Browser not able to connect to internet in windows 8.1

Hello Buddy here is my next tutorial for you ,As i got some issue facing our friends with internet connectivity in windows like Wi-Fi or LAN seems to connected but can't able to brows internet through your browser so Let's start with the tutorial to fix it by some easy steps ....

Here i am going to solve this problem by some easy steps with showing some important images that will help you to understand it clearly .

Note: In this tutorial all the Images are taken by windows 8.1 so may be some option will be changed in windows 8 or some other version of windows but the steps are almost same for all windows .

Here we go with the steps as follows :

Step 1:

• Before going to solve this you may ask why this happen with your system right ?

So Here you go for your answer :

Winsock entries tells Windows how to access your network services. and here your TCP/IP protocol can be corrupted. The TCP/IP protocol is a stack of 4 layers(Application layer,Transport layer,Internet layer,Link layer) that includes several transport layers, but when this stack is corrupt you will constantly have connectivity issues.


Image 1: TCP/IP modal.


• Now we will go for the solutions :

Right click on Start Button at the bottom left on screen And click on command prompt (Admin) as shown in the Image below .


Image 2: CMD Admin.

Step 2:

• enter the codes below in the command prompt:

netsh winsock reset catalog : to reset winsock entries

netsh int ip reset reset.log hit : to reset TCP/IP stack

• now it will ask you to reboot your system to change take place
• Note : some time You may have to re-install Chrome and Firefox or reboot to have the change take place.

Here you done with the tutorial, Enjoy .....

That's all you have to do. thanks ! and get connected for such information
All the best for your great future .

******

How to run windows 8.1 in safe mode

Hello Buddy here is my next tutorial for you ,As we know in windows 8 or 8.1 we have to follow some steps to run your PC in safe mode.So , Let's start with the tutorial to enable it by some easy steps ....

Here i am going to solve this problem by some easy steps with showing some important images that will help you to understand it clearly .

Note: In this tutorial all the Images are taken by windows 8.1 so may be some option will be changed in windows 8 .but the steps are almost same for all windows .

Here we go with the steps as follows :

Step 1:

• Go to Charm Setting by moving your cursor in top right corner of your PC .
• Click on Settings at the bottom .And click on Change PC Settings as shown in the Image below .

Image 1: Charm Settings

Step 2:

• Now Click on the Update and Recovery option at the left bottom in PC Settings .
• On update and recovery screen click on Recovery option .
• Now click on Restart Now from Advanced Startup option . As shown in Image Below :

Image 2: Update and Recovery screen

Step 3:

• After restart your PC , Click on Troubleshoot option from the obtained menu of Choose an Option Screen as shown Image below :

Image 3: choose an option

• Click on the Advanced Option from the troubleshoot option as shown below :

Image 4: Troubleshoot

Step 3:

• Click on the Startup Settings from Advanced Option screen as shown in the image below :

Image 5: Advanced option Screen

• In the Startup Settings screen you will get few options as shown below :

Image 6: Startup Settings Screen

• As per the option in the screen you need to press 4 so it will restart your PC and open with safe mode .

Here you done with the tutorial, Enjoy .....

That's all you have to do. thanks ! and get connected for such information
All the best for your great future .

******

Microsoft SQL server 2012 installation error while enabling NetFx3 OS feature in windows 8 or 8.1

Hello Buddy here is my next tutorial for you ,As we know in windows 8 or 8.1 ".Net framework 3.5(include 2.0 or 3.0)" is optional so it will not automatically enable during the windows installation but we need it to be enable to get OS feature called NetFx3 , Otherwise we will get Error while installing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 cause it will try to Enable NetFx3 while installation. So, Let's start with the tutorial to enable it by some easy steps ....

Here i am going to solve this problem by two way ,You can use which one is more suitable for you.

Solution First:

This is the first way you can enable .Net Framework 3.5(include 2.0 or 3.0) by a very simple steps and after that you can install your Microsoft SQL Server 2012 , It will install without error ,you will not have to enable NetFx3 Feature manually anywhere after these simple steps .So Let's start..

1. Go to the search in charm and type Turn Windows features on or off and click over that.


2. Now you will see a window opened on screen named Turn Windows Features on or off. As shown in the figure bellow .
   
   
   
   
   
   Figure 1: Turn Windows feature on or off window


3. As you can see in the window an unchecked check box before the feature .Net Framework 3.5(include 2.0 or 3.0)


4. Just check that check box and click Ok .


5. Before that make sure you have Internet connection ,So. It will download some file to enable this feature in your computer .


6. Now you have done enabling the Feature now restart your computer so it will work fine with your machine and now you are ready to install your Microsoft SQL Server 2012 in your machine , Now it will install fine without error related to NetFx3 OS feature .

Solution Second:

Here is one more way as i mention before starting the tutorial and here you go .this is also a very simple and most useful way to enable NetFx3 through command prompt using your windows installation media (CD or DVD). you have to do some vary simple work as mention in these steps below and most important here you do not need Internet connection at all .So let's start with the tutorial ....

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator and now you can check with the OS Features what are enabled or disabled in your computer , For that you need to type a simple command in command prompt window as : C:\>dism /online /get-features .


2. And here you can find the Feature called NetFx3 which is stated
   Feature Name : NetFx3
   State : Disabled with payload removed
   It means that .Net framework is not a part of current Operating System .


3. So here you need to insert your OS CD or DVD into DVD Drive and you can find sxs folder in sources folder inside the OS DVD if you open it as shown in the figure below .
   
   
   
   
   
   Figure 2: sxs folder inside source in OS DVD.


4. Now you need to write a simple DISM command in your command prompt running with administration privileges.
   command :
   C:\>dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:G:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
   As shown in the Image below
   
   
   
   
   
   Figure 3: DISM COMMAND in command prompt


5. Explanation about the command
   

   • DISM : Deployment Image Servicing and Management
   • /Online : targets the operating system you're running (instead of an offline Windows image( DVD)).
   • /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 : specifies that you want to enable the .NET Framework 3.5.
   • /All : enables all parent features of the .NET Framework 3.5.
   • /Source : specifies the location of the files needed to restore the feature (in this example, the G:\sources\sxs directory).
   • /LimitAccess : prevents DISM from contacting Windows Update.


6. Now almost you done ! after 100% success of the command restart your computer so it will make changes in the features and will work fine .


7. Now your computer enabled .Net Framework as you can see in the figure below .
   
   
   
   
   
   Figure 4: .Net Framework enabled

Now you can run your Microsoft SQL Server installation Disk so It will install fine without error regarding NetFx3 feature .

That's all you have to do. thanks ! and get connected for such information
All the best for your great future .

******

Access multiple Gmail accounts at the same time

Hello Buddy here is my next tutorial for you ,As i am receiving many mail related doubt about how to access multiple Gmail accounts at the same time . It was really a difficult work some time back but Google gives us the solution we just need to care it . So, Let's start with the tutorial....

In digital world ,the current trend is to have multiple mail accounts - One for the office, another for family and friends ,a third for professional contacts and yet another for freaking out . As Gmail is the most versatile e-mail utility today, we often end up having too many accounts there - intended to serve myraid purposes. But this is exactly where the problem crops in. Logging in to Gmail,Hotmail,Rediff,Yahoo! or any other account simultaneously does not pose a problem; but the glitch arises when you decide to log in to two or more accounts from the same service provider, at the same time.Simply put, you can access only one Gmail account at a time. For instance, if you have xyz@gmail.com account open in your browser and then open another Gmail tab in the same browser, it will automatically log in to the Gmail account that is already open. Therefore, you have to log out of the first before you can log in to second account . And that is a sheer waste of time and efforts, to say the least.

Google team came to understand the problem facing by users and finally came to the solution and after it made simpler so anyone can use it.

Solution :

here is some simple steps for you to get access multiple Gmail at a time :

• Sign In with your any Gmail Account .
• At right corner you will find your profile pick click on that.
• Now you will get two option at bottom Add Account and Sign out ,You need to choose Add Acount .
• Log In using next account
• Continue last three Steps till all your Gmail accounts will added .

and you done !!!

Sample Image After adding all accounts .

That's all you have to do. thanks ! and get connected for such information
All the best for your great future .

******

Microsoft Student Partner registration and Selection process for 2014

Microsoft Student Partner 2014 registration extended to jan.31^st for India

hello buddy In this post i am going to let you know about Microsoft Student Partner Program and selection process for 2014.

Microsoft Student Program

Microsoft Started Partner program is a world wide program to make bridge among Students and Technology, So student's will explore their knowledge and passion to learn and share about latest technology from Microsoft . If you think, your love of technology impossible to hide, You aspire to do more than what's expected, You live to code, You love social media, You really involved on your campus ,Then this opportunity is made for a Student like you. Microsoft Student Partners (MSPs) are social and friendly students who like to meet new people. MSPs are the game changers of the future. They think and act boldly.

The MSP Program is active in over 80 countries around the world. MSPs represent their global region and their local campus as Microsoft technology experts.

As an MSP you will :

• build apps and demos
• demonstrate the newest technologies and host tech events on your campus
• acquire the tools and training to lead technology discussions on your campus
• build your global network with industry experts
• connect with like-minded students and faculty around the world
• attend trainings from Microsoft leaders to enhance your knowledge about cutting edge technologies
• be the one on your campus with insight and answers on Microsoft technologies

Technology is King. Everyone uses it. But YOU embrace it, explain it, and share it. Now, go for it.

Selection process :

Your process for selection will start by registration, So click here for registration.
Select your country in the list and click on LEARN MORE! As for India ,select India and click on LEARN MORE! now you will redirect to the Application page.
The 2013 Application Cycle is open from 25th October, 2013 to 31st January, 2014

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Complete the online application form: Apply Now
Step 2: The following requirements must be met:

Note : You must complete at least 2 out of 4 of the following activities to be considered eligible for step 3.

List of Activities:

Activity 1. Windows 8 App:

Build one new Windows 8.x App and it should be published to the Windows Store between 25th October, 2013 and 31st January, 2014. Please note that those new Windows 8.x apps that go through the App Lab and get a Silver or higher grading before being published on the Store will be considered more favorably.

The following apps will not be considered as a successful completion of this activity:

1. Calculators
2. RSS Feed Readers
3. Converters (Currency, Time etc.)

Note:

• Windows Phone 8 apps are not considered as part of this activity.

Activity 2. Windows Azure Community Contribution:

Mentor at least 1 unique individual from the community to achieve the status of a “Windows Azure Champion” by organizing workshops/ seminars/ trainings/ evangelism sessions by engaging with Startup’s/ Business Incubators/ Developers/ Technology Enthusiasts/ Technocrats etc.

Important Note: (Microsoft would award the status of “Windows Azure Champion” strictly as per the Terms & Conditions of the Windows Azure App Accelerator Campaign as per the valid claims sent to indiaazurechamp@microsoft.com from 25th October, 2013 to 31st January, 2014).

Activity 3. Office App:

Build 1 New High Quality Office App and it should be published to the Office Store between 25th October, 2013 and 31st January, 2014.

The following apps will not be considered as a successful completion of this activity:

1. Calculators
2. Converters
3. Translators
4. Dictionaries
5. App(s) built using third party App Builders

Activity 4. Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA):

Utilize Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) to keep enhancing your skills and get featured on the Top Students Weekly Leader Board in India on the Official Microsoft Virtual Academy Website Click here (between 25th October, 2013 and 31st January, 2014).

Important Note: In this activity you are expected to earn points on MVA by genuinely learning courses, carefully going thru various course material and understanding concepts, doing necessary practical course work yourself as per the modules, taking up these course assessment tests etc. and then basis your hard work you may get featured on the Top Students Weekly Leader Board in India on the official MVA website . As part of this activity submission process Microsoft will carefully track and consider these parameters to approve this activity submission claim.

II. Recommendation Letter from your faculty or Microsoft Student Partner (MSP):

Here you have to get a letter from your faculty or any MSP and that should clearly state the attributes or qualities possessed by the student to be recommended to become an MSP.

III. Activity Submission Form of Step 2:

You would be required to submit the MSP Selection Activities details (latest by 31st January, 2014) here.

Request you to submit this form once you have completed the required set of activities mentioned above in Step 2.

Step 3: Telephonic Interview with MSP Team:

Students who successfully complete minimum of 2 out of 4 mentioned activities in Step 2 would be eligible for the telephonic interview with the MSP Team. This would be the knock out round in the MSP Selection Process.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
MSP Selection would be done based on merit and mere completion of the activities and the steps of the MSP selection process does not mean that the candidate would be selected as an MSP. It is ultimately at the sole discretion of Microsoft to decide on who they wish to select as an MSP.

That's all you have to do for get Involved in such a big program to Initiate you FUTURE. thanks ! and get connect for such great information All the best for your great future .

******

create and add signature in Outlook 2013

Hello Buddy here is my next tutorial for you ,it's about how you can create your won Digital Signature for your mail and add them to your mail, So it will attach automatically to your Mail . So, Let's start with the tutorial....

Create Signature for your Outlook Mail

Before starting to create signature you should know that you can personalize you signature including text, images, your electronic business card, a logo, or even an image of your handwritten signature.So no worry about that.

Create a signature.

Step 1:   Go to the New Email Tab and Click it.

Step 2:   Select the Message Tab

Step 3:   Go to Include group and click Signature and then signatures .

Step 4:   Click New button then new dialog-box will open.

Step 5:   Type the name of the signature and click ok.

Step 6:   Now here goes your Signature , edit it as you want . Here you can add text,pictures ,links for your                Website and Blog,you can decorate it by using different color ,etc...

Step 7:   Now click Save and Ok .

That's over now you have created and saved your Signature over here. Below is the complete picture instruction for you .

complete Picture Instruction

that's all about creating the Signature but to attach it you have to select attach signature in outlook.
Other than this we have one more way to set your signature and simply check the box to attach auto signature to the mail by using office 365 .

Create your Signature By Using Office 365 :

Step 1:   Login to office 365 and choose Outlook .Click over setting icon on the top most right                                  corner.Now select Manage Apps .

Step 2:   Now click over settings .

Step 3:   Select Mail tab.

Step 4:  Create your own signature as you want using text,images ,links, etc.. and you can decorate text by                 using different colors, etc,etc..

Step 5:   Make Sure you have checked the CheckBox to auto attach your signature.

Step 6:  Yes! you have almost done .Finally click on Save button and exit.

And here is the complete picture instructions given below for you .

complete Picture Instruction for office 365.

Stay tuned for more information in next article .

How to Enable Internet Information Services (IIS) server manager on windows 8.1 Enterprise Edition .

"In this article i am going to share some Idea how to Enable IIS server to Your machine to use your full development feature in Dot Net Development Tools ."

Introduction

Internet Information Services (IIS) for Windows® Server is a flexible, secure and manageable Web server for hosting anything on the Web. From media streaming to web applications, IIS's scalable and open architecture is ready to handle the most demanding tasks.

Configure Your Computer With IIS7 or above !

Now before Start configuring your computer as IIS server Make sure you are logged in to your computer as administrator ,You should have all right to the administration of your computer. Now you can start .

Step :1

Go to the start button right click on it ,Select Control panel As shown in the figure:1 .

Figure:1

Step :2

Now click on programs and you will find programs and features on the dialog window as shown in the figure:2 .

Figure:2

Step :3

Go to the dialog window click on Turn Windows Features On and Off . you will get one more dialog window Named as Windows Feature wait till all feature will shown to you.

Step :4

Find the feature named Internet Information Services and expand it as shown in figure:3.

Figure:3

Step :5

Now you will find World Wide Web Services over there ,Now expand it and will get Application Development Features . Expand it To see all features you need to enable.

Step :6

Now almost you have done Check all the feature you want to enable to the IIS .
Example :

.Net Extensibility 3.5

.Net Extensibility 4.5

ASP.Net 3.5

ASP.Net 4.5

CGI

ISAPI Extensions

ISAPI Filters

As Shown in Figure:4 .

Figure:4

Step :7

Now Reboot your System . And You Done !

Please Give your Feedback In comment box if any mistake as grammar or typo misplace or Anything you want us to Improve . thanks!

How To Rearm Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation To Extend 90 Days Trial

Microsoft has officially released evaluation (trial) version of Windows 8 RTM (Final Build). It is Enterprise version which would run for free till 90 days without any limitation. Rearm is a inbuilt feature which lets you extend trial period of Windows 8.

Not a new one but it is around in all Microsoft Products like Windows 7 Rearm or even Office 2010 rearm is also possible.

So, it isn’t cracking or illegal method to activate Windows 8. If you want to continue trial version for some more days, re-arm Windows 8 Evaluation version.

You can rearm the evaluation and make it run more than 90 days after expiration of Trial Period.

1)To see the current license information of Windows 8, type the following command:

     slmgr /dli

2) To see the detailed information of the current license type, type the following command:    

    slmgr /dlv
3) To see the expiration date of the current license, type the following command:
     slmgr /xpr 
4) To extend the current license grace period again and rearm Windows, type the following command:
     slmgr /rearm

All the commands are really not required, they are given just for information. Optionally you can perform Step 1 and Step 4.

snaps is here :

My first event in my college as an MSP.

Today we had an event in my college campus. It was a great experience for me to have my first campus event drive in my college as an MSP. We had five session in the event (MSP Intro, Windows Phone 8, windows 8, windows Azure, IE -9/10). I would like to thank Mr. Niwin Santhosh & Mr. Vivek Invincible for their the windows phone session & Mr. Karthik Padmanabhan for the windows 8 session ,Mr. Prasaanth Sundar for the windows Azure session and Mr. Prabuddha Mishra for the IE-9/10 session, all the session were wonderful, technical as well cool with demonstrations . I had handled the MSP Intro session and covered information about MSP, how to be an MSP, benefits of MSP, MS programs for MSP as well as for non msp students including Imagine Cup, Student to business, Ed-Vantage, etc. Thanks to all those who supported me to have this successful event.

Privacy Policy for Windows 8 Apps

None of your data will be used, collected or processed. Doesn't Store or ask the user to Enter any of his Credentials. This application only streams videos and nothing more. No IP address, not tinkering, no sneaking information around. Your data, connection, device type and so on will never be collected. Ever! This app simply uses internet to call a Service to manipulate the data. That’s it. So rest assured, all is well with My Apps on Windows 8. 

If you have any questions send us an email to pankajkumarcse02@gmail.com 

and https://www.facebook.com/pankajpkm

EDUCATION LOAN SUBSIDY SCHEME FINALIZED

EDUCATION LOAN SUBSIDY SCHEME FINALIZED

To make education loans cheaper, a scheme was finalised Thursday to provide full interest subsidy on the loans taken by students with annual family income below Rs.4.5 lakh to pursue technical and professional courses.

The format for the scheme was finalised after a meeting between the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).

"The scheme provides interest subvention to students for the period of their course. The interest for this period will be paid to the banks by the government," a ministry official said.

The Canara Bank was finalised as the nodal bank for IBA member banks to claim the subsidy amount reimbursement.

The scheme, which was approved by the cabinet last year, provides interest subvention to students with annual family income below Rs.4.5 lakh for the period till there course finishes. It will provide interest subvention from the academic year 2009-10.

"The moratorium period also covers the time taken by the student to get a job, or one year, whichever comes first," the official said.

The scheme will be valid for all loans from scheduled banks for pursuing courses in professional and technical streams from recognised institutes in India.

"All eligible students who wish to avail the benefits should approach the respective bank branch from where they availed of the education loan and complete the necessary formalities, including obtaining the certification in respect of annual family income from the competent authority at the local level," the official said.

The individual student accounts will then be credited with the interest due on the loan for the academic year 2009-10 onwards, the official added.

The scheme is effective for all IBA-approved educational loans.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/finance/Education-loan-subsidy-scheme-finalised/articleshow/6086980.cms

White House struggles to contain new Libya storm

Mitt Romney has accused Vice President Joe Biden of “doubling down on denial” as the White House struggled to combat a growing storm over the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

The latest exchanges battered an administration repeatedly thrown onto the defensive by the political reverberations of the attack on September 11 which killed U.S. ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

White House spokesman Jay Carney was forced Friday to clarify remarks by Biden who appeared to contradict evidence that U.S. officials refused extra security for US posts in Libya prior to the Benghazi assault.

“The vice president was speaking about himself and the president and the White House. Obviously he wasn’t talking (about) the administration writ large,” Carney said.

Biden said in his campaign debate on Thursday with Romney’s running mate Paul Ryan that “we weren't told they wanted more security.”

Republican nominee Romney pounced on those remarks as he sought to splinter Obama's reputation as a strong commander-in-chief, 25 days from election day.

“He’s doubling down on denial,” Romney said in Virginia.

“When the Vice President of the United States directly contradicts the testimony -- sworn testimony -- of State Department officials, American citizens have a right to know just what's going on.”

Carney said the vice president was aware of the testimony by U.S. security officials at a congressional hearing on Wednesday that extra protection for the posts had been requested and then denied.

“Nowhere in those four hours of testimony was it suggested that those requests were made essentially to the White House because that is not how this works,” Carney said.

The lack of a direct tie so far between Obama and the security situation at the Benghazi post gives the White House a plausible defense, but has not stopped fierce Republican efforts to make the president pay a political price.

Protection issues related to Libya diplomatic posts and elsewhere were dealt with in the appropriate place -- at the State Department -- and not at the White House, Carney said.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland agreed that generally, such issues were handled inside the State Department.

“I obviously don’t have any information to contradict what the vice president said, if that’s what you’re asking,” she told reporters.

The latest developments would be a headache at any time for the White House, but are especially nettlesome given Obama's looming date with voters on November 6.

The Obama campaign hit back, again accusing Romney of politicizing a national security crisis, with spokeswoman Lis Smith saying “the American people deserve more from someone who wants to be Commander-in-Chief.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also rode into the fray Friday amid Republican claims the administration was too slow to brand the attack as terrorism and has frequently changed its story on what happened.

“To this day, to this day ... we do not have a complete picture, we do not have all the answers,” Clinton said.

She also defended U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice, who had said on the Sunday after the attack that it appeared to be a “spontaneous” protest over an anti-Muslim film made on U.S. soil and posted on YouTube.

Subsequent evidence have suggested there was no major protest outside the consulate, and that the plot was planned by local militants, possibly with help from several outside extremists.

Clinton said that Rice was acting on the same intelligence assessments that every other government official had at the time.

“We can only tell you what we know based on our most current understanding of the attack, and what led up to it. Obviously we will know more as time goes by. And we will know even more than we did hours and days after the attack.”

Two U.S. officials testified on Wednesday that requests for extra support for U.S. posts in Tripoli and Benghazi had been refused.

“It was abundantly clear: We were not going to get resources until the aftermath of an incident,” regional security officer Eric Nordstrom told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing.

Nordstrom said he sought to bolster security by asking for 12 more agents, but was told by a State Department regional director that he was asking for the “sun, moon and the stars.”

Late Friday, The New York Times reported that in the weeks leading up to the killings of Stevens and the other Americans, U.S. diplomats in Libya indeed sent out a stream of diplomatic cables, warning of a worsening threat from Islamic extremists and requesting that the teams of military personnel and security guards who were already on duty be kept in service.

But the requests -- ultimately denied -- were largely focused on extending the tours of security guards at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, not at the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, the paper said.http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/13/243468.html

MSP Selection Video 2012-13

it's to proud of India!

Windows8 app fest is over in Bangalore with making a history with the Guinness book record .
we are just now leaving from the app fest Bangalore to Chennai. there are 2576 developer meeting is going on for continuously 18 hours .
        non-stop Eat-Drink& code .

      

Microsoft confirms October 25 launch for Windows 8

It's not a big surprise to readers of this blog, but Microsoft officials confirmed on September 17 that Windows 8 will launch in New York City on October 25.

Here's the "Save the Date" invitation:

Microsoft is still not sharing the specific venue, time or agenda for the launch. Microsoft officials did share that there will be a Manhattan holiday pop-up store opening this fall, but declined to say whether it would be open in time for the Windows 8 launch.

Microsoft is making Windows 8 -- and Surface RT, its first tablet running the Windows RT on ARM version of the product -- available commercially on October 26.

New York City has been Microsoft's chosen site for many of its recent Windows launches, including Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Anyone out there coming to the New York City launch on October 25? If so, anyone interested in a tweet-up/meet-up? Chime in here, if so.

Microsoft readies Office 2010 to Office 2013 upgrade program

Just like it does with Windows, Microsoft typically offers its Office customers an upgrade guarantee program, allowing them to buy the current version of a product with a free or discounted upgrade to the next one being part of the package.

One of my contacts said the Office 2013 upgrade guarantee will begin in about a month's time -- specifically on October 19. If this is correct, users purchasing Office 2010 between that date and the end of the covered period (which my same contact said is April 30, 2013) will get some kind of guaranteed upgrade to Office 2013 once it is generally available.

Microsoft officials have not shared public guidance as to Office 2013's planned release-to-manufacturing (RTM) or general availability dates. My sources have heard that the RTM target is November 2012, with general availability slated for February 2013. (Those with TechNet/MSDN and volume-licensing agreements would likely get the final bits shortly after they RTM.)

Microsoft offered the Office 2010 tech guarantee program for those purchasing Office 2007 as of March 2010. The period of coverage was seven months, roughly the same amount of time the Office 2013 tech guarantee supposedly will last.

The Office 2010 tech guarantee upgrade program was free. It's unknown whether the Office 2013 one will be, as well. If Office follows Windows' lead, it may not be. Microsoft announced it will be charging those who purchase Windows 7 PCs between June 2 and January 31, 2013, $14.99 to obtain an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro once it is generally available. The Windows Vista upgrade program before this was free.

My contact sent me a couple of screen shots of what allegedly appeared briefly on theOffice.com/offer page (which is not currently available), which I have included below.

It appears the upgrade offer for Office will be for Windows users who purchase Office 2010 Home & Student, Home & Business 2010, Professional 2010 or University 2010 and Mac users who purchase University 2011 or Home & Student 2011 between October 19 and April 30, 2013. Windows users who buy these SKUs will have a choice of upgrading to Office 365 Home Premium (which is currently one of the new Office versions that is being beta tested) or Office 2013 SKUs that are more comparable to what's out there already.

The chart above shows some of the differences between Office 365 Home Premium and these more traditional Office 2013 releases. Office 365 Home Premium can be installed on up to five PCs and/or Macs and is licensed to a user as a one-year subscription, which will need to be renewed to continue usage. The more traditional Office 2013 SKUs can be installed on only one Windows PC with a non-transferrable license. (The Office for University and Mac Home & Student users will have the option to upgrade to Office 365 Home Premium only.)

I am not sure whether these Office upgrades will be free, but given there's no visible price on these screen shots, I'd say there's a chance.

I've asked Microsoft for comment on the details and dates of the coming Office upgrade program but have yet to hear back.

Update: Microsoft officials said they had no comment on anything about the alleged Office upgrade program.

Update (September 17): Microsoft officials confirmed all the details about the upgrade offer in my original post were correct, including the start and end dates and the SKU listings. The listed upgrades will be free to users who purchase Office 2010 between October 19 and the end of April, officials said.

Topics: Microsoft, Apple, Software, Windows

It's all about latest technology.

Visual Studio 2012 bends to shifting IT landscape
Microsoft updated its Visual Studio software Wednesday so that the IDE reflects many of the changes that challenge developers, including mobility and cloud computing.

Experts urge prep for Microsoft's cert-blocking update
Microsoft yesterday delivered two security updates that patched two vulnerabilities in Visual Studio Team Foundation Server and System Center Configuration Manager.

Microsoft adds devops to updated Visual Studio
Microsoft formally rolls out new software development platform, along with enhancements

Windows Store for apps opens to all developers globally
The Windows Store, a new online marketplace for applications for Windows 8 and Windows RT computers, is now open to developers in 120 geographic markets.

Microsoft backpedals, promises to patch Windows 8's Flash 'shortly'
Microsoft today said it would update Flash on Windows 8 'shortly,' although it declined to set a timetable.

Microsoft names 32 'pop-up' stores that may sell the Surface RT tablet this fall
Microsoft today said it would open nearly three dozen 'pop-up' stores this fall in U.S. and Canadian malls and shopping centers to sell its own hardware and software.

Microsoft prepares developers for Windows Phone 8 SDK launch
Microsoft started accepting on Wednesday requests for access to the Windows Phone SDK 8.0 Developer Preview program,