When Apple first announced the iPad, Steve Jobs said in the keynote address that the great thing about it was that it ran on OS X. Microsoft is doing something similar with Windows 8.

They said at the last Microsoft Build conference that the new operating system was intended to be just the one OS for both tablets that ran Windows and PCs.

Which is quite a step away from how Microsoft usually does things. They usually like at least 10 different versions of the same thing. Well, if you routinely tune out when hearing about the new Windows operating system, perhaps you should listen now.

There’s a lot to like in Windows 8. It does things that the iPad and the MacBook should, but can’t. Suffice it to say that when it comes out sometime next year, you’ll be a frantic to upgrade Windows 8.

Every successful computing device out there gets that way because it has a unique feature that people need that no one else has. The MacBook air has its anemic profile, of course.

But apart from that, since it’s a machine that runs on a solid-state drive, it has (almost) instant-on. You press the button and a couple seconds later, it’s completely ready for anything you want to throw at it.

There are lots of people who want to upgrade to a MacBook Air just for that one thing. You’ll want to upgrade to Windows 8 just for this one thing too. Running on a regular laptop with a regular hard drive, Windows 8 starts up in under 10 seconds.

Certainly, no one really thinks to compare iPhone’s iOS with Windows Phone 7. However, there is one thing everyone loves about Windows Phone – the interface that’s tile-based.

It’s strange thing for a full-blown PC operating systems to mimic a phone operating system, but there it is – Windows 8 borrows the successful tile interface from Windows 7.

If you’re using this on a tablet, it’s far more usable than simple icons. Multitasking becomes very easy too. If you’re for instance looking at your Facebook newsfeed, you can just dock it to one side of the screen and switch to something else like a music video on YouTube.

At the Microsoft conference, they showed a cool way to set a password without a password. You just have to set parts of the screen that you have to touch in the right sequence to unlock your computer.

Heard more about how the cloud is going to take over our computing lives than you’ve actually seen happen?

Well, upgrade to Windows 8 and you’ll actually see it happen.

Every Windows user gets to tap into Microsoft SkyDrive. Come to think of it, this should be a great way to control piracy.

The best sign that an upgrade to Windows 8 is a great idea? Remember how journalists always simply hate Microsoft?

Vista was barely a twinkle in Microsoft’s eye (eww!) when the entire journalistic community joined hands to dismiss it altogether. Well, every story that’s been done about Windows 8 so far has been a very gushy one.

Will an Upgrade to Windows 8 be a Popular Move? is a post from: Computer Spot

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On November 1st, Microsoft took an unusual move throughout the USA. They started offering their Microsoft Security Essentials software when their automatic Windows update ran.

This move has computer security companies Trend Micro and Panda complaining. These two companies offer competing anti-virus software suites, which they seem to feel will suffer as a result of this move.

Microsoft uses a facility called the ‘action center’ to monitor certain aspects of your computer. One of those is whether or not you have any anti-virus software running. If you don’t, the action center will now offer you their own anti-virus software when your regular Windows update runs.

The reason that they claim they are doing this, is that despite the fact that there are so many free anti-virus software suites available today, many people still choose to take the risk and go without.

These people, for whatever reason, have nothing installed and as a result are likely to quickly become infected with viruses and other malware.

Once infected they may become part of a botnet-a network of infected computers that work together in order to commit cyber crimes, though their owners know nothing of what they are doing.

They are also likely to pass on their viruses to others, to spread the infections through email, instant messaging and other methods so that they can then steal the personal information of other people.

When taking this into consideration it could be argued that this latest move is for the greater good. It will encourage people who have yet to install anti-virus software just because they haven’t thought about it yet to get protected. It will also help people to find reliable and trustworthy software, if they are otherwise unsure where or how to get it.

However, some are arguing that it goes against the competition rulings that have been issued in previous cases against Microsoft.

In the past the courts in various countries have ruled that by bundling its media player, and web browser with its operating systems, it was forming an unfair monopoly in the market. It was ordered to cease bundling and offer them separately instead.

The fact that they are merely offering it as a suggested download though, instead of automatically downloading and installing it is likely to count in their favor-making it seem as though they are simply offering help rather than forcing their software on people.

Unfortunately, because they are offering this software through the Windows update service, many people are uncomfortable. The update service is compulsory, and so no matter whether you want it, you will be offered the software if you don’t have something running.

This might seem like a sensible move, but the other side of it is new installations. When an operating system is first installed on a computer it won’t have anti-virus protection. The user must then go and select it.

If they are offered it automatically when bringing their operating system up to date, they may take the easy route rather than finding another product.

Whether this leads to further court action against Microsoft will depend in part upon whether any other company chooses to complain.

Microsoft Pushes Security Essentials is a post from: Computer Spot

Microsoft has been fighting the battle of the browsers for many years now, and doesn’t seem to be particularly successful till now.

With a lot of competition out there, and with other browsers far more innovative than Internet Explorer (IE), what is Microsoft doing to try and prevent the further erosion of it’s market share?

Ten years ago there was no huge problem for Microsoft in the browser stakes. The amount of competition was small, with one of the main contenders being Netscape. This browser ultimately died out because of falling numbers, but the software at it’s core became IE’s main competition-Mozilla Firefox.

Mozilla Firefox has been an industry leader for more than seven years now. Though initially it was built upon the foundations of another browser, and used ideas that were not it’s own, it soon developed it’s own style, and gained a crowd of followers who came to rely upon it’s stability and security.

Security for IE has always been bad. Time and again insecurities are found with it’s coding that allow hackers and virus writers to exploit it, damaging people’s computers or stealing personal information from them as they do it.

Mozilla on the other hand prided itself in being safe, and providing users all of the tools that they needed to protect their private data.

With it’s latest browser, Microsoft is promising much of what the other browsers are already doing. Primarily they are offering a more secure, cleaner interface with less tool bars to clutter up the screen, and one that is more stable, less prone to crashing.

There are other minimalist browsers out there, some of which reach extremes that Microsoft never will, such as Chrome by Google.

HTML5 support is also to be included, alongside greater compliance to W3C standards. This will be viewed as a positive move by developers, who have long complained about IE’s poor rendering of code, and the fact that it still allows sloppy and incorrect code to be viewed.

For users of Windows 7, features of that system will be integrated into the new browser. This includes the ability to pin sites to the browser as you can programs to your tool bar. Security features will help scan downloads for malicious content, and there will be a search facility built into your address bar rather than in a separate search box.

The release of IE 9 unfortunately marks the start of the end for another Microsoft product-that being Windows XP. The new browser will not be available for this system, giving it a push into the realm of the obsolete and forcing users to upgrade to a newer operating system, such as Windows 7 instead.

The automatic installation of IE on a computer has now been ruled as uncompetitive, and unfair and has been outlawed in some countries.

If this practise and push towards openness and choices is to continue then Microsoft will have to work hard to develop a product that people choose to use, instead of merely using it as it is the default installed browser.

Internet Explorer 9 is a post from: Computer Spot

Many people have computers and were using Microsoft Works or WordPerfect until Microsoft came out with an even better program for business and personal needs.

You will find that Microsoft Office computer software is generated more towards business or classroom needs than for your personal needs depending on what you are going to use the program for.  Microsoft Office computer software is comprised of four elements: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

The Word portion of the computer software is the easiest for individuals to learn.  It is just a blank document that will help you type up business letters, school papers, newsletters, and any manner of items you may need to have typed rather than hand written.

Word offers you options for changing the font, the background color, creating web pages, creating charts in the actual document, clip art to make signs or banners with, and many other tools.  You are able to import information from the web into a document or even from an Excel spreadsheet.

Excel is a basic spreadsheet that will allow you to create charts, reports, tables, and any other information you may need for a class or business.

Excel as a portion of the computer software can link to Word and import or send information to the other part of the program.  You will find that for accounting, businesses, and the science industry Excel is one of the most beneficial programs you can have.

The different charts include pie charts, vertical, horizontal, and even color-coded charts.  The best part about Excel is once you have a formula you will be able to continue using it.  You will also find that there are several different methods to create information on the chart.

You may have to take an online computer software course or purchase a textbook to learn all the secrets of the Excel portion of the Microsoft Office computer software, but you will find the information more than invaluable.

Next, you have the PowerPoint portion of the computer software.  PowerPoint is designed to help you create a report with charts, information, bulletins, and a slide show to make the presentations you have to do for work, seminars, classes, or personal entertainment easy for you.

PowerPoint is very easy to use with the step-by-step process of creating a slide show.  You will be able to import data from other programs and online sources to create the presentation.

It can be sent through email or used in telecommunication so that everyone is able to see what you are talking about without being in the room with you.  PowerPoint presentations are also used when teaching online courses where the host has control of the screen to work you through tutorials.

Outlook is used by many businesses as their main source of email and communication.  Outlook is like any other email program out there, except that the program is on your computer and you need to find a server that will allow you to email and receive messages.

It will also give you calendars, notes, and be a basic day planner for you to use.  You will be able to set up alerts for meetings, reminders for telephone calls, or activities you will need to do that day.  Outlook computer software allows you to carry the information you need with you without the actual book to carry.

Microsoft Office computer software continues to have updates every few years.  You will find that there is a new program called Microsoft Office 2007 available to work with the Windows Vista program.

It is important that you keep your software up to date when you purchase a new computer or download new programs to ensure that you have the latest in technology to make your work easier and more efficient.

This computer software is easy to download and requires a CD.  You will want to avoid online places that offer to sell you the program online without the CD because you will need the information on the CD to get the special items the computer software has.

Microsoft Office Computer Software is a post from: Computer Spot

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There are various different items for computer software from Microsoft. The famous computing company has various different types of software products.

This includes operating systems like the famous Windows programs and productivity programs like the Microsoft Office series.

There are informative programs from Microsoft and even gaming software programs. Here is a look into some of the many types of computer software that are available from Microsoft.

The Windows series operating systems are the most recognizable of all computer software from Microsoft. Windows Vista is the most recent product in the Windows product line. Windows XP is also used, but some people still use older Windows systems like Windows 2000 and 98.

Windows products are unique in that they are operating systems that work to make things easier for computer users to handle.

This includes finding files and programs with ease through simple navigation menus on the system, but it also makes it so that more experienced users will be able to access all parts of the computer.

Separate versions of Windows operating systems include home editions that are used for simplicity and business editions that work to help with improving small business productivity.

The Windows Office series is another of the top products of computer software from Microsoft. These programs in the Office series work to help increase productivity for both businesses and the home.

There are basic editions of the Office series products but there are also editions available for small businesses and for students.

These packages all contain different programs that will be useful for different groups of people, so not all Office programs will be on each of them.

The Windows Office programs include Word, which is a word processing program, and Excel, which is a spreadsheet production program.

Outlook works to help make email easier to receive and read, and PowerPoint works to create presentations for business or the home. There are various other Office programs, including Publisher, Access, InfoPath, OneNote and Groove, but not all Office program packages will include all of them.

A good vacation can be something that anyone can use, and with computer software from Microsoft, it can help with preparing a vacation.

MapPoint and Streets and Trips are among the parts of computer software from Microsoft that is popular. MapPoint creates stronger data mapping and analysis for the Office series of programs.

Streets and Trips can produce trip-planning solutions that can make it easier to travel and find information on businesses and hotels on the way. AutoRoute, meanwhile, is used for travels throughout Europe.

Internet programs can be used as one of the many forms of products from Microsoft. MSN Messenger, which is a Microsoft Network program, can be used to create text or video communications with other people who are online.

Connection software is also great for people who are looking for Microsoft programs. Internet Explorer is an especially popular online surfing browser that is easy to use and maintain.

The Windows Media Player is a popular product offered by the company. This works to help play audio and video files on a computer, and various different formats are supported by it. Media library organization and CD-R editing technology is also available.

The last of the different types of computer software from Microsoft are the many games. Various computer games are available from Microsoft.

The Flight Simulator and Age of Empires series are highly popular games from the company. Some games that have been incredibly successful on the Xbox gaming system, including the Halo series and Shadowrun, are also available.

The world of computer software from Microsoft is indeed great with all different sorts of products. From major programs like operating systems to productivity programs and ones for entertainment and gaming there are many products that can make a computer better and more enjoyable. These programs can all be found at a store that sells computer software.

Computer Software From Microsoft is a post from: Computer Spot

Back in the late 1970’s, two enterprising young computer programmers named Paul Allen and Bill Gates developed an adaptation for the BASIC computer language that would help run newly created personal computer just coming on the technology market.

As with any technology, their original creation changed and grew.

The two friends decided they had the product and the capability to become successful, so they formed a company now known as Microsoft.

Over the years, Microsoft has grown to a giant in the computer industry with successes never before seen by a “from scratch” endeavor.

Microsoft was responsible for the development of not only several computer languages like COBOL and PASCAL, but also for the development of the earliest operating system MS-DOS.

In partnership with IBM, who was just introducing the personal computer to the individual consumer, all of the IBM computers used MS-DOS on their systems.  The year was 1981.

Windows 3.1 was the first product to fully utilize graphical user interface for ease of controlling what the computer would do.

Windows also now allowed the user to multitask, meaning the user could now run multiple applications at once without having to close out of each program before running another.

2001 – saw the release of Windows XP which is the version most users have to date.  The XP stands for experienced and combined the two major Windows operating systems into one.  It is available in both a home as well as a professional edition.

Windows XP is designed more for users who may not be familiar with all of Windows features and has several new abilities to make the Windows experience easier for those users.

Windows XP includes various new features not found in previous versions of Microsoft Windows. Below is a listing of some of these new features.

• New interface – a completely new look and ability to change the look.
• Updates – new feature that automatically obtains updates from the Internet.
• Internet Explorer 6 – Includes internet explorer 6 and new IM.
• Multilingual support – added support for different languages.
• In addition to the above features, Windows XP does increase reliability when compared to previous versions of Microsoft Windows.

Finally, the most recent upgrade of Windows was just released in 2007.  Called Windows Vista, this new version is intended as an upgrade to XP and 2000 users.

While it does have many new features, this version is intended to give computer users an overall better experience with a dramatic new look.

Added features over previous Windows versions include:

• Windows Aero, a completely new GUI and unlike any previous version of Windows.
• Basic file backup and restore.
• Improved DVD support with the ability to easily create custom DVD movies.
• Easy transfer, a feature that allows you to easily transfer files from an older computer to the new computer.
• File encryption.
• Instant search available through all Explorer windows.
• Support for DirectX 10.
• Self-healing, the ability to automatically detect and correct problems that may be encountered on the computer.
• Shadow copy, a feature that allows you to recover deleted files.
• Improved photo gallery and control of photographs.
• Windows Sidebar and gadgets that allows you to add an almost endless list of different gadgets.
• More parental control.
• Improved Windows Calendar, with the ability to set tasks and appointments.
• And much more.

Some people who are Windows enthusiasts hail this new product as a step into a new technological era.  Windows Vista is flashy, pretty, and impressive, but it comes with its own unique faults as well.

Reviewers report that there are many device drivers lacking in the software and that its size requires a large amount of memory which can cause your computer to run slower and less efficiently.

All versions of Windows do come with the original MS-DOS operating system included in the background for those “old-schoolers” who will want to enter their own computer commands.

All versions also come with a basic word processing program and Internet Explorer for surfing the net.
You will find standard games such as solitaire in Windows as well.

As you know, windows is now developing new operating system, windows 7. You can try the beta version. I haven’t tried it yet. I will wait until the final version released.

Microsoft Windows Operating System is a post from: Computer Spot

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Want a mouse that can work on virtually any surface?  Then Microsoft Explorer Mouse is the right mouse for your computing needs.

Microsoft Explorer Mouse uses the BlueTrack technology which combines the functionality of optical with the precision of laser that allows tracking on more surfaces including carpet, granite, and rough-grained wood.

But the Blue Track technology doesn’t work on clear glass or mirrored surfaces.  Nevertheless, users can now take advantage of using this mouse on virtually any surfaces.

This mouse is rechargeable and has a battery status indicator that tells you when a recharge is needed.
Its 3 weeks between charges so you can save on power.  It uses a snap-in Mini Transceiver for wireless portability.

It delivers a Microsoft 2.4 Ghz wireless and a connection up to 30-foot wireless range.  With this, you can control your computer wherever you are with long-range wireless distance.

Microsoft created this mouse on a sophisticated design with glowing blue lighting effects.  It has 4-way scrolling that uses Tilt Wheel Technology for greater comfort.

With its buttons, you can customize them for quick and easy access of the programs, files and media you often use.  This mouse is designed for notebook computers for convenience and mobility.

This mouse is compatible with computers that use Windows XP, Windows Vista and MAC OS X v10.2x-10.5x.

Microsoft offers a 3-year warranty for this explorer mouse.

Microsoft Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack Technology is a post from: Computer Spot

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If you are the type of person who uses laptops for presentation and meeting purposes, then this article is for you.

Using a laptop with features suitable for presentation will help you to effectively deliver your reports or presentations.

Choosing a laptop for presentation will be easy since you know your computing needs.

First, you must consider the video functionality of laptop.  With this functionality, graphics card and laptop screen size should be considered.

Some laptops have shared memory function for the display feature.  A graphics card with 32 or 64 MB of dedicated memory should be your target.  This will help produce a good video output for your presentations.

For the laptop screen size, a widescreen display can be useful. When it comes to presenting your report or slides, you can enable the dual monitor trick.

You can setup your laptop so your report or presentation doesn’t appear on the laptop you’re presenting from while the slides display normally onscreen.  That will enable you to use the laptop for other uses like displaying your notes.

For the dual monitor trick, you can use Microsoft Windows dual-monitor mode.  To set dual monitor mode, connect your projector normally through your laptop’s VGA port.

Right click on the desktop and select “Properties,” then “Settings” tab. Configure this tab so that your laptop screen is Display 1, and the projector is Display 2, and then click OK.

For the presentation like PowerPoint, choose “Set Up Show” from the “Slide Show” menu. In the “Multiple monitors” area, choose “Monitor 2″ from the drop-down menu, and then click OK.

Second, you must consider the audio functionality.  It is very important that the audio functionality of your laptop is working and the sound is good.  This will help you play needed audio tracks or videos for the presentations.

Thirdly, your laptop must have DVDROM drive and USB ports.  Flash disks and CDs or DVDs are used to store presentation files for easy access.

Lastly, you must consider the software bundled on the laptop for presentation purposes.  Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the leading presentation software suites today. Fenix flashlight is the producer of high quality flashlight.

Be sure that you have one that is compatible because many presenters will need to edit their reports or presentations on different computers.

Choosing a Laptop for Presentation is a post from: Computer Spot

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Every computers have an operating system. What is an operating system ? An operating system – commonly referred to as an OS – is a set of computer programs that manage the hardware and software resources of a computer.

The OS processes electronic devices with a rational response to commands that are approved by the system.

At the foundation of all system software, an operating system performs basic tasks like controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing system requests, controlling input and output devices, facilitating the network, and managing files.

The OS can also provide a graphical user interface for higher functions. Essentially, the OS forms a platform for other system software as well as application software.

The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer. Without an operating system, your computer would not work. It would not be able to process requests for print, simple calculations, or any other function. It is really the brain that runs the equipment.

For larger system, the OS has great responsibilities than with a PC. In larger systems, the operating system is kind of like a traffic cop.

It makes sure that different users and programs running at the same time on different systems don’t interfere with each other. It also acts as a security guard making sure that unauthorized users are not able to access the system.

There are four classifications of a computer operating system. They are:

• Multi-User: Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users
• Multi-Processing: Supports running a program or more than one CPU
• Multi-Tasking: Allows more than one program to run concurrently
• Multi-Threading: Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently

Real Time: Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems, such as DOS and UNIX, are not real-time.

Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run. The application programs must be written to run on top of a particular operating system.

Your choice of operating system, therefore, determines to a great extent the applications you can run. For PCs, the most popular operating systems are DOS, OS/2, and Windows, but others are available, such as Linux.

In any device that has an operating system, there’s usually a way to make changes to how the device works.

This is far from a happy accident; one of the reasons operating systems are made out of portable code rather than permanent physical circuits is so that they can be changed or modified without having to scrap the whole device.

What is an Operating System ? is a post from: Computer Spot

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