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Windows Newsletter Download – May 2010

May 31, 2010 by admin · 5 Comments 

 

I am experitmenting with a new format for my Windows Newsletter.

I have created a Digital Newsletter using a PDF document.
 
Please note however, this DOES NOT replace the current newsletter service here at www.marctalkstech.com
 
It is addition to it…
 
I am placing the digital newsletter on Amazon’s hosting service so there should be no delay in downloading it:
 
http://s3.amazonaws.com/digital-newsletter/may-2010.pdf  (Right-Click and Save As…)
 
PLEASE pass onto a friend!
 
I would appreciate ANY feedback you have so please hit the reply button after reading and let me know!
 
Do you want more content, perhaps current news?

Is the format OK?
 
Enjoy your day.
 
Kind Regards
 
Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP
http://www.marctalkstech.com

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Windows Newsletter #217

May 31, 2010 by admin · 9 Comments 

Welcome to edition #217 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

If you are one of the many folks who have emailed me feedback on the Digital Windows Newsletter I sent out by email this week - thankyou! …I am in the process of reviewing all the feedback sent in.  I have also posted the PDF onto this site – CLICK HERE.

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 10th June 2010.

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How To Copy Any DVD/BlueRay Disc!

AnyDVD works in the background to automatically remove the copy protection of a DVD movie as soon as it’s inserted into the PC dvd drive…  You can also remove the RPC region code, thereby making the movie region free and viewable on any DVD player and with any DVD player software.

AnyDVD is capable of removing unwanted movie features, including subtitles and prohibition messages such as copyright and FBI warnings.

But AnyDVD doesn’t just stop at DVDs. It also decrypts protected audio CDs to allow you to copy them. Click HERE – for more information!

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Microsoft & Windows News

# Welcome To The New Hotmail

The new Hotmail is about to be launched very soon as part of “Windows Live – Wave 4″. Read this officla page for an overview of whats coming.

Read more…

http://windowslivepreview.com/hotmail/ 

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# Steve Ballmer IS The Right Man To Turn Around Microsoft Mobile

There are several good reasons why Ballmer is the right man at the right time, but one stands out. He turned around another important Microsoft product: Windows.

Read more…

www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Steve-Ballmer-IS-the-right-man-to-turn-around-Microsoft-mobile/1275155076

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# Microsoft Project Emporia

Microsoft’s Future Social Experiences Labs (FUSE) has launched another new project, codenamed “Project Emporia,” that is aimed at social-networking newbies to help them simplify their Twitter browsing/viewing experience.

Read more…

www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsofts-social-networking-lab-launches-new-twitter-viewing-tool/6356

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# Halo: Reach Launches 09.14.2010

More than 2.7 million players make history with record-shattering demand for the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta for XBox 360.

Read more…

www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=26642

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# What To Do With 57 Billion Photos!

A lot has changed in the three years since Microsoft launched the first Windows Live Photo Gallery.  A look at trends in photos and videos….

Read more…

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/04/09/what-to-do-with-57-billion-photos.aspx

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# Powerful and All-in-One Windows Utility

Glary Utilities is a free, powerful and all-in-one Windows utility. It offers some useful and easy-to-use system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. (Make sure you download the free version!)

Read more…

www.glaryutilities.com/gu.html

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# Wireless Security

Wireless internet access offers convenience and mobility. Learn how to keep your wireless network and the computers on it more secure using encryption and other techniques.

Read more…

www.win7articles.com/wireless-security.html

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# SAVE 10% on COREL Audio and Video Software!

US and Canada residents can get 10% off all COREL software using a unique coupon for newsetter readers!

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/coupons

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# How to Turn Off Taskbar Thumbnail Live Previews in Windows 7

If you don’t like the live preview feature and want to turn it off, this registry edit tutorial will help you.

Read more…

www.askvg.com/how-to-turn-off-taskbar-thumbnail-live-previews-in-windows-7/

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Security News

# Protecting Browsers with Defense In Depth Techniques

Protecting Windows customers is an absolute priority for the Internet Explorer engineering team. This article on their blog, shares some of the security tools they have developed for Internet Explorer 8

Read more:

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowssecurity/archive/2010/03/26/protecting-browsers-with-defense-in-depth-techniques.aspx

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# The Malicious Software Removal Tool

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom – and helps remove any infection found.

Read more…

www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx

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# New Ways Microsoft Are Fighting Spam in Hotmail

Hotmail’s fight against spam has certainly come a long way in the last five years. Over the last several years Microsoft has made substantial investments in the research and development of sophisticated anti-spam technologies.

Read more…

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/05/20/new-ways-we-re-fighting-spam-in-hotmail.aspx

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# Google Caught Red Handed Collecting Wi-Fi Data!

Read more…

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wifi-data-collection-update.html

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Microsoft Office 2010

# Top 10 Benefits of PowerPoint 2010

Read more…

http://blogs.technet.com/b/office2010/archive/2010/04/20/top-10-benefits-of-powerpoint-2010.aspx

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# Save PowerPoint Presentations as Movies in PowerPoint 2010

Read more…

http://windowsvj.com/wpblog/2010/05/save-powerpoint-presentations-as-movies-in-powerpoint-2010/

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# Latest Press Release

Popular Microsoft MVP Releases PC Security Guide For The Home User Looking To Stay Safe Online In 2010.

Read more…

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/05/prweb4069924.htm

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Thanks for reading today! AND please think about sending a friend to this website today :-)

Remember you can always keep up to date with my postings via:

Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/marc.liron

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marcliron

Kind Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

Windows Newsletter #216

May 6, 2010 by admin · 31 Comments 

Welcome to edition #216 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

I apologise about having not published a newsletter for the last 4 months but Sarah was taken ill suddenly on New Years eve and has been quite unwell since then. Now her health is improving I am able to get back to publishing this newsletter again!

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 31st May 2010.

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My New Windows PC Security Guide for 2010!

Using the Internet and email today means potentialy exposing yourself to many different types of attacks. Cybercrime is on the rise (mainly due to so many home PCs being insecure) – make sure you don’t become the next victim!

Consider grabbing my new Security Guide for the home user… and take advantage of this information TODAY!

Click HERE – for the PC Security Guide 2010

Read the press release here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/05/prweb4069924.htm

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Microsoft News

# Preview of the New Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is getting a major upgrade very soon. Watch this video for an overview.

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/windows-live/preview-of-the-new-windows-live-messenger

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# Next Generation Windows Home Server Now in Beta

Windows Home Server was designed for households and home-based networks. Over the years it has become an essential tool for many. Microsoft is now releasing a new version of the operating system and have made the Beta available for the general public.

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/microsoft/next-generation-windows-home-server-now-in-beta

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# Microsoft Retires Aging Newsgroups for Good

Microsoft will start closing the more than 4,200 public and private newsgroups related to its products and programs, beginning in June, and porting those discussions to Microsoft forums such as Microsoft Answers, TechNet and MSDN.

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/microsoft/microsoft-retires-aging-newsgroups-for-good

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# Second Platform Preview of Internet Explorer 9

Microsoft released a second “platform preview” version of Internet Explorer 9 on Wednesday with faster JavaScript and better Web standards compliance.

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/internet-explorer/second-platform-preview-of-internet-explorer-9

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Windows News

# Microsoft Fix It Package for Windows XP and Vista Users

Windows 7 users have had “Microsoft Fix” available as a way to apply automated fixes, workarounds, or configuration changes to their systems. Now Windows XP and Vista users have it too!

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/windows-xp/microsoft-fix-it-package-for-windows-xp-and-vista-users

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# Windows Vista RTM Support Has Ended

On April 13th Microsoft officialy ceased supporting Windows Vista RTM (Release to manufacturing).

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/windows-vista/windows-vista-rtm-support-ends-today

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# How to Scan your PC for Software Licenses

Using a free utility, learn how to scan a Windows PC for software licenses.

Read more…

www.win7articles.com/how-to-scan-your-pc-for-software-licenses.html

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# SAVE 10% on COREL Audio and Video Software!

US and Canada residents can get 10% off all COREL software using a unique coupon for newsetter readers!

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/coupons

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# FREE 2Gb Online File Storage

Mozy offers 2GB of free online storage and backup for all file types. 100% free online backup for your photos, music, and other files. NO setup fee, NO credit cards, NO monthly payments or fees, and NO hassle…

Read more…

www.updatexp.com/free-online-file-storage.html

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Security News

# Digital Photocopiers Loaded With Secrets

For the past decade millions of folks have been using “digital” photocopiers that contain a standard computer hard drive. But what folks have been unaware of is that all their documents have been “copied and stored” on that hard drive!

Read more and watch the shocking video:

http://blog.marcliron.com/security-issues/digital-photocopiers-loaded-with-secrets

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# Is WiFi Security Easy To Crack?

Your home wireless connection may not be as secure as you think!

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/security-issues/is-wifi-security-easy-to-crack

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# Yet Another Adobe Reader Secutiy Threat – Time To Change?

Its the most popular PDF reader avaialable, but it has several security flaws in it and cyber criminal are targeting these to infect your PC, perhaps it is time to use an alternative?

Read more…

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10229070-83.html

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# Microsoft Security Essentials or Spyware Doctor?

Two very popular AntiVirus/Spyware applications, one is free and the other has a yearly subscription… But which one should you use?

Read more…

www.win7articles.com/microsoft-security-essentials-or-spyware-doctor.html

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Microsoft Office 2010

# 6 Quick Facts About Outlook 2010

Outlook has been given some new features in the latest version. Checkout these 6 new ones available in Microsoft Outlook 2010.

Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/office-2010/6-quick-facts-about-outlook-2010

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# Microsoft, FaceBook and Office 2010

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently announced a new partnership between Microsoft and Facebook. Together, the two companies are launching a portal site for sharing Microsoft Office 2010 files (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) directly with other Facebook users.

Read more…

http://www.docs.com

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Thanks for reading today!  AND please think about sending a friend to this website today :-)

Remember you can always keep up to date with my postings via:

Google Buzzhttp://www.google.com/profiles/marc.liron

Twitterhttp://twitter.com/marcliron

Kind Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

Windows Newsletter #215

December 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Welcome to edition #215 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

MAIN TOPIC:   A little bit of everything!

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 8th January 2010.

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# What Is Windows Home Server?

If you have multiple PCs with increasingly large amounts of digital photography, music, video, and documents, then protecting, organizing, and connecting this digital media can be a challenging task. Help with managing your digital dilemmas has arrived and it is called: Windows Home Server. Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/tech-reviews/what-is-windows-home-server

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# What are Microsoft Office Web Apps?

Office Web Apps are the online, lightweight versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. With Office Web Apps people can access, share and work on Office documents from virtually anywhere with an Internet connection — making it easy to bring ideas to life at home, school or work. Read more…

http://blog.marcliron.com/office-web-apps/what-are-microsoft-office-web-apps

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# How to Check your Hard Drive for Possible Failure

Since hard drives are mechanical devices, they will all eventually fail. While some may not fail prematurely, many hard drives simply fail because of worn out parts. Read more…

www.win7articles.com/how-to-check-your-hard-drive-for-possible-failure.html

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# How to Burn an ISO Image using Windows 7

The most important feature of an ISO image is that it can be easily rendered or burned to a DVD or CD by using media authoring or disc burning software. Read more…

www.win7articles.com/burn-iso-images-in-windows-7.html

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# FREE Online File Storage

Mozy offers 2GB of free online storage and backup for all file types. 100% free online backup for your photos, music, and other files. NO setup fee, NO credit cards, NO monthly payments or fees, and NO hassle.. Read more…

www.updatexp.com/free-online-file-storage.html

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# Trouble Free Computing?

In the last 20+ years Rich Pryor has been a programmer, LAN manager, MIS Director, Chief Information Officer, and an independent IT consultant.  In his updated THREE part course he teaches YOU his SECRETS to having a trouble free PC!  Read more…

www.updatexp.com/ComputerSecretsUnleashed

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# What On Earth Is A Root Kit…?

Root kits have been around a long time, yet most computer users have never heard of them. The Sony came along and started using the technology to prevent copying of it’s music CD’s and suddenly the whole world new about the root kit… Read more…

www.updatexp.com/root-kit.html

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# Microsoft Windows Service Pack Center

A service pack (SP) is a Windows update, often combining previously released updates, that helps make Windows more reliable. Service packs can include security and performance improvements and support for new types of hardware. Make sure you install the latest service pack to help keep Windows up to date. Read more…

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/service-packs

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Windows 7 Launches TODAY

October 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Its finally here!

Windows 7 has launched TODAY.

There were Windows 7 Launches and Press events around the world yesterday – I was privileged to attend the one in London!

You can discover more about Windows 7 here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx

and

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/what-is-windows-7.aspx

Here is Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talking about Windows 7 on launch day:

YouTube Preview Image

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Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

Windows Newsletter #210

October 2, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

Welcome to edition #210 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 30th October. (A little later than normal!) Currently I am planning the  main topic to be Microsoft Excel…

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Microsoft XP Mode RTM

Microsoft has released Windows XP Mode to manufacturing on October 1, company officials said, and it will be generally available on Microsoft.com on October 22, the launch day for Windows 7.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4133

Microsoft’s NEW Data Centre in Dublin

This photo gallery offers a look inside the new Dublin facility, offering a closer look at the design innovations driving its efficiency, including a “free cooling” system that uses outside air to cool the data center, and a server pod design that employs hot aisle containment to support warmer operating temperatures inside the server space.

http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/inside-microsofts-dublin-mega-data-center

Watch TV on the Internet

With Satellite Direct, you get unlimited 24/7 access to over 3,500 channels. That’s thousands more than cable TV, including dozens of hard to find international channels. and NO SUBSCRIPTION!

http://www.updatexp.com/watch-tv-on-the-internet.html

Sheraton Tries Windows 7 Touch Technology Out on Customers

One of the earliest adopters of Windows 7 touch-screen machines is Sheraton Hotels, which three weeks ago installed HP TouchSmart computers running Windows 7 in its Link@Sheraton workstations. These recreational spaces are in most Sheraton lobbies and contain comfortable chairs, tables and computers.

http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=CE466C09-1A64-6A71-CE870B4D4AAF906E

Microsoft SongSmith

Microsoft SongSmith is a musical accompaniment application for Windows, launched in early 2009. Read more here and watch Microsoft’s excruciatingly yet hilarious video for the software!!!:

http://blog.marcliron.com/microsoft/microsoft-songsmith

Windows 7 DVD Maker

Microsoft have updated the DVD maker in Windows 7. For most users they will not need to purchase additional software as the DVD maker will meet their needs to create DVDs for playback on PCs or stand alone DVD players. Read more here:

http://www.win7articles.com/windows-7-dvd-maker.html

Adobe Reader Security Updates

Adobe have released 29 security patches for their Acrobat reader and Adobe Acrobat products. As these are critical it is important you have the latest versions installed. Read more here:

http://blog.marcliron.com/security-issues/adobe-reader-october-security-update

Microsoft Outlook Connector

Outlook Connector provides a free solution for managing your Windows Live Hotmail e-mail and contacts from within Outlook. With the new release of the Outlook Connector, you can connect your Windows Live Hotmail account in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2003 free of charge. Read more here:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/outlook/HA102225181033.aspx

Update a driver for Hardware that isn’t Working Properly

If you have a hardware device that isn’t functioning properly, or you’re installing a program or game that states it requires newer drivers than you currently have installed, you should check Windows Update for updated drivers. You might also want to set Windows Update to check automatically for recommended driver updates.. Read more here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor 2.0

Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC is ready for Windows 7. It scans your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade. Read more here:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=161223

Office Live

Online file sharing gives you the ability to: Access and share files from anywhere, Simplify online collaboration, Store up to 5GB online, Work with programs you know—Word, Excel, PowerPoint.. Read more here:

http://www.officelive.com

See you on the 30th October 2009 for the next newsletter.

Enjoy!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP – Windows Desktop Experience
2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009

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Windows Newsletter #209

September 18, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Welcome to edition #209 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

In this edition I am mainly dealing with the topic of Windows 7 since it is due for release next month and folks have so many questions about it.

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 2nd October.

Subscribers Questions:

BEFORE we dive into the following articles I have been asked what solution I use to backup Microsoft Outlook on my PC. The company I have trusted for the last 4 years is called A.J.Systems, a little known software company BUT they produce some great applications!

They have backup solutions for Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Windows LIVE Mail!

OutBack Plus 7 - advanced data backup and restore for Microsoft Outlook – works with Outlook (98, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007) as well as the Microsoft Business Contact Manager.

- Download the TRIAL version: HERE!

Express Assist 9 - is the original backup, restore and synchronization tool for Outlook Express. It extends the utility to support Windows Mail and Windows Live Mail in addition to Outlook Express.

- Download the TRIAL version: HERE!

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Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is a free utility available for download from Microsoft.

Once the utility is installed it will automatically check the suitability of your current PC’s hardware and software and see if they are compatible with Windows 7.

http://www.win7articles.com/windows-7-upgrade-advisor.html

Windows 7 Available

From the 6th August both MSDN & TechNet Subscribers will be able to download Windows 7 English. On October 1st, the remaining languages will be released.

http://msdn.microsoft.com

Windows 7 Student Offer

Students in the US can pre-order their copy of Windows 7 in the US starting today and students in the UK can pre-order their copy beginning on September 30th (pre-ordered copies will be available for download beginning October 22nd). Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Korea and Mexico can participate in this offer on October 22nd.

http://www.win741.com

Windows 7 Calculates Your Mortgage

Windows 7 calculator includes a few more features than scientific and programmer modes. It has a series of conversion tools too. Want to convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius? It can do that….

http://blogs.msdn.com/stevecla01/archive/2009/09/14/windows-7-calculates-your-mortgage.aspx

The Excel IF Value

One of the MOST POWERFUL features of Excel is the use of IF functions.

Understanding this use of the IF Value will take you beyond what the majority of most users of Excel will ever achieve.

http://www.updatexp.com/excel-if-value.html

Improvements in current Hotmail features rolling out soon

The Hotmail team has started rolling out updates to improve your Hotmail experience. Most of these are improvements to current features and are meant to make your current Hotmail experience more efficient.

http://windowslivewire.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!2F7EB29B42641D59!41458.entry

BING Visual Search

A study conducted by Microsoft Research shows that consumers can process results with images 20% faster than text only results. So it’s clear that images play a big part in helping consumer’s with a variety of search activities.

Introducing BING Visual Search BETA (US Only)

http://www.bing.com/community/blogs/search/archive/2009/09/14/visual-search-why-type-when-you-can-see-it.aspx

COREL Digital Studio 2010

COREL has introduced its all-new photo and video product “Digital Studio 2010″. Aimed at the home user it take s aunique approach to creating videos and photo albums – NO tech knowledge needed!

http://www.updatexp.com/corel-digital-studio-2010.html

See you on the 2nd October 2009 for the next newsletter.

Enjoy!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP – Windows Desktop Experience
2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009

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Windows Newsletter #208

September 4, 2009 by admin · 4 Comments 

Welcome to edition #208 of my fortnightly Windows Newsletter !

In this edition I am mainly dealing with the topic of Windows Security.

I hope you get something out of the articles and please do leave a comment below with any suggestions for the next Windows newsletter I am publishing on the 18th September.

Corel Digital Studio 2010 - NEW!

BEFORE we dive into the following articles have you heard the BIG news from leading digital media software company COREL?

They have just released a brand new product called Corel Digital Studio 2010 that incorporates ALL the features you need for working with Photos, Home Movies and even stunning DVD playback – and it is even Windows 7 compatible!

Learn More about Corel Digital Studio 2010 – Click here.

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Creating Strong Passwords

You just can not escape passwords if you use a computer today. Yet many choose easy to remember passwords like names and birthdays etc.

However these are easy to guess by others or for automated software used by thieves! Read this article on how to create stronger passwords to protect yourself with.

www.updatexp.com/creating-strong-passwords.html

Online Data Storage

We all have computers full of important documents and memories such as digital photos. But are you making backups in case of a hard drive failure or some other disaster?

If you are and they are kept at the same location you could be heading for trouble. Or perhaps you have them stored on CD or DVD, but what if they get scratched? In this article we look at storing your files online.

http://www.updatexp.com/online-data-storage.html

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft has a tool freely available to scan your PC for the most common malicious infections that can cause harm to your Windows PC. Read more here:

www.updatexp.com/windows-malicious-software-removal-tool.html

The Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC)

The MMPC is the authoritative industry voice on malware research and response on the Windows platform. Headed by veteran virus hunter Vinny Gullotto, the MMPC has one of the most experienced senior malware research teams in the industry.

www.microsoft.com/security/portal/

PC Tools Internet Security Price Reduction

I have received an email from the popular software company PC Tools that as of September 1st 2009, they have reduced the price of their 3 computer license of PC Tools Internet Security to $49.95USD

You can try a FREE Scan HERE

The Cyclic Redundancy Error

This error may appear on your screen after inserting a CD or DVD into a drive. Find out more about this error and how to resolve it.

www.updatexp.com/cyclic-redundancy-error.html

Hard Drive Data Recovery

A guest article on the topic of hard drive data recovery by data recovery expert Greg Duffield.

www.updatexp.com/hard-drive-data-recovery.html

FREE utility called SID Resolver

A free utility that allows you to cut and paste a Windows SID and instantly discover the user account etc that it is associated with.

www.updatexp.com/display-security-identifier.html

A Quick Guide To Online Security Terms

A list of popular online security terms explained!

www.updatexp.com/online-security-terms.html

The Advanced Fee Fraud

The advance fee fraud is widespread and costs its victims millions each year in lost savings etc, in this article we look at the scam!

www.updatexp.com/advance-fee-fraud.html

See you on the 18th September 2009 for the next newsletter.

Enjoy!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP – Windows Desktop Experience
2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009

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Windows Newsletter #207

August 21, 2009 by admin · 16 Comments 

Welcome to the latest edition of my free Windows Newsletter.

I hope you find it helpful and please do leave feedback at the end of this page in the “comments” section!

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The Windows XP Task Manager Utility

Task Manager provides information about programs and processes running on your computer. It also displays the most commonly used performance measures for processes.

You can use Task Manager to monitor key indicators of your computer’s performance. You can see the status of the programs that are running and end programs that have stopped responding. You can also assess the activity of running processes using as many as fifteen parameters, and see graphs and data on CPU and memory usage.

www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-task-manager.html

The Windows XP DirectX Diagnostic Tool

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is designed to help you troubleshoot DirectX-related issues.

It is also handy for finding out what graphics card you have installed and other general system information such as type and speed of the processor.

www.updatexp.com/directx-diagnostic-tool.html

Windows XP chkdsk Tool

This tool creates and displays a status report for a disk based on the file system. Chkdsk also lists and corrects errors on the disk. Used without parameters, chkdsk displays the status of the disk in the current drive.

It is a tool that all users should run occasionally to check the “high level” file integrity of their hard drives.

www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-chkdsk.html

The DVD Decoder Plugin For Windows Media Player

Need to play DVDs on your computer?

You can do it cheaply by purchasing a small plug-in that can turn Windows Media Player into a DVD player!

www.updatexp.com/dvd-decoder-media-player-windows.html

Defrag Podcast: Windows 7 MultiTouch

In this episode the guys from DEFRAG look at multitouch in Windows 7.

What are all the multitouch gestures? Will there be more? What is Microsoft’s thinking behind multitouch? How/when will I see multitouch on my desktop?

They answer all these questions and more.

http://blog.marcliron.com/windows-7/multitouch

Windows Updates For August 2009

Microsoft released a series of security updates for Windows and Office on August 11th 2009.

The following is a summary of these security updates.

http://blog.marcliron.com/security-issues/windows-updates-for-august-2009

XP Mode vs. Med-V

Strictly one for the “techies” reading this newsletter.

With the release of the XP Mode Release Candidate, there has been a lot of talk and confusion around when XP Mode is a ideal solution and when you should look at Med-V as a solution.

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/springboard/archive/2009/08/08/xp-mode-vs-med-v.aspx

Panda Internet Security 2010

Panda Internet Security 2010 is a complete security suite that lets you use the Internet with complete peace of mind. It protects you from:

Viruses / Spyware / Rootkits / Hackers / Online fraud / Identity theft and all other Internet threats!

http://blog.marcliron.com/tech-reviews/panda-internet-security-2010

SpinRite

Is your hard drive starting to play up? Then STOP and read this.

Famous tech and security guru Steve Gibson has a utility that may save you getting into the data loss territory!

Use SpinRite to check for and repair any obvious read-trouble on the drive and perform low level tests like data pattern testing, defect scrubbing, data relocation and unreadable sector repair and recovery.

There is nothing else like this on the market today.

www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm

Microsoft IE 8 Shines in Web Browser Security Test

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 rated tops among five browsers tested by NSS Labs for effectiveness in protecting against malware and phishing attacks — though NSS Labs acknowledges Microsoft paid for the tests.

http://threatpost.com/blogs/microsoft-ie-8-shines-web-browser-security-test-114

Microsoft Promising Office 2010 ‘Sandbox’ Security

Last week, Microsoft revealed more details about a new security feature in Office 2010, dubbed “Protected View,” that is designed to shut down the popular hacker tactic of feeding users rigged Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

www.computerworld.com/s/article/9136831/Microsoft_struts_Office_2010_sandbox_security

10 Cool Features to Look Forward to in Office 2010

With the release of the Office 2010 Technical Preview, details are finally starting to roll in. Deb Shinder highlights some of the features she thinks might make the new version worth the upgrade.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=900

Windows Live Movie Maker – Now Live!

Microsoft has taken the wraps of Windows Live Movie Maker, “the one-minute way to turn photos and videos into great-looking movies that are easy to share — for free”.

http://windowslive.com/desktop/moviemaker

You can read a review here:

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/wlmm.asp

You can watch a “demo video” here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94lYVLPBXpg

Listen to a Podcast: Windows Live Movie Maker:

http://marcusatmicrosoft.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!503D1D86EBB2B53C!3674.entry

Using Voice Recognition in Windows Vista

A useful tool within Windows Vista that most folks don’t know is there.

http://www.instantvista.com/windows-vista-voice-recognition-tutorial.html

Windows Help and How-to Centres

See what’s possible with Windows Vista:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-US/ideacenter.mspx

See what’s possible with Windows XP:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-US/usingwindowsxp.mspx

Windows XP Support Ends in 2009 and 2014

2 important dates for ALL users of Windows XP

http://blog.marcliron.com/windows-xp/windows-xp-support-ends-in-2009-and-2014

Who Do I Host My Tech Websites With?

I get asked this all the time, especially when folks realise that I gave up my full time job as an IT manager due to the revenue these websites generate me each month!

www.marcliron.com/my-sitebuildit-story.html

Microsoft Retail Stores are Hiring

Yes its true, Microsoft are opening retail stores in the US. Some even next door to existing Apple stores!

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/08/microsoft-retail-stores-are-hiring.ars

Coupons and Discounts

For residents of the United States of America I have discounts and coupons from major hard ware and software vendors. Check back often as they change weekly:

# Software Discounts and Sony Computers

http://blog.marcliron.com/coupons

# Hewlett Packard (HP) Laptop, PC and Printer Discounts

http://blog.marcliron.com/hp-coupons

# Trial Software Downloads – Try before you buy

http://blog.marcliron.com/trial-software

Parting Words

There was some confusion over my offer to give the first 25 customers to purchase my current Windows Resource DVD, a FREE copy of my upcoming “What’s In Windows 7 Video/Handout package“. Everyone who has made a purchase WILL get a copy, and I am also extending the offer until the 31st August 2009 as many folks are on summer vacations at the moment.

The DVD page: www.marclironpublishing.com/dvd.html

See you on the 4th September 2009 for the next newsletter.

Enjoy!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP – Windows Desktop Experience
2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009