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You are here: Home / Archives for Windows Champions

3 Tips to Keep Your Accounts Safe While Traveling #GearUp #VZWBuzz #MoreSeattle

August 17, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Keep your Account Safe during Travel

1. clip_image002Add security info, and keep it up-to-date – One of the most important things you can do to help protect your account is to add security information, i.e. a mobile phone number or alternative email addresses. Attempts to enter your account with an incorrect password, or from an unknown location, will require you to verify ownership; something that’s likely to occur while you’re traveling. With security info in place, you simply need to verify ownership using the unique code sent to your mobile phone or email account. This helps keep you in control of your account, while keeping the bad guys out. Go ahead and add multiple phone numbers and email accounts if you’d like, and if you’ve already added security information to your account, just make sure it’s up-to-date.

2. Install an identity verification app before you travel – For those times when you’re traveling out of cell phone range or set your device to airplane mode, you can use an identity verification app to access your account. Identity verification apps use industry-standard security code generation, and work with various other services and providers. To get the app, go to your Microsoft account security settings page at account.live.com/proofs/manage, and click ‘Set up’ under “Identity Verification Apps.” Details can be found here.

3. Travel with your own device – In today’s digital world, it’s pretty common to use technology while traveling. It’s a great way to stay connected, watch movies, play games, check-in for flights, and more. If this sounds familiar, and if you use services attached to your Microsoft account while away from home, then we recommend traveling with a personal device whenever possible. It’s more secure than a public computer, and Microsoft is far more likely to recognize the device, greatly reducing the chances of you having to verify you’re the rightful account owner.

Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: gear up, Micorosoft, tech, Windows Champions

Top 5 Tips for Back to School on a Budget #GearUp #BackToSchool

August 15, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Gear Up for back to school with Microsoft’s money saving tips.

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  1. Get Office 365 University: $79.99 USD for a four-year subscription
    At just $1.67 per month, college and university students can’t afford not to get Office 365 University. Get the latest Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook) for two devices, including PCs, Macs, iPads, or Windows tablets. A subscription also includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and 60 minutes of Skype PC-to-phone world calling per month.
    1. Download OneNote: Free app for most popular computers, tablets, and phones and on the web
      This year, make OneNote the single place for all your notes and information. With this digital notebook you can type, handwrite, paste and insert class notes and research anywhere, and organize them in notebooks and sections that are automatically saved and searchable. Additionally, it’s easy to share and collaborate with classmates for team projects and group assignments.
    1. Keep it in OneDrive: Free app for most popular computers, tablets, and phones and on the web
      Here are five reasons to cross that USB-drive off your shopping list and use OneDrive:  1) You get 15 GB of cloud storage for free; 2) You can’t lose OneDrive; 3) You can easily store and share photos, videos, documents, and more; 4) You can access OneDrive on any device; 5) You get 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage with an Office 365 Home or University subscription. 1 TB is the equivalent to approximately 50,000 trees made into paper and printed. That’s a lot of trees!
    1. Use Office Online: Free on the web
      Who said nothing in life is free? Office Online offers free web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote that let you create, view, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations and notes. The best part is, no one needs an Office 365 subscription to work together on a team projects. With Office Online, students can collaborate on group assignments more easily, and parents can share the carpool schedule without having to send bulky attachments.
    1. Take the Acer Aspire Switch 10 to class: $379 USD
      Not only does this device save you some serious cash, it’s the ultimate convertible of PCs. Rain or shine, it can be used in four modes – use it as a tablet, notebook or put it in tent mode to watch movies, or give a presentation. Not to mention, it’s compact and sleek so you can rest assured you got good looking device at a screaming deal.

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: gear up, Micorosoft, Money saving ideas, tech, Windows Champions

    Emergency & Natural Disaster Preparedness Apps #VZWBuzz #WindowsChampions

    June 2, 2014 by Momstart 1 Comment

    Microsoft offers several resources and tips to keep you safe and out of harm’s way during natural disasters. As a Microsoft Brand Ambassador and also a Verizon Wireless ambassador currently using a Windows Phone, I wanted to share these aps with you guys. Last week was Hurricane Preparedness week and my mom lives in the panhandle of Florida so I know all too well about how one needs to be prepared for a hurricane and other natural disasters.

    Stay Connected

    help bridge screenshot

    Use technology to your advantage: During times of disaster, social media and texting are quick and effective ways to communicate with friends and family. Last year, Microsoft launched HelpBridge, an app designed to help people connect with one another, and with volunteer and donation opportunities, during any type of disaster. HelpBridge is a free cross-platform mobile application (Windows, Android, iOS) that provides you with the ability to send status updates to pre-selected contact groups via email, SMS, Twitter and Facebook. Through your phone’s GPS capabilities you can also choose whether to share your location in your alerts. Today, Microsoft released an update to the app including a new easy to navigate User Interface and push notifications. In times of disaster, Skype on Windows or Windows Phone can also help you stay connected via the internet or a mobile device when phone services are down.

    Plan Ahead

    Develop a family emergency plan:  One of the best ways you can weather the storm is to prepare for it. Microsoft Excel offers several free templates, including emergency contact lists and family emergency plans. Remember to plan for senior citizens and pets in your household, and communicate this plan to family and friends so they are aware. Your plan can be accessed during a disaster by saving it to a cloud service, like OneDrive on Windows or Windows Phone, so you can access your documents on any computer or smartphone – even when Internet access is not available. 

    The United States Department of Homeland Security also offers several resources and games to make disaster preparedness planning easy for the whole family, including Facebook application, bReddi, which helps you and your family prepare for emergencies. The American Red Cross and FEMA provide extensive preparation guidance and status information for various types of natural disasters, including hurricanes.

    Use Your Resources and Take Action

    clip_image004Monitor your health information: Quick and reliable access to your health and medical information is important to ensure the appropriate medical aid during a natural disaster. HealthVault on Windows and Windows Phone helps you gather, store, use, and share important health information for you and your family by creating an emergency profile. Here you can manage and track your family’s medical contacts, allergies, medication, immunizations, and health conditions.  Your medical providers can securely log in and see a full picture of your history and medical needs.

    Download the HelpBridge app on here and visit Microsoft Disaster Response site to learn more about the Microsoft Disaster Response program. 

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: emergency apps, natural disaster apps, tech, Verizon, vzbuzz, windows champion, Windows Champions

    Microsoft’s Wireless Mobile Mouse 1850 #WindowsChampions Giveaway

    April 3, 2014 by Momstart 122 Comments

    You’ll find Microsoft’s new Mobile Mouse 1850 very helpful when trying to do your taxes, or stay on top of your finances from the road. Make your life easier and spend a little of your tax refund on this value mouse, that retails for only $14.95.

    clip_image001

    Designed for comfort and portability, the Wireless Mobile Mouse 1850 is great for life on the go, offering wireless freedom and built-in transceiver storage for ultimate mobility.

    clip_image005

    Comfortable to use with either hand and with a scroll wheel for easy navigation, this mouse is the ideal device for your modern, mobile lifestyle.

    clip_image004

    Key Features:

    1: Scroll Wheel, Move through documents and webpages quickly.

    2: Comfort and Portability, Compact design to fit in your hand and go wherever you go.

    3: Plug-And-Go Nano Transceiver, Leave the nano transceiver plugged in when you’re on the go, or stow it in the mouse.

    clip_image003

    Comes in quite a few different fun colors.

    clip_image002

    We use a wireless mouse with our TV, yes we get our TV through our computer and it’s nice to have such comfort in the palm of your hand. Not only the comfort and ease of controlling our computer from the couch but also the comfort of the mouse in our hand. Thanks to Microsoft I have one of these mice to giveaway.

    Enter to Win

    an 1850 mouse

    To Enter:

    tell me which color you want to win

    Extra Entries:

    Please use the rafflecopter and leave a way for us to verify it

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Filed Under: giveaway, Tech Tagged With: giveaway, Microsoft, tech, Windows Champions

    3 Tips For Budgeting and Taxes Using Windows Apps #WindowsChampions

    April 2, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

    I’m a Windows Champion and receive devices and information to share with my readers.

    Whether you’re interested in maximizing your refund or streamlining your finances for the year ahead, apps from Windows and Windows Phone have your back.

    1. Check Your Status

    Everyone has the same question as they’re filing their taxes – what’s my refund going to be?! Apps on Windows and Windows Phone remove the guesswork. Try TaxCaster on Windows Phone, utilizing the same calculator found in TurboTax, to quickly enter some basic information and watch your refund amount add up. Once you’ve filed, MyTaxRefund on Windows will allow you to quickly check the status of your return and give you an immediate estimate of when you can expect your refund.

    2. Make the Most of Your Refund

    Sure, you’ve probably already made plans for how you want to spend some of your refund once you get it. What about the rest? Invest and maximize your refund with Bing Finance on Windows Phone and Windows, which helps you stay on top of fast-changing market conditions so you can make the most informed financial decisions. Keep an eye on all of your investments with SigFig, and sync all of your accounts in one place to track all of your stocks, funds, 401ks and IRAs in real time, available on Windows and Windows Phone.

    3. Budget Tips

    clip_image002Get in the mood to save more money for next tax season. On both Windows and Windows Phone, Mint helps you understand where you’re spending your money with helpful charts and graphs that make saving easy. Use Billminder on your Windows Phone or laptop to keep an eye on all of your monthly bills so you never miss a payment (and know how much you have left to spend!). Save for the next step of your life with MoBu Financial Management on Windows Phone and Windows. MoBu allows you to view your current financial assets as well as the opportunity to simulate your future savings with how much you can save in 5, 10, or 20 years!

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: Apps, budgeting apps, tax apps, tech, windows 8.1, Windows Champions

    Ways To Stay Up To Date with March Madness Using Windows Apps #WindowsChampions

    April 1, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

    I’m a windows champion and receive devices and information to share with my readers.

    Apps from Windows and Windows Phone will ensure that you not only stay on top of your game, but every game, amidst the madness this March.clip_image002

    Follow every remarkable three-pointer, every blind-siding upset, every single score and every heart stopping finish with NCAA March Madness Live on Windows and Windows Phone, or Bing Sports on Windows and Windows Phone. Whether you’re stuck at work or trapped running errands, it doesn’t matter anymore. Get up-to-the-minute score updates on-the-go from ScoreMobile on Windows Phone or CBS Sports, on both Windows and Windows Phone. Itching for an instant replay? Catch every basket with WatchESPN on Windows wherever you are, and check out The ESPN App, also on Windows, to supplement your experience with deeper analysis on your favorite teams.

    Make sure you’re not the one missing out on any of the insanity this month.

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: Apps, tech, windows 8.1, Windows Champions

    3 Great Dell Devices to Own #WindowsChampions

    March 31, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

    I’m a windows champion and received devices and information to share with my readers.

    clip_image002Dell Venue 8 Pro

    Your ultimate productivity companion.

    Key Features:

    · 8” tablet powered by a quad-core Intel Atom processor

    · Crystal-clear HD 800p touchscreen; front and rear-facing cameras

    · Running full Windows 8.1, including Microsoft Office and Windows legacy apps

    · Dock with a super-thin wireless keyboard (optional) 

    · Optimized for production with Dell Active Stylus (optional)

    · Streams video, photos or presentations to your TV through Miracast technology

    The Dell Venue 8 Pro begins at $299.99

    clip_image004Dell XPS 11

    Beneath its style lies swift power.

    Key Features:

    · 11.6” 2-in-1 powered by an Intel Haswell Core processor

    · Features UltraSharp LED Backlit QHD resolution touch display (2560 x 1440)

    · Offers four-way flexibility: tablet mode, tablet stand mode, tent mode, and laptop mode  

    · Strikingly thin and light, with a carbon fiber and machined aluminum build

    · Features Intel HD Graphics for intense video playback

    · Innovative solid-surface touch keyboard protect your keys in tablet mode

    The XPS 11 begins at $1149.99

    clip_image006

    Dell XPS 18

    Desktop Power Made Portable.

    Key Features:

    · Spend more time away from the outlet with 5 hours of running time

    · Built in flip-out feet to keep the device upright

    · Lightweight at only 5 lbs., comfortable for gaming and homework

    · Large display, optimized for collaboration and sharing

    · An 18.4" Full HD (1080p) touch screen

    The XPS 18 starts at $899.99

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: Dell, Windows, Windows Champions

    Windows 8.1 Apps For Your Spring Cleaning Needs #WIndowsChampions

    March 30, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

    I’m a Windows Champion and received products and information to share with my readers.

    Spring has sprung or is still trying to spring and getting organized and cleaning out is at the top of my list. I’ve already cleaned out my garage, or at least cleaned out the first layer of my garage. Now I want to clean my finances, computer, files and rest of the house. Here are some Windows 8.1 apps that can help you with all of your Spring Cleaning organizational needs.

    clip_image002

    Mint: (available on Windows and Windows Phone) Offers a simple and organized way to get your finances in order and keep you on track. Set budgets, track accounts, set helpful financial reminders, track when bills are due, and do more with your money. Just link your accounts and multi-touch graphs quickly show where your money is going.

    HealthVault (available on Windows and Windows Phone): Take control of your health and keep your most important health information at your fingertips with HealthVault for Windows. Track progress toward health goals, manage weight by tracking exercise and diet, monitor health information, and even discover trends in your health and fitness!

    Tasks by Telerik (available on Windows and Windows Phone): Put an end to the chaos in your personal affairs with the Tasks app. It will become your best friend for planning, organizing and monitoring the progress of all your projects.

    clip_image004OneNote (available on Windows and Windows Phone): The key to keeping your life organized! Take notes that save to the cloud so you have them when you need them and easily sync to your Windows Phone for quick access anywhere.

    AboutOne (available on Windows and Windows Phone): This popular organizing app gives you fast and easy access to the information you need to take care of your family, budget and home. Easily link to appropriate contacts when you’re organizing household paperwork or managing memories, and synchronize between your Windows device and smartphone.

    ReadingList (available on Windows and Windows Phone): With IE11 and Windows 8.1, reading across devices is simple as the app and site work together side by side. The Reading List app in Windows 8.1 remembers where you left off and allows you up to pick right back up at that spot, from any of your Windows 8.1 devices. When you’re finished reading, simply swipe the article away to move on.

    My Wine Lists (available on Windows ): Pair food and wine like a Sommelier! Track your favorite wines, find the perfect food clip_image006pairing, and share with your friends! Search over 50,000 wines to create your own virtual cellar.

    NovaMind Mind Mapping (available on Windows): Visualize your information by putting your ideas in an attractive and interactive visual format. Create to-do lists, brainstorm new ideas, plan your work, problem solve, see the big picture, and drill down important details. 

    SkyDrive (recently re-branded as OneDrive; available on Windows and Windows Phone): Store any file on SkyDrive and it’s automatically available to access or share from any device. With SkyDrive, your files in the cloud are just a touch away. You can easily view, upload and share your files on SkyDrive, and even access your SkyDrive files across Windows apps.

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: Apps, Spring Cleaning, tech, windows 8.1, Windows Champions

    Skype: Connecting The Family with Face Time #WindowsChampions

    July 2, 2013 by Momstart 3 Comments

    clip_image002Skype: Skype is the always-on app that makes staying in touch with all your contacts easier than ever. If you can’t be with your Dad on Father’s Day, mom on Mother’s Day, family on Thanksgiving or Christmas, Skype is the next best thing. No matter if you’re on a PC, Windows Phone, Mac, tablet, iPhone or Android device, Skype keeps you connected and always available. (Free)

    I’m in Texas because my grandmother is in the hospital. I travel all the time and while I’m dealing with mixed emotions I really really miss my kids. I don’t usually have all this extra time on my hands when I’m away from home but I have had a lot of time. So I decided that I’m going to make skype work on my phone. All I had to do was install it and sign in with my Windows Live account which is the same way you sign into Windows 8 on your computer. My husband called me and the first time I answered on my laptop. It worked great.

    IMG_5749

    Then when I was at the hospital visiting my grandmother I called him on my phone and we skyped phone to phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 and He has a Windows Phone 8x. Then I made sure that my moms phone works so she could call the kids when I go home. My mom has an iPhone 4 and hers worked really well. We chatted over skype. Then my husband called me with his Microsoft Surface and I answered with my phone. It was so great, I actually tucked the kids in over the phone. They were going to bed. I miss them so much but seeing their smiling faces helped so so much. It really lifted my spirits. I needed to see my kids and their faces. Zoe was able to tell me how they went shopping and I could really see the excitement on her face and how much fun she was having with dad. Miles talked to me once for about 2 minutes and then I could hear him yelling I love you mom. But he was too busy to talk to me the second time. Oh how I really need a hug. We did give each other hugs and lots of kisses. IMG_5750

    So from device to device and network to network Skype keeps connection the family.

    Filed Under: personal, Tech Tagged With: face time, Family, skype, tech, Windows Champions, Windows Phone

    How to Grow Your Readership and Audience #WindowsChampions

    June 19, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

    This is information that I received from Duane Forrester. I’ve had the chance to listen to Duane Forrester speak twice. Once while I attended the Windows champion press trip and then again on a call with the Windows Champions. I’m a Windows Champion and occasional receive products that I share with you. This time, I’m sharing with you some tips I learned from Duane Forrester that will help you grow your influence, readership, audience.

    image

    Duane shared the following tips:

    He is a Senior Product Manager with Bing’s Webmaster Program.  Previously, he was an inhouse SEM running the SEO program for MSN in the US & Americas. He’s also the founding co-chair of SEMPO’s In-House SEM Committee, was formerly on the Board of Directors for SEMPO and is the author of two books: How To Make Money With Your Blog & Turn Clicks Into Customers

    The Secret to Success

    • Build social followers & fans organically
    • Wall posts/tweets with links are perceived as more credible and useful
    • Get the basics of SEO covered, then focus on content
    • It’s worth repeating: unique, compelling content still works

    To do these things however, you need to understand a few things. like you really need to understand what authority is and how the browsers view authority. Duane works on Bing and has been an SEO expert for YEARS. So you should pay attention to what I’m sharing with you.

    What is Authority?

    • Authority, as defined by a dictionary means an entity is a holder of power: somebody or something with power
    • Know the topic inside out
    • Engage your community
    • Share useful content freely
    • Be consistent and useful
    • Market your strengths
    • Be a go-to resource
    • Learn to spot trends in data
    • You’re an authority when others say you are

    So it’s important that you have such great quality in your posts that people come back to you, they link to you and that they know whenever they come to your site you are going to share something amazing with them. You also need to understand how to have and be a community. Community is one of my weakness, I don’t spend enough time with you guys. I’m often surprised that you come back for more but appreciate ever so much that you do.

    Community

    • Be a valuable contributor
    • Peer recognition points to your authority
    • There are communities for everyone today
    • Being recognized takes time
    • It also takes consistency
    • If you make a mistake, own it and move on

    And finally, you can’t be in this blogging business without understanding social media, your reach and how to achieve it.

    Why Social Matters to Search

    • Signal of topical authority
    • Real-time – engines want fresh content, fast
    • Integrated social signals influence click actions of searchers
    • Social signals remain only a few of thousands of signals for organic ranking

    Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: Duane Forrester, tech, Windows Champions

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