Tech News: What's new in Microsoft Office 2013?

Office 2013, the next edition of Microsoft’s flagship productivity suite, is available for business customers but won’t go on sale to consumers until the first quarter of 2013.

We got a look at it and here’s what is new in Microsoft Office 2013.

1. Office 2013 has undergone some drastic new changes featuring a clean new interface, and is more accessible that any previous version of Office.
   
   
2. The first thing you will notice in Office 2013 is the new modern interface. It still has the ribbon on the top with all of the toolbars just like Office 2007 and Office 2010.
   
   
   
   
3. In the top right corner you will notice that you can sign in using a Microsoft account allowing you to access your Office documents from any Windows computer, smart phone, or tablet.
   
   
   
   
4. Another way Office is more accessible is the added feature of saving your documents to Microsoft's cloud storage SkyDrive, allowing you to easily share documents and access them from anywhere.
   
   
   
   
5. Making a new document has been made even easier with the expanded templates in Office 2013.
   
   
   
   
6. Saving and opening files has been streamlined as well. Your most used folders will show up when saving and opening documents and you can even pin specific folders to the list.
   
   
   
   
7. Sharing your document for collaboration has been simplified. Office 2013 allows you to invite people to view your document, email your document, present your document using Office Presentation Service, or Publish the document as a blog post.
   
   
   
   
8. These are just a few general new features across the Office 2013 suite. Each individual Office program also has their own new features.
   

What do you think? Will you get Office 2013?

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip of the Day: How to automatically archive old messages in Microsoft Outlook 2010

Description: This is a how-to article for Microsoft Outlook 2010 on the subject of setting AutoArchive to automatically archive old messages and emails.

1. Within Outlook, select the folder for which to configure AutoArchive.
   
   
   
   
2. Across the top of the Office Ribbon, choose the Folder tab.
   
   
   
   
3. Choose the AutoArchive Settings option across the Ribbon.
   
   
   
   
4. On the new window that appears, choose "Archive items in this folder using the default settings" and then click on the Default Archive Settings button.
   
   
   
   
5. Check the Run AutoArchive Every... box and select the number of days. In most cases the
   default (14) is sufficient.
   
   
   
   
6. Select the other options as appropriate and click OK to confirm.
   
   
   
   
7. Click OK on the Inbox Properties window to finalize.
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Microsoft announces Windows 8 release date

Yesterday, Microsoft officially unveiled the release date for its next operating system. Looks like Friday, October 26^th is when you’ll finally be able to get your hands on the Windows 7 follow-up. Windows President Steven Sinofsky made the announcement yesterday during Microsoft's sales meeting. This date holds true for both new PCs and upgrades, though there’s still no mention if this includes Microsoft's tablet, Surface. Seemingly, we’ll have to wait a little longer for that...

Source: Microsoft

Tech Tip of the Day: How to create Relationships in Microsoft Access 2010

Description: This article will detail the steps for creating relationships between tables in Microsoft Access 2010. This is helpful when a table has a field that is the same as a field in another table, and a relationship is needed between those tables.

1. Click on the Start Button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Click All Programs.
   
   
   
   
2. Scroll down and expand the Microsoft Office folder, then click Microsoft Access 2010.
   
   
   
   
3. Microsoft Access will populate a list of most recently opened databases.
   
   
   
   If the intended database is in that list, click on it to open.
   
   If it is not in the list, click Open, then navigate to the database's location on the computer, select the database, and click Open.
   
   
   
   
4. Once the database is open, click the Database Tools tab on the ribbon.
   
   
   
   
5. Click on Relationships.
   
   
   
   
6. On the Show Table window, click the table to be added, then click Add. Do this for each table to be added.
   
   
   
   
7. When all the desired tables have been added, click Close.
   
   
   
   
8. Select the common field to be used in the relationship.
   
   
   
   
9. Click and hold the selected field, and drag it to the matching field on another table, then release the mouse button.
   
   
   
   
10. The Edit Relationships window will appear. For best results, click the checkbox next to
    Enforce Referential Integrity. This will ensure that the relationship is valid and that the field data types match. Click the checkbox next to Cascade Update Related Fields to ensure that when a field is updated in one table, that change takes effect in the related table. Click the checkbox next to Cascade Delete Related Records to ensure that when a record is deleted in one table, that change takes effect in the related table.
    
    
    
    
11. When finished, click OK.
    
12. Follow steps 8 through 10 for each desired relationship. When finished, the established relationships will be shown graphically, as depicted below:
    
    

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Microsoft Outlook cannot start, Cannot open the Outlook Window

Description: You click on the outlook icon and wait, the program never opens and you receive an error "Cannot start Microsoft Outlook, Cannot open the Outlook Window."

Your Outlook program will not open the Window. The error message says "Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook, Cannot open the Outlook Window." The program appears to be starting up, but then crashes.

The way to correct this issue is listed below.

1. Click on the Start button and then Click on Run (for Windows XP only), or Click on start and type run in the search bar at the bottom of the start window.
   
   


2. Then click on Run at the top.
3. The run box will appear, type in the following command: outlook.exe /resetnavpane
   
   


4. Click OK
5. Click on the Outlook Icon, the program should now open without any problems.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

How to Change Margins in Microsoft Word 2010

This guide will walk you through how to change the page margins in Microsoft Word 2010. By default, Word has page margins set to 1" on each side and can be changed for document requirements. Follow these steps to modify the margins:

1. Open Microsoft Word 2010 by clicking Start » All Programs » Microsoft Office » Microsoft Word 2010.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click the Page Layout tab across the top.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Margins button.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Select Custom Margins.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Set the margins to the desired value and click OK.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Proceed to create and save the document.

Using Help in Office 2010

This document is a guide on how to find additional help within Microsoft Office. Microsoft offers many great tutorials and support options through the help feature within their programs.

1. Click File.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click Help.
3. Click on the Getting Started option.
   
   
   
   
   This will take you to the Microsoft web site which offers many different support features to get you started with Office 2010. The first option Microsoft Office Help offers a little more advanced help once you’re familiar with the program and working with data.
   

Using Microsoft Office Starter Edition

Microsoft Office Starter Edition replaces Microsoft Works as a base productivity suite. It also replaces the Microsoft Office limited time trial versions that manufacturers pre-installed on some of their models. Office Starter includes limited functionality versions of Word and Excel but does not include Outlook or PowerPoint. It also includes advertising that appears in an area to the right of the document that is non-removable.

To use Microsoft Office starter, take the following steps:

1. In the start menu, click on Microsoft Office 2010.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the Use button to the right of Use Office Starter 2010.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Click on the Open button – An installation progress window will appear.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Enter a User Name when prompted.
5. Accept the License Agreement.
6. Choose the Software Update option desired.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Begin using Word Starter or Excel Starter by selecting from the Programs Menu under Microsoft Office Starter.
   
   
   
   
   

How to Upgrade from Windows 7 32-Bit (x86) to 64-Bit (x64)

Direct upgrade from 32-bit (x86-based) operating system of either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 to 64-bit (x64-based) Windows 7 OS is not a supported upgrade paths to Windows 7. When the user tries to run 64bit setup.exe Windows 7 installer from within 32bit operating system, the following error message will occur.

If the user attempts to run the setup.exe stored in the root and “sources” folder of DVD disc media or ISO image, the following error will occur:

The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you’re running. Check your computer’s system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

So how to “upgrade” from 32-bit OS to 64-bit Windows 7? Unfortunately, there is no direct way to perform an in-place upgrade from 32-bit operating system such as x86 Windows XP or x86 Windows Vista to x64 Windows 7, with existing application programs and data retained. The only way to install x64-based Windows 7 on existing 32-bit Windows installation (or vice versa to downgrade from 64-bit to 32-bit OS), is to do a clean install, which indicated by “Custom (advanced)” installation during set up Windows 7 installation wizard.

Here’s the brief guide for user who wishes to upgrade to 64-bit platform from a 32-bit Windows:

1. Backup and save existing application settings and data to migrate to new system with Windows Easy Transfer. Note that installed programs won’t be migrated or ported over to new Windows. Alternatively, just manually do a backup and copying of all data files and personal documents, photos, images, videos, bookmarks and etc.
2. Boot and start up computer using the 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 installation DVD disc media or a Windows 7 install USB key flash drive. Setting correct device boot sequence may be required at BIOS. Check out how to access BIOS. User who has Windows 7 ISO should burn the image to a physical disc with a CD/DVD optical burning software such as Nero and Ashampoo Burning Studio, or uses official Windows 7 DVD/USB ISO Download Tool to create bootable Windows 7 USB flash key drive or write to DVD. In Windows 7, it’s also possible to burn the ISO direct from Windows 7 Explorer without third-party software. User with x86 setup1.box and setup2.box ESD Windows 7 installation files or x64 setup1.box and setup2.box ESD Windows 7 installation files should follow steps to create and make a bootable ISO prior to burning.
3. When prompted by Set up Windows installation wizard, select Custom (advanced).
   
   
   
   
   
   The user is free to create, delete, modify, create or format partition volumes and hard disk drives before continuing the setup installation of Windows 7. If user choose to install over a partition or drive with existing Windows, user will be informed that current installation of Windows will be moved to Windows.old directory.
4. Install and activate Windows 7 as usual.

Tip: For end-user with a Windows 7 upgrade license, media and product key, an existing installation of Windows must exist for the upgrade version product key to be able to entered and activated properly. Thus, do not format the hard disk drive prior to loading the Windows 7 setup even if you intend to clean install, or else user has to use hack to complete the clean install the Windows 7 Upgrade. The user can create or delete hard disk drive or partition during the setup via Custom (advanced) » Drive options (advanced) option (note: a 100 MB system reserved partition may be created by Windows 7 Setup), or let Windows 7 install wizard backup the existing configuration to Windows.old folder, and then delete and wipe clean the whole partition volume prior to install Windows 7.

32-bit setup installer can be read and run in 64-bit operating system, but the in-place “downgrade” is equally not supported, with the following error been shown in compatibility report after a run of compatibility check:

The following issues are preventing Windows from upgrading. Cancel the upgrade, complete each task, and then restart the upgrade to continue.

 - You can’t upgrade 64-bit Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. To upgrade, obtain a 64-bit version of the installation disc, or go online to see how to install Windows 7 and keep your files and setting.

The above workaround to clean install Windows 7 works to downgrade from 64-bit to 32-bit Windows 7 too.

Reference:
Microsoft Support. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions. http://bit.ly/aP3wnH

Microsoft Support. Windows 7 installation problems: frequently asked questions. http://bit.ly/fV9w15

Microsoft Support. Installing and reinstalling Windows 7. http://bit.ly/4Ajb6C

How to Setup an Email Account in Windows 7

This tutorial will show you how to get an email account set up in Windows 7, including the download and installation of the free Windows Live Mail program.

1. Visit the Windows Live Mail Download Page and click on the blue Download Now button to start the download.
2. When prompted to Run or Save the file, choose the Run option and wait a moment as the file downloads.
3. Click the Open or Run button to run the file and start the installer and wait a moment as the installer opens.
4. When prompted with the Choose The Programs You Want to Install screen, check the boxes of the free Microsoft programs you wish to install. If you are unfamiliar with these programs or do not want them, ensure that only the Mail box is checked and click on Install across the bottom.
   
   
   
   
   
5. If prompted to Please Close These Programs, make sure all open documents are saved and choose the Close These Programs For Me option, then click Continue.
6. Wait a few moments as the installer downloads and installs the Windows Live Mail application.
   
   
   
   
   
7. When the screen displays the You’re Almost Done message, check or uncheck the boxes as you wish and then click Continue. If you are not sure which boxes to check, just uncheck them all and click Continue.

The Download and Install Process is now complete. Now you will learn how to set up an email account.

1. To open the new program, click on the start button in the bottom left and in the Search Programs and Files box, type in "Windows Live Mail" without the quotes and press enter. The program will open.
2. If you want to make a shortcut of the program on your desktop, follow the instructions from the last step but do not press enter after typing in the name. Instead, right click on the Windows Live Mail icon and choose "Send To » Desktop (Create Shortcut)".
3. When the program opens, you will be prompted to enter your E-Mail account information. If you do not have this information, contact your E-Mail provider or your Internet Service Provider.

That’s it! Once your account information is in, your E-Mail account will be set up on your new computer.

Microsoft Outlook Won't Launch

This article will show you how to fix the error message “Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. Cannot Open the Outlook Window.” This issue seems to be caused by either an add-on or a navigation pane within the Outlook program being moved in to a position that is illegal within the Outlook program.

1. On the desktop of the computer that receives the error message, close all open windows.
2. On your keyboard, hold the Windows key and tap the letter R.
   
   
   
   
   
3. In the Run dialog box that opens, type “outlook.exe /resetnavpane” without the quotes.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Click OK and the Outlook application will open. Note that some window pane placements may have to be reset.

Notebook FAQs

Q: What is a Recovery Disc or an Operating System Disc?
A: The Recovery Disc or Operating System Disc is used when the Operating System has become unusable, due to file corruption, virus or hardware malfunction.

Q: Are any of the pre-installed applications removable?
A: Yes, any software is removable by accessing the Add or Remove Programs control in Windows XP, or Programs and Features control in Windows 7.

Q: Is Up-To-Date Security Software Necessary?
A: Security software is recommended to prevent data loss, as well as theft of personal information. If this security is not kept up to date, newly created Viruses, Worms, Trojans and other threats will have easy access to the system. We recommend ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security to keep your computer secure.

Q: What is DVD-RAM?
A: DVD-RAM is a re-writable DVD that can be rewritten hundreds of thousands of times. Typically DVD-RAM discs will not play in standard DVD Players. It is often used in Video Cameras.

Q: Why are Back-Ups necessary?
A: Keeping an up-to-date back-up of your computer is critical if you have files on the system that you do not want to lose. If your computer gets hit by a bad virus or the hard drive crashes, you may lose all information on the computer. Keeping information saved on an external hard drive using backup software ensures that it will always be available.

Q: What is a HomeGroup?
A: A HomeGroup is an easy way to share files, printers and other resources when multiple Windows 7 computers are connected to one router.

Q: Where is the Microsoft Office product key?
A: To obtain the Microsoft Office product key, activate the trial by clicking the 60-day trial icon located on the desktop, or Activation Assistant icon in the Microsoft Office folder found in the Start Menu.

Q: Where can I see how much battery life is left?
A: In the system tray in the bottom right corner of the screen there is a battery or power icon that will show how much charge is left in the battery, as well as whether or not it is currently charging.

Desktop Computer Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Recovery Disc or an Operating System Disc?
A: The Recovery Disc or Operating System Disc is used when the Operating System has become unusable, due to file corruption, virus or hardware malfunction.

Q: Are any of the pre-installed applications removable?
A: Yes, any software is removable by accessing the Add or Remove Programs control in Windows XP, or Programs and Features control in Windows 7.

Q: Is Up-To-Date Security Software Necessary?
A: Security software is recommended to prevent data loss, as well as theft of personal information. If this security is not kept up to date, newly created Viruses, Worms, Trojans and other threats will have easy access to the system. We recommend ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security to keep your computer secure.

Q: What is DVD-RAM?
A: DVD-RAM is a re-writable DVD that can be rewritten hundreds of thousands of times. Typically DVD-RAM discs will not play in standard DVD Players. It is often used in Video Cameras.

Q: Why are Back-Ups necessary?
A: Keeping an up-to-date back-up of your computer is critical if you have files on the system that you do not want to lose. If your computer gets hit by a bad virus or the hard drive fails, you may lose all information on the computer. Keeping information saved on an external hard drive, or other storage media using backup software ensures that it will always be available.

Q: What is a HomeGroup?
A: A HomeGroup is an easy way to share files, printers and other resources when multiple Windows 7 computers are connected to one router.

Q: Where is the Microsoft Office product key?
A: To obtain the Microsoft Office product key, activate the trial by clicking the 60-day trial icon located on the desktop, or Activation Assistant icon in the Microsoft Office folder found in the Start Menu.

Optimizing your System with Disk Cleanup

Windows has several built-in tools that can help keep your system running smoothly. One of these tools called Disk Cleanup can remove extraneous files quickly from your computer. To start Disk Cleanup, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start » Accessories » System Tools » Disk Cleanup. Or go to Start, then type in Disk Cleanup in the search bar.

2. In the Disk Cleanup window, select the Files to Delete. Click OK.

The program will ask if you want to permanently delete the files. Click OK to begin the process. Take caution when choosing what files to delete – you cannot recover the information once removed.

There are other features of Disk Cleanup such as removing programs and system restore. The Programs and Features option links to the Control Panel where you can unnecessary software. The System Restore and Shadow Copies option removes any extra backup copies to save only the most recent. For more information, go to Microsoft Support »

Reference:
Microsoft Support. Delete files using Disk Cleanup. http://bit.ly/4ge7Dl
Microsoft Support. Disk Cleanup for Windows XP. http://bit.ly/1qBdrW