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Celebrating the preview launch of Microsoft’s flagship products System Center 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 and SQL Server 2014, Firebrand Training decided to pay homage to the Tech giant by creating a guide for their existing enterprise technology portfolio.

Check out the graphic below, for a full size version head to Firebrand’s site.

A guide to Microsoft’s Enterprise Technology

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So as we get to grips with the latest batch of Microsoft Technology Products, why not take a look back at the soon to be 40 year History of Microsoft. From humble beginnings of the Windows 1.0 OS, Microsoft has come a long way launching a wide range of innovative enterprise products. Lync Server allows businesses to effectively communicate internally, whilst SharePoint facilitates project collaboration through shared documents.

Of course, not every product has been success, highlighted by the fact a certain Windows OS may not have made it into the timeline. Can you spot it?

Sarah Morgan writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry writing on  exams, training, certification trends, and careers advice for the range of Microsoft technology courses delivered by Firebrand.

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Dates and Releases

In the filing, Microsoft provides the tentative date for its Windows 8 release and planned launch of Surface, their tablet offering.

[blockquote align=”center” style=”style2″]The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.[/blockquote]

The timing is no different than what we’ve been expecting for Windows 8 for some time now. With the addition of tablet availability just as the holiday buying season hits full stride, Microsoft is making sure they don’t miss out on their chance to firmly integrate into homes before the end of the year.

Risks

The preview releases of Windows 8 have stirred up very polarized opinions on the new operating system (OS). There seems to be a love it or hate it scenario unfolding from users who’ve sampled Windows 8. The new interface is clearly designed for touch devices and as such, those who expect to use a mouse and keyboard are less than excited about navigating the OS.

Here at GeekITDown, the consensus has been positive towards the new OS. Microsoft had to take a bit of a chance and leap into the new mobile-touch age in order to stay relevant and Windows 8 is a decent first step. The bigger question for Microsoft is whether their partners will continue to support them now that they’re creating their own line of hardware (Surface). Even Microsoft themselves acknowledge the fact in the SEC filing.

[blockquote align=”center” style=”style2″]Even if many users view these devices as complementary to a personal computer, the prevalence of these devices may make it more difficult to attract applications developers to our platforms. In addition, our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.[/blockquote]

Potential

There’s no question Microsoft has the bank and power to kick start a new tablet like Surface. From a purely commercial standpoint, the tablet market needs a bigger competitor to the iPad and Surface might be the answer.

Beyond the tablet itself is integration with devices and the connectivity that users expect. Microsoft has already laid the foundation for this with SmartGlass. The announcements made at E3 2012 outlined SmartGlass and its functionality. The presentation was impressive and the potential puts pressure on others to step up their game. The SEC filing also intimates their commitment to connecting all devices and data into a single, universal access experience.

[blockquote align=”center” style=”style2″]We invest significant resources in enabling and developing smart connected devices that offer a unified, seamless experience across a common platform. Whether a PC, Windows Phone, Xbox 360, or the newly announced Surface[/blockquote]

Editorial Note

While many seem to think Windows 8 is a catastrophe waiting to happen, I think otherwise. There are certainly opportunities for Microsoft to improve the OS, but in a world where touch screens are in demand and mobility for tech gadgets is the norm, Windows 8 is the right fit at the right time for Microsoft.

Surface is a welcome addition to the tablet market. Apple continues to dominate tablet sales despite Androids big push into the market. Microsoft has an established, loyal base with a certain amount of trust factor behind them to cause some disruption. The integration, if done accurately and properly, gives Microsoft an overwhelming advantage over others in the market. Smart connectivity to Xbox, Windows Server and other devices should mean only a small learning curve for new owners and could be a huge benefit for existing Windows legacy users.

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Dreaming of a paperless office where all those loose receipts, bills and documents simply disappear into a digitally organized filing cabinet? Dream no longer, Neat is here to ‘Tame Your Paper Monster‘.

Neat combines software and scanning to transform cluttered paper piles into searchable, manageable digital records. The Neat solutions range from portable scanners to desktop scanners all working in conjunction with Neat software.

Neat deciphers scanned documents and determines which category the document best fits in. Whether it be receipt, business card or something else, Neat identifies the document and sorts them in the document database. Afterwards, users have clean, organized files without the huge paper mess. Neat creates searchable PDFs which makes finding specific information as easy as possible.

Of course all the information is portable, whether it be a download to a local machine or direct import to popular applications. Neat is completely focused on organizing consumer-s paper information and as a wonderful side effect is reducing the need to store paper documents as well as reproduce them. The Neat Company has perhaps one of the best early footholds for completely eliminating paper in a home environment. If you have been wondering how to get out from all that paper clutter, then Neat is worth checking out.

Visit Neat

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Make Your Website Part Of The Nifty Collection

Technicians often work on Windows PCs which are password protected. It’s almost second nature to ask for the user’s password before servicing the system, unfortunately sometimes even techs forget. If you’re a technician that routinely works on PCs that have been picked up or dropped off, then the last thing you want to do is contact the client to ask for a password. It can cause delays in repair and is a bit embarrassing.

Kon-boot is a simple program which bypasses the Windows login password and allows technicians to gain access to the system temporarily in order to complete repairs. To get started, you’ll need to head over to Kryptoslogic and download the appropriate version for your needs. Afterwards, follow these steps:

1. Burn the .iso to CD.
2. Reboot to the CD.
3. At Windows login screen press the Enter key without typing in a password.

A very simple 3-step solution which saves a lot of time if you don’t have the password. After you’re finished, simply remove the CD and reboot the system. It will startup normally and the login password will again be required.

Of course there are other ways to bypass Windows passwords, but Kon-boot is very easy and works quite well. Obviously, we recommend this as a technicians tool and advise against using Kon-boot for less than legitimate reasons.

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How To Add Start Menu To Windows 8

Start8 by Stardock

Start8 is for those running the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. It adds a Start Menu to the Windows taskbar along with some other nice features such as Run and Shutdown via right-click menu. Start8 also gives users the ability to choose a custom start image button.

Download Start8

VistaStartMenu

Originally conceived as a decoration upgrade for Windows XP and Vista, this handy Start Menu replacement also works in Windows 8.

Download VistaStartMenu

ViStart

This third party app adds the Start Menu orb back and supplies the menu we’re all used to. The developer has painstaking worked to make this app functional for Windows 8 Consumer Preview and after some error fixes works great.

Download ViStart

Manual

Those who prefer digging into things or don’t want a third party app running can manually create a start menu option on the taskbar. The method is rather simple, but does involve some work. Here’s how to get it done:

• Right-click the taskbar.
• Click Toolbars and select New toolbar…
• Copy the following path into the folder selection box:[notice type=”blue”]%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs[/notice]
• Click Select Folder.

If done correctly you will notice a Programs menu displayed on the taskbar next to the notification area. To move the menu to the left hand side of the screen, right-click the taskbar and uncheck Lock the taskbar. Drag and drop the menu to where you desire.

This isn’t a perfect solution, in fact if you insist on going this route we recommend creating a custom folder with program shortcuts. After which you can create a menu which points to that folder. If you’re comfortable with manually configuration, then this method isn’t a problem although it will take more time.

Your Ideas

We know some of you out there have other ideas or methods for adding a Start Menu to Windows 8. Let our readers know about any other options by posting them in the comments.

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Those who need to upgrade their machines are likely debating the usual like cost, brand, features, etc., but there are other reasons to consider. In fact, we’re going to give you three reasons to wait to buy a new PC with Windows 8.

Reason #1: Cloud Storage

No doubt many of you have already begun moving to the cloud for storage. Services like Dropbox, Box, Carbonite and many others are vying for your data. Each service continually upgrades their service to better integrate, sync and expand in order to make the cloud as easy as possible.

Microsoft has its own cloud storage service called SkyDrive. It’s not the most popular on the market, but offers 25GB of free storage which dwarfs their biggest rival Dropbox. Microsoft has already announced full integration with SkyDrive in Windows 8 which means ease of use right out of the gate. Those who haven’t yet signed up for cloud storage will be given the option immediately and thus alleviating a lot of the anxiety about choosing one that works well with Windows.

Reason #2: Hardware Upgrades

Windows 8 will require basically the same hardware specifications as Windows 7. However, there are some benefits to Windows 8 hardware support that could sway you towards a Windows 8 PC purchase. Windows 8 will support USB 3.0 compatibility which is far superior in terms of speed than USB 2.0. With a maximum transfer speed of 4.8Gbps and full backward compatibility with USB 2 and USB 1, USB 3.0 will greatly improve portable transfer and storage efficiency.

Microsoft recently released Kinect for Windows which is the addition of the Xbox Kinect device to Windows powered PCs for motion control. Windows 8 will have this feature built-in. Whether or not the Kinect motion technology hardware is somehow integrated into laptops or monitors is yet to be determined, but if so the possibilities are expansive as to how users can control their PCs. The benefits could be enormous.

Reason #3: Touch Technology

Up until now, touchscreens have been mostly beneficial on smartphones and tablets. All-in-one touch PCs made an attempt, but ultimately fall short of being a viable touch PC. Windows 8 may change that. Microsoft’s new OS is completely oriented towards touch screen manipulation. As a result, manufacturers will rush to build touchscreen laptops and PCs. Though they may be hesitant, PC manufacturers must embrace Windows 8 in order to remain relevant in the ever advancing world of mobile computing. Users who wait to buy a new PC will benefit from laptop touch technology and take full advantage of the new Windows 8 operating system.

The benefits of a laptop touchscreen will be different for each user, though the inevitable move forward will likely mean the demise of the laptop as we know it. If Windows 8 and touchscreen technology on PCs is done correctly, then PCs (laptops in particular) will likely transform into powerful tablets. Advancement aside, laptops will remain in their current state for some time and Windows 8 will be a welcome addition.

Update: The announcement of Surface answers the speculation about laptops and Windows 8. A touch tablet with detachable keyboard.

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Having known the client for some time, I knew that the business was small and at most the upgrades would involve two to three systems. What happened next is what prompted this article. The client explained that the system setup had to remain intact on the new hardware. Not a big deal, it’s not like that hasn’t been asked before and understandably users get comfortable with a specific setup. It wasn’t until I looked at the original system that I realized there was a huge problem.

The problem wasn’t one of a damaged OS or faulty hardware. No, the problem was the OS itself and the client’s belief that this is the way it had to be. To bring you into the fold, the OS was Windows XP SP1. At first I hadn’t realized it and noticed it only when I opened Internet Explorer (IE) to download something to the system. Then it hit me. It was IE6! I immediately closed it and started looking for an explanation in the form of legacy software, connections or anything proprietary that could justify what I was seeing.

Ultimately, I found nothing. I later spoke with my client about the situation only to find out that at some point in time, likely years ago, he was told the system had to remain in that state in order to function properly with software already installed on the system. He was convinced to the point of disabling updates from Microsoft entirely. The system had not had an update in the last 10 years! This was definitely a shock, since the client seemed much more savvy when working with his modern home computers. Which brings us to the title of this article, How To Convince Clients To Upgrade Software.

Know Your Client

You’ve got to know your client. You deal with them directly, you know their level of resistance and openness to change. Use that to your advantage when explaining the upgrade options. If a client is extremely rigid in their beliefs about upgrading, then you have a difficult task ahead of you. Though not impossible, those types of clients will need data and lots of it. You may be their tech, but they still trust their own instincts when it comes to handling system maintenance whether they’re wrong or not.

Deliver Detailed But Simple Data

In order to convince your clients that they need to upgrade, you’ll need to provide them with some sort of proof. Though your word is correct, unfortunately, it isn’t enough. If it’s a system upgrade like the one in my example, then you need to understand the software on the system, how the network operates and whether there are any legacy issues to hinder the process. In my case there weren’t any, but before you run into any hiccups, be sure to find an alternative.

Offer Alternatives

If you’re going to make this happen, then you need some alternatives ready in case there are conflicts with old, outdated or no longer supported software. Most of the time you’ll find a better solution. That’s the easy part. It’s what you do with the old data that’s the hard part. Ideally, you’d like a way to import data from old software into modern software apps, but that isn’t always an option. In fact its rarely unproblematic. I’ve found that clients are most receptive to archived solutions. One such resolution is to take one of the outdated computers and store the entire database associated with the obsolete software onto it. No matter how it’s done the client must be presented with alternatives.

‘Geek It Down’ For Them

Clients don’t need to know how everything works. They don’t want to know the details of repairing, replacing or configuring a system. They want to know it will work, work well and is easy to manipulate. For example, if part of the upgrade process involves moving to cloud storage and backups, then explain to the client why it’s a better solution. Explain why with how. How will it make their life easier? How will it save them time and/or money? How will their business benefit from this change? Answering those questions will make for a pleasant conversation and result in a favorable response.

Conclusion

You can’t convince everyone all the time, but as tech professionals we have a limited responsibility to educate our clients enough to force them into advancing with the technology they use. In the end you’ll both be happier, the systems will be more versatile and their business will be more resourceful.

Your Thoughts

How do you convince clients to upgrade their systems? Maybe you prefer not to upgrade them. Let us know in the comments!

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Connecting Your Laptop To Your TV

What You Need

[list type=bullet]

• Television with at least one available HDMI port. All modern, flat panel TVs should have these ports. They will be labeled HDMI at the input spot on the TV.

  

• Laptop with an HDMI port. Typically the port will be found on a side or the back of the laptop.

  

• An HDMI cable. This connection method provides the highest quality video display. HDMI cables are relatively inexpensive, but you’ll want to purchase one online to find the best deals. We’ve provided an Amazon item below, which we’ve tested and is offered at an awesome price.

Connect Your Devices

• Take one end of the cable and plug it into the laptop.
• Take the other end of the cable and connect it to the TV.
• Power on your devices. It doesn’t matter which device is powered on first.
• Tune your TV to the HDMI input channel. On many television remotes, the button labeled “Source” will provide a listing of your input channels when pressed. To determine which input channel to select, look at the input port where the HDMI cable is connected to the TV. If there is only one HDMI port on your TV, then select HDMI. If there are multiple HDMI ports on your TV, then each will be numbered so that you can select the correct one.

Tell The Laptop To Display Content On The TV

In most cases, Windows 7 will recognize the change and automatically display the laptop screen on the TV. For the times when it won’t you’ll need to tell Windows what to do.

• Right-click on the desktop and select Screen Resolution.
• Look for the ‘Multiple displays’ option and use the drop down list to choose your second display (TV). If there isn’t a second display option listed, then click the Detect button.

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