Windows 7

Oct 15 2009   10:32PM GMT

Windows 7 is amazing in terms of Systems restoration

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Windows 7, Windows 7 System Restore, Windows 7 Backup, Windows 7 Systems and Security, Backup your Computer, Introducing Windows 7, Windows 7 tips, Windows 7 System Image, system repair disk, Control panel, Windows 7 installation, USB hard disk, laptop, Restore your computer, Microsoft outlook 2007, Hibernation, Network Technologies and Trends, Network Tips

I am using Windows 7, since beta days and then now with RC release.  Couple of week’s back I was attending a Seminar “Introducing Windows 7” organized by Microsoft for their partners. I did asked few questions; one of them was related to Windows restore and hibernation. I asked them if I have a complete Backup of my computer in my external USB hard disk, is it possible to restore Windows 7 and all applications in a new hard disk. The gentleman said it’s not possible. I was not convinced thought of testing myself.

 First using the Systems and Security menu from Control panel I selected the option “Backup your Computer” and I selected I created a System Image in my External USB hard disk.

 

Then I created a System repair disk by using the menu “Create a system repair disk” from the Systems and Security menu from Control panel.

 

Once I am done with these things I replaced the existing hard disk in my laptop with a new one. Then I installed Windows 7 in my laptop, after completion of Windows 7 installation I restarted my laptop with the restore disk I created and I made sure my External USB hard disk is connected my laptop as well. I booted the laptop using the System repair disk and then I click next once I got this menu,

 

And then I selected the option “Restore your computer using a system image that you created earlier”

Then I selected the latest available system image which by default selected the image stored in my external USB hard disk,

 If by change if the latest system image is not shown you always have an option to select the image manually. Once I selected the image file stored in my external USB hard disk I was able to restore my laptop with all applications and documents stored in my original hard disk. Cool utility that too GUI from Microsoft in Windows 7. For some reason I forget to take the backup of my contacts in my Microsoft Outlook 2007 so again I removed the new hard disk and replaced it with the original one. When I restarted the laptop with the original hard disk, the laptop started back from the Hibernation mode. As I forget to shutdown my laptop before starting this whole operation. It was hibernated with lot of open files and windows. Amazing isn’t it.

 

Oct 2 2009   2:49AM GMT

Free Security Software from MICROSOFT! “Microsoft Security Essentials”

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Security Essentials, Microsoft Security Essentials, Malware, Spyware, Moro, Virus, anti-virus, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, MacAfee, Symantec

 

Microsoft just rolled out their new Security Software as free download available in nineteen countries, as per Microsoft Middle East spokesperson the localized version for Middle East will be only available at later part of 2009.

 

 

The latest offering from Microsoft “Microsoft Security Essentials” protects the consumers from viruses, malwares and spywares. The “Microsoft Security Essentials” is released freely without any registration or renewal demands.

 

As we know the real-time security software’s are available but at a price, this effort from Microsoft can at least assure some of its loyal customers to get a high-quality protection which is easy to get and easy to use.

 

 

Microsoft’s latest offering - “Microsoft Security Essentials” - protects consumers from viruses, spyware and malware, and will be released freely without any registration and renewal demands in an effort to “encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection.”

 

Initially Microsoft codenamed “Microsoft Security Essentials”as “Morro” will be released in 8 languages. It will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows Live and can be downloaded from Microsoft’s web site http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

Lest see how MacAfee and Symantec face the challenge.