Andre

CNET: Microsoft Office Web Not Ready Yet

2008-12-06T00:53:51Z

Those wanting to get their hands on the Web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will have to wait a little bit longer.

Business Division President Stephen Elop said in an October interview that a technology preview of the browser-based applications would come this year, followed by a beta in 2009. However, it turns out Microsoft is using a rather tortured interpretation of the term "technology preview."

Read the rest here

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Office 14,Windows 7 BETA 1,Windows 7,Office Suite,Google Apps,Productivity Suite,Software

Windows Connected: Windows Internet Explorer 7 RC1 Pre-Review

2006-08-24T19:24:00Z

Windows Internet Explorer 7 RC1 pre-review

Everybody knows Internet Explorer, whether you hate it or love it, it’s the most popular web browser around the world. Apart from the new user interface, which seems a bit squeezed, Internet Explorer 7 biggest features are Security and Really Simple Syndication. RSS allows the user to subscribe to their favorite website’s and receive notifications of updates to those subscribed sites without the need to individually browse each to check for new information. An orange button (also used by FireFox) indicates when a site is RSS enabled, click it and you are presented in a Feed view of the particular site, which you can then save and add to your collection of feeds in the Favorites Center. You can set the browser to download new updates automatically at certain intervals.

It’s a new take on accessing information and will take some getting used to; the pervasiveness of this innovation will certainly be assisted and promoted by the popularity of the Internet Explorer platform providing users a more efficient and faster way to get the information they need whenever they want. If you have been using IE 7 on either XP or Vista, one of the first things you might notice is the disintegration between it and Explorer, for example, if you type a URL in the folder’s address bar, the IE window will be launched separately, compared to IE 6 on XP, the Explorer was automatically utilized. It seems Microsoft is realizing that tying the browser to Windows wasn’t such a good idea after all. As for security, IE 7 includes some advanced technologies; Anit-Phishing, greater ActiveX security, Protected Mode on Windows Vista all allow users to have a safer browsing experience on the web, so things such as malicious software will have greater difficulty getting installed onto the system.

It also provides Standard users with the flexibility of installing software without the need for administrative privileges. Another part of the secure browsing experience in IE 7 is Phishing Filter, which prevents the user from revealing personal or critical data to sites that pretend to be legitimate, such as your bank or a reputable merchant. Included is a no add on version of IE 7 located under Accessories > System Tools, which is basically a stripped down version of IE 7 that does not load ActiveX Controls or third party browser extensions in the browser, although I notice I could still do so if desired. The improvements to these areas of IE make experiences such as e-commerce less risky and provide a more confident, trust worthy browsing experience for the user.

The interface is a drastic departure from past versions, but it’s definitely a change for survival. The navigation buttons back/forward and the Address Bar have been merged to provide a more simplified navigation layout, but another reason could also be attributed to Tabbed browsing which is finally now a part of the IE interface.

Common interface elements, buttons such as Home, Print, Feeds and Favorites are spread across, Stop and Refresh button are now also a part of the Address bar, which in a sense is more logical integration when you think about it. It’s almost difficult to describe the new layout as I sit here, you could best summarize it as one toolbar that contains everything. Integrated Search is also visible in the upper right corner of the IE window, which defaults to Windows Live but provides users the option of choosing another Search provider if they wish. Tabbed browsing is a very convenient way to reduce Taskbar clutter and provide a centralized way to keep all of your open sites accessible from one IE window. Some nice features include a Gallery view, which displays a thumbnail preview of all your open windows; other notable features include drag and drop rearranging of Tabs. The Favorites Center represented by a star, host your favorite websites, Feeds and History. A new Print Preview and fit to print feature finally allows for text be printed as seen on screen without chunks being cut off. Another user experience improvement is the ability to restore your IE settings if the browser becomes unstable. This process deletes all Internet Explorer Temporary files, disables browser add-ons and resets all changed settings, basically it turns IE 7 into a clean slate again.

For almost 6 years now, Internet Explorer has been long in the tooth when it comes to new releases because of Microsoft’s previous stance on releasing major new versions of the browser with major new versions of Windows, but the trade off was a major blow and it was called innovation, while FireFox dawned on users with features such as tabbed browsing, enhanced security and a grass roots following that has since propelled the browser to over 200 million downloads around 15% market share. The question now is can IE 7 catch up? Well, I would say yes of course, since the popularity of Windows plus the bundling with it will definitely give it a secured opportunity to continue its dominance way into the future. Version 7’s acceptance will further be influenced by its disintegration from the OS, which will be seen as a safer move, improvements and better integration with the W3C Web standards will also help further improve and stabilize the relationship with web developers. The IE Team list some of changes they have made to CSS in IE 7, you can check them out here. IE has just as much or even more of a cult following than many of the browsers out there, plus the millions of businesses that have tied specialty applications to the platform will further ensure that there is a secure moat around the Enterprise, keeping FireFox at bay for a long time.

5479: New Windows Vista Build On The Loose

2006-07-19T16:19:00Z

From TheVista.Ru

Windows Vista Build 5479 and Office 2007 (PowerPoint 2007 - Silver Bullet theme)

A new build of Windows Vista seems to be out on the loose, showing off some new elements of the Windows Vista interface, including a glimpse of Office 2007 applications with the new executables and visuals. Still, there is really not much to see apart from the new Office icons and a new Weather Gadget on the Sidebar.

Check out the other screenshots here

WC: Getting Ready for Windows Vista BETA 2 - QuickStarter-FAQ [UPDATED]

2006-06-14T08:41:00Z

Please note, its not gospel and because of the variety of configurations out there some of the recommendations might not be applicable to your system.

A Warning to potential Upgraders:

A lot of persons are contemplating about upgrading their one and only, production
install of XP. If you are itching to do that, DON'T! DO NOT upgrade your existing install of XP if you use it for work or you use it on a daily basis. Not because Vista is at BETA 2 means its ready for prime time or production environments, it is for testing and to get feedback on what’s wrong with the product.

I also suspect some persons think Vista has been finalized, no its not, its still in development. I know Vista looks enticing and all, but it is still not ready for prime time and the numerous reports of unsuccessful, problematic clean installs, upgrades are proof of that.

If you want to try upgrade scenarios at least make sure you do it on a spare installation of XP, you have a back up image of your existing install or simply do a clean install on a separate drive or logical partition. For those who have already upgraded their installations of XP and want to return to XP, your only option is to format that drive and reinstall it. There is no way to uninstall Vista.

Also, there are no upgrade paths from Windows XP Professional x64 to Vista x86 or x64. You cannot launch Vista x64 setup in Windows XP x86 or you will get an "invalid Win32" error. You have to boot off the DVD.

Get Religion: Backup, Backup, Backup!

What is Windows Vista BETA 2?

Windows Vista BETA 2 is a test pre-release/preview version of the next version of Windows client operating system.

Who is the Windows Vista BETA 2 release for?

IT Professionals, Developers, Enthusiast, people who like to back up their data and try out new things and don't have issues just in case something goes wrong installing the software.

Where is my Windows Vista product key?

It is located near the bottom of the e-mail message you receive after registering for the software.

Windows Vista refuses to activate:

This could be a result of a time out session on the Server, I recommend you try again later, you have a grace period of 14 days, so immediate activation of the software is not mandatory or necessary.

My Product Key does not work, why?

Your best bet is to order the DVD at this time; the demand has been so overwhelming. I am beginning to suspect that keys received for most downloads now will get an invalid error because they have or almost exceeded the 2 million expected public testers for the software.

What are the system requirements for running Windows Vista?

Bare minimum:

DVD Drive

800 MHz PC

15 GBs of free hard disk space

512 MBs of RAM

64-MBs of vRAM - For AERO Glass

Premium Ready PC:

DVD Drive

1GHz PC

20 GBs of free hard disk space

512 MBs of RAM

128 MBs of vRAM

Learn more at the following link:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistahardware.mspx

How do I install Windows Vista BETA 2?

There are a few methods available; you can use either Virtual Drive software such as Daemon Tools 4.03 or NERO Image Drive. You can burn the DVD as an image using DVD Burning software such as Roxio or NERO.

http://www.daemon-tools.cc

How do I create a logical partition to install Windows Vista on?

You need to use partitioning software such as Symantec Partition Magic 8 (full version) to do this.

http://www.symantec.com/Products/enterprise?c=prodinfo&refId=841

How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=313348

What is the size of the Windows Vista x86 and x64 BETA 2 Images?

Windows Vista x86 - 3.5 GBs

Windows Vista x64 - 4.4 GBs

Learn more here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx

When I download the ISO Image its usually 13 MBs or 170MBs?

That’s simply a bad download, try downloading the ISO again or just order the DVD.

Burning the ISO Image in NERO and Roxio Easy CD Creator:

NERO

Insert a Blank DVD, open Nero Start Smart > change the media type to DVD > select Copy and Backup > click "Burn Image to Disc" > navigate to where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image is stored on your hard disk, (note: if you don't see it, make sure the image file type is changed to “ISO" click Open and the burning wizard will automatically start.

Roxio

Open Creator Classic > click File > "Record Disc from Image" > navigate to where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image is stored > click Open and the burning wizard will automatically start.

Ensure that the ISO burns at a low speed, recommended speed, 2x for best results.

Windows Vista BETA 2 Ultimate Edition MD5 and CRC Values Information:

x86

- File Size = 3.12 GB (3,355,598,848 bytes)

- CRC Value = 0x67E089E0

- MD5 Value = 0E733AB1A8E8FF9A8684FD3639332773

x64

- File Size = 4.01 GB (4,309,368,832 bytes)

- CRC Value = 0x48697711

- MD5 Value = E43502D0A15EADD551119D5639859E04

I use the Ahead NERO MD5 Verifier:
http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/eng/Nero_MD5_Verifier.html

Paste the MD5 Checksum for either x64 or x86 depending on which one you want to
check in Step 1, Step 2 - Browse to where you stored the ISO on your drive and open it and it will automatically start the verification process and generate the result in the third field, if it matches Step 1, then you are safe.

How should I install Windows Vista BETA 2?

This is very important, ensure you are installing on a clean logical partition with enough free space. If you have a spare installation of Windows XP SP2 you don't mind ruining, you can upgrade from that or you can start the new installation by booting from the DVD drive, (make sure your boot drive in your BIOS is set to the optical drive). I launched setup from within XP, type in your Product Key > Accept the EULA > click Custom > select the partition you created for Windows Vista.

Note: If you want to upgrade Windows XP make sure you launch setup from within Windows XP SP2; upgrades are not supported by booting from the DVD. Upgrades are not supported for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition at all.

Most important of all, back up any important data you might have on that computer you plan on installing Vista.

For persons with SATA/RAID configurations, please ensure you have appropriate drivers for either x86 or x64 platform to load when requested during setup. Also remove any unnecessary external devices that might cause problems detecting during setup, this includes external drives and USB based devices.

Can I install Windows Vista in a Virtual environment and which software do you recommend?

First of all, I would say Virtual PC 2004 is not a recommend choice, but persons have been successful. I recommend using VM Ware Workstation 5.5 or Virtual Server 2005 R2, VM Ware Workstation 5.5 preferably. The more RAM you assign to the Virtual Machine, the better the experience, I recommend a minimum of 512 MBs or more for faster install times and the best experience.

You can download the VM Ware trial here: http://www.vmware.com/download/ws/eval.html

Virtual Server 2005 R2: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/software/default.mspx

How long does Windows Vista BETA 2 take to install?

It depends, my install took 35 mins, some install times can vary depending on the system configuration, so I would say 35 to 40 mins, but don't be surprised if it takes 75 mins or 150 mins reported by one person's experience installing on a Tablet PC.

What happens during setup?

Windows copies files to the disk, expands them, and restarts a couple times, install features, installs updates and Completes setup. During the install routine there can be signs of delay but usually it’s just a delay and setup will continue just fine. If setup does become non-responsive, you can do a cold boot and then boot up the machine and boot Vista setup into safe mode to see if Vista will finish setup.

Tip: (If setup becomes non-responsive or does not complete), do a Cold Boot (reset the machine) > Start the computer, when the Windows Boot Manager is displayed, select Windows Setup press F8 on your keyboard and setup should continue.

What if setup fails?

Try running setup again or try alternatives to installing Windows Vista if you are installing from a DVD, try another computer or wait until another build is made available (RC1).

What happens after Windows Vista is installed?

After setup Completes, your Computer reboots, you are then taken to the Out of Box Experience Page. The first page configures your keyboard, I defaulted to US English, > Next is User account information, and selecting a nice profile picture, next a nice wallpaper and you are ready to start using Windows Vista.

Where is the Boot logo?

This has not been finalized yet.

How do I activate Windows Vista?

Click Start > right click Computer > click "Properties" > scroll down > under Windows Activation "Click here to activate Windows"? You have a 14 day grace period to activate the software, if you refuse to activate during the 14 day grace period, the software will go into Reduced Functionality Mode and require that you activate the software before continued use.

Where is the Administrator account and how do I log into it?

By default, the Administrator account in Windows Vista does not require a password, its blank. The Administrator is only accessible through Safe Mode also. You can enable the Administrator account after installation if you did an upgrade from Windows XP. Click Start > right click Computer > click Manage > expand Local Users and Groups > select Users > right click the Administrator account > click Set Password. After which, you can try logging into the Administrator.

Where do you send in bugs and report bugs?

For Feedback:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=55160

Feedback reporting tool:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=43655

Here are some things to consider when filing a problem report:

Please file your report as soon as possible after you find a problem. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can investigate and try to fix the problem.

Please provide a brief, descriptive title. The title is the first thing we see when we get the report, so a succinct, clear title will help us effectively identify and prioritize the problem.

Please provide enough detail in the description for us to understand the problem. The more detail you can provide, the better.

Please provide the steps we can follow to reproduce the problem. Any incorrect or missing steps can prevent us from being able to reproduce and address the problem.

If you have any supplemental files, screen shots, etc., that will help us investigate the problem, please attach those to your report. Seeing a picture can sometimes help us identify the problem more quickly.

Some of my devices are not working, what should I do?

You can do a couple things; check the manufacturer’s website for patches, updates or to simply find out about Vista support for the particular product. If your internet connection is working in Windows Vista, I suggest you try obtaining the drivers through Windows Update. Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update > Turn on Windows Update. A list of available updates will then be downloaded, you will have the option to view them, do so and check off the appropriate drivers you need and click Install.

I need Antivirus software, are there any out there for Windows Vista BETA 2?

You are in luck, here are few recommended choices:

Computer Associates eTrust

http://www.my-etrust.com/Microsoft/vista/default.aspx

here are 2 others:

Avast 4.7 32-bit

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Trend Micro

https://www.trendbeta.com/index.php?get=80

run "Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON" from an elevated command prompt

on Vista x64 (Thanks Barb Bowman for the tip)

Learn more about Antivirus support for Windows Vista here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/wsc/en-us/windowsvistabeta2.mspx

If something goes wrong in Windows Vista, you can always try using a restore point to fix the problem:

Click Start > right click Computer > click Properties > click Advanced System Settings under TaskPane > click System Protection > click System Restore and follow the instructions for restore your PC to an earlier point.

I don't get the new Windows Vista AERO Glass user interface, why?

Windows AERO Glass requires that you have a minimum of 64 MBs video RAM that is Direct X 9 compliant and supports the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM), formerly (LDDM). If your video card does not meet these requirements, it’s the likely cause why you are not seeing it. For onboard/integrated cards, you need to have 1 GB of dual channel memory installed with 512 MBs of RAM allocated to the system. The amount of Video RAM also determines the resolution size your Display can use.

How do I change the theme in Windows Vista to Windows Classic?

Right click your Desktop > click Personalize > click Theme > click in the Theme list box, select Windows Classic.

Where is the Windows XP Luna (Blue, Olive and Silver) themes?

These have been removed, the only available themes are Windows Classic, Standard, Vista Basic and Vista AERO. No word if Luna will return.

Right click your Desktop > click Personalize > “Open classic appearance properties”.

How can I edit and set the default operating system that starts up when I boot up my PC in an easy way?

VistaBootPRO would be your answer, it provides a graphical front end to the BCDEdit Command line that makes it easy for you to define startup settings and edit boot entries on the new Windows Longhorn Server/Vista boot manager. http://www.pro-networks.org/vistabootpro/

How can I know if my PC is Vista ready or needs upgrading?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

Please note, the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor does not support Windows XP Professional x64, it also in BETA and the results are not a sure guarantee, use with precaution.

Is it recommended I use Windows Vista in a production environment?

Since it is pre-released software which is still not ready for prime time, my recommendation would be no, its still too early and there is a guarantee of failure and there have been reports of system failure with Windows Vista BETA 2, so I would use it only for curiosity, enthusiasm and giving in feedback about what works and what does not work and install on a spare computer (recommended).

When will Windows Vista be available in stores and on new PCs?

Volume License customers can expect to receive Windows Vista through Software Assurance/Enterprise Agreements in November 2006, while consumers can expect to get the software on new PCs and retail copies of Vista some time in January of 2007.

How much will Windows Vista cost?

Pricing has not been determined yet.

Can I upgrade from Windows Vista BETA 2 to the final version?

You may not be able to upgrade your installation of Windows Vista Beta 2 (or RC1) to the final, commercially available edition of Windows Vista. To upgrade you will need to acquire the final edition of Windows Vista and you may have to do a clean installation. Time-limited software.

Windows Vista Beta 2 (and RC1) is time-limited, pre-release software that will expire on June 1, 2007.

How many editions of Windows Vista will be available?

There will be a total of 6 editions of Windows Vista available through different channels.

Starter Edition - only on new PC's in emerging markets such as Asia, Mexico, Africa and others.

Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Enterprise - only available to Volume License Customers under Enterprise Agreements

Ultimate Edition

Learn more here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx

Which Edition of Windows Vista BETA 2 is available for testing?

Both platforms x86 and x64 are available as Ultimate Edition only.

Join the newsgroups for discussion and assistance with testing the BETA:

Here is a list of available newsgroups for Windows Vista as of today:

microsoft.public.windows.vista.general

microsoft.public.windows.vista.music_pictures_video
microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_account_passwords
microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_maintenance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security

If you want to access the web based version of these newsgroups, click the following link:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx

Head on over to the following page at Microsoft's website on how to configure your newsreader to read Microsoft's Public Newsgroups:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroupsetup.mspx

Well, this is just some of what I am working on. Its still subject to change and I definitely welcome your feedback, suggestions and additional help. I will be posting this on Windows Connected and my blog. Anything else you need to know, just reply to it and I will update where necessary or add where necessary. Of course, the community will always be here, so the newsgroup is a great way to keep updated and get quick assistance. Thanks

VistaBootPro 1.0 for Windows Vista

2006-05-15T21:58:00Z

VistaBootPRO is the first tweak-ware to be released for Windows Vista, but it's more than just that. When Microsoft first announced that they would not be providing anything easier than bcdedit.exe (a CLI-only tool with nested options and embedded tags) for the modification of the boot loader, we knew something had to be done, and now we're proud to announce that together with PROnetworks and months of hard work, planning, desiging, and researching have come to test with the initial release of VistaBootPRO.

Download HERE:

I have been using this to edit and clean up my Windows Boot Manager and its been such a lifesaver, its graphical and you are gonna love it. Spread the news everyone. Thanks Computer Guru for developing this wonderful utility! :)

New URGE Music Service for Windows Media Player 11 is live!

2006-05-12T10:00:00Z

The new URGE Music Service, which is a collaboration between Microsoft, MTV, CMT and VH1 Music Channels is now working in Windows Media Player 11 on Windows Vista. The aim is to provide a richer experience for users downloading music, with more indepth content, about albums and artiste information.

Check out the Gallery of screenshots we just posted HERE

Vista BETA 2, User Account Control Prompts

2006-05-05T23:38:00Z

With glimpses of Windows Vista builds 5372 and 5421

"Imagine stopping at a gas station to fuel up your car, selecting Standard grade unleaded gasoline, and then filling up your gas tank. Imagine then that your car fails to start and that you discover that someone maliciously tampered with the gas pump to make it distribute diesel gasoline instead of unleaded. This is an example of others using faulty information to intentionally mislead people into making bad decisions. And unless you go through great lengths to prove confirmation, there’s no reason to distrust the thing you’re interacting with. We call that “spoofing” in computer lingo, and that’s the focus of this week’s blog topic."

Pretty much the same as 5365, the UAC incompatibility with Glass still exist, possibly fixed in a future build, UTAKZ talks about BETA 2 on his blog, mentioning some of the changes taking place, what to expect and what not to expect. Paul Thurrott previously mentioned that WinHEC 2006 attendee's and Technical Testers will receive build 5381 as BETA 2.

Reading the New York Times, with Vista

2006-05-02T18:33:00Z

From The Guardian

The New York Times Reader using Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation display technology.

Quote:

"Microsoft Windows provides a free Reader program for electronic books and newspapers and, not surprisingly, there is a new version that uses the new graphics facilities in Windows Vista. The New York Times plans to exploit this new Reader by offering a version of the paper that reproduces the appearance of the printed version, but also exploits the ability to have Web links, add notes, search and so on.

According to Arthur Sulzberger Jr, publisher of The New York Times, it's blending "the accessibility and the portability of print ... with the immediacy and interactivity of the Web," according to a report in The Seattle Times."

Read the rest here

Was reading about this on Longhorn Blogs and I must say its definitely awesome, seeing the text flow flawlessly no matter how the window is resized. I just hope it gets embraced and encouraged by more news paper companies as a new exciting way consume information and there definitely is big advantage for the reader to do so. The content is more alive through new technologies made possible by the Internet such as RSS, Broadband, so you can always have up to date information.

Resources:

The New York Times

Microsoft Press Pass Release

RSA: Microsoft to shelve token support in Vista

2006-05-02T18:29:00Z

From CNET

Quote:

"Microsoft has shelved plans to include built-in support for RSA Security's tokens in Windows Vista, even though the company has been testing out the authentication technology for almost two years.

In February 2004, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said that Windows would be able to support easy integration with RSA's popular SecurID tokens. That meant businesses would find it far easier to deploy a two-factor authentication system for logging on to networks and applications.

However, almost two years after the SecurID beta-testing program kicked off, RSA's chief executive, Art Coviello, disclosed that Windows Vista will not natively support the technology."

Read the rest here

Vista Gets New App Compatibility Tool

2006-04-19T19:46:00Z

From BetaNews

Quote:

"With any major new Windows release such as Vista, application compatibility becomes a critical concern for businesses and individuals considering an upgrade. No matter how much Microsoft promotes the new version, users aren't going to make the switch unless their applications continue to function seamlessly.

In turn, Microsoft has long offered an Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT), which checks what programs are installed on a system and detects any potential conflicts. The Redmond company is preparing version 5 of the software to be ready by the time Windows Vista ships later this year, and has included a number of new features."

Read the rest here

Resources:

Windows Vista - Application Compatibility

Vista Promises Group Policy Overhaul

2006-04-19T19:45:00Z

From eWeek

Quote:

"Tech Analysis: The Group Policy Management Console will be the primary tool for domainwide Group Policy Objects management for the foreseeable future and that the tool automatically will grow and evolve in step with the Windows operating system.

Whenever it officially ships, Windows Vista will bring a lot of new power and flexibility to Microsoft's Group Policy. Some changes are sexy and obvious, while others remain under the covers, but all are significant and could cause some refocusing among third-party vendors that have sprouted up in the Microsoft ecosystem to deal with various deficiencies in previous iterations of Windows and Group Policy.

Vista will be the first Windows operating system to include the newer GPMC (Group Policy Management Console). Unlike previous generations of Microsoft's Group Policy management tools, the GPMC coalesces all GPOs (Group Policy Objects) into a single interface and allows administrators to easily link the objects to Domains, Sites or OUs (Organizational Units) in AD (Active Directory).

Read the rest here

Vista: Expect a Premium Push (With Premium Prices)

2006-04-18T20:35:00Z

From Microsoft Watch

Quote:

"Microsoft still isn't talking specifics regarding its Windows Vista pricing plans. But company watchers are predicting the Redmond software maker could reap big rewards from its planned premium-edition push.

Microsoft is still holding many specifics about Windows Vista — pricing among them — close to the vest. But Redmond's reticence to talk isn't stopping company watchers from speculating.

Goldman Sachs & Co. analyst Rick Sherlund issued a research note earlier this month, noting that Goldman is now figuring Microsoft could garner an extra $1.5 billion per year in revenues simply by persuading users to buy the premium Vista versions.

Microsoft announced earlier this year that it is readying six core Vista packages, or SKUs: Windows Starter 2007; Windows Vista Enterprise; Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, and Windows Vista Business.

Read the rest here

I am still concerned about what will be in Ultimate Edition for me as a consumer that will make it worthy over Home Premium. I know I will get Vista Enterprise on the desktop at work. For Ultimate Edition, its enticing that it will combine features from both Home Premium and Enterprise, but I will probably need a Tablet PC instead of a desktop, I usually don't carry home work from the Office, so its a bit confusing here. Like I said, I will get Enterprise Edition on my desktop at work, does it mean I need to get Ultimate on my machine at home?

The reason I ask these questions is simply because I am looking for value in Windows Vista, both at home and work. Its possible that Ultimate Edition will include a lot of online services for Genuine customers, but what will these services be? I need to see the cost first before I decide, if Ultimate replaces the premium price of XP Professional today, I will probably go for it instead. Right now, I am a bit in the dark.

Vista won't show fancy side to pirates

2006-04-18T20:34:00Z

From News.com

Quote:

"Windows Vista plans to offer you spiffy new graphics, as long as you're not a pirate.

With the new operating system, Microsoft is offering plenty of new graphics tricks, including translucent windows, animated flips between open programs and "live icons" that show a graphical representation of the file in question.

But before Vista will display its showiest side, known as Aero, it will run a check to make sure the software was properly purchased."

Read the rest here

And I think thats a good thing. Wouldn't you consider it unfair paying for the software while others just download off torrent sites without any cost to them?

XP and Vista to get new media player

2006-04-18T20:34:00Z

From News.com

Quote:

"Microsoft plans to jazz up its music player in Windows Vista, the company's next operating system. But at least some of the new features will debut much sooner.

The software, which will be built into Vista, is designed to offer better synching with portable devices, make it easier to scroll through long libraries of music, and be tightly integrated with Urge, a new subscription and download music service co-developed by Microsoft and MTV Networks.

But while most people won't be able to get their hands on Vista until next year, consumers will be able to get some of the media enhancements sooner. Microsoft is on track to release a Windows XP version of Windows Media Player 11 before the end of June, the company confirmed last week.

Read the rest here

It will be interesting to see what the WMP 11 Team minuses from the XP version. Likely missing features includes the Windows Vista Aero theme, possibly the filtered search technology thats a part of Vista and maybe even the new album views such as thumbnail and stacks.

The URGE music service is the major feature I believe Microsoft iis targeting towards getting people hooked with this release as early as possible instead continually losing them to Apple's iTunes Music service.

Will Windows Vista's Delay Push Back 'Fiji'?

2006-04-18T20:33:00Z

From Microsoft Watch

Quote:

"Microsoft has a code name for the next version of Windows. But what is the planned delivery date for the product, as well as its successor, 'Vienna'? No one's talking, but plenty are speculating.

Will the delay in Microsoft's Windows Vista have a domino effect on other planned releases of Windows?

Partner sources close to the company said that Microsoft has sketched out plans for Windows "Fiji" (also referred to by some Microsoft watchers as Vista R2) – the version of Windows set to follow Vista -- as for Windows "Vienna," the successor to Fiji, partner sources close to the company said."

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Don't even think about holding out for either Windows Fiji or Vienna, with the current schedule of Windows Vista running a bit late, its likely to affect the development of future versions of Windows in the process. Plus, does anyone even want to know whats gonna be in these two? Looking back at Windows Vista when it was formerly codenamed Longhorn, it was a radically different product, major stuff has been removed. The same could happen to Fiji, so lets not get excited yet, lets concentrate on getting Vista done.

The article though focuses though on the development process and how Microsoft should focus on having a set of goals without additional features creeping in. Good point, but I don't think it works that way at all, its all about the time and market. Who would have known RSS would have played such a major role in the development of Windows Vista, who would have known SP2 for XP would have hurt progress of development of Windows Vista? Who would have known that WinFS would not make it for Vista? So, Microsoft can promise a firm release, expected on time, but its never guarantee.

I hope they are excellent releases though, I have see pics of Fiji and its a amazingly beautiful place. :)