Which one is right for you?

* Windows Mobility Center is visible only on laptops.
** Windows 7 Ultimate is not licensed for VDI scenarios, but these features may be used to create a richer remote desktop experience when connecting to a PC running Windows 7 Ultimate.

Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.

Windows Media Center DVR functionality might require additional hardware and is not available in all countries.

Windows XP Mode requires either OEM pre-installation or post-purchase installation of Windows XP Mode (which runs on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate) and a virtualization technology, such as Windows Virtual PC. Internet access required and download charges may apply as set by your internet service provider. You can download both Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC. Here's more information on the system requirements.

 

 

With Windows 7, you've got new choices for how to use e‑mail—along with some changes from what you might be used to in Windows Vista or Windows XP.

 

Tune your Computer - 7 Tips

Are you suffering from slow computer performance ? When you turn on the computer is the startup time slow ? Is your computer slow to to open programs ? Does you computer take time doing calculations and turning pages ? Do you feel something like your computer is much slower than it ran before ? Here are a few tips on improving your computer's operating performance - 1. Clean up your disk As you use files and browse the internet, ‘temporary' files are created and not deleted, taking up valuable space on your hard disk. The easy way to delete these is with Microsoft's inbuilt Disk Cleanup program. 2. Defragment your files It's hard to find paper documents in a messy filing cabinet. Creating and deleting files can mess up the physical storage on your computer, slowing down the time it takes to open your files. Run Microsoft's Disk Defragmenter program to literally tidy up the ‘fragments' of your files, much like tidying your papers. 3. Upgrade your hardware As technology advances, new software programs require more computing power. Consider upgrading your computer's memory, hard disk or processor, to speed things up. Additional RAM memory can especially make a noticeable, cost-effective speed improvement. For everyday business use we suggest min 2GB RAM for Vista and 1GB RAM for Windows 7 and Windows XP. 4. Check the scheduling for your software Software tasks like complete anti-virus scans and system backups can use a significant amount of computer resources, causing things to grind to a halt. If you notice that slow periods are usually worse at the same time of day, check the time that your virus scans and backups are set to run. 5. Upgrade your wireless network Wireless network technology used to run at a speed of 54 ‘Mbit/s' (megabits per second). The latest standard (IEEE 802.11n) allows files to transfer at a speed of 600 Mbits/s. Ignoring the jargon, anything that has a speed of 600 is an improvement over a speed of 54! Upgrade your wireless router and wireless adapters to ones that support the ‘n' wireless standard. 6. Upgrade to ADSL 2+ Internet speeds have also increased at little extra cost. By changing to the latest ADSL 2+ technology, you may be able to improve the time it takes to download 500Mb of files from 4 hours to 9 minutes! 7. Restrict ‘file streaming' Watching videos on the internet and listening to online radio stations can be fun. However if several people in your office are doing this at once, it will impact the speed of your computer network. Talk to your computer expert about the best way for you to remove or limit access to these sites. Our final (and most important) tip is to address little computer problems before they become big ones. If you notice that your computer is getting slower & slower, then call your computer expert. Like anything it can be more cost-effective to fix a minor problem straight away, rather than waiting for it to compound and then require major work. Or get some Expert advice from your local Computer Troubleshooters

On Site Mobile Computer Technician

Keeping your business in business is our business. Service on demand is our most flexible service offering, simply call us whenever you need us for services such as: New equipment - Sales and installation. Data transfers from old to new systems Hardware - Installations, setups, repairs, routine maintenance and tune-ups. Software - Licensing, installation, upgrades and troubleshooting. Networks - Fixed and wireless, installation, support and troubleshooting. Server networks - Design, installation, support and maintenance. Email and internet - Setup, assistance and spam protection. Security - Internet (virus/spyware/trojans/malware) protection and removal. Data protection - Backups, storage and data recovery. Web - Website Design and hosting. Mobile email - Windows mobile, iphone and Blackberry setups and maintenance. On demand services are available to small business and home office customers without a service contract at an hourly rate (or fixed-fee pricing for carry-in and some special services). We recommend to optimise your businesses IT network performance that you form an ongoing relationship with your local Computer Troubleshooter, effectively making them your IT department. Having a Computer Troubleshooter as your dedicated IT support encourages a proactive IT management approach for planning and preventative maintenance, rather than a disaster recovery scenario which can mean disruption to your business and risk of signifi cant financial loss.

Networking & Systems

Purchasing new computers and hardware is easy, every retailer will sell you whatever they have in stock or on special. How do you know what is best for your business? At Computer Troubleshooters our business is managing IT networks and ongoing computer performance, we don’t derive the majority of our income from hardware sales. We can help design the right specifications for your needs on a holistic basis. If you purchase the hardware we will integrate it into your network. In putting together a network solution, upgrade or a simple hardware addition we can help in recommending the solution, quote on purchasing (if required) and integrating. This includes migrating data from an old computer/server to new hardware. Wireless routers – The quick and inexpensive alternative to fixed wire networks. Firewalls – Hardware based firewalls offering protection, flexibility and management. Switches – For the efficient transfer of information between multiple computers. Desktop computers – Customised to your specific requirements, applications and business plans. Desktop monitors – Energy efficient space saving flat screen monitors are available in many sizes. Laptop computers – Laptop specifications vary incredibly and need to take applications and storage requirement into account. Servers – As your business grows a server can provide access to email, calendaring, centralised file sharing, back ups and even remote secure access. Software upgrades – Upgrade paths to Windows 7 and Office 2010 are now available. Storage devices – Onsite external storage devices provide fast retrieval of recently deleted and archived files. Printers – Printer specifications vary considerably on networking capabilities,paper handling speeds and toner costs. We can recommend a solution that takes into account business needs as well as both upfront and ongoing costs.

Cloud Computing

Many businesses are finding benefi ts in not “owning” their hardware and remotely accessing software applications. Through a licensing agreement from a large provider they can experience scalability, fl exibility and ease of setup. The applications themselves are “hosted” in secure data rooms accessed by staff through an internet connection. Access to servers can also be rented saving on setup,maintenance, security and facility rooms cost. Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) Instead of paying up front for new computers and software, you could just pay a simple monthly fee to “rent” the technology you need, as you need it. With a HaaS solution all your technology expenses – hardware, software, maintenance and support – can be rolled into one easy monthly payment. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) SaaS also known as software on-demand. Many applications, including customer CRM databases, email, collaboration tools and web meeting software can be accessed via the internet with licenses paid for as you need them. Solutions include: Microsoft exchange email - Implement enterprise-class email with calendars, sharing, delegation and synchronisation abilities. Microsoft SharePoint - Collaborate on projects, tasks, calendars and team calendars. Hosted office - Access hosted solutions for word processing, spreadsheets, database and CRM solutions. Google apps - The newest suit of office products from Google charged by the month per user. Hosted email archiving - Storage of historic emails for backup or regulatory purposes. Hosted security software - Flexible pay by the seat, pay by the month pricing. Hosted virtual servers - Virtualisation has allowed server benefi ts to be enjoyed economically for even the smallest organisations.

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to interact with your computer because you don't need to use the mouse as often.

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that can help make your computer easier to use.

Press this key	To do this
Right SHIFT for eight seconds	Turn Filter Keys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (or PRTSCRN)	Turn High Contrast on or off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK	Turn Mouse Keys on or off
SHIFT five times	Turn Sticky Keys on or off
NUM LOCK for five seconds	Turn Toggle Keys on or off
Windows logo key +U	Open the Ease of Access Center

 

The following table contains general keyboard shortcuts.

Press this key	To do this
F1	Display Help
CTRL+C	Copy the selected item
CTRL+X	Cut the selected item
CTRL+V	Paste the selected item
CTRL+Z	Undo an action
CTRL+Y	Redo an action
DELETE	Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
SHIFT+DELETE	Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
F2	Rename the selected item
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
CTRL+SHIFT with an arrow key	Select a block of text
SHIFT with any arrow key	Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
CTRL with any arrow key+SPACEBAR	Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
CTRL+A	Select all items in a document or window
F3	Search for a file or folder
ALT+ENTER	Display properties for the selected item
ALT+F4	Close the active item, or exit the active program
ALT+SPACEBAR	Open the shortcut menu for the active window
CTRL+F4	Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
ALT+TAB	Switch between open items
CTRL+ALT+TAB	Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel	Change the size of icons on the desktop
Windows logo key +TAB	Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
CTRL+Windows logo key +TAB	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
ALT+ESC	Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
F6	Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F4	Display the Address bar list in Windows Explorer
SHIFT+F10	Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
CTRL+ESC	Open the Start menu
ALT+underlined letter	Display the corresponding menu
ALT+underlined letter	Perform the menu command (or other underlined command)
F10	Activate the menu bar in the active program
RIGHT ARROW	Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
LEFT ARROW	Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
F5	Refresh the active window
ALT+UP ARROW	View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
ESC	Cancel the current task
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC	Open Task Manager
SHIFT when you insert a CD	Prevent the CD from automatically playing

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use in dialog boxes.

Press this key	To do this
CTRL+TAB	Move forward through tabs
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB	Move back through tabs
TAB	Move forward through options
SHIFT+TAB	Move back through options
ALT+underlined letter	Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
ENTER	Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
SPACEBAR	Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
Arrow keys	Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
F1	Display Help
F4	Display the items in the active list
BACKSPACE	Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use with Microsoft keyboards.

Press this key	To do this
Windows logo key	Open or close the Start menu
Windows logo key +PAUSE	Display the System Properties dialog box
Windows logo key +D	Display the desktop
Windows logo key +M	Minimize all windows
Windows logo key +SHIFT+M	Restore minimized windows to the desktop
Windows logo key +E	Open Computer
Windows logo key +F	Search for a file or folder
CTRL+Windows logo key +F	Search for computers (if you are on a network)
Windows logo key +L	Lock your computer or switch users
Windows logo key +R	Open the Run dialog box
Windows logo key +T	Cycle through programs on the taskbar
Windows logo key +TAB	Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
CTRL+Windows logo key +TAB	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
Windows logo key +SPACEBAR	Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar
Windows logo key +G	Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
Windows logo key +U	Open Ease of Access Center
Windows logo key +X	Open Windows Mobility Center
Windows logo key with any number key	Open the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the position that corresponds to the number. For example, Windows logo key +1 to launch the first shortcut in the Quick Launch menu.

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders.

Press this key	To do this
CTRL+N	Open a new window
END	Display the bottom of the active window
HOME	Display the top of the active window
F11	Maximize or minimize the active window
NUM LOCK+ASTERISK (*) on numeric keypad	Display all subfolders under the selected folder
NUM LOCK+PLUS SIGN (+) on numeric keypad	Display the contents of the selected folder
NUM LOCK+MINUS SIGN (-) on numeric keypad	Collapse the selected folder
LEFT ARROW	Collapse the current selection (if it is expanded), or select the parent folder
ALT+LEFT ARROW	View the previous folder
RIGHT ARROW	Display the current selection (if it is collapsed), or select the first subfolder
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	View the next folder
CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel	Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
ALT+D	Select the Address bar

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Sidebar.

Press this key	To do this
Windows logo key +SPACEBAR	Bring all gadgets to the front and select Sidebar
Windows logo key +G	Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
TAB	Cycle through Sidebar controls

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Photo Gallery.

Press this key	To do this
CTRL+F	Open the Fix pane
CTRL+P	Print the selected picture
ENTER	View the selected picture at a larger size
CTRL+I	Open or close the Details pane
CTRL+PERIOD (.)	Rotate the picture clockwise
CTRL+COMMA (,)	Rotate the picture counter-clockwise
F2	Rename the selected item
CTRL+E	Search for an item
ALT+LEFT ARROW	Go back
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	Go forward
PLUS SIGN (+)	Zoom in or resize the picture thumbnail
MINUS SIGN (-)	Zoom out or resize the picture thumbnail
CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel	Change the size of the picture thumbnail
CTRL+B	Best fit
LEFT ARROW	Select the previous item
DOWN ARROW	Select the next item or row
UP ARROW	Previous item (Easel) or previous row (Thumbnail)
PAGE UP	Previous screen
PAGE DOWN	Next screen
HOME	Select the first item
END	Select the last item
DELETE	Move the selected item to the Recycle Bin
SHIFT+DELETE	Permanently delete the selected item
LEFT ARROW	Collapse node
RIGHT ARROW	Expand node
Keyboard shortcuts for working with videos
J	Move back one frame
K	Pause the playback
L	Move forward one frame
I	Set the start trim point
O	Set the end trim point
M	Split a clip
HOME	Stop and rewind all the way back to the start trim point
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	Advance to the next frame
ALT+LEFT ARROW	Go back to the previous frame
CTRL+K	Stop and rewind playback
CTRL+P	Play from the current location
HOME	Move the start trim point
END	Move to the end trim point
PAGE UP	Seek to nearest split point before the current location
PAGE DOWN	Seek to nearest split point after the current location

 

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help viewer.

Press this key	To do this
ALT+C	Display the Table of Contents
ALT+N	Display the Connection Settings menu
F10	Display the Options menu
ALT+LEFT ARROW	Move back to the previously viewed topic
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic
ALT+A	Display the customer support page
ALT+HOME	Display the Help and Support home page
HOME	Move the to beginning of a topic
END	Move to the end of a topic
CTRL+F	Search the current topic
CTRL+P	Print a topic
F3	Move to the Search box