Windows Live Writer is a new application from Microsoft designed to help you manage your blog. It is still in Beta so there may be quirks and missing features, but its ease of use and simple design compels me to show you how to use it.

First, download it from here(http://windowslivewriter.spaces.live.com/). After the install is complete run it. There is a shortcutto Windows Live Writer (Beta) in yourstart menu. You will be prompted to setup an account, you only need the URL or your blog on Aristotle.

Your URL looks something like this...


When your start Windows Live Writer for the first time you will be prompted to setup an account. Use the following settings to ensure you connect sucessfully.

Choose "Another weblog service"


Enter the URL of your blog, your Oneonta email username and password


Choose Custom and enter the URL illustratred below


https://aristotle.oneonta.edu/xmlrpc.php
Make sure you specify https in your URL.

Windows Live Writer will then download information about your blog from the server.


You should see a summary screen next...click Finish


You will then be presented with the main Windows Live Writer editing screen. Use this window to create and edit your blog posts.


1. Enter your post title here
2. Enter your post text here
3. Choose one or more categories for your post using this pull down menu
4. Post your entry to your blog by clicking here

The many options available to you beyond the scope of this article, but some of the features Windows Live Writer offer are
Offline Editing - Write and edit your posts locally and only publish when they are ready
Microsoft Virtual Earth Integration - Upload a map and it automatically links to Microsoft Virtual Earth
Image Uploads - Images inserted into your blog post get automatically uploaded into your blog's Album area
Views - View your post as it will look on your blog with the Web View

Some examples are below

5. Edit previously published posts

• Select your blog from the "Open post from:" section on the left
• Choose a post to edit
• Click Ok
• Your post will open in a new window

Using the Web Preview will allow you to view your post in the Template assigned to your blog.



Use these tools to add images, maps or links



There are lots of features Windows Live Writer offers, if you have a new one post a message in our forums!