Windows 10: New accessibility features
Microsoft is working on improvements for Windows 10’s accessibility features, which will be introduced later in the year. Some of these are already available to preview through the Insider Program, but everyone else will have to wait. Here’s what’s coming: Better Ease of Access settings Some users rarely tinker with their computer’s accessibility settings because they’re difficult to locate and adjust. Luckily, in the upcoming Windows 10, this won’t be the case. Microsoft will soon launch Ease of Access settings that’s easier to discover, learn, and use. The enhancements are categorized into Vision, Hearing, and Interaction (speech and eye control) groups. Those who want bigger characters can adjust settings under “Make everything bigger,” which lets you enlarge apps and text. You can also “Make everything brighter” by increasing the brightness of your built-in display, and “Simplify and personalize Windows” by turning on or off animations, transparency, and automatically hiding scrollbars in Windows on the Display page. You can also ask Cortana to find a specific setting for quicker access. Narrator enhancements Narrator is Windows 10’s screen-reading app that reads text on a PC screen and ‘narrates’ to users their notifications, calendar reminders, and other events. In the latest update, Narrator’s audio performance will provide faster, more responsive, and more accurate narration. Previously, it reads bolded, italicized, or underlined statements by using statements like “start/end bold.” But in the new version, the narrator will change reading pitch, speed, and tone to emphasize certain texts. Other improvements include a capability to run on Safe Mode and an enhanced Microsoft Edge browsing, which now announces various processes such as when users are opening or closing tabs, or loading or refreshing pages. Eye Control adjustments Windows 10’s eye control feature lets users control the mouse, type using an on-screen keyboard, and use text-to-speech with eye-control technology found in eye-tracking devices. Soon to be introduced in Windows 10 is the capability for users to scroll and click directly from left to right, and quickly access Windows Start, Timeline, and other common tasks. And with the ability to pause eye control, users can hide the launchpad to enjoy undisrupted reading or streaming. Other upcoming upgrades Microsoft Learning Tools (advanced tools to enhance reading and writing skills) will soon include more intuitive text suggestions when using a keyboard, and language support for touch keyboards. Microsoft will also continue to work on improving its assistive technology partnerships. Microsoft listened to users’ feedback and made several improvements in its accessibility features and apps so that people with poor vision, hearing loss, limited dexterity, and other disabilities will have a much better experience. If you need further help with Windows 10 features, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to speed up Windows 10 updates
Keeping up with Windows 10 updates is absolutely critical if you want the latest features and security fixes on your computers. However, the updates can take hours, especially when a major new feature is being released. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to speed things up. Why do updates take so long to install? Windows 10 updates take a while to complete because Microsoft is constantly adding larger files and features to them. For instance, the latest Fall Creators update, which made plenty of adjustments to Cortana, Photos, and Edge, can take upwards of four hours to install. And it takes even longer if you have a fragmented or nearly filled hard drive. In addition to the large files and numerous features included in Windows 10 updates, internet speed can significantly affect installation times. This is especially true if your network is being overburdened by multiple people downloading the update at the same time. If multiple downloads aren’t being attempted and you still experience slowness, then either some broken software components are preventing the installation from running smoothly, or apps and drivers that run upon startup are likely to blame. When you experience any of these issues, try the following: Free up storage space and defragment your hard drive Because many Windows 10 updates take up a lot of space in your hard drive, you need to leave enough room for them. This means deleting files and uninstalling software you no longer need. You’ll also want to defragment your hard drive, a process that organizes data on your hard drive so it can read and write files faster. While this may sound complicated, it’s actually as easy as pressing the Windows button and typing Defragment and Optimize Drives. From there, just select the hard drive, click Analyze, and if the drive is more than 10% fragmented, press Optimize. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter If broken software components are causing installation problems, this tool might be able to fix the issue and decrease download and install times. Disable startup software Before your update begins, you should also disable third-party applications that can potentially cause disruptions. To do this, press the Windows button again and type msconfig. In the System Configuration Window, go to Services, click Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all. Afterwards, access Task Manager (press Ctrl + Alt + Delete) and disable any startup program that might interfere with updates like an Adobe app or printer software. Optimize your network Sometimes a faster connection is all you need. Consider switching to fiber optic cables or purchasing more bandwidth from your internet service provider. It’s also a good idea to use bandwidth management tools to make sure enough network resources are reserved for things like Windows 10 updates, not bandwidth hogs like Skype or YouTube. Schedule updates for low-traffic periods In some cases, however, you may have to accept the fact that certain updates do take a long time. So instead of installing them during the day, schedule them for after hours when you’re not using your computers. Simply go to Settings and specify when you prefer updates to be installed. If you need help with any of the tips above, we’re always here to help. Call us today to meet with our Windows specialists! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Windows 10 Home, Pro, or 10 S?
When buying new hardware, you have to choose which operating system (OS) to install. And if you go with Windows, you’ll have to make even more decisions, as there’re Windows 10 Home, Pro, and 10 S. Although they contain many similar features, there are significant differences between them. Here’s a quick rundown of each OS version. Windows 10 Home This version, as you may have guessed, is designed for home and personal use. It comes bundled with key Windows 10 features, including Microsoft Edge, Office 2016, smart pen support, and the Cortana voice assistant. Since Microsoft is pushing their cloud services, Home also provides 5GB of cloud storage in OneDrive for individual users. In terms of security, Home has fairly basic protections. It has Windows Defender Antivirus software, Windows Hello biometric logins that use face or fingerprint authentication, and rudimentary device encryption to minimize data breaches. Those with multiple Windows devices will also love the mobile device management app, which allows them to track and control app usage for connected smartphones and tablets. To explore new apps, Home users can sign up for the Windows Insider program, but since this version is light on features, there is usually a limited selection of early release apps to play with. Windows 10 Pro If you plan to use your computer for work, the Pro version is the right OS for you. One of its most notable features is Hyper-V, which allows you to create virtual machines (VMs) on Windows 10. These VMs can be used to deliver computing resources from a powerful computer to other machines connected to the network, making resource provisioning a breeze. Considering that businesses are usually targeted by cybercriminals, Pro offers more robust security than Home. In addition to Windows Defender, this version comes with whole disk encryption, Enterprise Data Protection, and Azure Active Directory — an identity management service used to set up and enforce access policies for apps and devices. Rolling out updates for all computers is also incredibly easy with Pro’s Windows Update for Business service. From a central console, you can manage how and when Windows 10 devices are updated while making sure that the bandwidth used doesn’t disrupt day-to-day operations. Windows 10 S Released in 2017, Windows 10 S is focused on simplicity, security, and speed. Feature-wise, it’s about the same as Home, offering Office productivity apps and Cortana. But it comes with Pro functions such as virtual machines and increased security, too. While it doesn’t possess as many features as Pro, Microsoft reported that 10 S-powered computers boot 15 seconds faster than Pro machines. Its relatively low hardware requirements also make it perfect for startups and schools that tend to purchase low-cost PCs. And if you want more features, 10 S allows you to upgrade to Pro at an affordable price. The big difference between 10 S and the other Windows 10 versions is that it can only run applications available on the Windows Store. Although this restriction means you don’t get to enjoy third-party apps, it actually protects users from downloading dangerous apps and helps Microsoft easily root out malware. So far, only a few devices — including the Surface Laptop, Lenovo V330, and HP Stream 14 Pro — are capable of running 10 S, but it’s only a matter of time before other devices are compatible. Still not sure about which Windows 10 version you should purchase? Contact our experts today to get more advice. We’ll even install and maintain Windows for you so you can focus on being productive! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Disable Windows 10’s intrusive settings
Windows 10 is undoubtedly Microsoft’s most accepted operating system since Windows XP. But that doesn’t make it faultless, many users have been complaining about the intrusive privacy settings the operating system enables by default. To reclaim your privacy, follow these tips on turning off its intrusive settings Turn personalized advertising off For those unaware, Windows 10 assigns each user an ‘advertising ID’ which it uses to personalize your ad experience based on your recent browser history. If you’re someone who is okay with seeing generic ads targeted to you based on demographics rather than your ID, we recommend turning this feature off. To do so, head into your settings by clicking on the magnifying glass symbol next to the Windows logo, at the bottom left of your screen. Next, type in Privacy — click on it, and select General. Then, slide the option which states ‘let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps’ to Off. Lastly, open your web browser and go to this link. Once there, select Off for ‘Personalized ads wherever I use my Microsoft account’ and ‘Personalized ads in this browser.’ This resets your ad ID, allowing you to experience the joys of web surfing without the creepy targeted advertisements. Disable Cortana Voice-controlled digital assistants have become big business. Microsoft aims to capitalize on this market with Cortana, an incredibly resourceful, built-in assistant that allows to you quickly set reminders, schedule events and send email, among many other intuitive features. It uses the information it collects similar to how Google’s Android-based assistant does it. However, it can become overbearing at times. To turn it off, click on the Cortana icon in the taskbar, followed by the notebook icon on the left hand side of the pop-up panel. Click on Settings, this should present you with the first option which says, ‘Cortana can give you suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more’, you can slide that to Off. Once disabled, the Cortana option disappears and you’re now presented with a search bar which you can use to search for things online or on your desktop. Stop peer-to-peer file-sharing With P2P file-sharing enabled, Windows 10 shares downloaded updates to your PC with other Windows 10 users by default. This helps other users update their systems faster, and speeds up your upgrade downloads, as well. However, if you are unhappy with your files being utilized by other users, you can turn it off. Head over to Settings once again. Click on ‘Update and Security’, followed by ‘Windows Update’, then ‘Advanced Options’ and finally select ‘Choose how updates are delivered.’ By default, the ‘Updates from more than one place’ is on, followed by two options: distribute updates only to PCs on local network, and shut off P2P updates entirely. If you want to disable this feature entirely without worrying about specifics, then move the slider to Off. If you want to share your files with PCs on your in-house network only, leave the the slider in the On position and select the button which says ‘PCs on my local network.’ For more detailed instructions on how to stop P2P updates, click here. Blunt Microsoft’s Edge Remember Internet Explorer? Think of Microsoft Edge as the same, just on steroids. The tech giant’s fancy new browser is chock full of features — such as Cortana Integration and typing prediction — which may make you uncomfortable, since all the features send data back to Microsoft. To turn off these intrusive functionalities, open Edge and click on the menu icon in the far right corner (three horizontal dots). Once in, click on ‘View Advanced Settings’. There you have the option to disable Adobe Flash — which stops those Flash cookies from going anywhere. You’ll also encounter a bunch of settings you might want to disable under the ‘Privacy and Services’ section. These simple security tips will stop Microsoft from tracking your online movements for good! In case you’re interested in protecting your privacy, don’t hesitate to contact us today for all matters security related. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
New Windows update for PC vulnerabilities
Two newly discovered Windows vulnerabilities, known as Meltdown and Spectre, make it possible for hackers to steal all sorts of confidential information. To resolve this issue, Microsoft has released an update. Continue reading to stay protected. Issues with Microsoft’s Spectre and Meltdown patches After the January 3rd announcement of unprecedented security vulnerabilities, Microsoft has been rushing to release security updates for its Windows operating system. At their most basic, these complex vulnerabilities, named Spectre and Meltdown, make it possible for a program installed on your computer to access any information stored on your hard drive, even if it is protected. These flaws mean that anything you’ve typed into your computer is at risk: credit card numbers, passwords — all of it. But don’t rush off to install fixes just yet. There are a few speed bumps you’ll have to navigate on your road to safety. Incompatibility issues According to reports, Microsoft’s patches have caused several problems to some users’ computers. For some, installing the new patches has resulted in computers with older processors to crash more often than usual. Users with newer processors have found their computers struggling to boot up, with some never getting past the Windows loading screen. As a result, on more than one occasion, hardware and software vendors have recommended that its customers postpone installing the new patches. Spectre and Meltdown can cause serious damage, but that doesn’t mean anyone should run off to haphazardly attempt computer repair above their ability. Until the process for installing patches has been ironed out, we recommend enlisting help. Hire a professional Given the issues on patches, IT novices shouldn’t update their computers on their own. Without adequate experience, you might install the wrong patch and cause even more problems to your computer. Or worse, install one of the pieces of malware masquerading as Spectre patches. Instead, why not call a professional to update your computer and protect your system from Meltdown and Spectre? Data and network security is no easy task. We offer advanced, multi-layer protection to keep your data safe and sound. Give us a call and we’ll explain how we can help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Beware Of Apps Bundled With Your Windows 10
Have you recently purchased new laptops or computers? Don’t get too excited. A new report proves that pre-installed software such as free trials and web browser toolbars can pose high-security risks. So if you want to maximize your new investment, here are some things you might want to know: Tavis Ormandy, a researcher from Google’s Project Zero, recently discovered that a compromised password management app, Keeper, had been installed with some versions of Windows 10. For a brief period, Keeper’s browser extension, when enabled, allowed websites to easily steal login credentials. Users became exposed only if they have activated the plugin during Keeper’s setup process, or manually activated it in their browser. In response to Ormandy’s report, the Keeper team released a new version that fixes the security vulnerability, therefore addressing the issue once the software is up to date. Although the issue was patched in a week, thousands of these third-party applications are added to laptops every day. This incident again highlights just how cautious individuals and businesses need to be in finding security vulnerabilities when purchasing computer hardware. Why unwanted bloatware needs to go Computer manufacturers make money installing third-party software along with Windows to laptops and PCs. Vendors pay to have their bloatware — such as trial versions of antivirus programs, video games, and browser toolbars — installed on new computers in hopes that people will purchase the full programs. In reality, bloatware slows down your computer, takes up disk space, and sometimes puts you at risk. Thankfully, Microsoft has included an easy way to get rid of bloatware in Windows 10. Click the start menu, then the gear icon in the bottom right In the settings window, select Update & Security On the left-hand side, click Recovery Select ‘Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows’ and follow the instructions. Bloatware not only clutters your PCs and laptops, but it can leave your business vulnerable to compromise as well. Don’t make this security mistake; learn more about protecting your computers from bloatware, and save yourself from tons of headaches down the line. Call our team of IT experts today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Microsoft unveils new Windows features
The recent Windows 10 Fall Creators update is just a few weeks old but Microsoft has already released another major update. On December 19, they rolled out a new Windows 10 Insider update to test two new features: Sets and Timeline. Sets Sets takes the tab features from web browsers and adds them to various Microsoft apps, including Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. This reduces how many windows you have to have open. For example, if you are working on a Word document and you need to research a particular topic, you can create a new tab, open Edge, and start surfing. The new tab page also gives you quick access to local files and Office 365 applications provided you have a subscription. This saves you from having to manage multiple windows since all the apps and websites that are relevant to your work are in one place. And when you press save, Sets bundles your apps and research into a single file, allowing you to revisit relevant material. Timeline Speaking of revisiting material, Timeline displays apps and files you were using at a particular time so you can easily resume past activities. What’s more, this feature works across all Cortana-enabled devices, which means you can switch from your desktop to your phone and access the same files you were previously working on. Cortana even suggests activities you might want to resume as you switch between devices. To try Timeline, access Task View by pressing the Task View icon in the taskbar or hitting the Windows logo key + TAB. From there, you’ll be able to see recently accessed apps and websites and reopen them. There’s also a “See all” option that lets you view everything you’ve done in a single day, organized by hour. If you’re looking for a specific app, you can always use the search bar. Windows 10 Insiders Unfortunately, Sets and Timeline are not yet available to the general public. But if you’re interested in trying out these features for yourself, you can sign up for the Windows 10 Insider program. Not only will you get these features, but you’ll also be one of the first to receive the latest updates Microsoft has to offer. You even get the opportunity to give feedback about new features, which helps improve Microsoft’s apps and services. Want to be the first to know what features Microsoft will release? Call us today! As an experienced managed services provider, we’re tuned in to the most recent tech developments, whether they come from Microsoft, Google, or other industry leaders. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Here come crapware-free PCs
Bloatware, trialware, crapware — the unnecessary software usually pre-installed by the manufacturer on your brand new PC. Besides being annoying, this type of software also slows down your machine and can tamper with security. Microsoft is fed up with it too, which is why they’ve come up with Windows 10 Signature Edition PCs. Read on to find out more. What are Windows 10 Signature Edition PCs? Microsoft Windows 10 Signature Edition is a new generation of specially configured PCs that are clear of junkware, which is unnecessary software pre-installed by PC manufacturers on new PCs. Microsoft is aiming to provide users with cleaner, more optimized PCs. What’s tempting about them? They are cleaner. It’s undeniable that PCs devoid of aggressive attempts to lure you to pay for upgrades is a more pleasant user experience. No more annoyances, no more need to spend time manually uninstalling unnecessary programs yourself. They are faster. Once PCs are clear of third-party junkware, they’ll load quicker, whether you need to boot, shutdown, sleep, or resume working. They are more secure, according to Microsoft. The Signature Edition PCs boast a built-in firewall and anti-virus and anti-phishing tools that come with ongoing security support and updates throughout their useful lives. What’s more, ridding your PC of bloatware means reducing the chances of you clicking on suspicious ads that will make your PC prone to attack. You can find Signature Edition PCs in Microsoft’s brick-and-mortar stores and online, manufactured by leading PC makers such as Dell, Acer, HP, and Lenovo. Is there any downside? Possibly, yes. Signature Edition PCs usually cost more than similar machines containing bloatware. This is because bloatware is a source of extra income, and many vendors end up increasing the PC price to make up for the loss. Another thing to note is that even though the Signature Edition PCs have less third-party software, much of Microsoft’s own crapware remains. That includes Candy Crush Soda Saga, Bubble Witch 3 Saga, and Drawboard PDF. The good news is Microsoft bloatware generally doesn’t affect a PC’s performance unless it is running. Interested in switching to a cleaner version of Windows, but unsure whether it would be worth it? Before spending your hard-earned money on a piece of hardware, you need to make sure you understand the pros and cons, so why not consult our experts today? They know about computers and can advise you on how to make the right IT investments. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Windows Hello makes logging in simple
In another example of sci-fi technology becoming reality, Microsoft’s biometric logins can now recognize your face, fingerprint, or eyes when you attempt to access your device. It’s exciting as well as convenient and we’ve got everything you need to get started, right here. Say hello to fingerprint, iris, and facial scans Windows Hello is an advanced biometric identity and access control feature in Windows 10. With it, there’s no need to enter a password; all it needs is your fingerprint, eye scan, or just your face. For those who are worried about privacy, the feature stores your biometric data only on your device, never on Microsoft’s servers. Microsoft has also made it clear that third parties cannot access your biometric data, although, as with every new technology, it’s best to treat this with caution. How to set up Windows Hello All you need to get started is a laptop or desktop with Windows 10 and a compatible webcam (there is a full list here). First, go to Settings > Account > Sign-in options. Then, under the Windows Hello section, you’ll see setup options for face, iris, or fingerprint scans. Select which method you want to set up and follow the prompts to create a login profile. You can also save your biometric data or scan more than once to boost accuracy. Each time you scan, the system collects more data, so it’s worth completing a few scans before enabling the login feature. However, passwords are still an option when using Windows Hello and should always be configured in case your camera isn’t operational. Once one account is set up, you can start adding family members who share the same device. Each of them can set up their own biometric profile in a separate account. There are many features in Windows that can make your life easier. Our IT experts can help you get more out of your Windows devices. Contact us today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Navigate Windows 10 easily with ‘Follow Me’
According to a Microsoft tipster, a proposed new feature in Windows 10 will allow users to navigate the system with the help of its virtual assistant (VA), Cortana. ‘Follow Me’ is an enhancement that will make navigating the operating system much easier, which will be particularly useful to those who find it a bit challenging. Possible new Cortana features Cortana can perform several tasks, including answering basic questions, sending reminders, and adjusting your music player’s volume. With the introduction of ‘Follow Me,’ it will provide an audiovisual-guided navigation within your Windows computer. Currently, Cortana is capable of providing voice prompts when providing search results. Based on this short video clip, the improved version will perform more complicated tasks such as providing users with visual prompts for pairing a Bluetooth device with their PC. The new feature looks easy to activate and deactivate, too. To quit, users can simply press the escape key. Follow Me for businesses Many business users haven’t fully embraced VA technology. In fact, those who work in corporate environments don’t find them particularly useful, as they’re often seen as an unnecessary add-on that doesn’t do much beyond performing voice-prompted searches, taking notes, placing or answering Skype calls, and doing other negligible tasks. However, VAs are becoming standard features in modern operating systems, which means they’re likely to see substantial improvements in the future. Moreover, assistants like Cortana are useful to some business users that require quick assistance in finding information on their computers. And although they perform mostly small tasks, they also help speed up things like calculating and setting schedules. What’s in store for the MS assistant In early 2017, Microsoft demonstrated that Cortana was capable of performing complex tasks when it introduced the ability for users to set up their PCs with the help of its digital assistant. When “Follow Me’ is launched, it will be a logical next step to this recently introduced functionality. Since the Fall Creators Update was recently launched, ‘Follow Me’ will likely be featured in upcoming Windows 10 updates. As of now, Microsoft tipsters continue to speculate about the digital assistant’s new capabilities as they wait for an official announcement from the software company. If you wish to explore time-saving and productivity-enhancing tools for your company’s Windows computers, contact us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.