the desktop appeared. Clicking on the desktop makes it go away, and I had no other problems with Fedora.
I couldn’t wait to try the installation of Lion as a VM, and the PD7 Wizard makes this particularly easy. It invites you to install OS X Lion as a VM from the recovery partition you already have if you’re running Lion. I can see how running Lion from within Lion for testing or development, with Parallels Snapshots, could come in very handy.
Installing Lion as a VM from the Recovery Partition
Here’s a screen shot of Lion running as a VM (supplied by Parallels) I noted with glee that the Lion VM also has its own recovery partition on the virtual drive that supports the Lion VM. I didn’t try to install PD7 from within Lion running as a VM, in a kind of recursive nightmare. I doubt it would work because Parallels Desktop needs to touch the hardware in a very intimate way.
Lion as VM in Lion (Parallels)
Even though you’re installing Lion from the recovery partition, some elements are downloaded from Apple via the Internet. As a result, depending on your Internet speed, the progress meter may suggest a very long install time at first. In reality, it doesn’t take long with a moderately fast broadband connection, and you’ll see the estimated time drop rapidly.
Remote Access
In PD6, with my older iPad 1 and a MacBook Pro, I wasn’t able to connect from the Parallels iPad app to PD6 and manipulate the VMs. I was probably doing something wrong, but despite considerable tech support, I never got it to work. I am pleased to report that with PD7, the connection was a breeze. It connected quickly, and it was very cool to be able to see any of my VMs running from the iPad 2. My hardware has changed, namely an iPad 2 and a 2010 iMac, but I can’t say that that’s the reason for success. The fact is, I may have had a unique issue in the PD6 testing, and, happily, the issue is gone in PD7 and the new hardware.
Here’s a shot of TMO , in Firefox 6, running in Fedora, as seen on my iPad Parallels app, connected remotely. The layers of virtualization and abstraction boggle the mind.
Remote: iPad app screen shot showing TMO in Firefox in Fedora VM on iMac
The only problem I had with the iPad app was scrolling. I could use the hints and gestures to manipulate a VM from the iPad, but even with an app that supports scrolling. like Firefox, I couldn’t get the scrolling to work with the two-finger gesture. I’m checking with Parallels on this.
System Requirements and Upgrading
PD7 requires:
Intel Core 2 Duo or later
2 GB of RAM. 4 GB recommended for use with Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later (Leopard)/ Mac OS X 10.6.7 or later (Snow Leopard) /Mac OS X 10.7 or later (Lion)
An Internet connection
Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, simplified and traditional Chinese, Czech, Korean, Portuguese and Russian.
Note: the oldest version of Parallels Desktop that will work with Lion is PD6. The upgrade price to PD7 for current Parallels customers is US$49.99 ($39.99 for students). PD7 also includes a complimentary 90 day subscription to Kaspersky Mac and Windows anti-virus software, which can then be
extended for a discounted price.
Licensing
While you could, technically, install Snow Leopard as a VM in PD7 in Lion, that configuration is not licensed by Apple. Also, Lion as a guest OS is not licensed to be run as a VM in Snow Leopard. (However, Snow Leopard Server is.) As a result, according to Parallels, “Lion as a guest [VM] is only supported on a Lion host, per Apple’s licensing restrictions.” That’s the configuration I experimented with above.
Documentation
The documentation I received as a reviewer was enormous and included screen shots, a reviewer’s guide, all press releases and a briefing deck (as PDF). Parallels certainly isn’t resting on its laurels here. For the end user, there’s a handsome and complete .
User Guide Excerpt
This is some of the very best documentation I’ve ever seen for a Macintosh application. The User’s Guide makes excellent use of color, organizational layout, screen shots and includes a four page index.
Conclusions
Except for a a trivial number of very minor glitches mentioned above, I found PD7 to be a joy to use. Its integration between OS X and Windows grows ever more seamless. The usability, speed and refinement continue to advance. The company’s initiative to deliver version that exploits Lion so quickly after the Lion release indicates a company that’s aggressive and on top of the latest Apple technologies. The documentation is absolutely superb. The number of guest OSes, listed on page 113 of the User Guide, is amazing. Parallels, in my view, continues to remain the leader of virtualization on the Macintosh.
If you are using Windows 7 operating system on your computer, you need keep the operating system up to date in order to enjoy smooth and hassle free computing. And Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is a vital update where you will find formerly released security, performance, and stability updates for this operating system. This new update also comes with various improvements of features and services in Windows 7. In this article you will find detailed information regarding the key features of Windows 7. If you need Windows 7 support, consult an expert.
Windows 7 operating system has gained immense popularity ever since its release and to make computing experience more satisfactory, Microsoft releases service packs. Windows 7 SP1 has been released to fix Windows operating system problems and add more advanced features to this operating system. There are many exciting features and add-on options as well. With this update, your everyday tasks will be easier and simpler. Windows 7 SP1 also fixes several problems and issues.
Some of the different features of Windows 7 SP1 are enhanced HDMI audio device performance, ease of printing XPS documents. It also allows easy communicating with the third-party federation services.
Let's take a closer look at all these exciting features. With the new Windows 7 SP1 the users can enjoy efficient communication with the third-party federation services. Initially, Windows 7 operating system had some connection failure issues between the computer and HDMI audio devices. After getting feedback from the users, the manufacturer has done necessary changes in the new Windows 7 SP1.
Windows 7 SP1 offers easy printing of XPS documents. Earlier, Windows 7 was reported about problems with the printing of varied course XPS documents as it used to print the whole page in either landscape format or portrait format. In the latest SP1, this issue has been dealt with efficiently.
Windows 7 SP1 comes with automatic update option. This means the operating system gets updated automatically with the recent updates once it becomes available on the web. Windows 7 SP1 comes with additional support for better virtualization and improved infrastructure. It also renders highly reliable graphics experience as it uses RemoteFX in virtualized surrounding.
These are some of the most notable features of Windows 7 SP1. For installing this update, you can get in touch with an online computer repair company. There are many service providers in the region that offer reasonably priced services to fix any Windows 7 issues.
Windows 7 comes with a lot of help and support. The newest version of the most famous Microsoft operation system has a lot of inbuilt support for load performance, virtual storage, file extensions, recent multi-core processors and improvements in kernel versions. The best support you can get from windows 7 is readily available on many websites online. Support is even provided within the software itself that comes with the packaged operating system within the windows 7 help links.
Although Windows 7 is the newest and best version, there is still need for help and support. These can be found on the internet from a number of sites just like the former version of windows. Looking for the most beneficial support for windows 7 is not far-fetched. In fact, it is now closer to your because there are lots of fixes that are inbuilt just like the past. The core of everything is that issues would still arise. Hence, you need to carry out occasional scanning and defragment of your storage devices in a bid to detect errors. However, these periodic maintenance procedures can be scheduled easily and done once in a while. A major part of the processes can be carried out when owner isn't around. This allows the program to run fast.
There is also a need to confirm the registry and ascertain if redundant pieces or bits of it are everywhere. These pieces could cause the system to operate slowly. However, correcting this phase is not time consuming at all. Staying close to a beneficial support for windows 7 will make for an enjoyable experience when you are on the computer that runs this operating system - the choice operating system.
The latest version of windows 7 is presently available in six forms or editions; with each of them serving a particular purpose. This can be deduced from the name given to the edition. We have the Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter. The Home Premium is usually preferred by most users. The Ultimate and Professional editions are already in the retail stores and are designed for business or official duties. Other versions include latest features but are not so famous with normal users.
Just like normal, when issues arise with the operating system offered by Microsoft, you can chose to inform them as regards the issues at hand automatically via the windows 7 help links. This can be done instantly when you seek for advice on the internet or look up solutions to problems from differing sources in a bid for the best answer or support for windows 7. There are tons of websites that offer free support in aspects such as checking the registry, testing the hardware for failure, and testing the operating system as a whole.
A good online computer forum is at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. By visiting a computer forum, you will get high-quality computer contents that will help you to make bold use of Windows 7.0. You will start making fresh changes in your official documentation system.
Today, Windows 7.0 has all the excellent features that you need today for your personal and official needs. By using latest Windows 7.0, you can remarkably improve your application processing for your home or your office.
Now, your Windows 7.0 comes with renewed searching functions which allow you to search in your PC the same way as you search on your internet: By using Windows Search, you can now find a specific file, program, or e-mail within few seconds. You can now scan files to find what you are exactly looking for.
You can now keep your files and programs at the touch of your fingertips: You can now with one single click arrange two windows side-by-side. You can now share files, music, and even printers in just four clicks You can now resize and arrange your windows much more easily: You can do this by just dragging the borders of the windows to the edge of your screen.
Your Windows 7.0 now comes with a special Pin facility: You can now keep your programs and files handy by pinning them to the jump lists or task bars. By using Pin and Jump Lists, you will get faster access to all your stuff.
You can now share your files and printers among multiple personal computers relatively easily: Across your home network, you now have the facility to share files, photos, music, and even printers. With Windows Media Center, you have the opportunity to enjoy your photos and music, watch and record television. Now within 3 clicks, you can view and connect to any available wireless network.
By using Windows 7.0, you can easily create movies and then share movies in YouTube in minutes. You now also have the facility to watch free television on your internet. New features such as sleep and resume can now make PC improve your lifestyle.
By visiting a good computer forum, you will learn how to use many new features of Windows 7.0. For instance, you will get tech help that will help you to know how to make a bootable DVD in your Windows 7.0. In your computer forum, you will get technical support for creating Windows 7.0 repair disk. You will be learning tech help tips that will help you copying ultravnc.ini files in your Windows 7.0. You will get technical support for installing Windows 7.0 without formatting the hard drive. You will be learning tech help tips on how to upgrade to Windows 7.0. In this way, you will get useful tech help tips and technical support to make smart use of latest Windows 7.0 for all your application needs. Such free tech help as and when required will go a long way in introducing fresh interesting changes.
Today, a good computer forum provides you an interactive platform where you together with your PC friends can discuss a computer-related issue. This will help you to come out with better Windows 7.0 applications for your needs. Your tech help experts at your computer forum will also help you with their expert computer advisory services.
The Windows Help and Support Center is not an essential Windows service, so if you're looking to lower the amount of processes used on your operating system you can disable the Windows Help option. Disabling Windows Help prevents the computer from launching the support center when you click the option or if you hit the function key tied to the support center.
Instructions
Click "Start" and right-click "Computer."
Choose "Manage." The Computer Management window pops up.
Click "Services and Applications." Click "Services." A list of Windows' services pops up.
Double-click "Help and Support" from the services list. Change the Help and Support startup type to "Disabled." Click "Apply" and "OK."
Change Theme and Improve Your Windows® 7 Performance
Speed up your Windows 7 PC by changing its theme
Is the latest theme on your Windows 7 PC bothering you? Are you getting frequent pop-ups notifying you that the current Windows 7 theme is using most of its allowed memory? Are you looking for an answer? Well, look no further… We have some handy tips for you.
Themes give your computer a personal touch and are an embedded feature of Windows 7. Each theme is allocated a particular amount of memory in your computer. But at times themes may make your system run very slow. This is because the theme installed in your computer is heavy and is eating up most of the free space on your computer. The solution is simple. Change the current theme to Windows 7 basic theme or any other high contrast theme.
Just follow the step-by-step process to change the theme in your PC:-
* Click the ‘Start’ button
* Now click on the ‘Control Panel’ and a Search box will open * In the Search box, type Personalization. This will open the Personalization option. * Now click on Windows 7 Basic or any of the High Contrast themes from the Basic and High Contrast Themes option
But watch out! If you change the theme to Windows 7 basic theme, then you have to compromise on the Aero feature.
This means that you will no longer be able to get the full Aero experience.
Even though you loose on the Aero feature, still the gain is yours. Because you will regain your computer’s speed.
Let your clock do all the talking with the Talking Clock gadget!!
You missed an important appointment while watching your favorite movie on your Windows 7 PC. Sounding familiar? And the reason… you lost the track of time. Fret no more. Put the time behind you and fly like a bird. Watch movies, play games, chat with your friends, or do whatever you want to do on your Windows 7 PC without worrying about the time. This new gadget will speak the time for you. Yes, a clock that says it all!
Talking Clock, a sidebar gadget on your Windows 7 PC, allows you to get lost in what-so-ever you are doing on your Windows 7 PC and still be ahead of the world. It helps you to manage your time in a much better way than before. It’s a clock, it’s a calendar, it’s a diary, and it is much more. Talking Clock is a text-to-speech clock that transforms your taskbar clock into an incredibly useful time management tool with oodles of options like:
# Customized appearance in different colors and fonts # Automatically announces the time and the date at specified intervals # Fully customizable appointment reminder # Pleasant male and female voices # Customized alerts based on date, time, days, and weeks # World Time Clock # Quick access to upcoming schedule # Customizable spoken messages
MSI targets Windows 7 Tablet for Business Professionals
MSI has announced that it will soon be releasing a tablet that is based on the Windows 7 operating system platform. The tablet, named WindPad 110W, will also feature the latest processors based on AMD Dual Core technology and Brazos platform processor.
Currently, there are not many tablets is the market that have an OS platform based on Windows 7. Due to the high processing speeds that are required to run Windows 7, not many tablets have made a platform based on this OS. With the ever increasing demand of high-end processors, various hardware companies have started the development specifically for tablets.
Unlike other tablets that are in the market, MSI is specifically targeting the professional audience with business needs. However, MSI has not missed out on the multimedia and entertainment factor as the large touch screen offers clear and crisp images along with enhanced SRS sound.
Give your Windows 7 desktop an animated look with the Rango theme
Help Rango, the chameleon, to find his lost identity. May be your Windows 7 desktop becomes his perfect home.
Rango is an animated character from a popular Hollywood animated movie Rango, directed by Gore Verbinski. This movie features Johnny Depp as Rango, a sheltered lizard facing an identity crisis. The movie also has the voices of other popular stars like Bill Nighy, Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina, Harry Dean Stanton. The Rango theme is based particularly on the main character of this movie – Rango – who accidently lands up in the Wild West.
Loaded with beautiful animations of American Wild West, Rango theme consists of seven wallpapers with beautiful screenshots of the main character Rango. It will definitely enchant you with its graphics and appearance. All animated photos have 1920 x 1200 resolution, suitable for all screen resolutions. Moreover, the theme is available for free download.
Windows 7 themes can only be used in Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Ultimate editions.
How to download Rango theme?
You can set this theme by following some simple steps.
* Right-click on your desktop * Click on ‘Personalize’ and then click ‘Get more themes online’ * Click on ‘Rango’ icon to download Rango theme on your desktop.
Many humans accept went to install a printer but could not acquisition the CD. This use to be a difficult and arresting task, but it is no best that way. If you chase the instructions listed below, you can install a printer after a CD.
1. To activate you are traveling to wish to abode the computer and the printer next to anniversary added and accomplish abiding that the affairs are affiliated to the printer and the computer but not affiliated to anniversary other. Accomplish abiding that neither the printer nor the computer are on.
2. Next, you charge to about-face on the computer. Do not do annihilation abroad until you accept booted up the computer.
3. Now, bung the printer into the bank and again affix the USB bond that is absorbed to the printer into the actual anchorage on your computer. Now about-face the printer on.
4. Bang the "Start" button, about amid in the lower larboard bend of your computer, and bang on the "Control Panel" button.
5. Once you are in the ascendancy console you charge to acquisition the Printer button, which is either traveling to be activate by beat on the "Printers and Hardware" button or beat the "Printer" button beneath the "Hardware and Sound" category.
6. Once you are in the Printer card you charge to bang on the "Add printer" button. A bulletin adage "Welcome to the add printer wizard." If that bulletin appears you will charge to hit the "Next" button.
7. If the next page appears you will charge to bang the "Automatically ascertain and install bung and play printer" button on the add printer astrologer page. Continue by beat the "Next" button.
8. If the computer can automatically ascertain the printer than it will activate to install that printer. However, if the printer is not getting ascertain a bulletin adage clumsy to ascertain will pop up, and you will accept to install the printer manually. Again, bang the "Next" button.
9. Now you will charge to baddest the printer port. Accept the recommended anchorage because it will accord you the best set up options. Bang the "Next" button.
10. You will now charge to accept the architect of the printer and the exact printer. Bang the "Next" button.
11. You will accept the advantage to either blazon a name or affirm the name that appears in the box and again set the printer as the absence printer if you want. Bang the "Next" button.
12. To ensure that the printer is set up and alive you will charge to book a analysis page. Bang the "Next" button if the analysis page is printed.
13. You will now accept a acknowledged achievement of accession of printer bulletin and all you accept to do is bang "Finish" and you accept installed a printer after a CD.
It acclimated to be acutely difficult to install a printer after a CD, but with the accomplish listed aloft you should be able to do it with no problems at all.
iriform has updated its system information tool Speccy to version 1.09. The update adds support for Windows 7 Service Pack 1, plus promises better hardware detection along with a number of minor bug fixes.
Speccy provides detailed system information about the PC it's currently installed on. That means it does more than tell you how much RAM is installed, for example, it'll also tell you how many memory slots have been populated, helping determine the computer's upgrade capabilities.
Speccy 1.09 adds a number of new detections: CPU fan speed and virtualization, motherboard voltages, graphics shader and performance levels and OS hotfixes. It also promises improved stability of battery estimation and support for multiple network controllers.
There are stability improvements to the memory usage and RAM graphs, better recognition of Intel 64-bit instruction extensions and improved socket reading for Foxconn components. The Peripherals section features better filtering to prevent duplicate entries. Fixes include one which caused a crash when Speccy was run on a PC with no network controllers, while GeForce 260 GTX cards also benefit from various minor fixes.
Sprint Nextel will offer a handset next month from HTC that includes Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 operating system.
It is Sprint’s first device based on Microsoft’s new operating system that the software king hopes will strengthen its position in the U.S. smartphone market.
HTC today announced the phone – the HTC Arrive – will be available from Sprint on March 20. The smartphone will be available for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $100 mail-in rebate (excluding taxes) in all Sprint retail channels.
HTC also said that beginning today customers can pre-order the handset at any participating Sprint store with the purchase of a $50 Sprint card.
The smartphone features a sliding QWERTY keyboard and tilt-up display and integrates with such Microsoft services as Bing, Zune and Xbox Live.
For more details about the phone, check out Sprint’s fact sheet.
Overland Park, Kan. - The Windows Phone 7 smartphone platform will come to a CDMA network for the first time with the March 20 arrival of the $199 HTC Arrive on the Sprint network.
The phone, priced after $100 mail-in rebate and two-year contract, is also the first Windows Phone 7 handset to combine a sliding QWERTY keyboard with a tilt-up display that creates the appearance of a tiny laptop. It also features such preinstalled Windows 7 upgrades as copy and paste.
The Arrive, which is similar to the HTC 7 Pro offered outside the U.S., can be preordered now at any Sprint Store with the purchase of $50 Sprint gift card.
Like the multiple GSM/HSPA Windows 7 phones available here in the U.S. from T-Mobile and AT&T, the 6.5-ounce HTC Arrive meets Microsoft's minimum performance requirements, or "chassis spec," which mandates a minimum 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, 800 by 480 capacitive touchscreen display, minimum RAM and flash-memory requirements, and the like. They also feature 720p HD video recording.
On top of these features, HTC added its HTC Hub weather and widgets, and Sprint added such services as Sprint TV and Movie streaming, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, and Sprint Football Live.
Other features include 3.6-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera with flash and autofocus, digital zoom, 16GB of non-removable memory, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, stereo Bluetooth 2.1 (+ EDR), and SRS Wow surround sound processing.
The Windows 7 OS was designed to achieve two basic goals: simplify basic operating tasks using as few taps as possible and organize information for easy access, Microsoft said. As a result, all phones feature six hubs where the most common applications and tasks are accessible and integrated. The hubs include an Office Hub with key Microsoft productivity applications, a games hub, a music and video hub, a pictures hub, a people hub incorporating contacts and social-network feeds, and a marketplace hub for downloading apps. The Office Hub features apps to read and edit Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Sharepoint for on-the-go collaboration, and OneNote.
The OS's Live Tiles feature displays multiple tiles on a customizable home screen, each tile letting users see live information such as real-time news and weather updates from the Web, pending messages and appointments, the number of unread emails, or friends' status on social-networking sites.
Other ease-of-use features include the ability to take pictures quickly if the phone is off. Users hit the camera button, waking up the phone so they can immediately take pictures. Users can also set the camera to automatically send each picture to a cloud-based storage service as they are taken.
A dedicated search button helps people find data across applications, whether in contacts, the Microsoft Marketplace, in e-mail or on the Web. From the Start screen, the search button accesses the Bing for Mobile service to deliver Web search results, local information, maps, directions and the like.
All phones are also integrated with other Microsoft services such as Windows Live, Xbox Live, Windows Marketplace to purchase or stream music, and the Zune Pass subscription-based music downloading and streaming service. Users also get access to the more than 4,000 Windows Phone 7 apps. Talk time is up to 6 hours.
Earlier today we reported about Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 update that was released to update the phone's software. However, within hours of its release, many Windows Phone 7 device owners reported that the update bricks the phone - makes it non-functional. Tom Warren of WinRumors noted on his blog that Samsung Omnia 7 owners who applied the update were left with phones that either didn't boot up correctly or suffered from Samsung backup issues.
Microsoft has released new update for Windows Phone 7 on phone updater. The recent update is meant to make the phone ready for the major one that is expected to release in March. However, instead of that this measly update gives number of errors to Windows Phone 7 devices users and made number of WP7 based Samsung phones non-functional.
Microsoft's Windows Phone Support Twitter account acknowledged the issues faced by the number of users and suggests taking the devices to the store for getting it fixed. Officially, Microsoft hasn't acknowledged the issue but the support team stated that the Windows Phone team is looking into it.
Note: We tried updating Windows Phone 7 based HTC Mozart on Windows 7 but Zune Driver error threw back. Apparently, the update was successfully implemented on MacBook Pro with Mac OS X Snow Leopard.
A new update for Windows Phone 7 is expected today, but before you get all excited, we must tell you that this is not the March 8 update we had reported earlier. The March 8 update is highly anticipated because it will bring several improvements to the new mobile OS, including the blatantly omitted copy and paste feature and possibly improved Marketplace search.
This first update for Windows Phone 7 to be released today is meant to improve the software update process. This may seem to be less exciting, but it is a crucial step in getting future updates to the handset as smoothly as possible.
The update will be available today, but will not be sent out to everyone at once. Rather, it will be released in batches to users of Windows Phone 7, to ensure that the process goes smoothly. In order to get this update, you must connect your Windows Phone handset to the Zune software on Windows or the WP7 Connector for Mac and you will be guided through the update.
The first ever “Budweiser Roast of Kevin Harvick” is scheduled to air nationally on SPEED at 9 p.m. EST this Saturday, Feb. 19. The made-for-TV comedy event was taped in front of a live studio audience at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort and was produced by the Elevation Group.
The show, featuring a panel of celebrity guests that each took a turn at “roasting” the guest of honor, Kevin Harvick, was directed by Emmy Award winner Dennis Rosenblatt. The program is scheduled to broadcast for one hour. Headlining the one-hour program are two-time Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, Kevin’s wife DeLana Harvick, nationally known comedians Jeremy Hotz, Earthquake, Jon Reep and other NASCAR personalities.
The program is part of Budweiser’s overall marketing platform and reinforces the brand’s “Grab Some Buds” tagline.
“The ‘Budweiser Roast of Kevin Harvick’ is a great way for us to activate our relationship with Kevin in a new and exciting way,” said Brad Brown, senior director, sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch. “The show seemed to play well live, and we are looking forward to the broadcast of the event on SPEED Saturday night.”
Even though Windows Phone 7 is a great platform, it is missing many features. Some of these features prevent a Skype for Windows Phone 7 app from releasing. Microsoft is working hard to catch up to Android phones and the iPhone. A big feature that currently missing, is socket support. This feature allows applications to establish a two-way voice over IP call. With Microsoft, trying to get Phone 7 out to the market there was no way they could finish. During the Mobile World Congress, there was a QA session for developers. When asked about support for Sockets, a read between the lines reply ensued.
Brandon Watson said that Sockets Support was a top three request from developers. He then stated there would be no official announcement today, but they do not like disappointing their developers. I take that to mean it is coming.
Socket Support on Windows Phone 7 paves the way for popular VOIP applications. Of course, the biggest name in that list would be Skype. However, this does not guarantee they would build Skype for Windows Phone 7. It only removes any excuse for not having one.
It's often too easy for you busy laptop warriors to assume your Windows PCs are safe. A computer virus? That's not going to happen to me ... until it does.
So in addition to running a full antivirus software suite, either free and good enough (Avast, Microsoft Security Essentials) or paid and Teflon strong (Symantec Norton, Kaspersky), you should also take advantage of Windows 7's built-in security settings and updates.
These five simple security features in Windows 7 help keep the bad guys at bay.
Action Center
Action Center, the home base for your PC's security, lists all information about security settings. The main role of Action Center is to consistently check on security items such as your network firewall and maintenance items including backup and restore, to make sure your machine is healthy.
The Action Center in Windows 7 gives you a view of all your PC's security and maintenance features.
Action Center shows up as a little white flag on the right-hand side of the Windows 7 toolbar, or it can be reached by the path Control Panel -- System and Security -- Action Center.
Inside Action Center, you can make sure your Windows Firewall is on, your antivirus software is up to date and that your PC is set to install updates automatically.
When the status of a monitored security item changes, such as your antivirus becoming out of date, Action Center notifies you with a message in the taskbar. Then when you open Action Center, the status of the item in question changes color to indicate the severity of the problem, and an action is requested.
[ For complete coverage on Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system -- including hands-on reviews, video tutorials and advice on enterprise rollouts -- see CIO.com's Windows 7 Bible. ]
Action Center is a helpful resource that warns you when there may be trouble. Be sure not to neglect those Action Center messages when they turn up.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender, antispyware software that's included with Windows 7, runs automatically when it is turned on.
Spyware is any unwanted or potentially harmful software that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge any time you connect to the Internet. It can also infect your computer when you install programs using a CD or DVD.
Windows Defender staves off spyware in two ways:
* Real-time protection. Windows Defender alerts you when spyware attempts to install itself or to run on your computer. It also alerts you when programs attempt to change important Windows settings.
* Scanning options. You can use Windows Defender to scan for spyware that might be installed on your computer, to schedule scans on a regular basis, and to automatically remove anything that's detected during a scan.
To open Windows Defender, click the Start button located in the far left of the task bar. In the search box, type Defender, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Defender.
User Account Control
UAC, the security feature that prompts you for permission to install or open programs, was despised by Windows Vista users, but it is much more customizable in Windows 7. The options are no longer "on or off"; there are four notification levels that a user can set.
The four settings in Windows 7 UAC's customizable slider range from Always notify to Never notify.
The improved Windows 7 UAC is essential in that it informs you when a program makes a change that could potentially harm your computer or make it susceptible to security threats.
If you are your computer's administrator (in most cases you are), you can click Yes to continue. If you are not an administrator, someone with an administrator account on the computer will have to enter their password for you to continue.
When your permission is needed to open a program or install software, UAC will notify you with one of four different types of dialog boxes:
* When a program or setting is part of Windows and needs your permission to start.
* When a program is not a part of Windows and needs your permission to start
* When a program with an unknown publisher needs your permission to start
* When you have been blocked by your system administrator from running a program because the program is known to be untrusted
To modify User Account Control Settings, click the Start button and then click Control Panel. In the search box, type uac, and then click Change User Account Control Settings.
Windows Update
Windows Update can be a pest, especially when updates pop up when you're in the middle of 10 things. But by installing the latest updates as they become available for your PC, you are continually improving the security, reliability and performance of your computer without too much of an inconvenience.
Slideshow: Windows 7 Hardware in Pictures: The Latest and Greatest Laptops Slideshow: Seven Features in Windows 7 You Probably Don't Know About Slideshow: Seven Tools to Ease Your Windows 7 Rollout
You can set Windows to automatically install "important" and "recommended" updates or to install important updates only. Important updates are for more critical security and reliability issues and recommended updates address noncritical problems.
To turn on automatic Windows Updates:
* Click on the Start button. In the search box type Update, and then in the list of results click Windows Update.
* In the left pane, click Change Settings.
* Under Important updates, you can choose if you want to install new updates automatically, and the day and time you want the latest updates to take place (i.e. Every Day at 6 am).
* Under Recommended Updates select the "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" check box, and then click OK.
Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall is an easy feature to turn on or off and can help prevent hackers and worms from slithering into your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.
Unless you have another firewall enabled, such as a corporate network firewall, you should turn on Windows Firewall to protect your computer and network (if you have one).
To turn on Windows Firewall:
* Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. In the search box, type firewall, and then click Windows Firewall.
* In the left pane, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off." If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
* Click Turn on Windows Firewall under each network location that you want to help protect, and then click OK.
Note: If your computer is connected to a corporate network, your company's group policy settings might prevent you from turning on Windows Firewall.
