All The Things You Should Know About Windows 10

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Helloooo everyone! Happy Monday... Happy new day... Happy new week... :) 

If you’re an avid PC user then you are probably familiar with one of the most popular operating systems Microsoft Windows. As you might have guessed, Microsoft has its newest version of Windows (Windows 10) just on the horizon and will be released to the public in late - 2015. 

The new version doesn’t necessarily mean a new user interface. If anyone is familiar with Windows 7 and Windows 8 they may be pleasantly surprised by this updated version. Windows 10 promises to ‘blend’ the two, making for a richer user experience.

What To Expect 

 1. Windows 10 is going to be available on all devices (laptops, desktops, smartphones, phablets and tablets). This will make it easier to access the “Internet of Things” and communicate with everyday appliances. There’s also been talk of integrating the Xbox system into it as well. Microsoft aims to make the interface as similar as possible, across all media devices (by creating universal apps). 

2. Windows 10 will bring back the Start Menu (bigger, better, stronger) with a customizable space for apps. This should make a lot of Windows 8 users happy since there were many complaints about it's “migration". 

3. There is also a new “quadrant” layout system, making it easy to quickly snap-arrange (side by side) 4 apps to a screen. 

4. Windows 10 comes with new touch features for interfaces and environments.

5. Microsoft is also introducing ‘Continuum’, a new system which makes for a more seamless experience between the tablet/laptop combos (switch between touch and non-touch). 

6. Another Windows feature from the past is the command prompt. This updated version is making a comeback and even allows copying and pasting.

7. Internet Explorer is dead! Spartan (codename) Browser, a Microsoft alternative to IE, is here.

8. Windows 10 is clearly targeting Enterprise users through Windows Software Assurance (SA) program.

9. Microsoft takes serious security measures with two-factor-authentication (2FA), storing user access tokens and offering data loss prevention solutions.

10. Finally there's a support for multiple desktops. But... we're going to need bigger screens.

11. Microsoft brings Cortana, its digital assistant, to the desktop supporting features like calling people, reminders, mapping and location, checking weather information and launching apps.

12. Microsoft's HoloLens (Holographic Glasses) with Windows 10 will deliver a next-gen computing experience.

More Information

As of right now the only version that is offering a smooth install is Windows 8.1, so make sure to check with the Compatibility Center before you install Windows 10. Microsoft is also warning that it's not for new users. If you don’t know what an ISO file is, or have a separate computer to install it on, stick with your current version. Because is in its pre-release stages (Technical Preview, Build 9926), it’s going to have bugs in it (some things about the interface may even change). Users can expect a friendlier version upon release, but for now it’s still a work in progress. 

 You should also sign up with the Windows Insider Program. All this really does is absolve Microsoft from any responsibility of deleting anything important off your computer. Just like previous versions of Windows, this will get regular updates as well. 

Another thing to take into consideration is that it's a 4GB download. There is a 32 and 64-bit version available and in several different languages. You’re also going to need a USB drive or a DVD with 4GB of space on it. ImgBurn and Rufus are the two programs recommended for copying the OS to a drive. And if you want a sneak peek then you better get on it. The pre-release version is only going to be available until April 2015.

One other great thing is that you don’t need to invest in hardware upgrades to be able to use the new software. If your PC can handle Windows 8.1 then the Windows 10 Preview shouldn’t be a problem. Your processor needs to be 1GHz or faster and 1GB of memory for the 32 bit version. If you have the 64 bit version then you’re going to need 2GB or memory. Lastly make sure that you have 16GB of free space on your hard drive.

You can never go back. Once you have Windows 10 installed on your computer, you won’t be able to use your recovery partition to downgrade to a previous version of Windows. The only way to downgrade will be to wipe Windows 10 from your system, and do a re-install of the previous version. This is another reason having a back up PC is important, if you make a mistake you can just start over or have all your information safe and backed up. 

Since it’s in the early stages, Windows 10 may not be the right choice for your system just yet. But the changes that Microsoft is incorporating suggest they are paying more attention to the consumer this time around. Your best bet is to stick with your most recent version of Windows, let them work out all the kinks and then purchase it. It’s even a good idea to wait a month or two after the initial release. New software is always going to be a bit buggy right after launch no matter how much testing is done. 

RECOMMENDED: The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

If you liked this story, please take a few seconds to share it. Feel free to report typos and corrections using this form. Thank you! 

*by andreascy*

The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hi friends! We are friends by now, right? If you haven't before, I would be grateful if you follow our page on Twitter. Please share with others. 

Chances are that you’re already quite familiar with all the options that the technological world provides us when it comes to computers and their operating system.

In stores, you have a choice between 3 operating systems: OS X by Apple, Chrome OS by search engine giant Google, and Windows from former software monopoly Microsoft. Each OS has their own pros and cons, and when choosing the right fit for you, there are a few things to consider for each one of them. 

Windows

Everyone has probably used a Windows computer at least once in their life. Windows is still the most popular operating system out there, used by companies, governments, and individuals worldwide. Because of its huge user base, Windows has an advantage over the other OS’s, as almost all software on the internet is made for Windows. Another pro of Windows is its usability. Just about everyone is able to use a Windows computer. A final pro is that you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the computer that runs the OS. 

But on the con side, Windows needs a lot of extras when it comes to security. Its big user base makes it a target for hackers, and it’s incredibly easy to get a virus when surfing the web. Physically, Windows computers are quite heavy when you compare them to Chromebooks and MacBooks. Finally, most of the best working Windows computers are above the $400 mark. This doesn’t exactly make it the most affordable computer out there.

Chromebooks

When comparing Chromebooks and Chrome OS with that of the big guys (Windows and Apple), Google’s computer is still in diapers. Nevertheless, it is growing rapidly in popularity. Chrome OS is based entirely around Google’s web server, Chrome, and this is both a gift and a curse. It’s a gift in that everything goes directly into the cloud, making it impossible for you to lose files even when something happens to the computer itself. Another reason it’s a gift is its usability. Even your grandmother could handle a Chromebook! It’s nowhere near as frustrating as using a Windows computer can be for the older generation. A Chromebook is also highly affordable, with most computers sold at under $400. The screen quality is way better than that of a MacBook. 

However, as I mentioned before, the way the Chrome OS runs is also a curse. You are unable to download any software or hardware onto your Chromebook, and while you are able to make a lot of apps available offline, it definitely can be a pain in the ass. Another definite con of the Chromebook is that you can’t fully download Skype. If you want to use Skype, you have to make do with the IM+ messenger, which comes without the option for video calls. For those of you who can’t live without video calls, there is the option of Hangouts, Google’s very own version of Skype. Google Hangouts comes with a few extras, like free group calls and the ability to draw on the person you’re calling with. 

MacBooks

When Apple decided to make the MacBook Air, they were aiming for something portable and high performance, with a great design and usability. An Apple MacBook is often the first choice for designers, graphic artists, and anyone else who has made it their job to bring you high quality media. All of your files, pictures, etc. get stored into iCloud, which makes it incredibly easy to transfer a file from one device to another. MacBooks are lightweight, which makes them great for travel or just moving about at home. 

The biggest con of MacBooks is their price. Apple has always been about the exclusive feel that you get from their products, and the MacBook Air is the perfect example of this. Prices range from $800 to $3000. So, is it worth the price? Yes, it can be. Contrary to popular belief, Mac OS X is not immune to viruses. The threat just isn’t as big, because like stated before, most hackers focus on Windows computers. Just as with Apple’s other products (like the iPhone and the iPod), it is nearly impossible to make any changes to the MacBook itself, which can be a little impractical when it comes to having to change the battery or upgrading the internal storage space. 

So which one is the best?

That is up to you to decide. Don’t mind a computer that’s completely based around internet and Google? Then the Chromebook will be a great choice for you. Are you a gamer, or do you like to mess around a bit? Then the obvious choice for you is a Windows laptop. A designer or artist? The MacBook is your perfect match.

*by andreascy*

Web and Software Dev - Metro Icons by Orphydian

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hiya guys! Looking for some recent articles? Go here. Want to know more? Get alerts and exclusive insights advice for new stories within the topics you love. Thanks for your trust and for your time! 😀👍

It has been a while since i have written about Orphydian's 3D Software and Office & Productivity metro icon sets. 

Today we'll provide you with a few more links to recreate the look and feel of your apps and concepts. These sets include a variety of icons of the latest popular programs and services in .ico and .png formats.

See the images, download links and author's comments.

1. Modern Uinvert Icon Set I Web and Software Dev

" This set contains over 100 modern Uinvert Icons ( in both .ico and .png format) to be used on any Windows desktop depicting most of the relevant 3d graphics sofware out there: Integrated Development Environment, Code and HTML editing, Web authoring, Content Management System, eCommerce Platform, Bug tracking, Social coding, Revision control system, Git repository Web server, Database, Solution stack package etc.".

Download link

2. Windows 8 Modern Tile Set I Web and Software Dev

"This set contains over 100 modern UI style PNG's proper to be used for Windows 8 startscreen depicting most of the rellevant 3d graphics sofware out there: Integrated Development Environment, Code and HTML editing, Web authoring, Content Management System, eCommerce Platform, Bug tracking, Social coding, Revision control system, Git repository Web server, Database, Solution stack package etc.".

Download link

SEE ALSO: 

Amazing Metro Icon Sets by dAKirby309

Finesse Icon Pack : 125 Excellent Icons Now Available for Purchase!

Stay Connected to The *Official AndreasCY*. What are you working on? Let us know in the comments down below.

*by andreascy*

Office and Productivity - Metro Icons by Orphydian

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Icons are one of those things that are produced by the thousands. Creating icons is such a specialty that there are companies and designers who are devoted 100% to designing icons like the popular Icon Factory. 

Metro is a design language so it can be applied to any platform or technology. It's influenced by the International Typographic Style or Swiss Style which in turn learned also from the Bauhaus school of Architecture and Design. 

Using metro icons in your projects is part of defining the identity of your project itself, your brand, your value proposition and even business model. Branding is a whole big area of conversation. It’s also about color, style, value proposition, identity and others aspects.

We’ve found many free Metro icons around the web and some for sale. Icons that can be used in everything from Powerpoint presentations to applications. You guys loved the Amazing Metro Icon Sets so we thought of adding even more for all you developers and enthusiasts out there.

This time we feature two Astonishing Office and Productivity Metro Icon Sets with over 100 icons (Uinvert Custom Icon Set and Modern Tile Set) by Orphydian, the same person who gave us the last metro icon set.

Check out the images, download links and author's comments for more.

1. Modern Uinvert Custom Icon Set I Office and Productivity

"This set contains over 60 modern Uinvert Icons ( in both .ico and .png format) to be used on any Windows desktop depicting most of the rellevant software out there used for Word processing, Team collaboration, Project management, PDF and OCR editing/converting, Reference and Bibliography management, Compressing and archiving, Desktop publishing etc."

Download link

2. Windows 8 Modern Tile Set I Office and Productivity

" This set contains over 60 modern UI style PNG's proper to be used for Windows 8 startscreen depicting most of the rellevant software out there used for Word processing, Team collaboration, Project management, PDF and OCR editing/converting, Reference and Bibliography management, Compressing and archiving, Desktop publishing etc."

Download link

SEE ALSO: 

Amazing Metro Icon Sets by dAKirby309

Finesse Icon Pack : 125 Excellent Icons Now Available for Purchase!

Want to be featured on our Blog? Send us your suggestions via Twitter (@andreaschriscy) or use this contact form. Subscribe also on our RSS feed to get all the latest updates to your inbox.

*by andreascy*

Amazing Metro Icon Sets by Orphydian

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Metro is the codename for Windows Phone Design System. It's modern, clean, light and open design with no shadows, glows or gradients. 

Our friend Orphydian released 2 Fantastic Metro Icon Sets with over 100 icons (Uinvert Custom Icon Set and Modern UI Custom Tile Set). Unique icon sets that developers can use in their applications. 

The Design of these icons it's based on the Metro style, with cleared, straight forms and pure typography. All icons in the sets have the right color and resolution, with content areas perfectly centered. Any icon is ready to be used in your new application, design or concept. 

Have a look on the images, download links and author's comments. 

1. Modern Uinvert Custom Icon Set I 3D Software

" This set contains over 60 modern Uinvert Icons ( in both .ico and .png format) to be used on any Windows desktop depicting most of the rellevant 3d graphics sofware out there comprising modeling, digital sculpting, 3d painting, lighting, rendering, animation, visual 3D FX, CAD, scenery generating functions."

Download link

2. Windows 8 Modern UI Custom Tile Set I 3D Software

"This set contains over 60 modern UI style PNG's proper to be used for Windows 8 startscreen depicting most of the rellevant 3d graphics sofware out there comprising modeling, digital sculpting, 3d painting, lighting, rendering, animation, visual 3D FX, CAD, scenery generating functions."

Download link

SEE ALSO:

Office and Productivity - Metro Icons by Orphydian 

Amazing Metro Icon Sets by dAKirby309

Finesse Icon Pack : 125 Excellent Icons Now Available for Purchase!

That was it for today. Keep sending us your suggestions via Twitter (@andreaschriscy).

*by andreascy*

Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Comes To Australia

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Microsoft announces the arrival of its Surface Pro tablet in Australia. Users can choose from one of two options - either the 64GB one for $999 or the 128GB one for $1099. More than likely people in the Land Down Under are saying that it's about time.

After all, Microsoft already sells the Surface Pro in the United States, Canada, China, UK, and other countries. However, Australians probably also could say that late is usually better than never. 

The same is possibly true of what people in Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Russian, and Thailand would say when theirs arrive in June. Word has it that Japan will also finally receive shipments in the same month as some of the other Asian countries.

A Surface Pro Overview

Unlike most tablets, this one was made for both work and play in mind. In fact, this could possibly justify charging over $1,000 for the larger hard drive space. This device comes built with Touch Cover, Type Cover, HD AV and VGA adapters. It also features the Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition.

Surface Pro Versus Surface RT

Sometimes computer companies offer so many choices that deciding on the right device may not be easy. In this case, some consumers will find themselves having to decide to stick with the RT or to go Pro. The following lists show some major differences between the Pro and the RT:

The main Surface Pro specs are as follows: 

•  Thickness and weight - It is 13.5 mm thick and weighs about 903g. 

•  Price range - Microsoft will charge approximately $899 to $1099 for it. 

•  Screen resolution - It is an HD screen of 1920x1080 pixels. 

•  Surface - It supports up to 10-point input. 

•  Processor - This uses a third generation Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 processors and 4GB of  RAM. 

•  Storage capacity - Users can purchase either the 64GB or 128GB model. 

•  USB and HDMI port - This one has the 3.0 USB slot as well as the Mini DisplayPort.

Here are the main Surface RT device specs: 

•  Thickness and weight -This device is 9.5 mm thick and weighs 686g. 

•  Price range - It costs approximately $600 to $800 

•  Screen resolution - It is 1366x768-pixels. 

•  Surface - This device supports up to 5-point input. 

•  Processor - This one uses the NVidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM 

•  Storage capacity - Users can choose either the 32GB or the 64GB model. 

•  USB and HDMI - This one has the 2.0 slot and the micro-HDMI port.

Additional Surface Pro Features

Much of the features of the Surface Pro Microsoft tablet compare to the original Surface RT. For instance, both tablets have a front and rear camera of 729p, and this picture-taking tool is angled. That way, it will be level when the device is angled.

Both the Surface Pro and the processor RT also have Bluetooth capabilities, USB slots, headphone jacks, and an SDXC card slot. They are also both Wi-fi ready, and they also both are meant for carrying around no matter where a person wants to go with it.

READ ALSO: Office Webinar - What's Office like on Windows RT devices?

The only decision that Australian users have now is to decide based on the facts which one is better. In the end, the choice is easier as long as they know their priorities.

*by andreascy*

Do Windows 8.1 Screenshots Prove Return of the Famous Start Button?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Most people thought they would never see the Windows “Start” button again. However, recent Windows 8.1 update confirmed that Microsoft placed it back where it belongs. 

Users are thrilled to have the start button back, but we are still waiting for further feedback on how the start button affects the Windows 8 performance.

So What Will It Be?

According to Paul Thurrot's SuperSite For Windows, The Windows 8 start button really will be what people expect it to be. When people update, they won't be able to miss it. The color appears to have changed, but it's still the familiar Start button. 

Oh, but there's more about the color: Apparently when a user hovers over the Start button it changes colors. Thurrott, the man who had access to the Milestone Preview of 8.1, says it changes to a black background and accent color used on the flag logo. This Start button closely resembles the Start Charm. 

Other (Hopefully) Welcome Changes

Most Windows 8.1 users indicate that additional features such as the ability to boot up the computer straight to the desktop and bypass the “Metro-Style Windows 8 home screen” are also a long-awaited welcomed feature. Furthermore, little things like being able to replace the desktop wallpaper make them feel at home again.

Overall, Windows 8.1 was designed with customization in mind. Reports state that Microsoft intends to make it so anyone who uses this OS is able is to conform it to their wishes. This operating system is supposed to work for everyone. 

The “Blue” Preview

The Microsoft Build Conference took place from June 26th to June 28th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Microsoft offered current Windows 8 users a free 8.1 upgrade on the first day of this weekend conference. 

With an already cramped event, they later announced that they were able to offer even more tickets for sale. This event was in high demand for future developers who plan to shape the future of Windows and help create new programs. Microsoft scheduled several sessions run by some of the top people in the industry to offer their training. 

However, one of the main reasons people wanted to attend is for the sneak peak at Windows 8.1. Every single day that passed causes people to anxiously await the “real deal.” Just about any developer that was able to attend wanted to be here for this debut, and learning experience.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

As far as the Start button is concerned, the Build Conference was the true revelation for current and future Windows users. Attendees walked away feeling like they understood an exclusive part of the Windows OS that no one had ever caught a glimpse of before. 

*by andreascy*

Microsoft Office 365 - Access Your Work As You Want And From Almost Anywhere

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Whether you are a Team Leader or a University Student, now you can work the way you need to with one complete solution. All the power of Office is here with access to cloud services, handy tools and a lot of wonderful extras. 

Microsoft Office 365 offers HD multiparty videoconferencing, Anywhere access to documents, Business-class email, Enterprise Social, Simplified IT management, and Full Office across most devices.

Your business can stay productive all day, whether your teams are en route or in the office - and innovators like Tom can stay on track toward the perfect presentation. 

Products for students that offer the same standard that Microsoft is known for - but at a student- friendly price. Office 365: Your complete office in the cloud.

Compare Office Suites and find what best fits your needs. 

Need more advice? We'd love to help. Learn more about the Office 365 or contact us and one of our Customer Service Representatives will respond. In most cases we can sort things out for you straight away. 

*by andreascy*