Longmont Data Recovery in Boulder Denver CO with Computer Physicians near me

Upgrading your hard drive

At Computer Physicians, LLC in Longmont, Colorado, we understand the crucial role that storage plays in the performance of your computer. As technology continues to advance, the debate between Solid State Drives (SSD) and traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD) has become increasingly significant. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two storage solutions and explore how Computer Physicians can elevate your system with a seamless hard drive upgrade.

The SSD Advantage:

1. Speed Demons: Unlike traditional HDDs that rely on spinning platters and mechanical arms to read and write data, SSDs utilize flash memory. This means lightning-fast access times, resulting in quicker boot-up speeds, faster application launches, and an overall snappier computing experience.

2. Durability: SSDs are inherently more durable because they lack moving parts. Traditional HDDs, with their delicate mechanical components, are more prone to damage from shocks and vibrations. This makes SSDs a superior choice for laptops and other portable devices.

3. Power Efficiency: SSDs are not only faster but also more energy-efficient. With no need for power-hungry motors or spinning platters, SSDs contribute to longer battery life for laptops and reduced energy consumption in desktop systems.

4. Compact Design: The compact and lightweight design of SSDs allows for greater flexibility in terms of installation. This is especially advantageous for those looking to build sleek, compact systems or upgrade existing devices with limited space.

Computer Physicians Hard Drive Upgrade Services:

At Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC, we specialize in providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our hard drive upgrade services are designed to breathe new life into your system, enhancing performance and reliability. Here’s how we can help:

1. Thorough Assessment: Our expert technicians will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current system to determine the most suitable SSD for your needs. We take into consideration factors such as storage capacity requirements, performance expectations, and budget constraints.

2. Seamless Migration: Transitioning from a traditional HDD to an SSD can be a complex process. Our skilled professionals ensure a smooth migration, transferring your data, applications, and operating system without a hitch. You won’t have to worry about losing precious files or experiencing downtime.

3. Performance Optimization: Once the upgrade is complete, we don’t stop there. Computer Physicians goes the extra mile to optimize your system for maximum performance. Our team fine-tunes settings, updates drivers, and ensures that your new SSD operates at its full potential.

4. Continued Support: Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the upgrade process. We offer ongoing support to address any questions or concerns you may have post-upgrade. Our goal is to provide a seamless and stress-free experience for every client.

In conclusion, the choice between an SSD and a traditional HDD can significantly impact your computer’s performance. At Computer Physicians, LLC in Longmont, Colorado, we stand ready to guide you through the upgrade process, ensuring that your system operates at peak efficiency. Contact us today to embark on the journey to a faster, more responsive computing experience. Your system will thank you for it!

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Computer Physicians, LLC: Your Expert Partner for Computer Training in Longmont and Boulder

How to use your computer properly

Computer literacy is more critical than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, understanding the ins and outs of your computer system is essential. That’s where Computer Physicians, LLC in Longmont, Colorado comes to the rescue. With their top-notch computer training services, they can help you become a proficient user of Microsoft Windows, email, internet, files, printers, and various software applications. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Computer Physicians, LLC can empower you to harness the full potential of your computer in the Longmont and Boulder areas.

About Computer Physicians, LLC

Computer Physicians, LLC is a trusted name in the Longmont and Boulder communities when it comes to computer services. With highly skilled and experienced professionals, they offer a wide range of services, including computer repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance. However, one of their standout offerings is computer training and education.

Computer Training Services

  1. Microsoft Windows Proficiency Computer Physicians, LLC specializes in teaching you how to navigate Microsoft Windows efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, their expert trainers can tailor their instruction to your level. From basic tasks like managing files and folders to advanced techniques for optimizing your workflow, you’ll become a Windows expert in no time.
  2. Email Management Managing emails can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of email platforms. Computer Physicians, LLC offers training sessions to help you master email clients like Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and others. Learn how to organize your inbox, set up filters, and maximize your productivity.
  3. Internet Navigation The internet is a vast resource, and it’s crucial to know how to browse safely and effectively. Computer Physicians, LLC can teach you about web browsers, search engines, and online security. They’ll help you understand how to find the information you need while avoiding online threats.
  4. File Management Organizing and managing files and documents is a fundamental computer skill. Whether you’re dealing with personal files or work-related documents, Computer Physicians, LLC can show you how to create, organize, and back up files efficiently.
  5. Printer Setup and Troubleshooting Setting up and maintaining a printer can be a source of frustration for many. Computer Physicians, LLC offers training on how to install and configure printers, resolve common issues, and maximize their utility.
  6. Software Applications Computer Physicians, LLC also provides training on various software applications, from Microsoft Office to specialized software for specific industries. You can gain expertise in word processing, spreadsheets, graphics design, and much more.

Why Choose Computer Physicians, LLC?

  1. Experienced Professionals: Computer Physicians, LLC consists of experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of individuals and businesses in Longmont and Boulder.
  2. Personalized Instruction: They offer personalized training to cater to your skill level and specific requirements, ensuring you get the most out of the sessions.
  3. Convenience: Training sessions can be scheduled to fit your availability, whether you prefer daytime, evening, or weekend classes.
  4. Ongoing Support: Computer Physicians, LLC doesn’t stop at training. They provide ongoing support and assistance as you continue to use your computer systems, ensuring you stay proficient and confident.

The only company you need for computer training

Computer Physicians, LLC in Longmont, Colorado, is your go-to partner for computer training, ensuring you become a proficient user of Microsoft Windows, email, the internet, files, printers, and various software applications. Their empowering individuals and businesses in Longmont and Boulder with the computer skills they need to succeed in the digital world. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your computer literacy with their top-notch training services. Contact Steve at Computer Physicians, LLC today and take the first step toward becoming a computer expert.

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Computer Technology over the past 20 years

Computer Physicians in Longmont, Colorado was founded over 20 years ago in 1999.

Over the past 20 years, computer technology has rapidly evolved and transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. In this article, we will discuss the different advances in computer technology that have occurred over the past two decades since Longmont Computer Physicians was started.

  1. Processors

One of the most significant advances in computer technology over the past 20 years has been the development of faster and more powerful processors. From single-core processors to multi-core processors, CPUs have become faster, more efficient, and capable of handling complex tasks.

  1. Storage

Another major advance in computer technology has been in the area of storage. Traditional hard drives have been replaced with solid-state drives (SSDs), which offer faster read and write speeds, lower power consumption, and higher reliability.

  1. Graphics

Graphics processing units (GPUs) have also undergone significant advancements over the past 20 years. GPUs are now capable of rendering realistic 3D graphics, enabling immersive gaming experiences and advanced virtual and augmented reality applications.

  1. Networking

Advancements in networking technology have also played a significant role in shaping the modern computing landscape. High-speed internet and wireless networks have made it easier than ever to share data and collaborate in real-time across great distances.

  1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in recent years. Machine learning algorithms and deep learning techniques have enabled computers to perform complex tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making.

  1. High-speed Internet

The Internet has brought a new level of connectivity to our lives. Smart devices, appliances, and systems are now interconnected, enabling the automation of routine tasks and providing real-time data and insights.

  1. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we store and access data. Cloud-based services offer on-demand access to computing resources, allowing businesses and individuals to store, share, and analyze data on a global scale.

  1. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents the next frontier in computing technology. Quantum computers can perform complex calculations and simulations that are beyond the capabilities of traditional computers, promising to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to finance.

Computer technology has undergone significant advances over the past 20 years, from faster processors and more powerful graphics to the emergence of AI and the Internet. These advancements have transformed the way we live and work, and will continue to shape the future of computing. Computer Physicians in Longmont Colorado can help you with your computer desktop, laptop, printers and peripherals, and many other computer issues and questions you may have.

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Longmont IT Support – Computer Physicians

If you’re a business owner in Longmont, Boulder, or Denver, then you know how important it is to have reliable IT support. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, you need to have a team of professionals who can help you maintain and manage your computer systems.

That’s where Computer Physicians comes in. They are the premier IT support provider in Longmont, and they offer a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes.

Here are some reasons why Computer Physicians is the best choice for IT support for your business:

  1. Experience

Computer Physicians has been in business for over 20 years, and they have a team of experienced professionals who know how to handle all types of IT issues. They have worked with businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of industries, so they have the expertise to help you with any IT-related problem.

  • Range of services

Computer Physicians offers a wide range of IT services to meet the needs of any business. Whether you need help with network security, data backup, cloud computing, or anything else, they have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.

  • Local presence

Computer Physicians is based in Longmont, so they are always nearby when you need them. They also serve businesses in Boulder, Denver, and the surrounding areas, so they are well-positioned to provide IT support to businesses throughout the region.

  • Customer service

At Computer Physicians, customer service is a top priority. They understand that when you have an IT issue, you need help right away. That’s why they offer fast response times and 24/7 support to ensure that your business is always up and running.

  • Affordable pricing

Computer Physicians offers competitive pricing for their IT services, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. They also offer customized pricing plans to meet the specific needs of your business.

If you’re looking for reliable IT support for your business in Longmont, Boulder, or Denver, then Computer Physicians is the best choice. With their experience, range of services, local presence, customer service, and affordable pricing, they are the premier IT support provider in the region. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help your business succeed.

Microsoft 365 Excel video instruction intermediate lessons

Microsoft 365 Intermediate class – Excel                                            

Click the link above to access class

Introduction Excel 365 Videos classes Intermediate                                                   

Overview of entire course Excel 365 Intermediate                                                    

Chapter 1 Basic Table features                                                          

Chapter 1 Overview                                                   

What tables are                                                          

Sort and filter data part 1                                                       

Sort and filter data part 2                                                       

Creating and using tables                                                       

Chapter 2  Adding charts and graphics                                                          

Chapter 2 Overview                                                   

What are Charts and Graphs and the difference                                                        

Creating a chart                                                          

Enhancing a chart                                                      

Modifying chart data                                                 

Changing chart types                                                 

Inserting shapes and other features                                                   

Working with chart elements                                                 

Formatting charts                                                       

Inserting pictures                                                       

Creating in-cell charts with sparklines                                                           

Chapter 3 Working with functions                                                    

Chapter 3: Overview                                                  

Using statistical functions                                                     

Calculating present value                                                       

Calculating loan payments and payoff                                                          

Calculating principle & interest paid                                                

Calculating interest rate, auto calculations                                                    

Working with text functions                                                  

Working with ranges                                                  

Using date and time functions                                                           

Working with logical functions                                                         

Copying formula values                                                         

Chapter 4 IF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, Power Functions                                                     

Chapter 4  Overview                                                  

Using the IF Function                                                

Using IF with relational operators                                                     

Using the IFS function                                                          

Using VLOOKUP                                                     

Using VLOOKUP approximate table data                                                    

Using VLOOKUP exact table data                                                   

Using COUNTIF Functions part 1                                                    

Using COUNTIF Functions part 2                                                    

Chapter 5 Finalize, Print and Save                                                    

Chapter 5  Overview                                                  

Use proofing help and research tools                                                

exploring the page layout and view tabs                                                       

working with layout and page setup                                                  

changing view options                                                           

Previewing and modifying page breaks                                                         

Adding headers and footers                                                   

previewing and printing the worksheet                                                         

Arranging multiple workbooks                                                          

Adding hyperlinks                                                     

Saving workbooks in different formats                                                         

Emailing a workbook                                                

Chapter 6 Security and Sharing in Excel 365                                                

Chapter 6 Overview                                                   

Unlocking cells and protecting worksheets                                                   

Protecting workbooks                                                

Assigning passwords to workbooks                                                  

Sharing workbooks part 1                                                      

Sharing workbooks part 2                                                      

Tracking Changes                                                      

Conclusion                             

Learn Microsoft 365 Office Excel – Beginner class

Longmont Computer Physicians learning series – Learn how to use and work with Excel 365 from Microsoft Office.  This is an in-depth beginner class and part one of 3 courses Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.  This course covers new features of Excel 365, Starting up and working with Excel, creating new workbooks, Organizing your worksheet, Basic formulas, Using templates and themes, and a downloadable Test Quiz is included at the end.

This Excel 365 class is taught by a Microsoft Certified Professional and Comptia A+ Computer consultant from Longmont, Colorado. He has been the President and owner of Computer Physicians, a Longmont, CO computer repair, networking and software company for the past 20 years. He has 3 college degrees in computers which include computer science, programming, networking and GIS. He has programmed, designed, and created professional software programs. He has helped and taught over 3,000 clients how to use Microsoft computer software, hardware and peripherals in Longmont, Boulder, Denver, Erie Colorado as well as across the country.

Microsoft 365 Beginner class – Excel
Microsoft 365 Intermediate class – Excel
Microsoft 365 Advanced class – Excel


Chapter 1: New Features for 365
Overview
How Excel is different from older versions
What is new in Excel 365
How new features are added
365 using Office and Excel
365 in the Cloud
Example of a Excel wookbook/worksheet
Chapter 2: Starting up Excel
Overview
Opening up a workbook and worksheet
The Excel Screen
Difference between a workbook, worksheet and spreadsheet
cells, gridlines, entering data, sheet tabs
The Title bar, Quick access tool bar and namebox
File tab, backstage minitool bar
Customizing and using the Ribbon and KeyTips
Finding and replacing data, undo/redo,  copy and paste, selecting cells
scrolling, adjusting columns, rows
 inserting and deleting rows and columns, adjusting cells
Using Autofill
Using Comments
The file, view tab,  workbook window, status bar
zoom slider
font styles and effects
Chapter 3: Creating new workbooks
Overview
Entering text, numbers and dates
Editing data
More on Editing data
Designing borders and backgrounds
opening and saving workbooks
excel file formats
using conditional formatting
Chapter 4: Organizing your worksheet
Overview
Freeze panes
Split panes
creating, renaming hiding, unhiding worksheets
Format Painter
Alignment and wrap text
Formatting numbers and dates
copying and moving worksheets
hiding and unhiding rows and columns
copying and pasting data numbers, using paste special
Chapter 5: Basic Formulas
Overview
Formulas and functions
Creating basic formulas
Sum a column of numbers, autosum
copying a formula to other cells
simple formula syntax
inserting functions
auto calculate
add, subtract, multiply and divide cells
editing a range of cells
Chapter 6: Using a Template
Overview
Creating and using templates
Applying styles and themes
Conclusion
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Longmont Computer Physicians Learning Series – Windows 10 apps

As part of our series of helping customers with their small business needs Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC is offering these free classes on how to use and install Apps in Windows 10.

Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft decided that it wanted to have a common interface for the version of Windows running on tablets and the version running on desktop PCs. Unfortunately for them, this idea didn’t work out too well. Windows 8 was kind of a flop, and didn’t last too long. Even though Windows 10 is a huge improvement over Windows 8, Microsoft still tried to sneak in some of that tablet interface aspect into Windows 10, but this time it works, for the most part. Apps vs. Programs Even though most of us are used to running programs like Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop, that doesn’t mean that they are the only types of software we can run. Windows 10 comes with apps that are preinstalled on your computer and also allows you to install more apps for things like games, photo editing programs, and so on. There is a difference between a program and an app, even though they may function in a similar way. A Program (also called Desktop App) is a traditional Windows software package that you install on your computer, and it can be from any number of software manufacturers. Programs will have a specific type of interface designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard and will only run on PCs, not smartphones or tablets. Windows Apps on the other hand look and feel more like an app you would use on your smartphone or tablet, and run on all types of devices.

Windows 10 comes with a bunch of apps preinstalled, and you can find these apps on the start menu. They will be listed alongside your desktop apps. Some examples of common default Windows 10 apps include Facebook, Calendar, News, Mail, Maps, and Paint 3D. Microsoft Store Apps If you have a smartphone, you have most likely used the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) to get more apps for your phone or tablet. Windows 10 comes with the Microsoft Store that lets you search and download new apps that can be used on your computer. There are many free applications to choose from as well as more advanced apps that you can purchase. To get to the Microsoft Store simply find it on your Start Menu, or do a search for it using Cortana. After you find and open the app, you will see a window similar to figure 5.3. As you can see, the Microsoft Store is categorized by types of apps on the top and then has a search function underneath that.

Once you find an app you want to try out, simply click on the Get button to have Windows download and install the app for you. If you scroll down past the Get button you will see the system requirements for the app as well as additional information such as the developer name, release date, and size of the app itself. Just like with your smartphone, there are many apps that you can download and try out for free and many that you can purchase, but just remember that when you install these apps on your computer they will take up disk space, just like regular programs will. Uninstalling Apps If you are the type that likes to try new things, then there is a chance you might go overboard at the Microsoft Store and download one too many apps while checking things out. If this is the case there is no need to worry, because it’s easy to uninstall these apps once you have installed them.

Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC can help you with any computer problem you may have. Please call us to set up an appointment. In Longmont, Boulder, Denver Colorado

Longmont Computer Physicians – User Accounts in Microsoft Windows

Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will post an explanation of User Accounts in Microsoft Windows 10.

One thing you will definitely need to have to use a Windows computer is a user account. User accounts are required to make sure people are allowed to access the computer only if the owner wants them to. In order to use a Windows computer, you will need a user account that has been configured for you by an administrator or when you first set up your new computer. There are many reasons why Windows has user accounts, including the following: Having a way to protect their personal files from being accessed from others (unless they want them to be accessed);  Providing a way to assign permissions to shared files and folders on the local computer or network;  Determining what type of functions that person is allowed to perform on the computer itself;  Tracking things such as login times, failed login attempts, and file access using event logging;  Setting allowed times for users to be able to log onto a computer or network;  Saving the personal settings of your computer, such as your desktop background and installed printers etc.;  Assigning levels of access for software usage.  Keep in mind as a home user you won’t have to worry about most of these because your user account will mainly be used to save personalization settings that you customized for your user account and to keep your documents from being accessed by other users. As usual, Microsoft has given us a couple of ways to work with user accounts, and each way works a little differently, but we will get to that later on in this chapter. User Account Types There is more than one type of account for a Windows user, and this makes sense because different people need different levels of access and permissions. The two main types of user accounts that you will be dealing with are the standard user and the administrator.

Standard user accounts are for people who need to do everyday tasks on the computer such as run programs, go online, print, and so on. Standard users can also install and uninstall certain software as well. It’s usually a good idea to make everyone on your computer a standard user, and then if they need something done that requires higher privileges, they can have an administrator do it. And by administrator, I mean you! Administrator user accounts have full control over the computer and can do things such as install or uninstall any software, add or remove user accounts, add or remove hardware, and make changes that affect Windows itself. If you are logged in as a standard user and need to do something that requires administrator access, many times you will get prompted to enter the username and password of an administrator so you don’t need to actually log out and then back in as an administrator to get the job done.

Creating User Accounts With social media being all the rage and everyone and everything being connected to each other, Microsoft decided that it wanted to use what they call a Microsoft account to log into your computer with. This way whenever you log into another device with the same account, it will use many of the same settings for a universal experience each time. A Microsoft account uses an email address to login rather than a standard username. But if you are the type that likes to keep things old school (and simple), then you can still use a standard user type to log in with. Even if your computer was initially configured with a Microsoft account, you can convert it to a standard account pretty easily. I find that local accounts are much easier to troubleshoot when it comes to login problems. To view the user accounts on your computer, go to the Windows 10 Settings and click on Accounts and then on Family & other users. From this screen you will see your account and any other accounts configured on the computer.

Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will post an explanation of User Accounts in Microsoft Windows 10.

Longmont Computer Physicians – Microsoft Windows Operating Systems

Longmont Computer Physicians Computer Repair learning teaching series for Microsoft Windows. In Longmont, Colorado.
Computer Physicians, LLC is a Microsoft Certified provider, MCP, MTA, A+ Certifications

As part of Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Colorado will Post an explanation about the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems throughout the years. Ending with Windows 10 – The current Windows version.

Microsoft Windows is what is known as an operating system. An operating system is what allows your software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Chrome, to work with your computer, and therefore let you use the software itself.  A computer consists of various hardware components, such as video cards and network adapters, and the operating system is what allows the user (which is you) to make use of that hardware so you can do things like check your email, edit photos, play games, etc. Windows History and Versions Windows has been around for a long time, and there have been many versions. So, let’s start with a history of the different versions and features that have taken us to where we are today (Windows 10).

Windows 3.1 Windows 3.1 was released in April 1992 and became the best-selling GUI in the history of computing. It added multimedia functionality, which included support for connecting to external musical instruments and MIDI devices. TrueType font support was added to provide Windows with a WYSIWYG or What You See Is What You Get interface. Windows 3.1 added the ability to close applications by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and terminating hung applications from the list of running programs. Drag and drop functionality provided a new way to use the GUI, and support for Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) was added. OLE allowed embedding elements from different applications into one document.

Windows 3.11 Windows 3.11 was released in November 1993. It did not add any feature improvements over Windows 3.1, but corrected problems (most of which were network problems). Microsoft replaced all new retail versions of Windows 3.1 with Windows 3.11 and provided a free upgrade via their Web site to anyone who currently owned Windows 3.1. Windows for Workgroups 3.1 Windows for Workgroups (WFW) 3.1 was released in April 1992. It was the first Microsoft OS to provide native support for peer to peer networks. It supported file and printer sharing and made it easy to specify which files should be shared with other computers running DOS or Windows. WFW also included Microsoft Mail (an e-mail client) and Schedule+ (a workgroup scheduler). Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Windows for Workgroups (WFW) 3.11 was released in February 1994 and was geared toward local area networking. This made it a hit for corporations wanting to increase productivity by sharing information. The default networking protocol was NetBEUI, and TCP/IP or IPX/SPX could be added. WFW 3.11 clients could connect to both workgroups and domains, and it provided built-in support for Novell NetWare Networks. WFW 3.11 also improved support for remote access services.

Windows 95 was released in August 1995, and it changed the face of Windows forever. Windows 95 had features such as Plug-and-Play to make hardware installations easier, and dial-up networking for connecting to the Internet or another network via a modem. Windows 95 was the first Microsoft operating system that supported long filenames. Windows 95 also supported preemptive multitasking. Perhaps the most drastic change was that Windows 95 was a “real” OS. Unlike its predecessors, it did not require DOS to be installed first. Windows 95b (OSR2) was an improved version that was never offered for sale to the public, and was only available to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to install on new computers that they were offering for sale. Windows 95b added support for universal serial bus (USB) devices and the FAT32 file system that allowed for larger partitions, better disk space usage, and better performance.

Windows 98 was released on June 25, 1998. It was the retail upgrade to Windows 95 that provided support for reading DVDs and using USB devices. Applications in Windows 98 opened and closed more quickly. Like 95b, Windows 98 included a FAT32 converter, which allowed you to use hard drives over the 2GB limit imposed by DOS. The backup program was revamped to support more backup devices (including SCSI), and Microsoft added the Disk Cleanup utility to help find and delete old unused files. Windows 98 also included Internet Explorer 4.0 and the Active Desktop.

Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) was released in June 1998 as an incremental update to Windows 98. Windows 98 SE improved the home multimedia experience, home networking, and Internet browsing. Windows 98 SE introduced Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), which allowed a Windows 98 SE machine to function as a Network Address Translation (NAT) server for other machines on the home network. In other words, you could have multiple machines connected to the Internet at the same time using only a single ISP account and a single public IP address, and all Internet traffic would go through the Windows 98 SE machine running ICS. Windows 98 SE also included NetMeeting and Internet Explorer 5.0. Windows 98 SE was the first consumer operating system capable of using the same drivers as Windows NT 4.0. Windows ME

Windows Millennium Edition (ME) was the last OS built on the MS-DOS kernel. It was released in September 2000 and added improved support for digital media through applications such as Image Acquisition, Movie Maker, and Windows Media Player. Image Acquisition was added to simplify downloading images from digital cameras. Movie Maker was included to ease editing and recording digital video media files. Media Player was used to organize and play music and video files. To enhance reliability, Windows ME added the “system restore” feature, which could be used to restore any deleted system files to fix problems. Another important feature was system file protection, which prevented important OS files from being changed by applications. Windows ME also included a new home networking wizard to make adding peripherals and computers to a home network easier.

Windows 2000 Windows 2000 was released in February 2000 and put an end to the NT name. Even though it was built on the same NT kernel, it no longer used the name. Windows 2000 shipped with four versions: Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server. Professional was the replacement for NT 4.0 Workstation, and was used as a desktop/client OS. Windows 2000 added many of the features that NT 4.0 didn’t have, such as a disk defragmenter, device manager, and Plug and Play support.

Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Home Edition was released in 2001. It was the first consumer OS based on the NT code, which makes it the most stable and secure Microsoft consumer OS to date. Home Edition supports the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), which protects your computer while you are connected to the Internet. It also features Fast User Switching, which allows you to switch between users’ desktops without having to log off first. Home networking and multimedia capabilities have also been enhanced. Remote Assistance is a new feature that lets you ask someone for help. The helper can then remotely control your desktop and chat with you online. Also included are features such as Task Manager and System Monitor, and brand new features such as the Desktop Cleanup Wizard and taskbar grouping were introduced. Windows XP Professional Windows XP Professional includes all the features of Home Edition, and many new features geared toward business uses. Some of the new features include: Remote desktop, which allows XP Pro to act as a mini Terminal Server, hosting one remote session.  Encrypting File System (EFS), which allows you to encrypt files stored on disk. EFS was included with Windows 2000 Professional, but XP Professional adds the ability to share encrypted files with other users.  Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), which allows you to encrypt data that travels across the network.  Integrated smart card support, which allows you to use smart card authentication to log on to the network, including Windows Server 2003 terminal sessions.  Recovery console, which provides a command-line interface that administrators can use to perform repair tasks if the computer won’t boot.  The ability to join a Windows domain. While users who have a domain account can log onto the domain from an XP Home computer, the Home computer cannot have a computer account in the domain. XP Professional computers have computer accounts, allowing the administrator to manage them centrally.  Windows XP Media Center Edition Windows XP Media Center Edition is built on Windows XP technology and comes preinstalled on Media Center PCs. Media Center Edition combines home entertainment and personal computing. It puts all of your media in one place and allows you to control it via remote control. Some of the features of Windows XP Media Center Edition include: Watching live TV  Personal Video Recording (PVR)  Electronic Program Guide (Guide)  Playing DVDs  Listening to music  Watching videos  The Media Center Remote Control 

Windows Vista Microsoft Windows Vista was released in January 2007. It included many changes and added new features such as the updated graphical user interface\visual style called Windows Aero. It also featured redesigned print, audio, networking, and display subsystems. It offers improved security, easier networking, better organization, and new multimedia capabilities. Criticism of Windows Vista was based on its high system requirements, lack of driver and hardware support, as well as other problems, such as crashing and locking up. Windows Vista comes in a variety of editions, including Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise, each with its own set of features which allows you to choose the edition you need based on pricing and what you plan to do with the operating system.

Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Boulder, Denver Colorado

Windows 7 was released in October 2009, and is the successor to Windows Vista. It features the same look and interface as Vista but offers better performance and reliability. Windows 7 has more efficient ways to manage files and improved taskbar previews. It also has faster startup time and runs programs faster than Vista, although it still requires a higher end hardware to run up to its potential. Windows 7 comes in many editions, including Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise, each with its own set of features which allows you to choose the edition you need based on pricing and what you plan to do with the operating system.

Windows 8 was released in October of 2012 and is Microsoft’s first attempt to combine the desktop PC and smartphone\tablet operating system into one OS. With this new OS came new devices, such as tablets, that could easily be converted into laptops and desktops with tablet-like interfaces and features. Windows 8 is a big change from Windows 7 and the standard interface that everyone was used to. Many people were turned off by this new interface while others embraced it.

Windows 8.1 fixed some of the things people didn’t like, but the OS never gained the popularity Microsoft wanted.

Windows 10 Microsoft claims Windows 10 will the last desktop version of Windows, and it will be continually updated and improved upon so there won’t be a need for a replacement. Windows 10 brings back some of the look and feel we all loved about Windows 7, but also retains that tablet-type feel that Windows 8 had. The Start menu is back, but this time it has Live Tiles that change information for things like current events and weather. It also comes with a built-in personal assistant named Cortana, which is similar to Apple’s Siri. Windows 10 Editions Now that Windows 10 has been around for some time and has made its way to desktop computers around the world, Microsoft has decided that it will be the last version of their desktop OS (for now, at least), and that they will simply come out with new feature releases that build on the functionality of Windows rather than keep coming out with new versions. Windows 7 was a big success, and the changes they tried to push on us with Windows 8 kind of flopped, so it appears they got things right with Windows 10, and we have a compromise of both of the previous versions within it. To find out which edition of Windows 10 you are running, simply click on the Start button (window icon on the left hand side of the taskbar) and then click on the Settings gear icon. Finally, click on About at the bottom of the list on the left and it will tell you your Windows version, as well as other useful information such as what processor your computer is using and how much RAM your computer has installed.

Longmont Computer Physicians learning teaching series. Computer Physicians of Longmont, Boulder, Denver Colorado

How to use the IF function with relational operators with Excel in Microsoft and Office 365

As part of our series of helping customers with their small business needs Longmont Computer Physicians, LLC is offering these free classes on how to use different software programs. Here is our instructional video on using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

Microsoft 365 Beginner class – Excel
Microsoft 365 Intermediate class – Excel
Microsoft 365 Advanced class – Excel


 

The IF function in Excel is one of its logical functions, which evaluate to either a “TRUE” or “FALSE” value. The IF function in Excel lets you perform a logical test on a cell’s value and then return a result based on whether or not the cell’s value passes or fails the test. The IF function is similar to an “If…then…else” coding statement. You must know at least three different arguments to write a logical function. The first argument is the “logical test” to apply to the cell. The second is the cell value or formula to return if the test returns a “TRUE” value or “passes” the logical test. The third is the cell value or formula to return if the test returns a “FALSE” value or “fails” the logical test. The syntax of the IF function is: =IF(logical_test,true_response,false_response) If you want the formula to display a text value for the true response or false response, then you must place the text value inside double quotation marks (“ ”). If you want the function to display a date, it must be enclosed within pound signs (##). The only time you wouldn’t mark the data type of the value to return is if you want the function to display a numerical result or calculate a formula. Often, you may want to know if a cell passes or fails multiple logical tests.

One way to apply multiple logical tests to a cell is to use nested logical functions. A “nested” logical function in Excel is one that places the cell through a second logical test if it “fails” the first. These functions are useful for determining the value of a cell by placing it through several different tests, displaying different results based on which test it passes. You can nest up to 127 additional IF statements behind your original, if needed. The syntax for these are: =IF(logical_test _1,true_response,IF(logical_test_2,true_response,false_response)) You must remember to close all open parentheses for every IF statement you nest within the logical function at the end of the formula. In this case since there are two IF statements, there are two closing parentheses at the end of the formula. Alternatively, if using Excel 2019 or later or using Excel as part of Office 365, you can use the new IFS function to pass a cell though multiple logical tests and return a value for the test it passes. The IFS function replicates the features provided by nested IF functions, but uses a simpler, streamlined syntax. We’ll examine the IFS function in a later lesson.

In addition, you may also want to know if a cell meets multiple criteria at the same time. You can use the AND and OR functions to find this out. The AND function returns a “TRUE” value if the evaluated cell passes all the logical tests listed after the AND function. The OR function returns a true value if the evaluated cell passes any of the logical tests that follow the OR function. Note that you can evaluate up to 255 different logical tests after the AND and OR statements. When you look at how you can combine these tests with the IF function or nested IF functions, you can see how you can start to become a very powerful formula creator. Combining these Excel functions lets you place cells through a battery of tests, and then decide what function to perform or value to display, based on the results from the tests. The general syntax when combining the IF function with the AND and OR functions is as follows: =IF(AND(logical_test_1,logical_test_2,logical_test_3,etc.),true_response,false_response) =IF(OR(logical_test_1,logical_test_2,logical_test_3,etc.),true_response,false_response) The IFS function is only available in Excel 2019 or later or Excel as part of an Office 365 subscription. The IFS function in Excel lets you pass a cell through a series of logical tests and then return a value based on which logical test the cell passes. This provides a very similar functionality to using multiple, nested IF statements. When using Microsoft Office Excel 365.