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Outlook.com replaced Hotmail earlier this year. Here are some of the features you probably didn't know about

In May 2013, Microsoft finally killed off Hotmail and transferred all of its accounts to Outlook.com. While most of the basic functionality remained the same, Microsoft added a slew of new features – such as integration with SkyDrive and instant search, which lets you quickly search by sender, recipient, or subject line.
However, there are also some less well-known features that users might like to take advantage of. Here are a few of the best:

1. Create an Outlook alias

Many of us set up separate email address to keep apart disparate kinds of mail, but maintaining multiple accounts can be a pain. With Outlook.com, Microsoft lets you add new aliases to your existing account.
To set up an alias, click the settings icon at the top right of the screen and click on 'More email settings', then click 'Create an Outlook alias' link under 'Managing your account'. Enter the user name part of the new email address alias under 'Email address', pick a domain name following @ and click 'Create an alias'.
To set up a rule for automatically filing messages received at the new alias address to a special Outlook.com folder, you can type its desired name under 'A new folder' and click 'Done'.

2. Use keyboard shortcuts

Outlook.com supports a variety of keyboard shortcuts, helping users to save time when navigating around their email accounts. If you memorize only a few, let it be these:
• N: Start a new message
• Ctrl-Y: Insert an emoticon or emoji
• Insert: Flag the email for follow-up
• Ctrl-3: Go to People (the Outlook.com address book)
• Shift+E New Folder
A full list of keyboard shortcuts is available here

3. View content from Facebook and Twitter

Outlook.com is designed in such a way that you can add contacts from social networks, manage Facebook and Twitter content, and even post comments or accept friend requests directly from your Outlook.com inbox.
Click the settings icon at the top right of the screen and click on 'More email settings', then click the 'Content from third-party networks' link under 'Reading email'. At the bottom of the page, under 'Showing additional content, click 'Manage connections'. Here you can view which social media accounts are connected to your Outlook and manage privacy settings.

4. Sweep emails

The sweep feature allows you to quickly clean up your inbox and keep it tidy. For example, if you get automatic emails with special offers that are only valid for a short period of time, you can have Outlook.com automatically clear out old versions of the email when a new one arrives.
To set up automatic cleanup for a particular sender's mail or an entire category in Outlook.com, open a message from the sender or newsletter you would like cleaned up automatically, click 'Sweep' in the Outlook.com toolbar and then select 'Schedule cleanup' from the menu that comes up.
You can choose to 'Only keep the latest message from this sender', 'Delete all messages older than __ days' or 'Move all messages older than __ days to <select>'. Optionally, you can tick 'Do this for everything in the ___ category' to apply your rule to all emails classified as Newsletters, for example. Then click 'OK'.

5. Revoke easy access from devices

Microsoft has made a feature of the fact that you can login quickly from devices you keep around and only use yourself using a password alone. However, if you lose that device you may want to revoke one-step access quickly.
To delete Outlook.com's list of trusted devices and require two-step authentication in all browsers, click your name or profile image in Outlook.com's top navigation bar, select 'Account settings' from the menu that has appeared and open the 'Security info' category under 'Overview'.
Click 'Remove all the trusted devices associated with my account' under 'Trusted devices' and then click 'Remove all trusted devices'.

6. Set up one-click actions for emails

Sometimes you don't even need to open an email to know that it's spam, or maybe you're on a call when an important email pops up and you want to flag it for later rather than read it while you're distracted. Outlook.com lets you set up one-click actions that deal with these issues instantly.
To configure quick actions, click the settings icon in the toolbar and select 'More email settings' from the menu that shows up. Then select 'Instant actions' under 'Customizing Outlook' and make sure 'Show instant actions' is ticked.
You can also add your own instant action buttons by clicking 'Add actions' and selecting other options from the menu, such as 'Move to' or 'Categorize'. To make a button always visible, highlight the button under 'Show on mouse over' and click 'Move down' until the button is at the desired place under 'Show always'.

7. Check the Outlook.com service status for issues

If Outlook.com is down or slow, you can find out whether Microsoft is aware of the problem and if the company is working on a fix. You can also learn about past problems, and when you can expect the Outlook.com service to be up and running again.
To find out whether any problems you have with Outlook.com are known, and when you can expect a resolution or more information, visit the Outlook Service Status page. To see recently resolved issues, visit the Microsoft Services Status History page.
If your current issue is not listed, you can report it to the Outlook.com team here.

Microsoft software has a vulnerability that hackers can exploit to attack users and gain remote control of their devices

Microsoft has warned users they could be attacked by hackers exploiting a "vulnerability" in its software.
Attackers could exploit the vulnerability to allow remote code execution, giving them the same user rights as the current user.
Microsoft said it is "aware of targeted attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability in Microsoft Office products," in a statement today.
The software vulnerability is in the Microsoft Graphics component that affects Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Office 2003 - 2010, and Microsoft Lync.
The current versions of Windows XP, 8, 8.1 and RT are not affected by the issue which centres on graphic components that handle specially crafted TIFF images.
Attackers could exploit the vulnerability by convinving users to open specially crafted emails, attachments or web content.
Users who have full administrative user rights on their Microsoft systems are more at risk than users whose accounts are configured to have less rights on the system.
Microsoft is investigating the flaw and said: "Upon completion of this investigation, Microsoft will take the appropriate action to help protect our customers.
"This may include providing a security update through our monthly release process or providing an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs."
In a blog post, Dustin Childs, a response communications manager, said the attacks are largely taking place in the Middle East and South Asia.
He advised users to apply the Microsoft Fix it solution and Disable the TIFF Codec that prevents exploitation of the issue.
He also suggested they deploy the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit which helps prevent exploitation by providing mitigations to protect against the vulnerability.
"As a best practice, we always encourage customers to follow the Protect Your Computer guidance of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software," he said.
"We also encourage customers to exercise caution when visiting websites and avoid clicking suspicious links or opening email messages from unfamiliar senders."

Source : The Telegraph

Microsoft has quietly rolled out its Remote Desktop app for Android and iOS, allowing PC users to access their Windows desktop from their phone or tablet.

The Remote Desktop app, which can be downloaded for free from Google Play and Apple’s App Store, lets users connect to a remote PC while on the move.
It is mainly aimed at business users who want to access their work resources from wherever they are, but could also be used to access personal files such as photos and documents stored on a Windows PC.
Both the iOS and Android apps offers multi-touch controls, a secure connection to your data, simple management tools and high quality video and sound streaming. The iOS version also offers easy connection to external monitors or projectors for presentations.
Microsoft has offered remote access to Windows PCs and Macs for years, but this is the first time the functionality has been made available to mobile devices that are not running one of its operating systems.
The apps have not been widely publicised. Microsoft made a one-line mention of the app in a press release issued last week, but the company had not publicly announced their availability at the time of writing.
It is likely that Microsoft is playing down the new apps in order to retain focus on its Windows Phone 8 platform, which offers tight integration with Windows 8 on the desktop and allows users to sync files and apps between their Windows Phone and their Windows tablet or desktop PC.
The company also announced the launch of Windows 8.1 yesterday, which includes a range of refinements and functional improvements including a more customisable Start screen, enhanced Bing search, and a range of new apps and services.

Resources :

Remote Desktop App for Android iOS

Sources : The Telegraph

Microsoft has announced that its Windows 8.1 operating system is now available to download from its online Windows Store.

The update includes a range of refinements and functional improvements, according to Microsoft, including a more customisable Start screen, enhanced Bing search, and a range of new apps and services.
Perhaps the most notable change, however, is the return of the Start button as a familiar point of navigation. Microsoft came under heavy criticism for removing the iconic Start button with the launch of Windows 8 in October 2012, and its return will be welcomed by many PC users.
Microsoft said that an updated apps view lets users see all their apps at once for easy access and new clicks and cues, and a Help + Tips app helps them get up to speed quickly.
The company has also but a stong emphasis on personalisation with its Windows 8.1 update. The Start screen offers variable tile sizes, more background designs and colours so each Windows device looks unique and personal to the individual. Customers can also choose whether to start Windows at the Start screen or directly in the Windows desktop.
Meanwhile, the new Bing Smart Search allows the user to swipe or type from directly the Start screen to find document on a PC, a photo album on SkyDrive, a favorite app, a song from Xbox Music or a website.
A range of apps and services are also accessible from the Start screen, including Microsoft's latest browser, Internet Explorer 11, which brings enhanced touch performance, speed boosts, and synchronised browsing history, favorites and settings across all Windows 8.1 devices. Windows 8.1 also provides native support for 3D printing.
Multi-tasking has also been improved with Windows 8.1, allowing users to have up to four apps side by side with flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen.
"At a minimum, I usually have 3 apps snapped side by side on my devices doing various things like email, listening to music and browsing the web. We have also improved multi-monitor support in Windows 8.1 allowing users to view their desktop or apps from the Windows Store on any or all their monitors," said Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc in a blog post.
Windows 8.1 is tightly integrated with Microsoft's cloud storage service SkyDrive, which allows you to access files from any computer or device. Microsoft has also redesigned its Windows Store to make it easier for customers to get the apps they want.
Consumers with a Windows 8 device can download the free update via the online Windows Store. Windows 8.1 will also be available on new devices and as boxed software from 18 October at retail locations around the world.

Source : The Telegraph

Microsoft is launching its third update for Windows Phone 8, plus a new developer preview programme.

The update will roll out to existing phones over the next several months and comes as the Windows Phone’s growth in the UK hits 12 per cent.
Windows Phone 8 Update 3 includes a bigger Start screen, a new customisable Driving Mode and better accessibility options.
In addition, there is a new preview programme to help developers keep their apps running smoothly on the software update.
The new Driving Mode feature works with a connected Bluetooth device, and is designed to limit notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts.
It allows users to send automatic replies to people who call or text whilst they are driving.
The updates also pave the way for future Windows Phone devices with 5- and 6-inch touch screens.
Its larger, 1080p HD displays enable the Start screens to have room for six Live Tiles across instead of four.
Darren Laybourn, manager of the Windows Phone engineering team, wrote in a blog post: “It’s been a busy but exciting year for my team—and Windows Phone overall. If you follow the news, you might have seen that our market share in Europe has grown to nearly 10 percent.
“We’re seeing things really start to accelerate. We believe this is because we continue to advance the platform at a rapid pace.
“Our hardware partners, meanwhile, have been taking advantage of this innovation and releasing amazing new Windows Phone devices throughout the year.”
Windows Phone reinforced its position as a top three smartphone operating system in the second quarter of this year and was the fastest-growing platform among the leading operating systems with 77.6 per cent year-over-year gain, according to IDC.

Source : The Telegraph