Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Microsoft released the first official service pack for Windows 7 today. This is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7. SP1 also includes new improvements to features and services in Windows 7, such as improved reliability when connecting to HDMI audio devices, printing using the XPS Viewer, and restoring previous folders in Windows Explorer after restarting.

There are different ways to install Windows 7 SP1. But before you start downloading, please note that you may need to keep from 750MB to 7400MB of free space (depending on the version of Windows) on your Windows partition to be able to install it. Also check if your Windows 7 is already updated to SP1. You can find this by looking under System in Control Panel, next to System type.

The easiest and safest way to install SP1 is using Windows Update service. If you use this, then your total download size will be 750MB for 32-bit Windows 7, and 1050MB for the 64-bit version. For this, you need to click Start, click All Programs and click Windows Update. In the window that opens, click "Check for updates" on the left. In the list of updates, you will see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB976932), select it and click OK. Click Install updates to start downloading and installing the update. Enter your administrator password if prompted for the same. This method requires your computer to remain connected to the internet while the update downloads and installs.

The second way is to download the from the Microsoft Download Center. Choose the version of SP1 according to your Windows version and click Download. Run this downloaded file to install SP1.

There is also a provision to order a DVD from Microsoft containing SP1 from here, but it is valid only for users living in U.S. or Canada.

Please note that Geniune Windows validation is required to be able to download Windows 7 SP1.

Source: techtree

New Features Of Windows 7

1. Opening multiple Instances of the same program

Want to open multiple instances of the same program? Maybe a second command prompt or another application that can be opened in multiple instances? Instead of opening the program again the usual way you can simply press the SHIFT key and left-click on the first instance in the Windows Taskbar to open a second one.

2. Problem Steps Recorder

If you ever had to do phone support you know how hard it can be to understand what the user on the other end of the phone did and wants. The Problem Steps Recorder is a sweet little tool in Windows 7 that can be used by the user to record his steps.All that the user needs to do is start the recorder by entering psr in the Start Menu box and click on Start Record in the program interface. Screenshots will be taken from user actions. It is possible to add comments at any time if the user feels so. The whole recording will be saved as a zip file containing a slideshow of the actions.

3. Pin Favorite Folders

Want to add a favorite folders to Windows Explorer to be able to access them faster? Just drag and drop the folder to the favorites menu. It will remain there until you delete it with the delete key again.

4. Moving Windows and such

Windows 7 introduces several new keyboard shortcuts for window management. Some useful ones are:

* [Windows Shift Left Arrow] or [Windows Shift Right Arrow] to move windows from one computer monitor to another.
* [Windows Left Arrow] or [Windows Right Arrow] to dock windows to the left or right side
* [Windows Up Arrow] to maximize a window
* [Windows Down Arrow] to restore or minimize windows
* [Windows Home] to minimize all windows but the active one

5. Shortcuts to start pinned taskbar items

Pressing [Win Number] will start a new instance of a pinned taskbar item. You should also note that the items can be dragged and dropped into different positions easily.

Source: ghacks.net

Dell shows off 10-inch Windows 7 tablet

Dell is working on a 10-inch tablet running Windows 7, for release later this year. The company showed off a non-working model of the device at a US event yesterday, and our buddies at CNET.com were in attendance. It looks like a bigger version of the Dell Streak, but will be aimed more at businesses.

You want specs? A release date? Likely pricing? You don't got 'em. Dell kept details of the new device firmly under wraps, other than saying it will use an Intel processor. Dell's pitch for the device is about as far as you can get from Apple's 'magical' iPad rhetoric, mind.

"The upcoming tablet is designed for end-users who need greater mobility, as well as IT organisations that demand control, security, manageability and integration with existing infrastructure investments," drones the company. "Dell's tablet will empower a more mobile workforce in a way that offers customers the business applications and corporate data they need, while meeting regulatory mandates and IT requirements."

Angry Birds may not be a priority, in other words. Even if that's what most mobility-craving IT organisation workers will spend most of their tablet time playing.

Dell did confirm that the Windows 7 tablet will be accompanied by an Android version, which we assume will have less of a corporate focus, although it is unclear at this stage whether it will take the Streak name or not. We were fairly impressed by the original 5-inch Streak tablet last year, although notably more so when its software was updated to Android 2.2.

We'll leave the Windows 7 tablet to the suits, but a 10-inch Streak will be an interesting prospect -- although given competition from the likes of the Motorola Xoom and LG Optimus Pad (not to mention Apple's iPad 2), Dell will have to pull out all the stops to stand out from the crowd.

Source:crave.cnet.co.uk

Windows 7 Starter

Windows 7 Starter has been specifically designed by Microsoft for the low end market that includes most netbooks and other PC hardware that has to be sold for the cheapest price possible. The main reason for this edition is to provide manufacturers with a Windows 7 edition that they can put cost effectively on their low end products.

Windows 7 Starter has caused lots of controversy after the publication of the feature differences between this edition and the other – more expensive – Windows 7 editions. Here is a short overview of what users can expect to get when purchasing a computer that is running Windows 7 Starter.

32-bit only support
Home Group join only
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows Media Player 12
The limitation to three concurrent applications running on the system has been the focus of criticism. Some application types, antivirus software for example, are exempt from the limit. It still means that users will face serious difficulties and often disappointment when they reach the limit. Additional limitations are 32-bit support only and the ability to join Homegroups but not to create them.

Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Starter is missing several features that are included in the other editions. The next operating system in line is Windows Home Basic which will only be made available in emerging markets. The Home Basic edition does not have the application limit, offers 32 and 64-bit support and comes with the desktop window manager, partial Aero support and the Windows mobility center.

Concurrent Applications Unlimited
32-bit and 64-bit mode support
Home Group (Create & Join) Join Only
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows Media Player 12
Desktop Window Manager
Windows Mobility Center
Windows Aero Partial
Windows 7 Home Premium

Take a look at what Windows 7 Home Premium ships with that is not included in the Starter edition:

Full Windows Aero support.
Home Group (Create & Join)
Multi-Touch
Premium Games
Windows Media Center
Windows 7 Professional

The next edition in line that builds up on Windows 7 Home Premium is Windows 7 Professional which adds another set of features to the operating system that is not included in the Starter or Home editions:

Windows Server Domain support.
Remote Desktop Server support.
Location aware printing.
Encrypting the file system
Presentation mode
Windows 7 Ultimate / Windows 7 Enterprise

Finally there are the Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise editions that provide access to features that all the other editions do not provide:

AppLocker.
BitLocker Drive Encryption
BranchCache Distributed Cache
DirectAccess
Multilingual User Interface Pack
Virtual Hard Disk Booting
Take a look at our Windows 7 Features article for an in depth comparison and graphics that outline the differences between all Windows 7 editions.

Asus to Showcase Windows 7 Tablet at CES 2011

Asus is slated to show off its latest tablet with an Intel Core i5 processor inside and running Windows 7, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2011 at Las Vegas, USA.

Known as the Eee Slate EP121, this tablet has a 12-inch multi-touch display and has a high performance Intel Core i5 processor. However, we expect it to be one of the lower powered laptop processors that should not affect battery life too adversely when compared to the processors in other tablets. The tablet will have an HDMI port, webcam, expandable storage and USB port. There is a stylus bundled along with this tablet, to take care of all your productivity needs.

While Asus makes no mention about any specifications such as the weight or size or even the battery life, it can be easily assumed based on its larger screen size and the laptop components inside, that this will be heavier and larger than the iPad. But Asus is vying the corporate with this product, so the EP121 is definitely not competing with the iPad, even though it is a notebook.

Asus is also preparing the Eee Pad, which is an ARM-based alternative to the Slate, and this may compete with the iPad and other tablets of its kind. Running Google's Android Honeycomb, it is slated to be out near the end of Q1 2011, that is, if Google can get the latest version of its OS out before that time.

Know How to Fix Blue Screen Error

Blue screen crash will display all of your pending and an error screen that suddenly come to light that informs you that your screen is frozen. In addition, some errors DLL will also appear and ask if you recently added any new hardware or programs on your computer.

When this incident comes, they have gone mad, especially if you have not saved or finish something you're working. Of course, you have to do your job again from the beginning. You would be really upset and angry, no? So what can you do to fix blue screen error like this?

The easiest and fastest way to solve this issue is to run a registry cleaner software. And if you've decided to let a technician fix your computer for you, stop there, you do not want to pay for something you can fix yourself, right?

Also, if you want to ask about any technician may be able to resolve the accident, which will undoubtedly tell you that it is a very complex matter and therefore should be treated by a professional like him. If the technician is not to say there will be no business left for him.

But in reality, what is going to do is just run a registry cleaner in the drive and then asks for the payment of reparations and the software used. Furthermore, unloading, installation and repair of the blue screen error using a software is not very difficult to do and that saves time and, well, why would you pay someone else just to make something simple for you?

Here are some things you can do to fix and solve your blue screen crash. This is especially useful if you're not familiar with the technical team and just want quick and simple solutions.

1. Restart your computer
Sometimes the blue screen comes out only once and then not again for a second time. In this case, a simple restart is just what you need to resolve the blue screen crash.
On the other hand, if the problem is more regular, you may have to deal with other things.

2. Replace your random access memory (RAM)
RAM is a hardware that is permanently installed inside the computer's motherboard. It is a rectangular piece that holds the information. This is where the CPU gets the instructions. And once this equipment is not functioning normally, without doubt, the computer crash in the blue screen. And so, the replacement of the RAM can be a solution.

3. Run a registry cleaner
A registry cleaner can eliminate errors in your record. This record stores all information about the software, drivers, applications and games that are installed on your computer. And in time, it can get bad, because some obsolete entries are not deleted and can lead to what they call the "blue screen of death."

Fix Blue Screen of Death Error is easy to do with registry cleaner. If you Scan Your Computer it will detect all the errors in your registry and safely remove them.

Security in Microsoft Windows 7's

Windows 7 security is the top most dominating feature, which has raised the global demand of its installation. There are plenty of new features along with some good modification in the previous features and the operating system offers enhanced security for both online and offline activities.

Microsoft has blessed its new operating systemwith some innovative features, such as DirectAccess, Biometric Security, Applocker, Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). Besides, there has been a considerable improvement in previous features, like Windows Secuirty Center of Vista has been presented in a more effective way as Action Center, BitLocker has been revised to perform advanced job.

With the modified and innovative features, like BitLocker, you can share your data with your colleague without any worry, DirectAccess helps to share your office network in a secure manner, when you are on move. With Action Center, you can troubleshoot the problems arising with software and hardware conflicts in a much better way. BitLocker feature, which is useful for encrypting your data files, is not available with the Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. It has been observed that the files encrypted are hard to recover, in case of any data loss.

Windows 7 Firewall has been modified to a great extent, now it can filter both inbound and outbound traffic of your computer's network. Windows Defender can be customized well, under the Advanced Setting option, available in Control Panel, for quick, complete and partial scanning of your computer's memory. While in Vista, you were permitted for doing only basic setting. In addition to this, you can also customize it as per your need to scan public network, home network or work network. Moreover, you can perform scanning of each one at the same time, it was also restricted in earlier Vista, where you can do scanning of one network at a time. Next improvement has been done with the restriction from User Account Control, which doesn't allow others to perform any setting change over your PC in your absence.

With effective Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and software, you can keep your computer safe from viruses and ensure good performance. Adding on, you can remain free from frequent computer's issues like sluggish performance, slow startup, blue-screen error and computer's freezing. You can keep your Windows registry in sound condition, which is the God father of your computer.

Understanding the global threat about cyber-crime and other malilcious softwre, Microsoft has done a complete overhauling in the security feature of Windows 7. With the new operating system, you can share your computer's data and peripheral devices like, printers and scanners in a much secured manner.

Advantages and disadvantages are always associated with any development. There are some limitations in Windows 7 security, like Windows Firewall has been observed to be getting disabled on attack of some sophisticated viruses. Windows 7 still using the same encrypt arithmetic as the previous versions of Windows. That means that if you need to reset Windows 7 password, you can just use the similar methods like Windows Vista or XP. Sometimes you even have to use some Windows 7 password recovery software that is used for Windows 7 password reset. Further, it also raises issues while installing some new programs or making some download from any website. Windows Defender needs to be configured well after each and every new installation work you perform on your computer.

For attaining better security over your Windows 7 installed computer, you should keep your Windows update enabled, when you are online. Status of Windows Defender should be monitored on regular basis. In addition, your computer must have a compatible antivirus program.