Windows 8 Useful Tips

Windows 8 Installation Help

Whether you are upgrading from windows 7 to windows 8 or just bought a new PC or Laptop, installing windows 8 is a breeze.

The following step by step guide will help you in installing the all new Windows 8 onto your system:

Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8

Before upgrading to Windows 8, Microsoft recommends that you run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. It scans your current PC to see if it is ready for Windows 8 and then provides a compatibility report.

You can run Upgrade Assistant without purchasing or installing Windows 8.

The best way to tell if your hardware, apps, and connected devices are ready to upgrade is to download and run Upgrade Assistant, which scans them and tells you if there is anything you'll need to do before or after upgrading.

Following steps will assist you in upgrading from windows 7 to windows 8:

1. Run Windows update to install the perquisite updates and setting for Windows 8 installation.
2. Insert the Windows 8 Installation Disc and wait for the AutoPlay windows to pop up. Click “Run setup.exe” to continue.
3. Type in your Windows 8 product Key mentioned on the disc.
4. Check the “I accept the license terms” to continue.
5. Choose whether you would like to keep your original windows files and settings or not and click “Next”.
6. Windows will check if your system is ready to upgrade.
7. When the setup confirms that you are ready to install, Click on Next.
8. Once the upgrade is complete, you will be able to see the Windows 8 Start Screen.

Windows 8 Clean Install

A Windows 8 clean install requires removing the existing operating system installed and then installing Windows 8 from scratch on that same drive.

The most important thing to consider before performing a clean install of Windows 8 is that every bit of information on the drive you're going to install Windows 8 on will be erased.

So, we recommend to backup Your Important Data.

 The following steps will help you in installing Windows 8 on fresh PC/ Laptop:

1. Insert the Windows 8 Installation Disc into your optical disk drive and turn on your computer.
2. During the boot up screen, press [F12] on your keyboard to enter Boot Menu.
3. Choose the disk drive as your boot device.
4. Press any key on your keyboard when you see the message to reboot from the DVD
5. You will see the Windows 8 Installation page.
6. Click “Install now” to continue.
7. Type in the product key to continue installation.
8. Check “I accept the license terms” and click “next”.
9. Choose whether you would like to keep your original windows files and settings or not and click “Next”.
10. When the setup confirms that you are ready to install, Click on Next.
11. Once your upgrade is complete, you will see the windows start screen on your desktop.

Cisco Fun Day With 1Akal

Cisco hosted a Fun Day on January 22nd, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at office. This cisco funday event was open to all employees.  We had many interesting tech related activities, team building activities and of course fun activities. It was also a good break from all the stress in work. There were prizes for the winners of activities.

At first a guy from cisco came forward and introduced himself. Then, he requested our company’s director to say a few words on the topic Company. It was a nice, inspiring and brief speech of what company is altogether. After that we all formed teams and started a game similar to minute to win. In this game one employee has to place a cookie on his/her forehead; and then only using facial expressions he had to drag down the cookie to the mouth and eat it. Alas, no one was able to complete the task. However, yet the person who was able to take the cookie most close to the mouth was awarded.

Later, then we formed a circle and cracked some jokes. Shortly after that all of us started playing pass the ball. The person who was found holding the ball after a random timeframe was given three choices, singing, dancing or dare. It was the person’s choice to choose either of one.

Simultaneously, at adjacent section of the office word play was in action. Five boards were affixed with a big sheet of crossword. One person at a time on each board had to find maximum words related to cisco within 3 minutes. Everyone in the office got the chance to play. After everyone had their chance, cisco coordinator found a tie among two employees. A nail-biting tie-breaker was held.

After all the fun activities and games we got to the point where winners were to be announced. The one who came first got an iPod, the one who came second got a trendy cisco laptop bag.

A few days before the event, an online questionnaire was held by cisco. On the same funday, its winners were also announced. First person got a sony camera, the one who came second got gift voucher worth INR 4,000, subsequently third one got same voucher worth INR 2,000.

After all the fun, frolic and jolly day, there was a treat for the taste buds. A pizza party was held. We all had pizza and soft drinks and left for the day.

Internet Explorer Troubleshooting

Internet explorer is the most widely used web browser by Microsoft. Just like other browsers it faces many problems, it crashes, stops working, or closes immediately after being opened, sometimes also gives an error message about Internet Explorer not working or that it encountered a problem and needs to close.

The foremost step towards internet explorer troubleshooting is that to make sure that you have a good connection to the Internet. If Internet Explorer doesn't opens or it opens briefly and then closes, the problem might be caused by low memory, or corrupted or missing system files. You can try to restart the computer to clear the memory and then open Internet Explorer by itself. But if Internet Explorer is still having problems, try the following:

While browser add-ons can enhance your online experience, they can occasionally interfere or conflict with other software on your computer. Sometimes it’s the add-ons you use which cause the problem. You need to detect which add-ons are causing the problem. Here’s how you do it:

• Click the Start button
• Click All Programs
• Click Accessories
• Click System Tools
• Then click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

If disabling all add-ons solves the problem, you need to disable all add-ons and then turn on add-ons only as you need them. This will allow you to figure out which add-on is causing the problem.

To manually enable or disable add-ons, you need to follow following steps:

• Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Internet Explorer.
• Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons.
• In this window you can enable / disable individual add-ons.

If above add-on disabling method doesn't solve the problem, try resetting Internet Explorer back to its default settings. This method will remove all changes that have been made to Internet Explorer since it was installed, but it does not affect your favorites or feeds. Here is the procedure:

• Close all Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer windows.
• Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Internet Explorer.
• Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
• Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset.
• Click Reset.
• When you are done, click Close, and then click OK.
• Close Internet Explorer and reopen it for the changes to take effect.

If windows update or malware scan doesn't helps, then you might require an additional help.  At this point, you can look for a local technician or online tech support providers.

Setting up various email accounts for iPhone

In this fast paced modern world, users want to manage their life on the go. Whether it’s sharing pictures, sending emails or creating conference; smart phones are taking the world by the storm. When we talk about smart phones we can think of only one name: Apples’ iPhone.

Setting up an email account in iPhone (5, 4, 3G etc.) is pretty easy and takes only a few taps to have an email account synced with your phone in no time.

Things you need to know

Here are a few things you need to know before you begin to setup your email account

• What email service would you like to sync with your phone.
• Your email user-name and password.
• If your email account isn't through MobileMe, Gmail, Yahoo, or AOL, you'll also need to know your incoming mail server (IMAP or POP) and outgoing mail server (SMTP).

Once you have all of that information, follow these steps to add an account:

Setting up an email account (Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail)

• Open the “Settings” option on your iPhone.

• Next, Tap the "Mail, Contacts, Calendars" option on the screen.

• Now, Tap the "Add Account..." option.

• Choose the type of account you want to add.

• Fill in the information required and tap on “Next”

• iPhone will verify the information you entered. This might take a few minutes.

• Congratulations! Your email account has been setup successfully.

Setting up an email account (Other)

From the list of email options on the “Add Account” screen, if you choose “other” then you will need to know your incoming mail server (IMAP or POP) and outgoing mail server (SMTP).

• Tap other from email account list

• Tap on “Add account” option

• Follow the onscreen instructions and fill in the required information for your account and tap on “Next”

• Now you need to configure your incoming email server (POP or IMAP) and outing mail server (SMTP).

• Choose either IMAP or POP server and Fill in incoming and outgoing server settings, and Tap on “Next”

• iPhone will now verify your information and settings. This might take a few minutes.

You have successfully configured your email account with iPhone.

Steps To Setup A Wireless Printer In Windows 7

Wireless printers are a great way to printer on or more documents from various computers connected in a network.  The best thing about wireless printers is that they can be installed without cables anywhere in the area within the network range.

The following steps will help you setup a wireless printer on a network:

Before you Begin

• Download all the necessary printer drivers from the website onto your computer.
• Write down your network’s SSID (Network name) and its WEP/WPA security key or pass phrase.
• Without the network SSID/ pass phrase , you won’t be able to install your product.
• Ensure that your computer is connected to the wireless router.
• Make sure your printer is connected to your printer.
• Turn on your computer.
• Turn on your Wireless Router.
• Turn on your printer.
• Set the firewall to a lower level so that the wireless router and printer can communicate.

Setup your wireless printer

1. Access the "Setup" menu from the touch screen on your wireless printer and Select the "Wireless Setup Wizard" option.

2. Enter the name of your wireless network (Network SSID) and the security password (security key/pass phrase) for the wireless network.

3. Install the software  provided with the printer in the computer after the printer has connected to your desired  network.

4. Click on Start -> Devices and Printers

5. Click on “Add a Printer”

6. Click on “Add a Network, Wireless or Bluetooth printer

7. Computer will search for available printers

8. Click the name of the printer you want to add and click next.

9. Click on “Print a test page” to ensure that your printer is working.

10. After the printer has been added, a dialog of “Printer Successfully Installed” will be shown. Click on Finish to complete printer installation process.

Install or upgrade to Windows 8

Microsoft’s latest Windows OS version, Windows 8, has been finally released. With Windows 8, Microsoft intends to open a new dimension to advanced technology with its modern metro touch screen interface.

Whether you are upgrading from windows 7 to windows 8 or just bought a new PC or Laptop, installing windows 8 is a breeze. The following step by step guide will help you in installing the all new Windows 8 onto your system

Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8

Microsoft gives the Users an opportunity to upgrade to Windows 8 from their existing Windows 7 operating system while retaining their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications.


1. Preparation

• Run Windows update to install the perquisite updates and setting for Windows 8 installation (This step will require an internet connection).
• Press Start Button → All Programs_Search “Windows Update” and open

• Click “Check for updates” to download the necessary updates.

• Windows will check for required updates and inform you.

• Install updates for your system. Some of the updates will require you to restart the computer.

2. Installing Windows 8

• Insert the Windows 8 Installation Disc.
• Wait for the AutoPlay windows to pop up.
• Click “Run setup.exe” to continue.

• Windows 8 Installation will be prepared.

• Click on Install now to begin the installation process.

• Setup your preferred language

• Type in your Windows 8 product Key mentioned on the disc.

• Check the “I accept the license terms” to continue.

• Choose whether you would like to keep your original windows files and settings or not and click “Next”.

• Windows will check if your system is ready to upgrade.

• The Windows 8 upgrade assistant will help in checking system compatibility of the OS

• If there are some programs that might not be compatible with Windows 8, the setup will notify you.

• When the setup confirms that you are ready to install, Click on Install

• Windows 8 will now be installed

3. Completing the Windows 8 Installation

• Please wait while Windows 8 loads on your system

• Setup will take you to profile screen, where you can sign into your account using Windows live ID or local username/password.

• Enter your desired username and password

• Windows will create your account

• Login using the username and password you created at the profile screen

• The setup will take you to the desktop personalization screen, where you can edit the name for your system and choose its color.

• Once the Windows 8 desktop shows, your upgrade is complete.

Welcome to Windows 8!

A New Version Of Microsoft Windows: Windows 8

Windows 8, the long awaited version of Windows operating system series was finally released on 30th October 2012. With Windows 8, Microsoft intends to open a new dimension to advanced technology with its modern metro touch screen user interface.

After the catastrophic failure of Windows Vista, Windows 7 became the savior for Microsoft and the main motivation behind its consistent improvements and innovations. The improvements in its latest version of Internet Explorer were a proof to the world that the Microsoft was not going to hang up its hat just yet.

Now the main question that comes into the mind of windows users: will Windows 8 be able to replace Windows 7 become the next success story in Microsoft history? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the key differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 that might help you decide if you need to upgrade your operating system.

Windows 7 v/s Windows 8

• Interface

Windows 7 employs the traditional desktop interface which include start button, start menu, icons, windows explorer and control panel. These features have either been removed or replaced in Windows 8.

The most notable feature of windows 8 is its innovative Metro touch screen interface. This interface has been mainly designed for tablets but will also be available for PCs and laptops. Its design and functionality is similar to Windows Phone OS found in Nokia Lumia devices.

• Start Button

In Windows 7, we can easily recognize the iconic start button that has been deployed in every version of Windows. When we click on it we can see the start menu along with shortcuts to various computer services pinned in it.

In Windows 8, Start button is hidden. It now only appears when you hover in the bottom left corner with your mouse.

• Start Menu

In Windows 7, the familiar start menu, popped up when we clicked the start button, which has now been replaced with a Start Screen.

In Windows 8, the start screen uses dynamic app tiles instead of static computer icons which the user must touch to perform its function. The same kind of live tiles and data have been used in Windows Phone's home screen.

• Theme

The Aero Glass theme of Windows Vista and Windows 7 has been replaced with a Metro-style theme in Windows 8.

• Windows Desktop Gadgets

Popular desktop gadgets which were used in Windows 7 such as Calendar, Clock, Shutdown, CPU meter, Feed Headlines, Notes etc. will be no longer available.

Most of these gadgets will appear on Windows 8 Start Screen.

• Update Notifications

In Windows 7, we got our update notifications via system stray icon and balloon messages.

In Windows 8, all system and update messages will be shown on login and lock screens, so you might not even see them if you automatically log into your PC.

• Backup & Restore

In Windows 7, the Backup and Restore feature that allowed users to create system and files backups and restore from them.

In Windows 8, this feature has been replaced by a new feature called File History.

• Searching Files & Folders

In Windows 7, searching for files and folders was done through the search bar embedded in the start menu and windows explorer. The search bar allows users to find anything, anywhere on the computer by revealing its original file location.  There is an easy shortcut to Control Panel, where you can view and modify computer settings. The start menu has shortcuts to access various document, music and videos folder in one click. It simply takes one click to shutdown the computer, lock or hibernate system, or switch to another user.

In Windows 8, the only way to locate files and folders on the system is the charms bar that remains transparent on the home screen and lets you access to all the key features. These appear when you mouse to the right side of the screen or swipe in from the right on a touch screen. The Settings charm gives you quick access to basics such as volume and brightness controls, as well as putting your PC to sleep or restarting it.

• New Dialog Box For Copying

The new version of Windows Explorer in Windows 8 brings all of your file copy/ file move jobs into a single window, instead of managing multiple windows. You can also pause or stop copy jobs, easily manage file-name collisions  and get more details about the copy job, such as the speed of data transfer, more accurate estimate of time remaining etc.

• Personalization

In Windows 8, you can extend your home screen personalization. You can re-organize tiles, add tiles, group tiles, or remove tiles that you don’t need. You can configure the tiles to be live or not.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this post we would like to state that whether or not a user should upgrade to Windows 8 depends entirely upon their choice. Windows 7 is still powerful and popular. If the user feels that they aren’t impressed with Windows 8 they can continue using Windows 7.

Windows 8 is beautiful, it’s fast, and most importantly, it’s easy to use. It offers something for everyone from simple users who just want to check their email, surf the Web, and watch videos, to advanced users who need to manage multiple external hard drives.

Windows 8 will confuse you the first time you use it, but give it some time and chances are that you might not want to go back to Windows 7.