Microsoft have published a 22 Page PDF document that is a great read for those struggling with all the tech jargon you encounter when trying to buy a laptop today.

I’m not really sure why Microsoft are publishing this kind of content but never the less its actually quite good.

It covers:-

Price, Weight, Speed, Storage, Screen Size, Ports, Video, CD/DVD, Operating System (can you guess which one?) and a handy 10 questions you should ask.

Link: Help Guide (Link is a PDF)

Microsoft have just released the updated version of their free file sync application called SyncToy.

The current version is 2.0, There was a beta version of 2.0 available for some time but this marks latest stable release version.

SyncToy is great at keeping folders and files in sync on two machines.

Example

A Desktop PC’s My Documents Folder

to a

Laptop My Documents Folder

I use SyncToy to do just that. I keep all my files on my Desktop PC and when I go mobile I do a quick Sync to my laptop ensuring it’s up to date.

SyncToy looks at the files in both locations and only copies across files that have changed.

Another practical application would be keeping picture files/folders up to date on various machines.

Download Link: Link

Documentation PDF: Link

Forums: Link

SyncToy is a freebie from Microsoft so don’t expect any technical support.

Important Note for existing SyncToy Users Upgrading:

“If upgrading from an earlier version of SyncToy (e.g. SyncToy 1.4 or SyncToy 2.0 Beta), it is **CRITICAL** to ensure that all folder pairs are fully synchronized using the previous version before running SyncToy 2.0 setup. Not following this guideline can lead to unintended behavior and partial data loss when running SyncToy 2.0 for the first time after upgrade. All folder pairs must also be fully synchronized at least once right after the upgrade is done.”

I provide technical support for several hundred users both locally and remotely. In an ideal world they would have all their software repositories nice and organised.

Example: Envelopes with usernames containing all the CD’s, Licenses and Product keys that belong to that particular PC.

Sadly life isn’t like that and I am usually under pressure to quickly rebuild and redeploy on the same hardware say after a Hard Disk problem or Virus/Malware attack.

So today’s tech tip is for a download that exposes the current machines product keys.

On my USB key I keep install repositories for common software installations, I then grab the product keys from current machine using keyfinder (link below) and save time by not having to root about the customers cupboards.

Link: http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Mozilla are releasing the latest version of their very popular Internet Browser: Firefox.

They are attempting a World Record for the most downloads in a single day.

In the UK the download should be available about 5pm.

Congratulations to Mozilla for getting Version 3.0 out the door.

I spend about 50% of my time in Firefox and the other in IE7 so I am looking forward to the new version.

Link: http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord/

Google have updated their easy to read guide “Making the Most of your Content”.

It comprises a 13 page PDF that explains in easy to understand language some of the more complicated aspects of what Google does with your content in their search engine.

Ideal for anyone who has an interest in these things.

The last page is a Glossary explaining all the terms like Crawling and Page Rank.

Link: http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/press/files/webmaster-guide-en.pdf