Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO 32-Bit/64-Bit

Today Microsoft has released their latest updated build version 8250 of windows 8 OS. Now it will be officially available for users to download free windows 8 consumer preview in ISO format with both 32-bit and 64-bit Operating Systems (OS). Since the developer version was released in september 2011, at that time they didn’t added more features to OS. Now in this consumer preview they done a lot of tweaks and improved the 100,000 codes to make the OS very efficient and runs easily all kind of Desktops, Laptops, Netbooks and ultrabooks without any problems.

So let us now explore that whats new in there is no much worthy improvements more did had the OS –wide spell check which was been a request by the people by many lots of people and had a replaced start button with a start preview thumbnail which that displays and previews the start screen on the top and interface that would allows to your cycle throughout all of your opened apps –and had introduced a Fly out notification.

The best of part is vastly improved boot time where the Microsoft had added a feature called “boot forward” in the windows. Now you windows 8 will boot with in 8 seconds on your PC or Laptop.

So the consumer preview version is around why not you look around by yourself the developer version had around 50,000 downloads mark with in just 24 hrs after its release and had hit around 3 million mark by the December let it will be interesting how much does this consumer preview does get the traction .

Hence you know that windows 8 is a Multi touch enabled OS so you need to have a multi touch capable tablet or a monitor to get supported by that feature.

NOTE: Before you installing the windows 8 into your PC. You need to check for the minimum system requirements to run the windows 8 OS perfectly without any lagging.

Processor: 1GHz processor either Intel or AMD
RAM: 1GB is needed to make the OS very fast
Hard Disk: 16GB HDD space is required
Graphics: Directx 9 with either Nvidia or AMD GPU’s

Now it is up to you that which version does suits you. Now Windows 8 ISO will available with direct download links from official Microsoft website. I think this time you don't need to download the windows 8 OS from either torrent or file hosting servers.

DOWNLOAD- Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO (64 BIT) x64 -3.3GB

DOWNLOAD- Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO (32 bit) x86 - 2.5 GB

For other Languages of windows 8 OS you need to go this Official Site.

Product Key of Windows 8: DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J. This key will help you to activate your windows 8 OS into Genuine. Now you can get live updates from Microsoft via Windows Update Manager.

Vizio's new all-in-one PC

Vizio, the popular television manufacturer, has always been set on making high-quality TVs at relatively low prices. Now they aim to do what they did for TVs to personal computers.

At the current Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Vizio announced a new line of personal computers, all running Windows, something that nobody would really expect from a television manufacturer. However, Vizio had been testing the waters of the more personal device market last year, when they announced their tablet device. They did not give much details as to the specs of the new devices, but CES attendees did get to play around with the new devices.

Vizio announced it's all-in-one PC. The computer is slick and has a minimalism design, and comes with a wireless keyboard and trackpad, stereo speakers, one for each side of the small base, and a remote.

The new Vizio all-in-one PC

The keyboard has a nice design, with large island style keys and a cool, modern-looking typeset. The large trackpad shares the same modern look as the keyboard. Technology blog The Verge reports that the touchpad was a bit finicky and didn't support multi-touch, but they say that those problems will probably be ironed out by the time the device is released.

The speakers are also beautifully designed. There are two individual stereo speakers, and a sub-woofer integrated into the base. Although we don't have too much experience with the device, we can assume that Vizio, also a manufacturer of home theater sound equipment, would put great care into the audio aspects of their computers.

The screen is available in 24 and 27 inch models, and is attached to a small base, where the "brains" of the computer are kept. The base has an SD card slot, a headphone jack, four USB ports, an Ethernet jack, an eSata drive, and a couple of HDMI ports. The HDMI port feature is interesting, as it allows the computer to be  used as a TV, great for something like gaming or even watching regular TV (although the screen is quite small for that). However, Vizio decided not to include a TV tuner in the device, claiming that only 8% of people use the tuners in Vizio's actual television sets.

Vizio also announced a few laptops, but details on that are confusing. When asked about details, Vizio responded, "those are to come".

Overall, the new Vizio all-in-one seems like a great product, we still have no idea of the specs inside the device, or the price. Vizio does say that the all-in-one will be out in "Spring 2012".

Download Facebook Chat Instant Messenger for Desktop

Download Free Facebook Chat Instant Messenger(IM) Client for your Windows 7/Vista/XP Desktop PC’s, Laptops or Notebooks. Well the Facebook has officially launched their new simple application tool on the desktop which it will help the users to allow check all their events and notifications that was which received on the Facebook account without opening the browser or the explorer and you need not have to navigate to the website where you see your feeds and notifications directly to the desktop.

And the notifications which were you received on the Facebook such as the 3rd party application notifications should to be get configured by yourself on the Facebook. The security issues also be concerned where as the features like the security thread however that Facebook desktop directly do redirects the users to the respective requesting page for the permission which therefore that it shows that the client software never uses or capture the users password and the username.

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Download Gchat Google Talk For Windows Phone 7.5

Windows Mobile this is the word which is being frequently heard by everyone because of its excellent user interface, it look polite and the colors used in this is pretty awesome. Recently they come up with a Google Talk client application also know as Gchat for all windows mobile users. Though it has its chat client plenty of the people use Gtalk to communicate with the people as it is easy to use as well as used by most of the people. This Gchat app is available for free download for all Windows Phone 7.5 Mango Devices.

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Download PES 2012 Demo Game for PC

Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 2012 was latest game title released by Konami Digital Entertainment Inc at Gamescom 2011. The Demo version of game is out now and available for free download from official site and this football game is playable on both PC and console platforms like PS2 PS3 Wii and X360. The Full version of game is available on all leading gaming market stores at 14th October 2011. They have improved the interactive gameplay and added many more additional features, it makes you feel that you are really playing soccer game in real world environment . They made few changes than the previous series in order to entertain soccer fans and users can able to chose their favorite teams and their playing styles . Here you can see improvements on this things physics, speed, graphics and animation etc. The goal keeper reactions and controlling the ball it's awesome. It’s worth of time to play this soccer game.

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HTC Titan Enables Video Calling Feature After Windows Mango 7.5 Update

Most awaiting update, we all been waiting for so long from the Microsoft none other than the Codenamed Mango 7.5 had stepped ahead to bring the video calling support . This was the major update from the Microsoft which we all been waiting to use this kind of new features on windows 7 phones. After this Mango 7.5 update windows 7 phones gained strength on mobile market and they could compete with the present OS platforms. As they demonstrated the video calling feature on the HTC Titan with new software application called Tango, it was cross–platform video calling app which was already available on both Android and iOS market.

As this cool new feature will be packed with the upcoming next generation models like HTC Titan and Radar, both mobiles having front facing camera. Unfortunately the previous windows 7 phones does not have front facing camera.  Sad to hear that they will definitely miss this new feature forever.

As the video seems flawless and pretty smooth. We assume that this feature might be supported on both 3G and through the Wi-Fi. And one more thing it’s pretty cool that we could actually switch the camera so that we could show them what we are gonna show without turning your phone. Pretty Cool ahh..As there are pretty lot more features on their way to us. We gonna love the windows once again.

Download Free EaseUS Todo Backup 3.0

Easeus Todo Backup is free backup utility. Like any other backup tools it will back up the complete current start, data settings and all or the things that  you want to backup. This helps in restoring the system to the previous section where the PC is working without any issues. Easeus Todo backup tool will help in restoring the PC if it was accidently got crashed or any other calamity. Its disc cloning feature helps you to transferring/migrating your operating system and data to the new hard disc when it is time to replace the old one.

Some of the key points in this application is though EaseUS Todo Backup 3.0 is available for free download it has a lot of use full features and we can manage the options very easy as this Easeus Todo backup tool is user friendly and simple to monitor the settings. You will be you will be guided step by step by its screen instructions, so there is no need of much skills to operate this application. It helps the system administrators to back up the data time to time without losing any files. It makes the IT people life simple as they can easily back up the data. 

Easeus Todo backup tool Features:

• Backup system partition to image: Backup the entire system partition, including the system state and all files to an image file. Easy to store and restore.
• Backup partition(s) or disk(s): Backup the whole disk including the operating system and all data to an image file. Easy to restore or migrate to other disks.
• Restore hard drive and operating system in Windows: all the previous backed up disk and system image can be restored within minutes.
• Restore the system partition by bootable CD.
• Create a bootable CD and restore when there is a boot failure.
• Backup priority: It will be faster to complete the operations if the priority is higher.
• Compress image file: The image file will be smaller if the compress level is higher, so it will save more space and it is more convenient to store and transfer.
• Image file splitting: There are different upper limits for different storage, so it is necessary to split the image and fit different storage devices.

Minimum Requirements to run the Easeus Todo backup 3.0 tool on your PC

Operating System :  Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7

Processor : Intel Dual core 2.0Ghz or AMD Athlon Dual core 1.9Ghz.

RAM : 512MB is needed to run the software perfectly without any problems.

Hard Disk:  512MB Free Space is required before installing the software.

User can also check latest versions of Easeus Todo backup tool from Official Site HERE. And this free software is especially developed for both home and business users for backup their personal data. For downloading the current free version 3.0 click on below link the download starts automatically.
 
Download Free EaseUS Todo Backup 3.0

Download Mac OS X Lion Transformation Pack for Windows 7

Are your bored with using Windows 7 default themes on your PC? Then it’s time to download and try new free Mac OS X Lion Transformation Pack. After installing these transformation pack in your system it will completely change your current windows 7 into Mac OS X Lion Interface and you definitely feel that your are really working on latest Mac Operating System (OS). Here I will show you simple way to install the Mac OS X Lion Skin Pack 7.0 Transformation Pack. Click on below image to view in Full Screen.

Before installing the theme you must congratulate the creator hamed from deviantart brings these ultimate transformation pack to you at free of cost. The Pack size is 52.6MB approximately and contains several interesting features that you never seen  in your windows 7 operating system.

• Little dock will be displayed at the bottom of the desktop from Rocket Dock


• Unique Special icons, customizable fonts, screen-savers, different sounds will be hear when u click on object, new logon screens will be available while you booting the system.


• A little menu bar will appear on top side of the desktop.


• Mac Style widgets are simply awesome you can add items in that widget just by drag and drop option.


• Several High Quality Resolution of Mac wallpapers collection.


• Multiple Desktops are available with simple navigation system.


• A simple JumpPad is available for quick accessing of programs and system resources.

Minimum Requirements to Install Mac OS X Lion Transformation Pack

• Requires Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System and it doesn’t and other old Windows versions like XP and Vista.


• Intel Pentium P4 Processor with 128MB Ram is enough to handle the whole transformation pack.


• 512MB or 1GB Hard Disk storage is required to install and run the pack without any problems.

The Installing Process is very simple no need to install extra 3^rd party tools likes Registry editing tools, and Dock Software’s.  Just follow the On-Screen Instructions and it will take 10 to 20 minutes to complete the whole process. After that a small dialog box will appear indicates that reboot your system in order to see the changes.

Step 1: Double Click on Setup.exe file then after you will able to see below image on your desktop. Click on install to continue the installation process.

Step 2:  After completing the entire process. It may ask to Reboot your PC.

Note: I recommend the users that you must create a Restore Point before starting installation. So it will helpful to get back into Previous State whenever transformation pack crashed or doesn’t installed properly in the system.

Click below links to Download Mac OS Lion Transformation Pack for Windows 7 OS's

For 32-Bit OS  DOWNLOAD HERE
For 64-Bit OS  DOWNLOAD HERE

Download Kung Fu Panda 2 Theme for Windows 7

In these Kung Fu Panda 2 3D Movie, Po has decided to start another adventurous journey with all of his five furious friends and the master shifu in order to fight with evil demon called Emperor Peacock Lord Shen, who wants to rule and take over the control of china with his new ultimate powerful weapon. But the Po has learned a new skill called Inner Peace which helps to defeat the Lord Shen.

So we also decided to entertain the Po fans with these new Kung Fu Panda 2 Theme for Widows 7, users can download it at free of cost and apply these theme on their favorite Desktops, Laptops and Notebooks. The Theme contains 20+ High Resolution (HD) wallpaper collection of Kung Fu Panda 2, Customizable icons and special sounds for windows 7 startup.

There are two kinds of Kung Fu Panda 2 Themes for Windows 7. Users can download these free themes according to their choice.

Download Theme ( 20 Wallpapers)

Download Theme (9 Wallpapers)

Facts about Windows Registry You Must know

The Windows registry on your Windows computer is a feature that will help you to see how the configurations to your Windows system are working. This works to store information on how your system is configured, the preferences you have and all hardware and software preferences that you use.

What is your registry about?

The best way to consider the Windows registry is that it is a capsule of the way how an individual computer works with the Windows operating system. It is a critical function that all Windows users should consider.

Instructional values

The Windows registry will feature a series of values. These values are arranged with particular instructions in mind. These include instructions that relate to how different programs are going to operate when in Windows. This includes details on what programs are preferred on your system.

Registry keys

Keys are included in your registry. Keys feature individual menus that relate to different functions on getting different programs to work. This includes smaller functions that are used in different programs.

Registry hive

The hive is a critical point that you should be using in the registry. This part of Windows features a series of small spaces that include individual folders that contain keys and values for individual programs.

You will find many different hives in your registry. These include individual hives for your current user settings, other user settings and details on the current configuration that your computer uses. These factors are all used to help with getting your computer to run properly and with the specifications that you particularly want to use. Every single individual hive features many important things to consider.

Editing your registry

A good point about your registry is that you can edit it with the Windows Registry Editor tool. This is a program that is included in Windows and will provide you with details on what is in your registry. You can configure the registry in several ways.

Backing up your registry

Of course, you will need to make sure that you back up your registry. You can create a backup of your registry to help you out with keeping your website working as well as possible. It also helps to ensure that you understand the programming language in your registry to ensure that it is going to work as well as possible.

You may get some registry options to work with a restoration function that involves moving your registry back to an earlier time. This is a feature that is featured on the Windows XP and 2000 operating systems. You may need to use an MS-DOS prompt if you are using an older operating system. The rules vary by all types of operating systems and should be reviewed before you try something.

The Windows registry on your computer is an essential part of your computer to consider. The registry will help you out with getting your computer to run as well as possible. It can also be controlled with ease.

Author Bio: David is a FreeLance writer and SEO Enthusiast.He also works for clickdesk a place where you can get one the best Live Help support software.

Microsoft Shows off Windows 8 for the First Time

A lot has been going on at the current tech conference D9, from Google announcing it's first city supported on the new Google Offers, and now to Microsoft officially showing off, for the first time, Windows 8.

Windows, Microsoft's widely used operating system, has gone though many versions over the the years, most recently XP, Vista, and 7. There have been many rumors about what we may see in the next version of Windows, which Microsoft is calling Windows 8. Many of the rumors involved blurring the line between desktop Windows and Windows Phone 7. 

The presentation Microsoft gave at D9 really showed that they were trying to blur the line between the desktop and mobile operating system. Microsoft also published a video, the first in a series of many, showing some of the new features found in Windows 8.

As shown in the video below, the new Windows 8 UI will be based on the same tiles design as Windows phone 7, but will also have the ability to run regular Windows apps.

Microsoft Unveils Windows Phone 7 Update, Calling it Mango

Earlier today, Microsoft held a press event, announcing some of the newest features that will be found in the latest edition of their mobile phone operating system, Windows Phone 7. This update to the operating system is code-named Mango.

Andy Lee, president of Microsoft's mobile division, took the stage today and announced some of the new features that will be found in Mango.


To start off, Twitter and LinkedIn will now be integrated into Windows Phone 7. Also, the homescreen will be updated slightly, so that notifications are pushed more.

Call history will be sorted by person, and you will be able to see all of the calls, texts, IMs, and visual voicemail (another new feature in Mango) all in one "list". Related to this, a new feature in Mango will be the ability to group friends into groups. Groups will show all of those friend's activity, be it calls, texting, or even social networking activity. One can also communicate with all of the members in a group.

Although the long awaited copy and paste has finally come in an update a while ago, Mango will also add predictive text while typing. These are both important features that seem standard on any phone. However, predictive text can either save you time, or become an extremely annoying part of texting.

The new "threads" feature allows users to carry on a conversation from Facebook to texting, etc.

Andy Lee, President of Microsoft's mobile devision

Also regarding communication, Mango will allow users to keep email inboxes separate or combined, or even both. For example, one might keep his work email separate from his personal email, but he/she could combine two separate personal inboxes, and have work and personal inboxes. Some new security features have also been added for enterprise email.

Voice activated technologies will also be integrated into Mango. Microsoft showed how one could have text messages read to them while in the car, one could also respond just using his/her voice.

Microsoft is also bringing smarter apps, along with the ability to run multiple apps at once. Another improvement that will come with Mango is faster web browsing. Bing, Microsoft's search engine, will be integrated into Windows Phone 7, and will provide a slightly "smarter" search. For example, searching for the name of a movie will bring you directly to showtimes.

Mango will be released in the fall as a free update, and, unlike the previous update, will just require users to plug their phones into their computers. Mango will first appear on Microsoft/Nokia devices, but will soon be available on other phones. Mango will also be available on a few new devices that will support 4G.

Overall, Mango seems like an exciting update. If, unlike the previous update, everything goes as planned, this should give consumers more of a reason to buy a Windows Phone. Even with great hardware and a great OS, the problem still remains: With only 18,000 apps available (compared to over 300,000 for the iPhone), the devices are still not compelling. Although Windows Phone 7 is not going to outsell the iPhone anytime soon, Mango is a good step in that direction. A little help from app developers, and Windows Phone 7 might find itself on top.

Staying Connected While on the Road

     It's a few days until I take a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I'll be there about three days, and have been thinking about how to stay connected. For my work, all I really need is a web browser, but some need powerful desktop machines that can do HD video editing or 3D rendering. You can't really bring a 10 pound desktop computer with you on the trip, so how do you stay connected without lugging around a giant PC?  

     There are some great, free tools to help. I use a great free remote access program called TeamViewer. TeamViewer is free for noncommercial use only. I don't know exactly what the term "noncommercial" means, but buying a licence for commercial use costs a crazy $749. TeamViewer gives you amazing capabilities for free, such as file transfer, recordable sessions and more. You also get a free iPhone and Android app ,both which allow you to connect to other PCs remotely. The android app is still in beta, which does have some serious restrictions, but expect a non-beta version soon.

TeamViewer  on Windows

     TeamViewer is pretty simple to use, but each PC has to download the free application. When you download and open the application, the first thing you see is a home screen with an ID number and a password. Next to it is a text box labeled "create session". To have someone remotely connect to your PC, tell them your User ID and password, they enter that in, and the other user is on your PC. It's just as simple to start a session.

     Once you are connected, you see the other one's screen. You use the mouse and keyboard just like you  normally would on your PC. At the top of the screen is a small taskbar which lets you record the session and even do VOiP (voice over the internet). 

     To connect normally you have to have a person at both PCs to tell you the password. You can set up unattended access by making a free TeamViewer account. You then give the computer a name and password and you're ready to go. 

TeamViewer iPhone App

     The iPhone app is also really simple and easy to use. It works almost like the desktop client, but has less customization options. It gives you a list of recent remote access connections, and a cleaner looking interface. The controls for clicking and scrolling might take some getting used to, but overall, the entire system is easy to use.

     The days of not being connected because you aren't home are definitely over. With always connected smartphones, WiFi all over the place, and even data connections in some laptops, you really don't have the excuse of "I'm on vacation." With tools like TeamViewer, you now can work wherever you are, for little or no cost.

Startup tips: your new PC

 

iTunes

     Those first few days are really fun. You've taken the new laptop out of it's box. It smells new, looks new. Your new $500 baby. You turn it on, waiting for it's first boot, it's first time launching Windows 7, and then it hits you. What can you do with it. All it has is basically a web browser and maybe a trial version of Microsoft Office.
     What do you install, what do you download? This may help.
     First of all, get rid of Internet Explorer, at least until Internet Explorer 9 comes out. I recommend Google Chrome, a  different,  faster, and easier web browser, you can    get it at google.com/chrome.
     If you own an iPod or iPad, iTunes is a must-have, even if you don't      have an iPod, just to organize your music and videos , iTunes is my favorite, get it here at apple.com/itunes.
     You'll probably need a word processor, and if you don't plan on spending at least $150 on Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org is a great free alternative, it includes a word processor, a presentation maker, a spreadsheet creator, and more. It is available as a free download at openoffice.org.
     A antivirus is very important, and although your PC probably came with a free trial antivirus, you probably want to uninstall that and either  buy an antivirus, or, although it won't work quite as well, install a free one. I personally use Microsoft Security Essentials. Available at .microsoft.com/security_essentials, this free antivirus should work fine for your needs.
     Windows Live Essentials is also a good free set of software. It includes an IM (instant messenger) app, a movie make, a photo gallery app, a blogging app, and more. Available at explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials. Note: many of the Windows Live Essentials reguire a free Windows Live ID, available at http://explore.live.com/.
     If you havn't already, you should look into getting a free Google Account, (available at this link and click on, on the right hand side in the middle, create an account.) which gives you access to Gmail, Google Docs, and much more, some of which might replace actual software.
     You probably will have to get some more software, some of which you will have to pay for, but to get started this is a good list of some free software to get you going.


UPDATE: I got a comment from Riley Quinn recommending ninite.com, which will install almost all of this software and more in one download. You just choose which software to install and click Get Installer. Thanks Riley.
  
    
  

Windows Phone 7

     Gone are the days of the ten pound, giant black hunks of plastic and metal they once called cell phones. Over the years, the cell phone has evolved all the way down to the small flip phone, or the "feature phone", and more recently, the smart phone.
     The smart phone, a slim device that makes phone calls. And does pretty much everything else out there. You can read and write email, surf the web, post pictures to Facebook, and even share your exact location with Foursquare or Gowalla.
    There's the iPhone running iOS, the many devices running Android, RIM's Blackberry, Window's Mobile, and now a new Microsoft Creation. Windows Phone 7.
    Microsoft had tried the smart phone business with Windows Mobile. It was used by some, but was mostly not usable and unpopular. Microsoft decided to rethink the smart phone. Their result? Windows Phone 7.
     iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and almost any other smart phone OS, is based on the grid of icons, or apps. Windows Phone 7 is not that.

  

iOS

Android

Blackberry   

Window Phone 7 incorporates the idea of hubs. For example, in the people hub, you get your contacts, and updates from them, and integration with Facebook, all in one "hub". With any other OS, you would have to go through many apps to do what you can do in Windows Phone with one tap.

Windows Phone 7

     Currently, Windows Phone 7 is available in 5 phones. The Samsung Focus, the LG Quantum, the HTC Surround, the HTC HD7, and the Dell Venue Pro. The carriers available are AT&T and T Mobile, but other carriers should come along eventually.

     Microsoft has really made a very nice looking product. Will it be successful? I don't know. I personally think the "hub" thing is a bit too complicated. But only time will tell.  

For more info visit microsoft.com/windowsphone 

    

New Troy Library Computer System Coming September 30

As many of you might know, the Troy Library is in the process of changing to a new Integrated Library System (ILS). I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the status of this change.

An ILS is the software that knits together all the processes necessary to manage a modern and busy library. There are several modules -- for acquisitions, cataloging, serials, patron services, circulation and administration -- that make up the modern ILS.

In February, the Library chose the Polaris system as our next ILS. Moving to Polaris means we are leaving an older, UNIX-based ILS that is cumbersome, "cranky," and no longer cost effective. During these tough economic times it may not seem to make sense we would be investing in a significant software purchase, but not only is Polaris a much more efficient and standardized Windows-based environment, it is actually significantly more cost effective over the next five years. So the Library will gain functionality, improve efficiencies, and save money all at the same time. And our patrons will see it directly in better service, better response times, and a friendlier interface to our Public Access Catalog.

While it is no small task to accomplish this new system, the conversion offers an opportunity to reassess our internal processes, developed years ago for what is now an outdated system. To date we have installed new virtualized server hardware, developed new profiles for our array of internal processes, cleaned up a lot of bad data (orphaned records, errors, non-compliant records, etc.), developed new data code models for managing our collections, developed more automated ordering systems, modified our patron support processes, and begun the preparation for our staff for a September 30 launch date.

We are truly excited about this opportunity to improve our patron experience at the Troy Library while improving internal processes that are invisible to our patrons, but extremely important to that experience. All these changes are welcomed, timely, and another sign of the desire of the entire Library staff to better serve the Troy community.

I will continue to post updates as move forward. Please feel free to post questions in the comments section and I will be happy to respond to them.

An Early Review of Windows 7: Will Be a Game-Changer For Microsoft?

Although Windows 7 is going to be released on January 9 to the public, I have had the good fortune to be able to use it for over a month. I thought I would give everyone a brief taste of what is in store for Microsoft's next operating system.

First, I would like to point everyone to my favorite source for everything Windows, Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Paul has great knowledge about Windows and has an exhaustive list of screenshots and information about Windows 7 which can be found here .

Here are some of my own personal impressions about Windows:

1. The New Taskbar

The taskbar is one of the first and most obvious things that has changed in Windows 7. By default the taskbar is strictly "iconized" as I like to call it, meaning that all you see is icons.

As one can see even when applications are in the start menu, there is no text beside the icon. This can be changed through the settings to revert back to the "normal" windows behavior (which is what I did).

One might notice the icons that remain on the taskbar, despite not being opened in windows. These icons are now "pinned" to the taskbar. This pinning of icons replaces the previous Quick Launch feature in XP and Vista.

Another feature of the new taskbar is the small, closeable, live window previews that are accompanied by the icons. For example, if multiple Firefox windows are opened, it will look like this in the taskbar when you hover over the icon.

2. The addition of Libraries as opposed to strict folders.

One of my favorite features of Windows 7 is the addition of Libraries (a bit ironic I know). Libraries are separated in a similar format to the My Documents, My Videos, My Pictures, and My Music folders of XP, except they are not just limited to a single folder. Instead, the Libraries allow you to add as many folders as you like to them and keep your documents, music, photos, and videos in one place, even if they are physically located in separate folders. This is especially intuitive with regards to networking, as networked folders can be added to these Libraries.

3. The New Start Menu

Those who have used Vista will recognize the improved start menu in Windows 7. The search function is still built right into the menu box and only one major change is noticeable, which is the new hover options available to users.

When hovering over a program that works with this feature (Office products, IE, Sticky Notes, etc...), a mini-list of options will appear to the user. See above screenshot.

4. One-click Wireless Networking

Another favorite feature of mine on Windows 7 is the one-click wireless networking. By simply clicking on the wireless network icon in the system tray, you can instantly connect to any network that your wireless connection sees. This is a small but helpful feature.

5. No more Windows Movie Maker, Outlook Express, Windows Messenger.

One of the most interesting things that Microsoft has done with Windows 7 is removing some of the formerly key applications. Instead, Microsoft is going to require that you download the Windows Live Essentials Pack. In the Windows Live Essentials Pack, you will be asked if you would like to install programs like:

Windows Live Movie Maker (Replacing Movie Maker),

Windows Live Writer (a blogging program),

Windows Live Mail (Replacing the clunky and unintuitive Outlook Express,

Windows Live Photo Gallery (Replacing Windows Photo Gallery in Vista)

Windows Live Messenger (Replacing Windows Messenger)

These programs are immensely better then the previous offerings by Microsoft, and the the best part is that they are free and available now to XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users.

Some other changes to notable Windows programs include the revamped user interface of Microsoft Paint and Microsoft Wordpad, which now include the Ribbon interface made popular by Office 2007.

6. Overall Feel

The overall feel of the operating system is much snappier then both Vista and XP, assuming you have the hardware to run it. I'm currently using a laptop with 4 gb of RAM and a dual-core processor, so I'm running it without any problems. I've read that people trying to run it on slower machines are still running into difficulties.

Overall though, the system boots up faster, shuts down faster, and is generally very quick to respond.

Some Notes: I have merely touched on the new features of Windows 7. I encourage you to check out Paul Thurrott's site for more details. Also, while Windows 7 has been a great experience for me personally, it is still in beta. Beta means that Microsoft still has some bugs to squash and some errors to correct. I have only run into some minor errors every once in awhile, but I still do not recommend that users completely switch to Windows 7 without previously doing a backup of all of their files.

I'll end this post with a full screenshot of my Windows 7 desktop with the default wallpaper. Be sure to click on it for a full-size picture.

If you have any specific questions about the operating system feel free to comment, and I will try to answer as best I can.