Windows 8 – Search, share, change settings, and more

Here is a recent post from the Microsoft “Getting to know Windows” Site:

No matter where you are in Windows 8 or Windows RT, the charms help you do the things you do most often, like search, share links and photos, connect devices, and change settings. What you can do with the charms can change depending on if you’re on the Start screen or using an app, so start exploring.

The five charms—Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings—are always available on the right side of your screen. Here’s how to open them:

Windows 8 - Swipe in from the right edge to open the charms With touch, swipe in from the right edge, and then tap the one you want.
Windows 8 - Move mouse pointer into the corner With a mouse move your pointer into the upper-right or lower-right corner, and then move it up or down to click the one you want.

Here’s what you can do with them:

Windows 8 -  Charms bar Search.
Search for anything. You can search just the app you’re in (like finding a specific message in Mail), search another app (look up something on the Internet), or you can search your entire PC (for an app, setting, or file).Share.
Share files and info with people you know or send info to another app, without leaving the app you’re in. You can email photos to your mom, update your Facebook status, or send a link to your note–taking app.Start.
Get to your Start screen. Or if you’re already on Start, you can use this charm to go back to the last app you were in.Devices.
Use all of the devices that are connected to your PC, both wired and wireless. You can print from an app, sync with your phone, or stream your latest home movie to your TV.Settings.
Change settings for apps and your PC. You’ll find settings, help, and info for the app you’re in, plus common PC settings—network connection, volume, brightness, notifications, power, and keyboard. These PC settings are the same no matter where you are in Windows, but the app settings are different in every app. You can also change settings for your PC when you select Change PC settings. It’s where you change your lock screen picture, manage notifications, and more.

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Microsoft again reminding users to upgrade their XP computers

In a new blog post Microsoft is once again reminding users that after April there will be no more security updates for Windows XP. Those still running Windows XP computers in their offices need to have a clear plan to replace these computers prior to April.

The Risk of Running Windows XP After Support Ends April 2014

 Tim Rains – Microsoft
15 Aug 2013 1:00 AM

Back in April I published a post about the end of support for Windows XP called The Countdown Begins: Support for Windows XP Ends on April 8, 2014.  Since then, many of the customers I have talked to have moved, or are in the process of moving,  their organizations from Windows XP to modern operating systems like Windows 7 or Windows 8. Continue reading “Microsoft again reminding users to upgrade their XP computers” »

Add a watermark to an Excel worksheet

Here is a blog post on the Microsoft official Excel blog showing how to add a watermark to your spreadsheet:

“by Dail Bridges

Microsoft Office Excel - Add Watermark to Excel
If you’re a manager building a budget in Excel, you’ll likely need to solicit input from your staff. Sometimes that collaboration takes several iterations, so it’s useful to add a DRAFT watermark to a worksheet. Or sometimes a sensitive document needs to be kept secret, making it important to add a CONFIDENTIAL watermark. Continue reading “Add a watermark to an Excel worksheet” »