windows

Microsoft has revealed that its newly-released Surface Pro tablet computer will receive hardware support for roughly four-and-a-half years. However, the firm says it will support the Windows 8 Pro software for much longer. Microsoft's announcement ... that it will support Surface Pro hardware until July 2017 is in line with a similar announcement made about the Surface RT tablet last year. The Surface RT will be supported until April 2017. Hardware Repairs to End in 2017 Microsoft says that it will offer hardware repairs for the Surface Pro during that 4.5-year window. Those repairs won't cost ... (view more)

In recent weeks we've received quite a few emails asking this pressing question: "Dear Infopackets, I recently bought a new Windows 8 computer and I've just about had enough with it. I'm sure some people love the system, but I find it too confusing. ... I can't afford to replace the computer, so is it possible for me to run Windows 7 on it, instead of Windows 8? George H." My response: Yes, George. The short answer is that you can retrofit a Windows 8 computer with Windows 7. But the process can be a lot of a hassle. Please read through all of our instructions before you decide whether ... (view more)

Consumers continue to show a reluctance to upgrade their computers to Microsoft's newest operating system (OS), Windows 8. According to a new report, Windows 8's uptake rate continues to slip behind that of Windows Vista. Analyst firm Net ... Applications reports that in January 2013 Windows 8's share of all Windows PCs was approximately 2.5 per cent. That represents an increase from December 2012, when Windows 8 accounted for 1.9 per cent of all Windows-based PCs. Add Windows RT-based computers to the list and Windows 8 is bumped up to a 2.6 per cent share. (Source: computerworld.co.nz ) ... (view more)

We recently received this letter from an Infopackets fan in Arizona: "Hi Infopackets squad, I'm interested in downgrading my new PC from Windows 8 Pro to Windows 7. I know that in order to do that, I need to disable something called Secure Boot. ... What is Secure Boot, and how do I disable it? Thanks for the help, Gail C." My response: Great question, Gail. We'll be running a feature story soon giving you more information about how to downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7. However, in this article we'll be focusing exclusively on the Secure Boot feature. Secure Boot Protects Systems from Malware ... (view more)

Microsoft's promotional pricing for its new Windows 8 operating system (OS) has come to an end. However, the company has announced that, starting February 1, 2013, students in the United States will have access to a special Windows 8 upgrade rate. ... Microsoft on Wednesday announced that the deal will allow students to purchase the Windows 8 upgrade edition for just $69.99. Students can access the bargain by visiting the Microsoft Store. Windows Campus Tour to Visit 150 Universities To promote the deal, Microsoft says that, starting February 18, it will be kicking off a Windows Campus Tour. That ... (view more)

We recently received this question from an Infopackets reader: "Hi there, I'm interested in giving cloud storage a try, but I'm not sure which service to use. Can you help me out? Thanks! Roger T." My response: Hi Roger -- certainly there are a ... number of different cloud storage services worth trying. I've given both DropBox and Microsoft SkyDrive a try and, personally, I prefer the latter. In this guide, I'll show you how to get started using that service. If you've recently upgraded to Windows 8 or have purchased a Windows 8 computer (including Windows RT, Windows 8 standard, or Windows 8 ... (view more)

Microsoft has revealed it plans to expand its range of Surface tablet computers. The Redmond, Washington-based firm says that building multiple Surface devices will increase the number of consumers who can afford to purchase the product. The ... revelations came during an investors conference call to discuss Microsoft's latest financial figures. The company's chief financial officer, Peter Klein, said the Surface range of tablet PCs had been one of the three main reasons -- alongside Windows upgrades and licensing to businesses -- that Microsoft's revenue has increased. According to Klein, when ... (view more)

"Hi Infopackets, I recently bought Windows 8 and naturally want to learn more about the new applications that come with it. In particular, I'm a huge fan of social media and would love to find out more about the new People app. Who better to explain ... it all than you, who have been helping me understand the computer world for half a dozen years. Thanks! Mary B." My response: Great question, because Windows 8's new People app is one of the more exciting features included in Microsoft's newest operating system. People App: A Central Hub for Social Media Basically, the new People app is a social ... (view more)

Microsoft has announced its Surface Pro tablet computer will be available for purchase in the United States and Canada starting Saturday, February 9, 2013. The Surface Pro is an enhanced version of the standard Surface tablet PC that Microsoft ... released late in 2012. The original Surface, called the Surface RT , runs Windows RT, a trimmed-down version of Windows 8. Priced at $499 (and up), the Surface RT's hardware specifications include 16GB or 32GB of main storage, 2GB of RAM, and an ARM-architecture processor. Surface Pro: Core i5 CPU, Windows 8 Pro The Surface Pro, by contrast, includes ... (view more)

We've been asked about this issue several times by different subscribers: "Hi Infopackets team, I have been using Windows 8 and, for the most part, I like it. But one feature I really dislike is the lock screen. Talk about a time waster. Can you ... help me get rid of it once and for all? Thanks for your great information over the years, Gerald H." My Response: Gerald, I completely understand why you would get annoyed with Windows 8's lock screen. Meet Windows 8's Lock Screen If you're not familiar with it, the lock screen is enabled after a Windows 8 PC is awoken from sleep mode. The lock screen ... (view more)