The recent hacking of the Sony networks has caused a lot of alarm in the industry. A lot of personal data was stolen and led to a huge investment by Sony in further security measures. Now, are you worried at home? Are you terrified that someone might hack into your system with millions of viruses? Do you want to protect your system? Well, it’s about time you realized that! So, don’t worry Windows support is here. Windows support providers recommend setting up your Windows firewall to protect your system more against these attacks. Windows support providers outline the following steps to ensure this process:-

1. Navigate to your computer’s Control Panel located in the Start Menu. Double-click on the “Windows Firewall” icon to open a new window. The Windows Firewall icon is represented by the
   

   Windows firewall

   image of a brick wall with the planet Earth behind it.

2. Ensure that the Windows Firewall is switched on. If your firewall is not switched on, your computer is susceptible to incoming viruses, Trojan horses and malicious files. Click the “On (recommended)” button to turn on your firewall. This comes recommended by most Windows support providers.
3. Click the “Exceptions” tab at the top of the Windows Firewall window. You are still allowing certain programs and applications to download and transfer packages through your PC although your firewall is running. Click the “Exceptions” tab.
4. Un-tick some of the programs that are likely to contain or traffic malicious files. For example, P2P file-sharing programs such as Limewire, Ares and UTorrent are not fully regulated or checked for viruses. Windows support recommends that you check these.
5. Update your firewall with a Windows Service Pack. Microsoft is constantly updating the firewall software of its operating systems and this means that any new or previously-unknown malware will now be recognized and prevented from accessing your PC. Your computer will let you know and warn you when these new malicious files try to access your computer.
6. You can access all of Windows’ Service Packs on their Help and Support page. They support packs from Windows NT 4.0 all the way through to Windows Vista and 7. The installation instructions are very straightforward but usually require your computer to be restarted.

Windows support will ensure you are safe from malicious attacks. Windows support providers and their help will minimize the chances of a hacking. The Windows support providers normally provide their services for minimal charges and the Windows support provided is really good. Now tell Sony to use Windows support!

Windows support for installing Windows 7 Themes on Windows XP

Don’t be jealous of your friends who use Windows 7. Don’t run off to get a new operating system or PC just so you can have the look and feel of Windows 7. Maybe you like the toolbar, tray icons or the quick launch buttons. Well guess what, Windows support says that you can have all of them on your XP computer FOR FREE!!!… There are a few other different themes and special visual treats that you can grab.

Why don’t you download and install the Windows 7 theme pack?

Before you can use these themes on your Windows XP computer, you will need to change the file format and overwrite the theme files using a format given by the Windows support team. Windows support says that the programming code for Windows 7 theme packs cannot be understood by previous versions of the Windows operating system.

Windows 7 themes

Windows support to download and install the theme pack

Like we said before, the code for these theme packs cannot be understood by earlier versions of the Windows, but fortunately for you, you have Windows support to take care of it. Windows support says that you can download the Windows 7 themes for XP using the Windows installer.

Choose the background you like: Windows support says that you choose your style and go along with it by simply right clicking on the desktop and clicking on “Personalize”. Now, choose “Desktop background” and select the picture you would like to set as your wallpaper. Then click “OK”.

Change the desktop and system icons accordingly: Windows support enables you to change the themes as you wish. Choose a blank area on your desktop, then right-click on it. Press the option “Personalize,” and then click “Change Desktop Icons” from the drop-down menu list. Select the option that you want to use. Click “Change Icons,” and locate the file path where the new icons for the Windows 7 theme are backed up on your PC. Select an icon that you want to implement.

And that’s how simple it is to get the look and feel of Windows 7 on your boring XP system, all thanks to Windows support.

Got a new virus that needs a virus removing program? Removing viruses has always been a big part of PC life. Well, removing viruses just got much easier. Instead of paying for all those virus software’s out there, there is a free program that will find and delete the virus for you. Even better? It was created by Microsoft themselves. In fact they branded it with the Microsoft name. And what is this so called Microsoft Virus Removal program called? ‘Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool’. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, “it’s such a mouthful!” Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to say it you only need to praise it. So, back on topic, this tutorial will show you how to download this program, how to install it, and how to use it. And as an added bonus I will show you how to optimize your computer to stay up to date with the latest computer security issues. Microsoft is not out there to get you, the people who make the viruses are. But they use macs to make the viruses so they don’t want to hurt them do they? Here is a direct quote from the website about this program:

 “This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1NRH7C9C74

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

32 bit virus removal

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=16

64 bit virus removal

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=9905

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAIiOJpdyiI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAIiOJpdyiI

What that means for those of us who still use XP is that Windows will keep sending out updates and security patches for XP until sometime in 2014. Microsoft has also promised to keep patching XP through April 9, 2014.

You will still be able to keep using XP after the 1,000 days are up. You just won’t receive any support for it in 2014. In Microsoft’s Springboard Series Blog, Stephen L. Rose, the IT community manager for Windows, announced that Microsoft will stop sending out hotfixes and patches for XP on April 9, 2014. Rose also said that other companies that make applications that run on XP will stop doing the same thing on that date. He did not name the companies that will do this or applications that they put out.

Is XP Really Obsolete or is Microsoft Just Trying to Force us to Buy Windows 7 and Windows 8?

Rose’s blog entry sounded like a threat to Windows XP users and a sales pitch for Windows 7. He said that Windows XP would be vulnerable to security threats after that date. Note to Mr. Rose: XP is already vulnerable to security threats and so is Windows 7.

He then rattled off a whole bunch of reasons why you should buy Windows 7 and even tried to direct users to Windows 7 sales material. So this changeover could actually be a sales pitch.

It also makes Microsoft sound desperate to sell Windows 7, which it apparently is. The real reason for these threats could be that Microsoft has not been able to sell Windows 7, and may not be able to sell Windows 8 when it comes out next year.

Microsoft is having a Hard Time Selling Windows 7

The problem is that Microsoft has had a very hard time selling the public on every operating system it has put out since Windows XP. PC World reports that only 27% of computer users use Windows 7 but 51% of them use Windows XP. That means you’re not alone if you’re still using XP. Businesses are even less enthusiastic about Windows 7; 60% of them are still using XP.

What this means is that Windows 7 is basically a flop. Nobody seems to be buying it and Microsoft is scared. They need to start selling large numbers of new Windows operating systems to get their stock prices up. When the markets closed on August 5, you could buy a share of Microsoft for just $25.68.

The smart thing here might be for Microsoft to bring out a new version of XP or try working with XP users. Yet Microsoft isn’t. It is trying to force Windows 7 down computer users’ throats. In other words, Microsoft is acting like Microsoft.

 The best hope for Microsoft would be for Windows 8 to come out and for it to be really awesome. Even that might not help Microsoft because Windows XP works really well. In today’s economy, a lot of users are going to say “my computer works great, so why should I spend money on a new operating system that I don’t need?”

Unless you’re in the Mafia, threatening customers is not a good business plan. But that’s what Microsoft seems to be doing here. I have a feeling it is going to backfire and really hurt Microsoft. Many users will simply turn elsewhere.

Internet Explorer 9 Will Not Work with XP

Rose’s blog post is not only the latest threatening move towards XP users from Microsoft. The latest version of Internet Explorer, Explorer 9, will not work with Windows XP. How this will help Microsoft is hard to see because it will just drive XP users to switch to Google Chrome, Apple Safari or Mozilla Firefox.

The fact that Microsoft does not see this shows what is wrong in Redmond these days. The folks at Microsoft don’t seem to realize that the business environment has changed and they have competition.

Google Could Benefit

Not surprisingly, the biggest winner from this will be Google. Many people fed up with Microsoft and not wanting to shell out big bucks for Windows 8 or Windows 7 could switch to Google Chrome OS. Chrome OS is easy to use and it is free.

It is also obvious that Microsoft is still reeling from the Windows Vista debacle. Many people who were burned by Vista and its failures do not want to touch Microsoft again. Apple has cashed in on this big time and Google stands to make even bigger gains.

Another huge market that will probably emerge in the years ahead is service for Windows XP. Instead of buying Windows 7 or Windows 8, a lot of XP users will simply turn to other providers for XP service. We’ve already seen this in the browser market where people simply download Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome OS instead of buying Windows 7 so they can run Explorer 9.

Many companies will undoubtedly be cashing in by putting out fixes including security fixes and hot fixes for Windows XP. If you’re a programmer or software developer and you’re good with XP, you could pick up a few extra bucks by servicing the operating system or writing for it.

It will be interesting to see how Microsoft deals with this. Will they start trying to sabotage these developers next or take legal action against them? Don’t be surprised; Microsoft is already threatening Windows XP users.

Microsoft puts out a set of “security bulletins” that contain patches or fixes for security problems every month. They usually come out on the second week of the month, and the media usually reports on them about a week before that. The amount of bulletins released vary widely from month to month, but the releases are usually higher in even-numbered months.

Microsoft seems to have increased the number of patches being released this year. The reason for this has not been made clear, but it could come from the intense publicity security errors get in the media. The patches released this month are lower than the number in June, when 16 updates fixed 64 bugs.

Each of the patches is designed to fix multiple security flaws in Microsoft products. PC World reports that the patches will fix flaws in Explorer, Visio, Visual Studio, and Windows 7.

The security bulletins themselves will be released at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (10 a.m. on the West Coast) on Aug. 9. The advance notice was released on Aug. 4. The bulletins are issued through the Microsoft Technet. You can see them here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS11-aug.mspx

Critical Explorer Patch Coming

The most critical patch being released will affect all versions of Internet Explorer, including the brand new Explorer 9. Media reports did not say what this patch will fix. Those of us who use programs like Mozilla Firefox will tell Explorer users we told you so.

 Microsoft released a major fix for IE9 in June, so it looks like 9 is living up to past versions of Explorer, full of security holes. We have to wonder if the hackers have already figured out how to get around those patches, so Microsoft is releasing patches for the patches.

The patches will be critical because the holes can apparently be used by hackers to compromise a PC. Unfortunately, media reports do not say what the flaw are or how hackers would use them to compromise the PC.

Visio and Server Patches Coming Too

The programs patched will also includes Visio, the diagramming application in Microsoft Office. Microsoft released a major Visio fix last month; that fix was designed to stop hackers from load hijacking. In load hijacking, a hacker inserts a fake file with the same name as a Dynamic Link Library.

PC World thinks Microsoft will try to fix this vulnerability in all the versions of Visio, including Visio 2003, Visio 2007, and Visio 2010. Since most of us don’t use Visio, this might not be a big deal, but networks and systems engineers do use it. Hackers would want this because it would give them access to systems and maps of systems.

Somebody trying to get into a corporate system could use this to pinpoint high value targets, like finance computers that contain bank account and credit card numbers. PC World also thinks Microsoft is trying to fix holes in Windows 7 Server.

There should also be security bulletins for the net.Framework and Visual Studio 2005 in the release. These may not be new fixes, but updates of older fixes for older programs Microsoft did not include in previous bulletins.

Microsoft does have a very habit of delaying security patches for older applications. Whether this is just laziness or a deliberate strategy designed to get us to shell out big bucks for new software is unclear. Microsoft would never do anything designed to get us to buy a new application, would they?

Windows XP Users Out of Luck

Windows XP Users will be out of luck because none of the updates released will work with that operating system. Microsoft is trying to send XP to the graveyard, so they are not releasing new fixes for XP applications.

All the people who are too cheap to buy Windows 7 or Vista are apparently out of luck. So are all of those who have to use Windows XP because their company’s proprietary software runs on that old operating system.

What this Means to You?

If you’re interested in security, the Microsoft Security bulletins can be a really good resource. They can show you what the big threats are and the holes that hackers are targeting this month. You might see vulnerabilities in your system you didn’t know about. IT pros should definitely pay attention to these bulletins.

Downloading and installing the patches sent out with the bulletin should fix the security holes. There is no guarantee that hackers have not already figured out ways around the patches. It is also a good idea to check older Microsoft Security bulletins that you may have missed.

The bulletins also show the size of the hacking threat which seems to be getting bigger. Microsoft is now having a hard time keeping up with the security threat, which should show the rest of us that every computer is vulnerable.

To its credit, at least Microsoft is trying to do something about this problem and help computer users protect themselves. Some other companies, including Apple and Facebook, are still doing enough.

That means you should definitely check out the Microsoft Security Bulletins and download the patches. It won’t keep your computer totally safe, but it might keep out a few hackers. You can also set up an automatic security bulletin, so you can get all the updates every month.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJGJrOuJTHU

This is a guide with steps on how top make your computer run faster. Part three is on installing and using spybot to take away all the little things that slow down a computer. There are many ways to improve the performance on a computer follow these easy to follow steps and your computer will run faster. I would recommend watching and completing all three videos and doing all of the steps, your computer speeds should increase by about 30-70%.
Download Link:
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Spybot-Search-Destroy/1043809773/1
Donate Link:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/donate/index.html

Actually, all Microsoft Office programs use the Windows operating system to default to a language.  As soon as you open a program, it checks what language the operating system is speaking and then uses the same lingo.  So if you want Outlook to always use a different language, you should change your Windows default language.

However if you are multi-lingual and only occasionally want to be able to spellcheck or use the special characters in a different language, there are options you can take that are less drastic.

ENABLING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES 

 First set your Primary Language.  This is what you use for most of your work and is used for templates, fonts, font sizes, sorting format, page sizes, bullets and numbering, text direction, and text and number formatting.  Go to your Start menu and click All Programs, then Microsoft Office, then Microsoft Office Language Settings.   On the Editing Languages tab, under “Primary editing language,” select the language you use to do most of your writing.

Now while you’re here, go ahead and add any other languages you think you might use.  Find the language in the window to the left, highlight it, then click the Add button to move it over to the right window.  Your primary language will stay at the top of the list in order of priority.  Click OK and you are ready to compose global emails.

TYPE AND SPELLCHECK

To use one of your alternate languages when composing an email, select the

 drop-down menu in your Proofing group on the Message ribbon of an open email window.  Select Set Language and select which language yo
u want to use.  Now start typing.  Parlez vous français.  Outlook will automatically select the appropriate characters as needed and if you misspell a word, when you right click on it to find the correct spelling, it will give you those options in the correct language.

If you only want a word or phrase written in a different language, to spell check it, select the text before setting the language using the method above.

And that’s all there is to it–c’est finis.

Unfortunately, it may take a while for you to figure out how to do these things. Microsoft is not Apple; it actually expects the average person to be able to format programs on his own. If you’re using Media Player, you will have to actually learn how to use it. The best way to do this is, surprisingly, not to actually use it.

Windows Media Player

You will first have to get the latest version of Windows Media Player. Fortunately, you can download it free from Microsoft. As usual, you should try and get the latest version that will work on your computer. If you’re using Windows 7 or Vista, this will be Media Player 12. If you’re using Windows XP, you’ll need Media Player 11.

You can download both of them and get a lot of good information about them here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/windows-media-player

The really good thing about Media Player is that it can play both audio and video. That means you can use it to watch last week’s episode of The Office or listen to the latest song.

Ripping Songs from CDs

A really cool thing you can do with current versions of Media Player is to rip (record) songs and videos from DVDs and CDs to your computer. That means you can actually transfer songs from CDs to your iPod or MP3 Player. To do this, put the CD into your computer. The player will try to retrieve information about it. The Media Player should do this automatically.

If it does not go to the Rip tab in Media Player, you will have to choose a file format and Bit Rate here.

To work, audio will have to be in one of these formats:

• Windows Media Audio Pro
• Windows Media Audio (Variable Bite Rate) – try this if you cannot figure out the bit rate.
• Windows Media Audio Lossless – this gives you the best quality but it creates huge files that take up a lot of space.
• MP3 and WAV for devices that use those formats.

Check your audio device to see what format it uses. If you cannot figure out the format, try visiting the Windows 7 Compatibility Center. It has a list of devices that work with Windows Media Player. Unfortunately, not every device is compatible with Windows 7.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7

Choose a bit rate that is as high as possible. The higher the bit rate, the better the audio will sound. The lower the bit rate and the worse it will sound, so choose the highest bit rate that it works with.

Playing a DVD on Your Computer

If you have a DVDdrive in your computer and you have Media Player 11 or 12, all you need to do is insert the DVDto play it. If you want to go to a certain point in the DVD, click on the Now Playing tab then check the list pane for the point in theDVD you’re looking for such as that cool explosion scene.

Unfortunately, you cannot rip DVDs legally. You can do it illegally with programs like Bit Torrent, but if you do you had better get a lawyer.Hollywoodstudios are reportedly suing people that do this.

You can watch DVDs in full screen mode. Just click on the Full Screen button or press Alt-Enter while theDVDis playing. That means you might get a picture you want to watch.

Using the Media Player on Other Devices

If you have a digital media player such as many late model TV sets or an Xbox 360, you can set up a home network. To do this, get an Ethernet cable and connect it to your computer. Then connect it to the device. If you need to find an Ethernet cable, go to a store like Radio Shack. They will actually tell you what it is, but you will have to pay for it. You might also be able to get an Ethernet cable free at work by asking the IT guy for it.

If media sharing is turned on, any media running on your Media Player should appear on the other device. You should be able to see the movie you’re running on the TV. If you cannot see this, Media Sharing isn’t turned on. To activate Media Sharing, click the Library Tab in Media Player and click on Media Sharing and look for the words share my media. Put a check in the checkbox if you want to see your movies on a screen large enough to watch.

A list of devices should appear and you can choose which one you want to see media on. For example, if you don’t want your kids to see R-rated movies, you can choose not to share with the TV in the living room.

You should be able to choose the media to play and control it using the regular remote control on your TV or Xbox. If that does not work, walk up and go over to the computer. At least, you will get some exercise.

You can also use this to play movies and music off of your playlist. You can create and edit playlists by clicking on the library tab. The best way to figure out how to do this is to play around with the Library Tab in Media Player for awhile.

One thing to remember about Media Player is that is not like an Apple application. You will actually have to use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlyv-ETVRd8

This is a guide with steps on how top make your computer run faster. These steps are how to disable features windows 7 has to offer, and change some settings to make it improve in speed. There are many ways to improve the performance on a computer follow these easy to follow steps and your computer will run faster. I would recommend watching and completing all three videos and doing all of the steps, your computer speeds should increase by about 30-70%. Stay tuned for the last part.

Part 3: http://www.howtowindows.com/2011/how-to-speed-up-windows-7-part-33-video/

If you’re like me, there’s a good chance that you’ve had your PC forever and couldn’t imagine life without it. Therefore, you aren’t listening to the tech gurus, you’re thinking about getting a new desktop. Fortunately, now is a great time to buy a desktop because you can get a really good one without spending a lot of money.

There are a lot of ways to save money, but first, you should know what you want on your new desktop before you go shopping. That way, you can get what you need without paying a small fortune. Here are a few things that you should definitely look for in a new desktop. Always ask the computer sales geek if they have these things; a lot of the computers in the stores don’t. Something else to remember is the cheaper the computer, the more likely something you really need or want is not included.

• Hard Assisted Virtualization – This is the feature that lets you run more than one operating system at once. If you need to run old programs that only work on Windows XP, this is vital. If the computer is XP compatible, it has virtualization. This also lets you run other operating systems like Google Chrome OS and Ubuntu.

• Dual Monitors (two screens) – If you’re working from home, this can be a real life saver. A lot of us have used it at work; well, you can have it home too. Guess what? You should be able to configure any PC with Windows 7, Vista, or XP to run on two screens if it has the right video card. Most late-model PCs should be set up for this, but some are not.

• Latest Operating Sysyem – It makes no sense to buy a new computer without an up-to-date operating system. At the moment, that means Windows 7; Windows 8 won’t be out until next year.

• Microsoft Office – If you’re working from home, you’re going to need this. It includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and it is not included in computers. Those cheap system deals from the big box discount stores almost never have Office. Fortunately, you can buy it online at a fairly low price. If you’re using the desktop for business, pay a few bucks more for Professional and not Home.

• Camera, Microphone, and Headsets or Speakers – You will need these if you want to Skype or use a VOIP phone service. It can save you money, and most professionals expect you to have one these days.

How to Save on a Desktop

The first and best way to save money on a desktop is to buy a used one. Used desktops are now selling at really low prices; you can get a fairly late model system, complete with monitor, for under $300. So if you’re on a budget, look at the used market.

One piece of advice here – try to avoid buying a used computer from an individual. Judging by the listings on Craigslist, the prices they offer are not great and there is no service available. Instead, go online or to a used computer store for the best deals. Something else to remember is that if the used desktop does not work, you can take it back to the used computer store. You probably can’t do that with some guy you found through Craigslist.

Try to find a used computer store that buys corporate computers. Many big companies change out desktops every couple of years and sell them to used vendors. That enables stores to have late model computers that have not been used. It also gets you high-end Dells at a pretty good price. They may have newer models available if they’re dealing with companies that have downsized or went out of business.

If there is not a used computer store in your area, Dell and many other online companies sell used computers and reconditioned computers online. These include corporate lease returns, which are often late model computers in good conditions.

Consider buying a used PC and a new monitor. Monitors seem to be on sale all the time these days. Remember, you can always hide your used PC under the desk and put out a cool big new monitor. That way, your friends don’t have to know you’re using a used computer.

Saving on a New Desktop

If you really want a new desktop, go online. The demand for desktops is down, so many online vendors are offering some great deals on them. For example, Dell is selling Vostro and Optiplex systems with flat screen monitors and Windows 7 for as little as $499.

You should be able to find a much better deal online than at the store and get better tech support. If you want to shop the stores, club stores like Sam’s Club often have better deals, and they do deliver if you shop online.

Another good way to save money is to buy the PC and the monitor separately. Outfits like Radio Shack always seem to have monitors on sale. This means you could get yourself a larger monitor at a lower price.

Something else to remember is that if you live here in the U.S., you can write off any computer you use for business on your income tax. That won’t pay for the computer, but it could increase your tax refund next year.