Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) will be released sometime in 2007.
It's supposed to arrive later this year at the same time Longhorn gets released (The new Windows server).
Vista SP1 will be a major upgrade. Seriously.
Why?
It will allow many Windows XP compatible programs to finally communicate with Vista.
"Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) will be a standard service pack that will include security updates, hotfixes, as well as limited other changes focused on improving quality. The Technology Adoption Program (TAP) is looking for customers and partners actively test and provide feedback on Windows Vista SP1 to help us prepare for its release in the second half of CY07. Customers must be willing to provide feedback and deploy pre-release builds into production environments."
Source:http://bink.nu/Article9325.bink
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Communication Tools for 2007 and beyond...
Web 2.0 is defined in Wikipedia as, “a perceived second-generation of Web-based services—such as social networking sites, wikis, communication tools, and folksonomies—that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users.”
Many corporations and businesses currently use some aspects of the Web 2.0 technology, but staying informed and educating ourselves with new communication tools can only help us stay involved and open up communication to a level never seen between humans. As we look forward, there are many needs for blogs, wikis, RSS, and other communication tools. Why? As a society, we are no longer paying much attention to basic Email or phone calls. Communication must now have a unique identifier – be cutting edge, - pop out, - or at least be suitable to the many needs of people all over the globe.
Many young people are aware of My Space and Friendster, even if they do not currently have accounts – Both are forms of social networking sites that can spread information faster than regular Email or browsing through various web sites. Web 2.0 is not only web-based services and communication tools, but it’s also 100% customizable by the end-user. The web is brought to you instead of you going to the web…
As Web 2.0 evolves from Email and routine web sites to authentic technical interaction and on-line participation, everyone is responsible for shaping the Web and how it will act. In order to create more communication within your group, school, or business - I believe now is the time to investigate these new forms of communication and establish greater audiences.
According to Dan Karleen from Peterson’s, “the main principle of New Media is that our online efforts should integrate into our broader effort of communication.”
I believe businesses and schools could institute a Blog to keep employees, staff, and students up to date on events. Allow employees, staff, or students to write articles or postings for the blog – it will only include each group that much more.
Many corporations and businesses currently use some aspects of the Web 2.0 technology, but staying informed and educating ourselves with new communication tools can only help us stay involved and open up communication to a level never seen between humans. As we look forward, there are many needs for blogs, wikis, RSS, and other communication tools. Why? As a society, we are no longer paying much attention to basic Email or phone calls. Communication must now have a unique identifier – be cutting edge, - pop out, - or at least be suitable to the many needs of people all over the globe.
Many young people are aware of My Space and Friendster, even if they do not currently have accounts – Both are forms of social networking sites that can spread information faster than regular Email or browsing through various web sites. Web 2.0 is not only web-based services and communication tools, but it’s also 100% customizable by the end-user. The web is brought to you instead of you going to the web…
As Web 2.0 evolves from Email and routine web sites to authentic technical interaction and on-line participation, everyone is responsible for shaping the Web and how it will act. In order to create more communication within your group, school, or business - I believe now is the time to investigate these new forms of communication and establish greater audiences.
According to Dan Karleen from Peterson’s, “the main principle of New Media is that our online efforts should integrate into our broader effort of communication.”
I believe businesses and schools could institute a Blog to keep employees, staff, and students up to date on events. Allow employees, staff, or students to write articles or postings for the blog – it will only include each group that much more.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Microsoft Office 2007 - Free Trial
Microsoft is offering PC users to try the new Office 2007 at no charge. Download a 60 day free trial version here. If you want to keep it, simply purchase a registration key online.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Critical Security Updates now Available from Microsoft.com
This just in from Microsoft…
There are 4 new Critical Security updates.
The Boston Globe article is available here.
Microsoft Security: http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
There are 4 new Critical Security updates.
The Boston Globe article is available here.
Microsoft Security: http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
Monday, April 9, 2007
"Most Enticing Vista Features"
Just as I've said over and over...
Windows VISTA is all about security.
According to Michael Otey of Windows IT Pro magazine, "[Vista is] definitely the most important Microsoft OS release since Windows 2000-maybe even of all time." Otey talks about all of his favorite features in Windows VISTA, but it's no surprise that number one on his list is... SECURITY!
Whether it's the User Account Control (UAC), Windows Defender, or Bitlocker - Vista may cause computer user's to upgrade hardware, but it's not just about making money for the hardware industry (as people have keep telling me), it's to help prevent data from being stolen, spyware from being installed, or computer viruses taking down a whole network or office - causing office productivity to lose more in an hour, than the entire cost times of upgrading to VISTA times 100.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
O'Reilly and Vista
Just released! William Stanek just published a new book all about Microsoft Windows VISTA. It's called, Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide and it's available now on Amazon or order direct from the O'Reilly web site.
If it's too much cake, O'Reilly offers a less-condensed, smaller pocket reference all about Vista*
* Pocket Guide written by Preston Gralla
Both of these books are worth reading, but I'm still a giant fan of the "...In A Nutshell" books. The Windows Vista in a Nutshell has been out since late December and it's also written by Preston Galla.
If it's too much cake, O'Reilly offers a less-condensed, smaller pocket reference all about Vista*
* Pocket Guide written by Preston Gralla
Both of these books are worth reading, but I'm still a giant fan of the "...In A Nutshell" books. The Windows Vista in a Nutshell has been out since late December and it's also written by Preston Galla.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Questions about Vista?
Before you upgrade, or purchase a new computer with Microsoft Windows Vista, please take a moment to visit the this web page. It's worth it.
If NewEgg cannot answer your question, try asking me...
Monday, April 2, 2007
Patience is Definitely a Virtue in the Software World
According to John C. Dvorak of PC Magazine and Cranky Geeks, anyone interested in Windows VISTA should "wait six months." Dvorak also believes consumers should "wait until Vista Service Pack 1 is released," as "the consensus believes the real OS is SP1, and that will arrive sooner than later."
I believe it's like anything new. The first models are always going to have bugs in them - no matter what. Example: I once bought a brand new car - It was a first year model from Ford (I won't mention which model), but it had many, many recalls and it was towed three times... But just like software and hardware - the next year's car model was heavily improved, and each year after that car got better - I think this is the same with computers and anything IT related. We get so excited for new products and gadgets, but we also need to be patient. All software is made by humans, just like the customers who purchase it - It will have issues, we just pray they get fixed before anything catastrophic occurs!
Dvorak says there are 2 types of computer users - "Cutting-Edge and Consensus." I agree with him and his philosophy that "it looks like the consensus folks are now in charge." However, that doesn't mean we should be afraid of new technology - I think Microsoft Windows VISTA is more secure and better than the previous O/S - not just from what I've read, but from what I've seen. Besides BitLocker (not everyone is going to encrypt their Hard Drive), Vista has tons of security for the average user. It may look like overkill, but wouldn't you rather have to "allow" software to install on your computer*, than have to figure out what spy ware or virus has spread to your machine? We can still be cautious going forward, but I honestly think that is what Microsoft had in mind with Vista. Be cautious through better security and better usability.
* See UAC in Windows Vista.
I believe it's like anything new. The first models are always going to have bugs in them - no matter what. Example: I once bought a brand new car - It was a first year model from Ford (I won't mention which model), but it had many, many recalls and it was towed three times... But just like software and hardware - the next year's car model was heavily improved, and each year after that car got better - I think this is the same with computers and anything IT related. We get so excited for new products and gadgets, but we also need to be patient. All software is made by humans, just like the customers who purchase it - It will have issues, we just pray they get fixed before anything catastrophic occurs!
Dvorak says there are 2 types of computer users - "Cutting-Edge and Consensus." I agree with him and his philosophy that "it looks like the consensus folks are now in charge." However, that doesn't mean we should be afraid of new technology - I think Microsoft Windows VISTA is more secure and better than the previous O/S - not just from what I've read, but from what I've seen. Besides BitLocker (not everyone is going to encrypt their Hard Drive), Vista has tons of security for the average user. It may look like overkill, but wouldn't you rather have to "allow" software to install on your computer*, than have to figure out what spy ware or virus has spread to your machine? We can still be cautious going forward, but I honestly think that is what Microsoft had in mind with Vista. Be cautious through better security and better usability.
* See UAC in Windows Vista.
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