Tag: Windows XP
Do you know what version of Windows you have?
When I ask a client, “What version of Windows are you using”….many don’t know, or they say “Windows 2010”. So, I thought I would show you pictures and explain in this blog what version of Windows you have. The reason I’m sharing this with you is because in April, Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft. This means you should take your computer off the internet and only use it for music, games and money/finances. Or, you could get a new computer and hey, it’s probably time for one! We will discuss Office products in another blog.
So let’s review the versions of Windows that you may have. And you may have an older version, if so…you’re lucky!
Windows XP
The button usually looks like the image below (it could look different, but this is the standard…green color under white start letters). You also will notice the old school “log off” and “turn off computer” (some people opt to change their start menu appearance, but this is pretty standard).
Windows Vista
Now this fancier button can be deceiving because Windows 7 has the same “circle fancy button” but there are 2 ways to know the difference. Notice the 2 icons next to the start menu button? They are not available on Windows 7. If you look right above the start button, you will see “Start Search”, Windows 7 has “Search programs and files” above the start menu button. See images below.
Image found at http://www.thewwwblog.com/how-to-speed-up-an-external-hard-drive-in-windows-vista.html
Windows 7 Start Menu Button, notice with a bit more flair.
Image found at http://www.freemake.com/blog/windows-8-vs-windows-7-top-10-features-that-will-be-gone/
Now for Windows 8….we went from a nice circle button to this…?????? This isn’t really a start menu button, but an app clicker to get to the apps. I won’t elaborate on this, but if you see this…you have Windows 8.
Long story short, if you have Windows XP it’s time for an upgrade! If you need advice on buying a new computer, check out our blog here. For even more guidance, please call 612-865-4475 or email info@callthatgirl.biz.
If you have Office 2003, it’s time for you to get new software
If you haven’t heard by now, Microsoft is ending life of many software products in the next few months. The big one is Windows XP, (so that means this XP computer should be off the internet as it will not be safe). To read my blog on how to buy a new computer, click here.
Moving on, Office 2003 is already out of date and not supported. You are for sure on your own there friend! If it breaks, you can’t call Microsoft, but most people just call companies like Call That Girl to fix it anyway. Worst case scenario…we reinstall it, which you can still do.
The problem with Office 2003 either way, is that you can’t install it on a Windows 8 computer or use any of the new technology out there. If you want hosted exchange, you have to upgrade.
The latest Office 2013 is still something I am getting used to. The design is all different, but the important things we need and use on a daily basis are still there, if you can find it! They have changed how to find our usual settings but if you spend enough time, you can figure it out quickly.
Now, on to the purchasing. There are no more disks with Office 2013. You have to create a Microsoft account, and then you purchase. After that, you have access to your software at anytime. There are many packages to buy and some seem a bit more lenient than others. Such as the home version of Office 2013.
To read more about what versions to buy, click here.