Windows 7 Users Can Still Upgrade To Windows 10 For Free In 2018

Windows 10 was officially launched for the public in July 2015 and Microsoft announced free upgrade offer for eligible Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 users. That upgrade offer ended in July 2016. Microsoft gave another chance to Windows 7/8 users and announced that people who use assistive technologies can upgrade to Windows 10 for free before the offer expires on December 31, 2017.

But the good news is that the assistive technology offer is not over yet and you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free legally and officially from Microsoft in 2018. Microsoft isn't checking whether you are using assistive technologies or not. So if you still haven't upgraded to Windows 10 then don't wait just do it now.

As per the upgrade information on assistive technology webpage of Microsoft's website it is clearly visible that the offer was available until December 31 2017. But on Jan 3, 2018, we found that the Windows 10 free upgrade 2018 hasn't been withdrawn yet and it is still working in 2018.

How Did We Know That The Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer Is Still Available In 2018?

We tested this upgrade offer on 3rd January 2018 on a laptop that is still running Windows 7. We wanted to upgrade that laptop to Windows 10. So we checked the assistive technology page on official Microsoft website. And we found that besides the expiration notice Microsoft is still providing the download link for the Windows 10 update assistant. So we downloaded the update assistant and ran it on the laptop. Since we didn't have any Windows 7 laptop or computer in our vicinity then we used teamviewer to remotely checked the upgrade offer's validity on one of our friend's laptop. And we found that Windows 10 upgrade offer is still active in 2018. You can check the screenshots below that were taken on 3rd Jan 2018.

➜ Important Note: We are not sure for how long this offer will work in 2018 as there is no official statement from Microsoft for continuing it in 2018. But for the time being, you can avail this free Windows 10 upgrade in 2018 as soon as possible because it is still working. The assistive technology offer is still working in 2018 because of two reasons. Either Microsoft has forgotten to withdraw the offer or it is planning to extend the period.

➜ Update: Microsoft has finally set a deadline for the Windows 10 upgrade through assistive technologies. So if you want to avail this offer then take advantage of it before it expires on January 16, 2018.

If you want to upgrade your Windows 7/8 PC/laptop to Windows 10 for free then check this tutorial.

Please share this article wherever possible as the Windows 10 upgrade offer will be withdrawn on January 16, 2018. You still have eight days left. 

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How to Check if Your Laptop or Computer Support UEFI

Whenever we start a computer system then the first program that comes into play is the BIOS. BIOS stands for 'Basic Input Output System' and it is a non-volatile firmware that initializes the computer hardware during booting. The BIOS loads the boot files required to start the operating system. BIOS is being replaced by UEFI 'Unified Extensible Firmware Interface'. BIOS has limitations as compared to UEFI. The main limitation of it is that it is outdated and only supports MBR (Master Boot Record).

BIOS' Limitations

• It is outdated and has been around us since 1975
• BIOS doesn't have a secure boot feature also works for secure boot linux and doesn't check for driver's signatures. As a result malicious code can run during the computer booting process.
• BIOS only works with the MBR partitioning scheme that only supports a hard drive having a storage capacity not larger than 2TB.
• You can't have more than 4 partitions on a Windows operating system if MBR is used.
• BIOS is slow as compared to UEFI.
• Data corruption can occur if the MBR fails.
• It is motherboard specific and sometimes doesn't support newer CPUs.

While you are reading this article your computer or laptop may be using the MBR partition table scheme with BIOS. Well there is no problem is using BIOS + MBR if your hard drive size is less than 2TB. But UEFI is the successor to BIOS and provides enhanced security and better performance. It also supports Windows GPT (GUID) partition scheme which lets you create an unlimited number of partitions on a hard drive. 

Here the only limit will be the operating system, for example Windows supports a maximum of 128 partitions. Another advantage of UEFI is that it has CPU independent architecture and CPU independent drivers. It also support remote debugging even if there is no operating system installed on the computer.

How to Check if Your Laptop or Computer Supports UEFI

• Download and install hardware info from this link.
• Open HWinFO and click 'RUN'.
• Under 'CPU' details locate the BIOS date and Version.
• Here check if UEFI is present in green letters. 
• If it is present then your computer or laptop supports UEFI otherwise not.

➜ Suggested Reading:

• How to fix 100% disk usage in Windows 10.
• How to use Windows Game DVR as computer screen recorder.
• Download latest Windows 10 ISO without media creation tool.
• Setup Built-in VPN on Windows 10

If you liked the article then please share it.

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How To Play Java (.Jar) Games On Windows PC

Java or Jar games were popular over a decade ago in Nokia and Java phones. These games have a .jar extension and can be played on any Java-enabled mobile phone. Since the launch of powerful smartphones platforms like android and iOS these games have now extinct because Java phones are rare today. J2ME is a small platform but we have seen some of the best Java games from Gameloft and Ubisoft like Asphalt, Prince of Persia, skyforce etc.

If you want to play these Java/Jar/J2ME games on Windows PC then you are at right place, because I am going to teach you how you can do that.

Downloads Required

1. Java Runtime for Windows PC : 32 bit|64 bit
2. Java Emulator for Windows 7 (KEmulator - unknown developer)

How To Play Java (.Jar) Games On Windows PC

• Install the JRE for Windows 7, Windows 8 from the above link.
• Download the J2ME emulator and unpack it on the desktop. It already contains a jar game ‘Prince Of Persia Classic’ in the ‘Game’ folder.
• Double click KEmulator or ‘Pcnexus Java emulator’, click ‘Midlet’. Then click ‘Load jar’.
• Browse the game from the ‘Game’ folder. Or you can load your favorite games, just download some from the internet.

• When the game loads, click ‘View’ and select ‘Keypad’. An onscreen controller will open and you can control the keys with left mouse click. Its very easy to play with mouse.
• There are many keys in the keypad. These keys work exactly the same as they work on any mobile phone.
• Enjoy the games.

Change Screen Size

To change the screen size you can go to ‘View>Options’.  Change ‘Width’ to ‘240’ and ‘Height’ to ‘320’. Please note that Java games comes in various screen sizes so according to the game screen size you can change the emulator screen size.

Record Gameplay Video in KEmulator

You can record the gameplay video in avi format in this jar emulator for windows 7. Just go to ‘Tool>Start record avi’, name it and ‘Save’. To stop the movie press ‘B’ or go to ‘Tool>Stop record avi’.

Watch The Video Below

You have successfully learned to play Java/Jar/J2ME and Nokia mobile games on Windows 7 using the KEmulator from an unknown developer.

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Review Of Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] After Using It For A Year

Since 1988 Avast has evolved as the best antivirus for personal computers and enterprises. There are many antivirus available in the market today, but I think Avast is the world’s first and best antivirus available for Windows and MAC computers. In this review article you will know why I am calling Avast antivirus as the best. I am using Avast Internet Security paid version since 1 year now and I will tell you about all my experiences that will help you decide why to buy Avast antivirus for securing your PCs from online threats, malwares, spywares, trojans and viruses.

About My Product

I bought Avast Internet Security for my Windows PC back in Aug 2014. The offer was 3 PCs for $23 dollars per year. So I am securing my two notebooks and one desktop computer. I bought the product online and after few minutes of transaction I got my ‘Activation Key’ on my email registered with Avast. The activation key worked on all the three computers.

Reason For Using Paid Version Of Antivirus

I am not the only one in my house that uses all the three computers. I can see anytime that the desktop computer was crashing, restarting, and freezing and there was no problem at all from my side. The Microsoft antivirus always showed no problems, and no malware since it is 99 percent effective in catching malware but this effectiveness doesn't come under free antivirus software.

Then I installed the free version of avast antivirus and it did catch some of the malwares, but being free it was unable to provide required protection for my PCs. So finally I decided to upgrade and bought the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2014 and now it is automatically upgraded to 2015 version.

Review Of Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] After Using It For A Year

1. Types Of Scans : Avast Internet Security 2015 provides the following scans that can address the minimum possible issues associated with the security of your computer.

• Smart Scan : Automatically scans hidden viruses, outdated software, browser addons and your network. If any problem found, it will be displayed.
• Outdated Software : Scans for outdated software installed on your PC. It can also automatically update them.
• Network Threat : Scans you network and the router. It will also tell you whether the router is properly configured or not for security purposes. For e.g. if you forgot to set a password for your Wi-Fi router, then avast will address the issue.
• Browser Addons : Scans for malicious browser addons like iLivid and removes them.
• Full System Scan : A complete scan of PC.
• Removable Media : Scan removable media like USB drives, memory cards, external hard disks.
• Folder Scan : Scan any folder with just one click. Just right click on any folder and click ‘Scan’.
• Quick Scan : Performs scans on the areas on your computer that are most susceptible to malware infection.
• Boot Time Scan : This scan is performed during boot and just immediately before PC boots to desktop. It can scan entire system and auto-start programs for malware and PUP infections.

2. Firewall : The Firewall in Avast Internet Security 2015 is great at doing its job. It monitors your network activity in real time and blocks the network threats before it can reach to your PC. It regularly monitors the incoming and outgoing requests on your computer. You should not change the firewall settings yourself.

3. Safezone : Safezone is Avast’s own private browser that lets you shop online safely. It lets you make online transactions without letting to know anybody about it. This private browser doesn’t save any cookie or data on your computer and  is highly secure than any browser. You can add your bank and shopping websites in safezone. When these sites are opened on your computer’s browser then safezone will automatically activate. It is highly effective against keyloggers and password sniffers.

4. Sandbox : Avast sandbox is a useful tool to run programs in an isolated manner, so that they can’t affect other files and your computer. You can even run malicious programs in Avast sandbox and see what the software is doing without actually installing it on your PC. But Avast sandbox sometimes crashes and gives a BSOD error with some programs.

5. Firewall : What can I say about firewall. It is the shield between the internet and your PC. It filters malicious traffic and blocks harmful network threats. It monitors your network traffic in real time and blocks any malware before it can infect your computer. You should always set your firewall to ‘Private’ and should not change any settings because it is automatically configured. However you should set it to ‘Public’ if you are using an open Wi-Fi.

6. Remote Assistance : With remote assistance you can control a desktop that have avast antivirus installed.

7. Email Security : Whether you are using Gmail for desktop or Outlook, every email that you send or receive on your computer is scanned by avast to ensure that they are safe and malware free.

8. Parental Controls : With Avast Internet Security 2015 you can block certain websites that are not suitable for your children. To enable website blocking go to ‘Settings>Active Protection>Web Shield> Customize’.  Click ‘Site Blocking’ and check ‘Enable Site Blocking’. Now enter as many URLs that you want to block and finally click ‘OK’.

9. Password Protect : You can password protect your antivirus program so that no one change settings or uninstall the program. To set a password go to ‘Settings>General>Password>Protect Avast With A Password’. Then enter your password.

10. Avast VPN : This is a separate service that you have to buy separately if you want. Avast VPN totally anonymizes your internet identity. It encrypts the internet traffic on your computer so nobody can breach your computer network security. You can read more about What Is VPN.

Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] vs Free Antivirus Programs

If you are using a best free antivirus doesn’t matter if it is free avast, Microsoft security essentials, AVG or Norton then these free security suites are unable to provide required protection to your PC. The free version doesn’t include a firewall, antispam, anti keylogger, and anti password sniffer. The free antivirus programs provide only basic protection against some malwares and viruses, and will only be effective if you are not connected to internet. They won’t even detect spywares, keyloggers and harmful trojans. If they do then they will force you to upgrade to paid version to remove the PUPs.

But the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2015 is worth every penny that you spent on it. It protects you from all kinds of harmful network threats, automatically blocks malicious websites, scans malicious links, blocks malicious programs from executing. It also makes your bank transactions more safer than ever before.

What AIS 2015 Is Not Good At

Avast Internet Security 2015 cannot remove browser hijacker programs and addons. To remove them read this tutorial.

Don't Activate Your Avast Illegaly

Don't fall short for scams like Avast Internet Security License File till 2050 or any kind of key generator. As these two techniques are not going to work for you. Because people at Avast are much smarter than you think of them. So, buy the product and secure your computer today.

System Requirements

You need at least Windows XP (with SP2) installed. Windows Vista, 7, 8, and even 8.1 are fully supported (unless your device runs the Starter or RT edition) in both the 32- and 64-bit variant. A 10-year old Pentium 3 processor will do, with 128 MB RAM and 2 GB of hard-drive space. It doesn't even slow down your PC.

My Verdict

I have been using AIS 2015 since one year and it has protected me against network threats, malwares, viruses, trojans, keyloggers. With free version I was not safe. Now I do not care much about security because I have the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2015. It monitors my network activity and gives me all security statistics. By investing some amount of money in AIS 2015 you can secure your computers.

Buy Now

Click the link below to buy Avast Internet Security for MAC and Microsoft Windows. It comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

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How To Transfer Files To Windows Phone 8 From Windows Pc

This tutorial will teach you to transfer files from windows pc to your windows phone 8.This tutorial will work on windows 7,windows xp only and if you have windows 8 then you have to first download windows phone app from windows phone app store.The procedure is simple and reversible which means that you can files from pc to windows phone 8 and windows phone 8 to pc.So follow the steps below to copy files.

• Connect your windows phone 8 to pc via usb cable.
• It will be visible under portable devices in my computer.
• Double click the phone icon under portable devices and you will see some folders in it.
• These folders include photos,music,videos and documents.
• Now there are two ways to transfer files from your windows pc to windows phone 8.The first one is “copy and paste” and other one is “drag & drop”.
• To copy a file goto its location in other drive then copy the file.Now paste it in any one folder of windows phone 8 storage.You can create your own folder and can copy and paste multiple files.
• To drag a file expand the file explorer under your favourite drive suppose “D:/” then click and hold and drag it to the windows phone 8 folders in the same explorer below.That file will be copied to your phone.
• You can also check the space left on your windows phone 8.Just right click on the phone icon under portable device and select “properties”.The phone space used and left will be shown.
• The reverse is also possible that is copying files to windows pc from windows phone 8.You can drag & drop or copy paste the files.

For copying files from windows 8 you need windows phone app installed on your phone.This app will not work in windows 7.Once you install this app on your phone you need to connect it via usb to windows 8 pc then you will see three options when you start the app.These options are “on the phone” ,”from app store” and from “search links”.You need to select the first option then proceed accordingly to copy files to your windows phone 8.

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How To Hide Disk Drives In Windows 7

This post will show that how to hide disk drives in windows 7.

We all have a pc and we maintain it according to our needs.We use it store our important data and files.We also play interactive games on it.A pc is like a true friend which always help us.But when someone from outside want to access your pc you will prevent him to access it.However if gain access to your pc by some unfair means then he will see all your files,can play your games or whatever he want.But most of them do not know about the computer usage.These may be children in your home or in your locality.They quickly start searching games in the hard drives once they gain access.You can prevent access to all the disk drives present in your pc as a result tricking them.When you hide the disk drives they won't be able to see any disk drive present on your pc,therefore they can't access it.In windows XP this trick would not work on professionals because hiding only the disk would not restrict access to them.They can be accessed by typing the disk path in the my computer address bar i.e. C:\ ,this will open c drive but in windows 7 the drives are restricted when they are hidden,you can't access them like in XP..So here is the way to do this.

1. open start menu and click run and type  gpedit.msc

2. now click on administrative templates below the user configuration.

3. now click on windows components.

4. now look for windows explorer and click on it.Do not expand it.

5. now look for 'Hide these specified drives in My Computer'.Double click on it and enable it and in the 

options menu select 'restric all drives' to restrict access to all the drives.

now you have successfully prevented access to all the disk drives.No one can access these drives except the administrator.

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Access Hidden Themes And Wallpapers In Windows 7

Here is a cool trick to access hidden themes and wall papers in windows 7.These themes add more interactivity to your system's visuals and it looks cool .Also you can manually copy the wallpapers to any other location in your computer and can access them later.So here is a method to access these hidden themes and wallpapers.

1.click start  .Then click run then type the following command,

C:\Windows\Globalization\MCT

2.windows explorer opens up a folder which contains folders like MCT-AU,MCT-CA,MCT-GB.Now you can access these folders to explore the country wise wallpapers and themes.You can directly click on a theme to apply it.

3.when you click on a theme it will be directly added to the personalization menu of the desktop.Now enjoy the new themes and wallpapers.

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How To Speed Up Microsoft Windows 7: Tips And Tricks

Windows 7 is a very interactive and powerful operating system for computers running on x86 and x64 architectures. The minimum requirements to run windows 7 is availability of 1 GB ram,1 GHz or higher CPU. But mostly memory is the problem. We want our computer to run using minimum possible memory and it should not waste memory. Most applications that are not in use by the user runs in the background and consumes large amount of memory, as a result computer becomes slow. So user should keep track of processes,and terminate the extra processes that are not in use. Here are some tips to speed up a Windows 7 PC.

How To Speed Up Microsoft Windows 7: Tips And Tricks

Always clear cache and unwanted files. These cache files resides in the RAM and consumes most of its space,as a result memory is wasted. So always clear the unwanted files. There are 3 methods to clear the cache. Doing this you can make your pc run faster.

• Go to run in start menu and type %temp%,it will open temp folder.Delete everything in that folder.
• Open my computer and right click on C:\,then properties then disk cleanup
• Another method is to clear using the mooo disk cleaner.

Mooo Disk Cleaner Download

Uninstall Software

Do not install programs that you do not use or programs that can serve the same purpose. For example if you want to play audio files then there is no need to install any other media player program. Media Player Classic is one software that can play any media file on your computer. You can also terminate any background process that is no longer in use by using task manager in windows 7.

Use System Tools

run windows 7 default programs provided in the accessories such as disk cleanup and disk Defragmenter. Also check your disk for errors periodically,you can go to run and type chkdsk.It will automatically check errors and fixes it. If windows 7 is running slow then you have to defrag the hard disk. Analyze disk before efragging.

Prevent Registry Errors

keep the windows 7 registry clean and error free. Use registry fix v1.6 to clean up the errors in the registry.

If you follow above steps your system can consume as low as 392 MB of ram while it is idle.

happy computing.

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