Official Doomsday For Windows XP Announced

Microsoft has revealed that the long reign of Windows XP operating system will come to an end on April 8, 2014. Along with the all-time favorite Windows OS, technical support for Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems and Microsoft Office 2003 will also be terminated. Microsoft tech support center thereby urges XP and Office 2003 users to move on to latest platforms, as no more security updates and patches will be issued for the said programs after the term end.

Most businesses rely on Windows XP because of its reliability, easy functioning, simple graphical user interface, and widespread compatibility with third party software programs. Thus, business entities are pressurized to quickly move on to another platform that would offer such features, and ensure security of the data in their systems.

As soon as the official tech support for XP ends, hackers will be free to target the outdated system. Speaking on the matter in Lagos, Awawu Olumide-Sojinrin, the acting country manager for Microsoft Nigeria, said Microsoft understands the situation, and thus is notifying the Windows XP user community to migrate to another platform before the cut-off date.

“Migration is taken for granted until it is experienced. It is therefore wise for customers and partners to move with the changing technology trend by migrating to the Windows 8 and Office 2013 platform within the 8-month period,” she said in the conference.

Microsoft tech support suggests users to migrate to Windows 8 operating system, which is optimized for modern business trends. Built on the foundation of Windows 7 platform, the latest member of the Windows family offers the best speed, reliability, and security features that users have ever experienced before.

With features like Direct Access in Windows 8, businesses can gain better productivity and mobility, as it allows users to use the resources provided by the organization when on the go. Director of Solutions & Sales datacenter specialist at Microsoft Nigeria, Oluyomi Alarape said, “There are several re-engineering and attacks that needs to be catered for as a result of the changing technology landscape. Businesses stand to have huge risks if they do not migrate because there will be no security updates to meet security requirements.”

As it is obvious that people nowadays are more inclined towards mobile devices like tablet PCs and smartphones, which offer the same services as a traditional desktop would. Thus, Microsoft officials believe that the ultra-modern Windows 8 operating system, which is capable to serve both the conventional desktops as well as touch screen devices like Tablets, would be a great platform for businesses to move on to.

Get To Know About The Windows 7 Operating System

Microsoft launched Windows 7 as a successor to the Windows Vista operating system. In Windows 7, Microsoft included some of the advanced features and fixed some of the regular issues that the users were experiencing in the earlier versions of the operating system. Windows 7 is also said to be compatible for those devices that work on the modern UI interface i.e. the touch screen computers and smart phones. According to the technicians at the Windows 7 help, with a Windows 7-based network, you can share files and printers, diagnose and troubleshoot problems, and perform more functions.
The Windows 7 operating system is available in six editions. These are:

Starter

• This is the simplified version of Windows 7 that is available only pre-installed on computer systems from manufacturers such as Dell.

Home Basic

• This one is a special version that is available only in certain geographic markets such as China, India, and Pakistan. The Home Basic version of Window 7 It is not available in Europe or the United States.

Home Premium

• This is termed as the standard edition for home use. You can use the Home Premium edition to build a simple peer-to-peer network, but not as part of a domain-based network.

Professional

• The Windows 7 Pro is specifically designed for business users with domain networks.

Enterprise

• This version can be termed as the complete version of Windows 7, which includes all the features of Windows 7 Professional and a few extra advanced features.

Ultimate

• This one is the retail version of the Enterprise Edition and includes all of the features of Windows 7 Enterprise.
• Home or small business users can purchase the Windows 7 Ultimate version individually.

According to the technicians at Windows 7 help, some of the networking features provided by Windows 7 are as follows.

• One of the most advanced features of Windows 7 is the built-in file and printer sharing, which allows you to share files and printers with other network users.
• Windows 7 also boasts of a Network Setup Wizard, which automatically sets the most common configuration options. This wizard eliminates the need to work through multiple Properties dialog boxes to configure network settings.
• Another feature of an Internet Connection Sharing service allows a Windows computer to share an Internet connection with other users.
• Windows 7 also comprises of a built-in support for wireless networking that help to connect to a wireless network easily. The advanced network diagnostics and troubleshooting tools in this operating system, help you find and correct any networking problems.

These are some of the main features of Windows 7 operating system. For more information on the compatibility features of Windows 7, check Microsoft’s official website.

Use Windows To Go, And Transform The Way You Work

Even though Windows 8 is out, many enterprises are still just making the transition to Windows 7. Other companies meanwhile,  are still using Windows XP, released over a decade ago.
However as Windows XP will not get support in a year from now, it is highly advantageous to have a Windows 8 transfer. A solution to this dilemma is migrating to Windows 8 Enterprise, which has the Windows To Go feature. This allows you to have a Windows 8 image, which can be transferred using a USB drive, allowing you to make any compatible PC into your very own personal workstation.

BYOD

The “bring your own device” is something that has been attributed to smartphones and tablets but many enterprises have employees bringing in their own laptops. Even though this method benefits both company and employee, it does raise important security and software compatibility issues.
Windows To Go is a solution that extends itself far ahead of BYOD. This empowers employees to run on any Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC without having to bring a computer every time they come to office. Booting up can be done using the thumb drive and instantly your home computer transforms into a work PC. Not to forget that all associated application, programs and policies are integrated. So, you can work at home with a system as powerful as the one in your office.
Windows To Go can also be employed as a replacement for VPN or any cloud based virtualization, for mobile users. Even if you have to work in an unreliable network environment you can boot with Windows To Go, and get your work done without a hassle.

How to set Windows To Go
There are some three prerequisites to set up Windows To Go:

• Windows 8 Enterprise OS,
• A USB thumb drive with storage space of at least 32 GB,
• Windows 8 Enterprise image file that is created using sysrep.

To set up use the following instructions

• Launch Windows To Go Creator Wizard
• Choose the drive you wish to use and
• Choose an appropriate Windows 8 image

The Windows To Go setup process will format the drive, so do make a backup before you begin the process. Preferably encrypt the thumb drive using a BitLocker.
The Windows To Go tool is the perfect tool for managing BYOD, as you get the benefits at both ends - the employer retains control over tools and data, and employee gets privacy and freedom by not having business tools on their personal system. Make use of Windows 8 transfer to enjoy the Windows To Go tool, and change the way you do business.

Switching Users In Windows Vista

Almost all the Windows operating systems are multi-user operating system models and Windows Vista is no exception. This means that there can be a number of users in a single operating system. The user accounts allow more than one person to share the same computer. The different user accounts can have different desktop themes, different default media programs and other customized options. Another advantage of having different user accounts is that the administrator can have a control over the Internet usage and the usage of other resources in the computer. This also gives the different users an option to lock their accounts for security.

The Windows support tips shared below will help you to know more on creating user accounts and on switching between user accounts. You may follow these steps to switch between the different user accounts in the Vista operating system. If you have any doubts, you may refer to the Windows Vista help modules in the Microsoft web site for further clarification.

Instructions

• Turn on your computer and click on the Start button. From the Start menu, select Control Panel. From the Control Panel window, click on User Accounts and create a user account. Some of the common user account types are administrator user account, the guest user account and the standard user account.
• You need to save all the open files and documents before switching to a different user account. You should understand that the Windows Vista operating system does not save any files and documents that are open before switching to a different user account.
• Click on the Start button and click on the arrow beside the lock button. If you have more than one user account, you may switch between these user accounts.
• Click on the Switch User option. This will take you to the Switch User screen. When you are in the screen, click on the user account that you wish to use or switch to. After selecting the preferred user account, you will be directed to the chosen customized user account.

These are the simple steps to switch between users in the Windows Vista operating system. Switching between the user accounts is a very easy process in the Windows Vista OS. If you face any difficulty in the user switching procedure of the Windows Vista computer, you may contact the Windows support service for further assistance.

What To Do When One Or More Pictures Cannot Be Opened In Outlook?

Outlook Express is an email client released by the Microsoft Corporation. This program comes as a part of the Microsoft Office suite and comes preinstalled with the operating system. You can forward the messages that you receive in your Outlook Express account to other contacts in your account. When you receive an email message that contains pictures and other attachments, you should be able to view the message in the Outlook Express program and see the pictures directly from the body of the email or you may view them as attachments.
At times, you will not be able to open the email attachments. Have you ever thought why these Outlook problems occur? This is because the default security setting of the Outlook program may prevent you from opening these images. If you get an error stating that the pictures cannot be found, you just have to make some small changes in the security settings of the Outlook Express program. The Outlook help tips shared below will help you to open the attachments in your email messages without any issues in the Outlook Express program.

Instructions

• Turn on your computer and open the Outlook Express program.
• In the open window, go to the Tools menu, which is located in the menu bar and click on the Options button.
• In the Options window, select the Security tab, which is at the top of the window.
• Uncheck the box next to Block images and other external content in HTML email. This will make sure that the next time you try to open an email attachment, the Outlook Express program will not block you from opening the attachment.
• After doing the above steps, press the OK or Apply button, which can be found at the bottom of the window. This will update the security settings of the Outlook Express program. Now you may open the email message again to view the attached pictures without any issues.

These are the simple steps to open the email attachments and pictures in messages without getting any Outlook problems. If you follow these steps carefully, you will not encounter any errors. Are you unsure of any of these steps? Do not worry, as you always have the option to contact Microsoft help and support team or you can refer to the Outlook help modules given in the Microsoft web site to clear your doubts.

Password Protection In Outlook

The features and functions that are present in the Outlook program are used to a great extent by its users. These features and functions come of great importance while performing various day to day tasks. So when working with your Outlook program, it should be always protected so that no one can access your personal and sensitive data. It is a must to password protect your Microsoft Outlook program. Password protection can be done easily in a few steps and by following the below provided Outlook help guidelines.

Instructions

• Launch Microsoft Outlook that is installed in your system, from the different menus that are available, choose the GO menu and then choose the Folder list.
• If a POP3 email account is available with you, the Personal Folders option has to be right clicked. Choose Properties. If you have HTTP email accounts, the folder corresponding to your email provider has to be right clicked. Choose Properties.
• The tab by the name General has to be selected. Now, choose Advanced. The Change Password option has to be selected.
• A password of your choice has to be entered. Make sure that you enter a strong password that cannot be cracked easily. It has to be entered again for verification purposes. The Save This Password In Your Password List check box has to be un-checked.
• The OK button has to be clicked consecutively for three times and the Outlook password is now successfully created.
• Now in order to check the effectiveness of the Outlook password protection, type in the correct password and click OK. Now you will gain access to the Outlook program.
• To check if the process is complete, exit from Outlook, launch it again, enter the wrong password, and click OK. You Have Entered A Wrong Password message will appear on screen and you will not gain access to Outlook.

By following these Outlook help tips, Microsoft Outlook can be password protected and all your data will be safe. It is always advisable to make a note of the password and keep it in a secure location so that no one can access it. If anyone gets access, they can access Outlook and retrieve all the relevant information and documents. If you have any trouble following the guidelines, you may contact our customer support desk and address your problems.

Solve Issues That Arise While Copying Items In Outlook 2007

Outlook 2007 is the most sold version of the Microsoft’s Outlook suite of programs. It is a personal manager program that helps users in managing their multiple emails and contact lists with ease. The program also has a calendar option that helps in creating events and meetings in the calendar and storing them in the system. Sometimes users complain that they get an error message while copying or moving large number of messages, stating that some of the messages cannot be copied. You may also get this error while using the Auto Achieve system process. The error may be due to some issues in any of the emails that you are moving or may be due to issues in the destination folder to where you are moving the messages.

Instructions

• The first troubleshooting step is to restart the Outlook program by closing it and then opening the program again by clicking on its shortcut icon present in the desktop. 
• Now try to copy the same messages again. Most of the time, this process will repair the Outlook problems occurring while copying files automatically. 
• If you are still getting the error message, then try to copy a single message to the destination folder. If the process was successful, then select small bundles of messages (20 or 30) in a single go and try to copy them to the destination folder. Sometimes, Outlook gives us errors while copying large chunk of emails in a single go. 
• Click on the New option found under the File menu in the Outlook window and then select the option named Outlook Data File. If your destination folder is full or almost full, then you will receive an error message. Create a new data file to use as your destination folder for fixing this issue. 
• Now highlight the label Office Outlook Personal Folders File (.pst) and then click on the OK button to continue. 
• In the new page that appears, give in the name for the new data file just created and then click on the OK button. 
• Now copy the desired messages to the newly created data file. 

If you follow the simple steps given above, you will not have any Outlook problems while copying files in Outlook from one folder to another. Even after following these troubleshooting steps, if you are getting error messages while copying, contact the Outlook support team.