3 Tips to Help Acclimate to Windows 10

windows-10-logoHere are 3 Quick Tips to help navigate Windows 10, without losing productivity:

1. The Start Menu

For you Windows 7 users, rest easy, because this is here to stay. For the Windows 8 users, the start menu is back with its full functionality – and then some. The aesthetics of the new start menu combine the basics of the start menu from Windows 7 with the sleek tiles that were a part of Windows 8. The customization of this helps you to access what you need much faster and boosts productivity. Open the Start Menu, click on Settings, Personalization, and then Start. Make the Start Menu work for you.

2. Microsoft Edge

Although this is the new web browser, do not worry – Internet Explorer 11 will be available by default in your upgrade. It is worth noting that many business applications remain untested with Microsoft Edge. If you find that Microsoft Edge is popping up as your default browser, this article will help you with that. Remember that super awesome Start Menu we spoke about above? Click in the search bar right next to it, and type “Default Programs.” Open that up, find Internet Explorer on the left, and click on it. There will now be an option to click that states “Set this program as default.”

3. Search Enhancements

Find anything on your PC. No, really. On the bottom left, to the right of the Start Menu, type a term in that search box. If it doesn’t automatically populate, click on the “My Stuff” icon on the bottom of that pop-up window. Your machine will be scanned for files, applications, pictures – just about anything – containing any or all of that search term within that file name. Don’t catch yourself drilling down through menus trying to find something. Don’t waste your time digging and trying to find that one file you thought you’d never need again. Use this search function to help save time.

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How to remove an Android default app setting

So you’re using your Android phone (Not while driving down the road of course) and you tap on a link in an email or download an attachment and the phone pops up a dialog box asking you which app you’d like to use to complete the action. If you select the wrong app and hit the Always button in that dialog box, you will probably be stuck opening all of your PDFs or word docs in the wrong viewer indefinitely. It’s pretty easy to change the default app for launching different types of URLs and files.

When you first launch a file or link, that’s when you will either be prompted to choose an app or taken directly to the app it’s already associated with. Different types of URLs and file attachments can be assigned to different apps, so tapping on a PDF file can launch the Amazon app instead of Adobe or any other slew of viewers. If you’ve accidentally selected the wrong default app for something, you can remove that setting so Android prompts you to make a choice again the next time you launch that file/link.

How to remove an Android default app setting

1. Navigate to Settings on your Droid. You can launch Settings by tapping its shortcut in the apps menu or pulling down the notification drawer and tapping on the Settings icon (Usually a gear).

How to change the default app in Android

2. Enter the Apps menu. On some phones it will be called Application Manager or something along those lines.
How to change the default app in Android
3. Select the App you want to work with (You may need to swipe over to the All apps list).
How to change the default app in Android
4. Select the app you want to remove as default. In this scenario we don’t want Amazon opening our PDf files
How to change the default app in Android
5. Tap Clear Defaults. (Note if it’s grey then it is not set as a default app)
How to change the default app in Android
After clearing defaults the next time you launch the link/file type that apps was associated with, you will be prompted to choose a default app again.

Another Option to see and clear default apps on android is to use a third party tool.

How to see a list of current default apps

Android doesn’t provide a complete list of file and link types but a third-party app called Default App Manager provides a list of current defaults and helps you set defaults for many of the apps.

The app has two tabs: Category and All Defaults.

The Category Wise tab shows general categories such as Browser, Calendar, Camera and email along with the name of whatever app is currently set as default for them. If a file type has no associated app, Default App Manager will list it as having no default.

 

To set or change a default app in Default App Manager:

1. Tap a category (example: Email).

how to change Default android app

2. Tap Clear Default to remove the current app, if there is one. You will then be transported to Android’s built-in app menu, where you have to tap Clear Defaults for that app and then hit the back button to return to Default App Manager.

3. Tap Set Default. A dialog box will appear asking you to complete the action.

4. Select the app you want and tap Always.

The categories don’t include granular links such as URLs, which could potentially launch their own apps (ex: Amazon).

The All Defaults tab in Default App Manager shows all default apps, no matter which category the app is associated with giving you more granular control. You can use this option to change an app’s defaults by tapping the Clear button.  This will take you to that app’s info screen where you can hit the Clear Defaults button.

Default android app

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Here are five reasons you might want to hold off a Windows 10 upgrade

Windows-10-LogoWindows 10 is just about here and many users are ready to ditch windows 7 or 8 and upgrade.  Here are five reasons you might want to hold off a Windows 10 upgrade.

  1. Your system hardware doesn’t support it

This is pretty obvious, but you need to really consider your SPECs. In order to run Windows 10, you need a PC or tablet with a 1GHz processor or faster, 1GB of RAM for 32-bit machines or 2GB for 64-bit machines, 16GB hard disk space for 32-bit machines or 20GB hard disk space for 64-bit machines, a DirectX 9 or later graphics card with a WDDM 1.0 driver and an 800 x 600 display or better. If your system doesn’t meet the SPEC then you’re going to have to upgrade your hardware before you upgrade your operating system. If this is the case it is probably more economical to just buy a new computer with Windows 10 already installed.

  1. You’re using Windows 7

Windows 10 corrects many of the issues in Windows 8, an operating system that was built more for touch devices than Desktop PCs. Two of Windows 10’s big improvements over Windows 8 are the addition of a Windows 7-style Start menu and the ability to work entirely on the desktop and ignore the touch-focused (Metro) Start screen.  If you currently use Windows 7 then you have a Start menu and work only on the desktop. If you’re happy with the way Windows 7 works, we would probably tell you to stay with it.

  1. Security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8 are still available

Microsoft has a habit of pushing people to its latest operating system by ending support for its old operating systems, halting security updates and leaving users potentially open to security threats. If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8, you’ve got years before that happens. Microsoft will keep issuing security patches for Windows 7 until January 2020 and for Windows 8 until January 2023. So there is no need to rush if security updates are your concern.

  1. You have old printers or other peripherals

Many new operating systems are not designed to work with older peripherals, such as printers and scanners. Microsoft doesn’t always make sure that drivers for older devices work with their newest operating system. It simply takes too many development resources to try to ensure all devices work. As a result, some of these peripherals won’t work with Windows 10.

  1. Live on the cutting edge not the bleeding edge.

Beta testing a new operating system never uncovers all the bugs and gotchas that people are going to encounter. A new operating system hasn’t been tested on every possible piece of hardware, with every piece of software, and with every hardware/software combination. People who upgrade immediately are the guinea pigs and often the ones that get burned.  We suggest you wait another six months before you upgrade.

Don’t worry about missed opportunity….Qualified Windows 7 and 8 users get a free upgrade to Windows 10 and you have a full year from release (July 29, 2015.) so you can upgrade at your convenience.

Call today to discuss how windows 10 may fit your organization.

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10 Things to Consider Before Moving Your Office Network

Cloud_computing_tmdAn office move requires careful planning and forethought. The following considerations provide valuable guidance for moving your office technology.

  1. Think of the move as an opportunity to a better network | An office move can provide the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your IT systems, introduce new technology and upgrade your equipment.Consider the future of your company and the flexibility your network will need as your company expands. Assess your needs and work out exactly what you will need to add to provide for your future growth.  You may even want to explore new cloud services ahead of your move to mitigate certain pain points.
  1. Hire a network professional to fine tune your information systems | Obtaining expert advice long before the move will help take the guesswork out of what equipment and Internet connectivity you’ll need. Let a professional design and manage the implementation of the network and absorb the difficulties associated with troubleshooting new setups.You also get an idea of what the costs will be, including the benefits of on-going maintenance and support. Planning the installation process with a professional takes the load off your shoulders and many unseen thorns out of your side.
  1. Save on downtime with proper planning | Install the new system over the weekend or during your downtime to minimize disruption to the business. If the installation will take longer, inform clients and users in advance so they know what to expect.  Often this will eliminate or at least lessen the many angry messages you will need to respond to once back online.One client reported, “Before we moved offices, we sent an email to all of our clients informing them about the move and provided all our clients with alternate contact details. We received valuable business related calls thanks to this pre-planning”
  1. Moving valuable, sensitive equipment requires care | Moving servers, computers and network equipment takes great care. These devices are often heat, moisture and shock sensitive.A moving truck is obviously an essential part of the office move, though extra care needs to be taken concerning packaging.
  1. Prepare for impact | Your delicate electronics need to travel comfortably between cushioned barriers, preventing devices from jarring together. Wrapping the equipment in anti-static bubble wrap helps shield the equipment preventing the loss of valuable data.Equipment should ideally be placed in crates. Each crate should be dedicated to one complete system that is labelled for easy identification.
  1. Consider added Insurance | When it involves your businesses crucial digital data, ensure you have a back-up plan in case something happens during the move. Most insurance companies offer various policies for insuring computers against theft and damage.
  1. Find out if your new building has the facilities for your network | Be sure to conduct a site survey and evaluate what your network needs are. This helps to curb overspending on equipment and identifies the best possible locations for installing access points. It also ensures that sufficient internet provider options are available in the new location. Internet can take 30-120 days to install depending on the technology.
  1. Things work better when cabling is installed before the move | Before the move goes ahead, the new network’s cabling and network infrastructure should be in place and ready for each labeled workstation crate to be placed next to the correct plugs, power leads and phone lines.
  1. Power On: Starting up the new network | Expect a few glitches; problems are inevitable with any office move or new network. Having a professional available onsite for the first day or two is an invaluable asset and well worth the investment.  Installation support ensures that the company can deal with any unforeseen problems during this initial start-up period.
  1. Lastly, don’t go at it alone | Many companies go down the DIY computer networking route before seeking advice from professionals. Having a professional on board before the move will not only save you time, but save you money.  Unless you have a qualified team, installing a network can turn ugly and extremely frustrating.

ContactTMDDon’t wait until it’s too late!  Call TMD Technology Services early so we can help plan your move and evaluate the options for your new location. (561) 404-9251.

  • Onsite Business Computer Support
  • Monthly Managed IT Services
  • Web Design and Internet Marketing
  • Computer Repairs and Upgrades

Our initial consultation is FREE.

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File and Folder Name Best Practices and File Name Limitations

Good file names are essential to accessibility. Many offices utilize a network server to store files so that they are accessible from multiple locations by various people. This requires that file names (as well as folder structures) make sense to more than just the creator. A file name should be clear to everyone in the department or agency in which the file was created. A record should be distinguishable from files with similar subjects as well as different versions of the same file. When other individuals access a record, they may be using different operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX), different versions of the system (e.g. Windows Vista, Windows XP), or different software (e.g. Microsoft Word, OpenOffice.org Writer, Notepad); therefore, it is important to follow rules that will allow a file to be recognized in as many different environments as possible.

Rule #1: Avoid using special characters in a file name. \ / : * ? “ < > | [ ] & $ , . The characters listed above are frequently used for specific tasks in an electronic environment. For example, a forward slash is used to identify folder levels in Microsoft products, while Mac operating systems use the colon. Periods are used in front of file-name extensions to denote file formats such as .jpg and .doc; using them in a file name could result in lost files or errors.

Rule #2: Use underscores instead of periods or spaces. As mentioned above, periods already have a specific function in a file name, which is to tell the computer program where the file-name extension begins. Spaces are frequently translated in a Web environment to be read as “%20”. For example, TMD Technology.doc would appear as TMD%20Technology.doc if it were available online. This alteration can cause confusion in identifying the actual file name. Spaces in file names can also cause broken links, because word processing tools like Microsoft Word, and e-mail clients like Microsoft Outlook, recognize spaces as an opportunity to move to another line. Another difference that is found among operating systems and software is the acceptable length of file names. Some systems allow up to 256 characters, while others allow far fewer.

Rule #3: Generally about 20-25 characters is a sufficient length to capture enough descriptive information for naming a record.

Rule #4: Limit The number of sub folders you use in your tree structure.  Each folder and character adds to your file name limit.  Folder names should be descriptive but short.

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