Set up Outlook Express - Setting up new email accounts

Outlook Express is one of the better email clients that are available to the user, and it is a product of Microsoft. To have an email account in Outlook Express is easy. It serves the same purpose like all email clients, to send and receive emails. Creating a personal or a business email account in Outlook Express is not a tough task. One needs to keep these steps in mind.

One will need to create an email account. For this purpose even an old email account will do. Go to Start and choose Outlook Express from All Programs and select Accounts. Now choose the "Mail" tab in the Internet Accounts window. Follow this step up by clicking on Add and then click Mail from the side menu.

Next up, the user will now have to undertake a bigger task of entering a lot of personal information in order to create his email account in Outlook Express. Enter name in the Internet Connection wizard, email the one that the user wishes to use and also the sever information (contact ISP for information if unsure). Simply click on Next after the aforementioned steps have been completed.

Finally, enter the email account name and password in the next window that pops-up. This window can be accessed through the ISP or the control panel. Click Next for the final time and then on Finish. The Outlook Express email account has been set up and is now ready to use to make things a lot simpler for you in terms of communicating and keeping in touch with family, friends or workmates.

Windows 7 update references application compatibility issues

Microsoft has launched a minor update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that references compatibility issues for some applications. It’s the first update for new Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 since the availability of the release-to-manufacturing versions of the operating systems. The update will either improve the functioning of a particular application or block it from executing. The update implements a hard block to avoid an application from running or a soft block to just warn the user that the application executing is incompatible with the operating system.

Microsoft’s Knowledge Base explains that the update is planned to address problems typically encountered when executing legacy games or other applications on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. However, the article lists a fair amount of security software, including Trend Micro Internet Security, PGP Desktop and Trend Micro VirusBuster 2008. Even Window Live Photo Gallery made the list. The update package can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center in x86 and x64 editions for Windows 7. It’s available in x64 and Itanium versions for Windows Server 2008 R2. The update needs a restart to take effect.

Users not helped by Microsoft’s update can try to execute incompatible applications by using Windows 7 desktop virtualization features. Microsoft recommends Windows 7 XP Mode desktop virtualization feature for small-to-medium firms. For larger organizations that needs centralized management control over multiple PCs, Microsoft rather recommends using Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V). MED-V is a element of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, available via Software Assurance licensing.

MED-V permits users to run XP or Windows 2000 virtual desktops in Vista. However, Microsoft plans to add support for new Windows 7 hosts when MED-V 1.0 Service Pack 1 is launched in the first quarter of next year, according to a Microsoft blog. MED-V doesn’t needs special hardware virtualization facilities for execution. In contrast, users of XP Mode have to first assure that the PC uses processors with built-in virtualization capabilities, such as Intel VT and AMD-V technologies.

For those facing scaring application compatibility issues and willing to pay for support, Microsoft currently rolled out a new support line for the purpose. The company also gives a free downloadable Application Compatibility Toolkit to help diagnose such problems. Microsoft partner-based support is available through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Factory Program.

In another development, Home users doing clean installs to Windows 7 can use a cable device and Windows Easy Transfer software to facilitate migrating files and settings from an old computer to a new one. The Windows Easy Transfer software is present for both 32-bit and 64-bit machines. From a technical standpoint, Microsoft only supports upgrades from Vista to Windows 7. Upgrades from Windows XP 7 are not supported. Rather, XP users need to do a custom installation of Windows 7. A custom installation is important a clean install that needs backing up settings and options and then restoring them after installing Windows 7.

When XP users run the custom installation option in the Windows 7 setup program, it offers two options. Either the user wipes the hard disk, destroying data and settings, or they can install Windows 7 using the existing XP-partitioned drive on the PC. However, users need to have enough disk space to carry it out. Using the existing partitioned drive doesn’t pass over the user data but instead stores the data in a directory called “windows.old.” After the installation, users can move the data over to Windows 7 folders from the windows.old directory.

install anti-spyware support

Most spyware can be generally harmless, but in the worst cases it is capable of gathering all your private details like bank account numbers etc. which can enable crooks to steal your money and identity. Although, the antispware support software designed was meant to gather information about the user, it can also have adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to install an anti-spyware support and shield yourself from such heinous acts that could be set on you. Its an easy and simply process to install the software in your system, and wouldn't cost you a penny either.
The most highly rated anti-spyware support that can be downloaded freely are Avast! Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Once the program is downloaded, one would be able to see an installer on your desktop or in your designated downloads folder. Double-click on the icon and confirm to install the software. Next, make sure that you follow the steps on the screen, confirming that you agree to the terms and conditions.
The system will do the rest. Finally, keep in mind Run the anti-spyware support software once a week to keep your computer clean. Do it on a weekly basis, at regular intervals, and all problems related to spyware will be a thing of the past.

Introduction of Microsoft Office 2007

Microsoft has had a loyal fan following ever since it launched its suite of applications through Microsoft Office to allow users to simplify their tasks and make life a lot easier. The Microsoft Office 2007 does not disappoint and have been totally revamped and structured to meet the immediate needs of users. It has been targeted at user interface hoping that users can fully utilize the complete range of applications it provides for.

The features incorporated in Microsoft Office 2007 have been discussed below:-

The Ribbon

The Ribbon replaces the age-old menus and toolbars in Microsoft Office 2007. It has been devised to command organized information into a set of tabs. The tabs reveal the most appropriate commands for each task area.

The Microsoft Office Button

The UI in Microsoft Office patches the abilities of the Office system into one entry point, which is the Microsoft Office Button allowing users to access features and giving a free hand to Ribbon to concentrate on creating documents.

Contextual Tabs

The Contextual Tabs in Microsoft Office 2007 do not pop-up at its own will and do so only when needed. This makes it a lot simpler to find and enable the relevant commands required for the work at hand.

Galleries

While a user works on a document, spreadsheet, presentation, or Access database; the Galleries option gives the user a list of lucid details to choose from. In this way many operations are simplified.

Live Preview

Live Preview in Microsoft Office 2007 displays the details when a there is a change in the format or in editing. It saves a user a lot of time and effort.

Mini Toolbar

This feature in the Microsoft Office 2007 comes up on the screen when a user selects a text. Its purpose is to give an easier access to used formatting commands.

Themes and Quick Styles

Finally, the Themes and Quick Styles feature in Microsoft Office 2007 allows a user to define the various effects on a document like fonts, color, and graphics. Anything that can be inserted into a document is styled by this feature.

Microsoft Office 2010 With Sharepoint 2010

One of the remarkable features in the new Microsoft Office 2010 is the Sharepoint 2010. Like the other applications, it also has a ribbon UI, which makes the document-hosting tool likely to Microsoft’s flagship products, like Word. A lot of features has been enabled in Sharepoint which comes with Microsoft Office 2010. One thing is that from now the authors of documents can be easily tagged and sharing of documents and files have been simplified. The software giants added that its browser versions have been tested on all the big browsers apart from Internet Explorer, including Firefox and Safari. Microsoft Office 2010 is still undergoing fine tuning and modifications to enable it to work alongside Chrome. Microsoft said that it is bringing down the number of Office editions from eight to five.

Office Web applications can now be accessed in three variant ways. Firstly, with Windows Live, consumers will have access to Office Web applications for free, and then with on-premises versions and via Microsoft Online Services, now users can make purchases for a subscription of MS Office. Microsoft Office 2010 will be made availlable from the first half of 2010.

The free, browser-based versions of Microsoft’s high-demand Office products play the key roles here. The software developers expect the browser tools to be easily absorbed by students, but enterprises will be attracted by the web-based applications. Security precautions should not be ignored and should be kept in mind while putting documents in a safe part.

Windows 7 with Windows Media Center

What was originally devised as an interface for what was once called the Windows 7 Media Center PC it is basically a computer operating on Windows XP that’s solely configured for working out multi-timedia solutions and is often loaded with a TV tuner card and add to that a special wireless remote; one can now use the Windows version of this attractive application to play music, view digital pictures, play movies, and also get the option to watch and record TV (provided your computer comes loaded with a TV tuner card).

Remember, that a user can only connect a computer that is running the Windows 7 Media Center for Windows directly to a home entertainment center by buying the Media Center Extender. Connecting directly to an Xbox 360 by buying the Media Center Extender for Xbox is also a viable option. When Windows 7 Media Center is launched , the Welcome to the Media Center Wizard will be directly visible , which guides one through the steps of setting up the center of a screen display, then configuring it to get a TV signal and downloading the TV guide which is available online. If a computer comes with a TV tuner card, that is. Thereafter, each time the Media Center is launched, the program reveals a full screen in a largely dark-blue window.

Since the Media Center options have been crafted to be accessed by enabling the use of a special Media Center remote control along with a standard mouse, its interface is a lot times fluid than what can be usually found in other conventional Windows application. The first thing that will come in sight in the Media Center interface is the amount of audio and visual feedback it emits.

When a program is launched like the new Windows 7 and one selects the menu option thereafter, Windows gives you distinct tones and clicks as well as visual answers to enable people to know which menu option to opt for and when the selection is completed.

Once the preferred option is selected, the user can select and display its sub menu options by clicking on the mouse button. With the Media Center remote control, move up and down through the main menu options by pressing on the device’s up and down arrowheads. Click the OK button which is located around the middle of the remote from the one which separates the arrowheads and choose the main option accordingly.
You can play Media files in Windows 7 using Windows Media Player. On computers, the term media refers to something other than text: Audio and video are examples of media. Audio is a term that has wide variety of items for music and other sound files, such as books on CD. Music is often entirely digital nowadays. You can use Media Player to play the sample music included with Windows 7. You can play your audio CD on your computer using Media Player. If you want to make that CD playing more convenient then you can copy the audio files to your computer. You can create your own CDs with a library of music copied from your CD collection and you can also combine tracks. You can also copy audio files to an MP3 player.

Upgrading an Operating System

Upgrading an Operating System is not much of a task but one should always remember to make a back-up of all data before initializing the installtion process to be on the safer side. This will save a lot of careless blunders playing spoilsport to the operating system upgrade party. For starters, the upgradation process starts automatically by itself once the ‘Upgrade CD’ has been inserted into the CDROM. The next step is to choose ‘Upgrade’ option and not the ‘Fresh Install’ when prompted. There will be a prompt to upgrade and it will also ask which ‘File System’ to choose from. At this point, remember that using the same file system is always a safer option instead of taking the option of a new file system. This is the most valid way for upgrading an operating system.

The upgrade process does not take too long and after the operating system has been completed, the first thing to do should be to do a quick check on all the applications and see if they work. Reinstall them if they fail to respond or work. Any other complications with it can be resolved by checking up on the operating system vendor's website. One should also do a quick check on the hardware devices and figure out if they function properly. In the event of any hardware device failing to function after the upgrade on the operating system, then immediately the right driver should be deployed for the hardware. This support is also available on the manufacturer's website. A user can always get back to it for further reference.

Windows 7 - Certain limitation regarding security

Windows 7 users got a nice surprise on Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 when Microsoft released its first set of security patches since unveiling Windows 7 last month. It will focus on the Windows 7 security outfit.
When Microsoft launched Windows 7, it was billed as the company's best secure release ever -- the result of a nine-year "Trustworthy Computing" effort to shore up a product line that had been riddled with major security holes.
But does stress-tested windows 7 how to software really matter to Microsoft's customers, seemingly besieged by more online attacks than ever before? Microsoft had years to improve Windows XP, but the Conficker worm, which began spreading last year, has till date infected more than 7 million Windows machines. And for every Windows bug that gets squashed, hackers seem to get new problems in the software that runs on top of latest Windows7-- Flash Player, QuickTime and Java.
No doubt Windows 7 is definitely by far the most secure operating system, said Dave Aitel, chief technology officer with Immunity, a security company that spends a lot of time finding the latest software bugs. But the question that everybody is asking right now is will it be sufficient?
The man behind Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie, says the industry still needs to improve.
This is Microsoft's conundrum. Windows may be safer, but cyber-criminals still have plenty of other places to attack. And when you can target hundreds of millions of customers with a single attack, why change the game plan? So most of the worst attacks today still target PCs running Windows, whether the OS itself is safe or not.
Consider spear-phishing. Attackers are so efficient at sending these highly customized e-mail messages, complete with malicious attachments, that the underlying security of Windows 7 is almost irrelevant.
According to Alan Paller, director of research for the SANS Institute, a security training company, the problem with the targeted attacks is that there's so much money that they can actually trump the security. Hence the governments and large industrial crime groups have to spend huge amount of money to trump any of the defenses.
In a report released last month for a congressional advisory panel, Northrop Grumman analysts detailed exactly how this happens. Looking at known attacks, the report found that targets are carefully selected, and then sent very believable e-mails with maliciously encoded attachments that exploit bugs in a product such as Adobe Reader -- something that's outside of Microsoft's control. The victim opens the .pdf and suddenly attackers have a foothold on the network.
Microsoft has taken initiation step in this direction with its Windows CardSpace identity management software. This will make people to check any fraud while online dealing.

Top Windows 7 Features

This articles targets ten greatest features of Windows 7 that should've been in Vista, and know how those ten features will make your life that much better if you're currently thinking the upgrade.

1. Reasonable System Requirements

People were very excited about upgrading their Windows to something that was prettier, more flashy and more intuitive, but they weren't banking on buying an entirely new system in order to do so. The price of Vista was tough enough to swallow, the cost of Vista plus the cost of a system capable of running Vista was too much for some. Microsoft put off a lot of potential customers by demanding such high end hardware to run its Windows, and to compound the issue, many end-users felt that the upgrade wasn't even worth it

Windows 7's requirements are almost same as Vista's. The difference? Windows 7 is coming out in late 2009, whereas Windows Vista launched in early 2007. Windows 7 allows older machines specially those strong enough to handle Vista to run beautifully on a new platform. Even netbooks and Windows XP-based machines are seeing smooth performance on Windows 7, though Vista is still sluggish. The breaking news? Windows 7 does more with what you give it, and it functions smoothly with older hardware that has less to offer it.

2. Streamlined Code Speed

The developers spent an awful lot of time cleaning up background activity in Windows 7 as compared to Vista. In Vista, it always seemed like too much was going on underneath, as if wheels were turning unnecessarily. This led to the Windows being far too resource intensive, as it couldn't do the things it needed to do in a highly efficient fashion.

Windows 7, on the other side, is buttery smooth from boot-up to shut down. Transitions are seamless, application launching is fast and everything just seems to look better. If Vista was a first or second draft, Windows 7 is the final copy after being edited four or five times over.

3. Trust

Windows Vista seemed to question your every move, and while we know its intentions were (it wouldn't want you venturing to some virus-installed website, for example), the incessant nagging grew tiresome very quickly. Vista wanted to check, double-check and sometimes triple-check every single move you made, and while Windows 7 still asks for your permission before doing an awful lot of tasks, it's not nearly as persistent.

4. Aero Peek

Vista was plenty advanced enough to include Aero Peek, but instead, the only thing Aero was good for in Vista was adding a bit of sheen to your desktop while consuming 500MB of RAM in the process. Aero Peek is a Windows 7 feature that enables users to hover over application window groupings in the task bar in order to see what's currently going on. Let's suppose you've got three IE8 windows, two Windows Explorer windows and four Adobe Reader windows open on the desktop. If you roll over the IE8 icon in the task bar, your three IE8 windows pop-up above it; hover over the one you want to maximize, and that windows automatically takes center stage over everything else. What once was chaos is now calm and understandable.

5. Aero Shake

Here comes another Windows 7 feature that sound simple almost too simple to matter yet makes a big difference in daily work. In Vista, you had to either show the desktop and then click on the window you wanted to appear alone, or you had to manually minimize each and every window except your preferred one. Aero Shake enables you grab a window, shake your mouse like a crazy person, and view all of the other windows shrink down into the task bar. It's the Windows equivalent of a stress reliever ball, but it actually increase your productivity.

6. Aero Snap

In case you didn't notice, Windows 7 puts Aero to good use. Instead of just making your windows, desktop and transitions look cooler. Aero Snap is another great feature for quickly re-arranging your desktop into how you'd like it. Using this is simple; you just select a window, move it into the left or right side, and immediately that window resizes to fill precisely half of your desktop space (on whichever side you slammed it into). Do the same process to other window on the opposite side, and bam, you've just maximized your screen space while viewing two documents/web pages/etc.

7. A Smart Task bar

The task bar in Windows Vista was simply a newer version of the task bar in Windows XP. Sure, it worked, but it didn't innovate. And look, you're paying a lot of money for this new OS--surely some innovation should come standard, right? Windows 7's task bar allows users to pin applications launchers and documents to the bar, and it even lets you pin web pages and specific shortcuts on each main icon.

8. A Windows Media Center

For casual users of Windows Media Center, the one in Windows Vista is probably good enough. But for those with multiple TV tuners, a Netflix subscription and a library of movies that runs a few hundred titles deep, there were loads of issues to deal with.

The Windows Media Center within Windows 7 works a whole lot smoother, feels a lot less like a shoe-horned addition to the OS and is actually built to handle extenders such as the Xbox 360.

Windows7's version boasts a slicker interface, faster transitions and integration with far more web content portals. Oh, and did we mention the extra long list of compatible HTPC hardware? Chances are, your TV tuner, sound card and optical drive will work without any extra drivers on Windows 7, and simplicity is always a good thing.

9. Search That Works

Microsoft really enhanced searching in Windows 7, and considering that an operating system is a big, scary world, it makes perfect sense. You'll probably find yourself search for one thing or another on a daily basis, so wouldn't it be good if your Operating system was ready at all times to help you find it?

When it comes to searching Vista was not good enough.. It oftentimes wouldn't search in the locations you needed it to, and many times it would look right over the file you were trying to find. Worst of all, it acted like it needed you to give it a head start by telling in where in the drive to search. Windows 7, on the other side, allows you to simply hit the Windows key and start typing; your text automatically goes into a search field and the gears start turning as soon as you mash the first hey. Windows 7 is far better at indexing material to search, and we've yet to type in something that it couldn't locate.

10. Multi-touch Support

We all know multi-touch wasn't popular in 2007, but it wasn't unheard of. Microsoft's own Surface paved the way for simpler, consumer-oriented multi-touch programs, so we're confident the boys and girls in Redmond know a thing or two about it. Vista simply wasn't designed for touch, which is baffling given the amount of Tablet PCs on the market and the amount of touch-panel PCs that are shipping. Windows 7 rights that wrong, however, added a deep level of multi-touch support throughout the OS.

We believe Windows 7 is an outstanding operating system, and it really improves on the areas that Vista was lacked.