In Microsoft Windows Vista there is now a simple way to start your favourite programs, files and folders by using the Run command.
To run a program:
Click Start (Windows Orb)
Click All Programs
Click Accessories
Click Run
In the open dialog box, type the name of the program, file or folder.
From the Windows Help and How-To Page:
You can help protect your computer from Internet threats by taking a few simple precautions. This demo introduces you to Windows Security Center, which shows your computer’s security status. You’ll also learn how to automatically download the latest security updates, how to use Windows Firewall to block harmful programs, and how to use Windows Defender to keep your computer free of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
Video: Security Basics
Windows Sidebar is a vertical sidebar that is shown on the right hand side of your desktop, it contains small applications called gadgets, which offer information at a glance and provide easy access to regularly used tools.
To add a gadget to your sidebar:
At the top of Sidebar, click the plus sign (+) to open the Gadget Gallery
Double-click a gadget to add it to Sidebar.
To remove the gadget:
Right-click the gadget, and then click Close Gadget
Gadgets can be downloaded from Windows Live Gallery
Microsoft Windows Vista Speech Recognition allows the user to interact with their computer by voice. It was designed for people who want to significantly limit their use of the mouse and keyboard while maintaining or increasing their overall efficiency.
To use speech recognition:
Click Start (Windows Orb)
Click Control Panel
Click Speech Recognition
Click Start Speech Recognition
To familiarize yourself with speech recognition, use the speech tutorial first so the computer can become used to your voice.
XPS Documents are a new archiving format ideal for preserving content and securely sharing information.
To create an XPS Document open a document in almost any application and select the print option. In the printer selection menu choose Microsoft XPS Document Writer and save the file.
Double click on the newly created XPS Document, it should now open in the XPS Viewer, which is hosted by Internet Explorer. The XPS Document is an exact rendition of the original material.
Changing the colour of Microsoft Windows Vista glass effects isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Simply:
Right click on your desktop
Click personalize
Click Window Color and Appearance
Change Windows to the colour of your choice
If you have Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate you are eligible to download Windows Ultimate Extras.
Ultimate Extras are add-ons that enhance the experience of Windows Vista, when these applications are released they are available via Microsoft Windows Update.
To download the Ultimate Extras simply:
Click on the Start Button (Windows Orb)
All Programs
Windows Update
When Windows Ultimate Extras are available, they will appear in the Windows Ultimate Extras section on the Windows Update page.
Remember the Alt-Tab shortcut? The quick way to switch between all of your open Windows.
Microsoft Windows Vista has taken that feature to the next level. New in Windows Vista, Microsoft has introduced Windows Flip 3D.
Just like the Alt-Tab shortcut, using Windows-Tab allows you to preview all of your open windows in a stack.
However to use Flip 3D you must have a video card that supports Windows Aero.
You can easily use Microsoft Outlook to access your Windows Live Hotmail accounts.
MSN Premium and Microsoft Office Outlook Live subscribers can use a tool called the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector.
Using the Outlook Connector you can:
- Read and send your Office Live Mail/Windows Live Mail through the Outlook interface
- Manage and share your Calendar schedule
- Manage your Live Mail Contacts
- Access your Tasks and Notes
- Use advanced options for blocking junk e-mail
- Manage multiple e-mail accounts in one place
To Install the Office Outlook Connector simply:
- Close Microsoft Outlook
- Download the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector
- Run the Office Outlook Connector installer and follow the on screen instructions
- When the installation is complete, open Microsoft Outlook
- When prompted, sign in to Windows Live Mail using your username and password
*Note: You need a MSN Premium or Microsoft Office Outlook Live subscription to access Windows Live Mail in Outlook.
Update: You can now connect to your Windows Live Hotmail account free of charge using the Microsoft Outlook Connector.
If you want to access the many new features that come with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, you can easily upgrade your copy of Windows Vista using the Microsoft Anytime Upgrade.
Simply purchase the Microsoft Anytime Upgrade disc or buy the upgrade online and do the following:
1, Click on the Start Button (Windows Orb) > Control Panel > System and Maintenance, then click on Windows Anytime Upgrade.
2, Follow the instructions on each page.
You can upgrade from Windows Vista Home Basic to either Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate. If you have Windows Vista Business, you can upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate.
