The latest update (Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview Build 10536) for the Windows Insiders have brought in a new updated Photos App for the Windows 10 Phone users. This update introduces a folder view that makes it easy for you to see your OneDrive and PC folders in the Photos app. On your phone, you can also see folders on your SD card.
This update also brings faster photo viewing and context menus. Specifically, for phones, zoom and panning is faster, and you now have an option to mark an image as a favourite. This update is not available for PCs at this moment; an update will be rolled out soon.
Microsoft had introduced one-handed mode for larger phones sometime ago. In this build, they have also enabled the ability to use one-handed mode on all Windows phones.
This can be enabled by pressing and holding the Start button. When you do this, your screen will slide down so you can reach items at the top of your screen. To slide the screen back up, tap the black space at the top of the screen, or press and hold the Start button again. One-handed use will also naturally time out after several seconds and return to your regular view
Few months back, Microsoft had invited selected press to unveil their next big OS; many expected it to be Windows 9, but Microsoft went a step ahead and announced the next version to be Windows 10. Have a look at the Top Ten announcements which came in from that event. As a part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft received, over 800K pieces of feedback over 200 topics from 1.7 million Insiders.
Today, Microsoft had a second discussion on Windows 10. It was more of an update on how things are rolling in and what new experiences are coming in Windows. Here are some of the high-lights from the announcements made today -
Windows 10 to be the best Enterprise friendly Operating System. Easy deployment, Hardware based security in Windows 10 is also going to be a game changer. Support for Maker boards is also coming in Windows 10.
Windows 10 comes with a more streamlined task bar and the ability to fullscreen the Start menu. The showcased build also had an updated Action button with righthand side notifications bar, offering shortcuts to favourite apps and settings. When the keyboard is detached from a Windows 10 tablet, it will also ask to go into tablet mode to switch between mobile and PC settings.
Windows 10 will come as a free update for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users for the first year. Its more like a Subscription model. Windows OS as a Service; This not only helps Microsoft, but also to the OEMs, ISVs and developers to maintain the applications.
Microsoft also demoed Cortano on PC with a few quick questions about the weather, flight status and other location-based queries specific to the user. One can also dictate emails, search for apps and ask Cortana to perform common tasks.
Like it was previewed sometime back, the synergy between the desktop and phone was one of the key features. Microsoft showed off what Windows 10 will look like for devices with screens that measure 8-inches and smaller, i.e. smartphones and small tablets. Some of the new features include pushing Recent Apps to the top of the Apps list, syncing Action center with PC.
Skype integration with messaging is another neat feature; pretty similar to FaceTime and iMessage on the OS X / iOS ecosystem.
Recent files will roam between your PC, OneDrive and mobile. Again, pretty similar to Handoff feature on the OS X.
There was lot of buzz around the new browser ‘Spartan’ which Microsoft was working, as a replacement to the Internet Explorer. The browser supports annotation directly on the Web pages, you can mark up and then save the final result to OneNote. The browser, also supports Reading List and a Reader option. The reader mode shows an article as a document, without any ads. Again nothing breakthrough - These were pretty much available on Safari.
Microsoft introduced Windows Holographic, a new API to add a layer of augmented reality to Windows 10. Developers can now add holograms to their apps with this new technology, viewable through Microsoft’s special goggles, Microsoft HoloLens. Read more here
Windows 10 users will be able to game together with Xbox One owners from their PCs, bringing cross-platform gaming for the first time.
‘Internet for everyone’ has become a mantra these days in every industry. The IoT devices are targeting the very same purpose and has already offered some ‘connected’ solutions which eases people’s life. Well, more than one billion people in India are yet to be connected to the web. The affordable range of smartphones are just in a look out, to see if more and more people can get connected. However, to a large extent the network service provider also plays a big role here.
Microsoft has launched Lumia 638, a low-cost 4G smartphone at a price tag of INR 8,299 (around 132 USD). The smartphone will be available exclusively on the company’s store on Amazon.in. After the Nokia Lumia 930 (the best Windows Phone ever made), this would be the next windows phone I am writing on. Though I realise, these belong to different segments, let’s see how the experience goes. Well, without much ado, lets get to the review -
Hardware, Screen, Look and Feel:
The build quality feels surprisingly good and quite comfortable to hold. You can find the power-button and the volume rockers towards the right-side of the phone; a 3.5mm Audio Jack on the top, and a micro USB charging port in the bottom. The phone has also soft-key buttons for back, home and search. The device is 9.2 mm thick and weighs about 135 grams.
The Lumia 638 4G is placed reasonably well against the competition, based on its hardware capabilities. A 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 powers the phone, which has a 4.5-inch ClearBlack screen with 854 x 480 resolution. There’s 8 GB of internal storage with the option to add up to 128 GB more through a microSD card. The 5 megapixel front camera can capture 720p video and the 1830 mAh battery is rated for 9 hours of Wi-Fi browsing. GPS, Bluetooth 4.0 and multiple sensors loaded. The connectivity options include 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+ 42Mbps (Dual Carrier) and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. The Lumia 638 is also powered with a 1830 mAh battery.
Lumia 638 makes use of a ClearBlack LCD display measuring 4.5 inches that will eliminate reflections as it employs a sequence of polarising layers. This display carries a FWVGA screen resolution of 854×480 pixels that translates to a pixel density of 221 pixels per inch. With an average pixel count, this screen is capable of handling the basic tasks at ease.
Software, User Experience:
The Lumia 638 4G is powered with the software running the latest Windows Phone 8.1 OS with Lumia Denim update. Also, the smartphone arrives preloaded with Microsoft Enterprise feature pack, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, HERE Maps and Drive+. Software is a big part for Microsoft in this phone, as it tries to keep people using its mobile software. I personally love the experience of Skype; MixRadio is a boon. Its a big relief for some of us here in India, where Pandora, Spotify or even Google Music doesn’t work officially. The Nokia Here Apps and Drive works great; especially with offline capabilities.
The new Word Flow keyboard works pretty slick; just glide your finger as you compose your messages for a neat keyboard experience. The experience of OneDrive is neat as well. You can store and access all of your photos, videos and files from anywhere. Syncing between devices is simple too, whether you’re on your smartphone, Xbox, tablet or computer. The first 15GB of storage comes free. Accessing or editing documents on the go is simple too, with Microsoft Office coming built into the Lumia 638 4G.
There are a good bunch of camera apps built in the phone as well: Bing vision, Lumia Camera, Lumia Cinemagraph, Lumia Panorama, Lumia Refocus and Lumia Selfie.
Camera:
The 5 Mega Pixel camera lets you capture moments through pictures and video clips (720p). The camera has features like Autofocus, 28mm focal length, 4X digital zoom and a f/2.4 aperture with support for panorama shooting mode. Sadly, there is no LED Flash and a front camera; notably, when there are tons of entry level and mid-range phones obsessed with a selfie enabled smartphones. However, Microsoft has an app ‘Lumia Selfie’ which just helps you take some pretty good selfies using the rear camera.
The Lumia Camera offers some additional controls to the pictures as well. You can control the exposure, shutter speed, focus and the white balancing settings.
Here are some of the pictures clicked with this phone. (I will update shortly with more examples)
Sharp Details
Colours aren’t too saturated
Summary:
Summing up, this device is very well placed against its competition. The camera is very neat, the specs are decent and the phone doesn’t feel cheap at all. The 4G LTE is the huge deal for this device when compared with other phones in this segment. As the market expands, there are many other players bringing in their entry level 4G phone segment, to name a few the Redmi Note 4G, Lenevo K3 etc. However, this windows phone takes an advantage with optimal utilisation of the hardware in-place and offer a very smooth and a consistent user experience. If you are in the market, looking for an entry level internet powered smartphone, this is a very good option for you. If you prefer a more open platform like Android and apps, then the Redmi Note 4G can be a good alternative as well.
Hope this helps. Do let me know your thoughts.
Update: Offer for Airtel Customers - The new Lumia 638 comes bundled with an exclusive offer on Airtel 4G. Microsoft says Lumia 638 consumers on Airtel Post-paid in Bengaluru get access up to 5 GB of free data on 4G for 2 months post activation of their Airtel SIM on the new Lumia 638. The offer will be available until 31st March 2015.
Update: For the Announcements which Microsoft made on 21st January, 2015: Read these highlights.
Few days back, Microsoft had sent out invites to the press to show off its next version of Windows, codenamed Threshold. Microsoft today announced that, the successor to Windows 8 will officially be known as Windows 10.
I still wonder why they had to skip Windows 9? Well, that means, you will not see the Windows Phone 9 as well. The Windows 10 is more likely to be a One Product, all devices. We will see more information on this in coming months.
Personally, I consider Windows 8 to be a disaster move. It was much worse than Windows Vista to me. With Windows 8, Microsoft was looking at having a product with a good touch-first experience for consumers; Either they didn’t care about the Enterprise users or presumed that, users will get used to the new OS no matter how different it would be. One can’t force people into a situation where everything they know has changed. That indeed caused huge frustration among the PC buyers and eventually affected the Windows 8 sales as well.
Anyway, Glad that Microsoft made this announcement of the Windows 10 Platform. Much towards what Satya focused on “One product family. One platform. One store” approach. The new operating system will offer a tailored experience for each device, but a single store will offer apps and updates across all devices. The two-in-ones devices are going to make the best of this OS. In tablet mode, it makes apps fullscreen. There’s a software back button; You have an option to enter and exit tablet mode.
Ten Highlights of the Annoucements made today:
The most significant visible change to the Windows 10 will be the return of the start button and menu, which was replaced by a tiled start screen in Windows 8. The new button is a mixture of the classic Windows start menu and the live tiles introduced in Windows 8. The start tiles are going to be resizable too.
Other notable features include virtual desktops feature, the Notification Centre and a flatter user interface. Command Prompt gets better as well.
More Multi-tasking Support: With power view you can see the running tasks; and it also supports multiple desktops. It tiles the windows and desktops. You can snap into quadrants.
The web results are now integrated with the search field for the Start Menu. Not a surprise, considering, OS X Yosemite was announced few months back with the Spotlight search feature.
Cortana is integrated to the desktop OS. Its not just going to be a Windows Phone feature only. Its a good way to start with a one OS fits all screen ideology.
Windows 10 will run on the boradset devices from IoT (Internet of Things) to Servers. A tailored experience for each device.
One store to discover apps and update across all devices. Will deliver the right experience on the right device at the right time.
Value for Enterprises: Will be compatible with all the tools and apps they are using today. All devices can be managed by one tool. Customised store for every device you use. Similar to Android L concepts, the OS will have a separates corporate and personal data on devices.
Microsoft is definitely not killing Touch; the new OS will also support touch devices and will be familiar to the Windows 8 users. With Windows 10, when you swipe in from the left, you get the task view. With a swipe in from the right, you get the charms bar.
Will be widely expected to arrive sometime next year post the Build Conference.
Windows Insider program is going to be live tomorrow for all interested beta testers. It will start off with a Technical Preview build for laptops and desktops, with one for servers to follow. There will be a variety of survey tools, forums interactions with engineering team members to enable better feedback mechanism. Microsoft is very keen to learn from the community and make the best of the platform before it retails next year.
At Build Conference today, Microsoft announced a lot of developments and updates w.r.t Windows Client OS and Phones. The Windows 8.1 Update announcement comes as a welcome surprise and it certainly delivers a collection of refinements designed to give people a more familiar and convenient experience across touch, keyboard and mouse inputs. It also brings improvements for business customers, really accelerates opportunity for developers, and enables device makers to offer lower cost devices. Here are some of the announced features of the Windows 8.1 Update.
Easier access to your favorite apps and key controls. On the Start screen, on select devices you will now find Power and Search buttons at the upper-right corner next to your account picture. You can now more quickly shut down your PC if you need to and do a search right from the Start screen. If you like using the desktop, you will be happy to know that select devices will now boot to desktop as the default setting. And on your taskbar, you can now pin both desktop apps and apps from the Windows Store as well as your favorite websites. You can now pin any app you want to the taskbar so you can open or switch between apps right from the desktop.
On the Start screen, if you right-click on an app tile, you will get a context menu next to the app tile that shows you what you can do with the tile, like unpin from Start, pin to the taskbar, change the tile size or even uninstall the app. Right-clicking on an app tile on the Start screen works just like right-clicking on something on the desktop.
You can also access the taskbar from anywhere when you’re using a mouse; you can see the taskbar on any screen by moving your mouse to the bottom edge of your screen. Just click on any of the apps pinned to your taskbar to open or switch to them.
Windows 8.1 Update also offers improved Internet Explorer 8 compatibility on Internet Explorer 11, extends mobile device management functionality, and eases deployment with increased predictability for new operating systems and line-of-business apps by leveraging familiar management tools.
Windows 8.1 Update is available today for MSDN subscribers, and will begin to roll it out for free to Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 customers via Windows Update next Tuesday April 8th. IT Pros, The Windows 8.1 Update will be KB2919355.
Microsoft is evolving its Windows business model to enable partners to offer lower-cost devices in the highly competitive smartphone, tablet and PC categories. Microsoft will offer to hardware partners $0 Windows with services including a one-year subscription to Office 365. With Windows 8.1 Update hardware partners can also more easily build lower-cost machines — such as devices with 1 GB of RAM and a 16GB hard disk drive — without sacrificing the experience customers expect. The combination of new efficiencies and innovations from Microsoft hardware partners means customers will be able to choose from a wider range of Windows devices, particularly budget-friendly notebooks and tablets.
Its very evident that, users were missing the snappy features and the classic desktop options on Windows 8. May not be the tablet users, but certainly the Enterprise ones who use it on their desktops without touch options; and this update has definitely addressed it. Let’s see what all is in store..!
Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.
Advances in Industrial Design
Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:
Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.
VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.
Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.
An Amazing Windows Experience
Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.
Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem
One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer’s Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.
Additional Product Information
Surface for Windows RT
OS: Windows RT
Light(1): 676 g
Thin(2): 9.3 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
Energized: 31.5 W-h
Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB
Surface for Windows 8 Pro
OS: Windows 8 Pro
Light(1): 903 g
Thin(2): 13.5 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
Energized: 42 W-h
Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
When you have multiple browsers or media players on a single machine, the latest software you installed takes all the Default Program file Associations. For instance, when you install Winamp Player on Windows, the .mp3 files by default will play on Winamp and not Windows media player. Basically, the File extension associations gets over-ridden when a new software is installed.
Some of the programs do prompt to the user, however most of the programs do not. For eg: If you have installed another web browser in addition to Internet Explorer, you can specify that you want to use that browser as your default program for opening web based content instead of Internet Explorer when the program is launched for the first time. You usually get the dialog ‘Do you want Chrome to be your default Browser?’
Now when you face a similar situation like this and want to change the default associations back, here are few of the methods you can use -
Option 1: Set Default Programs in Control Panel
Open Control Panel, and select Programs. Here you will find option to set the Default Programs (as shown below)
When you open the Set Default Programs, you will see the list of all the softwares installed and you can choose which Program you want to set as default. In this example, let us choose Internet Explorer and Set this program as default for all the internet shortcuts, HTML files and other files normally viewed on a browser.
You can also choose, selective application types or file extensions to associate with a program. For example, in this below screenshot you will see, how specific a file type can be assigned a program.
Option 2: Associating a file extension Using the right click menu Option
Select the file which you want to associate, right-click on it, and select the Open With Menu Item and Click on Choose Default Program.
This will list all the available softwares/programs for this program. You can choose a program here and click on OK button. Ensure that, you select the Check box “Always use the selected Program to open this kind of file”.
Option 3: Registry Key Association
If your application uses special file extensions, you might want to register them so that the application gets started when the icon associated with the file gets double-clicked. Read this article to know more - How to register a File Extension in Windows?(This is for an advanced User)
As Microsoft had announced earlier (in 2008), support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) will end on July 13, 2010. Support for Windows 2000 will end on the same date as well. Customers running an unsupported version of Windows or Windows service pack will not be eligible for any Microsoft support options. Updates, including security updates released with bulletins from the Microsoft Security Response Center, will be reviewed and built for the supported versions and service packs only.
The most current service packs are available to organizations, and they are easily deployed via Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services/Microsoft System Center, and the Microsoft Download Center. To better understand the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy and your support options visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle page.
Updating your Windows XP and Windows 2000 PCs before the end of mainstream support dates will ensure your PCs stay supported and receive security updates. The best way to be secure and supported is by migrating to Windows 7.
Click here for more information on end of support for Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server, and
Click here for details on end of support for Windows XP SP2
Its been quite sometime that, we have recieved questions on what version of the .NET Framework is included in which version of the OS? The main reason for this question is that, when the .NET Framework is installed as a part of the OS, it does not appear in the Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs) control panel. Peter Marcu has documented this in a nice pictoric representation. This is gonna be helpful to many!
Update : 6th August 2010 - Microsoft has posted an updated knowledge base article today with a unified list of install state and service pack level detection information for each of the currently released versions of the .NET Framework (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 and 4). You can find the knowledge base article at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318785
Aaron Stebner had also answered this in one of his mailbag questions, here is the answer which he gave!
The following is a complete list of which version of the .NET Framework is included in which version of the OS:
Windows XP Media Center Edition (Windows XP SP2 and higher) includes the .NET Framework 1.0 + SP3 as an OS component. On Windows XP Media Center Edition, the only way to get the .NET Framework 1.0 SP3 is to install Windows XP SP2 or higher. There is not a standalone 1.0 SP3 installer for this edition of Windows XP.
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (Windows XP SP2 and higher) includes the .NET Framework 1.0 + SP3 as an OS component. On Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, the only way to get the .NET Framework 1.0 SP3 is to install Windows XP SP2 or higher. There is not a standalone 1.0 SP3 installer for this edition of Windows XP.
Windows Server 2003 (all x86 editions) includes the .NET Framework 1.1 as an OS component; 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 do not include a version of the .NET Framework as an OS component
Windows Vista (all editions) includes the .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0 as OS components 3.0 can be added or removed via the Programs and Fatures control panel.
Windows Vista SP1 (all editions) includes the .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 and 3.0 SP1 as OS components. 3.0 SP1 can be added or removed via the Programs and Features control panel.
Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 SP1(all editions) includes the .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 and 3.0 SP1 as OS components. The .NET Framework 3.0 SP1 is not installed by default and must be added via the Programs and Features control panel though.
Windows Server 2008 SP2(all editions) includes the .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 and 3.0 SP2 as OS components. The .NET Framework 3.0 SP2 is not installed by default and must be added via the Programs and Features control panel though.
Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions) includes the .NET Framework 3.5.1 as an OS component. This means you will get the .NET Framework 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2 and 3.5 SP1 plus a few post 3.5 SP1 bug fixes. 3.0 SP2 and 3.5 SP1 can be added or removed via the Programs and Features control panel.
Windows 7 (all editions) includes the .NET Framework 3.5.1 as an OS component. This means you will get the .NET Framework 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2 and 3.5 SP1 plus a few post 3.5 SP1 bug fixes. 3.0 SP2 and 3.5 SP1 can be added or removed via the Programs and Features control panel
In addition, the .NET Framework shipped with the following versions of Windows but not as truly integrated OS components:
Windows XP Home and Professional SP1 includes the MSI-based .NET Framework 1.0 + SP2 in the Additional Components folder on the installation CD. It is not an OS component on this OS.
Windows XP Home and Professional SP2 includes the MSI-based .NET Framework 1.1 + SP1 in the Additional Components folder on the installation CD. It is not an OS component on this OS.
Windows XP Home and Professional SP3 includes the MSI-based .NET Framework 1.1 + SP1 in the Additional Components folder on the installation CD. It is not an OS component on this OS.
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes the MSI-based .NET Framework 2.0. It appears in Add/Remove Windows Components as an OS component, but selecting it simply invokes the MSI-based installer. The MSI can be repaired and removed using Add/Remove Programs regardless of whether it is installed via the standalone MSI or via the Add/Remove Windows Components UI.
Courtesy: This is just a information post, the credit for this information goes completely to Aaron Stebner and Peter Marcu. Thank you folks!
Did you know that, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Client and Windows XP SP2 support ends coming July 13, 2010? If you are still using one of these OS, its time you plan your migration strategy. When you look at moving to Windows 7, how about presenting you with one single center, which will provide you all the resources available to help you move to a new client and server operating system?
The Springboard Team has created a End-of-Support Solution Center to help with the planning of your migration strategy from Windows 2000 or Windows XP to Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
Here are some resources to help guide you:
Windows XP to Windows 7 Migration Guide - This guide helps walk through the decisions you will make when migrating from a Windows XP environment to Windows 7 and to learn about the tools and resources available from Microsoft to help you each step along the way.
Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Learn how to use the User State Migration Tool (USMT) to migrate user files and settings from Windows XP to Windows 7 using a default installation. (Screencast)
User State Migration Tool - The User State Migration Tool (USMT) for Windows 7 is now part of the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) and provides fast and flexible options to migrate user profiles and data from one operating system to another. Explore how the new Hard-Link Migration feature highlighted in his demonstration can dramatically reduce migration time for in-place operating system migration or computer refresh scenarios.(Screencast)
Planning Windows Optimized Desktops and Windows 7 Projects with MAP - This demo will show you how to use technical guidance and automated tools to clarify infrastructure planning process and speed up asset discovery and hardware readiness assessment for Windows 7, App-V, and more. (Screencast)
If you are looking to move from Windows Server 2000, the best place to start is at the Windows 2000 End-of-Support Solution Center where they have key information to help guide you through the upgrade paths, migration tools, and toolkits you will need!
Client Migration: There is no supported migration path from Windows 2000 to Windows 7 using the User State Migration Tool (USMT). You must first upgrade to Windows XP and then migrate to Windows 7 with USMT 4.0 included with the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK).
Courtesy: This was a post at the Springboard blog. As a STEP member, I have extracted the information for msigeek readers.
Microsoft had introduced one-handed mode for larger phones sometime ago. In this build, they have also enabled the ability to use one-handed mode on all Windows phones. 
On the Start screen, if you right-click on an app tile, you will get a context menu next to the app tile that shows you what you can do with the tile, like unpin from Start, pin to the taskbar, change the tile size or even uninstall the app. Right-clicking on an app tile on the Start screen works just like right-clicking on something on the desktop.
This will list all the available softwares/programs for this program. You can choose a program here and click on OK button. Ensure that, you select the Check box “Always use the selected Program to open this kind of file”.
