HSCC

HSCC

25 October 2015

Windows 10 Isn't Scary

Presenter: Peter Moate
Date: 21 Oct 2015

It is basically the same as Windows 7 or 8 with a "new haircut".

The Start Menu has the same function as Windows 7 Start, but notice that the Windows 8 tiles do not fill the screen anymore.


If you want to you can drag the Tiles windows across the screen to make it bigger.

If you click on All apps in the menu you will see all the programs just like Windows 7.

When you finished just click the Power  option and select Shut down.

Microsoft Edge is the new Internet Explorer but much faster and smarter. (See blue e below)

Microsoft Edge first presents you with favourite sites and the local news. You type your search in just like Windows 7 Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Edge then shows the results of the search, using Microsoft Bing search engine.

Of course we all have Bad Hair days.......

Have Fun with Windows 10 and stay tuned for another update.

23 September 2015

Should I upgrade to Windows 10?

Ryan Boutland

Windows 10 is rolling out as you read this. So, if you're thinking of upgrading but are unsure if it's worth it, these key considerations below will help you to make the right choice.

Will you get it for free?
Those who own a copy of Windows 7 or 8 will receive an upgrade for free, but anyone using Windows XP or Vista will have to purchase the new operating system. If you can upgrade for free, you should be able to click on a small Windows icon at the bottom right of your screen, on the taskbar. Read more on Microsoft's website

Will you be able to run it?
All computers running Windows 8 and 8.1 will be able to run the software, as well as most running Windows 7. PCs running Vista or XP may not be compatible.

How big is the download?
The download will be three gigabytes, so you may want to be careful downloading it, depending on your internet data plan.

Will everything be compatible?
Most programs and applications from Windows 7 and 8 will run fine on Windows 10, and those that don't will likely run fine in a special compatibility mode. However XP and Vista programs will most likely not be compatible, but newer versions of software may be available for the new operating system. If you rely on certain programs, you should contact the software manufacturer to see if they will be compatible before upgrading.

Some devices will require additional software and drivers to be compatible with Windows 10. For example, Sony (manufacturer of VAIO computers) has issued a warning that until the necessary complementary software is available, users should not download Windows 10. Check with your computer's manufacturer to see if your device is compatible or when it will be compatible. VAIO users are advised to wait until November. 

Will any features be added or removed?
Voice control assistant Cortana will be added to the software, allowing for voice control within the operating system. Classic Windows game Hearts will no longer be available, while new versions of Minesweeper and Solitaire will be. Windows Media Center will also be removed and playing DVDs on your computer will require additional software, which can be found for free online

Are there any security concerns?
Microsoft has stated that "Windows 10 has more built-in security protections to help safeguard you against viruses, phishing and malware. It's the most secure Windows ever." But if you are concerned about security, it might be worth waiting a few weeks to ensure there aren't any major vulnerabilities.

Will you be upgrading to Windows 10? If you have any other questions about upgrading feel free to ask us by emailing newsletters@yourlifechoices.com.au and we'll do our best to answer them. 



31 August 2015

Welcome to Windows 10




Learn about the Get Started app, navigating your device, and support
Windows 10
Email 1 2
This email has been designed to work with Windows 10 devices.
Welcome to Windows 10
Getting Started Series
This is the first in a series of emails designed to help you get the most out of Windows 10. This email includes the info you need to get up and running quickly.
Windows 10 Getting Started Series
If you've opted out of receiving email, you'll only get one more in this series. See the bottom of this email if you'd like to opt back in.
It's the Windows you know, only better
It's the Windows you know, only better
Windows 10 is so familiar and easy to use, you'll feel like an expert. Because updates are automatically enabled1, you'll have the very latest features when they're released, which means Windows will just keep getting better.
Get to know the Get Started app
We've designed the Get Started app to help you get the most out of Windows 10. It can help you get on the web, navigate your device, move files, set up printers and hardware, and more. Any time we add new features to Windows 10, the app will automatically update1 to help you with those, too.
Open the Get Started app
Get to know the Get Started app
Getting around your device
Search with the taskbar
Search with the taskbar
The easiest way to search the web, search your device and access and share the files on OneDrive is through the Windows search box on your taskbar.
Learn more
Get to your settings
Get to your settings
Update your settings and personalise Windows 10 the way you want.
Open settings
Learn more
Touch or type
Touch2 or type
Interact with your device in the way that's most natural.
Learn more
Surf the web
Surf the web
Introducing Microsoft Edge, the new browser that makes the web work the way you do.
Open your browser
Learn more about Microsoft Edge
We're here to help
We're here to help
Just use the Windows search box to get a quick answer, a step-by-step tutorial or a connection to a real person through our Contact Support app.3
Discover everything your Microsoft account can do
Microsoft account
With this one account, you can take your settings, preferences and files you have backed up on OneDrive with you across all your devices – and not just Windows devices. Plus, you'll only need to remember one user ID and password.
Update your Microsoft account
Let's keep in touch
Get the Windows newsletter to learn about new features coming to Windows 10, entertainment and apps in the Windows Store, tips, tricks and more.
Sign up now









14 August 2015

More Windows 10 WARNINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One customer decided to revert back to Windows 7 from Windows 10 because her Telstra 4G dongle would not work.



"If you have or are planning to use a Telstra USB 4G (320U) or Telstra USB 3G (312U) on a PC currently running Windows 10, please note that the Telstra Connection Manager software is currently incompatible with that operating system.

We are working with our vendor and software teams to update our connection manager as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you have already upgraded to Windows 10, we have developed a guide to get you back online. Please refer to the steps below and follow those relevant to your situation, to get started." Click Here

She didn't realise that her Office 2007 would also not work and now doesn't work with Windows 7 until she puts in a licence key.

"MS Office software free users who are either using a cracked version or the old genuine 2003 or 2007 version will be surely disappointed with this news. As per the latest update available from Microsoft sources , Windows 10 operating system will only allow users to use the new genuine version of MS Office 2013 on its platform in near future."


ARRGGHH!! No more free games? http://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/matthew-wilson/windows-10-can-seek-out-pirated-software/


How to Uninstall Windows 10 and Downgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1


29 July 2015

Photographic Competition Theme

Funny Food with a Caption
I Can see better now, and that's no Yolk!

Nice Cap Greeny!
Should've gone to SpecSavers!
Don't forget Tassie!!!




24 July 2015

Block Ads in Google Chrome with AdBlock

STEP 1.

  • Open Google Chrome and click on the 3 horizontal bars 
  • Select More Tools / Extensions

Step 2.
  • At the bottom of the Extensions screen choose Get More Extensions



Step 3.
  • In the search box on the left type: adblock and hit Enter
  • Look down the results and find the one with the Green stripe
  • Click +ADD TO CHROME 



 Step 4.

  • When the pop up box appears click Add
  • That's it!


Save iPad photos to Windows automatically

STEP 1.
  • Click on the link below and choose Download


  • Click on the iCloudSetup.exe when download is finished.
  • Wait while iCloud installs the click Finish
  • Then agree to restarting your computer.


Step 2.
  • Sign in with your iPad's email (AppleID) and password.



Step 3.

  • Make sure that Photos has a tick next to it


Step 4.
  • Make sure you have Upload to My Photo Stream turned on in Settings/Photos & Camera on your iPad

  • Your iPad photos will now be synchronised with Windows and can be found in:
    Pictures/iCloud Photos/My Photo Stream/



For Android tablets see the following settings on your tablet to synchronise with Google Photos (Picasa):

9 July 2015

Should I upgrade to Windows 10?


Peter went through the Microsoft web page about how to upgrade to Windows 10

This shows how to reserve your free upgrade and what to do we Windows 10 is available. It does NOT upgrade automatically. You will be notified and can decide whether or not to upgrade.


Buyer Beware!
Microsoft's history of problems with new releases should make you wary of upgrading too soon. If you upgrade and run into a problem there may be nobody with enough knowledge to help you. In any case, make sure you have a recent backup of your important files.
See this warning: http://au.pcmag.com/windows-10-preview-release-date-news-features/35375/opinion/dont-upgrade-to-windows-10-on-july-29

A couple of computer club committee members will be trying Windows 10 out and reporting back on whether it is ok to upgrade. From past experiences maybe you should wait for Windows 10.1

1 July 2015

TELSTRA AIR®


About Telstra Air
"As we work to give you easier access to Wi-Fi, our Telstra Air Network™ is growing. As a Telstra Air member, you can use your Telstra home broadband allowance at thousands of hotspots across Australia."

"But we’re not stopping there.Thanks to our partnership with Fon you can access your Telstra home broadband allowance at over 15 million Fon Spots overseas."

Connect to Telstra Air

Once you’ve become a member of Telstra Air, you can get online using your Telstra home broadband allowance when you’re out and about, using your Wi-Fi enabled laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Don’t forget to download the Telstra Air App so that you'll be able to automatically connect to your nearest Telstra Air hotspot in Australia or Fon Spot when you’re travelling overseas.


Are you ready?

Telstra broadband customers

If you’re an eligible Telstra home broadband customer with an ADSL, Cable or NBN connection and a compatible gateway you can become a member of Telstra Air.

Next, check that your gateway is compatible.



https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/telstra-air/what-is-telstra-air


10 June 2015

Mail Merge with Moatey

Last week we learned how to set up a table with our Chrissie card contacts using Microsoft Word.
The table should have enough columns for each word that you would write when writing an address on an envelope. 
E.g. Mr, John, Smith, 1 Jones St, Shoalheads, NSW, 2535, Australia. Which is 8 columns.

This week learnt how to create the envelope template.

A copy of the PowerPoint slides follows: