Tim's Computer Services

64 Bit Support

Tim Mosdell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:16 +0000

If you’ve gone PC shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed more computers with 64-bit processors, and you may have wondered what advantages they offer.

Put simply, a 64-bit PC can handle larger amounts of information than a 32-bit system. Since it can use more RAM—4 GB and up—a 64-bit computer can be more responsive when you’re running lots of programs at once.

Whichever system you choose, Windows 7 is ready. All packaged retail editions of Windows 7 (except for Home Basic) include both 32- and 64-bit software.

Wondering whether a program or device works with your 64-bit PC? Look for products that carry the “Compatible with Windows 7″ logo, which means they were tested on both 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Or visit the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to search a regularly updated list of programs and devices.

Check Control Panel to see whether your PC is capable of running the 64-bit version of Windows 7

Windows 8′s Windows Update gets detailed

Tim Mosdell — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:46:57 +0000

Many of us have been in this spot before. You run Windows Update in Windows 7 or Vista and install the updates. Then suddenly, when you are away or asleep, the system restarts. Not only did it restart, but you were working in a program and left it open. All that data is now gone. Microsoft has now detailed how they aim to fix the problem in Windows 8.

Microsoft started off by noting that 90 percent of Windows 7 users automatically update on Windows 7. The company says that this is a sign that Windows Update is highly trusted, authenticated source of updates. Updating is now viewed as a background maintenance task by users as well and below is a chart detailing the breakdown regarding Windows Update in Windows 7.

	Windows 7
Automatically install updates	89.30%
Notify me before install	2.38%
Notify me before download	3.44%
Never check for updates	4.88%

Courtesy of Microsoft: Usage of various modes of automatic updating

Further data from the company indicates that 31 percent of users interact with the automatic update, intervening when Windows notifies them of updates, instead of letting the updates just install. Microsoft is making changes to Windows Update for Windows 8 based off the following principles: minimizing restarts, making automatic updating non-intrusive to users, and continuing to keep the PC and its ecosystem up-to-date and secure.

So how does Microsoft plan to accomplish this? For starters, Windows Update will consolidate all the restarts to one restart when security updates are released. There is one exception to this: critical vulnerabilities that require immediate attention. In addition, you will be given an option to hold off the restart for three days. A message will appear on your login screen, notifying you of this. The power button at the bottom of the screen will add new options to reflect this: update and shutdown or update and restart. Check out the examples of this in the gallery.

If the PC has not been restarted after three days, the PC will then automatically restart. However, it will only do this if the PC is not locked. Apps must not be running in the background as well. Once you log back in, Windows will notify you to save your work and restart. For those of you do not automatically update, you will receive a notification that Windows updates are available.

Microsoft says that the Windows Store will include automatic updating for Metro style apps. However, no automatic updating will occur for other 3^rd party applications. Microsoft says enabling this would lead to potential mistrust of Windows Update by users.

10 Reasons to buy Windows 7

Tim Mosdell — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:52:57 +0000

You told us to make Windows simpler to use, more responsive, and full of new possibilities. We listened—and made loads of improvements. Here’s our top 10:

A better desktop.Windows 7 gets you around your PC faster than ever. The taskbar has bigger buttons and full-sized previews—and you can pin programs to it for one-click access. Jump Lists provide shortcuts to files, folders, and websites. And Snap, Peek, and Shake give you easy (and fun) new ways to juggle all those open windows.

Smarter search. Type in the Start menu search box, and you’ll see results instantly, grouped by category—documents, pictures, music, e‑mail, and programs. Search in a folder or library, and you can fine-tune your search with filters like date or file type—and use the preview pane to peek at the contents of your results.

Easy sharing with HomeGroup. Sharing files and printers on your home network should be simple. With HomeGroup, it finally is. Connect two or more PCs running Windows 7, and with a minimum of fuss you can start sharing music, pictures, videos, and documents with other people in your home.

Built for speed.Windows 7 has key performance improvements to take up less memory and run background services only when you need them. It’s designed to run your programs faster and to sleep, resume, and reconnect to wireless networks quicker. And with 64-bit support, you can take full advantage of the latest in powerful 64-bit PCs.

Better wireless networking. Connecting to wireless networks on your laptop—formerly a bit of a hassle—now takes just a couple of clicks. Choose from the list of available networks in the taskbar, click one, and then connect. Once you’ve connected to a network, Windows will remember it so you can connect again later automatically.

Windows Touch. Use your fingers to browse the web, flip through photos, and open files and folders on a touchscreen PC—for the first time, Windows includes true multitouch technology. With gestures for zooming, rotating, and even right-clicking, it’s a whole new way to work with your PC.

Plays well with devices.Device Stage, a new feature in Windows 7, works like a home page for things like portable music players, smartphones, and printers. When you plug a compatible device into your PC, you’ll see a menu with information and popular tasks like battery life, how many photos are ready to be downloaded, and printing options.

Watch, listen, and stream.‌ Internet TV, part of Windows Media Center, gathers programming from sites all over the Internet—shows, sports highlights, video podcasts, and more. Add a TV tuner, and your PC becomes a digital video recorder you can use to watch, pause, and record live TV. And with new features in Windows Media Player 12, you can enjoy your media library around the house—or around town.

Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Live.‌ Windows 7 unleashes the full power of Internet Explorer 9, from its stunning hardware-accelerated graphics to the ability to launch favorite websites right from your taskbar. You’ll also get the many possibilities of Windows Live, free: create photo albums and movies, chat in HD, and share your stuff anytime, anywhere.

Nag-free notifications.Action Center, new in Windows 7, puts you in control of maintenance and security messages. You can turn notifications on or off for things like Windows Defender or User Account Control. If Windows needs your attention, you’ll see a notification on the far right of the taskbar. Click it, and you’ll get suggested fixes for any problems.