Microsoft Office 2013 - Looking at Word 2013 and Excel 2013

A Quick Look at Microsoft Word and Excel 2013
In addition to moving Office to the cloud for 2013, Microsoft has also made improvements to the individual apps contained within the most popular suite of productivity tools ever created. The newest version of Office is also touch-screen enabled, integrated to their cloud-based storage system SkyDrive, available across a variety of devices, and more versatile than ever before.

As support specialists it is part of our function to help you discover new, more productive tools for your organization. So, let's take a deeper look at the improvements to Word and Excel that are being offered within Office 2013.

What's new in Word 2013?
The first thing you will notice about the latest version of Word is that it has a cleaner, more polished look. With an array of new design tools and templates available in Word 2013, creating new documents is easier than ever before. You will also discover new and improved paths to sharing docs and collaborating with others. The new reader-friendly design, you will enjoy improved focus and fewer distractions as you work on your documents.

• Enhanced "Read Mode" - allows text flows automatically in columns, making it easier on the eyes and a pleasure to read. The need for scrolling the page has also been eliminated with a simple click required to compress the portions you've read and bring up the next section.
• New "Object Zoom" - feature for viewing charts, tables, images, or videos. Simply click the item you wish to see in detail for an enhanced close-up, the click again to reduce to normal size and continue reading the doc.
• New "Resume Reading" - function will automatically bookmark your document and return you to the previous location when you return to finish reading. You can even resume reading on a different device - a different PC or a tablet - at the exact location you left off reading.
• Improved Document Sharing - across devices with an array of collaborators for increased efficiency and productivity.
• Improved "Reply Comment" - function allows you and your collaborators to share comments on any changes made, or to be made, in your documents.
• Sharing has been greatly simplified - with fully integrated use of SkyDrive. Make sure every participant has the latest version of your doc without having to email it to them.
• New "Present Online" - function allows you to share docs with others, even if they don't have access to Word. Simply share the link with them and they can follow along with you in their own browser.
• New "Alignment Guides" - to help you polish your digital presentations, giving them a truly professional look and feel - including PDF content.
• New "Live Layout" - function makes adding images, charts, and videos as easy a s a click of the mouse, reshaping the text to accommodate them automatically.
• New "PDF Reflow" - function allows you to open a PDF directly into Word, make your edits and changes, and then resave as a Word doc or as a new PDF. Finally, a PDF behaves just like a Word document.

What's new in Excel 2013?
Much like Word has done, Excel 2013 has also made the move to the cloud, with enhanced features and new functionality that makes this most popular spreadsheet app more versatile than ever before. With new and improved ways to insert and track data, as well as improved graphical enhancements and access to cloud-based sharing via SkyDrive, Excel 2013 has again become the most versatile spreadsheet application on the market.

• New "Flash Fill" - function provides easy data formatting as Excel learns your patterns and completes the remaining formulations for you - no macros required.
• "Recommended Pivot Table" - function allows you to present your data in the most concise and compelling fashion, by suggesting various pivot-table options for you.
• "Recommended Charts" - feature helps you discover the most effective charting options for your data. Simply click the recommended option you wish to use.
• New "Quick Analysis" - feature helps you discover a variety of data presentations. Simply choose your formatting options and apply them with a single mouse click or tap of the touch-screen.
• New "Chart Formatting Control" - function helps you "fine-tune" your charts quickly and easily. Change every element of your chart, including title and layout, from an enhanced, interactive interface.
• "Simplified Sharing" - of Excel spreadsheets is available through SkyDrive (or SharePoint) now by default. Collaboration is also available with anyone and everyone who needs to make input, and everyone will always have the latest version.
• "Social Network Embed" - feature allows direct posting to your social network pages, whether portions or the entirety of your data.
• "Present Online" - feature allows you to share your workbooks, and/or allow collaboration, through a Lync conversation or meeting.

Needless to say, there are plenty of exciting new features and productivity enhancements to Word and Excel contained within Microsoft Office 2013.

You might also be interested in our series of articles for Microsoft Office 2013.

Darryl K. is an owner at North Star, Inc. for Denver IT Support, specializing in providing quality and reliable IT support for Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado, and have been doing so since 1992.

North Star offers a complete IT department ideally suited for full outsourcing of your IT needs or for specific projects you need to implement in your business.

Are Android Viruses and Malwares Really Dangerous?

With the increasing popularity of android smart phones in the market, the number of malware and viruses targeting the android operating system has increased radically. The operating system remains relatively safe if softwares are installed from trustworthy places in the market and web surfing is kept minimum. However installation of third party 'cracked' softwares is the core cause of virus attack on the operating system. As such one should think twice before installing any application from sources which are not trusted and also before clicking any dubious links. Do not get tempted by the features offered by such applications, they will always try to lure you into installing them. But in the end, you won't be enjoying any of the promised benefits but will end up with loads of viruses in your precious phone! To prevent the affect of viruses and other malwares, the role of android anti-virus is indispensable.

There can be no second opinion about the fact that android malwares are indeed dangerous as they intend to steal information from the user. In some cases it has been found that SMS messages were sent to different numbers by malware from a phone that has been affected by it. As malware and virus developers find new and more sophisticated ways everyday to trick the phone users into installing applications with malwares in them, it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the attack of such unwanted programs. The problem is aggravated by constant desire of people to get their hands on the latest applications containing the best possible features.

However these viruses and malwares cannot spread by themselves, the user needs to grant access to them into the operating system. As such they can be resisted to some extent by avoiding installation of applications which are not trusted. However the use of android anti-virus is regarded as the best option. Android anti-virus needs to be installed in the operating system itself and thus it protects it against the malicious attack of viruses and malwares. Some of the best known android anti-virus available in the market today are Dr.Web Anti-virus Light, Lookout Security & Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, NetQin Security & Antivirus, ESET Mobile Security and others.

Hence with the protection of a capable anti-virus accompanied by proper judgement before installing any application, you can keep viruses and malwares at bay from your smart phone! You should download applications only from websites which are well trusted.

Buying The Best Tablet

The iPad is the most prominent tablet on the market, being the first one in the market, and effectively founding it. The iPad has access to the Apple App Store, which is a shop which allows iPad owners to download Apps from a massive selection which is ever growing. Many games developers have taken on the challenge of producing better and better games for the iPad, and succeeded on many levels, with franchises such as Modern Combat and N.O.V.A being downloaded eagerly by iPad owners across the globe.

The Microsoft Surface is a tablet produced by Microsoft, and features a version of the Windows 8 operating system, built to be more user friendly and specifically for touch screen computers such as tablets. Surface also comes with an attachable keyboard, which can be used to turn the tablet into a laptop for those who want to be able to sit down and work on a tablet properly, without needing to use a touch screen keyboard. This tablet is designed to be more professional than the iPad, and will work better for someone who wants a tablet to play around on but also wants a keyboard they can sit down and work at for a few hours.

Google have produced the Nexus series of tablets, coming in a selection of different sizes to suit the needs of the user. The Nexus tablets hold similar functionality to the iPad and Surface, but hold the advantage of being made by one of the largest companies in the world, meaning the software for these tablets should be cutting-edge. These tablets also have access to the Google App store, one which is working its way towards equalling that of the Apple App Store, and could grow to become the biggest application store available. Those who want a tablet with a lot of potential should by a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a tablet and laptop hybrid, created to bridge the gap for those who desire both a tablet and a laptop. This tablet uses a version of Windows 8 operating system and works in much the same way as the Surface, except that this tablet is only formed when folded from the laptop form. Initially this is a laptop and can be used as one, with a fully functioning keyboard which the screen will fold down to in the classic fashion. Should someone need a tablet however, they can fold the screen the opposite way and end up with a tablet which works in the same way as Surface. The advantage of having this tablet is that anyone can use it as a laptop as well if needed, meaning they don't need to have a computer as well as their tablet.

Relief for iPhone 4S users: iOS 6.1.1 update fixes key issues

Apple's iPhone 4S is getting an exclusive new update to fix the cellular performance and reliability issues the 2011 phone has been experiencing.

The 6.1.1 fix was released on Monday for iPhone 4S models, and no other versions of the iPhone (or cellular iPads) will receive the update.

Apple's 6.1 update, released at the end of January, added some features to the mobile OS. Unfortunately, it also added some problematic issues for iPhone 4S users.

Thankfully, Apple was relatively quick with a comeback fix, and Monday's 6.1.1 update is hopefully just what the iDoctor ordered.

Think before updating

The iOS 6.1 update expanded LTE offerings for international users of theiPhone 5 and newer iPads.

It also gave Siri the ability to purchase movie tickets direct from Fandango, plus iTunes Match to let users download individual songs from iCloud.

But iOS 6.1 wasn't all gravy - iPhone 4S users began experiencing issues with cellular data connections, especially on U.K. carrier Vodafone, whichurged customers not to update at all until Apple came out with a fix.

Apple's official statement on the update reads that iOS 6.1.1 "fixes an issue that could impact cellular performance and reliability for iPhone 4S."

Hopefully, Vodafone users' iPhone 4S problems will be cleared up by the fix.

According to CNET, some iOS 6.1 users also experienced a bug that caused issues between the iOS Mail app and Microsoft Exchange, but it's unclear if iOS 6.1.1 swept that mess up as well.

TechRadar asked to Apple to find out, but the Cupertino company has not yet responded.

iPhone 6 release date, news and rumours

The iPhone 5 was evolution rather than revolution, so what's in store for iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S, if Apple's next iPhone is so named.

Some rumours suggest that there will be a new cheaper iPhone, which may or may not be the iPhone 6 (it may well be the iPhone 5S, perhaps?). Digitimes says the cheap iPhone will have a plastic chassis rather like the iPhone 3GS - or at the least some kind of hybrid plastic-metal design. TechRadar's Gareth Beavis believes the lower cost market is something Apple can't afford not to be involved in.

So when will the IPhone 6 release date be? Some analysts and observers are predicting that it could be as early as summer 2013. We think it's more likely we'll see a new iPhone release in September

Blogger Ed Valdez cites six reasons why we can expect an iPhone 6 announcement by June 2013 - a mere nine months after the iPhone 5. But it's still quite likely there will be an iPhone 5S instead of iPhone 6.

iPhone 6 design

Many potential buyers d on the iPhone 5's design. For some of you the taller screen was odd - it "looks strange at best," said nebulaoperator - and for others it simply wasn't big enough.

Lions87a reckons even 4.5 inches would be too little: "popular phones like the Galaxy S2 and S3 have shown that people are pretty happy nowadays to accept bigger than what the iPhone 5 is currently offering."

Writing in the Chicago Sun-Times, influential tech journalist Andy Ihnatko suggests that taller isn't necessarily better. "The benefit of bigger screens is almost entirely in their increased width, not their length," he writes.

"A wider keyboard is easier to type on. Books, web pages, and emails will have wider margins and they'll be more comfortable to read."

John Gruber of Daring Fireball agrees that bigger isn't always better, but he's not a fan of wider, either: while he says that "navigating the full screen while holding the iPhone in one hand is worse," rivals' wider screens mean it "really is far more difficult to do anything on them one-handed, including typing."

A new set of patents filed by Apple, that we outlined on 15 October 2012, suggest that the iPhone 6 design might hide external-facing components such as the camera and flash from view using a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal window which can change opacity on demand.

The question at the moment is whether Apple's next-generation iPhone will be beaten to the punch by the new Samsung Galaxy S4 which could even debut at Mobile World Congress in February.

iPhone 6 processor

No surprises here: we had plenty of people telling us that rival firms' processors have more cores. However, as Lions87a pointed out, "If the iPhone 5 or Nokia 920 can run their OS without any lag or delay, and delivers a flawless experience, and the Galaxy S3 does the same with a quad-core, then the number of cores, and the speed of the cores is irrelevant. The argument turns into 'which operating system is best?'"

Did someone say operating system?

iPhone 6 operating system

iOS has been around for a while, and for many it's getting stale. "I don't think anyone can deny that the

UI needs a refresh when you see widgets and live tiles on competitors' phones," says Vincennes, while Tubemonkey2000 says that "the current [UI] is so tired and old it makes it seem really basic, sort of like a kids' toy."

Our own Gareth Beavis agrees, arguing that "there are so many tweaks Apple could make to its OS to turn it into more of a powerhouse – icons that update with information, or extending the widgets in the notification bar beyond weather and stocks... Apple is taking things very slowly on this front."

iPhone 6 price

iPhones have never been cheap, but in a world of credible - and cheaper - competition they look pricier than ever. Or maybe it's because the iPhone's price has gone up. Saltire is "surprised no-one has mentioned the price increase for the 16GB model", while Gareth Beavis says that "we simply cannot see how a 16GB model can cost £529 / $199, but to double the memory will cost an extra £70/ $100 with no other changes to the design."

There's no doubt that you pay more for the materials, fit and finish of an iPhone than you do for, say, a plasticky Android handset, and not everyone thinks that's worth it.

"£529 for a phone that is no better than my six month old Android shows the arrogance of Apple," Alastairmack says, while Beavis points out that when you consider contracts, "it's far and away the most expensive in the shop, and most of the time you don't even get unlimited data."

iPhone 6 features

iPhone 6 will include a Super HD screen display and camera according to new reports in December 2012.

NFC has, possibly unfairly, been dubbed "Not For Commerce" (or more saltily, "No Effing Customers"), but for many it's the most obvious omission from the iPhone 5 - "not because of the technology itself," says Fmartins, "but to really give the critical mass contactless payments need. Plus, I would love to use the phone as my Oyster card."

For Fmartins, that would be good for everyone: while s/he isn't an iPhone fan, "it would have been nice seeing Apple push the envelope again so that I could benefit on [a] Lumia down the line." Gareth Beavis agrees. "It's not quite there yet in terms of market penetration for payments, but the world's largest network of accessories could definitely have made use of it for making ever cooler docks and cases," he says.

On 3 October, we reported that Apple is looking at Australian fingerprint technology for NFC mobile payments, so it seems that NFC could arrive with the iPhone 6.

Other suggestions included more LTE bands, which we're sure we'll get next year when other UK 4G networks launch; expandable storage - not something we imagine Apple doing when it can flog you iTunes Match and/or get you to pay a small fortune for the 32GB model over the 16GB - and brighter, more saturated screens, although given the improvements to the iPhone 5's screen that one's largely a personal preference. Oh, and of course you'd like Apple to fix Maps too.

Maps has the potential to be a superb and very useful app, but it needs some work

iPhone 6 reception

No, not antennas - they seem fine this time - but the critical reception. As Lusky79 says, even without cock-ups such as Maps, any new iPhone is going to be disappointing: "Even if Apple had all the suggestions [here], it would still seem mediocre because the revolution was the original iPhone and the other, similar, smartphones that followed." As Nenslo put it: "What the iPhone really needs is Steve Jobs."

iPhone 6 wireless charging

According to CP Tech, Apple filed a patent application last month for Wireless Power Utilization, a wireless charging system with near-field magnetic resonance (NFMR). That means we'll get wireless charging at last.

iPhone 5S spied on the production line in China?

A host of images have turned up online claiming to show a yet unannounced Apple handset on production lines in China which could potentially be the iPhone 5S.

There's been a huge amount of speculation surrounding the next iteration of iPhone, with many suggesting Apple will release an incremental upgrade to the iPhone 5 instead of going the whole hog with the iPhone 6.

The 14 images picked up by Chinese site SJBBS appear to show a handset which looks very similar to that of the iPhone 5, which further boosts thinking that the 5S is on the cards.

Can you feel it?

With no distinguishing features to separate the front plate snaps from the current leader in the iPhone range, people have been taking a closer look at the pictures displaying the components inside the device.

Apparently the handset in the picture uses a different rotational motor, which makes the phone vibrate, to the one found in the iPhone 5.

Some people had complained that the vibration on the iPhone 5 was noisier that on its predecessors, so Apple may be addressing this with its next smartphone.

Of course we're taking all these pictures with a hefty dosage of salt as it's not the first time we've seen factory leaks claiming to be an Apple product, only to turn out to be fakes.

iOS 6 Social Framework

Prior to iOS 6, sharing content on social networks like facebook, twitter wasn’t that easy. In iOS 6, however, social media integration has been made easy and can be done very quickly. In iOS 6, the social framework supports integration with Facebook, Twitter and Sina Weibo. It supports twitter is the obvious reason that twitter framework is depreciated in iOS 6. Sina Weibo is a very popular micro blogging platform in China.

For integrating social framework, there are two classes which needed to understand.

• SLRequest
• SLComposeViewController

These are similar with two classes TWRequest and TWComposeViewController of Twitter framework.
SL indicates that it is part of the Social framework.

iOS 6 Social Framework

SLRequest :

• SLRequest class is a part of the Social Framework included in iOS 6.
• SLRequest is used to construct HTTP requests.
• It takes properties and request method of http request and provides a simple template for constructing requests.
• Then this request is sent to APIs of Facebook, Twitter or Sina Weibo and application will receive according data in response.
• Thus SLRequest is used to perform functions allowed by APIs of social networks.

SLComposeViewController :

• SLComposeViewController class is used to share content with supported social networks, Facebook, Twitter and Sina Weibo.
• It presents a view to compose a post for Facebook, Twitter or Sina Weibo.

Account framework is also used along with social framework to get account information which is set in settings of device.
Account framework provides access to user account details stored in the accounts database.

Let’s take an example of how to use SLRequest and SLComposeViewController.

There are three types of service.

1. SLServiceTypeFacebook
2. SLServiceTypeTwitter
3. SLServiceTypeSinaWeibo

To post text and image, first you need to check service is available or not using is Available For Service Type method of SLComposeViewController.

If service is available (user has already logged-on required social network on device), present SLComposeViewController and post text and image.

iPhone iOS 6 Facebook and Twitter Integration

A) Post Text And Image On Facebook:

if ([SLComposeViewController isAvailableForServiceType:SLServiceTypeFacebook]) {

// initialize controller
SLComposeViewController *composeViewController = [SLComposeViewController composeViewControllerForServiceType:SLServiceTypeFacebook];

// set block for checking share/cancel button clicked in SLComposeViewController
SLComposeViewControllerCompletionHandler slBlock = ^(SLComposeViewControllerResult result){
if (result == SLComposeViewControllerResultCancelled) {
NSLog(@"Cancelled");
} else {
NSLog(@"Post Succeed");
}
[ composeViewController dismissViewControllerAnimated:YES completion:Nil];
};
composeViewController.completionHandler = slBlock;

// set text and image, also modifiable in presented view
[composeViewController setInitialText:@”Hello”];
[composeViewController addImage:[UIImage imageNamed:@”Test.png”]];
[self presentViewController: composeViewController animated:YES completion:nil];
}


B) Post Text And Image On Twitter:

if ([SLComposeViewController isAvailableForServiceType:SLServiceTypeTwitter]) {
// initialize controller
SLComposeViewController *composeViewController = [SLComposeViewController composeViewControllerForServiceType:SLServiceTypeTwitter];

SLComposeViewControllerCompletionHandler slBlock = ^(SLComposeViewControllerResult result){
if (result == SLComposeViewControllerResultCancelled) {
NSLog(@"Cancelled");
} else {
NSLog(@"Post Succeed");
}
[composeViewController dismissViewControllerAnimated:YES completion:Nil];
};
composeViewController.completionHandler = slBlock;

[composeViewController setInitialText:@”Hello”];
[composeViewController addImage:[UIImage imageNamed:@”Test.png”]];
[self presentViewController: composeViewController animated:YES completion:nil];

}

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