Microsoft

Steps to Upgrade to Windows 8

November 16, 2012 by admin in Microsoft | Comments Off

 It’s been a long time that people have been waiting for the new Microsoft’s new operating system. Since the Windows 8 is now available in the tech market and is the talk of the town for a couple of months, many of us can hardly let the time pass to not to take a test of it if it is really worth the wait.  Windows 8 can now be purchased on Amazon for $68.88 which is quite cheaper than the price that Microsoft Store offers online. However, if you just want to upgrade your previous Windows versions, all you have to pay is $15 or $40 for digital copies. You can even have a discount on prices until January 31, 2013. On the other hand, fixed prices after the expiration of discounts are not yet clear. If you have a plan to have the Windows 8 soon and want to save a lot of money from your pocket, don’t wait too long and I suggest that you buy earlier.

Many online reviews have already praised the impressive performance of Windows 8 and many tech blogs cited that the new operating system works differently apart from competition. If you’re planning to upgrade your previous versions of Windows but do not know how, here are the following steps to help you out:

  1. Download Upgrade Assistant here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=262205n
  2. For you to get started, “run” the program. Wait for a few minutes because it takes time to check compatible apps and devices.
  3. Choose settings and files you want to retain
  4. If you bought your pc or laptop after June 2012, you have a chance to enter the promo code given to you in order for you to have a $14.99 discount on the price.
  5. Once your order gets processed, check your email containing the message with your receipt including your order number and product key, save it for later use. Next, the program will start downloading Windows 8 to your device and making important files ready for installation. You have three options to install Windows 8 but the easiest one is to start installing immediately. However, if you want to install on another platform, you can create installation on USB flash drive or burn to a DVD which will require you to have at least 3GB of space.
  6. After the process, you have to uninstall incompatible softwares for you to be able to continue installing. The installation will take up to 30 to 50 minutes, so you have to wait that long or do something else while the software is preparing your new windows OS, the Windows 8. Once it’s done, you’ll be asked to customize colors and login to your Microsoft account either using Hotmail or livemail.

The image below shows a sample of screen after upgrading.

Skype 6.0’s Microsoft and Facebook Integration Unveiled

November 1, 2012 by admin in Microsoft | Comments Off

Based on reports, Skype has recently released its newest version that can be integrated with Facebook and Microsoft accounts. The latest platform is named as Skype 6.0 and it allow users to log onto Skype by either using their Facebook or Microsoft credentials. By using Skype 6.0, users can now also send messages to their Live Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook.com contacts. However, Skype said that the audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger contacts cannot be done yet but they promised that they will work on that to be made possible.

Skype has made some developments on the latest version, the software has added six more languages to its collection: Slovenian, Thai, Croatian, Serbian, Catalan, and Slovak. It also has a more advanced UI and telemetry. The version on Mac enables users to open multiple windows and gives them a retina display support.

Microsoft Window’s newest version: The Windows 8

September 11, 2012 by admin in Microsoft | Comments Off

Microsoft has once again developed and released its newest and upgraded operating system version which is the windows 8 specs. With that, we’ll look into details on its new features as answering your questions regarding the system as having just launched it to the public recently the current release created a buzz within the technology world. So for everything you need to know on the program is we are going to talk about it all wherein I’ll walk you through the essentials and highlights.

In the windows 8 specs there were many improvements and useful refinements as it reinvented and transformed the system to even further heights. Functionality, versatility, usability and efficiency as all are present with the newest version which fits perfectly and is amazing on touch-based devices like the iPad, iPhone, tablets and other touch screen computers as having that slick and sophisticated Metro style application which has a clean and fresh design and desktop image in its touchable tiles of apps and folders. Nevertheless, for traditional PCs or desktops is it just works just as fine but there are some restrictions where some applications are better off suited to the touch interface system that is logically suited for touch-based devices. That said, windows 8 specs has many great key features included in its system which you’ll just love and these are the following: enhanced search function, fast boot time, Windows live syncing, new & dynamic desktop,  Win 8 control panel and the Windows to Go.

So with those key features present is we’ll just look only into one as I’m just going to give you a brief overview of the new Windows 8. Anyways, you can just look into others further by visiting the Windows site or others for that matter. Then on the Windows to Go is that it provides the most convenience by far compared to others. It allows making a copy of the complete operating system together with the wallpapers, files, settings and apps into using a USB thumb drive. Just plug it in another computer having Win 8 already and boot up the PC then create it to look just like the OS that is normally used plus all settings together. All in all Windows 8 is a promising and improved version to use.

 

Windows 8 – Are We Ready for It?

July 26, 2012 by admin in Microsoft | Comments Off

Microsoft have smoked out windows 7 – operating system with the latest windows 8. It has been said that the release and availability of the operating system will be on October 26, 2012 – although, Microsoft provided consumer trials prior to the said release date.

The idea of creating windows 8 reached thousands of critics and controversies. Windows 8 reviews made by people who have tried the OS are split; some say they like the OS while others weren’t impressed by the revolution.

We say it’s a revolution because it’s totally a diversion from the Microsoft tradition. The new operating system doesn’t use the start up menu – which was started on windows 95 until the late windows 7. In addition, the main page is no longer the desktop but a list of applications and snippets.

Originally, Windows 8 (they call it Metro) was designed for tablets and iPhones, which uses the touch screen command. Originally designed for tablets, it’s quite interesting how effective it is on keyboard-commanded PCs.

Some testers say that they don’t like windows 8 and its navigations are quite confusing. They prefer the older type of OS, which they were more oriented.

However, they like the speed and snappiness of the new operating system; it’s even better than windows 7. Since it’s designed for tablets and iPhones originally, it’s compatibility with newly developed applications is laudable.

Furthermore, many windows 8 reviews applaud the OS’ friendliness towards social media applications and networking sites such as Flicker. Users can drag, upload, and download pictures on the site faster compared to other OS.

To wrap things up, it’s a challenge for Microsoft on how to introduce it to the mass market – as an OS ready for everyday work and office. On the consumers side, it’s a big challenge to be familiar with the operating system and to adapt it – like other windows flagship systems – Windows 8 reviews.

Microsoft’s Xbox360

January 26, 2009 by admin in Electronic Gaming Consoles, Gaming, Microsoft | Leave a comment

The Xbox360 is Microsoft’s much-awaited follow up to the almighty Xbox first released on November 15 of 2001 in North America. Described by most console enthusiast as a PC disguised as a gaming console, armed to change the way you look at your gaming console, as ‘just’ a gaming center. Beefed up, equipped and poised to be the center of your home entertainment system. The Xbox’s newest incarnation has been set up to out match any PC out there in the market today in terms of performance.

Initially released on November 22, 2005 in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico before Europe and the rest of the planet soon got their first view of the new Xbox360. Along with its launch was Xbox Live, where users can download free previews, game trailers, game demos and even chat with fellow Xbox360 aficionados. Gamers can go online and purchase gaming-related items thru this new online merchant module using Microsoft points.

Done with the chunky-clunky design of the previous Xbox, the design team of Microsoft gave it a concave shape and an all around excellent redesign to its packaging enough to make the entire wait for any ‘serious’ console lover awaiting its release worthwhile. Capable of handling four wireless controllers, solves the problem of wires all over the place while in the heat of your gaming experience. You can mount it in two different ways, on its side or flat on its belly. Three USB ports ready to connect wireless network adapters, wired controllers, an ethernet port and support for 802.11a, b, and g flavors of Wi-Fi for your networking needs. Supporting progressive-scan DVD movies and a number of DVD/CD formats. Additional features are streaming media capabilities from portable devices or Windows XP PCs, as well as ripping and storing music to the 360′s detachable, upgradeable 20GB hard drive. Along with different faceplates, that you can customize your console with by snapping on or unsnapping these plates to whichever look you desire makes the 360, aesthetically amazing. Oh! And they added a glowing green on and off switch, cool!

However, as retailing strategies go they released two versions of the 360 in the market, the Core System that sells for $399, which has one wired controller, a faceplate and a composite A/V cable and the deluxe system. The Deluxe system retails at $499, includes a 20GB hard drive, a wireless controller, and a wireless headset, Ethernet cable, component HDAV cables, and, for a limited time, an Xbox 360 media remote. Full access to Xbox Live can only be gained with a hard drive. Though both versions come with a Silver membership to Xbox Live, to actually play head-to-head online, upgrading your membership to the Gold at $5.99 a month or $50 a year is the only way you and your friends will enjoy the online capabilities.

With 200 hundred titles out now, this will definitely keep you busy. Amazing graphics, great add-on capabilities, top of the line design and personalizing options. Overall, the Xbox360 is one good buy. Moreover, the online services offered by Microsoft is unmatched by their competitors which, I for one as a consumer or any other would always like to have in my disposal.

Xbox 360 Specification

CPU

Custom IBM PowerPC
Cores: x3 symmetrical
Clock speed: 3.2 GHz each
2 hardware threads per core
1 VMX-128 vector unit per core

Memory

Custom ATI

RAM 512 MB GDDR3 (Shared with GPU)
VRAM 512 MB UMA (Shared with CPU)
eDRAM 10 MB

Memory Bandwidth

Main 22.4 GB/s
eDRAM 256 GB/s
FSB 21.6 GB/s
L2 Cache: 1 MB
Graphics: Custom ATI @ 500 MHz
Hard drive: 20 GB Removable
Max Resolution: 1080i
Audio: 5.1 Digital
Game Format: HD-DVD
Controllers: Supports four 2.4 GHz Wireless
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi-ready IEEE 802.11 a/b/g (needs adapter)
Input/Output

3 USB 2.0 ports
Ethernet (RJ45)
2 Memory Slots

Other Features

Interchangeable Face Plates
Media Center Extender
Xbox LIVE

Eye-Toy like camera