Microsoft Windows 10: Secrets Revealed

Next year Microsoft is releasing its new operating system and its next Windows iteration will not be Windows 9 or Windows 8.2. Instead it has skipping straight to 10. A lot of people are making fun of this. People like order, and skipping numbers bothers the kindergartner in all of us.
According to me some plausible reasons for skipping directly to 10 might be:-
1. Christening new windows OS as windows 9 will send the message that it is merely upgrade of windows 8.1 and there is nothing new in it
2. In June 2015 Apple is going to launch IOS 9 and MS just to prove its superiority, jumped
to number 10.
3. The Japanese consider 9 to be an unlucky number because it sounds similar to the Japanese word for pain. What's Mr. T's prediction for Windows 9?
Anyways let’s see some salient features of windows 10.After using Windows 10 for almost a week, I’ve discovered some neat little changes and features that Microsoft hasn’t yet discussed — smart tweaks that, if you’re a mouse-and-keyboard user looking for a reason to upgrade from Windows 7/8.1, you will be very pleased with. Let’s dive straight in with my favorite secret/hidden features of Windows 10.
Explorer now has a “Home” tab
In the last few versions of Windows, opening My Computer or a new Explorer window would
show you your computer’s various storage locations and shortcuts to default folders like
Documents and My Pictures. In Windows 10, you now end up in a new view called Home, which
shows Favorites, Frequent Folders, and Recent Files.
You can finally put the Recycle Bin on the taskbar
Rather than having to poke around Explorer or minimize everything and find the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop, in Windows 10 you can now add the Recycle Bin to both the taskbar and the Start menu. Yes, that is the sound of many brains exploding as they catastrophically realize the enormity of this change
The Windows 10 Start menu is resizable
This one is a bit odd: You can make the Windows 10 Start menu as tall or as wide as you like. If
you want to have a Start menu that takes up the entire left side of your screen, or a narrow strip
across the taskbar, then that’s now possible. The taskbar itself is also resizable, which means you can do weird stuffs. I am not sure if this is second bit is intentional or not. A resizable Start menu is quite cool, though!
Cortana is almost definitely coming to Windows 10
After a little bit of poking around (searching for “Cortana” in Explorer) I found a lot of references to Cortana in Windows 10 Technical Preview; there’s even aWindows.Cortana.dll, just sitting there in the System32 directory. You also get a bunch of Cortana-related hits if you search for “Cortana” within the Registry Editor.None of this is to say that Cortana is definitely coming to Windows 10 — there are lots of other reasons for those files/registry entries being there, such as the ghost of an early internal test — but I’d say it’s pretty likely. We should hopefully see Cortana in the next beta of Windows 10.
Notifications and toasts in Windows 10
While Windows 10′s rumored Notification Tray isn’t yet in the Technical Preview, there are some new pretty toasts/notifications that pop up in the top right corner of the screen. These notifications appear to replace the speech bubbles that used to pop out of the system tray (the bottom right corner of the taskbar, unless you’re one of those heathens who has moved the taskbar to a non-standard location).
The Command Prompt is getting so much more than just Ctrl-V
Somewhat unbelievably, despite the Windows 10 unveil event being only 40 minutes long, Microsoft actually dedicated a couple of minutes to Windows 10′s Command Prompt (cmd). At the time, Joe Belfiore told that Command Prompt is finally gaining the ability to paste with Ctrl-V (previously, you had to right click > paste). It turns out, there’s a lot more, too. If you right click Command Prompt’s title bar and head to Properties then Experimental, you get a bunch of new options (see above). In fact, you have to turn on the experimental options before you can use Ctrl-V to paste. With experimental options turned on, you can also use Shift-arrow keys to mark text (for copying and pasting with Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V). The other options are mostly self-explanatory, though I am still trying to discover what the “extended edit keys” are (let me know in the comments if you’ve found some!)
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts for virtual desktops, improved snapping, task view
One of Windows 10′s bigger new features is virtual desktops — additional instances of the Desktop that you can use to better organize your workspace. There’s also improved snapping, and a new view called Task View that’s kind of like Alt-Tab, but it incorporates your virtual desktops as well. All of these new features have associated keyboard shortcuts to make using them a cinch.
 Task View is opened up with Windows Key-Tab. It looks very like the new Alt-Tab interface, but it stays open after you let go of the keys. You can also add, remove, and manage virtual desktops from this interface.
 Windows Key-Ctrl-Arrow (left or right) switches you to the next virtual desktop on the left or right.
 Windows Key-Ctrl-D creates a new virtual desktop. Windows Key-Ctrl-F4 closes the current virtual desktop.
 Windows Key-Up arrow and Windows Key-Down arrow can now be used to snap the current app to the top or bottom of the screen (this is in addition to Win-Left and Win-Right for snapping to the left and right of the screen). Tapping these shortcuts multiple times creates different effects: Tapping Win-Up once maximizes an app; twice snaps it to the top. Win-Down once snaps to the bottom; twice minimizes it. You can also use Win-Left/Right to move apps incrementally across a multi-monitor setup.

FOR ANY QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT ME ON pushkar.nath@sujataindia.com

or +919850712300

Thanks

Pushkar Nath

Microsoft or Adobe or Autodesk License Compliance - What To Do? - For Indian Customers

Hi!

We, Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd almost everyday get calls from our existing customers and new customers asking for a solution on what to be done when they receive a call from Microsoft's or Adobe's or Autodesk's license compliance team. There are variety of questions customers ask and I will try to address some of the common questions here -

We are naming some of these proprietary software makers just as example, you might receive calls from similar software makers and answers given below apply to them as well.

How come I received a call from Microsoft's compliance team?
It is simple. Either user has activated trial too many times or some users have installed the pirated applications without the permission of IT team.

How does Microsoft know that we have pirated software in our organization?
This is pretty straight forward and before this question comes to your mind, shouldn't you be thinking why to breach someone's Intellectual Property (IP) by using pirated software.
Anyway, chances are when you install pirated applications on your devices and connect them to the internet - it tries to connect with software vendors' servers and ask for updates. secondly, software vendors have all the details of licenses that you have bought in the past so when they 'realize' that you have more users or devices in your premise, it is easy to guess that you are using pirated software. When I say 'realize' that means when they visit your office or when they see your advertisements for recruitments or when they hear the number of users or devices from your security guard or from your receptionist - they come to know!

What are their Licensing Audits like ? What do they do exactly?
Companies can encounter different types of Microsoft audits. The Software Asset Management engagement, also known as SAM engagement, is a voluntary audit. During a SAM engagement, a Microsoft consulting partner like KPMG, E&Y, PwC etc. examines the client’s Microsoft software resources for any misuse. There is often confusion regarding how many licenses are currently installed on devices.  Sometimes the results of a SAM engagement will result in having the company pay for installed programming that is not currently used. They give you the reports of installed applications in your network and the details of breach of IP.

To avoid overpaying, companies should dispose off out-dated and unused software and workstations.
A significantly more serious and involuntary Microsoft audit is the Legal Contract and Compliance Audit, also known as the LCC Audit. An LCC Audit is only administered when Microsoft believes that a serious licensing infraction has taken place, as this type of audit is costly and time consuming. LCC Audits may be issued when a company has consistently refused to undergo a SAM engagement.


So we suggest all our customers to respond to Microsoft's queries and communication. You can take help of Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd to do that.

What to Expect In Audit And After Audit
Microsoft's audit partner will carry out an activity at customer's premise. They will lock down the systems in case customer refuses to co-operate or if customer is co-operating then they will simply use a device through which they can scan customer's network and find out what applications are being used in the organization.

In an audit, Microsoft will want to ensure that every piece of equipment with the capability of running a Microsoft product is appropriately licensed and paid for. Unintentional non-compliance is almost guaranteed due to the intricacy of Microsoft’s licensing structure and because Microsoft does not alert firms when software overuse has occurred. If companies have a highly advanced system allows IT to recognize when overuse is occurring, they may be able to avoid non-compliance.  However, even if a company actually possesses the appropriate licenses, if they cannot show an audit trail that is proof of purchase like supplier's invoices or authentic serial keys, Microsoft can still impose fines.
Companies must understand that they are completely responsible for ensuring that all of their devices are appropriately licensed regardless of the confusion that Microsoft’s licensing structure may present.

Indian Law For Anti-Piracy (As of Oct 2014). What is the punishment for pirated/illegal usage of software?
If customer is not co-operating and is not ready to purchase required licenses, Microsoft can take customer to Delhi High-Court and chances are that one of the below penalty will be applied to the customer -

Minimum imprisonment is six months, maximum imprisonment up to three years and minimum fine of fifty thousand rupees and maximum of two lakh rupees.

In case of second and subsequent convictions for copyright infringement and/or violation of any other right conferred by the Indian Copyright Act, punishment for the second and for every subsequent offence is minimum one year imprisonment and maximum 3 years and a minimum fine of one lakh rupees and maximum is two lakh rupees.

In case any person who knowingly makes use on a computer of an infringing copy of a computer program shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven days but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees

Note - It has been brought to our notice by few customers that there are thugs in the market who come along with the police (mostly fake) usually at night (between 7-10 pm) and ask customers to pay up in cash for using pirated software. These people are not real representatives of any proprietary software makers and customers are robbed by them. We suggest you not to get panic in such situation because no reputed software maker does this kind of unprofessional raids or compliance.
Kindly contact Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd immediately if you come across such incident and we will try to help you out.


How To Avoid SAM or Audit or Compliance and To Prepare for the Audits 

Plan Your SAM, and start building exceptional business results from the foundation up.

You can implement SAM in your organization by following four basic steps, Contact Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd for implementing and consulting the same :

1) Take Inventory

First, you need to know what you already have. Therefore the first step in your SAM program is to take inventory of your deployed software. If your business is small, you might be able to do this manually. If your organization is larger, you might try using any of the automated discovery tools that can easily and efficiently scan your entire network or reach out to a SAM partner.

2) Get Organized

The next step is to take an inventory of the licenses you have purchased. To optimize and manage your software assets, you'll need to find, record, and organize the licenses and documentation for each software title and version. You can easily manage your software license library in a number of ways. Begin by learning what types of documents you will need to keep, how best to keep them organized, Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd will help in the process.

3) Create Policies and Procedures

From software acquisition, use, and retirement, to storage and disaster protection, you can safeguard your software and hardware assets by establishing new standards and guidelines regarding all phases of the software life cycle. You can’t do it alone though, so Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd will give you suggestions on how to create a culture of SAM throughout your organization.

4) Maintain Your SAM Plan

Keep your SAM plan current through frequent spot checks, regularly scheduled software inventories, and ongoing employee training. Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd will help you with SAM Optimization Model in determining areas where you can further improve your return on investment (ROI) through SAM improvements.

Firms can take steps to guarantee that their licensing is in line with Microsoft’s expectations. In fact, Microsoft has made several suggestions to help firms more easily comply with the audit requirements.  Firms must be able to pair all software to their appropriate licenses, and keep to date versions of all software in the case of an audit.

Companies should consistently strive to achieve a culture of licensing compliance far before Microsoft requests an audit. As audits will only be increasing as time goes on, firms should establish an asset management process to stay on top of licensing requirements. This includes keeping all updated licensing information in one central location so that the information is easily accessible in the case of an audit. Companies can create a software and hardware map in the form of a database, spreadsheet, or diagram that details where software is installed on computers. This will ensure that companies stay knowledgeable about their software.

Companies should also adopt a regular inventory schedule to keep track of any new software and license acquisitions. Each time the company acquires new software, they should enter it into their software tracking system. Firms should also take care to regulate their software to ensure that all employees are using the same version.

Finally, firms might contemplate investing in Microsoft’s volume licensing programs. These programs are more reasonably priced, as well as allow for tailored purchasing options and enhanced software management. Microsoft’s Open Value Program enables companies to easily track and manage their licenses, which results in a lower compliance risk. The cost effective program also offers benefits such as companywide licenses, low upfront costs with a yearly subscription and ease of management.

There is a solution called 'LicenseWatch' that helps to gain visibility into your software compliance status, usage metering of applications and to build in one place a asset repository.

Its own database of 1.2Lakhs application will provide you application intelligence and will do the grouping and categorization of the applications.

  

Should you need more info on the same, kindly revert to us

For more details and preparation, use below tools and you may contact Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd:

1. Microsoft's Software Asset Management (SAM) Documents and Templates - http://www.microsoft.com/sam/en/us/downloads.aspx
2. Microsoft's Tool for taking inventory of all the software used in your organization - Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd can help you implement some of these tools for free of cost and will make required reports available to you under a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement with you as a customer - http://www.microsoft.com/sam/en/us/inventory.aspx
3. Autodesk's website mentioning punishment for using pirated software - http://www.autodesk.in/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=5967151&id=10328083 
4. Adv. Prashant Mali's views on software piracy and Indian regulations - http://www.csi-india.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=769686a0-9a60-4371-958e-3604303f8659&groupId=10157 
5. Autodesk's SAM template (including for AutoCAD)- http://images.autodesk.com/apac_india_main/files/license_compliance_toolkit2006.pdf
6. Myth and Facts about Microsoft Operating System Licensing - http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/5/b/35b409f2-ff35-4a97-9439-fe8230421168/MythAndFactAboutMSOSLicensing.pdf 
7. Microsoft Licensing Options Overview - http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/5/b/35b409f2-ff35-4a97-9439-fe8230421168/MicrosoftLicensingOptions.ppt

Warmest regards
Paresh Lodha
+91-7276000222

Sujata Computers Pvt Ltd

Microsoft Cloud Accelarator Partner |
Microsoft Cloud Deployment Partner|
Microsoft Gold Volume Licensing Partner