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Peripherals for Windows and Looking Forward to Windows 8 with Dan Laycock

February 6, 2012 By 3 Comments

Our last meeting with the Windows Champion team was so informational. I first shared with you ways to remember and think about Data Privacy on-line. The biggest key is to remember that when it’s on-line it’s hard to keep it secret so just be careful what you post on-line. Now I’m happy to share with you a sneak peek into Windows 8 and how peripherals work in the Windows ecosystem already. image

Dan Laycock took us in depth with peripherals. Dan is the device guy for the Microsoft Ecosystem team You may be asking what does that mean, it means he makes sure your devices work with a Windows computer. You know printers cameras and TVs. We’re happy he does this because our TV has been hooked up to our computer for five years I think, maybe even longer. Dan’s job is to make sure the Microsoft partners create devices that enhance the Windows 7 experience. And he’s already looking forward to Windows 8.

Key Points to Consider:

Microsoft spends a lot of time working with partners to figure out how to make the PC experience great. By Finding the Windows logo on a product ensures you that it’s a legitimate MS product for hardware. The companies that put products in markets with the compatible with Windows 7 have been tested to ensure a great integrated experience for users. This ensures that the device you are buying will do all the things that it’s supposed to do.

It’s important to note that many products don’t have the Windows logo on their box even though they’ve earned it (companies are able to decide whether they want to include the logo or not). This is important for things like TVs because you don’t always see the box or think about it as something you will connect to a PC

 

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You should also remember to use the Windows 7 Compatibility Center: The Windows 7 Compatibility site stores information on products that have earned the compatibility logo.

Now the exciting part, with Windows 8, there you will see more gadgets compatible with your PC. And I can’t wait for Windows 8 to come out.

The partners and Ecosystems will store apps in the market for easy access to users and to make installing easier. No need to add a CD.

There will be very little work on the your part as the consumer and I’ve noticed over the years that Windows has gotten a lot easier for us anyways. They are always making improvements.

And if you keep up with the Windows Champions during the #Win7Tech chat you will see new devices and more sneak peeks into Windows 8.

Dan’s favorite device: Logitech harmony remote. Dan tweets at: @DanielLaycock find him on #Win7Tech Tuesdays at noon PST.

 

I’m a member of the Windows Champion Program with Microsoft, this information was provided to me.

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IE, Tracking Protection Lists, and Data Privacy with Anurag Pandit

January 31, 2012 By 2 Comments

Last week I had the opportunity to listen to a chat with Anurag Pandit. Anurag is a Product Manager with the Internet Explorer (IE) team, he  looks after the security of the browsers to make sure online users are safe online. He explained what a Tracking Protection List is. I’ve actually never heard of the term before now. I’m sure my husband has mine set up for me and it’s set to not share at all.

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“Tracking Protection Lists are like “Do Not Call” lists for third-party content on a website. By adding a “Tracking Protection List,” you can control whether your information is sent to third parties listed on the Tracking Protection List.”

A question was raised should we care who receives this kind of information? I mean do I really care who is watching my browser history. I don’t really care one way or the other really, but I do want to know why that site wants that information. So maybe I do care a little bit.

  • This WSJ article shows how online tracking is used to collect information and how it can be used by those collecting it
  • IE’s Tracking Protection Lists help prevent the websites you go to from automatically sending details about your visit to other content providers.
  • When you have a Tracking Protection List or Personalized Tracking Protection enabled, Internet Explorer 9 will send a Do Not Track preference or signal to the websites you visit. It will also send a Do Not Track preference to the third party websites that provides content on the websites you visit if those third party sites have not been blocked by your Tracking Protection List. Websites may continue to engage in activities you might view as tracking even though you have expressed this preference, depending on the website’s privacy practices.
  • Regarding Security: Internet Explorer has industry leading security enhancements built into it that can go a long way to help protect users. For example, SmartScreen protection can help block socially engineered malware – the types of malware that use social engineering techniques to trick users and infect computers. A study by NSS labs showed that Internet Explorer 9 was six times more effective against these types of attacks than the next browser.

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For more information on how to set up Tracking Protection Lists visit: www.iegallery.com

 

I participate as a Windows Champion and have opportunities to listen to the experts and love sharing that information with you.

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Tour The Microsoft Home of the Future!

December 27, 2011 By 24 Comments

A few weeks ago I visited the Microsoft Home of the future courtesy of Microsoft and Sony, inside this house are some things that aren’t that far from being mass marketed at a price people can afford while other things may still be a little further down in the future.

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I missed the introduction to the tour where they explained that everything in the house was a possible item that we might see one day and that they weren’t even really prototypes; just ideas and illusions of what may come. However, I know some of the concepts are already real. For example, the door has a camera on it that sends a message to your phone with video of that person. This item is something that I’ve recently reviewed. Now the one I’ve reviewed needs a light to work in the dark, but there is a service that comes with this camera that sends the live video to your phone (VueZone, an easy to use camera system. Whether it’s to make sure kids are getting homework done or playing safely in the yard, VueZone helps parents stay connected to those they love most. We thought it was pretty cool.) Then after viewing the video at the Microsoft Home of the future you could then use your phone to unlock and open the door if you trust your guest.  The house is a smart home that talks to you. You can give it commands and just have a conversation with her, you know like you might have a conversation with your iphone app Siri.

So inside the house you can set the temp, lights, everything by each person’s preference, even grandmas for when she comes to visit. As soon as you enter the house just dump all your devices on the counter and the counter will charge them and link them to the house routing all cell phone calls or message to your house’s interface. In the kitchen you can have a recipe pop up on the counter just by putting a few key ingredients on the counter.

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All throughout the house there were different ways to interact with the house and ways for the house to interact with you. The house could keep track of your entire health record and keep track of all your vitals. If you’re the kind of person that keeps up with your heart rate while you’re working out or maybe you’re tracking your sleep habits (zeo) This house puts any kind of technology you can think of at your fingertips. Then just send all the information to the CLOUD and give your doctor access to what you want them to see. Could you imagine being completely in charge of your medical record and having all that information at your fingertips?

 

One of my favorite features was how you could digitally decorate the walls or have a story come to life as you read it out loud to your children.

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Painting a bedroom is a pain in the rear end and yes I LOVE color on the walls. Then if grandma comes to visit and your teenager has to give up their room for her while she’s there all you have to do is tell the house to switch to grandma’s profile and bam the room is ready for grandma. And get this grandma can personalize it even further with locked features that will only appear when she gets there, plus I think the CLOUD – the network – connects all the houses together. So you can keep up with your family no matter how far away they are through your house, kind of creepy and kind of cool at the same time.

What do you think?

 

Photos & Video are from Microsoft. Thanks to Sony and Microsoft for allowing me to peek inside the house of the future.

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Win a trip to CES in Las Vegas in January

December 6, 2011 By 5 Comments

Microsoft is giving away a trip to Las Vegas in January to CES. Check out the Microsoft Facebook page to enter to win an trip to CES in Las Vegas in January. Think about it, head to Vegas in January to check out some great tech and then relax at the Palazzo pool.

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I hope the holiday season is treating you well and that you check out this contest.  I know it’s crazy to think about January at this time, but this is such a fabulous convention. You find out all the latest and greatest gadgets from TV’s to touch screen tables. I hope to be able to go to CES as well. I’m not eligible to enter the contest because my husband works at Microsoft, but if you have any interest in technology at all then you should sign up to win a trip to CES or just buy the ticket yourself I promise you won’t regret it. To Enter all you have to do is click on the sweepstakes tab on the Microsoft Facebook page.

I am a Windows Champion and this information was provided by them.

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Seattle TweetDrive Door Prize Sponsor Microsoft Touch Mouse Review

November 30, 2011 By 6 Comments

I LOVE my Microsoft Touch Mouse and you can have one too! All you have to do is show up to the Seattle TweetDrive. Bring a toy for admission and you could win this fabulous door prize.

The Microsoft Touch Mouse makes navigating a breeze. It’s so easy to use and I use it with my Windows 7 laptop. Discover how its elegant design quickly handles everyday on-screen actions like scrolling, minimizing/maximizing, and docking with easy-to-learn finger gestures. My favorite feature is making all of the windows on my screen minimize just by flicking my hand down. LOVE IT. It works with swipes, back and fourth and up and down all do different things.  Microsoft’s proprietary BlueTrack™ Technology works on more surfaces than both optical and laser mice. It uses high-angle imaging optics to generate an accurate picture of the surface.

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Of course there are many more features. It’s easy to install, you just plug it in and it works, the first thing you get to do is run through the tutorial and then you know how to use it. It works! Plug-And-Go Nano Transceiver – Leave the Nano Transceiver plugged in when you’re on the go, or stow it in the mouse System Requirements – Computer/Operating System – Requires Windows 7 Hard Drive – 100 MB Available USB port 2 AA alkaline batteries required (included).

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Join Microsoft for The Windows 7 Tech Chat every week. Here are the topic chats and the possible prizes for the rest of the year.

Windows Holiday Celebration with Microsoft Store (Dec. 6th)

South West Airlines—Win two tickets to fly anywhere (Dec. 13th)

Holiday Recovery—your new PC questions answered (Dec. 27th)

Just follow #win7tech on Tuesdays at 12:00 PM Pacific!

As a Microsoft Windows 7 Champion, I asked them to make a donation and they sent me a mouse and one to give to charity.

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How To Create a PDF

September 2, 2011 By 21 Comments

I’m going to be exposed to more technology and how to do different things with technology and software so I’ll try to share as much of that information with you as I can. You may not know this about me but my background is in computer science so technology is something I love. Now, not everyone has a really good pdf converter but more of you have the ability to print to pdf and create pdf documents than you may realize. Why would you want to create a pdf? I’ve had people tell me that they can’t open certain types of files and I used to be the Newsletter Editor for my MOMS Club and after creating it, with all the photos in it it was way to big to send over e-mail so I would often have to save it or convert it to a pdf. It really wasn’t difficult at all. However, if you want to convert a pdf to a word document you’re going to have to go check out adobe and their line of products.

From Word: How to convert a doc to a PDF

Go file, then to save and send

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Then go to Create a PDF/XPS Document

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Then you give it a name and hit publish.

 

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From Publisher: How to convert a .pub to a pdf

It’s basically the same thing. Except you might have to download the ability to do it. I can’t remember, I think Publisher actually comes with this ability now. If not all you have to do is a search on how to convert a publisher file to a pdf.

Go to File Save & Send

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Then go to Create a PDF/XPS Document

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Then you give it a name and hit publish.

 

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Plan A Road Trip And All Stops Along the Way Microsoft Streets & Trips

August 29, 2011 By 178 Comments

My husband and I went on a road trip a few years ago. Oh wow we’ve been married almost 10 years now so it was more than a few years ago, it was quite a few years ago. ANAYWAYS Along the way, we used Microsoft Streets and Trips. We were able to pull up restroom stops, restaurants, rest areas. You name it we could find it. We planned on going from our house to California seeing all the sites on our way to Disneyland.

streets & Trips box artYou know when you’re on the road and you decide that you need a bathroom break, well for women, little girls and expecting moms, yes female of any shape or size, it’s impossible to predict when we are going to need that bathroom break. So, while my husband was driving I could pick my bathroom by what place I wanted to stop at. I prefer going into a fast food bathroom verses a rest stop or a gas station bathroom. With Microsoft Streets & Trips finding my stop on the map was so simple. Need more help planning your trip, check out these Tips & Tricks from the Streets.

With years of experience making Streets & Trips, Microsoft keeps the maps updated and now even has a version of Streets & Trips with GPS locator. Microsoft Streets & Trips helps you generate maps and directions, tailor your route, and find interesting stops along the way—no Internet required. Get lost in the adventure, not trying to find it.

  • Simple to use—Use Streets & Trips to plan the perfect trip, including multiple stops, points of interest (POI), and start and stop times.
  • Save planning time—Tailor your trips by start and stop times, driving speeds, and road types to avoid highways, or to choose a more scenic route. Include multiple destinations and stops to rest and refuel. View the quickest routes with one-click trip optimization.
  • Find more fun—Select from over 1.9 million POI including campgrounds, state and national parks, gas stations, landmarks, casinos, and much more. Add POI collections such as low clearance, big rig friendly fuel stations, Walmart stores, or the best barbecue stops.
  • Be flexible—Change your plan at any time—no Internet required.
  • Personalize your maps—Add notes for planned stops, reservation details, phone numbers, and more.
  • Great GPS companion—Use Streets & Trips to plan your adventure and then share the route with your GPS device for navigation along the way.2
  • Turn your laptop into a navigation device—Connect your GPS receiver to your laptop to get spoken directions including street names, automatic re-routing, and large on-screen directions.2 Need a GPS device? Streets & Trips with GPS Locator is a great value at a great price.
  • See what you want—Streets & Trips includes more than 300 unique pushpin images to choose from. Show or hide your pushpin collections and easily delete visible pushpins inside or outside an area.
  • Avoid surprises and delays—Download free construction updates and easily drag-and-drop your route to bypass delays.
    So plan your next trip as you go with Microsoft’s Streets & Trips

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Royalegacy.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules. We received a copy to facilitate the review.

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Parents Get Organized With Windows Phone Samsung Focus (AT&T)

August 29, 2011 By 641 Comments

I love my Windows Phone, in fact, I had the opportunity to upgrade to a 4G phone but the phone wasn’t a Windows phone, it was a droid, so I gave it to my husband. I have the HTC Trophy and just love how I can pin the apps I love to use on my start page of my phone. I have my favorite Facebook friends and pinned, along with my twitter app, outlook, and calendar. It’s also so easy to move apps whenever I feel like life needs a reorg. HTC7_Trophy_lg

With kids going back to school and after school activities being juggled with work and the PTA, parents need all the help they can get. I know I do, I need everything on a list and that list needs to be on my device. Well, as they say there’s an app for that and Windows Phone is there for you with a line up of apps to save the day.

OneNote is the ultimate note taking tool on your phone that syncs to your PC. It lets you attach pictures and even voice notes, so you never miss a beat. Then, pin important notes to your Start Screen for easy on-the-go access.  Not only will you be organized with a calendar and email, but shopping is made easier too with these apps.

Best Buy: The Best Buy app for Windows Phone provides a fresh new way to shop for the latest and greatest technology. Browse the full product catalog, compare price specs and create your technology wish list. You’ll be sure to make the best tech choice this back to school season!

moBudget: Take advantage of this user friendly budgeting and expense tracking app that helps you organize your personal income. There are a lot of purchases made for the back to school season and moBudget app helps you stay within your budget.

ShopSavvy: With the latest and greatest in barcode scanning mobile technology, you will be sure to snag the best price for your kid’s must have back to school outfit. Don’t spend all day driving around to other stores, simply use the camera to take a picture of any barcode and ShopSavvy will provide you with a list of online and local prices.

Amazon Shopping: Avoid the lines at the bookstore by using the Amazon Shopping app for Windows Phone. You can quickly search, shop, compare prices, read reviews and purchase all the necessary books for your kid’s first day back at school.

Evernote: Evernote is the ultimate life organizer and a must have app to get everything done in time for the school year without missing a beat. You can store notes, snapshots and even recordings with the Evernote app – and it even instantly syncs from the phone to the web to your PC.

CleverToDo: This handy task management app based on David Allen’s “Get Things Done” methodology helps you stay productive on-the-go.

iRewardChart: Trying to get your kid back the school mindset by finishing up their summer reading? Utilize this handy app that makes it easy to reward your kids for good behavior and keep them motivated to start the school year off right!

Now you may think that your carrier doesn’t support Windows Phone, well think again. Windows Phones are available on every major US carrier with many different phones to choose from. So you can get the touchscreen you want while sticking with your family plan.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Cathy W.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules. We received free samples in the past.

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Back To School Computers With Microsoft Windows 7 & Free Xbox 360

July 28, 2011 By 4 Comments

Feels like summer just started for us and is halfway over for everyone else so of course it’s time to start thinking about back to school shopping. Stores everywhere have already started putting out fall clothes and advertising is running rampant for back to school sales and Microsoft Windows 7 is right there with everyone else which is great for families in need of  a new computer in time for school.

To help make finding the right computer easier, Microsoft is showcasing some great Windows 7 PCs and accessories for families on any budget. A Windows PC is the perfect tool to help kids manage class work, stay in touch with family and friends and simply have fun in a way that is unique as they are, and at a price point that won’t break the bank.

toshiba_satellite_e305_1The Toshiba Satellite E305 is a thin light and affordable Blue Label laptop, a Best Buy exclusive PC that retails for $1089. It’s a great choice for students looking for a PC that’s portable enough to carry with them all day, powerful enough to work and play, and stylish enough to impress their friends. Equipped with Intel Wireless Display technology that turns any TV into a wireless monitor, a backlit keyboard and a huge 640 GB hard drive, this laptop makes it easy to stay productive and connected.

 

 

94977-sony-vaio-s-blancThe Sony Vaio SB is great if you’re in the market for a premium PC that looks great, and won’t empty your bank account. This laptop retails for $999. It’s crafted in black or white aluminum and has premium features like USB 3., a backlit keyboard, and switchable graphics. And, with the optional super-slim “sheet” battery, the VAIO SB can stay powered for over 15 hours. WOW that’s amazing.

 

Gateway-ID49C07u-Road-Warrior-Notebook-Half-OpenThe Gateway ID47 is a great value without sacrifice. In Gateway you’ll find style and the latest technology with two beautiful finishes, brushed platinum and ice blue for under $700. And with new technology that packs a 14” screen into a 13” inch body, you get the advantages of a big laptop in a small, portable package.

 

 

Touchsmart-610-left-viewAnd finally, the HP TouchSmart 610 is an all-in-one that takes touch fun to a whole new level. The HP TouchSmart retails for $1099 with the ability to be sued upright like a normal PC, or “recline” it to use the touch. You can browse the web and play games with ease.

Microsoft is offering even more bang for your buck with a limited offer: Purchasing any new Windows PC priced at $699 or more at participating retailers and get a free Xbox 360 console!  An Xbox 360 is more than just game console; it’s a one-stop entertainment hub that’s perfect for any living room – or dorm room – and it makes an excellent companion to a new Windows PC.  For more information check out www.windows.com/freexbox!

I’m a member of the Windows Champions program with Microsoft. I was not compensated to post this information.

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