Ubuntu 9.10 makes open source experience much better and installing the latest version of this popular software is as easy as a walk on the cake. All one need to do to install Ubuntu is download the latest version from the download centre and then click on the file to install it onto a new drive on your Windows machine. The next time your machine boots up you get to use Windows or Ubuntu.  This is as simple as that. Adding software to the new version of Ubuntu is very easy and it can be done in a few simple clicks.

The Operating System comes preloaded with Firefox and Open office. More than hundred programs are available for installation. Visit www.ubuntu.com for downloading your  free copy. Burn the image and well follow the simple procedures as instructed  to install your copy of Ubuntu. The interface is clean and the experience is similar to Windows. Well its free and open source alternative to Windows and Mac.

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Microsoft launched Windows7 and students in UK and USA can get it for much lower prices .Students having valid email address of student bodies in the UK and USA can avail of the offer. Windows7 Professional is avilable for as low as 30 pounds whereas Microsoft Office Ultimate is available for 38.9 pounds.  More details can be had at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/studentoffer/.

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JoliCloud is a OS exclusively designed for netbook. It is fast boots up in real time and is based on Ubuntu . The best thing is it is free . Web applications can be installed using Mozilla Prism and most of the applications like open office org can be installed since it is based on Ubuntu. Usage of Firefox prism allows web applications to be installed individually and separate instances of the applications can be opened using this arrangement.  this will be installed on ultra portable notebooks making browsing a wonderful and hassle free experience. Jolicloud is in its alpha stage and invite are out to test the operating system.

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Windows7  Aero Peek is the cool feature which makes every other window transparent while highlighting the thumbnail preview of an application window . This enables a clear view of the window which we want to take a look at. Clicking on a silver button at the bottom right corner of the window gives us a peek at the windows desktop making all other windows transparent and the gadgets which are free floating.

Pinning is the new feature which replaces the Quicklaunch . Now they are sided along with the open applications . All such applications pinned get a spot on the taskbar thus allowing easy access. All the running appplications has a glossy sheen over it and the rest remain dull . Adding of more than folder puts them under the Windoes explore icon and adding a file makes it associated with the application . So we actually have to use the jump list to select it.

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There is a nice little application exclusively for Windows 7 which extends the functionality of Gtalk . The Gmail Notifier Extension adds additional features to the Gtalk notification environment.

1. The notifier allows us to see a preview of all the unread mails in the inbox. A button at the center allows access to the mail in the Gmail.

2. The jump list provides access to unread mail and clicking them will open them in Gmail.

3. Gmail secured RSS feed is used to retrieve mail and therefore it failry safe. Machine’s dependent encryption is used to save the credentials.

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Microsoft is all set to launch Microsoft Office 2010 codenamed Office 14 an upgraded version of Microsoft Office 2007. Sources say that Office 2010 will be released in the second half of 2010. The new version will be available for Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista and Windows7. Microsoft has claimed that Office 2010 will be more role based than the previous versions. Many of the features incorporated will be tailor made keeping in mind the demands of various professionals and other work groups. Office Open XML standards will be implemented in the new 2010. Many new features will also be included in the new version. These include a built in screen capture tool, a tool which removes the background, smart art templates, document protected mode and author permissions. Office button is all set to be replaced by a new menu button which helps to view a full window file menu named the backstage view. this backstage view will give access to functions such as printing and sharing which are task oriented. Support for jump lists for Windows 7 is also provided. The ribbon interface is all set to be revamped. Technical testing of the application will begin by July. Microsoft is all set to compete with Google by offering Web based Office. All the applications will be available on offer with provisions for online sharing and editing. the launch will coincide with the launch of Office 2010.

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Well Windows  7 is here and wouldn’t it be nice if we can dual boot XP or vista along with Windows 7?. Well here is a step by step procedure to do the same.

step 1 : First We need a copy of Windows 7 Rc. download the same from he website. Then burn the image using any software like Nero or ImgBurn to make a bootable version of  the disc from the image.

step 2 : Once we have the boot DVD we need to partition our existing hard drive to accomodate Windows 7. For this softwae like partition magic can be used  . Since parttion magic is not available for free we can use gparted live CD for the same purpose. All one need to  partition is to simply load the disk and follow the onscreen instructions. we need to make sure that atleast  16 Gb of hard disk is available as stipulated.

Step 3: From now the process is easy just load the Windows 7 disk into the drive and direct the installation to the just created drive. Make sure the drive you mentioned is clear else your existing installation wil be corrupted.

Please note that vista already comes with a bundled partion maker under Control Panel -> System and Maintainence (skip this one if you’re in Classic view) -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management. Just right click the volume from which you want to create a new partion and follow the options.

Happy installation!!!!!

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What makes the Windows7 very desirable is the the slew of new features in UI that make the whole experience exciting. The desktop is pretty much the same with certain subtle changes enhancing the whole experience. The Gadgets that we saw in Vista remains but the sidebar is booted out. The gadgets so now float on the desktop.

The themes have been given more prominence and the Windows & comes prepackaged with a lot of theme options. Users  can  personalize their desktops by right clicking on desktop and choose personalisation.

Many themes are also available for download and access to them is quick and needs little guidance.

The other notable change is the windows explorer is additional of more file types for preview from vista so that the user need not open the document to view the contents .

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Shortcut key Combination Effect
Shift+Left Click ——————>    To open another instance of a program pinned on task bar.
CTRL+Left Click —————–>    It is used on taskbars to switch programs of that program alone.
Win+X —————————->    To open windows mobility center
Win+T —————————->    Jump to the taskbar to select a new window with left arrow or right arrow key +Enter
Win+P —————————->    To open projector mode to change external display settings.
Win+G —————————->     To bring gadgets to the front.
Win+Space ———————–>    To Enable Aero Peek
Win+1,2,3,4 or 5 —————–>    To launch programs from the taskbar.
Win+Home ———————–>    Minimize/Maximize non-active windows.
Win++,Win+-  ——————–>    Zoom in or out
Win+Down  Arrow Key ———->    Minimize current window
Win+Up Arrow Key ————–>    Maximize Current Window
Win+CTRL+Left Arrow Key —->    Contract non-maximized window from any arrow key direction.
Win+SHIFT+Left Arrow Key —>    Expand non-maximized window to any arrow key direction.
Win+SHIFT+Right Arrow Key ->   Move the current selected window one window to the right.
Win+Right Arrow Key ———–>    Dock Window to the right hand side of the screen
Win+Left Arrow Key ————->    Dock Window to the left hand side of the screen

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Aero Shake is an added feature built for fun without anything specific. Just click onto a window shake it a bit well it minimizes all the other window. Shaking the window again will revive all the other windows.

The new user interface of windows 7  make it a lot easier to sift through all the open windows. To maximize a window all one need to do is to drag the window till the top and a neat animation appears indicating that the window is going to occupy the whole screen. To bring it to the original position all one need to do is jst drag it down. This is the Aero Snap feature .Another capability of this feature is that when the window is dragged either to the left or right the window occupies exactly half of the screen.

This is useful for comparison and other features and is especially good on a wide screen monitor.

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