Articles Tagged ‘Windows 7’

Microsoft finally listened to Windows end-users when they complained about the lack of backup applications available in previous operating systems.  Microsoft engineers gritted their collective teeth (they had included backup programs in many of their previous operating systems), acknowledged that the backup apps could be difficult to use, and then created several user-friendly backup options that are all conveniently located in the new Windows 7 (Win7) Backup and Restore Center (BRC).

The BRC is a centralized location that makes it easy to set up and manage how backups are made as well as simplifying the restoration process.  The BRC is built around the functions of previous backup and restoration apps, but offers a more intuitive interface and many features that allow end-user customization.

Backup

All end-users should back up all their data, all the time. In the past, many people chose not to do so because it was too difficult to make backups and too expensive to pay someone to administer and store them offsite.  Now, with Win7, there is no excuse since the backup app is included as part of the operating system and can be done onsite.  Top features include:

• Backup destination- End-users choose where backups will be made and stored:  CD, external USB drive, or another location on the network.
• Backup preferences- End-users can choose which specific files to backup or let Win7 make that decision—generally, it will back up all files, user settings, app and window settings as well as create an entire image of the Windows system.
• Back up frequency- End-users choose how often t to back up the system—daily, weekly or monthly backups can be scheduled to occur at convenient times.

Restore

With the Win7 restore app, it is easy to restore a lost or corrupted file.  This can be done quickly from the BRC by clicking the “Restore my files” button and then choosing the version of the backup file to restore.

BRC Window Interface

The BRC popup window makes it easy to check the status of backup and restore settings.  From this window, end-users can find out where backups are being stored, how much free space is available for future backups, when the last backups were made, and other useful information.

Learn More

The intelligent design and intuitive ease of accessing and using the Backup and Restore Center give end-users the ability to make their own choices about backing up and restoring their data.  To learn more about the Backup and Restore Center, or to learn more about the new Windows 7 operating system, please call the Microsoft Gold Certified Partners at All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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Microsoft has made great efforts to help ease the growing pains of migrating Windows XP and Windows Vista to the new and improved, feature rich, user-friendly Windows 7.  The creators of the latest Windows OS have designed several useful tools and an installation method that will help users make a smooth and seamless transition from an older Windows OS to Windows 7.

By using one or more of the migration aids, Microsoft hopes that all users will experience an uneventful transition from an older OS to Windows 7.
Four installation aids are available to help IT staff upgrade machines that are currently running XP or Vista.  These tools will help preserve all existing user data during the upgrade process while keeping customized settings intact.

1.    Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) – is a downloadable set of tools that will help IT administrators create a customized set of installation preferences that can be applied to every computer in the network from one location.

•    Customizing an AIK allows for “one-touch” installation where all of the configurations are pre-set and the IT administrator only has to click the “GO” button once to install the entire Windows 7 OS on the entire IT network.
•     All Microsoft workstation and many third party applications may be bundled into an AIK and upgraded at the same time that Windows 7 is deployed.

2.    User State Migration Tool (USMT) – is a utility that comes prepackaged with Windows 7.  This tool works with the downloadable AIK tool during the OS installation process to transfer custom user settings and files from a specific Windows XP or Vista machine to the upgraded Windows 7 OS on the same machine.

•    This new tool will keep files and settings protected on the workstation during the upgrading process and will save time since data won’t have to be transferred to a portable drive during upgrade and then later reinstalled.
•    Updates typically take less than 30 minutes.

3.    Windows Easy Transfer – is another prepackaged utility that comes with Windows 7.  It works with Windows XP and Vista machines to relocate user data from one machine to another.

•    This tool is ideal when migrating a small number of machines.
•    With Windows Easy Transfer, files and settings can be transferred using a network, a USB drive, or other external storage.

4.    In Place Upgrade – in addition to the above tools, for Vista OS users, Microsoft also offers an installation method that that will automatically preserve all user applications and data during upgrade.

Whether your IT network is currently running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or a combination of both, Microsoft has made great efforts to make upgrading to Windows 7 as easy as possible.  To learn more about which migration aid will best suit your company’s unique IT network needs, please talk to the migration experts at All Covered by calling 866-446-1133.

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The Windows 7 OS provides many new tools and features that focus on improved productivity through improved usability.  This new OS has been constructed to be more intuitive and less distracting (no more annoying and unnecessary pop-ups notifying the user that there is a notification for the user).  Users that upgrade to Windows 7 will benefit from increased productivity while enjoying the following resources:

Decreased boot time- the average windows 7 machine will boot will boot up in under 60 seconds.  With the decreased boot time, users will no longer have time to run across the street for a mocha while their system starts up.  Instead, users can get to work as soon as they sit down.

Compatibility- The flexibility of Windows 7 gives users the ability to run almost any software that is Windows compatible.  Windows 7 will work with more accessories and programs than its predecessors, Windows Vista and Windows XP.  Microsoft has designed this OS to automatically run any program that was designed for Vista, and it will also be able to run most XP applications in an XP compatibility window.

Libraries- Windows 7 provides a new, more intuitive way of organizing and locating documents.  Instead of wasting time trying to remember where a previously created document is stored, a user can now search for their documents by type in different “libraries” such as communications, contacts, documents, downloads, music, pictures and videos.  Not only will a user see a shortcut for the document they need, they will also gain immediate access to specific data that is pertinent for each type of library.  For example: when the “contacts” library is opened, it will show phone numbers and e-mail addresses and when the “downloads” library is opened, it will list the URL source for each download. The libraries are customizable, allowing users to create personalized folders that will keep project documents and files accessible.

Jump Lists- This updated menu is a timesaving tool that allows a user to preview open applications and folders.  When the mouse is moved over the taskbar, a popup menu appears and lists all open windows.  Right clicking will provide a brief history of recent changes and other useful information.

Windows Search- This enhanced search feature resembles the “auto-complete” function that is a familiar tool in Microsoft Word.  The moment a user starts to type a word in the search field, Windows 7 will list items that match the typed characters.  The list will decrease as characters are added.  At any point, a user can preview the search results—without having to open the document.

The Benefits

Improved performance

• System boot time and application launch times have noticeably decreased.
• A reduction in the time required to place systems into and retrieve them out of hibernation mode makes “putting your system to sleep” more convenient.
• New optimization tools decrease battery usage, allowing portable computer users more “cord-free” time than was possible with Vista and XP.

Enhanced searching capabilities

• New options allow you to look for keywords in documents, emails, attached storage devices, and can also extend the search to networked servers and designated web pages.

Location aware printing

• When you connect to a network, Windows 7 will automatically detect your location and select the proper printers for your print jobs.

Virtual hard disk support

• Windows 7 can be virtualized, allowing multiple operating systems to reside on a single host machine.
• Windows 7 is preconfigured to support Hyper-V virtual machines.

Expanded security

• BitLocker-to-Go brings the encryption powers of BitLocker to portable storage devices such as USB drives and external storage devices.
• Preinstalled drivers let your Windows 7 machine “read” most biometric devices.
• App-Blocker lets IT administrators easily control the applications individual users can access.
• Windows Access Center replaces Vista’s Security Center.  The Access Center provides security alerts and gives you the tools to take care of problems and system maintenance in one convenient location.
• Geo-tracking will broadcast the position of your computer to location-aware applications such as mapping programs.

Simple device management

• Device Stage is a plug-and-play app that will recognize portable devices when connected to a computer, and then provide you with only the relevant menus and options needed to manage the device.

New remote access methods

• BranchCache provides branch-office users quicker access to files stored on central file servers in the main office.
• Direct Access gives mobile users remote access to resources without requiring the use of a VPN.

Troubleshooting tool

Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) provides a recording app—when an error repeatedly occurs after executing a particular sequence of steps, you can use the PSR to log the seque

To learn more about the benefits of upgrading your OS to Windows 7, please contact the Microsoft experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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The Windows 7 Action Center compiles many functional features in one location, saving users the trouble of having to manage and maintain their system in multiple areas.  System security, maintenance, and troubleshooting tools are now accessible through a more intuitive interface that makes it easier to keep the system running optimally.

In 2007 Windows Vista OS introduced the Security Center—a functional but limited feature that provided a place for users to monitor a system’s security, local firewall settings, and virus protection.  While a good concept, the limited nature of the security center—nothing but security—still required users to navigate through different menus and apps to maintain the rest of the system. With Windows 7, Microsoft has taken the concept of a unified location for security and expanded it to include other features.  Microsoft calls this centralized administrative application the Action Center and has designed it with simplicity in mind.  Microsoft’s development team set forth the following goals for the Windows 7 Action Center:

• Reduce the number of notification balloons sent to users and make the ones that are sent more meaningful
• Provide an easy way to address issues with a single click
• Reduce the clutter in the system to streamline troubleshooting

The Action Center will offer users the following ways to administer to their system’s maintenance and security needs:

Notifications-

Security and maintenance alerts are now collected in a single place and will automatically notify users when important issues need to be addressed.  The Action Center is preconfigured to alert the user anytime the system needs consent to complete an action, but gives users the option to selectively turn off up to nine non-critical notifications.

Security-

All applications relating to system security can be found in the Action Center.  These apps include:

• Windows Firewall- protect your operating system against malicious traffic at home, work, or while travelling
• Virus Protection- manage your anti-virus applications
• Windows Updates- check for Windows updates and schedule them to install at a convenient time when your system will be idle.
• Spyware/Malware protection- manage spyware and malware protection apps
• Internet Security Settings- manage the security settings for your internet browser
• User account control- select when and how often Windows notifies about application changes that will affect Windows.
• Network Access Protection- manages the health of the workstation to ensure it has necessary security in place to protect the business network
• Windows Defender- manage built in protection against pop-ups and spyware

Maintenance-

With Windows 7, all system maintenance tasks are now centrally located in the Action Center.  These tasks include:

• Backups- with Windows Backup, you can make copies of individual data files or create a complete mirror image of the entire system, including data files, programs, and system settings, saving you recovery time and effort in the event of a corrupted or lost file, or in the event of a catastrophic hard drive failure.
• Updates- The Action Center will post an alert any time a new Windows 7 OS update or critical patch is released.
• Troubleshooting-

Programs- configure Windows 7 to run programs created for earlier versions of Windows

Hardware and Sound- configure external devices, internal hardware, printers, and audio settings

Network and Internet- modify your networking settings and internet preferences

Appearance- select monitors, adjust resolution, and customize the appearance of your desktop

System and Security- run maintenance tasks and adjust power settings Troubleshooting report- Any time a user initiates a troubleshooting action, Action Center will generate a report that logs any problems found and also record all actions taken during problem mediation.

• Recovery-In the event of a partial or complete system failure, you can restore files from previously made backups, or attempt a full recovery of your system from a recent image.

To learn more about how Windows 7 Action Center can simplify system maintenance, talk to the Windows experts at All Covered by calling 866-446-1133.

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When Microsoft created Windows 7 they kept the best features from past operating systems and also added new features.  Microsoft has attempted to make these new features easily accessible and usable by most people and anticipate that a majority of past and new users will enjoy this newest OS upgrade.  Some of the most eagerly anticipated features include:

Improved performance-

• System boot time and application launch times have noticeably decreased.
• A reduction in the time required to place systems into and retrieve them out of hibernation mode makes “putting your system to sleep” more convenient.
• New optimization tools decrease battery usage, allowing portable computer users more “cord-free” time than was possible with Vista and XP.

Enhanced searching capabilities-

• New options allow you to look for keywords in documents, emails, attached storage devices, and can also extend the search to networked servers and designated web pages.

Location aware printing-

• When you connect to a network, Windows 7 will automatically detect your location and select the proper printers for your print jobs.

Virtual hard disk support-

• Windows 7 can be virtualized, allowing multiple operating systems to reside on a single host machine.
• Windows 7 is preconfigured to support Hyper-V virtual machines.

Expanded security-

• BitLocker-to-Go brings the encryption powers of BitLocker to portable storage devices such as USB drives and external storage devices.
• Preinstalled drivers let your Windows 7 machine “read” most biometric devices.
• App-Blocker lets IT administrators easily control the applications individual users can access.
• Windows Access Center replaces Vista’s Security Center.  The Access Center provides security alerts and gives you the tools to take care of problems and system maintenance in one convenient location.
• Geo-tracking will broadcast the position of your computer to location-aware applications such as mapping programs.

Simple device management-

• Device Stage is a plug-and-play app that will recognize portable devices when connected to a computer, and then provide you with only the relevant menus and options needed to manage the device.

New remote access methods-

• BranchCache provides branch-office users quicker access to files stored on central file servers in the main office.
• Direct Access gives mobile users remote access to resources without requiring the use of a VPN.

Troubleshooting tool-

• Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) provides a recording app—when an error repeatedly occurs after executing a particular sequence of steps, you can use the PSR to log the sequence, and share it with the IT administrator for problem solving solutions.
• This app is also terrific when used to record specific steps and routines for training purposes.

In addition to the above features included in Windows 7, there are many other new or improved features that might specifically enhance your user experience or improve the functionality of your business’s IT environment.  To learn more about how your company can take advantage of the new and improved features of Windows 7, please contact All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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