Microsoft Windows 7 Training

Windows 7 is the long awaited upgrade to Microsoft's operating system, surpassing Windows Vista. There are changes and enhancements users, developers and technicians should note, from a standpoint of usability and troubleshooting problems. Windows 7 appears to be an improved version of Windows Vista. Users upgrading from Vista to Windows 7 should have a smooth transition. Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 may induce problems, as software applications that have not been upgraded to run efficiently on Vista, may or will cause problems.

This also runs true for hardware that has not been updated and optimized to run with Vista, as the hardware may be outmoded or the drivers are far too out of date. If you own Windows XP, the best solution will be a clean install of Windows 7, then re-install all software afterwards. Locating and recording any and all serial numbers of registered software should be done before any operating system installs are performed.

One suggested method to insure the most painless transition possible would first involve a full system backup. Next, perform an Easy Transfer. This software application can be found on the Windows 7 disc. Easy Transfer will save your user file and application settings to an external device such as a hard drive or USB. Install Windows 7, then run Easy Transfer a second time, picking up your saved settings and importing them to the new system.

User interface changes include Aero Peek, which allows a user to view additional information while flipping through open windows with Alt-Tab. New shortcuts have been added for application switching, using the Windows Logo + <#> keys. The Taskbar contains larger icons, similar to Apple’s operating system. In fact, the entire interface has a slicker, more polished feel to it. Rather eye catching. An individual’s user folders are now called Libraries, search folders put together, storing documents, pictures and music in one simple place.

There is a new calculator, Internet Explorer 8 is the default browser, and boot times are faster. Also, many hardware drivers are now included. One of the best changes is the Action Center icon. Now, all of the Windows Security error messages or notifications are consolidated, and you have the option to choose which ones to view and which ones to ignore.

Upgrades are always a concern for businesses attempting to remain smooth and on keel. By following backup procedures and reading all information provided, the process can be a less stressful situation.

Microsoft Office 2010 Training

Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft's flagship suite of continually growing applications for office productivity, has received a notable facelift with the advent of Office 2010. Due to be released within the first six months of 2010, Office 2010 will arrive with a host of bundled applications. In addition to Word, Excel and Access, Office 2010 includes Powerpoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, InfoPath, Office Communicator 2007 R2, SharePoint Workspace, Visio, Office Web Apps and Office Mobile.

Highlighting the differences in the new version, some of the changes are within the user interface. The Ribbon navigation interface is now a standard across all applications. As a rule, any user interface should have compatibility and integration from screen to screen. Within Access, a user now has the ability to publish a database to the web, allowing a team of users across various mediums read and write access depending on the granted file permissions. An Access addition to developers is IntelliSense. Think of it as a thesaurus of programming language objects and functions. The main improvement worth mentioning in Excel is the increased 64 bit memory capacity, bringing a much needed speed and improvement to calculation accuracy and performance.

Word remains stable, although the web collaboration features, shared document syncing and World Wide Web capabilities are a necessary item for group co-action of data. Outlook, always a main staple of office sharing of information and ideas, comes through with the new Conversation View, grouping related messages and replies. Web and mobile devices integrating with Outlook is also improved. A great Powerpoint feature is the ability to create and edit videos from presentations, and display the videos from online sites. OneNote is now a standard in 2010, allowing co-authoring, sharing and version storage of ideas. Publisher now contains a Commercial Printer option, allowing a user to choose from standard, minimum size, commercial, or high quality document printing or four custom publishing options.

Even though there may be a learning curve whenever a new release of an application enters the general public, remaining on top of the new changes is always an advantage to the savvy user. Becoming familiar with the enhancements and usability of Office 2010 should become a staple in every user’s resume of accomplishments, improving their own productive skills.