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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The post A Historical Timeline Of Microsoft Technology first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

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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The post How To Add A Start Menu To Windows 8 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

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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The post 3 Reasons To Wait For Windows 8 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

In a recent blog posting Microsoft announced that Windows 8 will offered digitally as well as on DVD. The ability to upgrade Windows via an online download is the first of its kind for Windows and is something that, if successful, will make the move to a new operating system exponentially simpler for users.

The approach to the new digital upgrade came from research provided during the Windows 7 release where users performed compatibility tests along with easy transfer of files and settings. Windows 8 will combine those two tasks making the transition smoother and hopefully easier for users. Users who choose to upgrade will have the option to select their media (USB, DVD) and unlike installations in the past, digital downloads and upgrades will automatically be assigned a Windows key which will not need to be entered during install.

Microsoft intends to speed up the process considerably by using the data collected from the compatibility report to bypass the usual pre-install settings of language, geographic location and other user specific data.

While Microsoft is not the first to do digital upgrades, they are making a huge step forward to make upgrading quicker and simpler. It’s a good sign that Microsoft wants to be more current and follow the trend of online delivery. For those who can’t or still need to purchase the physical DVD media for installations, Microsoft will still be offering them in addition to the digital upgrades.

You can read other Windows 8 related articles on our Windows 8 News page.

Your Thoughts

What do you think of Microsoft’s move to offer digitial upgrades? Let us know in the comments!

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The post Windows 8 Upgrade To Be Offered Digitally first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

Add Control Panel and Windows Explorer to Desktop

• Right-click the desktop and select ‘Personalize’.
• On the left column of the Personalize screen, click ‘Change desktop icons’.

• Place a check next to each item you want to appear on your desktop. For our example we check off ‘Computer’ and ‘Control Panel’.

You can read other Windows 8 related articles on our Windows 8 News page.

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The post Add Control Panel To Desktop: Windows 8 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

Shut Down Windows 8

There are a couple ways to achieve shut down of Windows 8.

Method 1:

1. Press the Windows key + C.
2. Click ‘Settings’.
   

 

3. Click ‘Power’ (located on right-hand side of screen).
4. Click ‘Shut down’.
   

Method 2:

1. Click the user account icon and logout.
   

 

2. At the login screen is a power button in the lower right hand corner, click that for shut down options.

You can read other Windows 8 related articles on our Windows 8 News page.

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The post How To Shut Down Windows 8 first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.