Showing posts with label new windows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new windows. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Microsoft Tricks Users Into Upgrading to Windows 10
After requesting assistance in configuring their computers after upgrading to Windows 10, I have had several customers claim that they did not agree to the upgrade to Microsoft's new OS of solid awesomeness. The customers said that they simply woke up one morning to find Windows 10 had been installed over night.
It turns out, Microsoft changed the Get Windows 10 dialogue box so that clicking the "X" to close the box caused the user to effectively agree to the scheduled upgrade to Windows 10, rather than dismiss the scheduled upgrade as had previously been the case. I was pretty surprised to discover this fact as it would put Microsoft in violation of its own user experience guidelines for developers on how to design dialog boxes. I am sure this will only exacerbate the conspiracy theories flying around the internet, but I too am wondering; Why all the effort? I mean, if it was just Windows 8 that was being so excitedly upgraded, then I would understand - Perhaps a big apology from Microsoft. But Windows 7 too? Windows 7 is tried and true! The "version 2.0" of XP, if you will.
Anyway,
I just thought I would publish this to let clients know - you werent imagining things and the upgrade wasn't your fault!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Windows 10 for Businesses?
So here's something interesting;
I've been reading a few articles that predict that half of all organizations will have commenced their Windows 10 roll out by January next year.
"I believe that CIOs will begin to upgrade to Windows 10 this year if their software vendors support it," said Matt Mielke, director of IT at Innovations Federal Credit Union.
John Gracyalny, VP of IT at SafeAmerica Credit Union says "We have board approval for workstation memory upgrades and for moving to Windows 10 and Office 2016 this year. But it's not so much a result of what Microsoft has done as it is that our various technology vendors now support it."
Dirk De Busser, IT manager at Fashion Club 70, claims that he has been rolling out Windows 10 Enterprise since October last year on new computers.
I found this particularly interesting as I have actually gained new clients as a result of Windows 10 and the problems users encountered. That's not to say that the OS is a problem - but companies usually take the "Let's Wait and See" approach when it comes to upgrading OS's. Heck, I know companies who are still on XP and choose to pay the various fines that come with running the obsolete OS. Windows 7 simply wasn't compatible with their back-end systems.
From what I have seen at the front lines, it seems that the dust is only just now settling with Windows 10 after several large updates.
Regardless, I'm happy with Windows 10 and am actually using it on my primary system. I suppose these articles and the aforementioned quotes shows that Windows 10 is more than ready. But I'm still getting emails along the lines of "Hey Christopher, I just installed Windows 10 to get rid of the Microsoft nag - now how do I go back to 7?"
I've been reading a few articles that predict that half of all organizations will have commenced their Windows 10 roll out by January next year.
"I believe that CIOs will begin to upgrade to Windows 10 this year if their software vendors support it," said Matt Mielke, director of IT at Innovations Federal Credit Union.
John Gracyalny, VP of IT at SafeAmerica Credit Union says "We have board approval for workstation memory upgrades and for moving to Windows 10 and Office 2016 this year. But it's not so much a result of what Microsoft has done as it is that our various technology vendors now support it."
Dirk De Busser, IT manager at Fashion Club 70, claims that he has been rolling out Windows 10 Enterprise since October last year on new computers.
I found this particularly interesting as I have actually gained new clients as a result of Windows 10 and the problems users encountered. That's not to say that the OS is a problem - but companies usually take the "Let's Wait and See" approach when it comes to upgrading OS's. Heck, I know companies who are still on XP and choose to pay the various fines that come with running the obsolete OS. Windows 7 simply wasn't compatible with their back-end systems.
From what I have seen at the front lines, it seems that the dust is only just now settling with Windows 10 after several large updates.
Regardless, I'm happy with Windows 10 and am actually using it on my primary system. I suppose these articles and the aforementioned quotes shows that Windows 10 is more than ready. But I'm still getting emails along the lines of "Hey Christopher, I just installed Windows 10 to get rid of the Microsoft nag - now how do I go back to 7?"
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Look Forward to Windows 10
That's right, you read right - Windows 10.
Why 10? Maybe Microsoft's marketing department showed that people like the number 10 more than they like the number 9. Regardless, here's what you have to look forward to.
Some rather simple and obvious improvements that give the people what they want. My take on this - a company that listens. Microsoft has given in to critics and brought back the traditional start menu that people will recognize from Windows 7. That means consumers can click on the window icon and have a menu pop up showing their documents folder, PC settings, command prompt, and the like. Microsoft has also tried to placate people that were accustomed to the tile-based interface of Windows 8 by, in essence, gluing a few tiles onto the right side of the start menu.
As I have written in previous blog entries, Microsoft is attempting to merge all the devices we have come to use on a daily basis. That was the attempt with the whole "tile" thing in Windows 8 - to increase familiarity between devices such as the Windows Phone, Microsoft Surface interfaces as well as other non-Microsoft devices. This along with the integration of the Windows SkyDrive, now called OneDrive made for seamless integration between devices and further guided us all into a Cloud based world. Windows 10 takes this one step further by literally making all Microsoft devices run on Windows 10. That means that your Surface, laptop, desktop, and phone would all run on the same basic code that is Windows 10.
With Windows 10, Microsoft is delivering something familiar, which should be an easier sell for businesses looking to upgrade machines with minimal hassle. This may also be a huge irritant as many businesses just finished spending millions to upgrade and or replace their systems which were running the now obsolete Windows XP. Now, this doesn't mean that companies must upgrade, but its kind of like when you buy the latest TV only to find one way cooler, larger, and cheaper for sale the following week.
If Microsoft keeps its trend of failed every other Operating Systems, Windows 10 should be the OS to please us all. Hopefully....
Just an FYI - I'm still running 7.
For more help and tips, check out www.MooreITHelp.com
Why 10? Maybe Microsoft's marketing department showed that people like the number 10 more than they like the number 9. Regardless, here's what you have to look forward to.
Some rather simple and obvious improvements that give the people what they want. My take on this - a company that listens. Microsoft has given in to critics and brought back the traditional start menu that people will recognize from Windows 7. That means consumers can click on the window icon and have a menu pop up showing their documents folder, PC settings, command prompt, and the like. Microsoft has also tried to placate people that were accustomed to the tile-based interface of Windows 8 by, in essence, gluing a few tiles onto the right side of the start menu.
As I have written in previous blog entries, Microsoft is attempting to merge all the devices we have come to use on a daily basis. That was the attempt with the whole "tile" thing in Windows 8 - to increase familiarity between devices such as the Windows Phone, Microsoft Surface interfaces as well as other non-Microsoft devices. This along with the integration of the Windows SkyDrive, now called OneDrive made for seamless integration between devices and further guided us all into a Cloud based world. Windows 10 takes this one step further by literally making all Microsoft devices run on Windows 10. That means that your Surface, laptop, desktop, and phone would all run on the same basic code that is Windows 10.
With Windows 10, Microsoft is delivering something familiar, which should be an easier sell for businesses looking to upgrade machines with minimal hassle. This may also be a huge irritant as many businesses just finished spending millions to upgrade and or replace their systems which were running the now obsolete Windows XP. Now, this doesn't mean that companies must upgrade, but its kind of like when you buy the latest TV only to find one way cooler, larger, and cheaper for sale the following week.
If Microsoft keeps its trend of failed every other Operating Systems, Windows 10 should be the OS to please us all. Hopefully....
Just an FYI - I'm still running 7.
For more help and tips, check out www.MooreITHelp.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Future Comes In Cloud Form
Many of you may have been hearing the term "cloud" being thrown around as of late. For those of you unfamiliar with this technology, it would behoove you to read this article and get up to speed! As described in my article First Look At Windows 8, Microsoft is making big changes to shape the future and the cloud is a big part of those changes.
In short, "the cloud" is internet storage. Various softwares have been coming out such as iCloud, Drop Box, and Sugarsync that give users simplified access to their data via the internet. The user's data is thus accessible from anywhere and protected with a username and password. For awhile now, I personally have been using Windows Live Mesh to sync my data with all my devices, and I must say, I dont think i can live without it! Windows Live Mesh is a free service that comes with a Windows Live account and even comes with most new computers in Windows Live Essentials. With a few easy steps, you can upload up to 5GB of data to what Microsoft calls "SkyDrive" (cloud storage), and sync an amount of data only limited to the size of your hard drive across Windows devices using Vista and up. If you are not using Windows Live products, I really recommend playing around with this free service.
As mentioned in previous articles, it is clear that Microsoft is making some changes for the modern world. Microsoft recently released a separate version of Skydrive with a 7GB limit, putting all other popular cloud storage apps to shame. Windows Live users who use the cloud services have always had the ability to not only remotely control their computers via their personal Live.com page, but to access ALL data on their hard drive - not just the data in synced folders or skydrive. With remote options enabled, a user can download files from their computer to the computer they are using via the web. Microsoft, with the unveiling of their Windows 8 Preview, have taken this many steps further, integrating SkyDrive into windows. There are new storage options, apps that connect your devices to SkyDrive, and a more powerful device cloud that lets you “fetch” any file from a Windows PC. Taken together with access from popular mobile phones and a browser, you can now take your SkyDrive with you anywhere, connect it to any app that works with files and folders, and get all the storage you need—making SkyDrive the most powerful personal cloud storage service available.
It is said that in the near future, this form of integration will be terminated and the Windows Live name removed. Instead, these technologies will be part of Windows. Once a user logs on to Windows, they will also be logging into the cloud. This is intended to remedy branding confusion and to simplify and clean house. rather than Zune for your music, XBox Live for gaming, and having to hop on to these various programs to sync all your data and/or access it elsewhere, Microsoft is to combine all of these features somehow. We'll see how they pull that off.
In short, "the cloud" is internet storage. Various softwares have been coming out such as iCloud, Drop Box, and Sugarsync that give users simplified access to their data via the internet. The user's data is thus accessible from anywhere and protected with a username and password. For awhile now, I personally have been using Windows Live Mesh to sync my data with all my devices, and I must say, I dont think i can live without it! Windows Live Mesh is a free service that comes with a Windows Live account and even comes with most new computers in Windows Live Essentials. With a few easy steps, you can upload up to 5GB of data to what Microsoft calls "SkyDrive" (cloud storage), and sync an amount of data only limited to the size of your hard drive across Windows devices using Vista and up. If you are not using Windows Live products, I really recommend playing around with this free service.
As mentioned in previous articles, it is clear that Microsoft is making some changes for the modern world. Microsoft recently released a separate version of Skydrive with a 7GB limit, putting all other popular cloud storage apps to shame. Windows Live users who use the cloud services have always had the ability to not only remotely control their computers via their personal Live.com page, but to access ALL data on their hard drive - not just the data in synced folders or skydrive. With remote options enabled, a user can download files from their computer to the computer they are using via the web. Microsoft, with the unveiling of their Windows 8 Preview, have taken this many steps further, integrating SkyDrive into windows. There are new storage options, apps that connect your devices to SkyDrive, and a more powerful device cloud that lets you “fetch” any file from a Windows PC. Taken together with access from popular mobile phones and a browser, you can now take your SkyDrive with you anywhere, connect it to any app that works with files and folders, and get all the storage you need—making SkyDrive the most powerful personal cloud storage service available.
It is said that in the near future, this form of integration will be terminated and the Windows Live name removed. Instead, these technologies will be part of Windows. Once a user logs on to Windows, they will also be logging into the cloud. This is intended to remedy branding confusion and to simplify and clean house. rather than Zune for your music, XBox Live for gaming, and having to hop on to these various programs to sync all your data and/or access it elsewhere, Microsoft is to combine all of these features somehow. We'll see how they pull that off.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
First Look At Windows 8
Most of you have probably seen the recent changes in technology and its impact on our daily lives. Kindle’s and iPad’s are now more common on the train than newspapers and books. Pretty much everyone has a pair of iPod ear buds in their ears, and almost all new devices run on a touch screen interface. Well Microsoft has been well aware of these changes and has been making revolutionary changes in their latest OS – Windows 8. As your technician, I am here to keep you in the loop.
Technology has truly found its way into our daily lives, and I for one couldn’t be happier. Windows 8 is taking a leap into this new generation, “the most radical overhaul of Microsoft’s premiere software since Windows 95” says Microsoft’s Sam Moreau and Windows president Steven Sinofsky calls the new OS a “generational change”. Microsoft recently released Windows 8 Release Preview, which I installed on one of my spare units the other day. So let’s deal with the first thing you will see and no doubt have a lot of questions about: Windows Metro. Those of you with Windows phones may have an easier time adjusting than others.
This… is Metro – the new interface Microsoft is attempting to accommodate the new generation of touch screens, netbooks, and tablets. Now, many of you may have a panic attach when your new computer turns on and shows you this, but don’t worry – your desktop is still there. Metro is a sort of replacement for the Start button. It’s no secret that Windows 7 wasn’t exactly the best match for netbooks and works best on a desktop machine. Windows 8 is sort of working to remedy that, removing Windows 7’s tiny sweet spots and buttons. Instead, we are given a very swoopy interface designed with large tiles and fast and simplistic options. Metro’s “main page”, if you will, presents the user with the most common tasks right at the fingertips – literally. Though it is a step into the touch screen generation, one can still use the mouse to interact with the system.
Metro uses a series of downloadable apps, similar to your phone. It is here that you can see another bit of where technology is headed. Touch and voice interface systems all working to interconnect each and every one of us. The methods of sharing files and office meetings of early 2000 will be a joke compared to what is in store for the next 10 – 20 years, I’d say. At the risk of this becoming a dull read, ill cut it off here for now. Don’t worry, my favorite thing is to find work around to interfaces I hate so the next thing to come will more than likely be a few tips and tricks to removing features you don’t like. To get the best customization of your new machine, and all your questions answered, visit us at www.MooreITHelp.com or call 617-396-7044.
This… is Metro – the new interface Microsoft is attempting to accommodate the new generation of touch screens, netbooks, and tablets. Now, many of you may have a panic attach when your new computer turns on and shows you this, but don’t worry – your desktop is still there. Metro is a sort of replacement for the Start button. It’s no secret that Windows 7 wasn’t exactly the best match for netbooks and works best on a desktop machine. Windows 8 is sort of working to remedy that, removing Windows 7’s tiny sweet spots and buttons. Instead, we are given a very swoopy interface designed with large tiles and fast and simplistic options. Metro’s “main page”, if you will, presents the user with the most common tasks right at the fingertips – literally. Though it is a step into the touch screen generation, one can still use the mouse to interact with the system.
Metro uses a series of downloadable apps, similar to your phone. It is here that you can see another bit of where technology is headed. Touch and voice interface systems all working to interconnect each and every one of us. The methods of sharing files and office meetings of early 2000 will be a joke compared to what is in store for the next 10 – 20 years, I’d say. At the risk of this becoming a dull read, ill cut it off here for now. Don’t worry, my favorite thing is to find work around to interfaces I hate so the next thing to come will more than likely be a few tips and tricks to removing features you don’t like. To get the best customization of your new machine, and all your questions answered, visit us at www.MooreITHelp.com or call 617-396-7044.
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