Using The All List
Many organizations have distribution lists so employees can send the same message to everyone on their team. Users must remember the list usually goes to everyone in the organization.  Not everyone needs to know when their daughters are selling cookies, when they’re going on vacation, when they’ve moved their office, when they’re collecting for a good cause etc. This breach of good manners annoys everyone.

Opening Attachments From Strangers
Some users see an attachment as a gift — surprise! They just can’t help themselves. You can tell users not to open attachments, but good virus protection will usually protect the system. However intrigued users still open attachments from strangers. Best practice would be  not to open attachments if in doubt

Clicking Links
Clicking links take you to interesting siteswith all kinds of offers however embedded controls and scripts do all kinds of negative
things to the system. Most links are harmless, but most users can’t establish a legitimate link from one that leads to a phishing site, hard drive failure, or worse.

Making this mistake can mean the user can’t work until the system is fixed.  By implementing the best software defenses you can, consistently remind users not to click links in unsolicited emails.

Sharing Stuff
The amount of bandwidth and storage user’s waste spreading gossip and chain letters and pictures of their nights is phenomenal. So please be aware you are slowing down the internet for everyone else!

Just an idea – use a USB stick if you would like to show your pictures to colleagues.

Ignoring Messages
Some users just don’t want to communicate via email however it is the key way for co-workers to interact. Unfortunately, there’s always one or two users who ignore emails or claim, “I never got that message.” You can try to correct this behavior by sending a read receipt!

Deleting Necessary Items
Why do Outlook users delete: emails, tasks, appointments, etc. to then find they need them again.  Just a bit of friendly advice; always double check what you delete.

Microsoft has the Answer – Office 365 The Cloud Solution – gives you anywhere, anytime access to the Office apps and competencies you so heavily rely on:

• SharePoint site – This platform facilitates the creation, access and sharing of files from a single point. Your customised SharePoint site can be easily created and monitored by you, with password protection where needed.
• Office web apps – Access, view, and edit documents directly in your web browser through online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
• Email and calendar - Email, calendar, and contacts are readily available from virtually anywhere, at any time, on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, while protecting you from viruses and spam. All you need is an internet connection.
• Instant Messaging and Online Meetings – Microsoft Lync Online enables you to find and connect with the right person through instant messaging, Lync video calls, or online meetings. Utilise modern conferencing through sharing your desktop with colleagues and partners.

 Shows all the features and perks of this operating system. I’ve also found that you can tie your media library to your windows ID and access your own music anywhere on the net!!

 Handy.

 Though based on Vista, Windows 7 has removed several of the annoying features of Vista.

 1)     It runs smoothly, and doesn’t pester the user for admin prompts when installing new products and applications

 2)     Browsing is easy. It still has the Aero feature of rolling through windows and Snapping windows to the sides of the monitor,  ‘Peak’ allows you to see through your windows and check the desktop. Browsing explorer also seems effortless. Each window opened shows a preview on the bottom taskbar and internet explorer displays all webpages as thumbnails within a session etc.

 3)     From an admin perspective setting up networks and configuring properties of the profile is also very easy. The GUI is very user friendly and yet although the interface of Vista is still very noticeable, the difference in performance and usability is fantastic.

 4)     Windows 7 is also touch screen compatible. Again introducing the user to a new era of operating systems.

 Definitely a strong operating system after XP.

 My verdict is – its about time Microsoft rolled out a solid operating system which can deliver both commercially and domestically.

 I definitely can see this Operating System creeping into businesses into 2010 and Microsoft have already released the Windows 7 Configuring exam 70-680. To keep the service desk air tight on this new OS, I will be sitting this one in the new year to cover all bases.

http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/article.html?Windows_7_rush_breaks_UK_retail_records&in_article_id=756285&in_page_id=150

But is this rush justified? The same newspaper today said that experts have advised users to avoid using Windows 7 for at least the first year.

‘Software bugs are par for the course for newly released programs and operating systems are no exception,’ said John Bogue, from Which? Computing. ‘Unless you like downloading patches and updates, we recommend waiting a year.’ 

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Dont_touch_Windows_7_for_a_year,_say_experts&in_article_id=756470&in_page_id=34

One very interesting review has carried out a comparison of XP, Vista and 7.  This review is incredibly detailed and the reviewer concludes that they believe that Windows XP is the best operating system of the three.

http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/information/windows-xp-vs-vista-vs-7/

I guess only time will tell … What do you think of Windows 7? Have you installed it yet?

Were you at the event? What did you think?