That is the label that is being placed on the Microsoft internal video that is currently on YouTube. I must admit that the video itself is… well… silly. It is hard to believe that people at Microsoft who are extremely intelligent could even consider this as being anything but offensive.
But you take a look and see what you think.
Comments welcome.
You Tube video is here.
According to inside sources from a renown person [possibly a janitor] who is a friend of the consumer, who knew a friend of a friend, this weeks latest rumor is that SP3 for Windows XP is really, really on its way. SP3 is set to be released starting next week with the update feature being activated at the end of April. But what ever the situation if you are one of the folks who would like to sit back and wait for the dust to settle, make sure you install the blocker:
A blocking tool is available for organizations that would like to temporarily prevent installation of Service Pack updates through Windows Update. This tool can be used with:
- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (valid through March, 2008)
- Windows XP Service Pack 3 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
This toolkit contains three components. All of them function primarily to set or clear a specific registry key that is used to detect and block download of Service Packs from Windows Update. You only need to use the component which best serves your organization’s computer management infrastructure.
- A Microsoft-signed executable
- A script
- An ADM template
- The executable creates a registry key on the computer on which it is run that blocks or unblocks (depending on the command-line option used) the delivery of a Service Pack to that computer through Windows Update. The key used is HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
When the ‘/B’ command line option is used, the key value name ‘DoNotAllowSP’ is created and its value set to 1. This value blocks delivery of a Service Pack to the computer through Automatic Update or Windows Update.
When the ‘/U’ command line option is used, the previously created registry value that temporarily blocked the delivery of a Service Pack to the computer through Automatic Update or Windows Update is removed. If the value does not exist on the computer on which it is run, no action is taken.
- The script does the same thing as the executable, but allows you to specify the remote machine name on which to block or unblock delivery of Service Packs.
Note that the executable and script have been tested only as a command-line tool and not in conjunction with other systems management tools or remote execution mechanisms.
- The ADM template allows administrators to import group policy settings to block or unblock delivery of Service Packs into their Group Policy environment. Administrators can then use Group Policy to centrally execute the action across systems in their environment.
You can download the blocker from here.
Comments welcome.
As of April 11th, the petition at InfoWorld to save Windows XP has garnered some 111,000 or so votes. With an estimated 400 million Windows users in the world, this small number of petition signers most likely will not change Microsoft’s plans to dump Windows XP as per their scheduled target date of June 30th, 2008. But will Windows XP die a quick death?
In some of the forums I belong to there has been some lively discussions concerning recycling of Windows XP. Again the issue of licensing comes up time and time again. There is always confusion as to what versions of Windows XP can be used again if completely removed from an existing computer. The common thinking is that if you bought an OEM machine, that license can not be transfered. Whereas a license purchased by a user directly may be transferred, depending on the circumstance.
There will also be the ability for users to continue to buy Windows XP even after the June 30th cut off date. Microsoft has indicated that systems builders will be able to continue to purchase Windows XP until January 31st, 2009, which makes me think that retail companies like NewEgg will still be selling XP until that date. Even Microsoft admitted that Vista for system builders that anyone could purchase the license. I would take it that the same is true for XP. If a new XP license was needed to downgrade a Vista system, most of us will still have the availability to purchase a new XP license.
I personally believe that Windows XP will continue as a viable operating system at least until Microsoft releases Windows 7 which is already in the developmental stage.
Comments welcome.
Interesting article from ConsumerReports.org here.
Tags: windows, xp, vista, license, system, builders, transfer, petition
The sky is falling once again and this time it is falling on top of Microsoft. Or so say the doom and gloomers over at Gartner. It seems in their assessment Windows has become to clunky and bloated and neither consumers nor businesses are falling all over themselves to upgrade. If anything, everyone wants cheaper and more efficient products to power their computers. Also cited is the wave on online applications that have popped up similar to what Google is offering in their Google applications which run online.
According to the article is states:
Microsoft Windows, the operating system which has dominated desktop computing for decades, is in danger of collapsing, according to analysts at Gartner.
Microsoft’s flagship product, which runs the vast majority of the world’s PCs, has become so bulky and ill-equipped for the challenges of modern computing that it risks becoming obsolete, a pair of senior analysts at Gartner have said.
Threats from new web-based models of software delivery, a shift towards low-cost computing, and a reluctance on the part of companies to upgrade their machines to new operating systems for potentially limited benefits, have all contributed to the possiblity that Microsoft’s dominance of the desktop may crumble, they said.
The increasing complexity of Windows has meant that the release times for new versions have become unpredictable, Michael Silver and Neil MacDonald, two VPs at Gartner, said. Windows Vista, the latest version, has 50 million lines of code, more than double the number of the 1996 version of the software.
I’m not taking what Gartner is saying could not come true. But facts are facts. MS holds a commanding lead when it comes to computers that are controlled by Windows. But then again, changes do appear to be afoot and the need for an OS could be coming to an end.
What do you think? Could his really happen?
Comments welcome.
Full article is here.
Over at Scot’s Newsletter Forum a new member asks a question he is struggling with, the Vista vs XP argument and software issues. I stopped by to see some of the answers and wasn’t very surprised that the vote was for Windows XP Pro. In the post member b2220128 asked:
I am preparing to build a new computer using a Intel P35 processor, a ASUS mother board and gobs of memory if needed. But the question of the OS is still a difficult one for me. I see my choices as some flavor of XP, 32 bit Vista and 64 bit Vista, probably Ultimate Edition. I read Scott’s newsletter/ blog out of interest, but not being in the business much of it doesn’t stick.
I am mostly a home user running typical home programs, video and occasionally big spread sheets from work. I want a machine that will not get dated too quickly which leads me towards Vista but I also have read so much bad about Vista that the familiarity oand stability of XP is a real attraction. I also haven’t a clue about compatibility of my older programs with 64bit Vista. I still use Office 2000 for instance. I know Outlook 2000 won’t install on any version of Vista, but will Word and Excel run on 64 bit Vista. As you can see I am just clued in enough to know there might be a problem.
Can any of you experienced pros give me a some advice?
I was one of the forum members who agreed with going with Windows XP Pro. But why would I agree? Why wouldn’t I recommend Vista? One reason is that it appears that the poster still uses Outlook 2000 which wouldn’t work with Vista. This leads one to believe that he may also have other older software that also may work. So unless money is no object, some software upgrades would be required with Vista as well.
But there is another reason. I personally believe that Windows 7 is going to be an OS that unscrews some of the problems with Vista. I don’t care what MS says, Vista is by no means the OS of my dreams. Maybe my nightmares! OK. It isn’t quite that bad. 
But I am not a HUGE fan of the newest OS which I consider is just OK. I’ll be keeping XP until Windows 7 is released.
I am serious about sticking with XP? You bet. Last week I sold [2] two copies of Vista Ultimate I had which I originally purchased as upgrades to the cheaper Vista versions, if and when I bought new computer systems. But I have resigned myself to the fact that if I buy a new laptop with Vista, I’ll do a down grade. Even the last desktop I build in October 2007, I installed Windows XP Pro w/SP2.
Just my 2 cents.
Comments welcome.
Forum post is here.
Tags: forums, postings, windows, xp, vista, microsoft, operating, system, recommend,
We appear to be entering into an era in which the lines between small, medium and standard laptops may start to blur. Yesterday I was looking at a specific HP model #2133 that was supposed to be a mini-notebook. Yet this mini looked more like a standard laptop. In the review it states:
The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (starting at $599 for Windows Vista Basic, $499 for SuSE Linux, and $749 as configured) is a bit more expensive and weighs more than the competition, but the system’s unique strengths make it a good investment for students, mobile professionals, and anyone else looking for an affordable, highly portable computer.
Large for a Mini
Like other mini-notebooks, the 2133 Mini-Note is aimed at the education market, though you wouldn’t know it from the design. Measuring 10.0 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches and weighing just under 4 pounds, the Mini-Note is a tad bulkier than the ASUS, CTL, and Everex models. A brushed silver aluminum case over a magnesium-alloy chassis gives the system a durable foundation, which is augmented by a hard drive accelerometer and a spill-resistant, wear-resistant keyboard. Even the display features a glossy no-scratch coating.
What is strange is that this HP model can be purchased with Vista Business installed. Yet in the spec’s this laptop comes with a “1.6-GHz VIA C7-M processor” Which IMHO may be kind of weak to run Vista.
I think of low cost mini-laptops more in tune with the Asus Eee PC. Using a lighter weight OS like Linux or even Windows XP. A mini in the 2lb weight class.
What do you think should be classified as a low cost, light weight mini-laptop?
Fill review is here.
Comments welcome.
Tags: netbook, mid, full, mini, laptops, classification, processing, ram
As has been previously reported, some users may have experienced a reboot looping problem when trying to install Service Pack #1 for Vista. According to a post on the TechNet blog, there are now fixes being posted to correct the situation. According to the blog posting:
To address this problem for people who have not already installed the SSU, we are releasing a fix tomorrow which will install prior to the SP1 Servicing Stack Update. This pre-SSU update helps to ensure a smooth install of the SSU by working to prevent the system from rebooting during the SP1 SSU installation. We also made additional changes to the SSU installer code, so that it checks for and requires the pre-SSU (KB949939) before it will install.
These two updates should now install seamlessly through Windows Update, in the proper order, so those of you with WU set to “install updates automatically” who haven’t already installed the SSU don’t have to take any further action. For those using the standalone download of SP1, the issues we encountered do not affect that method of installing at all.
May I suggest that those who have experienced the SP1 reboot-looping problem carefully read the article below. Confirm you understand fully how to resolve this issue before proceeding with any of the recommended fixes. Also note the warnings that Microsoft has issued BEFORE attempting any fixes. It may just save you some time and hassle.
Comments welcome.
Full article and links to KB fixes are here.
Just a quick note:
If you want to track the route of the Olympic torch on its way to China, Google is providing a link for you to use. Just check out the Google site which states:
An ongoing tradition from 766 B.C. has been to ignite the torch at the ancient site in Olympia, Greece. From March 24th until the start of August, the Torch Relay will travel across Greece, into Beijing, and then around the world through cities, oceans, and even the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Everest). The relay’s purpose is to spread the Olympic spirit as well as the message of peace and friendship, and also ignite the passion of the people around the world.
Comments welcome.
Google site is here.
Yahoo! has issued a press release responding to Microsoft concerning may of the issues that appear to be keeping the two apart. But at the end, Yahoo! states that it all comes down to money. In the statement it says:
In conclusion, please allow us to restate our position, so there can be no confusion. We are open to all alternatives that maximize stockholder value. To be clear, this includes a transaction with Microsoft if it represents a price that fully recognizes the value of Yahoo! on a standalone basis and to Microsoft, is superior to our other alternatives, and provides certainty of value and certainty of closing. Lastly, we are steadfast in our commitment to choosing a path that maximizes stockholder value and we will not allow you or anyone else to acquire the company for anything less than its full value.
Seems like Yahoo has made their position clear. Now it is up to Microsoft to make the next move.
Full Yahoo! PR is here.
What version of Windows was it that either introduced or improved on the features below:
- Windows Movie Maker (new) - allows basic editing of home videos. (However to this date, still highly unstable.)
- System Restore (new) -allows the restore of system files, drivers and the registry to a previous known state to recover from a system failure. Might not work all the time, but a huge leap from the format and install approach to troubleshooting.
- System File Protection (improved) - monitors and restores undesired changes to important Windows system files. Might be a hassle for advanced users, but gives some protection over malicious damage of system files.
- New TCP/IP Stack (improved) - adds ability to sense whether adapters are connected to a network, improved performance and reliability and home networking features.
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) (new) - adds the ability for the computer to request ports autonomously to the router. (An inherent security problem, but simplifies home networking in many scenarios.)
- Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) (new) - a standardized framework for imaging devices (cameras, webcams, scanners) to communicate with Windows. Before this, device vendors had to write a custom solution on their own leading to many compatibility problems.
- Automatic Updates (new) - allows for download and installations of Windows Updates directly in Windows. Before, users had to manually check the website.
- Inbuilt ZIP support (improved) - allows the creation and extraction of ZIP folders natively in Windows.
- Image preview (new) - inbuilt picture viewer for many of the popular photo and image formats.
- Bundled games (improved) - Pinball and Spider Solitaire. Nuff said.
- USB Mass Storage generic driver (new) - the first consumer Windows OS to support any USB mass storage device without third-party drivers. Before, you had to install a custom driver from a floppy to use any USB drive.
It was Windows Millennium aka ME.
More information is located here.
Comments welcome.
