Computer Support For Network Interface Controller

Network Interface Controller or NIC in short form, is a networking device, used by a computer for communication through a network. It is the networking component, into which network cable is plugged. This device is also known as Network Adapter, Network Interface card and Local Area Network Adapter. It is installed in the host computer to enable the host to be connected to the Local Area Network. Some computers have built in NIC while the others have removable cards which could be replaced if any need like changing the baud rate or bandwidth arises.

Brief History Of NIC

Token Ring was the earliest network configuration and protocol designed and developed by IBM. Computers, connected through token ring network cards, use two different paths to transmit and receive data. Later on, 5 Base T networking standard,also known as Ethernet standard, was developed in early 1970s. Using this standard it was possible to transmit and receive data over a thick coaxial cable over a distance of 1km at a baud rate of 5 Mbits/second. After that, prolonged and painstaking research for more than one decade yielded the 10 Base T standard which was able to transmit and receive data through twisted pair of cables at a much higher baud rate. The twists also helped minimize electromagnetic interference. Then 100 Base T, Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Data Digital Interface came in quick succession. 100 Base T standard, also known as fast Ethernet improved the baud rate considerably. Using the latest Gigabit Ethernet standard, it is possible to transmit and receive data at the baud rate of 1000 Mbits/second.

Working Principle Of NIC

Earlier, the NIC used to be connected to the computer bus through expansion card. Later, due to cheap price and easy availability, the NIC was integrated with the motherboard itself. Nowadays many latest motherboards come with dual integrated network interfaces. In some computers, network interface is implemented on a cheap dedicated Ethernet card, which is connected to the motherboard through PCI Express bus.

Network Controller uses multiple different methods to transmit and receive data, such as interrupt driven method, polling method, Direct Memory Access.

In the interrupt driven method, the peripheral generates interrupts when it receives data or when it is ready to transmit data. The polling method continuously monitors the peripherals to check whether any data has arrived or the peripheral is free to transmit data. In the Direct Memory Access method, the peripheral directly communicates to the memory chip and accesses data without the intervention of the microprocessor.

The typical Ethernet NIC comes with RJ45 socket, to which the network cable is connected. Earlier versions of NIC had AUI or BNC connectors mounted on the card. LEDs are used to indicate the status of the NIC.

Types Of NIC

There are multiple types of NIC based on connection types and speed capabilities,like 10/100 Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet,Fiber Optics Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet,etc.

10/100 Ethernet cards can transmit and receive data at the maximum speed of 100 Megabits/second. This type of NIC is typically used in small business enterprises or home based activities. Generally PCI,PCIe or ISA interfaces are used by these cards to connect to the computer motherboard.

Gigabit Ethernet cards are capable of data communication at the maximum speed of 1 Gigabits/second. These cards use mostly PCIe interface to connect to the motherboard.

Fiber optic NICs employ fiber optic cable to transmit and receive data at the maximum speed of 100 Gigabits/second.

Wireless Ethernet cards are connected to the main computer through wireless router.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6565722

Microsoft Product Support Reports

The Microsoft Product Support Reporting Tool facilitates the gathering of critical system and logging information used in troubleshooting support issues. This information helps diagnose problems in the software quicker and provide solutions.

The tool offers the ability to select the particular scenarios for which system configuration data will be collected: General, Internet and Networking, Business Networks, Server Components, Windows Update Services, Exchange Servers and SQL and other Data Stores (MDAC) . Depending on the particular system configuration and the categories selected, Microsoft Product Support Reports might take between 7 to 25 minutes or more to complete the data collection. Please read the readme.txt files for more details about the information collected by each category.

There are two executables, that correspond to each specific OS architecture, 32 or 64 bit. Please make sure to download the version that correspond to your system architecture.

You may install and use an unlimited number of copies of MPSReports solely for the purpose of gathering system information necessary for your support professional to provide you with technical support services requested by you. All other purposes are not supported by Microsoft. Please refer to the EULA for more detailed information regarding your usage rights.


System requirements

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2 (32-Bit x86), Windows Server 2003 R2 x64 editions, Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit

* Requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

* Requires Windows Powershell 1.0

* Requires Windows Installer 3.1

* Requires Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0

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Instructions

1. Download the executable specific to your OS architecture, 32 or 64bit.
2. Copy the file to the system having the problem.
3. Double-click the executable to launch the report gathering tool.
4. Accept the Microsoft License Agreement.
5. Follow the steps as guided by the Wizard.

Microsoft and Intel Help Bring Technology Access

New york is the first state to launch an official program of this kind, developed through a public-private partnership, as a way to encourage technology adoption. The program includes the following components:

* Professional development, technology training and free technology tools from Microsoft Partners in Learning and Intel Teach, made accessible through any of the more than 400 New York State Teachers Centers sites for more than 300,000 educators.
* Teachers will be able to purchase discounted technology through an online store, available today, which offers a range of Microsoft software products and computing devices, including PCs, laptops, slates and tablets from a number of manufacturers.
* The Tech4Teachers Program is accessible to any public, private or pre-service teacher who is or becomes a member of the New York State Teachers Centers.
* The Teachers Centers will help subsidize the cost of required professional development and technology training for participating teachers to maintain their certification.

"Because a teacher's job requires long hours preparing lessons, individualizing instruction and connecting with parents, having the technology tools they need to complete this work outside the classroom becomes essential," said Sig Behrens, general manager for U.S. Education, Microsoft. "This partnership extends Microsoft's commitment, through our Shape the Future program, to ignite digital access and education tools, not only to students, but also to those who teach them. Technology, brought to bear to support quality teaching and parent engagement, will help to drive positive outcomes for New York's students."

Microsoft and Intel are working to scale the Tech4Teachers program to other states across the country, as part of ongoing efforts by both companies to provide educators with impactful and relevant resources to improve 21st-century skills in the classroom.

"As technology dramatically changes our society, educators must master the skills and behaviors of professionals in the digital age," said Eileen Lento, Ph.D., Intel Americas K–12 strategist. "Programs like these are essential because they empower teachers to drive change in our schools and in our classrooms. Today's educators must be equipped to provide a learning environment that takes students beyond the walls of their classrooms and into a world of endless opportunities."

"Teachers are passionate about helping their students succeed and recognize the need to stay current with tools that can help them do that," said Stan Silverman, co-chair of the Technology Committee of the New York State Teachers Centers. "What we need in the classroom are people who are going to push the boundaries to help students learn, and it is our belief that teachers who are comfortable with technology at home translate those experiences directly into the classroom."

Today's announcement is an extension of the Shape the Future program, unveiled last week at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. The program aims to provide 1 million students from low-income families in the United States with the benefits of software, hardware and broadband Internet service over the next three years. The commitment is focused on filling the gap in home access to technology, and it helps give students in digitally excluded homes the skills training they need to compete in the global market, to increase employment opportunities and to contribute to their communities' economic recovery.

Source : sacbee.com

Get Microsoft Help Support

The online technical support world has grown vaster following the burgeoning need for technical support services across the world. Being the most widely used applications, Microsoft products dominate the global software product market. The larger the use of Microsoft applications is, the higher the tendency of occurring technical problems is. There are several instances in your life when you do rounds of a local repair shop or call a technician friend to fix the major or minor glitches in your computer. You might have been irritated with the fact that such problems sometimes take longer than ever to resolve and sometimes never come to. The last problem can only happen if you have not contacted a reliable Microsoft-certified professional. So, your next question may be where to find the great Microsoft product support from?

Well, there are a number of third-party service providers that provide online tech support services for problems related to Microsoft products such as Microsoft Windows XP setup, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Outlook etc., and other software applications also. Generally, these providers have a team of certified, skilled professionals that undergo rigorous training before getting on to the technical support job.

These professionals are generally reachable via a toll-free phone service or internet chat. You simply have to subscribe to their yearly plans and get going with their certified technical support services anytime and anywhere. The services are available round-the-clock and throughout-the-year so that whenever you have a problem with your PC, you get the resolution instantly. So no matter what time zone you are in, what place you are at, you will get your problem resolved without delay and at the comfort of your home. Easy and professional it sounds, the outstanding the experience it offers.

The best thing is that the entire troubleshooting process does not usually stretch beyond 15-20 minutes unless the problem is extremely bigger. Most of the problems are fixed in the first call thereby sidelining the need of calling again and again. Besides, the technical experts advise you how to keep your PC problem free and run it smoothly and faster. They also document all the troubleshooting steps and your information in their record for the future interaction purpose.

These services are intended to meet the requirements of all the users ranging from home, small and medium businesses (SMBs), large businesses, enterprises, to professionals etc.

Microsoft itself offers technical support for its products. Further, Microsoft technical support would only entertain its Microsoft products but not other software products, peripheral, or non-computer devices. However, third-party service providers offer better and lower-priced support plans than Microsoft tech support itself. Besides Microsoft Windows XP setup, these service providers resolve issues related to your computer (any make); peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and routers etc.; and non-computer devices such as PS3, XBOX, Roku, and Apple TVs etc.

It is strongly recommend that you should rely only on Microsoft-certified professionals as they know the products very well and use latest tools and technologies to resolve any technical glitch occurring in your PC or peripherals etc.

Source : EzineArticles

How to Install Windows Help & Support

One of the great features of Windows is the Help & Support files. No matter what issues and questions you may have, the help files are always of assistance. Believe it or not, many issues can arise that could cause these files to disappear. Fortunately, if the help files are inaccessible, the Windows website is an excellent resource. It isn't hard to reinstall the Help & Support files to your operating system.

1. Go to "Run." Type "regedit."

2.Navigate to the following registry key "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/App Paths."

3.Double click "HELPCTR.EXE." Right click "Default" in the right window and click "Modify."

4.Type "C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\HelpCtr.exe," without the quotation marks.

5.Click "OK." Exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows.

source : EHow

Microsoft Technical Problems

A variety of resources are available if you experience technical problems with any Microsoft product. As Microsoft software is widely used, most problems that can occur are well-documented.

1. Options
Microsoft has a large presence on the Internet and it is likely you will find the solution to your problem online. Two particular resources may hold the information you need to resolve technical issues: Microsoft Technet, aimed at IT professionals, and Microsoft's support pages, aimed at consumers.

Both resources are easy to search; if you have a specific error message, searching for the message will usually yield relevant information.

2. Alternative
A wide range of third-party online resources also deal with Microsoft technical problems. Searching for the specific problem you are having with a search engine will usually yield plenty of information.

3. Support
If you need further help, you should be able to find someone in your local area qualified to solve technical problems. Many computer engineers have undergone specialist training in Microsoft's product range. Check online or in your local telephone directory to find suitable technicians.

source : eHow

Microsoft Announce Statewide Partnership

The Microsoft IT Academy Program will help prepare the next generation's workforce.
MICROSOFT LOGO Microsoft company logo. (PRNewsFoto/Microsoft) REDMOND, WA UNITED STATES
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Microsoft Corp. announced that Virginia is the third state in the nation to launch and implement the Microsoft IT Academy Program at all public high schools statewide. The Microsoft IT Academy provides students and teachers with real-world technology skills needed to thrive in the 21st century global economy. The partnership highlights Virginia leadership's commitment to produce the most technology-savvy and literate workforce in the world. The adoption of the Microsoft IT Academy Program will help ensure equality of access to every high school across Virginia, regardless of location, size or economic status.

Speaking about the Microsoft IT Academy Program in Virginia, McDonnell said, "In today's global economy, it is essential that our students are prepared for the skilled and technical jobs that are driving job growth today and will continue to be important economic drivers in the future. Since taking office, this administration has been looking at ways to provide more innovation in our classrooms and better prepare our students in the STEM subjects. The Microsoft IT Academy brings greater technology to the classroom and ensures that students in every corner of the Commonwealth have access to a quality technology education."

The Microsoft IT Academy is a comprehensive program that supports ongoing technology education for students, teachers and other education professionals spanning computer basics to high-level programming, along with information and communications technology management. The program features access to online learning content, official Microsoft course materials, instructor resources and support materials, including lesson plans, software licenses, and professional, industry-recognized certifications. There are more than 10,000 Microsoft IT Academy members in over 160 countries.

"For nearly three decades, Microsoft has been committed to contributing to education reform by developing technology and programs that help improve teaching and learning," said Sig Behrens, general manager for U.S. Education, Microsoft. "An important part of that commitment is helping students develop the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. We are excited to partner with Virginia to help ensure students graduate from high school with Microsoft skills and certifications that are widely recognized by employers and can give students an edge in today's competitive job market."

The deployment of the Microsoft IT Academy Program and teacher-readiness plan is being managed through the Virginia Department of Education. Phase I will begin with the following 30 high schools and nine regional career and technical education centers this fall, with the intent that all high schools participate by the end of the school year.

* Arlington County — Technical Education and Career Center, Washington and Lee High, Wakefield High and Yorktown High
* Buena Vista — Parry McCluer High
* Carroll County — Carroll County High
* Chesapeake — Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology
* Chesterfield County — Chesterfield Technical Center and Lloyd C. Bird High
* Cumberland County — Cumberland High
* Danville — Galileo Magnet High
* Fairfax County — Edison High, Marshall High and Westfield High
* Frederick County — Sherando High
* Halifax County — Halifax County High
* Hampton — Phoebus High
* Hanover County — Hanover High
* Henrico County — Deep Run High
* Henry County — Magna Vista High
* Isle of Wight County and Suffolk — Pruden Center for Industry and Technology
* Loudoun County — C.S. Monroe Technology Center
* Lynchburg — E.C. Glass High
* Norfolk — Norfolk Technical Center
* Prince William County — Battlefield High and Forest Park High
* Richmond — Richmond Technical Center and Thomas Jefferson High
* Roanoke — Patrick Henry High
* Roanoke County — Burton Center for Arts and Technology
* Russell County — Castlewood High and Lebanon High
* Stafford County — Brooke Point High and Colonial Forge High
* Tazewell County — Richlands High
* Virginia Beach — Advanced Technology Center, Landstown High and Ocean Lakes High
* York County — Grafton High


Students are able to earn certification, such as the Microsoft Office Specialist, the Microsoft Technology Associate or Microsoft Certified Professional, by completing the Microsoft IT Academy coursework and passing industry-recognized certification exams, giving them skills employers seek. By spring 2012, the Virginia Department of Education is recommending that all high schools use the Microsoft IT Academy curriculum in various career and technical education courses, such as the computer information systems course sequences.

More information on Microsoft's efforts in education is available at http://www.microsoft.com/education. Details on the Microsoft IT Academy program are available at http://www.microsoftitacademy.com.

More information from the State of Virginia is available at http://www.governor.virginia.gov.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

source : prnewswire.com

Microsoft, AT&T, Premier launch new ACO consortium

Microsoft, AT&T and Premier are among a group of healthcare IT leaders that have launched a new consortium designed to help providers participate in accountable care organizations.

The consortium is called the Accountable Care Community of Practice, and according to its leaders, the group "is committed to collaborating on issues of mutual concern for the benefit of providers that are developing or planning to develop an ACO or accountable care strategy."

Founders of the organization include Intel, Greenway, Dell, GE Healthcare, the eHealth Initiative, Microsoft, HP, Siemens, HIMSS, AT&T, Cisco, Ingenix, Manatt, Premier and PWC.

[See also: Microsoft enters healthcare IT market.]

Founders of the Accountable Care Community of Practice (CoP) joined other stakeholders and lawmakers on Capitol Hill Sept. 13 to raise awareness for healthcare IT as part of National Health IT Week.

Justin Barnes, co-chair of Accountable Care CoP asked attendees "to foresee and support a healthcare solution, not a healthcare system, that integrates all providers into a community of coordinated care."

"In this solution, providers are not just referring patients, but sharing data and care plans, lab results, testing options, diagnoses, medication history - and equally important - patient adherence history," Barnes said.

Reps. Phil Gingrey, MD, (R-GA) said he was “especially pleased” to advocate on behalf of healthcare IT. “I look forward to the positive impact that HIT will have on healthcare delivery in the United States,” he said. "A positive economic impact is that new health IT jobs are added to develop and implement more and improved HIT solutions to advance care delivery."

According to Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), the adoption of electronic medical records and cutting-edge information technology by the healthcare industry is a win for patients, providers and the American economy. "Health IT is already paying off in Florida, from the adoption of electronic health records in South Florida's hospitals to the Florida Department of Health's innovative use of technology to better track pandemics and other threats to public health," Deutch said.

Charlene S. Underwood, HIMSS board chair, and senior director of government and industry affairs at Siemens Medical Solutions, said HIT can help providers deliver higher quality and consistent care, while healthcare organizations can increase efficiency and reduce costs.

source : healthcareitnews

Microsoft Help - Windows Forum

When looking for Microsoft help it is better to use the email solution center. It is a very simple structure that will give you quick answers right from the start. It is preferable to writing or waiting for other solutions. You should always ensure that there are facilities through which you can check out the progress of the usage systems. The people that have brought the Windows Suite are looking for the best ways to utilize the program features. There is also a solution center that is meant to help you to fix certain problems that could arise. Some users are not happy to go along with automated solutions. They need human support. Obviously this is a decision that you will need to consider within the context.

The product activation solution center will help to wipe out illegal usage of the product. If you have bought the product outright then you have nothing to fear from this center. It merely provides you with an overview of the various elements that are used to market the product. You need to ensure that you follow the protocols for activating the product or else it could shut down. The antivirus and security center is very important for users that are online. There are all sorts of viruses that are affecting the systems within the Microsoft Suite. You need to be prepared to make certain adjustments in order to improve your uptake of the basic issues that relate to the product.

If you want to be part of the community of Microsoft users then you might join the Tech Net forums. There are also MSDN forums that provide very interesting information about the product. The experts will provide you with ongoing support by defining the parameters of the system and the types of things that you can do in order to improve the functionality of the product. Perhaps the only thing that is lacking is a series of bespoke solutions. It is normally the practicality of the process that determines whether there will be individual solutions. You can make the right inquiries and hope that there will be support for your specific version of the product.

An overview of the Microsoft programs

It is estimated that most users are not completely conversant with the product that they are employing. A simple program such as Excel might have many elements which users will not touch. All these features are designed to help you with your work. Therefore you need to read the forums to see whether they provide some information on how best to use the tools. It is always in your best interests to take this sort of action. A program that is well understood is likely to serve you well.

Article Source: EzineArticles

How to install Network printer in Windows XP?

Preparation
In order to install a network printer, you must know your printer's Manufacturer, Model Name, and IP Address.

• The Manufacturer and Model Name can be found on the printer case, an example is HP LaserJet 4000N .

• The IP Address can be found on a label attached to the printer. An example of the IP Address is 141.161.888.999.

Setting Up a Network Printer

1. Click on the Start button, then click Control Panel, then click Printers and Faxes, then click Add Printer.

2. A new Add Printer Wizard window opens. Click Next to start.

3. Select Local printer attached to this computer. Make sure Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer is NOT checked.

4. Then click Next to continue.


5. We will create a new port for your network printer. Select Create a new port.

6. Beside Type of Port, click on the down arrow, then click on Standard TCP/IP Port.

7. Click Next to continue.

8. A new Add Printer Port Wizard will open. Click Next to continue.

9. You must now type your printer's IP Address in the Printer Name or IP Address field.

10. The Port Name will automatically be filled when you enter the IP Address. Do not change the Port Name.

11. Click Next to continue.

12. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS, then you will see the screen on the right. This means that the IP Address for the printer is NOT available on the network. Select the Back button and make sure you entered the correct IP Address. Check to see that your network printer is powered on and displays a 'ready' status.

13. IF YOU DID NOT HAVE PROBLEMS, Windows XP will scan the network to find your printer's IP Address. This may take a few seconds. Select Finish to continue.

14. You must now select the printer's manufacturer and model. Windows XP will automatically select the detected manufacturer and printer driver. Normally, you will not have to change this selection.

15. OPTIONAL: If your printer is listed but you have more than one printer model to choose from, please select the model with PS, if available.

16. IF your network printer is NOT automatically detected, select the Windows Update button to find the proper software drivers.
17. You will be prompted to confirm the selected printer driver. Make sure Keep existing driver is selected, then click Next to continue.

18. You will be prompted to assign the printer a Name. You can use the default name, or add more info to indicate the printer location, such as My Office, Hallway, Foyer, Room 222, etc.
19. Select Yes if you want to use the printer as the default printer. Click Next to continue.

20. You will be prompted to share the network printer. Do NOT share the network printer.
21. Click Next to continue.

22. You will be prompted to print a test page. Select Yes, then click Next.

23. Check your network printer to make sure your page printed. Select Yes when prompted to confirm a successful test page.

24. Click on the Finish button to complete the Add Printer Wizard.

Microsoft Help - Live Support

Microsoft, a software giant, which develops, manufactures, licenses and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices. It has launched a series of operating systems, which includes Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and others. Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, and others are the Office suites released by the software giant.

Microsoft help is available from its support website on all its products. While working with its products, if you face any sort of issue you can visit its support website. You will get help on many topics from its support website related to its products. A brief description of Microsoft help is as follows:

Microsoft Help Topics:

Microsoft help is available on all its operating systems, whether Windows 7 or Vista. If you are working with Windows 7, you can get help on many topics like how to get benefitted with its features, keyboard shortcuts, and many more. In case you want to migrate to Windows 7, you can receive a lot of information about how to install Windows 7, what are its minimum system requirements, which edition is best suited for you, and others.

Article Source: http://goo.gl/pZY1U

Microsoft Windows Support Tools

Microsoft Windows support tools offers a variety of help and ways for computer users to gain knowledge about their operating systems. You can find answers quickly by typing in the subject you want to learn about. You will be able to look at more ideas, information and downloads so you discover what you need to know about Windows.

Windows Help Manual


Microsoft provides a Help and Support manual for all users--from beginner to experienced. You can find it by clicking on the “Start” button and clicking on “Help and Support” on the right side of the menu. If you have just gotten a new computer and want to acquaint yourself with it, you can go to the “Help and Support” section to learn about getting started. You also can learn about the basics of Windows and read about other topics such as security and privacy, printers, games and sound. The Windows Help Manual is part of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Windows Remote Assistance


If you start having trouble with your computer, you can get help from an expert of your choice by using the Windows Remote Assistance program. Using this program, whomever you choose can connect to your computer even though he is not sitting next to you. To use Remote Assistance, the two computers that will link together must use the same Windows program, and both computers should be connected to the Internet or another network at the same time. Finally, both computers must install Windows Messenger in order to make the Remote Assistance program work.

Microsoft Answers


On the Microsoft Answers page, you can get information about the different Windows operating systems and ideas about doing more with your computer, along with useful downloads. You can browse the “Help Topics,” and if you cannot find the answer you can type your question into the search bar, which will direct you to the proper site. You can also connect to community-based forums, where numerous members may provide helpful information. Microsoft Answers also gives tips about installing, upgrading and activating Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.


Read more: http://goo.gl/IIJza

Microsoft Windows 7 – Future of Operating System

Windows 7, the upcoming and latest version of Microsoft Windows is the successor of the famous Windows Vista Operating system. It is an incremental upgrade to the Windows line of operating system that aims at being compatible with all the hardware and software applications with which its predecessor is compatible. Some interesting features of Windows 7 include a touch screen functionality, a completely new task-bar, larger thumbnail previews, Internet Explorer 8, a home networking system that is known as HomeGroup and of course enhanced performance. This operating system was initially slated for a January 2010 release, which has now been postponed for the holiday season of 2009.

Looking at the features and functionalities, the Windows 7 appears to be similar to Windows Vista, however it is not so. With the Windows 7, you will be able to defragment multiple hard drives at the same time, create a sandboxed user account for children so that they are unable to mess with the Windows and programme settings. In fact with this operating system, you can encrypt the USB flash drives to protect the data and files. Also, a number of tools have been provided for fine-tuning the display settings for crisp colors and clear text.

System Requirements

Microsoft is reported to claim that the recommended specifications for a system to have Windows 7 is same as that for Windows Vista Premium version. A bets version of the upgrade advisor can be used to scan the computer and check if it is compatible with the new Windows 7 operating system. The system requirements include a processor clocked at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM and 16 GB of available disk space.

Security Functionalities of Windows 7

Today every person has loads of important files and data stored on their laptops or desktops. In case someone else who is less experienced with computers uses your system, then there are chances of mess-ups happening. In case of Windows 7, the changes made by a guest account is completely reversed, as in the files saved by them are deleted and the changes made to the system's settings are also annulled. This can be done by enabling the PC Safeguard option in the guest account. The guest account which has this function disabled will be able to make changes entitled by the administrator to the guest user. You can even lock or control your applications by using AppLocker. It restricts the users to just the applications specified by you, providing you with more control. Windows Security Centre application has been replaced by another application known as Action Centre. This Action Centre alerts you about the maintenance of the computer, issues with back-ups and also some kind of potential security problems.

User Account Management

With the Windows 7 operating system installed on your computer fewer warnings and alerts are supplied as well as more useful User Account Control tweaks are offered. For safeguarding the USB flash drive, you can activate BitLocker feature provided by this operating system. Windows 7 has included all the troubleshooting applications into one single "Find and Fix Problems" applet, which is situated in the Control Panel. This applet checks for all kinds of incorrect settings and repairs it.

Trouble-Shooting Assistance

If an application is acting weird and not functioning properly in the Windows 7 operating system, then the user just needs to start the "Problem Steps Recorder" application and hit the record tab. It will make note of the step by step process for completing the task. Windows 7 is offering a Resource Monitor in place of Task Manager that displays full detail of the number of processes currently running in the system along with particulars about the how they are utilising the RAM, CPU, network and hard drive. Additionally the Windows 7 operating system has introduced many new shortcut keys for user friendly operation.

Verdict

Overall, the Windows 7 operating system can create a productive and efficient work environment, provide better security and data protection whilst offering easy to use user friendly functionalities.

Source : http://goo.gl/rhWNX

Windows Vista Operating System Laptop Freezes

Problem :

After i updated my realtek LAN driver from hp support centre, my windows keeps getting freezed. I have tried installing older versions but no use, whenever i am using LAN it keeps getting stuck. I am using Windows Vista 64-bit, can anyone help me find any compatible driver?

Solution :

If you tried system restore it may have worked. That or a driver rollback through Device Manager. However, I would suggest that in a case like this you go to device manager then uninstall the driver for the network card. Then try and reinstall the previous driver version.

Fix Office 2010 Activation Problem With Expired CD Key

Problem :

I have installed Office 2010 on a system and enter a product key that I retrieve from my technet subscription. Upon trying to activate Office 2010 I receive a message that tells me that I have reached the limit of activations for that particular key. So I retrieve another key from my technet subscription. How do I enter the new product key? I tried searching the KB database and forums but am having no luck. I know this is not an unusual problem. Do I need to uninstall and reinstall using the new product key?


Solution :

First, for the error “You have reached the limit of computers on which you can activate the product”, the issue may occur as the Opa14.dat file is corrupted. We can try to rename or delete it.



1. For Windows XP, go to: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Office\Data

For Windows Vista/Windows 7, go to: C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Office\Data

2. Right-click the Opa14.dat file, and then click Delete.

Important Do not delete the opa14.bak file.

3. Close the folder.

4. Start an Office 2010 program to start the Office Activation Wizard.



Second, if you want to enter a new product key, you can go to Control panel > Add/Remove Programs (XP) or Programs and Features (Vista/Windows7), locate the Office program and click Change. Then select Enter a product key.

Fix Office 2010 Activation Error

Problem:

When I try to activate Office 2010 Professional Plus x64 on Windows 7 x64 RTM, The activation fails. I was able to retrieve some entries from the event log which may point to the problem (pasted below). I downloaded the beta twice, and used two different keys in the hope that the initial key was corrupt. This was not the problem. Office seems to be working correctly, but the title bar is red, and has a comment "(Product Activation Failed)". I have tried activating using Word and Excel, and both exhibits the same problem, the activation code is accepted, but the product does not activate.


Solution :

Can you try activating (setting the key) through control panel / uninstall a program / right-click Office 2010 / choose "Change" (not uninstall).From the setup dialog that comes up (may take a minute) you are supposed to be able to enter a key (I cannot myself; possibly because mine was installed with an MSP and is set to use an Office KMS). But I have been told that you can do this.

Fix Office 2010 Error 1935 and Error 0x80070005

This is typically a permission or sharing based error and may relate to the Office version which is already on the computer (in the case of an Office 2010 upgrade). Other errors that we've seen during upgrades from Microsoft Office 2007 are: error 1309, error 1335, error 1706, error 1923, error 1935 and error 2908.

To fix the error, make sure that you have closed down all instances of any Microsoft Office application that is running on your system, these may include any of the following:

• Word
• Excel
• Access
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Communicator

In addition to the above, we have had reports that some Anti-virus programs interfere with the installation, temporarily disable your Anti-Virus programs, install Office 2010 and then re-enable the your AV solution. Programs we've seen having problems with Office 2010 installation:

• Forefront Client Security
• Panda Cloud Antivirus
• Clam Antivirus

Also check the task manager to see if you have any background Office tasks running. If so, shut them down. Retry your installation again.

If you experience the same error once again, try restarting your computer and once rebooted, retry your installation.