Protecting your data by backing up prior to installing Windows 10

Here is what I recommend - first your Data

Get an external drive with enough space on it to handle all your data. You can use a thumb drive if you don't have much on your computer. Many people have lots of photos and documents so, I would suggest an external hard drive. That'll cost about $79 at Costco.

Create a backup folder on the Drive call it Backup_MM_DD_YYYY

On Windows 7 navigate to C:\Windows\User(your user Name) Then Drag following the following folders in that directory to that back up folder:

Favorites, Contacts, Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Videos

For most people this is all you will need to do - it keeps your data safely off your computer. The operating system and programs can be replaced your personal data and photos cannot.

If you are going to do a "clean" Windows 10 install the you will also need to ensure that you have a disk or a setup file for each program you need to re-install to Windows 10. E.g. Microsoft Office, Photoshop or what ever else you use. There will be lots of programs (many free) that you can download from the store as well e.g Skype etc

A lot more complex option is to purchase a new hard drive to replace the one in your current laptop get a disk enclosure to temporarily attach it to your laptop. Then duplicate your hard drive (there are free programs to do this).. Now you can upgrade your system to Windows 10 and have a duplicate copy of your Windows 7 environment. You can pop that drive into your computer at any time and boot up your original Windows 7

What happens if I decide to install Windows 10?

I have had a friend ask recently. "What about the programs and data that I now have in the Windows 7 laptop, will they be removed when it's upgraded? And if not, will they still work with Windows 10?"

All your programs will run and all your data will be there as well. You will also have the option to return to Windows 7 if you don't like Windows 10.

The little Windows 10 icon on the bottom right (the notification area) is a program that has already checked your system to ensure it is compatible. Click on it and then click the hamburger icon (3 bars) on the top left.  Now under "Getting the upgrade" click "Check you PC."  That will confirm compatibility.

There will also be an option to have a complete fresh install, erasing Windows 7 and all your programs and data.  I will be using this option on one of my computers.  Of course, I will back up everything before hand.

Which ever way you decide to install Windows 10, before you do, you should do a complete backup just for safety.

Windows10 starts rolling out July 29th

I am very excited about FREE Windows 10 upgrades starting to roll out on July 29th.  I think most people will really enjoy it.

If you currently have Windows 7 and didn't really like or just decided not to go to Windows 8, you will definitely love Windows 10.  Here are just a few of features you will like:

- The Windows 7 like start menu is back and you can expand it to include app icons currently available on Windows 8.
- You will now have access to the Microsoft Store and the ability to download thousands of apps - many are free.  I particularly like the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Microsoft Sudoku and the great news and information apps - all free.
- Your computer will be much more secure - Downloading apps from the store is much more secure than downloading them from an unknown site on the internet.  Windows Defender is a great anti-virus system and is included in Windows 10.
-  You'll really like the speed.  Windows 10 boots up much quicker and takes a lot less resources.  You can actually run it on a phone or a tablet.

Even if you are a Windows 8 user now you will enjoy these new features:

- Internet Explorer has been replaced with a new browser called Microsoft Edge.  It is much faster and much more secure.
- Multiple Desktops - this will take a bit of getting use to but I have used this feature for a long time with Linux and really love it.  If you have a lot of windows open and applications running you can organize them on different desktops.

... and Finally:

Cortana - your personal digital assistant - "Ask me anything"

Cortana is a voice activated assistant.  Just say "Hey Cortana." Ask questions or ask for reminders.  Here are a couple of things I have asked:
Hey Cortana -
Play music - The eagles
How is the weather?
Launch Microsoft Word
Is rice a vegetable?
Tell me a joke.

I have been running the Windows 10 preview as a member of the Windows Insider Program.  I have watched Windows 10 improve over the past year as Microsoft has listened to the insiders and has reacted to all their suggestions.
I use Windows 8.1 for the things I do day-to-day right now but I am looking forward to the update on July 29th.
If you are a participant in our computer classes we are looking forward to running through all the exciting new feature with you and check out my previous post to find out how to reserve your FREE copy.


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Windows 10 For FREE

You may have noticed a new small white icon that recently appeared in the bottom right corner of your computer.  If you click on this icon it will allow you to reserve your FREE Windows 10 upgrade. 

Microsoft announced this week that Windows 10 will be available to upgrade computers or tablets that currently have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on July 29^th of this year.

If you have Windows 7 you will find Windows 10 very familiar.  It provides you with better security, access to the Windows store apps and a new browser (Microsoft Edge).  Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 users will love having a new personal assistant named Cortana. 

So, reserve now.

Microsoft Office Available for free on Android and iOS.

Microsoft has now released a touch oriented FREE, for personal use, version of office,  for both the iPad and Android tablets.

For most of this winter, I have been recommending various Microsoft Office compatible alternatives for our Android and iOS users.  Hancom Office and Kingsoft (WPS) Office are among the variety of solutions to allow tablet users to create and use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.  You will have to download each app, Word, Excel and PowerPoint individually. 

If you are accessing this sight from your iPad you can get it here:

                 Word for iPad   

                 Excel for iPad

                 PowerPoint for iPad

                                                                               

From your Android tablet you can get it here:
                Word for Android
                Excel for Android
                PowerPoint for Android

Fixing your browser problems

Many of the folks I talk to and that have attended my classes complain about their Browser being stolen and their home page being changed.  They seen unable to deal with the problem.  Thanks to Google, if you use Google Chrome you can now easily fix this.  Does this sound familiar?

If so. go to this link,  Block Popups and unwanted changes to Chrome setting

Download the Software Removal Tool.  This should fix any problems you have with Google Chrome.

Chromecast - Casting your entire screen from a PC

During our Monday class I was asked if you can show a presentation on the screen using Chromecast.

The answer is yes and you can do much more as well.  Share a spreadsheet or document or just demo any Winodws application.  You do this by letting Google Chrome cast your entire screen, not just the browser window.

As promised, I am posting instructions on how to cast your entire screen from your PC to the Chromecast connected to your TV.

First, you have to launch Google Chrome.  If you don't see the Chromecast Extension Icon on the top right of the Chrome browser
This is what it looks like: If is is not there then:


 You must get the "Google Cast" extension by clicking on the 3 Bars Icon at the top right corner.

Select "Settings."  then click on "Extensions" and "Get more extensions" at the bottom of the screen. You will now have to search for "Google Cast" and install it.  You will see it downloading on the bottom left of the browser window.  When it completes the download double click on it and let it install.  You should now see the Chromecast icon in the top right corner of the Google Chrome browser.

Once the Casting Icon is there you can cast your entire PC screen, not just your browser.  Casting the Entire screen is a little tricky and not that obvious.

1.  Click on the Chromecast Icon and select the almost invisible "+" sign

2.  Now choose "Cast screen/window (experimental)"  

Now minimize your browser and run any application you like.