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Get Windows 8 Metro UI Live Tiles on Windows 7 with Mosaic


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UPDATE: Check out our Windows 8 Themes Gallery to download all theme, visual styles and transformation packs for Windows 8

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Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 will come with many new features among which interactive desktop is the most anticipated feature of all. It will be based on live tiles (currently commonly known as icons) which will be interactive as shown in the official video here.

Developers are constantly busy in creating mock up and concept designs and Windows 8 Transformation pack for Windows 7 was one of the efforts made to look current Windows versions look more like the upcoming Windows 8.

Mosaic (previously known as Metro Home 2) is another application that brings (Windows 8 interface) Metro UI to your desktop. It is a set of live widgets that shows some content from the web or from your PC.

Mosaic Windows 8 Live Tiles for Windows 7

Currently some widgets are just link to something (e.g. desktop or control panel) but in future they could get more functions.

Mosaic supports WPF and HTML(5) widgets. HTML widgets are visible only in fullscreen mode.

It’s actually a set of live widgets which looks best if your hide desktop icons and let it take the full screen of your desktop. You can create shortcuts for applications, or see the weather live of any location. Currently a limited numbers of widgets are available to use. Mosaic takes very little amount of memory when running but still you can optionally allow or disallow the animations in widgets to save the processing if you want.

Mosaic Options Dialogue

Desktop widgets shows the preview of your actual desktop in a mini widget view while picture widget plays a slideshow of pictures saved in ‘my pictures’. Another one is Gmail widget which can be configured to fetch the emails and notify you whenever a new email is received in your Gmail account. You just need to enter your gmail ID and password.

Mosaic Windows 8 Live Tiles Gmail Widget

You can easily add or remove widgets from the simple interface of control panel which is accessed from moving your mouse to the extreme right of the screen. Move the widgets by simply dragging then around the screen.

Mosaic Windows 8 Tiles Widgets

Here are some tips for using Mosaic:

– To open Mosaic menu move mouse cursor to the right border of screen and click. This could not work if your taskbar placed on the right or left or you have more than one monitor.
– To add widgets open Mosaic menu click on the Widgets icon and choose widget
– To remove widget click on widget icon in Widgets menu again
– By default widgets are shown over your windows and can be covered by them. There is fullscreen mode in the Mosaic options which makes Mosaic to cover whole screen
– You can drag screen to the left in fullscreen mode
– If your widgets covered by windows just click on the right border of screen and they will quickly bring to front
– Some widgets has options which can be accessed through context menu
– If widgets animation annoys you, you can disable it in Mosaic options
– “Me” widget shows your avatar from Windows. You can change it by dragging any picture to it
– Pictures widget shows images from Pictures library in Windows 7
– Music widget shows album art that it found in Music library in Windows 7 (*.jpg files)
– You can change Mosaic background color in Mosaic.config file

Download Mosaic

You need to have .Net framework 4.0 installed to run Mosaic, download here

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Windows

How Important It Is To Allow Windows Updates To Install Automatically

windows updates

Surely there isn’t a computer user around the globe who hasn’t encountered a windows update pop-up. We’ve all come across it unless you’ve always been a Mac user. Mostly people ignore these updates and think of them as something not too important. Eventually after having denied an update request for the umpteenth time, users resolve is to disable the automatic updates feature and instead handle updates manually.

But, these updates aren’t unimportant, one major reason is the security issue that it can cause if ignored, and surely no one  would like their computer to be an easy target for hackers; that’s not all and there is more to it than security.

windows updates

Therefore, we’ll discuss the factors which will enlighten you regarding how important it is to allow windows updates to install automatically?

Following are the factors which explain the importance of automatic updates:

1. Security Updates

Microsoft keeps improving any bugs and issues reported in its operating system. Therefore, patches are routinely released to fix these issues. After a patch is publicly released it becomes apparent where the loophole is; in such a circumstance quick action must be taken before hackers can make their move to unfairly benefit from the problem. If during this time you keep your updates on manual installation, then you’re providing hackers a golden chance to create a huge issue for yourself. Thence, automatic updates are important and essential, so that hackers can be prevented from harming your computer. Also, Microsoft adds malware definitions to Windows defender and Microsoft essentials; so if a virus hits your system, you’d surely want it to be detected before it infects and corrupt your system.

2. General Updates and Bug fixes

Whilst the most important part of Windows updates is related to security, there are also general issues of Windows operating system which are required to be fixed. Updates are also made to resolve bugs, windows has a complex coding and possibility of several bugs is always there. Therefore, these bug fixes can help in removing annoying issues and aid in stabilizing the operating system; as speed can also be affected by bugs and not necessarily by a virus or malicious file.

3. New Feature updates

Windows updates also introduce new features at times alongside the bug fixes and security patches. For instance, Internet Explorer is updated. However, we know that users rarely prefer using Internet Explorer, still these updates can come handy in times of dire need. Also, when support and patches for an older version are ceased, then the unfixed loopholes can pose a threat to your computer; just as it was mentioned earlier, security problems are identified on the regular basis in various parts of the Windows operating system, including ActiveX and .NET Framework, alongside the main platform.

Final Verdict

All in all, I’d conclude this by suggesting to enable auto updates. Previously people had faced issues with auto updates, like blue screen error or simply disliked it because by the time one came back from a short break, the windows update auto rebooted a computer within ten minutes and therefore, all important work on one’s PC used to vanish into thin air unsaved; this made them stop it altogether, but well gone are the days when that happened, and now that you are aware of its importance, you shan’t delay updates to refrain from being reminded by the continuous pop-ups. How important it is to allow automatic updates can also be defined by the fact that auto updates can no longer be disabled now; in windows 8 and above, windows updates may be delayed for almost 3 days before they finally install, but disabling them isn’t a choice.

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Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

Microsoft has a cool feature up its sleeves! A feature that will allow users to send text messages from Windows 10 through Cortana, will be released soon by Microsoft. This is a good news for Windows users who find it inconvenient to switch between their mobile phone and desktop while at work. But this new feature integrated in Cortana will make it easier for users to tackle their calls and texts from their desktop.

Those who aren’t using Windows 10 on their desktop or mobile phone device, might not be familiar with the name. Cortana is a virtual assistant, similar to Siri which was introduced by Apple. Now with Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced Cortana as a personal assistant for their users. And alongside the several tasks that “she” performs for you, one of it is this new feature of text messaging from Windows 10.

Send Text Messages from Windows 10 Through Cortana

How to send text messages from windows 10 through Cortana?

Well, there are two ways to send text messages from Windows 10; whenever you receive a message from someone or wish to send a new message, you can either type your message or simply use voice input to reply back from Cortana’s desktop app. The message will be then transferred to your mobile phone where it will be saved as part of the conversation. Alongside this Cortana also informs you of a missed call, which you can either ignore or reply to by a text message. This works by using your Microsoft account on Desktop and mobile, and syncs them both. If you have multiple computers then the missed call alerts feature can be disabled as well.

Windows 10 Text Messaging

When Cortana Windows Text Messaging will be available?

Cortana windows text messaging feature currently works on Desktop with build 10565. However, two of the new Windows 10 mobile phones which were recently launched running build 10549 do not support windows text messaging through Cortana.  For this, users who are currently using Windows mobile build 10549 will need to wait until Windows 10 mobile build 10565 is released, so it is expected that by December this feature will be available for Windows users. Another question is, whether this feature will work solely with Windows 10 mobile phones, or will it also work on Cortana for Android and iOS? However, that only time will tell!

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Windows

How Windows 10 Helps Increase Your Business Productivity

Windows 10

The launch of Windows 10 was marked with pomp, online and in the media, especially on the implications it had for home users. However, the new operating system does have a suite of unique tools to offer businesses looking to increase their productivity. In this post, we see what upgrading from your current Windows version (Windows 7 or Windows 8) to Windows 10 means for you, your business and employees.

windows10-for-business

Increased Security

A user with a Microsoft Windows 10 device enrolls in your business system as a factor, such as a smartphone. So long as the user is close to your system, they can sign into it without requiring your password. A second security factor is a pin number or a biometric scanner for fingerprint or retina scanning. This multi-factored system allows your user to log into the system from any device or computer safely and securely.

The Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Windows 10 solution separates your business data from personal data. Business and sensitive corporate materials are automatically encrypted using BitLocker. This encryption happens as soon as you create or receive files concerning your business. You have the option of defining what you consider business and what is personal, and Window 10 automatically protects and secures these vital data on your company network.

Increased Efficiency

mproved-efficiency.

For starters, Windows 10 does not require a learning curve. The operating system is firmly based on the familiar Start menu and Desktop of Windows 7. Also, the enhanced Start menu offers single click access to some of the most used files and functions on your computer. You can also setup virtual desktops easily and quickly, and switch between them depending on what aspect of your business you are working on. With separate desktops, you can enter the necessary workspace and quickly access the relevant files and programs without closing and opening numerous applications, folders and files.

Work Anywhere

virtual-work-anywhere

Microsoft’s Universal Apps model means that you can now use the same application to keep track of your office inventory from home, on the road or anywhere in the world. You can do all these without downloading different systems and integrating numerous applications of various platforms. Your database software is available to you on any device that runs Windows 10. You can now use your corporate email program, word processor or any other program from the same page on whichever Windows 10 device. This capability offers you functionality without downloading different versions for each platform of the same software. The result is fewer overhead costs and easier fixes and updates.

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