Before Windows 7, taking a screen shot was a multi-step process: to copy the screenshot to the clipboard, then to paste it into Paint or similar application, and one last step to save it to a hard drive. Windows 7 introduced the Snipping Tool, which didn’t reduce the number of steps, just rearranged the way you took the screen shot. There is also the good ol’ Paint application, but that requires an extra step that you have to go and paste the screen shot and then save it.

With Windows 8, there is now a new keyboard shortcut for capturing screenshots! (Thank you, Windows 8!) To do this, simply click the following on your keyboard: The Function Key and Windows Key + Print Screen. Windows 8 will capture the screenshot, your screen will dim for just a second letting you know the shot has been taken, and then it will save it automatically in the Pictures Library. Pretty convenient, huh?

-Carissa Cotner, Marketing Coordinator

• Stronger and better anti-malware package
• BitLocker Drive Encryption helps safeguard data theft
• AppLocker allows IT admins to control the apps that users can run

• Faster boot up-time
• Interface for the traditional desktop and touch screens
• File History feature saves a timeline of all file making backing up an automated process
• Refresh feature restores OS to factory settings while maintaining settings, document libraries, and any customizations

Dell’s most popular laptop now has a tablet version for all those people working on the go. Dell’s Latitude 10 is built for business and play time. Beautifully designed, the tablet gives users the ability to take it to work, home, and on the road for business traveling. Like the other convertibles in Dell’s new line, the Latitude 10 is multi-touch and runs on Windows 8 software. This tablet comes with a swappable battery, or you have the option to use the micro-USB charging port. You can also purchase the productivity dock to give you a desktop setup allowing you to take your office wherever you go. The Latitude 10 can easily be integrated with your organization like any other PC using existing remote systems management solutions or Dell KACE appliances. For your business, you never have to worry about security as your data is protected by the new Windows 8 software and Intel Platform Trust technology.

The Latitude 10 gives you the ability to keep employees working in
sync in the office or virtually anywhere using Bluetooth and WiFi.

Dell XPS for Business – The Best of Both Worlds

Since we are living in a connected world with so many personal devices, it’s no wonder that companies like Dell and Microsoft are creating new multipurpose technology for the market. Not only do people have desktops and laptops, but we also have smart phones and tablets too. Whether you use your technology for business or the home, it is simply too many devices to carry around. As a solution to this, Dell has introduced its newest line of tablets and convertibles. The featured XPS 12 convertible touch screen Ultrabook functions as both a laptop and tablet. The XPS 12 is great for business professionals who are looking for a convertible with superior performance and productivity without compromising design. CRN even named it as one of the top “Coolest Laptops of 2012”.

Why the XPS 12 for Business?

• Convertible and multi-touch
• 12.5 inch display for easy viewing
• USB 3.0 ports
• 170 degree viewing angle for showing presentations
• Fast boot up time
• Supports Adobe Flash
• Good for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) organizations
• Uses the new Windows 8 software optimized for businesses
• Webcam and microphone for video conferencing software
• Intel Smart Connect Technology automatically updates email, contacts, and apps
• Full-size backlit keyboard
• Long lasting battery life

It’s almost as if you’re getting a two for one deal! You can use the notebook mode for typing documents and answering emails; then quickly switch to the tablet mode to browse your favorite blogs or watch videos. Interested in learning more? Watch this video to see the Ultrabook at work.

OK, maybe not, but the IT pros do have their questions and concerns about Microsoft’s new operating system.

To that end, Dell sponsored a TweetChat last Wednesday for IT professionals that tackled the Windows 8 migration, the best practices of small-to-medium businesses to implement change and the merits of the touchscreen.

The two biggest concerns for any OS migration are training and the compatibility of critical software. Well, we can help with a few hints to get the concepts and training started.

But as for your critical applications, well, that’s a serious undertaking that every business needs to address in its own way. We haven’t run across any problems running Windows 8 just yet, but it never hurts to make sure your apps perform properly even if they appear to be perfectly compatible.

According to one chat participant (I could give you his Twitter handle but that would just look weird in print), Windows 8 “ is an attempt to build an ecosystem with similar look, feel, and usability across phones, tablets and PCs.” And that sums up things just about right. But it also addresses the touchscreen feel and format of 8. Yes, it is a nod toward the direction of the future, and that future has not been fully realized. But hey, that’s why they call it the future.

Even with the lack of touchscreen apps and uses for small-to-medium businesses, the groundwork is being created for a new way to work. A lot of the Tweet participants said they had touchscreen laptops and felt the full keyboard complemented touchscreen use. I confess that it has been a struggle for me to make use of the touchscreen on my laptop, but then again I’ve also been slow to embrace V-necks, Toms and skinny jeans.

The final major discussion point was the effort of small businesses to trim costs by allowing employees to use their personal devices. Needless to say, this was a little bit of a controversial topic, with a lot of participants citing security and compatibility concerns.

Windows 8’s attempts to alleviate those concerns in the form of UEFI Secure Boot, Windows To Go and integrated anti-malware in Windows Defender, among other features.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is intended to replace the BIOS, and when Secure Boot is enabled it makes Windows 8 more resistant to malware by validating boot components. Windows To Go is an Enterprise feature that is basically “a fully managed Windows 8 corporate image that administrators can provision on an external USB drive and can be booted from any x64 PC at any location, regardless of connectivity.” And while Windows Defender isn’t the most popular feature around, it now incorporates the antivirus features from the Microsoft Security Essentials solution. You can read more about these cool features and other security highlights here.

Regardless of what you think about OS migrations and the new feel and features of Windows 8, it’s hard to say there are any wrong answers. It’s kind of like the AL MVP voting. There were a lot of great players and it was tough to go wrong – unless you voted for Miguel Cabrera (just kidding!).

-Joe Garza, Help Desk Technician