Windows Archives - MomStart

Today Only: Save on Acer Aspire E15 ONLY $199

August 29, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

On August 29^th, for one day only, Microsoft customers can purchase an Acer Aspire E15 laptop for only $199! This offer will be available starting at 7am PT online at the MicrosoftStore.com and at select Microsoft retail stores in the US (including Puerto Rico). This full-featured, fast and lightweight value laptop comes complete with Windows 8.1, so you can run all of your favorite apps and services like Office, OneDrive and Skype. If you or your readers are looking for a great back-to-school laptop, this is the one!

· Limited offer. Valid 8/29/2014, while supplies last. Available in select Microsoft retail and online stores in US (including Puerto Rico) only. Not valid on prior orders or purchases. Not combinable with other offers. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit 1 per customer.

Play Maleficent Free Fall on Windows & Windows Phone #MaleficentEvent

May 16, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Disney launched its official Maleficent Free Fall app for Windows and Windows Phone this week. This is ahead of the May 30 movie premiere and is available for download in the Windows and Windows Phone

It looks a lot like the Frozen game that my kids love to play but instead of being Elsa or Anna you get to be Maleficent and there’s a little more to it. Maleficent Free Fall takes the match-3 fun of Frozen Free Fall but with a “dark” twist. You begin the game as a young Maleficent and journey through the map to explore her untold story, unlock her raven, Diaval and discover other mysterious surprises. You switch and slide the board of enchanted gemstones to create matches of 3 or more as you trigger cascading combos and conquer original objectives. As Maleficent, you use her green magic to instantly vanish the same color gemstones. You can also call upon Diaval to swoop down and rearrange the board, or cast tendrils of thorns to clear entire row and columns. And as you play, you unlock more unique power-ups and experience Maleficent’s fierce desire for revenge.

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.

Dell 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

Dell 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

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

Celebrate Dr. Seuss Birthday with Windows 8.1 Apps #WindowsChampions

March 5, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I wanted to find some apps that you could also find for Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 that also celebrate the birthday of our favorite cat. I found five apps that are great for you and your child to get into the world of Dr. Seuss.

The Cat In The Hat:

On a cold and wet day, two children are visited by a mischievous cat, wearing a tall, red and white-striped hat. To entertain the children, the Cat performs wacky tricks, creating a mess of the house. Will mother find out about the Cat and see the mess?
"I know some good games we could play,"
Said the cat
"I know some new tricks,"
Said the Cat in the Hat.…

Features:

Three reading modes: Read to Me, Read it Myself, Auto Play
Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
Professional audio narration
Custom background audio for each scene

The Lorax:

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,” proclaims The Lorax in this cautionary tale of greed and environmental destruction. The story recounts how the Lorax tries to save the Truffula Forest and its inhabitants from disaster at the hands of an insatiable factory owner. The Lorax’s pleas are ignored and tragedy follows. A Dr. Seuss classic, it also serves as an ecological warning that st…

Features:

Three reading modes: Read to Me, Read it Myself, Auto Play
Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
Professional audio narration
Custom background audio for each scene

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

"Did you ever fly a kite in bed? Did you ever walk with ten cats on your head?"
Such are the profound questions posed in this well-loved Dr. Seuss classic. Through his rhymes and riddles, Seuss’s intention is clear: teach children to read in a way that is both entertaining and educational. From a one-humped Wump and Mister Gump to yellow pets called the Zeds with one hair upon their heads, children will be entranced–so a…

Features:

Three reading modes: Read to Me, Read it Myself, Auto Play
Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
Professional audio narration
Custom background audio for each scene

Green Eggs and Ham – Dr. Seuss

"Would you eat them in a box? Would you eat them with a fox?"
This timeless Dr. Seuss classic has been delighting readers since 1960. Sam-I-am never gives up trying to convince his friend that green eggs and ham are a tasty treat. He tries everything – in a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox, with a goat, on a boat – to no avail. Then finally, finally his friend caves in… and tries them. And guess what? "I…

Features:

Three reading modes: Read to Me, Read it Myself, Auto Play
Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
Professional audio narration
Custom background audio for each scene

How The Grinch Stole Christmas:

The Grinch hates Who-ville’s holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. But the Grinch soon discovers the true meaning of the holiday, changing his heart forever.
New features only available in this omBook include professional narration, background audio and enlarged artwork for each scene. To promote reading in young children, individual words are highlighted as the story is read and words zoom up when pictures are touched. By combining the or…

Features:

Three reading modes: Read to Me, Read it Myself, Auto Play
Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
Professional audio narration
Custom background audio for each scene

Ways to Protect Your Children & Your Security On The Computer

February 25, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

My daughter has asked us to give her a computer that she can have in her room. She said she wants to chat with her friends on-line. I was sort of shocked because she’s in first grade. Are first graders really on-line already? We told her that she can use the family computer but she’s going to be supervised. I guess I have to face that fact that Kids are now growing up in the digital age where they are on computers and mobile devices earlier, it is important that we teach our kids good computer security practices early.

We use Windows 8.1 and with Windows we are able to set up children’s accounts and each child has their own account. In this account we can set permissions on what they are able to do. Which games they can play and what websites they can view are completely under our control. Plus we receive a weekly report on what they do. I love this feature.

Now, perhaps you don’t have Windows 8 or higher and want to know how to protect your children. With constant security breaches in the news, it is important to teach your family the importance of being safe online and keeping devices secure. VP of Marketing for Siber Systems, creators of password management software RoboForm, and Father, Bill Carey, can offer some advice and tips for practices that can benefit your family’s younger computer users and I asked him to share a few with us.

· When you’re done with using a website, log off and close your browser. This will prevent others from gaining access to your account.

· Create passwords that are at least 6 to 8 characters long!

· Create passwords with combinations of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

· Try the ‘First Letter’ method when creating new passwords. Take the first letter of your favorite expression, lyric, poem or movie, etc, and put them together in a creative way. For example: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star would become TTLS.

· Don’t choose or change your passwords on a public computer or in a public place such as a café or a library.

· Avoid logging into websites on publically used computers such as library computers or Internet Café computers.

Using Windows 8.1 Tablets In The Kitchen: The Belkin Tablet Stand

December 13, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

I wonder if you’re like me….

So it’s time to cook, or bake or you’re in a major hurry to get dinner done and you need a recipe so you look on the computer and your printer doesn’t print, or you don’t want to waste the paper. SO you use your computer, but if your husband were to come home and see the tablet on the counter he would FREAK!!!

(He’s afraid I’m going to spill something on it, with good reason but I don’t like to run back and fourth from the living room) So, AT&T actually came to my rescue with the Belkin tablet stand.

Tablet Chef Stand + Stylus ($40): Made especially for use in the kitchen, the Chef Stand + Stylus gives you the freedom to interact with your tablet while you cook—without worrying about touching your device with messy hands.

Look at all the counter space I got back too by using it. You do also have the option of getting a mount.

Tablet Cabinet Mount ($50): Bring your tablet into the kitchen without cluttering the counter. The Kitchen Cabinet Mount helps keep your tablet in view and securely suspended on any cabinet or shelf.

I tested out the stylus and I like it. It’s nice and chunky so it’s harder to drop, easy to grip even with slick dirty fingers. I was working with peanut butter so my hands were sticky and that saved my screen.

The case-compatible stand has a non-slip rubber base and two different angles that are ideal for countertop use. The wand allows you to follow recipes and browse the Internet without ever laying a finger on your screen. It comes with its own storage stand and is easy to grab while you’re busy handling food and other kitchen equipment. The magnetic tip works with any touchscreen and can be used to wake up an iPad® too.

I’m using the stand with my Lenovo Yoga and it’s a tight fit but it does fit. It’s awesome!

And don’t forget all the great cooking apps, like AllRecipes, How to Cook Everything, Butterball Cookbook Plus (essential this time of year), and the ever-popular Epicurious. And, More than one-third of American adults now own a tablet computer, almost double the rate from a year ago, according to a report published by the Pew Internet Center.

A Store Inside A Store? Microsoft in BestBuy With Great Deals! #win8holiday #windowschampions

December 6, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

I’m a Microsoft Windows Champion and receive products, sponsorships and information to share with my readers.

It’s the holiday season and of course you’re going to find really great deal on PC’s. A computer, or tablet or phone is a great gift to give someone this holiday season. In fact, statistically, 70 percent of consumers are going to get themselves a tech gift for Christmas in our family should count like three times because my husband got an Xbox One, a Surface Pro 2, and our kids are saving their money to buy themselves a new tablet. They want one they can call their own. And I’m impressed because they are willing to share.

With the probability of a tech purchase Microsoft wanted to make it super easy for you to find one of their items in a very easy way. Microsoft stores are only in cosmopolitan areas. So the partnership with BestBuy allows them to come into so many more locations.

I had the opportunity to work with Microsoft this past week and hold a local event. At this event we had Windows experts come in and share with us how easy it is to use Windows. Did you know that you can do a split screen and do two different things at one time. Just the other night I was streaming Dracula over Xfinity on one side of my screen and then on the other side was I was blogging. I seem to only be able to be really productive blogging if I’m able to listen and watch TV while doing it.

You can even do three screens if you really want to. There are so many apps now on Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone, and I love how Bing searches. Now when you do a search on your machine it will search all your files and all the internet. Then it displays the information for you in such an organized way. You can click on exactly what you were looking for. I think it’s perfect way for students to do research on topics because it shows you info and where the info came from. Also, the machines are made for multi touch which is perfect for gaming.

Windows 8.1 really is the best so far with all the integration built into it. It’s really meant for touch screens which is why it’s so great that touch screen PC’s are coming down in prices a great deal. I have some really great deals at Best Buy Listed Here.

The things that you can do on Windows Machines is amazing. My computer which I’ll be writing a review on is amazing. It’s only 3.6 lbs. and it keeps up with me. I haven’t had a computer that could keep up with me in a long time. They usually lock up on me. If you need to learn how to us Windows then stop into a Best Buy, or Microsoft store. They can run though many ways you can use these machines.

Windows 8.1 Apps You Should Be Using #WindowsChampions

November 7, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

I’m a Windows Champion and receive information and devices for review.

Windows 8.1 Apps you should be using!

Facebook: Keeping up with your friend is easier and more convenient than ever before with the official Facebook app available now on Windows 8.1. Get notifications on likes and comments, get updates on your Start screen, share photos and updates, and even have group conversations!

When I finally realized I had this app I was pretty impressed. You can still view Facebook from your browser or you can use an app, it’s your choice.

Netflix: Watch all your favorite TV shows and movies wherever you are as part of your Netflix membership! Browse sections, search titles and instantly watch as many TV episodes & movies as you want, as often as you want, anytime you want. What you start watching on one device, you can easily resume watching on another.

We don’t have a TV in our room so whenever I need to watch a movie from upstairs…..

Hulu Plus: Look no further than Hulu Plus to access the latest shows and acclaimed movies. Get unlimited instant streaming to shows like Modern Family, New Girl, Family Guy, and many more. Pin your favorite shows for instant access from the Start screen, and watch from full screen or snap to the side and watch while you work.

Adobe Photoshop Express: On-the-go photo editing was never so fun, fast and cool! Touch your way to better looking pictures with automatic fixes and filters, then upload to Adobe Revel to sync photos across your devices.

This is an amazingly easy to use app. I also love Fotor.

Nook: Get an incredible reading experience and choose from over 3 million NOOK books on your Windows 8.1 tablet and PC. Customize your reading experience to view books with different fonts, line spacing and themes, turn pages with the flick of a finger or jump to any page. Nook even comes loaded with free book samples!

Or any other reading app, like the Kindle App.

Four Quick & Easy Ways To Personalize Your Windows 8 or 8.1 Device #WindowsChampions

August 16, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Personalize your

Start screen

You can choose how your Start screen looks.

		To change your background, color and lock screen picture, open the Settings charm, select Change PC Settings, then select Personalize.

		To rearrange tiles, drag them to where you want them.

		To see all of the apps installed on your PC, swipe from the bottom of your Start screen or right-click. To pin an app, swipe-down or right-click it.

		To resize or unpin your tiles, swipe down or right-click them.

Personalize your Start screen

I’m a Windows Champion and wanted to share these tips with you!!!!

Share Save and Do More With SkyDrive #WindowsChampions

July 25, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m a Microsoft Windows Champion and they share information with me and it’s my job to pass it on to you. My husband and I use SkyDrive a lot, I’ve been using it for years actually. I have tons of my blog photos shared there, giving me more hard drive space locally on my computer. I can create slide shows or embed files like pdf documents directly into my blog posts. I love it, it makes my job (mommy blogger) that much easier. Plus, with Windows 8, I love how SkyDrive is integrated as a place I can directly save to when I’m creating documents. Then I can also use SkyDrive on any device. There are apps for Android and iOS where I can share my files and have access to them no matter where I am or whose device I’m using. Here’s more information for you guys about how to FULLY use SkyDrive to your benefit……..

Do more with SkyDrive!

SkyDrive is Microsoft’s personal cloud storage service, providing over 250 million customers with access to their files, photos and documents across all of their devices and platforms, including Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox, as well as Mac, iOS and Android devices. SkyDrive is directly integrated with Microsoft Office and lets users edit and collaborate on Office documents from any computer with the free Office Web Apps. To put it simply, with SkyDrive you can store more than 7k photos or 14k Office documents in the cloud for free! Harrison Hoffman from the SkyDrive team joined the Windows Champions a few weeks ago to show off how the tool works. Below are a few of his personal tips:

1. Share photos and files on SkyDrive.com

o Upload your files to your SkyDrive. (Files can be up to 2 GB in size, depending on how you upload them.)

o Select the item you want to share.

o Choose Sharing, and then decide how you want to share.

§ By email. When you share files this way, recipients will be able to see them when they go to SkyDrive.com and choose Shared. And you’ll be able to remove permissions for individual people later if you need to.

§ On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more—you can share SkyDrive files with any contact or network you’ve connected to your SkyDrive account.

§ With a link (handy if you want to copy and paste into an instant message or webpage).

§ After you share a file or folder, you can change its permissions if you need to. Just select it, and then choose Sharing. You can remove permissions to stop sharing the item, or, depending on how you shared the item, you can change whether people are allowed to edit the item.

2. Fetch Files from your PC

o Fetch files from your Windows PC remotely (from a separate Windows PC), even if they’re not saved to your SkyDrive account, as long as it’s connected to the Internet. To turn on fetch, right-click the SkyDrive desktop icon () in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar. (You might need to click Show hidden icons first to see the icon.) Then click Settings, and then check the Let me use SkyDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC option.

3. Embed files directly into your website or blog

o If you have a website or blog, it’s quick and easy to embed photos, videos, Office documents, and other files from SkyDrive. You can even customize how embedded Excel workbooks appear to other people.

§ Select the file you want to embed.

§ Click Embed, and then click Generate.

§ Copy and paste the code into the code of your website or blog.

For more information, check out the Windows Experience blog or follow SkyDrive on Twitter!