Category: Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Type Cover Unboxing and Preview

I was hoping to hold off for a bit longer but due to the degrading reliability of the Touch Cover for my Microsoft Surface I had to kick off the process to get it replaced. Unfortunately, the online chat representative seemed unaware (or unwilling) to offer me the option of having sending back the defective …

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Changing the Default Backup Window in Windows Home Server 2011

If you’re running Windows Home Server 2011 and relying upon it to backup your computers you might not fancy the default times set aside for backups (usually set to between midnight and 3AM). Whilst this window might cover computers that don’t move around (like desktops), laptops and tablets may not always be around or powered …

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How to Upgrade Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview on Microsoft Surface

Microsoft really doesn’t do itself much service in naming its products with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview being quite a mouthful. However, you can update this preview version to the full version on your Microsoft Surface and knock off the last word in the title. Fortunately, it’s not hard to undertake but helps …

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Booting from a USB Flash Drive in Microsoft Surface

Recently, I provided the instructions on how to copy the backup partition in a Microsoft Surface on to a USB flash drive. Obviously, it’s also worth knowing how to use the backup if you do wipe the recovery partition from your tablet – so here’s how: Power off the Surface, Plug in the USB flash …

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Turn Off Bluetooth on Microsoft Surface

Another quick tip for Microsoft Surface owners. By default, Bluetooth is enabled on Microsoft Surface devices which can take its toll on battery life so if you’re looking to improve battery life then this is worth turning off. It’s fairly simple to do as follows: Swipe in from the right of screen to get the …

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Quickly Finding the Time on Windows RT

Here’s a quick tip for those getting into Windows RT and Windows 8tablets out there. One common complaint with Windows RT is when you run full screen apps or you are on the Start Screen you are unable to view the time. The only apparent place to see the time and date is on the …

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Backup the Recovery Partition on Microsoft Surface

If you want to create a backup of the recovery partition on your Microsoft Surface to protect against it becoming corrupted on the device or if you want to free up the space used by the recovery partition then this quick guide may be of interest to you (as far as backing up the recovery …

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How to Open InPrivate Tabs in Metro Internet Explorer

InPrivate browsing has been around in Internet Explorer for desktop Internet Explorer for a while now but finding this functionality in the Metro-style Internet Explorer in Windows 8 or Windows RT may be a mystery. Fear not, as it is fairly straightforward. When in Metro Internet Explorer do the following: Swipe down from the top …

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Microsoft Surface, Windows RT and International Travels

Usually when I am on travels away from home I pack quite a comprehensive technology bag including cameras (a tough camera and a higher end replaceable lens camera) as well as a backup smartphone, tablet and a laptop. The laptop I have been packing recently is a MacBook Pro but decided to throw caution to …

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Windows Phone 8 Stuck on Preparing to Install 100%

Here is a quick tip for those of you with Windows Phone 8 handsets that receive major software updates. During the process of preparation you may see that your device sits on part of the update saying: Preparing to Install 100% Apparently, this is normal and all you have to do is wait between ten …

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