• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

GeekwithEnvy

  • Home
  • News
  • How To / Guides
  • Featured Apps
  • Mac
  • PC

Windows 7

How to Force Windows 10 To Begin Downloading

July 29, 2015 by Richard Vincenti Jr 1 Comment

Is your computer already up-to-date and ready to download Windows 10? If so that’s awesome. Except it’s still not downloading right?

Well, we know you’re anxious to get started with Windows 10 (so are we) so here is a quick guide on how to force Windows 10 to begin downloading on Windows 8 and 8.1.  (This guide should also work for Windows 7).

If you would rather just download Windows 10 to a usb drive or DVD you can get the .iso file to do so from Microsoft’s Windows 10 Disc Image page.

1.  First, Go ahead and open up Windows Update. You can do this by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard and then type “Windows Update”. Now go ahead and open Windows Update. (It would be helpful if your computer is completely up-to-date)

step1W10Update

2.  Next, hit the Windows Key on your keyboard again type “cmd”. Right click on “Command Prompt” in the menus to the right and select “Run As Administrator”.

 

3.  With the Command Prompt open, go ahead and type in “wuauclt.exe /updatenow”. Now check on your Windows Update window. You should see that Windows Update is Checking for Updates.Windows10UpdateSS

 

* At this point Windows 10 should begin downloading, if it isn’t , then repeat step 3.

* If you’re having trouble, you may also clear out your Windows Update data under “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download” by deleting all of the files and folders there. Then retry the process.

 

Filed Under: Computers, Guides, How To, Microsoft, Windows Tagged With: Guide, How To, Windows 10, Windows 7, windows 8.1, Windows Update

Windows XP Users, It’s Time To Move On

November 16, 2013 by Richard Vincenti Jr Leave a Comment

xpLogo

 

Windows XP has stood the test of time quite well and has remained one of the most popular versions of Windows for over a decade. Many personal users and businesses are still using Windows XP right now, but that needs to change, and soon.

Why? Microsoft will be killing ALL support for XP on April 8th 2014. How does that affect you? The main reason is security or lack thereof. If Microsoft isn’t providing routine security patches to the operating system then it can quickly become vulnerable to attack. There’s no doubt that once the deadline passes, Windows XP will likely become a breeding ground for malicious code like viruses and spyware since XP will basically have a target on it’s back for not having official support. For this reason alone it’s worth it to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1 and unfortunately for some users that may mean buying a new PC.

Of course there are other reasons to upgrade as well including driver support, live technical support from Microsoft, newer applications that won’t run on XP, website compatibility,  and not to mention the fact that a newer PC running Windows 7 or 8 will likely be many times faster. Although Windows 8 got off to a rocky start because of criticism over it’s user interface design, it’s probably one of Microsoft’s fastest versions of Windows.

So don’t wait till after the deadline to make your changes, start the upgrade now or at least put together a game plan, especially if you’re a business.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Microsoft, PC, Software, Windows Tagged With: Computers, internet, Microsoft, PC, Software, support, Upgrade, Windows, Windows 7, windows 8.1, Windows XP, XP support loss

Microsoft Introduces New Sculpt Mouse

May 27, 2013 by Richard Vincenti Jr Leave a Comment

With Windows 8 beginning  to really settle in, it seems that Microsoft has decided to launch a new mouse to make the whole experience feel better. The Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Mouse is designed to work Windows and it also has some features that are specifically for Windows 8.

MSScluptMouse1
Sculpt Comfort Mouse

 

The most obvious feature on the mouse is the Windows Touch Tab, which is the big blue strip on the side mouse that allows you to quickly return to the Start Screen when pressed in the center. With Windows 8, if you swipe up on the blue strip you can switch between open apps, if you swipe down it will show you all open apps. The stripe can also be used to open the Start menu on older versions of Windows.

MSSculptMouse2

The wheel offers up four way scrolling and the mouse movement is captured using Microsoft’s BlueTrack technology. This mouse is wireless and uses bluetooth which will also allow you to connect it to a tablet. You can also get a mobile version of this mouse which boasts many of the same features except that it lacks the blue Windows strip on the side.

MSScluptMobile
Sculpt Mobile Mouse

 

The Sculpt Comfort is selling for $39.95 and the mobile version is selling for $29.95. You can read the full hardware specifications on Microsoft’s hardware page.

Filed Under: Electronics, Hardware, Microsoft, Mobile, News, PC, Product Spotlight, Technology, Windows Tagged With: blue tracker, bluetooth, Hardware, Microsoft, Mouse, sculpt, sculpt comfort, sculpt mobile, Windows, Windows 7, windows 8

Steven Sinofsky Gets a New Gig

December 20, 2012 by Richard Vincenti Jr Leave a Comment

Steven Sinofsky was a Microsoft executive who ran the Windows division of the company for many years. Sinofsky had recently left Microsoft after not seeing eye-to-eye with other senior management at the company. One of those people included Steve Ballmer, the current CEO. Now, Sinofsky is heading to Harvard to teach product development, planning and more. Currently, is unclear how long Sinofsky will remain at Harvard.

A few days ago Sinofsky tweeted about heading to Harvard,

Steven_Sinofsky_at_BUILD
Steven Sinofsky at BUILD

“Excited to return to @HarvardHBS to teach again this spring!” Sinofsky wrote. “New perspectives, recharge, share experiences, write.”

Sinofsky is credited with restoring user’s faith in Windows by pushing out Windows 7, which has done quite well. He was also the main man behind Microsoft’s latest OS, Windows 8.

Filed Under: Computers, Microsoft, News Tagged With: Harvard, Microsoft, News, Sinofsky, Windows 7, windows 8

A Walk Down Windows Memory Lane

November 11, 2012 by Richard Vincenti Jr Leave a Comment

With all of this talk about Windows 8 and all of it’s new features I can’t help but think about how much Windows has changed over the years. Windows has maintained it’s dominance over the OS market for decades now and it didn’t just happen over night. So, let’s take a look at the evolution of Windows.Windows 3.0 Logo

Here’s something pretty cool. If you don’t feel like popping in a few floppy disks to experience the Windows of the past you can head to this cool website that emulates the Windows 3.1 Desktop.

Windows 1.0 (1982-1985)

 

Windows1.0
Windows1.0

Code named “Interface Manager”, this was the first version of what was later renamed Windows before it was released. It’s important to note that prior to Windows, MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), was the primary OS used on PC’s. MS-DOS was powerful during its heyday and I used it all of the time to play some of my favorite games, even after Windows was released. Windows aimed to make using your computer much easier by incorporating a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

Some people thought that Windows would never catch on, little did they know what it would become.

 

Windows 2.0 (1987-1990)

Windows 2.0
Windows 2.0

Windows 2.0 aimed to take advantage of newer, more advanced hardware that had greater memory capacity. UI design improvements continued as well.

 

Windows 3.0 (1990-1994)

windows 3.0
Windows 3.0

Computers are getting much faster and graphics are improving as well. Windows 3.0 supported 16 bit graphics and introduces the new file management applications Program Manager and File Manager. Printing was made easier with Print Manager. At this time MS-DOS is still being used along side with Windows as many programmers continued to write for DOS instead of Windows.

Windows 95 (1995-1998)

Windows95
Windows 95

How could we forget Windows 95 and the introduction of the Start Button and taskbar, which offered a great way to organize and easily access all of your programs. At this time the internet was just beginning to take over the world . Windows 95 brought us into 32-bit computing and much faster and better looking graphics. The cd-rom becomes commonplace in computing and Weezer makes an appearance on the Windows 95 installation disc. Programmers begin to embrace Windows more than ever.

Windows 98 , Windows 2000, Windows ME (1998-2000)

Windows 98 brings us the Quick Launch bar and increased performance. USB is becoming extremely popular and Windows 98 takes advantage of this new technology. Windows ME brought us System Restore and Windows 2000 was the upgrade of choice for businesses from all previous versions of Windows. Software developers are taking full advantage of Windows and applications that run on DOS are becoming less prominent.

Windows 98
Windows 98 (Microsoft)

 

Windows 2000
Windows 2000 (Microsoft)

 

Windows ME
Windows ME (Microsoft)

 

 

 

Windows XP

The Windows kernel has forever changed and is now based on Windows NT. 64-bit systems are supported and security enhancements continue to be made. Wireless 802.11 support and remote assistance are added to the mix. Windows XP was hugely popular and is still used even to this day. Windows XP is very stable and extremely fast, it’s one of the best releases of Windows. DOS is starting to fade away and becomes more of a hidden feature that is only used for specific tasks.

Windows XP Desktop
Windows XP Desktop (Microsoft)

 

Windows Vista

Windows gets a cleaner look and UAC or user account control makes it’s debut in order to make Windows more secure. This version of Windows wasn’t well received due to consumers complaining about it’s stability issues.

Windows Vista
Windows Vista (Microsoft)

Windows 7

Windows 7 features live thumbnail previews and new ways to size and control windows. After many, many security updates and patched since Windows Vista, Windows 7 becomes very stable and unlike Vista, gets a thumbs up from consumers.

Windows 7
Windows 7 (Microsoft)

Windows 8 / 8.1

The new Xbox dashboard style desktop makes it’s debut. The Microsoft Store makes finding and buying applications very easy all while keeping your computer safe from malware by having a certification process in place that developers must pass in order be featured in the store. At this time some developers are a bit weary of using the new sandbox type system while others embrace it. The now “old” style desktop is a shell of what it used to be, but is still available in order to run legacy Windows applications.

Win8_1StartScreen
Windows 8.1

 

 

Filed Under: Computers, Microsoft, Windows Tagged With: Microsoft, MSDOS, Windows, Windows 1, Windows 2.0, Windows 2000, Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, Windows 7, windows 8, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows Vista, Windows XP

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

Please follow & like us :)

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Tweet
YouTube






Tags

Android App Apple Apps Blizzard blizzard entertainment Computers Electronics Featured App Film Games Gaming Guide Hardware How To internet iOS iPad iPhone Mac Microsoft Mobile NASA News Nintendo OSX PC Playstation 4 ps4 Science Software Sony Space Star Wars Technology trailer Updates video video games Web Windows windows 8 World Of Warcraft Xbox youtube

Footer

  • About Us
  • GWE Podcast
  • GWE Classic
  • Support

Pages

  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • About Us
  • GWE Podcast
  • Support

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · eleven40 Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT