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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 security of your computer and data is crucial for you and the success of your company. Lost or stolen information can reveal company secrets or expose your confidential or personal information. The more you do to keep your computer secure, the safer your information will be. Use these 10 tips to learn ways you can help protect your computer, your data, and your company"s network.
Make sure that you install all of the patches and updates that your IT department recommends. In addition to installing Windows and Office updates, your IT department might require you to install additional security software, such as a firewall or custom software to help you connect from remote locations. Making these regular installations will keep your computer and your company"s network as secure as possible.
Learn more about ways to manage your computer and devices at work.
Passwords provide the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computer, and a good password is often underestimated. Weak passwords provide attackers with easy access to your computer and network. Strong passwords are considerably harder to crack, even with the latest password-cracking software.
A strong password:
Is at least eight characters long.
Does not contain your user name, real name, or company name.
Does not contain a complete dictionary word.
Is significantly different from previous passwords. Passwords that change just slightly—such as Password1, Password2, Password3—are not strong.
Contains characters from each of the following groups:
Uppercase and/or lowercase letters.
Numbers
Symbols (!,@,#,$,%, etc.)
Learn more about how to create strong passwords.
Make it mandatory for you—or someone else trying to access your computer—to enter your password on all operating system or application settings. If a dialog box prompts you about remembering the password, rather then requiring you to enter it, just choose no. Allowing the password to be saved negates having the password at all.
Rather than opening up your computer to co-workers, use network file shares to collaborate on documents. And restrict access to the network file share to only those who need it. If you"re working on a team, you have lots of other options—for example, Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010.
If you"re going to be away from your desk for a while, make sure your computer is locked.
To lock your computer:
On your keyboard, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE at the same time.
Click Lock this computer (Lock Computer if you"re running Windows XP).
To unlock your computer, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and enter your password.
Sometimes you"re away from your desk for longer than you unexpected. Plan for those situations by setting up your computer so that it locks itself after a specified amount of time.
You keep valuable and sensitive data on your computer. You might have sensitive information about your company or clients, or your personal bank statements on a laptop you use at home and work. Encrypting your data keeps it as secure as possible. To help keep unauthorized people from accessing your data—even if your computer is lost or stolen—you should encrypt all sensitive data. In the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista, you can use BitLocker™ Drive Encryption to encrypt the entire volume. In Windows XP and all editions of Windows Vista, you can use the Encrypting File System (EFS) to protect important files. We highly recommend that you learn how to encrypt a file or folder to keep it safe.
Learn how to encrypt a file in Windows 7.
Learn how to encrypt a file in Windows Vista.
Learn how to encrypt a file in Windows XP.
If an email message just doesn"t look right, it probably isn"t. Forward the email message to your IT administrator to verify before you open it.
If you"re sending confidential or business-critical information, encrypt the email and any files attached to it. Only recipients who have the private key that matches the public key you used to encrypt the message can read it.
Learn how to encrypt your messages using Outlook 2010.
Learn how to encrypt your messages using Outlook 2007.
Learn how to encrypt your messages using Outlook 2003.
Receiving spam, or junk email messages, isn"t just annoying. Some spam can include potentially harmful viruses that can cause damage to your computer and your company"s network. The Junk Email Filter reduces the amount of junk email messages, or spam, you receive in your Inbox. Good news—if your junk mail filter is already active. But you can always change the settings.
Learn more about handling junk mail in Outlook 2010.
Learn more about handling junk mail in Outlook 2007.
Learn more about the Junk Email Filter in Outlook 2003.
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.
Surprisingly, basic safety is often ignored by people using the web to research information quickly and efficiently. If you use the Internet for research of any kind, you could be exposing yourself and your company to hidden dangers such as the unauthorized transfer of confidential information. And no one wants to be the person responsible for a companywide computer network shutdown.
Whatever your reason for using the web, there is a smart way to conduct research on it: with an alert eye and a vigilant approach. Use these four tips to help protect yourself and your company from prying eyes and malicious programs.
Microsoft continually provides enhancements and security updates to all its products, including Internet Explorer. No program is completely safe from harm but as threats are discovered, Microsoft makes fixes, upgrades, and service packs for its products available. To maintain the highest level of security on your computer, you or your IT department must make sure to apply all service packs.
Before you venture onto the web, make sure you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer. At the time of this writing, the latest version is Internet Explorer 8.0.7. To see what version you are using, follow these steps:
In Internet Explorer, on the Help menu, click About Internet Explorer. There are three items you should notice in the window that is displayed:
Version: Internet Explorer 8.0.7 is the latest version.
Cipher Strength: This is the level of encryption that the browser can support. If you are going to be sending any confidential information over the Internet, you must make sure the cipher strength is 128-bit. If it is less than this value, it will be possible for a hacker to crack the encryption code and view confidential information.
Update Versions: Keep your version updated to ensure the balance between security and functionality is correct.
Use latest version of Internet Explorer
Click OK to close the window.
If your browser needs updating, go to the Microsoft Update website, where you can download the latest version of Internet Explorer.
By setting up Internet zones to meet your personal needs, your computer can help protect you as you surf the web. A zone is a logical region or grouping of websites, based on where they are physically located and how well you trust the source. These default zones are available in Internet Explorer 8.0.7:
Local Intranet — Websites located on your local network. These sites do not have to communicate over the Internet to be accessed.
Trusted Sites — A list of websites that you trust not to harm your computer, such as sites you have identified as properly encrypted.
Restricted Sites — A list of websites that are known or suspected to be harmful to your computer.
Internet — All other sites that don"t fall under the other three categories.
You can indicate how Internet Explorer should behave when it accesses a website within each of these zones. In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options. In the Internet Options dialog box, click the Security tab.
Internet zones can help protect you
When you select a web content zone, you can change the security levels. For all but the Internet zone, you can add specific sites to a zone based on your personal requirements. And Custom Level allows you to enable or disable a variety of options based on personal preference. For example, you may want to allow automatic logons only to websites that are located in your Intranet zone instead of everywhere on the Internet. The User Authentication section of the Custom Level zone allows you to set that preference. Or, you may want to ensure your Pop-up Blocker is enabled. Custom Level is where you can ensure your security settings allow your blocker to operate.
Follow the prompts in the Internet Options dialog box in the zone you want to customize by either clicking Sites or Custom Level.
Cookies are small files stored on your computer that contain information needed on certain websites. A cookie can be used to store user ID, password, preferences, personalization, or other information that is helpful to enhance your experience on that site. For example, suppose you visit a website that allows you to select a preferred language. So you don"t have to choose the language preference each time you enter the site, a text file on the site stores language preference directly on your computer as a file, or cookie.
Here"s the catch: you don"t know what the cookie has been programmed to collect. You don"t know if the cookie is malicious or not. If it"s malicious, you could quickly end up with a spiteful little program stored directly on your hard drive. A malicious cookie can collect and store almost any information that you may not want it to, such as your name, credit card information, address, or more. Cookies make it possible for unwanted information to be stored and accessed repeatedly when you visit a website.
By default in Internet Explorer, cookies are allowed for all zones except the Restricted Sites zone. However, if you want to limit cookies for a particular zone, here"s how you do it:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options. In the Internet Options dialog box, click the Privacy tab.
In the Settings section, move the slider up or down to adjust the settings.
Select settings for Internet Zones
Moving the slider up incrementally increases the Internet security on your computer, so that cookies are not accepted. Moving the slider down incrementally decreases the security, so that cookies are accepted. Check with the IT department for your organization if you are not sure which settings are appropriate to use.
Also in the Settings section, click Sites to explicitly set a cookie policy for individual websites. Here, you can specify which sites you want to allow or not allow to use cookies. Enter the desired website address in the Address of website text box. Click the Block button to block all cookies for the entered site, or the Allow button to allow all cookies for the entered site.
Continue entering settings for each specific website for which you want to set a cookie policy.
Click OK to return to the Internet Options dialog box. Click OK.
If you are concerned that you may already have cookies on your computer that contain personal information, you can delete cookies and other temporary Internet files by following these steps:
In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
Make sure the General tab is selected. (This is the default.)
In the Temporary Internet files section, click the Delete button. You will be prompted for confirmation before continuing.
The Temporary Internet files that you can delete are listed and selected for deletion by default, including Cookies. Clear the check box beside any temporary Internet file types that you do not want to delete.
Click OK.
Delete Browsing History
Get more information on privacy features in Internet Explorer 8.
While surfing the Internet is less dangerous than finding an abandoned bag in an airport, security should still be taken seriously. Encryption is a method that website owners use to help protect sensitive information, such as user names, passwords, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers. If a website you visit does not use encryption, any sensitive information you place on it is easily accessible to hackers who want that information for unsavory purposes.
There are two ways to ensure you are viewing an encrypted site.
Make sure you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer as outlined in Tip 1 ("Update, update, update!") above.
Make sure that a website uses encryption when you are entering or viewing sensitive information. There are two ways to see whether a site uses encryption. One is a small yellow "lock" icon on the status bar of Internet Explorer. The other is in the web address itself. If it begins with https:// (note the "s"), then the site is secure. If you ever visit a website without either of these encryption indicators, do not click a Submit, Save, or OK button, because sensitive information will be transmitted without being encrypted.
S. E. Slack specializes in simplifying complex topics so the masses can both understand and apply difficult concepts. She is a co-author of Breakthrough Windows Vista: Find Your Favorite Features and Discover the Possibilities and CNET Do-It-Yourself Digital Home Office Projects. She has written five other books.
Your PC and mobile devices are critical to your job. Every day you rely on them to perform tasks, connect with people, and access resources. Maintaining your computer and keeping it running smoothly can even be closely tied to job performance.
At work, your computer and devices are part of a larger network. Keeping them running means you have to work closely with your IT department. Doing so can save you time, save your company money, and help enhance network security. This article offers tips and best practices for working with your IT department to help keep your computer and devices up to date and functioning properly.
You might take your work computer home, but it"s important to realize that your company owns the computer. As the owner, your employer has the right to install patches and updates on a regular basis. By installing updates and new Microsoft software, your employer can make sure your computer and the network run as smoothly as possible. A software update is usually a win-win event, even if it causes a minor inconvenience.
"It"s common for IT departments to get complaints about patches being put on computers," says Jim DuBois, a general manager for IT at Microsoft. "But it is the best way for companies to make sure the network and computers remain secure."
To further protect their computers and network security, many companies prevent users from altering software or even changing settings.
Use these best practices to help protect and maintain the computer you use at work. You should contact your IT department to determine specific policies.
Install all updates required by your IT department. Lacking the software updates required by your IT department can expose your company to viruses and other security risks, and some companies will block network access if patches aren"t installed by a set date. It’s a good idea to find out whether IT wants you to install software updates from Microsoft Update. If so, check for Microsoft updates regularly. Doing so can prevent the hassle of installing updates for IT when it"s not convenient for you, and you might avoid potentially costly and time-consuming damage-control measures, such as spyware removal.
Install only licensed programs. Make sure that you or your company has a license for any software you install on your work computer. Software for which you"ve bought a license is probably fine, but unlicensed software can trigger litigation, so installing that program your friend bought could pose a problem. Sometimes software bought for home use cannot legally be installed at work. It’s best to double-check licensing details and to get the IT department’s approval before you install.
Don"t install different versions of software. Even if you prefer the software version you use at home, don"t install it on your work computer. It could be incompatible with the software your coworkers use or with your specific line of business applications. Also, your IT department may not be able to make required updates or to provide technical support for unapproved software.
Let IT know when hardware isn"t working. Fixing a broken computer yourself could just cause more problems. Your fixes could, for example, result in network incompatibility. Most IT departments have a help desk or technical assistance program designed to diagnose and correct problems. In fact, your IT department may have already seen the problem and could have a known fix for it. By contacting IT, you can help them to track common problems and to make informed choices about which brand and model of device to order in the future.
Let IT know when you need something. Making reasonable requests and giving the IT department adequate time to plan can help them respond to your needs. Otherwise, you may end up with software or hardware you don"t want, which can hinder your effectiveness at work.
Don"t download programs from Internet sites you don"t trust. When you download programs that may not be secure, you jeopardize the entire network.
Be aware of suspicious emails. A computer virus may be disguised as a downloadable file attached to an email. If you receive an email from someone you don"t know, or if an email contains strange text or looks suspicious, contact your IT department. If you open it, you could cause problems for you and your coworkers. If it does contain a virus, IT can ask other employees to look for similar emails.
Use online support resources. Many IT departments have created internal help sites to provide solutions and advice to computer users, and yours probably has, too. Check there first, but if you don’t find answer for your question about a Microsoft product, or if your company doesn’t have an IT department, you can tap these resources:
If you work on the road, your company may provide you with a Windows Phone to stay in touch with the office. If you decide to buy your own, though, first check whether your IT department has a list of recommended devices. There are many options for phones and for data and voice plans. Your IT department may already support specific brands, models, and plans. Buying those can make it easier to connect to the network and to get support if you need it.
Whether you work in a small company that doesn’t have an IT department or you are self-employed, many of the best practices outlined above still make good sense. Wherever you work, up-to-date software contributes to the safety and efficiency of your computer, and no online computer should be without current antivirus software. If PC performance is an issue, most computer users are able to complete basic performance-enhancing tasks, such as defragmenting a hard drive, deleting unneeded programs, and emptying the Internet cache. Users who are more tech savvy can consider adding random access memory (RAM) to boost performance. You might also choose to automate your PC maintenance schedule. If you find yourself stumped, the Microsoft Knowledge Base, Troubleshooting 101, and Windows Help & How-to are excellent solutions resources.
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Working on a slow, disorganized computer can be frustrating—and it happens to the best of us. This article will give you some easy-to-follow guidelines on how to keep your computer on the right track using tools in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2010.
We all know how easy it is to dump files into the wrong folder when we"re in a hurry. But one way to make sure you keep your files organized is to remove the clutter with a filing system that makes sense for the way you use your computer. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Start clean.
Begin by deciding which files you no longer need on your hard disk drive.
Think it through.
Take the time to plan the best way to organize your files. How do you spend your time on the computer, and what do you create? Do you work with photos and image-editing software, surf the web, write short stories, research school projects, or play games? The folders you create in Documents (called “My Documents” in Windows XP) can be easily tailored to show you just the kind of data about your files that you need to track. For more tips about creating a well-organized filing system, see File organization tips: 9 tips to manage your files better.
Use subfolders.
After you have an idea of the kinds of items you produce and want to save, create folders and subfolders to store your files. Be sure to use logical, easy-to-understand names. For example, within Documents, you might create additional folders called Projects, HR Benefits, and Career. Then, within the Projects folder, you could create subfolders for each different project.
Clean your files periodically.
After you have set up your file system, inspect and clean it regularly. Routine maintenance tasks, such as deleting old or duplicate files and folders and making sure that important files are in the right folders, can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Email folders in particular tend to spiral out of control, so be sure to spend time ordering and maintaining them. Microsoft Outlook 2010 offers nifty features to help you stay on top of your Inbox. For more tips, see Get organized: 7 ways to better sort, store, and search your email.
Tips:
To create a new subfolder with Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, right-click anywhere in the folder, click New, and then click Folder. Type the name for the new folder, and press ENTER. For more tips about creating a well-organized filing system, see File organization tips: 9 tips to manage your files better.
To create a new folder in Windows 7, in Windows Explorer, click New Folder at the top of any folder or library. Also in Windows 7, the new libraries make managing your files easier than ever. Learn more about working with libraries.
Windows 7 makes it easy to keep track of your files and folders.
Now that you"ve organized your files and folders and cleaned up your desktop, you can organize the data itself. Windows includes two utilities—Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter—that help you free up more space on your hard drive and help your computer work more efficiently.
Disk Cleanup compresses your old files to free up storage space.
Disk Defragmenter scans your hard drive and consolidates files that may be scattered across the disk.
It"s up to you to decide how often to run these utilities, but it"s a good idea to do so at least once a month. Windows Vista users take note: Disk Defragmenter is automatically scheduled to run once a week (Sunday at 4 A.M.). You can change the scheduled time for this feature or, if you prefer, turn it off.
Learn how to run Disk Cleanup
Learn how to run Disk Defragmenter
System Restore is one of those programs that can be a life-saver when you"ve been the unfortunate recipient of unstable software, a badly timed power outage, or a damaging thunderstorm. System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If the unthinkable happens and your computer files are damaged or inaccessible, you can use System Restore to restore your computer to the same state it was in before the data was lost.
System Restore creates restore points daily and whenever you install device drivers, automatic updates, and some applications. But it"s a good idea to get into the habit of creating a system checkpoint (called a restore point) when you"re about to install new software or take any action you suspect might make your computer unstable. Then, if there"s any conflict at all, you can restore your computer to the point just before you began the installation.
In Control Panel, click System.
In the left pane, click System protection.
Click the System Protection tab, and then click Create.
In the System Protection dialog box, type a description, and then click Create
Open System: Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
In the left pane, click System Protection. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Click the System Protection tab, and then click Create.
In the System Protection dialog box, type a description, and then click Create.
Click Start, and choose Programs.
Point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
When the program opens, click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
Enter a description of the restore point, and then click Create. After a few seconds, the program tells you the date, time, and description of the new restore point.
Click Close.
Although System Restore can put your computer back in order, it’s prudent to periodically back up all the files on your computer. Whether you choose to use an external hard disk, DVDs, or a network location to back up your files, Windows 7 makes it easier than ever to safeguard the contents of your computer. You can back up your files if you’re running Windows Vista or Windows XP, too. Learn more about backing up your data.
Computer programs are continually improved based on customer feedback and regular product testing. As problems are resolved, you should benefit from those improvements. By checking Microsoft Update often, you can make sure you"ve got the most recent Windows and Microsoft Office improvements available to you.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista users don"t need to sign up for Microsoft Update: An account is automatically created for you during the registration process, and Windows Update is automatically installed on your computer with default settings that you can change later, if you wish.
Windows XP users must visit Microsoft Update to start the update process. First-time visitors might need to sign up for the service. After you"ve visited Microsoft Update, you should configure your computer running Windows XP to receive critical updates automatically. This free service is called Windows Update in Windows 7 and in Windows Vista, and it is called Automatic Updates in Windows XP.
Learn how to receive critical updates automatically in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP:
Important: If you do not select the recommended automatic updating option, you must download and install every critical update. If you download the updates but forget to install them, your computer will not be protected with the latest enhancements.
Updating your Windows software is just the first step in keeping your computer safe. Next (if you haven’t already done so), you"ll want to install antivirus software from a reputable vendor, such as Microsoft, AVG, Norton, or McAfee. As is the case with Windows, it is critical that you keep your antivirus software up to date. Free antivirus software comes preinstalled on many computers, but after the trial period expires, you’ll be exposed to new and emergent threats. Be sure to renew your subscription or to secure alternative virus protection.
If your computer seems sluggish or if you begin to see lots of pop-up advertisements, even when you"re not surfing the web, your computer may be infected with spyware, adware, or other unwanted software. Learn more about spyware and what it can do to your computer.
Microsoft Security Essentials offers comprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. You can download it for free. You can also download the free Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
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