Free file storage with Windows Live SkyDrive

As part of their Windows Live suite of software and services, Microsoft’s SkyDrive offers 5GB of free online storage space that can be accessed from anywhere.  Anyone with a a Windows Live account (also free) can sign up for  SkyDrive’s storage in just a few easy steps.  Files of any type can then be uploaded to the site, and organized into folders.  Private folders are accessible only to the account holder.  Shared folders are viewable to anyone that the account holder grants access, allowing for easy collaboration.  Lastly, Public folders can be set up, which are viewable to everyone.

Sign up for a free Windows Live account, then sign up for your SkyDrive

Microsoft offering massive discount to students

 

If you have a student going off to college, or are a student yourself, Microsoft  is making you quite an offer.  With their “Ultimate Steal” promotion, Microsoft is offering their Office Ultimate 2007 software for $59.95.  Office Ultimate 2007 is Microsoft’s flagship office suite, which regularly sells for over $600.  Any student with a qualifying .edu e-mail address is eligible to receive the discount.  Starting on September 8th, Microsoft will also be providing students with huge discounts on Visio 2007 and Windows Vista Ultimate.

The Ultimate Steal at Microsoft.com

Get Windows Defender in XP

One of the new features of Windows Vista is the inclusion of Windows Defender, Microsoft’s anti-spyware security application that monitors files in realtime.  While not automatically included, Microsoft has made Windows Defender available to Windows XP users, as well.  The program’s abilities are limited to spyware/malware detection only, but offer an increased security shield when run alongside a full antivirus application like AVG Free (most anti-virus applications have lackluster spyware detection).

Download Windows Defender for Windows XP

Trouble Opening Office 2007 files?

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Office (97/2000/XP/2003) and are having trouble opening files created with Office 2007, you are not alone.  With the release of Office 2007, Microsoft changed the program’s default file type from the classic .doc (for Word) extension to a new .docx extension.  One little letter makes a lot of difference, and all previous versions of Office are unable to open this new file type without installing a converter.  Fortunately the converter is available for free from the Microsoft website, and is easily installed.

Download from Microsoft

PC Decrapifier

PC Decrapifier does exactly what the title suggests: removes unnecessary programs and files from your computer.  Specifically, PC Decrapifier was built to remove the excess programs and useless trial versions that come pre-installed on a new computer.  It’s easy to use, and allows the user to verify what programs are being removed.

Download PC Decrapifier