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تمام
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Here are solutions to some common problems with connecting a camera to a computer.
If you need help connecting your camera to your computer, see How do I get pictures from my camera to my computer?
There are several possible solutions to this problem:
Make sure that your camera is turned on, and if it has a special connection mode, be sure to switch to that setting.
If that does not solve the problem, and this is the first time you’ve tried to copy pictures from the camera to the computer, it’s possible that your camera needs a special driver to copy pictures. You can usually find the driver on the camera manufacturer’s website or on a disc that came with your camera. Install the driver and try again.
If you have successfully copied pictures from the camera before, your computer’s USB port might have stopped working. Try connecting the camera to a different USB port. If that doesn"t work, restart your computer and try again.
There are several possible solutions to this problem:
Make sure that the flash memory card is in the camera.
If your camera can store pictures in more than one location (such as both a CompactFlash and a Secure Digital (SD) card), make sure the camera is set to read pictures from the location that actually contains the pictures.
It’s possible that the memory card was accidentally erased or has become damaged. There are programs available that are designed to recover lost pictures from digital cameras.
You might need to install software provided by your camera’s manufacturer, especially if the camera is several years old. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver software.
By default, Windows copies pictures to the Pictures folder. But the easiest way to find your new pictures is to open Windows Photo Gallery and then, in the Navigation pane, click Recently Imported. This view displays all the pictures that you have copied to your computer in the last several weeks. To get started, see Open Windows Photo Gallery.
Follow these steps:
Open AutoPlay by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking AutoPlay.
To never see the AutoPlay dialog box, select Take no action next to the device or disc. To choose an action each time you plug in a device or insert a disc, select Ask me every time. To have a program open automatically each time, select the program.
If your camera uses a flash memory card such as Secure Digital (SD) or CompactFlash, consider plugging a memory card reader into your computer. When you insert a memory card into the reader, you can copy pictures to the computer without draining your camera’s battery, dealing with connection cables, or installing additional software.
Here are solutions to some common problems with printing. For a step-by-step tutorial to help you identify and fix common printer problems, go to Printer problems in Windows.
You can also try running a troubleshooter to diagnose and fix common printing problems.
This is a difficult problem to diagnose because there are many printers on the market and numerous reasons why one might not work.
First, make sure your printer is on and connected to your Windows computer according to the manufacturer"s instructions. Then, try the Printer troubleshooter, which will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix your problem. (For more information, see Troubleshooting in Windows.)
Open the Printer troubleshooter by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Under Hardware and Sound, click Use a printer.
Next, try updating the printer driver on your computer. Printer problems sometimes stem from out-of-date driver software, and can be solved by installing—or reinstalling—the latest driver.
To find the latest driver for your printer, first check Windows Update, which is designed to detect the hardware connected to your computer and automatically notify you when new drivers are available:
Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
If updates are found, click Install updates. If you"re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
If you don"t see an updated printer driver listed, it"s still possible that one exists: Your printer manufacturer might not have provided it to Microsoft yet.
Most printer manufacturers offer up-to-date drivers on the support sections of their websites. Drivers are typically organized by Windows edition and printer model. Once you find the proper driver, install it according to the manufacturer"s instructions. For more information about printer drivers, see Find and install printer drivers for Windows 7 and Update a driver for hardware that isn"t working properly.
If your printer still doesn"t print, consult the support section of your printer manufacturer"s website for model-specific troubleshooting tips.
A print spooler is software that temporarily stores print jobs on the computer hard disk or in memory until the printer is ready to print them.
If you"ve been waiting an unusually long time for a document to print, or if you see an error message about the print spooler, you might need to restart the print spooler on your computer.
The simplest way to restart the spooler is to save your work and restart the computer. You can also try these steps:
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.
Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type administrative tools, and then click Administrative Tools.
Double-click Services. If you"re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Right-click the Print Spooler service, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.
If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK. If you"re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
If Windows can"t detect a printer that you want to use, follow these steps to find and add the printer manually:
Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.
Click Add a printer.
In the Add Printer wizard, select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
On the Searching for available printers page, click The printer that I want isn"t listed.
On the Find a printer by name or TCP/IP address page, choose how to find the printer that you want to use, based on the type or location of the printer, and then click Next.
Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish.
To make sure that printers on the network are being displayed, check to see if the network is working correctly. For more information, see View the status of your network.
If the network is working correctly, try these troubleshooting options:
Make sure that all computers on the network are in the same workgroup. One way to do that is to change the workgroup names on your Windows 7–based computers. For information about changing a workgroup name, see Join or create a workgroup.
If you don"t know the name or network address (a location on the network) of the printer, contact the person who installed the printer on the network or a system administrator. If your computer is connected to a network domain, you might not have permission to use some printers and the printers will not be displayed. To obtain permission, contact a system administrator.
If you are adding a printer that is plugged into another computer on the network and shared for other people to use, make sure that the computer where the printer is plugged in is turned on. You can also contact the computer owner to make sure that the computer is connected to the network or to see if the name of the printer has changed.
Article ID: MSW700078
Keywords: |
kbexpertisebeginner kbexpertiseinter kbacwsurvey kbhardware kbprb ocsso KB316529 |
Which disc format you should use is determined by the computer or device that you plan to use the disc in after it"s burned. For more information about burning a CD or DVD in Windows, see Burn a CD or DVD in Windows Explorer.
The following sections explain how to determine which format to choose when using Windows Explorer to burn a data disc (a type of disc that is useful for storing, archiving, and sharing files among different computers and devices). If you want to create other types of discs, such as a DVD-Video disc (to play in a regular DVD player) or an audio CD (to play in a regular CD player), you’ll need to use a different program or feature of Windows.
Find an example in the following table that best describes your situation. Then, insert the recommended disc, and choose the appropriate disc format when you prepare your disc for burning.
The type of recordable disc you should choose depends on a few different factors, such as:
The types of recordable discs that work with your disc burner.
The disc drive on the computer or device that you plan to use the disc in after it"s burned and the types of recordable discs the computer or device can read.
The total size for all the files you plan to burn to a disc.
A typical recordable CD can hold about 650-700 megabytes (MB), whereas a typical recordable DVD can hold over six times more than that at about 4.7 gigabytes (GB). However, the total amount of disc space that you can use to burn files to the disc is less than the amount that"s often listed on the disc itself. This is because the disc capacity is calculated differently when it"s used in a computer. For example, a typical DVD-R that has a listed disc capacity of 4.7 GB can only store about 4.37 GB of data on the disc.
The following table describes different CD or DVD burning scenarios and provides advice about which format to use.
To | Use this |
---|---|
Burn any kind of file and use the disc in a Windows XP or later computer. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-RAM Format: Live File System |
Burn any kind of file and use the disc in any computer, including versions of Windows earlier than Windows XP. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-RAM Format: Mastered |
Burn any kind of file and use the disc in a Windows Vista or later computer. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-R, or BD-RE Format: Live File System or Mastered |
Burn music or pictures and use the disc in some regular CD, DVD, or Blu?ray Disc players that can play MP3 files and digital pictures. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW Format: Mastered |
Burn music or pictures and use the disc in any computer, including versions of Windows earlier than Windows XP. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW Format: Mastered |
Be able to add and erase one file or many files over and over (like you can with a USB flash drive) and use the disc in a Windows XP or later computer. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-RAM Format: Live File System |
Be able to add and erase one file or many files over and over (like you can with a USB flash drive) and use the disc in a Windows 7 computer. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-R, or BD-RE Format: Live File System |
Leave a disc in your computer’s burner and copy files to it at your convenience, such as for routine backup. |
Disc: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-R, or BD-RE Format: Live File System |
When choosing a disc format, it"s helpful to understand what the differences are, so you can pick the right format for the disc you"re going to burn. Discs that use the Live File System format are often more convenient because you can copy selected files immediately and as often as you want, just like you can with a USB flash drive. Alternatively, Live File System discs can’t be used in all computers or in a CD, DVD, or Blu?ray Disc player. Use this guide to understand the difference between Live File System and Mastered discs:
Have this option name in the Burn a Disc dialog box: Like a USB flash drive.
Work like a USB flash drive, which means that you can copy files to disc immediately without having to burn them later in a separate step.
Give you the option to delete one file, many files, or all files. For more information about erasing files from a disc, see Erase a CD or DVD.
Are convenient if you want to keep a disc in your CD, DVD, or Blu?ray Disc burner and copy files whenever the need arises.
Are compatible only with Windows XP and later versions of Windows.
Aren"t blank after they"re formatted.
Have this option name in the Burn a Disc dialog box: With a CD/DVD player.
Don’t copy files immediately; you need to assemble the entire collection of files that you want to copy to the disc, and then burn them all at once.
Don"t give you the option of deleting just one file or a few. All files on the disc will be deleted. For more information about erasing files from a disc, see Erase a CD or DVD.
Are convenient if you want to burn a large collection of files, such as a music CD with MP3 files.
Are compatible with computers that aren"t necessarily running Windows and some consumer electronic devices, such as CD players, DVD players, and Blu?ray Disc players.
Each version of the Live File System format is compatible with different operating systems. Depending on which computers you plan to use a disc in, you might need to select a different version of Live File System. If you plan to use your disc on a later version of Windows, however, you shouldn"t need to change the version of the Live File System you use. If you need to make discs that are compatible with earlier versions of Windows, use the following table to select the right Live File System version for your needs:
The following table describes Live File System versions and their appropriate uses.
Live File System version (UDF) | Best for |
---|---|
1.50 |
This version is compatible with Windows 2000 (and later) and Windows Server 2003 (and later). It might not be compatible with Windows 98 computers. |
2.00 |
This version is compatible with Windows XP (and later) and Windows Server 2003 (and later). It might not be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 computers. |
2.01 |
This is the default version that"s compatible with Windows XP (and later) and Windows Server 2003 (and later). It might not be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 computers. |
2.50 |
This version is designed for Windows Vista (and later). It might not be compatible with earlier versions of Windows. |
For information about formatting a disc, see Format a CD or DVD.
The following table describes the different kinds of CDs and DVDs and provides information about their appropriate use.
Disc | General information | Capacity | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|
CD-ROM |
Known as a read-only disc, usually used to store commercial programs and data. You can"t add or delete information on a CD-ROM. |
650 MB |
Highly compatible with most computers and devices. |
CD-R |
You can burn files to a CD-R more than once (each time is referred to as a session), but you can"t delete files from a Mastered disc. Each burn is permanent. |
650 MB 700 MB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Highly compatible with most computers and devices. |
CD-RW |
You can burn files to a CD-RW more than once. You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A CD-RW can be burned and erased many times. |
650 MB |
Compatible with many computers and devices. |
DVD-ROM |
Known as a read-only disc, usually used to store commercial programs and data. You can"t add or delete information on a DVD-ROM. |
4.7 GB |
Highly compatible with most computers and devices. |
DVD-R |
You can burn files to a DVD-R more than once (each time is referred to as a session), but you can"t delete files from the disc. Each burn is permanent. |
4.7 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Highly compatible with most computers and devices. |
DVD+R |
You can burn files to a DVD+R more than once (each time is referred to as a session), but you can"t delete files from the disc. Each burn is permanent. |
4.7 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Compatible with many computers and devices. |
DVD-RW |
You can burn files to a DVD-RW more than once (each time is referred to as a session). You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A DVD-RW can be burned and erased many times. |
4.7 GB |
You don"t need to close the session to read this disc in another computer. Compatible with many computers and some devices. |
DVD+RW |
You can burn files to a DVD+RW more than once (each time is referred to as a session). You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A DVD+RW can be burned and erased many times. |
4.7 GB |
You don"t need to close the session to read this disc in another computer. Compatible with many computers and some devices. |
DVD-RAM |
You can burn files to a DVD-RAM more than once. You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A DVD-RAM can be burned and erased many times. |
2.6 GB 4.7 GB 5.2 GB 9.4 GB |
DVD-RAM discs can generally be used only in DVD-RAM drives and might not be readable by DVD players and other devices. |
DVD-R DL |
You can burn files to a DVD-R DL more than once (each time is referred to as a session), but you can"t delete files from a Mastered disc. Each burn is permanent. |
8.5 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Compatible with some computers and newer DVD players. |
DVD+R DL |
You can burn files to a DVD+R DL more than once (each time is referred to as a session), but you can"t delete files from a Mastered disc. Each burn is permanent. |
8.5 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Compatible with some computers and newer DVD players. |
BD-R |
You can burn files to a BD-R once (in one session), but you can"t delete files from the disc. Each burn is permanent. |
25 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Compatible with computers running Windows 7. |
BD-R DL |
You can burn files to a BD-R DL once (in one session), but you can"t delete files from the disc. Each burn is permanent. |
50 GB |
You must close the session to read this disc in a different computer. Compatible with computers running Windows 7. |
BD-RE |
You can burn files to a BD-RE more than once (each time is referred to as a session). You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A BD-RE can be burned and erased many times. |
25 GB |
You don"t need to close the session to read this disc in another computer. Compatible with computers running Windows 7. |
BD-RE DL |
You can burn files to a BD-RE DL more than once (each time is referred to as a session). You can also delete unwanted files from the disc to reclaim space and add additional files. A BD-RE DL can be burned and erased many times. |
50 GB |
You don"t need to close the session to read this disc in another computer. Compatible with computers running Windows 7. |
For more information about setting the options for closing a session when a disc is ejected, see Close or finalize a CD or DVD.
Having trouble with your computer? You"ve come to the right place. Even if you don"t know a computer language (or want to), you can solve several common PC problems on your own.
In this article, we offer many ways to do what you need to do in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Often, there may not be a Help topic for Windows XP, but the process is often the same as in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. The only difference is usually where to find the link in Control Panel. Most often, it’s just a matter of slightly different wording in the heading or the text describing the task. Don’t worry. If you search in Control Panel, you’ll usually find the link you need.
If you can’t figure out how to complete a particular task in your software program—and you’re using a PC—the most important shortcut to know is the F1 key. Just push it while the program—Word, Excel, or whichever program you’re using—is open and active, wait a moment, and the Help window specific to your active program will appear. See an F1 key demonstration. The F1 key works with almost all Microsoft products, so it’s a helpful starting point for a wide variety of problems.
If you’re encountering a different kind of obstacle – your new device won’t appear on your desktop, an application you added won’t run, you see an error message, or your computer is refusing to start up – here are a few preliminary steps:
Before adding any major hardware or software to your system, make sure you"ve recently backed up your Windows 7-based PC or your Windows Vista-based PC as a safeguard. By using the automatic backup functions, you can schedule regular upkeep for maximum convenience.
Many issues can be resolved by simply checking to be sure that all of your plugs are connected properly. After you are sure of that, try restarting (“rebooting”) your system. Turn your computer off, and then back on a few seconds later. If the problem continues, follow the steps below.
Write down the contact information for Microsoft Customer Service and Support, should you need to consult an expert. Take a second to print the below instructions as well, and keep them handy as you walk through the troubleshooting process.
Microsoft provides a couple of free options to help you locate and fix the PC issue you’re encountering:
Online: Is your PC showing an error message? If so, write down the exact number and wording of the error message, and search for it on the Microsoft Fix it Solution Center. In many cases, the Fix it center provides a "hot fix," which is an automated solution you can run on your PC with just one click! Even if you don’t see an error message, you may be able to find the solution in the Fix it center, either by topic or by searching. You can also check Microsoft Answers and Office Answers.
Download: You can try out the new Microsoft Fix it Beta. Just download it to your machine, follow the instructions to set it up, and then it will tell you if you have any updates to run. Note: Once you run it, the system will ask you to set up an account, or you can sign in with your Windows Live ID. Also, the Fix it Center will ask you to send information about your computer.
Walk through your system yourself: If you’d like to understand more about the issue you’re seeing, walk through the steps below to help you figure out if the problem is related to hardware, software, or the operating system (such as Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista). The following are some common indicators that can help you decide which is the right answer.
We recommend you start at the top by determining if your software is working, using the Software errors section that follows. If the issue persists, proceed to the Hardware trouble section and then to the System failure section. The lists on the right side of this page may also help you narrow down the type of trouble you are experiencing.
If programs refuse to install, won"t appear on your desktop, can"t seem to run without freezing, don"t load at a decent speed or function properly, or Internet access is unavailable, here"s how to troubleshoot:
General issues
Confirm that your PC meets the software"s minimum system requirements. If it doesn"t, you"ll be unable to run the program without upgrading your computer"s hardware. Note that PCs which barely meet or just slightly exceed these minimums may run the software more slowly and can be less reliable. Windows 7 and Windows Vista users can reference the Windows Experience Index to quickly gauge their PC"s general capabilities.
Check for compatibility with Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Close open programs and windows that you"re not currently using. These can eat up system memory and processing power, slowing your PC or preventing additional software from running. Try running the program again.
Check available hard drive space. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of your hard drive"s total storage allotment should be left free to ensure optimum system performance in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, prevent crashes, and keep Windows running at top speed.
Note Use Disk Cleanup to free more space:
Check for program updates and information on frequently encountered issues at the software manufacturer"s website. For Microsoft products, you can also load Windows Update for Windows 7, Windows Update for Windows Vista, or visit the Microsoft Download Center. If you install an update, restart your computer, and attempt to run the program again.
Uninstall or delete unwanted programs in Windows 7 or Windows Vista to cut down on clutter and remove any drain on your system"s resources.
Disable programs you don"t use to in Windows 7 or Windows Vista by preventing them from automatically loading when Windows starts. If you’re running Windows 7, restart your computer, and try the program again.
Defragment your hard drive in Windows 7 or Windows Vista to improve performance.
Scan for viruses and spyware. Windows Defender in Windows 7 and Windows Vista can help detect and prevent threats, along with preventing annoying pop-up notices and unauthorized home network intrusions. You can scan your PC for free.
Reboot your computer and try loading the program again. If it still won"t load or work correctly, you may need to uninstall the software and then reinstall it from scratch and reboot again. Advanced users can also try these advanced troubleshooting tricks in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Consult Microsoft Help and Support and the Windows Community. If live assistance is required, first contact the software manufacturer"s customer support department. For additional assistance, try Microsoft Customer Service and Support.
Whether you have a modem or a Windows 7 or Windows Vista home network, answers to common Internet access and online networking problems can be found at Microsoft Help and Support. Quick references include:
Should equipment fail to turn on, be recognized by your system, or function properly, follow these steps to address some of the most common hardware issues:
Determine that equipment has been assembled correctly, by consulting your product manual or referencing the manufacturer"s website.
Confirm that your device is securely plugged in and receiving power. For equipment that relies on an A/C (wall outlet plug) power adapter, you can double-check that the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in another device and observing if it starts up or begins charging.
Check to see whether equipment is properly connected to your PC by making sure all cables are securely plugged into the correct ports.
Verify that hardware is turned on.
Look for error messages displayed on either the equipment itself (commonly found on a small LCD screen) or on your desktop. Solutions for many of these can be found in your product manual or by checking this comprehensive database.
Install or reinstall drivers for the device in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Windows automatically searches for drivers when new devices are connected and notifies you of any available updates. It may be necessary to manually install them yourself, if these files are contained directly on the device, on a CD/DVD sold with the equipment, or on the manufacturer"s website. To activate setup, just double-click on the driver installation program. You may need advice for Windows 7 or Windows Vista if the installation program fails to run.
Confirm that you"re using the latest drivers for your hardware. Manufacturers routinely issue patches to correct errors and inconsistencies that users encounter. To do so, simply use Windows Update, visit the Microsoft Download Center, or check the Download or Support section of the manufacturer"s website.
Reboot your system and test the device again.
Consult Microsoft Help and Support, the Windows Community, or the manufacturer"s website for assistance. The following resources also offer solutions to common problems with popular devices, including:
If all else fails, contact the hardware manufacturer"s customer support department. You can also try your computer manufacturer"s customer support group or Microsoft Customer Service and Support for additional assistance.
Can"t get your PC to start up or shut down? Is Windows stalling out, randomly turning your computer off, or rebooting without warning? Follow these step-by-step instructions to restore system health.
Confirm that your PC is plugged into an electrical outlet and receiving power. If so, reboot and see whether the problem persists.
Check to see if you have a memory problem.
Scan your hard drive for errors.
Try advanced boot options and working in safe mode.
Did you just install a new hardware device or driver in Windows 7 or Windows Vista before Windows stopped working? Determine the cause and address the problem.
Repair your PC using the Startup Repair function.
If troubles remain, consult Microsoft Help and Support or the Windows Community. If you still need help, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support.
Hard drive failure
In a worst-case scenario, system failure may be caused by a damaged or corrupted hard drive. There are many warning signs that may indicate this problem:
Your system won"t boot.
No operating system is detected.
The computer hangs during startup.
Your PC is making strange noises.
If you are concerned about the safety of your files, try the following options before paying to send it to a data recovery specialist:
Resurrect your hard drive.
Retrieve files using a boot CD.
Employ free system recovery tools.
Along with the increased flexibility and the zero-time commute, working from home presents some special challenges. It takes some thought and effort to create a work environment for yourself that will benefit you, your family, your boss, and your coworkers. Explore this collection of links to articles, websites, and products that can help you get started and work better.
Get organized: 7 ways to better sort, store, and search your email
File organization tips: 9 ideas for managing files and folders
The benefits of telecommuting are significant, and many companies are now offering work from home options. The equipment and the software you use to work from home (also known as telecommuting or telework) vary according to your needs and preferences. This article provides tips and advice on the tools you might need, along with useful links to other tips for telecommuters.
A typical telecommuter can have a much easier time focusing on work if he or she creates a private, dedicated space for a home office that’s free from distractions and has easy access to everything needed for the job.
With so many choices out there, deciding what computer or computers to buy can be daunting. Will you need a laptop computer to take on the road or into the office? How should you prioritize your requirements—by price, size, power, or speed?
If you need some help assessing your needs, watch the videos How to choose a PC: Netbook, laptop, or all-in-one? and How to choose a laptop to help you narrow down the choices. And PC Scout, an interactive, online tool, can help by recommending a PC to meet your needs.
See what’s being offered at Microsoft Store.
Compare prices with the help of Bing Shopping.
Visit a trusted computer store, and ask for their advice.
Ask friends or colleagues who work at home to see which PCs they recommend.
You need Internet access via a connection that is reliable and provides the speed you need at a rate you are willing to pay. You can use a DSL connection through your phone company, a broadband connection for high speed Internet through your cable company, or even a satellite connection (available at a higher cost but perhaps necessary if you’re in an isolated location). You’ll also need an Internet Service Provider, which may be the same company you use for the connection.
If you use multiple computers in your home, you will probably want to set up a home network so that, as you work online, you can have access to the same files wherever you are. You’ll need to make some initial decisions, including whether you want to set up a wireless network and, if so, how to set it up. The setup details depend on your Windows operating system:
If you want to set up a network between your home computer and your company computers, here are some technologies to help you.
A virtual private network creates a secure connection, called a tunnel, between your computer and the server.
Remote Desktop is a technology built into Windows that allows you to sit at a computer and connect to a remote computer in a different location. For example, you can connect to your work computer from your home computer and have access to all of your programs, files, and network resources—just as though you were in front of your computer at work.
Maybe you’ve heard of cloud computing—a concept which has many potential benefits for telecommuters. Basically, it removes the burden of running applications and handling documents from the individual home computer and places it on the network of computers that make up the cloud. If you use a web-based email service, like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or Gmail, you’ve already had some experience using cloud computing
Microsoft provides cloud computing services that let you do all sorts of things, like get your mail, chat, and work on and store your documents online. It’s free of charge through Windows Live.
Read more about cloud computing and Windows Live.
Cloud computing offers many new opportunities for creating, sharing, and storing documents. Because the documents are stored on servers in the cloud, you and your co-workers can collaborate by working in the same document online. For example, you can use the free Office Web Apps, which are online companions to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. They offer you an easy way to access, view, and edit your documents directly from your web browser, whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the road.
Using cloud computing, you won’t need to worry about whether you have room to store all your files on your computer. Use a storage service, such as Windows Live SkyDrive, which provides enough free storage for thousands of documents, photos, and other files. Whether you"re at work, at home, or on your mobile phone, Windows Live SkyDrive makes your password-protected documents available whenever you"re online, directly in your web browser.
Because the data you store may be crucial to your business, be sure to set up a backup system to help ensure you never lose it. With online backup services, such as Dropbox, you do not have to buy any equipment. You just install software, which sits on secure servers and runs in the background, regularly updating a mirror image of all your files. To learn more options and strategies for backing up your data and files, read our article Back up your data.
Working from home, you’ll want to make sure your computer remains secure from viruses and malicious attacks. Learn about the free security features available through Microsoft Security Essentials. Consider the additional security precautions you’ll need to take when you’re using your laptop on the road.
A reality of telecommuting is that, with the elimination of the water cooler, you’ll need to work harder to keep in touch with your colleagues. Luckily, new technologies (and good communications skills) provide new opportunities for working with or even managing a virtual team.
Make sure the people you want to hear from have your telephone number, and use a headset if you want to type as you talk. Consider call forwarding to your home or cell phone so that you receive calls wherever you’re working.
If your business takes you outside the home for periods of time, perhaps immediate access to your email and the Internet makes the purchase of a smartphone, like a Windows Phone, a good idea.
Read about telecommuting with Windows Mobile.
Consider using an instant messaging (IM) program, such as Windows Live Messenger, to have quick, impromptu chats with one or more of your coworkers, in real time, over the Internet. IM also gives you a way to show and update your communication status throughout the day. For example, when you need a couple of hours of undisturbed concentration, set your status as "Busy" and let everyone know that you"ll be slower than usual to reply to email messages and phone calls. With the use of a webcam, you can set up video chats and video conferences.
Here are some more possibilities:
Make video calls around the world using Windows Live Messenger.
Set up real-time meetings online, using services, such as Office Live Meeting, that let you connect with colleagues and customers through your web browser.
Use a service like Campfire, which provides a permanent chat room where your team members can join you. Access the URL in your web browser.
Read about communicating effectively on virtual teams.