October 2012 In This Issue Looking Ahead to Windows 8 CLE Webinars by Kara Mueller, CCE Primary Help Desk Analyst In 2009, Microsoft's Windows 7 was brand new and all the tech news outlets were raving about the benefits, improvements and new look. Now, we're anticipating the upcoming release of the next big operating system (or OS), Windows 8. Each new OS release by Microsoft means lots of new features and innovations to a product many businesses use every day. Windows 8 is no exception. What is an OS, again? If you're unfamiliar with the term "operating system," think of the OS as the single most important piece of software on your computer. Every computer, smartphone, tablet or iPod has an operating system. The OS provides the interface for your computer to run programs, display internet webpages, browse through files, even the mouse cursor moving around on the screen is a part of the OS! Just when you thought you had gotten used to Windows 7! Do you remember when you upgraded from Windows 98 to XP, or even XP to Windows Vista or 7? For some, it may have been a difficult transition. Many parts of Windows changed or moved and had to be accessed differently. It can be tough when you are forced to re-acquaint yourself with what feels like a whole new computer. MoneyPak Virus Free CLE Webinars Seltek is pleased to offer a Live Webcast Legal Evidence: Computer Forensics & E-Discovery Wed., Oct.17th at 12:00 noon Thur., Oct. 25th at 8:00 a.m. Presented by Patrick Logan, Certified Computer Examiner No cost for the CLE Learn the differences between e-Discovery and Computer Forensics. Understand the proper procedures for preserving and collecting electronic data. This program will help you understand what data file:///C|/Users/wendy/Documents/Seltek/Seltek%20Tech%20Tips%20%20Oct%202012.htm[11/14/2012 12:01:51 PM] If you're a Windows 7 or Vista user, upgrading to Windows 8 may not seem as drastic as it would for somebody upgrading from XP or earlier. For Windows Vista and 7 users, the desktop and Windows Explorer interface of Windows 8 are similar to what you're already used to with a few small differences. Windows Explorer (the program you use to browse through your files and folders on your computer) will now feature additional commands to make browsing through your files easier and more intuitive. If you have used Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010, you may have noticed the new "ribbon" at the top of the screen where you can choose commands such as font size, page layout, insert pictures, etc. Windows Explorer will now have a similar "ribbon," which will change depending on the types of files you are viewing and will offer relevant options for them. For example, viewing your Pictures folder might display useful commands such as resize, rotate, edit, crop, etc. The Desktop is also similar, providing the familiar open area to store icons for shortcuts and files. You'll also see the usual taskbar and even the system tray (area in the lower right corner of the screen with the system clock). Many would agree, however, that the biggest change to Windows 8 is the completely re-designed Start menu. If you're using a Windows based computer right now, the Start menu is the panel that appears when you click on the "start" button (with the Windows logo) in the lower left corner of your screen. As you know, you can use the Start menu to launch programs, visit the Control Panel, shut down or logoff the computer and much more. As Windows 8 has been developed with consumers increased interest in tablet computers in mind, the new Start menu (sometimes referred to as "Metro" or "home screen") has been re-designed to be touch screen friendly. Each app (application) within this menu is represented by a tile that you click on (or touch) to launch. The tiles can be descriptive and animated - for example, your mail app might tell you if you have unread messages, or a music app will tell you what song is currently playing. Visit Microsoft's website by clicking here to see a video of the new Start Menu in action. How could Windows 8 be useful for businesses? Windows 8 might change how we use passwords. Right now, a password for your computer is usually a set string of letters, numbers, symbols or some combination of those. In Windows 8, computer users have the ability to set a picture password. So instead of entering the usual string of characters to access your computer, Windows can display picture on your screen and require you to click on different areas of the picture in a set sequence. The newest Windows OS also features better support for multiple monitors, allowing you to stretch the taskbar across more than one display and adjusting desktop settings for each monitor independently (such as wallpapers) without having to use third party software. In addition, searching has been improved in Windows 8, which will likely prove helpful to users with a lot of files and little organization. Copying files is also simplified and greatly improved, showing more details about any copying processes and consolidated windows when copying multiple different files or folders at the same time. can be collected in today's electronic society. Find out what data can be obtained from smart phones, computers and tablets. Learn what information is available from Social Media applications and how collections should be performed. Understand how deleted data can be retrieved and collected for your cases. A live video presentation will provide information from an expert about Computer Forensics and EDiscovery. Our examiner will answer your questions and you will receive one MCLE credit hour approved by the Virginia State Bar. How to Register: * Go to the website: www.gotowebinar.com * At the top of the screen click on "Join a Webinar" * Enter Webinar ID that you would like to attend Oct. 17th (noon) ID: 101-363-459 Oct. 25th (8 a.m.) ID: 149-260-419 * Enter your email address * Click on "Continue" * Enter first name, Enter last name, Click on "Register" * On the "Thank you" page, you may want to click on the "add to calendar" click open/save. This will save the date in Outlook and your personal link to log in to the webinar. * A confirmation email will be sent to you. IT Support Computer Forensics E-Discovery Staffing file:///C|/Users/wendy/Documents/Seltek/Seltek%20Tech%20Tips%20%20Oct%202012.htm[11/14/2012 12:01:51 PM] When will it be released? When can I use it? Windows 8 is scheduled to be released on October 26. To get the software, you'll have to order and pay for a license, then go through the proper process to install it (or get your IT department to help!). Eventually, new computers will come pre-installed with Windows 8, much like your home computer probably came pre-installed with the latest operating system that was current at the time you purchased it. Before making the jump to purchase and upgrade to Windows 8, you'll need to take into account a few things. First, can your computer handle it? The minimum system requirements are a 1GHz or faster processor, 1 GB of memory for the 32-bit version or 2 GB of memory for the 64-bit version, and 20 GB of free space on your hard drive. One of the most important questions to ask when upgrading is if your old programs be compatible with Windows 8. Each of the businesses that Seltek supports uses a wide variety of different types of software and hardware devices that may not be compatible with the latest version of Windows. You may need to wait for the developers of your most important programs to provide you with an update that allows the program to work with Windows 8. If in doubt, check with the software developer before making the decision to upgrade. It can be costly to upgrade your computer before realizing that you cannot access older programs! Whether or not you want to upgrade, it's not a bad idea to wait a few months or longer before making the jump. Although Microsoft is hard at work to provide a stable and safe product, the very first copies of Windows 8 may have bugs or security issues that will be fixed with patches in the near future. Deciding to upgrade your computer to the newest OS is a big decision, especially if you're considering simultaneously upgrading multiple computers at your home or business. Sources: http://lifehacker.com/5839777/first-look-at-whats-new-in-windows-8 http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx If you have questions about Windows 8, Contact Seltek @ (804) 360-4490! Join Seltek on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn Don't be fooled: FBI Moneypak Virus In the past month, I've come across a few cases of a new virus that, at first glance, might seem rather scary. The FBI Moneypak virus infects your computer, locks you out of everything and displays a large warning on the screen. This officiallooking warning claims to be from the FBI and says it found illegal material on your computer. In order to unlock your computer, the scam requests that you send to the FBI a sum of money via a Moneypak, something similar to a prepaid debit card. The virus aims to scare you into visiting a 7-11, Walmart, or other place that sells the Moneypak, purchase it, and then enter the code into a box on the warning screen. Once the code is entered it is sent to the scammer, but your computer will remain locked. If you find yourself infected with this virus or notice anything suspicious on your computer, contact your IT department or seek technical assistance. file:///C|/Users/wendy/Documents/Seltek/Seltek%20Tech%20Tips%20%20Oct%202012.htm[11/14/2012 12:01:51 PM] email: helpdesk@seltekinc,com 804.360.4490 X 7 Wendy Logan Seltek 804-360-4490 Forward this email This email was sent to [email protected] by [email protected] | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Seltek | 8814 Fargo Road | Suite 105 | Richmond | VA | 23229 file:///C|/Users/wendy/Documents/Seltek/Seltek%20Tech%20Tips%20%20Oct%202012.htm[11/14/2012 12:01:51 PM]