Seattle TweetDrive Door Prize Sponsor Microsoft Touch Mouse Review

November 30, 2011 By Momstart 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.

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).

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. 6^th)

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

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

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.

Filed Under: charity, review Tagged With: Microsoft, Microsoft touch mouse, Touchmouse, tweetdrive

How To Create a PDF

September 2, 2011 By Momstart 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

Then go to Create a PDF/XPS Document

Then you give it a name and hit publish.

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

Then go to Create a PDF/XPS Document

Then you give it a name and hit publish.

Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: acrobat, adobe, create a pdf, how to, Microsoft, publisher, tech, word

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

August 29, 2011 By Momstart 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.

You 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.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: giveaway, Microsoft, Streets & Trips, trip planning

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

August 29, 2011 By Momstart 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.

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.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: giveaway, Microsoft, phone giveaway, Samsung Focus, Windows 7 Phone, Windows Phone

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

July 28, 2011 By Momstart 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

And 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.

Filed Under: Announcement, Tech Tagged With: Back to School, free xbox, Gateway ID47, HP TouchSmart 610, Microsoft, Sony Vaio SB, tech, Toshiba, Toshiba Satelite E305, Windows 7

Upgrade to a New Windows 7 PC and Get Free PC Setup

March 7, 2011 By Momstart Leave a Comment

I’ve been using Windows 7 for, I dunno, forever! Windows 7 PC has been the most stable of Windows yet, I haven’t had to format my computer and it’s been WONDERFUL. Plus, all of the great features that come with Windows 7 PC make my blogging life a whole lot easier. Microsoft also has all of the free downloads, like Movie Maker, and Live Writer. Both I use daily with my blog. If you haven’t upgraded yet, now is the time!

You know with all the Spring Cleaning going on it’s time to spring clean your office and that includes your computer. It’s the perfect time to ditch the old and bring on the new…especially when it comes to your technology! I had a newsflash sent to me, did you know that Windows 7 is the fastest selling operating system in history?????. But the newsflash also said that some people are still holding on to those Windows XP machines (which is a technology over 10 years old by the way!). WHAT???

Why don’t they upgrade? Well, with loads of files, music and photos living on your hard drive, it seems like transferring all the data isn’t always as easy as cleaning out your closet. Which I have to agree with, backing up everything on your computer can be a nightmare! Did I get everything? I always worry we missed something

Newsflash: It IS that easy thanks to Windows and Staples this spring!

Windows and Staples are helping customers by bringing you the “Windows Easy Tech Offer.” For a limited time, when you buy any new Windows 7 PC online or in stores at Staples a PC technician will transfer all your data and setup your PC with the new Windows Live Essentials (including tools such as Photo Gallery and Movie Maker)—all for free! You even get a free Microsoft online training valued at $300 as part of the deal!

Staples will make sure all of your special photos, files, music, e-mail browser settings and favorites go with you to your new PC. Take all your data with you and get a new PC that will bring you into the modern age. And with so many great PCs available for less than $600, it would be silly not to. Now wasn’t that easy?

For more information on the offer, visit windowsstreamblog.com or staples.com/windows

I received this information and felt it was worth sharing. I’m part of a Windows PC blogger test program and I can choose to write about things they send me or not.

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: live writer, Microsoft, Movie maker, PC, Staples, Windows 7

Lower Your Paper Trail The Green Eco Party Invitation and Holiday Cards

December 15, 2010 By Momstart 2 Comments

Remember, we’re going green this December with a series of articles written by my friend Summer. We’ve had lots of great tips from how to recycle Christmas lights to giving gifts that are eco friendly. Today’s Green Tip from Summer is about throwing parties. During the holidays we have lots of parties, but this is a great tip to remember all year round….

Lessen your paper trail by inviting people to your holiday party via electronic invitation. I use evite and they’re updating to new things. A new user interface is in Beta mode but I think for the most part it’s easier to use (though I miss the option to change a guest’s status and/or comment) and evite now is very Facebook-like. Not only will this cut back on paper but you’ll save green (money) on purchasing invitations and the stamps to mail them. AND if you have changes or updates that’s simple, just email them straight from evite.

If your family will forgive you than skip the card sending too! You can make a card or letter via Microsoft Word or Publisher with all sorts of pictures and text and just e-mail them out. Printing cost zero; postage cost zero. It takes just as much time as creating any other card and will save you in the addressing time. You also won’t have to limit who you send it too, like if you only ordered 100 photo cards for the 102 people you owe cards too.

On a final green note, you save the gas and emissions of all the driving just to get your letters to their final destination. (More on lessening your paper party trail tomorrow.)

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: consume less, Eco friendly, evite, green, green tips, lower paper trail, Microsoft, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word

Windows Phone 7 …. Really?

October 11, 2010 By Momstart 11 Comments

I’ve been really excited about the New Windows Phone 7, until I found out that Verizon will not be carrying one until next year. Ugg, I don’t want to wait for a new phone, my phone is a technical dud that I want to throw into the bottom of the Ocean. I still find myself checking my e-mail and website from it all the time so I found this commercial hilarious. Aren’t we all like this, Really? We’re all so stuck on our phones and technology. I think the better you make a phone though, the more we’re going to be on it, not less. The only thing that keeps me off mine is that I can’t do everything I want to do!

I need a phone that I can do all of my social media on. I need twitter, facebook, a camera, a touch screen and a keyboard. Is that too much to ask from a phone. So will Windows Phone 7 really hold up to all of our expectations?

What do you think of the commercial?

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7 Phone, Windows Mobile

Save Money with Windows 7 Family Pack

October 7, 2010 By Momstart 1 Comment

Windows 7 has quite a few package options. I was asking my husband about it last night and he listed quite a few options and after looking at all of them, I know that families can save by purchasing the Family Pack at the Microsoft Store.

The Family Pack was introduced last year as a limited time offer and while supplies last in select geographies. As I was talking to my husband he said he had heard that the Family Pack was coming back and it is. Starting on October 22^nd (already out in the US, October 22 for the rest of the world in some markets), you will be able to buy the Windows 7 Family Pack, which allows you to install Windows 7 Home Premium on up to three PCs for $149.99 in the US. That is a huge savings. Retailer prices may vary by geographic location but will still be a great savings. You might want to act quickly as it quickly sold out last year.

All of this is a way for Microsoft to celebrate reaching the one year anniversary of Windows 7 and a way to make it easier for families. That is why they are bringing the offer back. It’s an easy and cost effective way to get an entire household’s PCs running Windows 7. When you run Windows 7 on more than one PC, you can use HomeGroup to quickly connect PCs (just a few clicks) and instantly share files, music, and photos across all the PCs in the family. You can also easily share a printer with all the PCs in your home. We have our entire house networked, all of our computers can see each other and the printer. It’s nice to be able to do everything from one computer. HomeGroup only works with other Windows 7 PCs. It’s not available on Windows Vista or Windows XP. It looks like if you need any help or have questions bloggers are answering questions at the Windows Experience blog.

I will be participating in a WIndows 7 test group as Microsoft is sending me a laptop on loan for one year with Windows 7. Of course, I’m already using Windows 7 and have been enjoying all of the benefits for a while now anyways!

Filed Under: savings Tagged With: Microsoft, Software, Windows, Windows 7

What do Microsoft, Netflix, and Moms have in common?

May 20, 2009 By MomStart 2 Comments

The desire to make lives easier on moms of course.

Every mom is always looking for ways to make life easier. Well, Microsoft (yes the big bad wolf is not bad at all, sorry, I LOVE MICROSOFT, my husband works at Microsoft and he still has a job so yes I really do love Microsoft and this post has not been sponsored by them in any way. I just wanted to share this wonderful information.)

Sorry for my little rant there.

Microsoft has teamed up with Netflix and created live streaming video at your fingertips (it’s really fast). Do you have Microsoft Windows Vista? If you do then you already have Windows Media Center if you don’t, then you should enter my contest.

By loading Windows Media Center you can have access to internet TV, all of your movies can be stored on your computer and you can play them with Windows Media Center. Now with the addition of Netflix, you have even more options.

Available today are more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly on any PC with Windows Media Center, which is included with Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate, and you’ll be able to search the entire Netflix library, manage your instant and DVD Queues and even filter searches by titles that are available to watch instantly.

To get started, simply click on the green button under the Start menu, and select the new Netflix tile under TV+Movies. There is even a free two week trial. Easy Peasy!

With the availability of Netflix in Windows Media Center, they are building on their broader vision to alleviate the need to jump from Web site to Web site to find the TV shows, movies, sports and news that you want to watch. With Windows Media Center, you can now find it in one place – with a consistent experience. You have all the options of stop, skip, fast forward, re-wind. If you have a touch screen computer you can scroll with your hands. Pretty cool.

Here is some random guy’s opinion on the topic.

“We’re continuing to work with the top content providers today to make watching TV on the PC a mainstream experience for the future,” said Craig Eisler corporate vice president of entertainment client software for the TV, Video and Music Business Group at Microsoft. “Consumers understand that content is the driving force when it comes to experiences, and with Netflix, we’re underscoring our broader commitment to deliver a rich experience with Windows Media Center.”

More of My Thoughts

I love the idea. We are already sold on the idea of Windows Media Center so adding on movies and TV access without having to go to the web browser is extremely appealing. So I’m probably going to be trying out the free trial. I was told that it’s only 8.99 a month for full access which is a whole lot cheaper than going to the movies or to Blockbuster every night. Saves us from having to go rent a movie and return it. We don’t even have to go to our mail box for the movie mail programs. It’s all at our fingertips.

Filed Under: announcements Tagged With: Internet TV, Media Center, Microsoft, Netfilx