WINDOWS 7:
WHAT, ME WORRY?
We have finally reached the long-awaited
release of Windows 7. This event has inspired lots of press coverage and confident
proclamations by Microsoft, which is all too happy to step away from Vista, the operating
system everyone loves to hate, especially the folks over at Apple. The release of a new
version of Windows is always a seminal moment for court reporters because
it runs
our CAT software. Windows isn't always a gracious host (think of program
freezes, Blue Screens of Death, failed connections, and so on), so
this event has also inspired
considerable curiosity—and anxiety—on the part of our clients as they look at new
computers loaded with "7" (its shorthand name) and as they contemplate their own
versions of Windows.
There are, indeed, many things worth wondering about as
we take a technological step forward onto Microsoft's new operating system. Here are a
few of them:
- Will it run my CAT software properly? As
it should be, this is the first question on almost every reporter's mind. Scott is going to
address that point as comprehensively as possible.
- Should I get 7 on my new computer or try to
get XP or Vista instead? This is a close second. If you need a new computer
and you have choices regarding versions of Windows, which should you get?
- What about this Windows 7 Upgrade Option
program? Should you use this program to upgrade your existing version of
Vista or XP to 7? If so, what's involved and is my data at risk?
- If I get it, how do I use it? If
you end up with a new computer running Windows 7, what are the new features and will you
be baffled by the interface or find it easy to use? Scott will give you an overview of
all the new features, what to expect, and how they will affect you as a court reporter.
A WINDOWS "MOMENT"
Because it's new and promises to resolve the problems
of Vista and the shortcomings of XP, Windows 7 is garnering all the attention. Since
we are all dependent upon Microsoft's operating systems to securely and properly run
our programs, it's important to be familiar with certain key aspects of
your Windows version, whether you use XP, Vista or are moving on to 7.
Scott and his panelists are going to talk some about
Windows 7, but its release prompts us to spend most of our time on Windows, in
general, and the features or settings within it. Here are some of the topics he'll
cover, topics that affect you as a court reporter and which will help you understand
Windows better and get more out of it.
- Audio Settings. Since
court reporters use Audio Synch, the recording and playback features are obviously
very important. We'll cover these settings in 7, Vista and XP, and give you some
recording tips and recommendations for each.
- Security. In Windows 7
Microsoft built in the new Action Center, but in Vista we have User Account Controls,
and in XP we have the Security Center.
- Search Functions. This is
big. Windows 7 uses a Google Desktop-like search feature which not only indexes the
names and types of documents on your hard drive but more importantly can also search
for words within certain document types. Look for plug-ins from CAT software vendors
soon. This is a feature worth having and a step up from both XP and Vista. As he
covers this feature in 7, Scott will also talk about how to best use the Search
features built into XP and Vista, too.
- Data Protection. Windows 7
has an automated recovery assistant that can identify and correct many problems
during startup. In addition to the System Restore feature built into both XP and
Vista, 7 also has improved the image-based backup system. Scott will explain and
talk about back-up and recovery strategies for XP, Vista, and 7.
- Device Manager. Windows 7
makes accessing, installing and using devices easier with the new Device
Stage. Scott will show this new feature and talk about the venerable Device
Manager, a place that nearly every reporter will have cause to visit no
matter which Windows you use.
- Windows Security. In Windows 7
Microsoft built in the new Action Center, but in Vista we have User Account Controls,
and in XP we have the Security Center.
HANDY TIPS & SHORTCUTS
Our clients are shorthand reporters, so
they naturally love learning how to get the same thing done faster, with
fewer keystrokes. Scott will finish up by going over a list of shortcuts,
tips and timesavers in all three versions: XP, Vista, and 7.
We all use Windows—we have no
choice!—so we all have a stake in learning more about it and how
to use it more effectively. This isn't a webinar for just some
reporters, it's a webinar for every court reporter because we are
all in this together, thanks to Microsoft!
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