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This Month's Newsletter
Happy New Year from all of us at Microsoft Mindshare! Now that we're fully into the swing of the new year, we hope you are looking forward to a creative year of connections within your user group as well as throughout our larger technology community.
The year always begins on a high note with the annual APCUG conference and CES in Las Vegas. It was great to see so many familiar faces at this year's APCUG conference. We hope that you found value in the Windows lounge experience, as well as the Windows Live OneCare and Windows Home Server demonstrations during our keynote dinner event. Please do take time to review the December Presentation in a Box materials and send us a copy of the kit evaluation that is included on the CD.
Here's to kicking off the new year with important global causes, innovative products and services, and creative ways to host your club meetings. Don't wait any longer--open up your digital world with Windows Vista and Windows Live Services!
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Microsoft and Dell Team Up with (Red) to Fight AIDs
We are excited to share the news with the User Group community that just this week Dell and Microsoft announced their partnerships with (RED) - the organization created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to help those living with AIDS in Africa. With the launch of these partnerships, consumers in more than 30 countries on five continents can now choose (RED)-branded Dell PCs loaded with Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED and a (RED)-branded printer. This significantly expands the reach of the (RED) brand and increases the potential for contribution to the Global Fund to help fight against AIDS in Africa. Click here to read the MSN article about the partnership, and click here to read the press release.
Watch Bill Gates' Keynote at CES
The annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is always one of the biggest technology events of the year, and Bill Gates' keynote is a much-anticipated part of the show. Each year, Bill introduces new ideas and announces exciting new partnerships ... and this year was no exception. Learn about the new partnerships with Disney-ABC Television Group, MGM, and NBC Universal, and hear how the "next digital decade" will bring innovations that surpass anything we've seen yet. Click here to watch Bill Gates' keynote in its entirety.
Top 10 Things to Do with Windows Vista
If you're still on the fence about whether to upgrade to Windows Vista, check out this article, " Top 10 Things to Do with Windows Vista," to see how the new operating system makes things easier, safer, and more entertaining. Learn how to take advantage of the lightning-fast search capabilities, multitask with multiple browsers, get your PC talking to your TV, and much more.
Retire Your Computer Safely
If you received a new computer over the holidays (what a great gift!) or you're ready to replace an old PC that's on its last legs, you may be interested in retiring a system you no longer use. Today more than ever before, it's important to make sure all your personal data is removed from your system before you sell or donate it. Click here to read the article, " Retire That Computer More Safely," and get links to free utilities that will help you ensure no sensitive data remains on the computer when you're done with it.
The Safe PC with Windows Steadystate
If you share your computer with other users (your spouse, another group member, kids or grandkids), chances are you know what it's like to return to your computer to find the desktop rearranged, popup ads appearing in your browser window, and files stored in odd places. Windows Steadystate, a new product that runs on Windows XP computers, enables you to manage your system and safeguard against those unwanted occurrences. Windows Steadystate makes it easier than ever to manage user accounts on your computer, whether you share your system with one or many other people. Click here to read more about Steadystate and see it in action.
Out with the Old Mail, in with the New
If you feel a bit wary when Outlook asks whether you want to archive your old e-mail messages, you're not alone. Many users wonder whether archiving means they won't be able to get to what they need when they need it. To find out more about archiving--as well as learn ways to organize meetings, appointments, and contents efficiently--check out this article, " Top Tips for Outlook," on Office Online.
Media Match: Windows Media Player vs Zune
If you've been paying attention to Zune's rise in popularity, you know that the new media player has rapidly gained ground with digital media enthusiasts and is now available in a variety of styles, colors, and configurations. What you may not know is how different Zune is from Windows Media Player. If you're happy with the features in your on-board digital utility, why do you need a portable device? If you're wondering how the two products stack up, click here to read the article, " Choosing between Windows Media Player and Zune," and see how the features line up.
Windows Automotive: The Future is Here
With digital media moving in to all areas of our lives, how long will it be until Windows media moves into our cars? Not long! In fact, you can see what's already been developed (and is now in use) by visiting the Windows Automotive site. Click here to go to the site and watch streaming video to find out how Ford Sync works. Maybe it will be something you want to add to your own automotive wish list.
Get Office Tips Delivered to Your Desktop
Here's a new offering from Microsoft Office Online: Now you can sign up for Tips & Tricks Special Delivery to receive expert tips on Microsoft Office 2003 and the 2007 Microsoft Office System, as well as Windows Vista. You can choose to receive the tips daily, weekly, or monthly, and get shortcuts, workarounds, and great ideas that help you get more done with the programs you use most. Click here to find out more.
Resources for Leaders
Download Free 2008 Calendars
Ready to start planning all the great meetings you'll have in 2008? Click here to download free 2008 calendars and customize them so they fit the needs of your group. Books from Microsoft Press
Did you know that Microsoft Press publishes books for users of all experience levels on all sorts of topics? Click here to visit Microsoft Learning and find out about available books on subjects ranging from computer security to application programs to Web technologies and more.
Coming Next Month
Here are a few of the stories we're working to bring you next month. Be sure to write to us at mindshar@microsoft.com and let us know what topics you would like to share with your user groups!
. Windows Vista SP1 news
. Security on the road
. Your stories, events, and more!
Thanks, as always, for your participation in Mindshare. See you next month!
Until next time,
Sheri Sullivan
Mindshare Project Manager, Microsoft Corporation mindshar@microsoft.com
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Big Blue and Cousins: The Greater Victoria Personal Computer Users' Association—
