Steal the Ultimate edition of Microsoft office at “The Ultimate Steal”

For college students who want to enjoy the advanced features in Microsoft Office 2007, but cannot afford to pay Microsoft a fortune, the software giant is giving them an easier option “Steal it”. Now, most of you would be amazed if Microsoft is encouraging piracy? Well, actually Microsoft has introduces a promotional offer for the students names as The Ultimate Steal, which allows college students to buy Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate edition for a mere price of $59.95.

The retail market price for this is whooping $680. The other editions which are offered to students at a discounted price are

• Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007 [$55.95]
• Windows Vista Ultimate upgrade [$64.95]
• Microsoft Office Language Packs [$9.95]

Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 comes as a complete package with all the mainstream programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Office Outlook, Publisher, Access and Accounting Express 2008. This promotional offer started on 30th April 2008 and covered countries like Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain etc. Microsoft Officials are glad and announced that they take care of students who often require MS office for their studies but need more flexible ways to get it. The company has tried the pilot program in Australia before introducing the Microsoft Office Ultimate Steal in United States.

Microsoft has also faced much criticism that always comes along with good offers. Many school students who could not avail this offer claimed that by college it will be too late and Microsoft should open it for high school students as well. Some critics said that the high-end programs and applications that are available along with the ultimate edition are mostly of no use to students. All they need is Word, excel and PowerPoint. Microsoft should come up with some flexible offer in which students need to pay for only what they need.

In spite of the minor criticism, the overall launch of Microsoft Office Ultimate Steal was a grand success. The process to avail this offer is simple as well. All you need to do to meet the eligibility criteria is to have a valid e-mail address from an educational institution that ends with “.edu” or your educational institute should be listed in select institution. The eligibility criteria as posted in Microsoft’s Website –

1. You should have a valid e-mail address from an educational institution that ends with the domain suffix i.e. “.EDU”. For example Johj@oxford.edu. OR should have a valid e-mail address at one of the educational institutions listed here.

You must be a student at a U.S. educational institution and must be actively enrolled in at least 0.5 course credit and be able to provide proof of enrollment upon request

Windows 7 with full 64-bit support

Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 7 with 64-bit version runs beautifully with 4GB of RAM, enabling you to manage tons of applications with zero slowdown. This new version of Windows 7 also makes your system more futureproof, allowing you to take your system to 8GB, 32GB or even a terabyte, before too long.64 bit

However, hardware is the biggest issue. You cannot work with your 64-bit OS, if a gadget doesn’t have 64-bit drivers, as 32-bit drivers aren’t supported.

There are some software problems too. For example, sometimes Google’s Chrome may not operate efficiently with Windows 7 64-bit. Although Adobe Flash doesn’t run with 64-bit browsers, it can be operated with the regular 32-bit browser.

Using a 64 bit OS for a 64 bit processer can address far more than 4GB of memory, which is suitable for avid gamers, CAD, video editors and huge multi-taskers. While any 32 bit software will still be restricted to 4GB memory, a 64 bit CPU, OS and applications will take full advantage of the additional RAM.

However, if you possess a 64 bit capable CPU but use older hardware, then staying with a 32 bit version for the time being will be safer to ensure that you don’t require extra upgrades.

But if you have the latest hardware and drivers, it may be beneficial to step up to a 64 bit OS. For a user working regularly with 64 bit optimised resource hungry applications – like video editing, CAD and image packages – it would be especially advantageous to be able to work with more than 4GB of RAM along with the other improvements.

64-bit computing will soon be a common standard, as all hardware from the last couple of years has been customized accordingly. However, there is still a strong case for some users to stick with 32 bit Windows for the time being until a complete upgrade cycle has passed for the majority of users.
it's all about Windows 7 features .

Look for more things with better search option

The starter pack of Windows 7 makes it easier for small notebook PCs to use the operating system as it takes less time to boot, involves less clicking, and less hassle connecting to networks.

This edition combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. Although in previous Microsoft OS, Windows Search has a
familiar user interface for instant finding of files and e-mail messages located on your PC.

Windows 7 Home premium edition makes it easy to establish a home network and share all your favorite photos, videos, and music. With the help of Window 7 or windows xp 7 you can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV.

With Windows 7 Professional edition, you can run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode and recover data easily with automatic backups to your home or business
network. With Windows 7 you can also connect to company networks easily and with more security.

The Ultimate version of Windows 7 combines remarkable ease-of-use with the entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium and the business capabilities of Professional. And

for enhanced security, you can encrypt your data with BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. You can also work in any of 35 languages with this edition of Windows 7. These are the

features that give you a definite edge over earlier versions of Microsoft OS. I also think that the view your active networks section now looks much nicer and easier to understand.


Another interesting feature in Windows 7 is Reliability Monitor that allows you to know any future problem in advance. We often come across problems which might have been solved
if known earlier. But how to know what our system is lacking?

Reliability monitor

Windows 7 Reliability Monitor offers a solution. It demonstrates how well is your system by measuring the hardware and software performance of your computer. The tool calculates

the stability index of your system and specifies results in the range from 1-10 and thus from the results, you can get an overview of the overall performance of your system.

This feature was present in Windows Vista by the name of Reliability and Performance monitor but it has been renamed and further enhanced in Windows 7.

You can access this feature by following these steps:

STEP 1. Go to Windows 7 Action Center by clicking the Action Center icon in the system tray and and then choose Open Action Center.

STEP 2. Expand the Maintenance category, and click the View reliability history option.

STEP 3. Windows 7 will generate the reports in a graphical format and will display the stability of your system in the form of a graph. From here, you will be able to get an

idea about how well your system is performing.

Any failure will be marked down in the graph, which can provide the complete information. Hence, an easy way to know any abnormality in the system.

ReadyBoost: A way to speed up Windows 7

Microsoft has included an enhanced version of ReadyBoost on Windows 7, a new feature that speeds up your computer even in a low memory situation by using flash memory, in its latest operating system Windows 7, scheduled to be launched on October 22.

ReadyBoost, which also comes with Vista, make use of a USB flash drive or card as memory and it works with most of the flash storage devices.

In Windows 7, it can handle more flash memory and even multiple devices up to eight, for a maximum 256GB of additional memory. When you plug a ReadyBoost-compatible storage device into your system, the AutoPlay dialog box offers you the option to speed up your computer using ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can choose how much memory on the device to use for this purpose.

When you set up a device to work with ReadyBoost, Windows shows you the space recommended for an optimal performance. For ReadyBoost to effectively speed up your computer, the flash drive or memory card should have at least 1GB of available space. If enough space is not available for ReadyBoost, you’ll see a message asking you to free some space on the device if you want to use it to speed up your system. You can enable or disable ReadyBoost for a specific flash drive or other removable storage device.

Follow the given guidelines to enable this feature in Windows 7 :

STEP1: Connect a flash drive or flash memory card into your computer.

STEP2: Click Speed up my system, in the Autoplay dialog box, under General options.

STEP3: In the Properties dialog box, click the ReadyBoost tab, and then do one of the following:

To turn ReadyBoost off, click Do not use this device.

To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for ReadyBoost, click Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it will use the rest to boost your system speed.

To use less than the maximum available space on the device for ReadyBoost, click Use this device, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.

STEP4: Click OK.

Automate Administration with PowerShell

Windows PowerShell 2.0, a useful feature in Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, is a great boon to IT professionals yearning for a elevated management of computers in enterprises.

PowerShell 2.0 is built on the Microsoft .Net Framework and is especially designed for system administration providing great help to IT professionals to automate the administration of Windows operating system. The command tools in Windows PowerShell, named cmdlets, allows you to manage computers in enterprise.

Microsoft latest Windows 7 version also helps you to access data stores and supports Windows Management Instrumentation classes. The tool is designed to easily permit the addition of new features. Your own cmdlets, providers, functions and scripts can be added which enables you to use Windows technologies such as Active Directory Domain Services, Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption, the DHCP Server service, Group policy, etc.

IT professionals and developers might be most interested in these improved features in Windows 7 as it helps them to manage Windows at the command line. Developers can also use it to build script language

In a nutshell, following are the changes included in Windows 7 PowerShell:

1. More than 100 new cmdlets are included in Windows PowerShell.

2. Interactive session can be created with single computer and as many as computer can be run with the single command. A session can be established with it which allows you to receive remote commands from multiple computers.

3. With Windows PowerShell background jobs, you can continue to work on your session as the commands run in the background. Background jobs can be run on a local as well as on the remote computer.

4. With debugger, you can debug functions and scripts. Breakpoint can be set and removed with it and you can also check the values of the variables.

5. Modules in Windows PowerShell allows you to function as independent entity. Module package containing your cmdlets, providers, scripts, functions and other files can be distributed to the other users.

6. It supports new event infrastructure and transaction.

7. The messages and text can be displayed to users in multiple languages, with script internalization.

8. For enhanced user experience, not only help at the command line but also new online parameters are included in Get-Help cmdlet which opens updated version of each help topic.

The Improved Calculator in Windows 7

Windows 7 allows you to calculate fuel economy, distance, and fuel used in gallons or liters. Sometime you need to calculate a vehicle's fuel economy based on its distance and fuel used. To perform these, you do not need to visit websites or download additional software. Just use the improved calculator in Windows 7.
First, click the Start button- All Programs- Accessories then open Calculator. After that you can click on next and select "View", then "Worksheets", then one of the two worksheets to perform calculations involving miles or liters. These are Fuel economy (mpg) and Fuel economy (L/100 km).
From fuel economy worksheet pane you can perform three types of calculations such as Distance, Fuel economy and Fuel used.
Enter the needed values that will depend on the type of calculation. Click "Calculate" to display the result. You can select "Edit" - "Copy" to copy the result to the calculator, a Notepad file, or other document.

Windows 7 also allows users to prevent Security or Maintenance Messages in the Action Center. You will just have to disable unwanted messages in Windows 7.

Action Center alerts you about various computer problems such as the virus protection being out of date, a backup needing to occur, or if your computer needs to be restarted. Sometime you don't want theses messages to appear. You can disable these messages with the help of given steps.
Open Action Center by clicking the Start button, type “action center” or alternatively click on Windows Action Center flag in the Windows Taskbar. Click Change Action Center setting in the left pane in Action Center windows. On the next screen, uncheck boxes next to messages you do not wish to see. Message categories include: Security messages & Maintenance messages. Click "OK" to save your settings, then close the "Action Center" window.
In Windows 7 you can also access your favorites sites and folder from Taskbar by adding an additional Toolbar. In Windows 7, you can click the Start button and type in the name of a web address or folder to open up your web browser or Explorer. However, if you perform these tasks frequently then you can create an additional Toolbar. An "Address" Toolbar is easy option of navigating to web sites or folders. Just type in the name of your website or folder and press the Enter key. You can follow these steps to perform this task. Right-click an empty area of the Taskbar. Select "Toolbars" - "Address".

Your Account Picture How to change in windows 7

Microsoft’s Windows 7 release will be a boon for users as now they will be allowed to change the picture that appears on the Start Menu and Welcome screen in Windows 7.
While using Windows 7 you must have noticed a picture that appears when you click the Start menu or access the Welcome screen. A picture represents your account. You can replace this default picture with your favorite one.
You can follow these steps to perform this task. Click the Start button and then click on your account image to open the "User Accounts" Control Panel. When the "User Accounts" Control Panel opens, click "Change your picture" and then choose the one you like from the gallery and set as a default picture for your account.
After that you will have to click the "Change Picture" button, and then close the "User Accounts" Control Panel.
Taking up another issue, you can use setup to show the computer name on your Windows 7 taskbar.
You usually check computer name manually by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. But in Windows 7 release you can display it on Taskbar.
You just have to create a new folder in Document folder with the same name as your computer name. You can find your computer name by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. Right-click on an empty area in the taskbar and choose Toolbars, then click on New Toolbar. Now you want to browse to the location of the folder you just created. Choose that folder and click the Select Folder button.
Thats all. Now your computer name will appear on the Windows 7 taskbar.
Another Windows 7 update is that you can also get an effective package from Dr. Web CuireIt against all virus and spyware in Windows 7
When you update your system with Windows 7, then you need a comprehensive package because your existing antivirus will lose the compatibility.
Dr. Web comes with a most efficient Anti-Virus called Dr. Web CuireIt. Its extensive scanner and virus will scan the complete system even without installation. You can get it from the website link http://www.freedrweb.com, absolutely free. You can combine this package with Windows 7 install package. First, open the website with the above link. Press the button of "Download." Save the file on your desktop. Double click on the file and run the set up. Follow the prompt and at the end accept the Agreement form. Click on "Finish" after the process is complete.
You can run this program anytime, to scan your startup files and main memory. Depending upon the area you want to scan you can run this program under complete scan or custom scan. Press "Scanning" after selecting. After scanning the incurable files are moved to the quarantine directory.

How to Browse Internet on Windows 7 E Version

Microsoft introduced Windows 7 Version in reaction to statements made by the European government with respect to Internet Explorer. The EU introduced antitrust case against Microsoft to the group of IE with Windows and therefore the exploitation of dominant market position. The government claimed that "the linking of Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Windows operating system harms competition among web browsers, undermines the product innovation and ultimately reduces consumer choice."

Windows 7 version E is a response to this that shows that Microsoft must comply with the law. The E version is without any type of browser and therefore welcomes the European markets with Windows without any type of Internet browser now so they can use any browser of your choice. However, the question remains: HOW? If no browser at all how is it possible to download any web browser?

Microsoft has provided detailed information about installing Windows 7 E on its website. However, the instruction also includes an extra step for customers in Europe with regard to keeping the browser of choice in some external hard drive. Therefore, European customers that Windows 7 will save the web browser on a CD, DVD or USB or other storage media and install the browser once the Windows 7 has been completely installed.

This is a genius step taken by Microsoft, as they show they are following the laws, and to be able to get more revenue by providing additional CD web browser with the operating system.

John James is a professional writer with extensive work experience in the development of web services industry. The author has written several useful and informative articles on various topics related to IT and computer help .

iYogi Re-Defines Technical Support With Proactive Approach

Remote managed services are gaining a lot of attraction these days. Companies are looking to outsource the maintenance and monitoring of their IT infrastructure to a third party to improve efficiency and save costs. BizTech2.com caught up with Uday Challu, founding partner and CEO, iYogi, to see what the company has to offer in this space.
As far as Enterprise and SME customers are concerned, which verticals are you focusing on?
Our focus will mostly be on small companies with around five to 100 users and also firms that have multiple small branch offices like travel agencies, retail stores etc.
What kind of support services do you provide to your customers? What is the Green PC service?
iYogi provides the next generation of remote computer support services for consumers and businesses. For consumers, our live 24/7 support extends to technologies we use everyday, including hardware, software applications, devices, peripherals and networking equipment. iYogi also offers a full range of business IT solutions including managed monitoring, managed services, set-up and installation services, and incident-based services.
Green PC Service
With the current state of the global climate and increasing dependency on the computer, iYogi helps PC users reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time. iYogi’s Green PC service is the first in the independent computer support industry to offer customers a way to save money, conserve energy and protect the environment by optimising their PC’s efficiency. Consumers and businesses can save up to $200 per year, per desktop, in energy costs with iYogi’s Green PC application. This green application makes the computer environmentally friendly by reducing power consumption by almost 50 percent.
Our Green PC dashboard helps customise power settings and calculate power savings in kWh (kilowatt hour). The Green PC dashboard also gives a status on the reduction of CO2 and how responsible usage will benefit the environment by saving trees. A customised service that increases the energy efficiency of computers, undertakes the below-mentioned three primary initiatives:
- Computer assessment, analysing settings and PC energy use- Customised efficiency planning geared specifically to the individual’s usage patterns- Implementing setting changes to maximise the computer’s energy use
What are the technologies that allow you to offer 24/7 support and ensure there is no downtime at the client site?

We have invested significantly in developing a comprehensive monitoring and management tools stack. This enables us to manage and monitor all devices in the office network as well as for branch offices and mobile users. Our tools continuously monitor the customer’s network and notify our NOC (Network Operations Centre) in case of problems. Based on the set of events, tickets are automatically generated and escalated to corresponding teams. Over and above our proactive approach, the customer always has an option to call our 24X7 support line for issues that are not identified via the monitoring tools.
Please throw some light on your proprietary iMantra technology.
iMantra is a CRM system, which is tailor-made to suit the emerging business needs at iYogi. It allows for the formation of individualised customer relationships with the aim of providing personalised services to each subscriber. This tool is built on the latest java technology with a layered architecture that makes it scalable and secure. This architecture provides a seamless workflow and independent channels for various business needs: sales, support, quality and customer service. The entire system can be exposed in the form of secure APIs and Web services, which makes it a re-usable entity.
Your business model is similar to BPOs in India providing technical support to offshore customers. What unique values do you bring to this ecosystem that would help a potential client choose you over a competitor?
iYogi’s business model is different from traditional BPOs. Some key factors that differentiate iYogi include:

- Direct-to-consumer and -small business: iYogi delivers technical support services directly to consumers and small businesses and is a global technical support brand based out of India. Unlike traditional BPOs in India, iYogi does not provide any private label support and/ or work on behalf of large OEMs or software publishers.
- Optimised Processes: iYogi has developed proprietary processes for consistently delivering on a resolution rate of 87 percent, which is among the highest published benchmarks in the support industry, where averages hover in the range of 50 percent.

- Comprehensive technology platform: iYogi’s global delivery platform, iMantra, gets smarter with every customer interaction. It documents every problem, the solution and relevant hardware and software aspects, while capturing each customer’s demographic information and creating a behavioural profile. All of this information is at the fingertips of iYogi’s Global Tech Experts. This set-up combines a knowledge base with a comprehensive set of tools and technology expertise. iYogi offers a range of tools that complement its remote support services for helping customers maintain technology at peak performance levels. iYogi’s products include iYogi Smart PC Scan, iYogi Support Dock, iYogi Green PC and iYogi PC Optimisation.

How do you plan to move up the value chain in the times to come?
The growing use and penetration of the Internet and new Web-based applications has consequently opened the door to threats and vulnerabilities, which affect the system performance and ultimately lead to degrading performance. If the threats are diagnosed early on, the impact on efficiency can be minimised considerably. Currently, a user only realizes that he needs technical support once the damage has occurred and reactive methods of support are used to recover from the loss.

At iYogi, we are developing our capabilities to not only provide support when demanded, but to also monitor, pre-empt and fix threats before they can cause any damage to the computer. This will be possible only by combining technology with processes that are capable of re-defining the way technical support is delivered today.

What is your India strategy?
Technically, we are capable of servicing any geography including India. At this stage, we are looking for the right kind of partners to find access to potential customers and provide them a consolidated, 360-degree solution and services for issues relating to hardware, software, network etc. We aim to launch our India services in the coming six to eight months. Our services will offer clients a one-stop solution for all their business needs.