Teching It Easy: Windows Vista & 7: Vista Tips & Tricks

HOW TO: improve the performance of Vista Media Center

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:43:27 GMT

Quote:

I’ve been running Vista Media Center (VMC) on two machines for a while now, and so far I have to say that the experience has been pretty good, but not all smooth sailing. Just like XP MCE 2005, VMC is very dependent on the capabilities of the hardware platform, the setup of the operating system and any third-party software which has been installed.
So, I decided to put together a piece detailing the problems I encountered and how I got around them – what worked and what didn’t.

Read the entire article here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Tips and Tricks, Media Center, Operating Systems, XP, MCE 2005, Features, software, Performance

Teching It Easy Vista QuickStart Guide Oct. 2007

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:51:20 GMT

Teching It Easy is proud to present you the October 2007 edition of the Windows Vista QuickStart Guide and FAQs for getting up and running quick and easy. Now available as a downloadable document in both Adobe PDF and Microsoft XPS you can read in your own convenience offline. The Guide will also be updated and published soon on http://www.activewin.com and my personal technology blog of course. The Guide covers the common basics for getting Vista on your PC, from system requirements to advance topics such as dual booting/partitioning your system.

Download formats:

XPS HERE

PDF HERE

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Tips and Tricks, FAQs, PDF, XPS. 2007

Speaking of Recovery Tools - Windows Vista Backup Center

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 04:16:02 GMT

I just wrote a post about the improved Recovery Tools coming to Vista in the future. Now you can start using the enhanced file and system protection tools built into Windows Vista's Backup and Restore Center today. If you are a licensed user of Windows Vista Ultimate, Enterprise or Business, you can take advantage of the ability to backup your entire system, yep, everything and restore it back just in case anything should go wrong. I was nearly in such a dilemma the other day, but thankfully I was able to resolve my issue using the Diagnostics mode built into Windows which I will discuss in a future post. So, lets take a look at Backup and Restore Center and how easy it is use.

You can easily access the Backup and Restore center through the Control Panel or type its name in the Search field on the Vista Start Menu and press Enter.

Here you see the Backup and Restore Center explorer which list various task and options for protecting your files and computer. Our aim with this tip is to backup the entire computer. Go ahead and click the "Back up computer" button under "Back up files or your entire computer". A User Account Protection (UAC) dialog will launch, click continue.

Next the Windows Complete PC Backup wizard will begin and start looking for an attached External hard disk if you have one. If it does not find one, the option will be grayed out and the Optical Disk option will be chosen instead. The first step is to choose where you want to store your backup. My recommendation is on an External drive, in my case, the External drive has already been selected, you can also backup to optical media such as DVD's, but that's not recommended if you have large amounts of data, for instance, my backup will require 43 GB's of space.

Click Next, here we are presented with the Confirmation page which gives us some handy information such as the amount of space required and the disk/s that will be backed up. Please note, that if you have Windows Vista installed on a logical partition dual booting with another copy of Windows, the system partition must also be backed up. Click "Start backup" button to begin the backup process.

Depending on the size of the backup, the time it will need to accomplish the process will vary, other factors include Disk I/O and memory. My Backup completed within 40 to 45 min's. During the backup process you can choose to stop if you want.

After the backup process completes successfully you can close the wizard and be happy that your system is safely backed up and can be restored just in case of an emergency such as system failure, inability to boot or device failure. I recommend doing regular backups if you are constantly creating information on your computer, at least once a week. For Windows Vista Home Basic and Home Premium users, you can take advantage of the new Backup Files and Folders feature. I recommend backing up to an external drive because of the extra safety advantages such as the ability to keep off site.

Doing the Restoration

If you need to do the restoration, here is how you go about it. Start you computer, insert your Windows Vista operating system Disc, and boot from it (Make sure your boot drive is set to the optical drive). You will then be booted into the Windows Recovery Environment.

Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
Click Repair your computer link on the setup page.
Select the operating system you want to repair, and the click Next.
On the System Recovery Options menu, click Windows Complete PC Restore and then follow the instructions.

Things to remember

If you are backing up a laptop, make sure its AC adapter is plugged or you will receive an error message preventing you from backing your computer.
When you restore your computer from a Windows Complete PC Backup image, it is a complete restoration. You can't choose individual items to restore, and all your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced.
Before starting, make sure that the removable media on which your backup is stored is available.
Backups to DVD more than 4.7 GBs will spanned across disk

Andre

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, System Recovery, Backup and Restore Center, Complete PC Backup, Backup your computer

Whip Vista Into Shape - PC Magazine

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:31:28 GMT

From PC Magazine

Microsoft Windows Vista is a pretty muscular operating system, but it still needs toning. These three utilities give your new OS more speed and endurance.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2188272,00.asp

Technorati tags: Vista, Tips and Tricks, PC Magazine, Performance, Operating Systems, Windows Vista

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 10

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:07:37 GMT

Links taken from this months TechNET Newsletter

Support and Troubleshooting

How-to Articles

• How to troubleshoot Volume Activation error codes on Windows Vista-based computers

• How to move Internet Explorer favorites from an earlier version of Windows to the Internet Explorer Favorites folder in Windows Vista

• How to perform a custom installation of Windows Vista on a computer that is running Windows XP

Hotfixes

• When you exit Windows Media Player 11 in Windows Vista, you may continue to hear music

Knowledge Base Articles

• February 2007 cumulative time zone update for Microsoft Windows operating systems

See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language.

Featured Downloads

Start Planning for Windows Vista with Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

Download the newly released and free Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 tool to help you determine your computers' readiness and the upgrades required for your Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office migration project. See the power of auto-generated readiness reports and migration proposals.

Security

Windows Vista: 6 Month Vulnerability Report

Windows Vista continues to show a trend of fewer total and fewer high severity vulnerabilities at the 6 month mark compared to its predecessor product Windows XP and compared to other modern competitive workstation operating systems.

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2007

Security Bulletin Webcast for July 2007

On Demand

Windows Vista: Improve Your Desktop Security and Deployment Strategy

See how Windows Vista is easier to deploy and less expensive to maintain than earlier version of Windows. Tune in to live webcasts to ask questions, stream or download on-demand webcasts to watch when you want, listen to podcasts on the go, or test drive Windows Vista in a virtual lab.

Determine Hardware and Device Readiness Using Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment version 2.0 deployment tool enables you to determine in a matter of hours whether the computers on your network are ready for the Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office. Listen in and see how Windows Vista Hardware Assessment assesses the hardware and device compatibility of each of an organization's existing systems across the network.

Case Studies and White Papers

Housing Company Saved $38,000 in PC Replacement Costs During Recent Windows Vista Deployment

Collegiate Housing Services used Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool and determined that 70 percent of their existing PCs were ready for Windows Vista with only a few minor upgrades, saving $38,000 in PC replacement costs.

Telecommunications Certification Company Found 88 Percent of Existing PCs to be Windows Vista Ready

Sporton International, Inc. in Taiwan determined that 88 percent of their existing PCs could be ready for Windows Vista with a small investment of minor hardware upgrades. Read this success story and learn more about the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool that helped get the job done.

Technorati tags: Vista, Tips and Tricks, Desktop, Security, Case Studies, Windows Media Player 11, Internet Explorer, Favorites Folder, Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 9

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:31:35 GMT

Links taken from this months Windows Newsletter - Volume 82

Stay in touch wherever you go

It's summer--don't be tied to your desk! Spend time outside the office or your home and reconnect with people who matter to you. Think you're too busy? All you need is a mobile PC or mobile phone and the power of Windows.

With Windows Vista on your mobile PC:

• Go to work late or leave early: make the most of your commute

• Organize and share digital memories while you travel

• Connect online on the go

New and notable

Get more from Windows Vista
Already have Windows Vista but want to upgrade to a more advanced edition? Learn about the Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Halo 2 for Windows Vista now available
The legendary game adventure continues, now enhanced for Windows Vista.

Help protect your PCs with Windows SteadyState
Windows SteadyState helps shared PCs run smoothly in schools, Internet cafés, libraries, and other locations--and it's free.

Get free antivirus, online ID theft, and antispyware protection
For an all-in-one PC security and performance service, try Windows Live OneCare for free for 90 days.

Featured tip for Windows Vista

Create an XPS document
XPS documents are a new archiving format perfect for preserving content and securely sharing information, no matter which program you're using. To create an XPS document:

1. Open any document in virtually any application and click Print.

2. In the Printer Selection menu, choose Microsoft XPS Document Writer and save the file.

3. Double-click the file to open it in the XPS Viewer, which Windows Internet Explorer 7 hosts.

The XPS document is a pixel-perfect rendition of the original source material.

Visit our Help and How-to website to learn more about using Windows Vista.

More tips for Windows Vista

Master digital music
Want to learn how to rip, burn, sync, share, play, and organize all your digital music? Then check out our Music and Sounds section for Windows Vista.

Kids always online? Time Limits in Windows Vista can help
Windows Vista Parental Controls can help you ensure that your kids aren't surfing when they should be doing homework or something else.

Technorati tags: Vista, Tips and Tricks, XPS Document, Halo 2, Parental Controls, Windows SteadyState, AntiSpyware

Windows Vista In The Know Links - No. 9

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:18:06 GMT

Contents and links adapted from this months TechNet Newsletter.

Volume 9, Issue 14, July 11, 2007.

The popular Windows Vista Hardware Assessment deployment tool just got better. And it is now available as a free download. Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 offers IT professionals a quick way to assess their existing computers' readiness for Windows Vista without any software agents. In this new release, you will find new features such as a 2007 Microsoft Office system hardware assessment, enhanced scalability for large enterprise networks, selective inventory by organization units and more. Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 is part of an essential suite of Windows Vista Solution Accelerators including the Data Encryption Toolkit for Mobile PCs, the Windows Vista Security Guide, and the Business Desktop Deployment 2007.
It's easy to see why the excitement around the Windows PowerShell command line and scripting environment continues to build. It seems like we've just begun to discover what can be done using the tool. One of the most talked-about features of Windows PowerShell is its pipeline, but it's also, unfortunately, one of the most misunderstood features. If you are already a Windows PowerShell user or interested in understanding more about this powerful command line interface, don't miss Don Jones's column in TechNet Magazine: Windows PowerShell Rethinking the Pipeline. And don't forget, you can download Windows PowerShell 1.0 or evaluate it as part of your Windows Server 2008 evaluation. There are several introductory videos that demonstrate the various capabilities of Windows PowerShell, including Introduction to Windows PowerShell, Windows Vista and Windows PowerShell, and Windows PowerShell and IIS 7.

Top Stories and Featured Content

TechNet Magazine: The ActiveX Installer Service in Windows Vista

How do you secure the desktop against malicious ActiveX controls without limiting application compatibility? We'll take you on a tour of the ActiveX Installer Service (AxIS) in Windows Vista that addresses this issue with a new way to manage ActiveX controls.

Discover How to Modify Boot Configuration Parameters

In the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor FAQ, find out what the BCD store is, why it was created, where it's located in the registry, how to modify it, and more.

Support and Troubleshooting

How-to Articles

• How to troubleshoot Volume Activation error codes on Windows Vista-based computers

Knowledge Base Articles

• After you apply security update 929123, you may be prompted by a dialog box that requests more input about how to continue when you browse a Web site

• Problems with the network, hard disk drive, or storage drivers cause a program to stop unexpectedly in Windows Vista

• A red "X" appears in the icon for a mapped network drive in Windows Vista, even though you can successfully access the drive

See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language.

Featured Downloads

Start Planning for Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Migration Using Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

It's time to take advantage of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Download the new and improved Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 tool to help you determine your computers' readiness and the upgrades that may be required for your migration project.

Upcoming Webcasts

Get Ready for Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office with Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

Wednesday, July 18, 11:30 AM Pacific Time
Join this webcast to find out if your existing computers are ready to fun Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system using the newly-released Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0.

Virtual Labs

Windows Vista Virtual Labs

Windows Vista Virtual Labs have recently been refreshed. In these labs you'll learn to manage network security, deploy operating system images using Windows Deployment Services, configure User Account Control for standard and administrative users via group policy, and more.

Solution Accelerators

Best Practices on Managing Windows Vista Desktops

Get best practice guidance for managing Windows Vista desktop operations. Windows Vista Service Life-Cycle Management (WVSLM) provides concise guidance to help minimize the total cost of ownership of desktop infrastructure. Process guidance and document templates help make service management concepts from the IT Infrastructure Library and the Microsoft Operations Framework tangible and easily implementable by focusing on a single and common IT service.
WVSLM is part of a family of Windows Vista Solution Accelerators, including the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment, Business Desktop Deployment 2007, Windows Vista Security Guide, and the Data Encryption Toolkit for Mobile PCs.

PCs Infected? Get the Malware Removal Starter Kit

This free kit provides a comprehensive plan to combat malware, and gives you tools to uncover 'stealthy' malware and restore infected PCs -- so users can safely get back to work.

Case Studies and White Papers

Windows Vista Deployment Case Studies

• Collegiate Housing Services
Housing Company Saved $38,000 in PC Replacement Costs During Recent Windows Vista Deployment

• Sporton International, Inc.
Telecommunications Certification Company Found 88% of Existing PCs to Be Windows Vista Ready.

Received TechNet Flash from a Friend?

The TechNet Flash is full of pointers to in-depth technical information that we encourage subscribers to forward to friends and co-workers. If you've received this issue from someone via e-mail and would like to receive the free TechNet Flash newsletter biweekly, all you have to do is register.

Technorati tags: Vista, Windows Vista, Solutions, Tips and Tricks, Desktop, Managing Vista, Webcast, Virtual Labs, Downloads, Knowledge base, BCDEdit, ActiveX Installer Service, TechNet

Opening the Windows Vista Box Update

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:50:46 GMT

Last month, Microsoft news source Mary Jo Foley of All About Microsoft reported about the difficulties even Microsoft employees were facing trying install Windows Vista.

"This is one for all of you readers who’ve had trouble installing Windows Vista. Don’t feel bad. Even some Microsoft developers — who have the Vista team on premise — can’t manage to upgrade to Vista.
Microsoft developer Andy Pennell wanted to install Vista at home. (Pennell is a developer on HDi, the interactivity layer for HD DVD.)" Read the entire article here

Well it seems Microsoft is getting more aware of this problem and decided to put up a tutorial on its Community based Windows Help site to show customers how to open the new type of product boxes they introduced in January with the launch of Windows Vista and Office 2007 correctly.

"The Windows Vista box opens with a swing-out section that holds your DVD and manuals. The box has two security seals that need to be cut or removed before it can be opened." Read the entire tutorial here

The trickest part based on my experience opening the Vista box is the trasparent sticker that holds the two parts together, once you remove that, you should be good to go.

Technorati tags: Vista, Open Windows Vista Box, Andy Pennell, Mary Jo Foley, All About Microsoft, Microsoft

Windows Vista Tips & Tricks collection

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:26:15 GMT

Hi everyone,

As we approach Windows Vista's 6 month anniversary, I decided to provide a summary of tips and tricks I have written and collected for the operating system from various sources since the start of the year so far. Its small and the intention is to grow it. The list covers a range of topics, from tweaking to securing Windows Vista. In addition to this, there is already my popular Windows Vista Quick Start Guide and FAQ, which covers preparing for the operating system, getting up and running with it, be sure to check that out.

Thanks, Andre

Productivity

Customize

Security

Networking

Guidelines

Compatibility

User Experience

Technorati tags: Vista, Tips and Tricks, Operating Systems

New Resource: Windows Vista Demos

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:19:43 GMT

Adapted from this months Microsoft Mindshare Newsletter

The Windows Vista team has posted a number of demos online that you can share with your group on topics ranging from the basics ("Learning to use the mouse") to more advanced ("Security Basics"). Click here to go to the demos page and see whether there's a topic that would fit into your next meeting agenda.

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Training, Demos, Tips and Tricks, Security Basics

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 8

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:47:41 GMT

From Microsoft

Live it today. Relive it tomorrow.

Don't leave hundreds--or even thousands--of digital photos buried on your PC. Now you can handle your photos and videos in a truly intuitive way using Windows Vista. See how simple it can be to import, find and organize, edit, and share digital memories with family and friends.

More how-to's and help for photos and video in Windows Vista

New and notable
Look for the logo. Experience the difference
For a superior Windows Vista Experience, look for hardware and software featuring a Windows Vista logo. See the different logos and learn what they mean.

Turn the PC you have into the PC you've always wanted
Upgrade your family's PC fun and capabilities by moving from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Upgrade now and get free, unlimited 90-day phone support.

Featured tip for Windows Vista

View files the way you want
When you open a folder and see your files, you might prefer larger or smaller icons, or a way to see different kinds of information about each file. To make these kinds of changes, use the Views button in the toolbar of any folder.

Each time you click the Views button, the folder window changes the way it displays your file and folder icons, alternating between large icons, a smaller icon view called Tiles, and a view called Details that shows several columns of information about each file. If you click the arrow next to the Views button, you'll find even more choices.

Visit our Help and How-to website to learn more about using Windows Vista.

More tips for Windows Vista

Learn by watching these Windows Vista demos
Choose from more than a dozen video clips about everything from Windows Vista desktop PC basics to diagnosing problems and getting help. If you like to see how to do something rather than read about it, these are for you.

Browse Windows Vista discussion groups
Thousands of Windows Vista users participate in our online discussion groups. Join them and post your own questions or learn what other people have to say about every aspect of Windows Vista.

Technorati tags: Vista, Windows, Operating Systems, Tips and Tricks, Devices, Photos, Video

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 7

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:52:43 GMT

From Microsoft

Movies and more with Windows Vista

Discover how Windows Media Center in Windows Vista makes it easy for you to enjoy your favorite movies. See how you can record movies from your television or download them from the Internet, watch movies anywhere in your home, and create your own movies using Windows Movie Maker.

Download free sample chapters of Windows Vista books

Download sample chapters, and if you like what you see, you can buy the book for 35 percent off. Offer good through June 30, 2007.

Set up and maintain your PC

10 fast fixes for nagging PC problems

Your Wi-Fi network has gotten slow; your everyday printer is no longer the default. Solve these PC problems and others with the advice in this article.

See details about your PC's performance using Task Manager

The Task Manager that you see when you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE isn't just for closing programs that have stopped responding. You also can use this tool to get details on how much of your processor and memory are being used. Learn how in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

TechNet Magazine's Utility Spotlight: Script Elevation PowerToys for Windows Vista

In the spirit of the old Windows PowerToys, Senior Infrastructure Consultant for Microsoft Consulting Services Michael Murgolo has created a few Script Elevation PowerToys to elevate some types of tasks in Windows Vista.

Microsoft Debuts Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 is now available for download. This popular Windows Vista deployment tool offers IT professionals a quick way to assess their existing computers' readiness for Windows Vista in terms of hardware and device compatibility. The new version provides selective inventory, enhanced scalability for larger corporate networks and assessment for Office 2007.

Support and Troubleshooting

How-to Articles

• How to prepare to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista

On Demand

Determine Windows Vista Compatibility with Your Existing Computers

Learn how the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool can help you quickly assess the hardware and device capabilities of your computers for Windows Vista network-wide.

TechNet Radio: Direct from Day One of Tech-Ed 2007

This week on Tech Net Radio, we listen to interviews from the first day of Tech-Ed 2007. Kevin Remde talks with Dustin Jones about monitoring using System Center Essentials. He also talks with Jane Lewis about Women in Tech. Kevin and Bryan von Axelson discuss the Microsoft MVP Program with Connie Rennie. Plus, we talk with Steve Riley about Wireless Security improvements in Windows Vista.

Solution Accelerators

Determine Hardware and Device Compatibilities for Your Windows Vista Migration Project

Wondering if your computers are ready to migrate to Windows Vista? The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator is a network-wide assessment tool that quickly assesses hardware and device driver compatibility for Windows Vista upgrades. Download and start your migration planning today.

Check out all the Solution Accelerators.

Technorati tags: Tips and Tricks, Windows Vista, Microsoft, Power Toys, PC Problems, Troubleshoot, Vista Books, Movie Maker, Media Center, Task Manager, Vista, Operating Systems, IT Professional

Windows Vista Tip - Don't Display Ad-hoc Networks

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:24:28 GMT

From Windows Connected via Techlog

Josh over at Windowsconnected.com has a great article about Vista and ad-hoc wireless networks:

One of the general annoyances of connecting to the wireless infrastructure at show like TechEd is the number people that seem to be in my general vicinity broadcasting as an ad-hoc connection. Are they trying to get unsuspecting people to connect to them and gleam some information from their laptops? I doubt it, but still annoying. From Techedbloggers.net I found a great tip from Chris Pringle about adding a quick filter to suppress ad-hoc networks. As an admin run the following:

netsh wlan add filter permission=denyall networktype=adhoc

To reverse this again run the following:
netsh wlan del filter permission=denyall networktype=adhoc

Technorati tags: Tips and Tricks, Network, Ad-hoc Network, Vista, Wireless, WEP, Laptop, Security, TechED, Techlog, Windows Connected, Josh Phillips

Hiding Vista's Partition from XP

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:04:28 GMT

From NeoSmart Blogs

"One of the biggest problems that faces dual-booters is data corruption on many different fronts. While using proper dual-boot techniques and going by the book can avoid most forms of data corruption, there are some things that you can’t just work around, especially if it’s considered a “feature” by Microsoft… One such “feature” is that those dual-booting Windows XP and Windows Vista will find that every time they boot into XP, they’ll lose all their Vista system restore points - because XP “intelligently” detects them as being corrupt XP system restore profiles. So much for painless dual-booting. Even Vista’s “Complete Backup” feature is decimated by the very existence of XP on the same computer - and having them on separate hard drives doesn’t help!
Unfortunately, there is no solution to this. Microsoft acknowledges the issue - but provides absolutely no hint, clue, or even whiff of a hotfix though it would seem that this isn’t something difficult for them to patch. The advice has been to either not dual-boot at all, run XP in a virtual machine, or else encrypt the Vista hard drive - a feature that has more bugs than the rest of Vista put together. But don’t worry, we have a (free and easy!) solution for you! "

Read the entire tip here

Excellent tip Computer Guru

Technorati tags: Partitioning, Windows Vista, Windows XP, NeoSmart, Computer Guru, FAQ, Tips and Tricks, Hotfix, Dual Boot, Complete Backup

Windows Vista compatible version of Adobe Acrobat 8 now available

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 02:58:24 GMT

From Adobe Systems

Adobe Reader has recently been updated, from version 8.0 to 8.1. A changelog is not available yet.
Adobe's description of Adobe Reader:

*Work smarter - a clean new look, custom toolbars and an RSS reader
*Work faster - 2D acceleration (requires video card support, Win only)
*Work together - new online conferencing with Acrobat Connect
*The ONLY Reader that can open and view all PDF files with full functionality

Download here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Tips and Tricks, Adobe Reader 8, Acrobat, PDF, Portable Document Format, Application Compatibility, UAC, User Account Control, Windows Installer Service, Error Message

Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit)

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:53:24 GMT

From Microsoft Downloads

Thanks to Chris Overd of LiveSide.net for the tip

Overview

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista
The Windows Mobile Device Center enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with Windows Mobile powered devices (Windows Mobile 2003 or later). The Windows Mobile Device Center combines an efficient business-data synchronization platform with a compelling user experience. The Windows Mobile Device Center helps you to quickly set up new partnerships, synchronize business-critical information such as e-mail, contacts and calendar appointments, easily manage your synchronization settings, and transfer business documents between your device and PC.

This new version of the Windows Mobile Device Center contains key improvements and new features to support Windows Mobile 6 devices. The Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is only supported on Windows Vista.

Key updates in Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 include:

• Windows Mobile 6 feature support
o Information Rights Management activation - Automatically configure the Windows Mobile 6 device to open IRM-protected documents and files
o HTML mail – Set up your Windows Mobile 6 device to sync HTML-formatted mail
o Certificate Enrollment - Acquire certificates through the PC the Windows Mobile 6 device is currently connected to
o Allow data connections on the Windows Mobile 6 device when connected to the PC
o File synchronization for smartphones – Synchronize files with your Windows Mobile 6 devices, including both touch screen and non-touch screen devices
• Automatic device authentication - Connect the Windows Mobile device to the PC without the need to enter the device-lock PIN every time upon connect
• Product Registration - Register your Windows Mobile device and get connected to information and offers available for your device

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is fully compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 devices and later.

Download 32-bit here

Download 64-bit here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, x64, x86, 32-bit, 64-Bit, Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1, Windows Mobile 2003, PDA, Smart Phone

Subscribe and Share Calendars with Vista's Windows Calendar

Tue, 29 May 2007 19:31:01 GMT

From The Windows Vista Experience Blog

"Outlook 2007 has a very little known feature where you can publish your calendar to the web using Microsoft Office Online. Microsoft Office Online has a Calendar Sharing Service that gives you 2MB of space online to share calendars with friends, families, and co-workers through the web. To view this service on Microsoft Office Online, all you need to do is sign-in using your Windows Live ID."

Read the entire tutorial here

Resources:

Windows Vista Tips: Working with Windows Calendar

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Vista, Windows Calendar, Subscribe to Calendars, Share Calendars, Brandon Leblanc, Outlook 2007, Microsoft Office Online, Windows Live, Windows Live ID, Calendar Sharing Service, Windows Vista Experience Blog, WebDAV, Publish Calendars, Custom Calendars

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 6

Wed, 23 May 2007 19:59:23 GMT

From Microsoft

How to keep your PC safer

Relax--there are plenty of ways to make your PC experience safer so that you can worry less and enjoy it more. If you have Windows Vista, see how it automates many processes that help maintain the health and security of your PC. Get tips on how to make the most of your security features and find out how Parental Controls can also help keep your family safer--a great reason to upgrade to Windows Vista!
If you have Windows XP, here are some tips to help keep your PC more secure. You can also download Windows Defender (automatically included with Windows Vista) for free spyware protection.

For either operating system, try a free 90-day trial of Windows Live OneCare for Windows Vista and Windows XP. OneCare gives you all-in-one antivirus, spyware, and anti-phishing protection.

New and notable

Webcast: Get tips and tricks for Window Vista

Download this great new webcast to learn how to best use the top 10 new features in Windows Vista.

Tips and tricks for Windows Vista

Featured tip for Windows Vista

Share a folder or file directly from your PC
With Windows Vista, you can share folders and files with any user on the same corporate or home network. Here's how:

1. From any explorer, select a file or folder, and on the command bar, choose the option to Share.

2. Enter another user's name on the same network and give them appropriate rights of access--reader, co-owner, etc.
Windows Vista can even automatically compose an e-mail message to the users sharing your content. This auto-generated message has a hyperlink to the shared content so that the recipient can instantly access it.

Visit our Help and How-to website to learn more about using Windows Vista.

More tips for Windows Vista

Working with files and folders

See how Windows Vista helps you quickly find and use your PC files and folders, copy and save files, and organize your files to be as easy to find as your mouse.

What you need to set up a home network

If you have more than one PC in your house, then maybe it's time to set up a home network. Windows Vista makes it easy to connect your PCs. Here's a simple explanation of everything you need.

Why upgrade to Internet Explorer 7?

Columnist Sandi Hardmeier explains why security and productivity features in Internet Explorer 7 make it worth the upgrade.

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Security, Backup, Windows Live OneCare, Internet Explorer 7, Folders, Networking, Home Network, Tips and Tricks, Parental Controls, Windows Defender

Windows Vista In The Know Links - .No 5

Wed, 23 May 2007 19:42:10 GMT

Links adapted from this months Microsoft Mindshare Newsletter.

This month we bring you a number of items to help you get the most out of Windows Vista, as well as pass along a few new free trials and downloads.

Reminder! Windows News: Windows Vista Beta 2, RC1, and RC2 Set to Expire

On May 31, 2007, the pre-release versions of Windows Vista will expire. This means that if you are running a pre-release version of Windows Vista (Beta 2, RC1, or RC2) you will begin to receive notifications about the upcoming expiration on May 18, 2007. To avoid work disruption and the loss of data, it is strongly recommended that if you are running any of these pre-release versions of Windows Vista, you migrate your PCs to the final version of Windows Vista before May 31.

To install the final version of Windows Vista on any of these pre-release versions of Windows Vista, you may purchase the desired Windows Vista Upgrade. The Windows Vista Upgrade must be the same language version as the pre-release version you are replacing. To find the versions of Windows Vista available for purchase through Windows Marketplace, click here.

New Resource: The Windows Experience Blog

The Windows Vista team has announced a new blog called The Windows Experience, focusing on the user experience of working Windows Vista in a variety of ways. For example, are you curious to know how, exactly, Windows Vista will make your games better? Or improve the way you work with photos? Or enable you to find, organize, and work with files? The Windows Experience blog will report on those types of activities, and more. Click here to read the initial post in the Windows Experience and check back regularly to find out what new frontiers blogger Brandon LeBlanc explores with Windows Vista.

Choosing Devices That Work with Windows Vista

Are you wondering which devices and hardware work with Windows Vista? Get the information you need to make informed purchasing choices. Click here to learn how to distinguish between the "Certified for Windows Vista" and "Works with Windows Vista" programs that have been tested to provide you with the best experience.

Top Downloads for Windows Vista

Since the Windows Vista release, users have been enjoying customizing the operating system and adding gadgets, security features, and more. You can see what other users are adding to their Windows Vista experience by going to the Downloads page on the Windows Vista site. The Popular Downloads tab lists the most popular downloads. Click any link for more information about the products listed.

Get the Latest Windows Vista Drivers

If you want to make sure your hardware devices make the most of Windows Vista features, or you need additional support finding answers and solutions to Windows Vista compatibility, please check out the online resources supporting Windows Vista users. You'll find a compatibility list of hardware products that work with Windows Vista, help with hardware, devices, and drivers and more at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/updatemanagement/bb310559.aspx.

The Basics of Windows Vista Gadgets

Adding a gadget to Windows Vista is easier than you might think. You can browse through all your available gadget options by going to the Windows Vista Gadget Gallery. In the Browse column on the left side of the page, select the type of gadgets you want to see. You can then click the name of a gadget in either the Popular Downloads column or the Top Rated column to display details about the gadget. When you have found the one you want, click Download. For more information about adding, downloading, and even creating your own gadgets for Windows Vista, go to the Windows Vista Gadget Gallery.

Add-Ons for IE 7

Are you already an IE 7 user? You can personalize the way you surf by checking out the fun and useful add-ons for Internet Explorer 7. Click here to go to Windows Marketplace and find the add-ons that are available now.

Fixing Stubborn PC Problems

If you are known as the PC guru in your user group, you may be used to group members coming to you with all sorts of computer problems. In the article, "3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix," technology writer Chris Tull shows you how to troubleshoot some of the most common-and persistent-PC problems most users face at one time or another. Click here to read the article and share it with your group.

Technorati tags: Gadgets, Sidebar, Windows Vista Expire, Device Drivers, Windows Experience Blog, Windows Vista Team Blog, Brandon Leblanc, Sidebar Geek, Internet Explorer 7, IE 7, Operating Systems, PC Problems, Windows Market Place, Drivers, Vista, Beta 2, RC1, RC2, Windows Vista Gadget Gallery, Add-Ons, Plug Ins

Slow Copy and Move in Windows Vista

Fri, 18 May 2007 19:38:45 GMT

From My Tech Blog

Quote:

"One of the main complain I had about Vista is the slow file copy or move operations. It seems that it is the new "Remote Differential Compression" who is the culprit.

To turn it off go in Control Panel / Programs and features / Turn on or turn off Windows features and uncheck "Remote Differential Compression".

Thanks to McThePro

Technorati tags: Windows Vista performance, Windows Vista, Vista, Operating Systems, Slow Copy and Move, My Tech Blog, Remote Differential Compression

Windows Vista Tip: Using Windows Defender

Fri, 18 May 2007 19:22:14 GMT

From DATAMATION

Quote:

"Vista's Windows Defender

Vista's Windows Defender provides continuous security against malware, and if it detects anything suspicious, it will alert you of what it finds. It does this by using three specific tools:

• Internet agents Internet agents are used to monitor changes to Internet access settings, as well as to stop unauthorized connection attempts via the network.

• System agents System agents are used to monitor changes to your system’s settings, such as passwords and permissions.

• Application agents Application agents are used to monitor changes to applications installed on your OS, such as Internet Explorer being modified by downloadable toolbar applications."

Read the entire article here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Defender, Security, Malware, Spyware, Windows Security Center, WSC, Antispyware

20 ways to get Windows Vista under control

Thu, 17 May 2007 22:08:26 GMT

From TechLogg

Quote:

"Still not sure if you’re in control of Windows Vista or it’s in control of you? From switching on Aero with only 384MB of memory or extending the activation period to 120 days, these 20 tips should go a long way to getting you in charge.

Having played with Windows Vista for the last five months, I’ve learned a few things about Microsoft’s new operating system, probably more than I wanted to know. There’s a saying in the car industry that the last of the previous model is typically always better than the first of the new one."

Check them out here

Technorati tags: Tips and Tricks, Tech Logg, Extend Activation, Windows AERO, UAC, Partitioning

Windows Vista Tips: Working with Windows Calendar

Thu, 17 May 2007 21:35:27 GMT

Create a family calendar with Windows Vista

With the Windows Vista operating system, you can use a single calendar program to plan your activities and your family's. Windows Calendar, included in Windows Vista, lets you create calendars for each member of your family and compare them side by side. Find out how to use Windows Calendar to keep the entire family's schedule and stay up-to-date at a glance.

Other calendar tips and tricks:
Create unique custom calendars on your PC
Get calendar templates from Microsoft Office Online
Share your calendars over the Internet

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Windows Calendar, WebDAV, Publish Calendars, Custom Calendars, Share Calendars

Work Smarter With Vista's New Productivity Tools

Thu, 17 May 2007 21:32:18 GMT

From PC World

Quote:

"Built-in Windows Vista utilities can help you recover lost files, manage your network, hold meetings, and more. Vista contains so many new doodads, gizmos, and applets that some of the more useful ones are easy to overlook. Here are the new Vista features that I find particularly nifty."

Check them out here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Snipping Tool, Windows Tablet PC, Productivity Tools, Networking

59 Ways to Supercharge Windows

Wed, 16 May 2007 17:39:31 GMT

From PC Magazine

Quote:

"Check out PC Mag's favorite utilities to help amp up your OS experience with the best in browser boosters, media tools, widgets, the best classic utilities, and more. These 59 Windows tools are nimble enough to boost even the newest Vista machines. Whatever version of Windows you're running—from Vista all the way down to Windows 2000—you'll find countless ways to improve your life. And most are completely free."

URL: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2129754,00.asp

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Operating Systems, Tips and Tricks, PC Magazine, Vista, Computers, Internet

Windows Vista tip: Recovering from a damaged system

Tue, 15 May 2007 03:08:55 GMT

From ITNews.com.au

Quote:

"With Vista, Microsoft has made significant improvements in the way you can recover from and repair serious problems..

Although with Vista, Microsoft has made great strides in the stability of its Windows operating system, things can still go wrong. What happens when a key driver goes missing or a system disk fails? How would you go about recovering the system and, especially, all your precious data?

There are basically two ways to recover a damaged Windows Vista system: the installation DVD or the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

This is the simplest method. All you have to do is locate your installation DVD and use it to boot up your damaged system. This launches the Windows Vista installation. (Don't worry, -- you're not going to reinstall Vista. All you want is to get to the "Install now" screen.)"

Read the entire tip here

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, System Repair, System Restore, Operating Systems, Windows Recovery Environment, WinRE, Damaged System, Tips and Tricks