Vista Web Buttons

Vista Buttons helps you create Vista/XP/Win98/Mac rollover html buttons and html drop down menus with ease.

Well done, but the look is not a style I really like. I guess if you want a website to look like a desktop application running in Vista then it would be great but I have to ask. Why would you? Why have a website look like Vista (2nd behind Windows ME in acceptance).

I will say they have done a great job capturing the look and if this is a look you want you will probably not find a better tool to get it done.

Link:
http://vista-buttons.com/index.html

Windows Vista SP1 problems

A day after it was released for public download, Windows Vista SP1 is drawing barbs from some computer users who say the software wrecked their systems..

Rule of thumb for me with major service packs (like this one and the XP SP3 coming soon) is to give it at least 6 months before installing. Let everyone else work out the issues.

Microsoft on Tuesday made Vista SP1 widely available for the first time. The company has admitted it's still not perfect.

Does that scare you?

Link:
http://...windows-vista-sp1-wreaks-havoc-on-some-pcs

Ultimate PC

Ultimate PC is Microsoft's latest attempt to get users more interested in the Vista operating system by providing 'blueprints' to ultimate pc setups.

Blueprints available:

• Photography
• Home Theater
• Gaming

Link:
http://ultimatepc.com

How to get Vista fonts in XP

Windows only: If there's only a few things most Microsoft Vista upgraders and nay-sayers can agree upon, one likely talking point is that Vista's fonts are generally clean, smooth, and a step up from XP. Getting the newer fonts in XP doesn't have to involve illegal downloads and system tweaking, however—as the gHacks tech blog points out, simply installing Microsoft's PowerPoint Viewer 2007 installs a bundle of Vista fonts in XP that you can use as your system defaults.

Link:
http://lifehacker.com/...

Inside Vista SP1 File Copy Improvements

One of the improvements highlighted in the document is the increased performance of file copying for multiple scenarios, including local copies on the same disk, copying files from remote non-Windows Vista systems, and copying files between SP1 systems. How were these gains achieved? The answer is a complex one and lies in the changes to the file copy engine between Windows XP and Vista and further changes in SP1.

Way more than any one person would really want to know.

Link:
http://.../markrussinovich/archive/2008/02/04/2826167.aspx

Are you ready for Vista SP1?

Microsoft Corp. will release Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) on Monday, Feb. 4, according to reports Friday from Tech ARP.com, a Malaysian Web site.

Other sources, meanwhile, claimed that Windows Server 2008 will also reach RTM (release to manufacturing) in the coming week.

Luckily I'm still on WinXP and probably will be for the next couple of years. I see no reason to move to Vista and will probably wait to see what Windows 7 is like.

Link:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...

Even Bill Gates doesn't truly like Vista

What did Bill Gates just say?
http://gizmodo.com/342920/holy-crap-did-bill-gates-just-say

Detailed change log of Vista SP1

This document describes many of the notable changes in Windows Vista SP1, with the exception of some updates to the Windows Genuine Advantage experience which we are still developing for our customers and will be released in a later build.

Overview:
http://.../vista-sp1-changelog/

Full 17-page document:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

Vista Hands On #17: Solving a pesky resource problem

Have you experienced any of these problems with Windows Vista? After opening a large number of programs and windows, you try to launch a new program or open a new browser tab or even switch back to an already running program and instead:

• You get a strange “out of memory” message, despite the fact that you’re using only a fraction of the RAM installed on your system.
• The window opens but its contents refuse to load.
• The window opens, but menus are missing, dialog boxes are empty, or buttons don’t work.

Read on how to fix:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=269

Microsoft Windows Vista 30-Day Eval VHD

For organizations with complex desktop infrastructures, whether large or small, Windows Vista Enterprise is the operating system designed specifically to help realize a better return on IT investments. In this VHD, you'll have the opportunity to road-test new and improved features including management (e.g. MUI, BDD, etc…) usability (e.g. Search, Navigation, etc…) and security (UAC, Windows Defender, etc…), enhancements to the Windows Vista platform.

Link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

Vista Transformation Pack 7.0 Released

It's been a long wait for some of you, and after several delays, we are pleased to announce to you today, the release of Vista Transformation Pack 7.0, Windows X's latest customization pack to give you the Vista experience without the hassle of a new OS.

Vista Transformation Pack 7.0 brings many new features such as ViStart, a new add-on which emulates the Vista start menu, as well as Thoosje's latest Desktop Sidebar 2.0 to give you the ultimate Windows Vista experience!

Link:
http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=18388

Windows Vista SP1 Beta coming this year

Within its recent response to the United States Department of Justice that stated it would modify Windows Vista to enable end users and OEMs to change the default desktop search it uses, Microsoft for the first time discussed Service Pack 1 for the OS, saying a beta will come this year.

Link:
http://.../Windows_Vista_SP1_Beta_Due_This_Year/

Top tech support forum helps in all areas.

Tech Support Guy is one buzzing forum with lots of groups and 100K's of posts. If you need some help with anything computer than check this forum out. Even if you don't want to ask a questions just using their search feature can probably yield a discussion going on.

Link:
http://forums.techguy.org/

Get Windows Vista for free with a 30-day trial

Microsoft has made available a 30 day trial of Windows Vista through its Virtual PC Product. You can download a pre-configured Virtual Hard Drive and then, with Virtual PC, you get to play around with Windows Vista for 30 days.

Doesn't hurt to see what its all about.

Windows Vista:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

Virtual PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/.../virtualpc/default.mspx

Microsoft codenames

See all the upcoming and active codenames for future Microsoft products. Not sure why I thought Fiji was the next release of Windows after Vista but its not. Fiji is the next release of Windows Media Center while Windows 7 is the next release of Windows after Vista.

Like a lot of other people I will probably skip Vista and wait for Windows 7 before upgrading. Not sure there is much need for Vista since MS has said it will provide a SP3 for WinXP, that should hold me over.

Link:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/topic/Microsoft+codenames.html

Windows XP to be phased out by year's end despite customer demand

Windows XP to be phased out by year's end despite customer demand: "Computer makers have been told they'll no longer be able to get Windows XP OEM by the end of this year, despite consumer resistance to Vista and its compatibility problems.

By early 2008, Microsoft's contracts with computer makers will require companies to only sell Vista-loaded machines. 'The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January,' said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. 'At that point, they'll have no choice.'"

That is going to be a mess and I am glad I don't offer computer support.

Link:
http://.../vendors_in_no_rush_to_ditch_xp_for_vista

BlackViper's Windows Vista Service Configurations

Black Viper provides some of the best insight on services running under different Windows operating system. Black Viper has now released his list of Windows Vista services and configuration and what he recommends for a configuration. Running WinXP, no problem, he has that too.

If you've never read his stuff you really need to check it out.

Link:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

Windows Vista Hardware Assessment

The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment is a tool that will find computers on a network and perform a detailed inventory of the computers using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). Through use of the detailed inventory data, the tool will assess and report whether the computers can run Windows Vista, where to find drivers for devices on the computers, and provide recommendations for hardware upgrades, where appropriate.

The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool does not require the deployment of agent software on the computers being inventoried and assessed. It provides a secure, quick, and easy way to determine which computers, in a networked environment, are Windows Vista ready.

Link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

See what Windows Ultimate is all about

Retail kiosk video showcasing Windows Ultimate:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

10 Things You Need to Know about Deploying Windows Vista

You've deployed Windows XP in the past, and now you're thinking ahead to Windows Vista. Whether you'll be deploying to 10, 100, or 100,000 computers, just knowing how the process has changed from Windows XP will make the deployment run much more smoothly.

Link:
http://.../Deployment/default.aspx

Why Certain Web sites are Slow in Vista

Do you have a problem with certain websites loading verrrry sloooowly? Google around a bit and you'll find you're not the only one. Microsoft's new network stack has had a number of different problems, most of them caused by the rest of the world not being completely up-to-date with the latest standards (backwards compatibility, who needs it!). This problem is no exception.

Read how to resolve this Vista issue:
http://.../itsvista-tip-37-why-certain-web-sites-are-slow-in-vista/

You Can Install the Vista Upgrade Without XP

You can install the upgrade version of Vista even if you don't have XP or 2000 installed, or even without access to a disc with one of the old OSes.

Link:
http://.../whoops-you-can-install-the-vista-upgrade-without-xp

When things go wrong in Vista, and they will.

Scares me to death to do a system restore in WinXP but others swear by it. For the mom and pop user, System Restore is the greatest thing added into Windows since Solitaire. Why? Because you can totally screw your system up and press a couple buttons and Windows will put your system back to a known stable restore point. I just don't trust it and would prefer to work through the problem myself and fix it.

Now comes Vista and System Restore is still in place. So, heres a tutorial to get you up to speed in using System Restore in Vista...

Link:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/...

Windows Help program no longer included with Windows

Vista does not support the older Windows Help file (.hlp). So if you are upgrading and you have an application that still requires this type of help file then you will need to install support for it yourself - if MS ever releases it.

Link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607

Windows PowerShell 1.0 Installation Package for Windows Vista

Windows PowerShell 1.0 is a new task-based command-line shell and scripting language that is designed specifically for system administration. Built on the .NET Framework, Windows PowerShell helps IT professionals and power users control and automate the administration of the Windows operating system and the applications that run on Windows.

By using Windows PowerShell, administrators can manage their systems by typing individual commands or running scripts that automate management tasks. Exchange Server 2007, System Center Operations Manager 2007, System Center Data Protection Manager V2, and System Center Virtual Machine Manager use Windows PowerShell to improve efficiency and productivity.

Link:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=928439

The Windows Vista launch page is here

Check it out as MS has posted the new Windows Vista Launch page.

Link:
http://.../windowsvista/default.mspx

MS gives laptops to Bloggers

Not me but others have received laptops pre-installed with Windows Vista. There are lots of people who are slamming MS for this PR move and others that don't have a problem with it.

Read an opinion:
http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2006/12/28.html

The only thing I will say on this topic is I don't think its a bad idea. Giving someone a better tool to provide an honest evaluation is not bribing in my book. If a bloggers gives his or her honest opinion of the OS then whats the problem?

If MS wants to provide me with a laptop I will gladly give them a honest eval of the new OS. I can't afford a new laptop just to test Vista (won't run in VPC efficiently enough to test).

The Five Best and Worst Things About Vista

After five years, Windows Vista is finally here. With a Mac-like interface, improved security, and far better networking, it's a great improvement over Windows XP. Like any new operating system, though, there are things you'll love about it, and things you'll hate about it. Check out my list of five things you'll love and five things you'll hate, and add to the list by using the link at the bottom of the article.

Link:
http://.../the-five-best-and-worst-things-about-vista.html

The sounds of Vista

This is a very cool video (really just audio) that displays the sounds of Win Vista as compared to WinXP. The sounds are much softer and in some cases I think a bit too soft.

Link:
http://.../20061110/vista-sounds-compare/

Or are these the actual sounds:
http://.../enjoy-the-windows-vista-sounds/