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This Month's Newsletter
The leaves are already changing here in Redmond and it won't be long before the holidays arrive (hard to believe, isn't it?). There's a collaboration theme going on with the articles and ideas we're bringing you this month. Maybe we're inspired by cooler weather, tailgating parties, and plans for family get-togethers. But however you define family and fun, being able to travel with your PC, speed up common computer tasks, and connect easily to the important people in your life (user groups included!) is part of the real benefit of including technology in our daily lives. You'll find these articles-and more-in this month's edition. Enjoy, and happy Fall!
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Windows Vista on the Go
In her article, " Windows on the Go," author Jerri Ledford points out something we're all dealing with-the challenge that comes from living a digital-and mobile-life. Not long ago Jerri moved completely away from her desktop computer in favor of the flexible freedom her laptop offered. Read her article to find out how Windows Vista helped her make a smooth switch to a more portable lifestyle.
Calling All Digital Media Fans
The Windows Consumer team has launched a new campaign for parents and digital media enthusiasts. Want to find out how you can use a variety of digital tools to connect to the people, events, and ideas that are important to you? Click here to find out what you can do with digital memories, productivity, and communication tools that open up your digital life.
Digital Life 2007: A Windows Vista Video Tour
Before Windows Vista arrived on the scene, the "Certified for Windows Vista" program was introduced to help consumers know they were purchasing products that were sure to take advantage of the great new capabilities of Windows Vista. In this video tour, Windows Marketing Manager Ben Reed takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of Microsoft's booth at Digital Life 2007 in New York City. In this interesting video, you get a glimpse of new devices and products that are the latest additions to the program. Click here to see the Digital Life video tour.
Zune News: Zune Pad Announced
Here's some news from the world of Zune. The popular new digital device is quickly expanding into new makes and models. Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced new players with the Zune Pad, an "innovative touch-sensitive button for navigating." Feature improvements, wireless sync, and more are now available for Zune (Zune users receive the updates automatically when they connect the Zune to their PC). Click here to find out more.
Speed Up Your PC
None of us likes to sit and wait while our computer tries to load a program or open a file. Maybe it's time for a little housecleaning. Click here to find " 5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC," written for both Windows XP and Windows Vista users. This article shows you how to streamline your system and make sure your data is as secure as possible.
New Microsoft SharedView Beta 2
If your group likes to work together on things-editing the newsletter, planning the meeting agenda, talking about an upcoming event-take a look at the new Microsoft SharedView beta 2, currently available on Windows Live. SharedView enables you to invite up to 15 people in your Windows Live contact list to join you for a session in which you can collaboratively edit documents, share handouts, work together in real time, and get together anyplace you have Web access! And even better, it's free.
Get Ready for the Time Change
The days are getting shorter, and that must mean we're getting close to the end of Daylight Savings Time. This year the time change occurs on November 4, 2007, one week later than previous years. You can use this Daylight Savings Update Guide to make sure your system is ready for the switch.
Continuing Ed with OneNote 2007
Office OneNote 2007 is one of the unsung heroes of the 2007 Microsoft Office System. OneNote is an amazing program that enables you to collect, organize, and use notes you gather in any number of ways-and on any number of devices. Bring it all together, arrange your thoughts, and integrate your mobile devices so no good thought goes unnoticed. Click here to take an online, self-paced course that introduces you to the basics of OneNote.
Decorate with Windows Live Expo
Garage sales are winding down, dorm rooms are furnished.hmm.what's left to buy? Before you start decorating for the holidays this year, check out Windows Live Expo. The social listing service offers free classified listings so that you can buy and sell merchandise, find out about events in your area, meet local people-even find a job! Windows Live Expo enables you not only to find what you need (some items are even free online), but also to view a map, get driving directions, email the listing to a friend, leave a comment for the poster, and view the profile of the person offering the item so you know you're dealing with someone reputable. It's a great service that's growing fast (and may just help you stay out of the holiday traffic).
Resources for Leaders
Demos Showcase
Looking for a new way to share the latest applications with your group? Here's a great way to demonstrate various features of the new Office 2007 applications: The Microsoft Office Online Demos Showcase Meet Together Online-Free and Easy!
Have you been thinking about creating an online space for your user group to meet between face-to-face meetings? Microsoft Office Live Workspace has just launched. It's a companion for Microsoft Office, enabling users to store and share documents online, accessing them from any place with Web access. You can easily manage a group, share files, work on the newsletter, or plan an event, using the free space at Microsoft Office Live Workspace. Here's the link to find out more:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officelive/fx102394081033.aspx
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!
. Digital photos you'll be glad you took
. Think "green" computing
. 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.comwww.microsoft.com/mindshare
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Big Blue and Cousins: The Greater Victoria Personal Computer Users' Association—
