Windows 8 Server is expected to be released in conjunction with the next version of the Windows operating system.  While Microsoft was busy this week showing off Windows 8 at CES, they were also hard at work getting both of the OS’s ready for their public Beta debut next month.  Server technology isn’t really mainstream, and to that end, we have seen considerably less information leaked about Windows 8 Server.

Yesterday though, a whole boatload of new screenshots of the latest build of Windows 8 Server were released by WinUnleaked.tk.  These are from Build 8180, which has a build date of January 9th (8180.0.WINMAIN.120109-1245_X64FRE_SERVER).

We don’t see a whole lot what is new here, but there have been some Metro style changes to the interface, especially in places like the Server Manager Dashboard.  The login page has also changed slightly, from the to previous from the previous green color with a “Submit” button to a slate-grey color with a simple arrow to click for submitting your password.  Some nice screenshots of the Storage Space feature were also included in the leak.  The Storage Space runs on the latest Microsoft file system, known as ReFS.

Windows 8 Server is expected to be released by Microsoft in the Fall of 2012, and will be released in conjunction with the Windows 8 operating system.  We have posted a couple of screenshot below, but there are a lot more over at WinUnleaked.tk, including some comparison shots showing the differences between the Developer Preview and the new Beta.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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These days every home has multiple computers and the need to share files in a way that previously was the domain of business users.  All operating systems – Windows, Mac, and Linux – come with built-in sharing options.  They aren’t all that difficult to set-up and they work pretty well, but they aren’t always the best solution for every user.  Thankfully there are other solutions, and even free ones, that you can use.

One such syncing solution is Syncing.net.  They are a Microsoft “Gold Certified” partner, which means they “provide you with the highest levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills”.  At least, that’s what Microsoft says.

Once you have downloaded and installed the app, you can fire it up for the first time.  You will first be asked if you already have an account.  If you do then enter your user name (email) and password.

If you don’t already have an account you will prompted to create one.  Enter your name, email address, and password and click Next.  You will need to use the same account for all of your computers.  You are limited to 5 computers.

If you’re account registration is successful you will receive a confirmation message.  The message will open a browser window to Syncing.net. There isn’t actually anything to do here, so you can close the window and proceed with setting up the files and folder you want to sync.

Now choose a folder that you want to sync.  You can choose a folder, choose the location, or create a new folder.  This is the folder you will use for all of your syncing.  All files and sub-folders within it will be synced as well.  Choose your option and click Next.

The files and folders will appear in the main interface of the application.  From there you can view the details of files and folders and set individual sharing permissions on them.  Click Next to begin syncing files.

Now you can begin syncing files and folders in real time.  Other recipients, who you can grant access to, will receive an email whenever a file or folder is added to the Sync Folder.  Syncing.net is a free service that you can install by visiting the Syncing.net website.  There is a 3 GB limit per month.  Now there’s no excuse not keep all of your files in sync on every computer.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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Remote Potato is a server for Windows Media Center and just recently they got a brand new Android app, well a new version anyway.  Remote Media Center is currently the only Android app that works with Remote Potato and it’s capable of streaming all of the files on your Media Center PC to any Android device.  Pictures, Music, Videos, Movies, even recorded TV are all available at your fingertips.  Remote Media Center also allows Android users to change server options and browse the recording schedule.

Before you get started you will need to first install and set up Remote Potato on your Windows 7 Media center computer.  Remote Potato is also compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP, but if you want to use Remote Media Center for Android then you will need to be running Windows 7 on your home theater PC.  Once you have Remote Potato installed and configured then you can access it from any web browser, but it’s not very practical for mobile devices since it requires Silverlight and most mobile operating systems aren’t Silverlight compatible.

Remote Media Center eliminates that restriction and also provides a simple user interface to all of your Media Center files.  Just install the app, provide the your log-in details (IP address, port number and logon details) and you’re all set.  All you need to access your media collection, plus configure your TV recordings, is included in the app, optimized for your device’s touch-screen interface.

Remote Potato and Remote Media Center for Android are both free to download and use.  There is also an official iOS app, but it will set you back $6.99.   To get started visit Remote Potato, to download and install it.  Then, once that is set up, head over to the Remote Media Center download, or look for it it in the Android Market.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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No matter if you’re at home or on the road, having a WiFi connection is handy because almost everyone has multiple devices hungry for that connection.  If you are stuck with a wired connection to your computer, but want to use the connection for another device then you have a few options.  One is to invest in a router – a basic router will work just fine in the home, or a special travel-size router can be handy on the road.

Now there is a cheaper alternative, because Windows users can turn their PC’s in virtual WiFi routers with a free app called, no irony, Virtual WiFi Router.  You can install it on a desktop for home use or put it on your notebook and take it on the road.

To get started you will need to do a little preparation work on your computer.  Click Start => Control Panel => Programs.

On the left side of the screen click on Turn Windows features on or off.

Scroll down to Microsoft .NET Framework and enable both HTTP Activation and Non-HTTP Activation by checking the boxes next to each option.  Click OK.  This change does NOT require a restart of Windows.

Now click Start => Control Panel => Network and Internet => Network and Sharing Center.

On the left side of the window click on Change adapter settings.  Right-click on your network connection and choose Properties.  Click to enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.

Finally, you are done with the preparation of your computer.  Now download and install Virtual WiFi Router (currently version 2.0.1.1).  Make sure you right-click the .EXE file and choose Run as administrator.  Almost instantly a small “R” should appear in your system tray.

Right-click the icon and choose Start WiFi Router.  Choose the connection you want to share from the drop-down list, then click Configure to enter a name and password for your network and the click Start.

Once “Start” is clicked a new WiFi network instantly become available, and your new network will even be password-protected thanks to the previous step.  To view devices connected to this network, click on the Clients Connected tab.

In my tests I had no problem connecting to the new network with Android and Windows Phone 7 devices, so it seems that everything works well with no set-up hassle.  As long as you follow the preparation steps outlined you should be up and running in five minutes.  Even better, the app is free.  You can download a copy by visiting VirtualWiFiRouter.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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A new cloud storage service has jumped in the game and they are either in it to win it or in it to go broke in a hurry.  Backify is offering a mind-boggling  512 GB of free storage, along with two paid plans – unlimited for $3 per month or unlimited plus briefcase for $5 per month.  That’s a whole lot storage for nothing, or next-to-nothing.  It’s also a reason to be skeptical.

Once you sign up you will be able to download a software program that takes care of backup for you.  That’s a plus because the website interface has ads, and the app doesn’t.  Of course, that’s costing Backify some revenue, so  that makes one doubt the validity of the service.

For now, we are taking a wait-and-see approach to this because of all of the red flags – price, storage space, etc..  However, it does SEEM to be legitimate.  We will do some testing on a computer not connected to any network and research their security a little further.  It’s not far-fetched that a start-up would do this to get in the game, so let’s not assume anything is amiss here.

In  the coming weeks we will have a full report on using it, how it works, and how secure it is.  For now, if you want to try it out then take some precautions like using a throw-away email address and a password that isn’t being used for other sign-ons you have.  If that’s not a problem for you then by all means give this service try. We plan to do the same.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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Remote computer management is not new, IT departments have been doing it for years.  And of course, where IT is involved, Microsoft can be found.  Their InTune software allows for PC management and security in the cloud.  All management tasks are performed from within a web browser, just like managing a headless server.

The new InTune 2.0 features a better UI and adds a few user-requested features, including the ability to deploy software to remote PCs from a cloud storage account.  According to Microsoft’s Eric Main, “Our vision for Windows Intune is big – we want to take the best of the capabilities delivered through our on-premises solutions (like System Center Configuration Manager with Forefront Endpoint Protection, System Center Essentials, Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, and Windows Enterprise management and security features) and enable them through the cloud. Eventually, Windows Intune will deliver more management capabilities than the on-premises solutions but with less cost and higher productivity,”

Current users will automatically be upgraded in the next few weeks and the rollout to all 40 countries where InTune is available should be complete before the end of the year.  You can get a 30 day free trial by visiting Microsoft InTune.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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It’s an error message that every Windows user sees sooner or later – “Windows has detected an IP address conflict”.  Fortunately, it’s usually easy to solve.  Windows users are no strangers to errors and conflicts, but it is getting better – at least we no longer deal with sound and modem protocol conflicts.

Most of the time it’s a very simple error – it means your router has lost connectivity.  To solve this, simply disconnect your router, wait 5-10 second and then reconnect.  If this doesn’t solve the issue, then you will have to move on and try other solutions.

Theo try next step is to try releasing and renewing the IP address of the computer that is having the problem.  Open the Command Prompt by clicking Start => All Programs => Accessories => Command Prompt.

Type the following commands:

ipconfig/release  – click Enter

ipconfig/renew – click Enter

Failing this, then you will need to roll up your sleeves and get into Windows’ innards.  It’s not too difficult, you don’t need to be computer geek to handle this, but you do need to follow instructions explicitly (These instructions are courtesy of TechGuy.org) .

1. Click on the Start menu, and select Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click on Manage network connections.
5. Right click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. If Windows says it needs your permission to continue, click Continue.

6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
7. Select Obtain an IP address automatically.
8. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
9. Click OK to close the TCP/IP Properties window.
10. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
11. Click Close to close the Network Connections window.
12. Click Close to close the Control Panel window.ou are still having problem then try doing a Google search
13. Restart your computer

Walk through these instructions in order and you should resolve your IP issues.    If you have further issues, then we recommend doing a search online for the exact problem and you are likely to find another user who has had the same issue and found  a way to overcome it.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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Google has it its Labs, and Microsoft now has their “Garage”. While Microsoft doesn’t have the 20% rule, they are encouraging their employees to innovate and build their ideas as garage products. According to Microsoft, “99.9% of the Garage projects either ship as part of a Microsoft project or remain internal.” That’s an impressive percentage, if it’s accurate. A couple of days ago, though, they released a rare stand-alone project that emerged from the Garage – Mouse Without Borders.

Mouse Without Borders is a product that lets the user cross the “borders” of various computers, bringing all of the PC’s on your network into one. You can control up to four computers with one mouse and keyboard – more with additional hardware. It allows you to drag and drop file from PC to another, as well as log in or lock other computers. You can even customize the Windows logo screen, although that really has nothing to do with functionality, it’s just a bonus.

To learn more, you can watch the video above, and also visit the Microsoft TechNet Blog. Stay tuned here for a complete walk-through of how to set up and use Mouse Without Borders, coming in the next couple of days.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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I have had mixed feelings about the CloudScan App.  On the one hand, it sounds great – being able to scan from my laptop on the porch using a scanner that is hooked to my desktop PC sounds great.  On the other hand, I still have to put the document to scan on the scanner, which means walking to it.In the end, I think I get it…kind of.  Scanners are not necessarily easy to share across a network, and being able to do easily, makes life simpler.  Multiple people, working on multiple projects, can all take turns scanning from their individual computers.

Setting up CloudScan for use on multiple PC’s couldn’t be simpler.  Just install CloudScan on the PC that your scanner is hooked up to and enter the computer’s IP address.  Then, from any other PC on the same network, simply enter the IP address into any web browser to access the scanner.  You can even scan documents that are hosted on a web site, not just just physical documents.

CloudScan Features:

• - Scan documents, pictures, and photos
• - Work with any Twain compatible scanner (more than 1600 are available on the market)
• - Scan inside a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome)
• - Nothing to install on any machine after the initial installation on your PC with a scanner
• - Very easy to use. One click to scan, one more to save a PDF.

CloudScan is a free app.  You can find out more, or download and install it, from ScanWorksSoftware.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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If you are looking for a quick and wireless way to stream photos from your Android device to a PC then look no further than WiFi Gallery.  It is extremely easy to set up – in fact, there is no real setup.  You can install the app on your device and, once launched, it will give you an IP address.  All you have to do is enter that IP address into a web browser on any PC and you will get a gallery of your phone’s photos.

The author states that “Note: Killing the app can be difficult. If you want to stop using it, just start it again and click on the “Stop Server” button.”  That can be a minor hassle, but it’s not a huge deal.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Android Market.  It is currently on version 0.6, which was released on July 23rd.

Alan

Alan is the owner and editor of Making Windows Easy. In addition to writing about technology he is also an avid distance runner and hiker. Read More

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