No More Windows XP On Preloaded Machines

By DustinPosted on

Yesterday marked the one year birthday of Windows 7, as well as the end of XP as we know it being preinstalled on OEM machines, including Netbooks. This comes as no surprise as Windows 7 is quickly becoming the defacto installation on most new PC’s. Businesses, consumers and hobbyists have quickly jumped on the Windows 7 train and have loved it. I have seen very little negativity towards Windows 7, especially compared with Windows Vista. One person even went as far as to say “Since Windows 7 came out, I’ve been telling clients that it took Microsoft 24 years to get it right — and it finally got it right with Windows 7.”. XP was a great operating system, and it served its purpose for many years, but it is time to move on. Times have changed, security threats have moved on, it is definitely time for the OS to move on.

Netbooks were the last category of PCs on which Microsoft was still allowing XP preloads at this point. Back in April 2008, Microsoft told OEMs that October 22, 2010, would be the day that no more XP Home would be permitted to be preinstalled on new netbooks.

Update: XP preloads are done, but XP downgrades are not, by the way. Best any of us Microsoft watchers can tell, it looks like XP downgrades will be allowed up until 2015. (Microsoft won’t confirm or deny that date.)

Microsoft Security Essentials Notifier (MSEN) Add-In Released

By DustinPosted on

For those running Windows Home Server, a fellow called “TheWiz” has created a new add-in that works with Microsoft Security Essentials. Very nice add-in, and will come in very handy! Thanks, TheWiz!

Microsoft Security Essentials Notifier is an Add-In designed for Windows Home Server. Its purpose is to enhance the user experience of those using Microsoft Security Essentials to protect their server. With the new 2.0 beta of Security Essentials running on WHS v1, this Add-In allows you to receive notifications to your client computers of definition updates, scans on your hard disk, and detected malware.

Microsoft Sells 30 Copies of Office Each Minute

By DustinPosted on

Microsoft has stated that they are selling 30 copies of their very popular Office suite every minute. Being the required software in a lot of college courses, as well as a LOT of businesses and homes, it comes as no surprise. Another awesome sales statistic from Microsoft this week. They have definitely gotten over the PR error that was Windows Vista.

Microsoft Office is a staple product that dominates the landscape. Nearly every major corporation uses the productivity software to get its business done fast and effectively. According to a Microsoft PR email, Office 2010 now ranks as the fastest-selling consumer version of Office in history. To date, more than 6 million copies have been sold which averages out to 30 copies sold every minute.

Riskiest Product Bet For MS: Windows 8?

By DustinPosted on

Steve Ballmer has said in an interview that the next version of Windows will be their riskiest product yet. Let’s hope it is as revolutionary as they claim. I’ve been waiting!

But when we saw the leaked Windows 8 slide deck which looked to be from Microsoft (dated April 2010), the supposed early feature set concepts for Windows 8 looked solid, but weren’t anything I’d call “risky.” Fast startup, facial recognition as a security option, better support for slates, a possible app store — all good, but not amazing. The one feature on the list that might be considered remotely risky (mostly in terms of the ability of Microsoft to deliver it)? Push-button reset, which allegedly would reinstall Windows while maintaining all of your personal files, applications and settings.

What Microsoft Knows About You & Windows 7

By DustinPosted on

There is an option when installing Windows called the Customer Experience Improvement Program that allows Microsoft to collect anonymous information about how you use your computer. While this isn’t too bad, and I find it interesting, there are some people out there that would rather not share that information with anyone. There is a way to turn it off, if you don’t like it.

But some of the other numbers might give you pause. Did you realize, for example, that Microsoft knows how many times its users click on the Start menu? How often they use certain Aero features? How many programs get pinned to the taskbar?

Windows 7: One Year Later

By DustinPosted on

Windows 7 was officially launched to the public October 22nd, 2009. Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of the launch. So, how did it do in that one year? Extremely well, I’d say, with 240 Million licenses sold. Congrats, Microsoft, and Happy Birthday to Windows 7!

“I think Windows 7 has exceeded expectations,” said Gavriella Schuster, general manager of Windows Product Management. “People from the very beginning have had an optimistic forecast. I actually felt in the beginning we needed to temper expectations a bit… but a year later, we’re on track. We’re right where we thought we would be. It’s been a good year – it’s a year to celebrate.”

Windows Embedded Comes To Automobiles

By DustinPosted on

Microsoft, not being content in just being on your desk, your phone, and your laptop, has moved into the embedded department in your car. I thought they have a version of Windows running in certain Ford vehicles already? Ford SYNC? I believe this goes a step further. More details to follow!

Microsoft announced today that Windows Embedded Automotive technologies are powering the touch-screen Information Hub for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric car. The hub gives LEAF drivers and passengers a navigation system and electricity charging station locator. It also shares power consumption monitoring information with drivers, and enables easy in-car climate monitoring – all on top of a smooth, quiet electric ride. Be sure to check out a video of the car in action.

Ray Ozzie Leaving Microsoft

By DustinPosted on

Ray Ozzie has announced he is leaving Microsoft. Ozzie is Microsoft’s current Chief Software Architect after replacing Bill Gates. This is a surprise to many, as Ozzie has been a big part of Microsoft since the beginning. I’m wondering who will take his place?

“Ray contributed significantly to the early success of Windows,” Ballmer noted in his memo to Microsoft employees. “Since being at Microsoft, both through inspiration and impact he’s been instrumental in our transition toward a software world now centered on services.”

Kinect Launch List – 17 Titles

By DustinPosted on

Going back to the days of old, with Sega and Nintendo (and NEC for you Turbografx lovers!) announcing “launch” titles. Microsoft has a list of 17 titles for their launch of the Kinect. However, like Sega and Nintendo, only a few are available the day of the launch. The rest come a couple weeks later. No big deal for some, but a bit misleading if you want a launch game on the official launch day! Some great titles, and I’m sure I’m going to have to pick one up for my wife: Zumba!

The seventeen-game lineup also includes three dancing games (Dance Central, Zumba Fitness, and DanceMasters), four exercise games (Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, EA Sports Active 2.0, and the aforementioned Zumba Fitness), and two ‘boarding games (Adrenalin Misfits and Sonic Free Riders). See the full list after the break.