December 21, 2006

Running Windows Vista: The First Month

I have now been running the RTM versions of Windows Vista on 4 systems for over a month now, and I must say that despite a few minor annoyances, and waiting for some updated drivers, I am pretty impressed. No blue screens, no major system freezes (although I still have some sleep issues), and most importantly, everything I need to do my daily computer tasks is up and running. I have both the Ultimate and Home Premium editions installed, and my hardware runs the gamut from high-end to budget. Even on the budget systems, performance seems good, and all systems are running the full Windows Vista feature set, including Aero Glass (even with integrated graphics on the laptop.)

Of course, my Core 2 Duo systems screams, although I am still anxiously awaiting Crossfire support from ATI in order to take advantage of my dual graphics cards. My wife's Pentium D 820 system is also running quite well, and after upgrading her ATI x300SE card to a more powerful x1600PRO, even playing games is a breeze. My older AMD x64 3200+ system also runs quite well, and I have noticed that the TCP autotuning feature seems to give me better speeds when surfing the internet. Then of course there is the budget Sempron laptop, which despite its lower end hardware, runs everything Vista throws at it quite well - although it does slow down a bit when trying to multi-task as compared to the Core 2 system.

One of my major complaints with the earlier Beta and RC releases was the lack of a functioning Media Center. I have grown used to my MCE 2005 system, and having live TV on a second monitor while working has become something I enjoy having. With Windows Vista RTM, the Media Center has performed quite well. Of course I am using a MS supplied Hauppage WinTV PVR 500 dual TV tuner (thanks MS!), and the drivers are probably some of the best so far. For those who still have hardware issues, there are sure to be major driver updates for most hardware over the next few weeks, and there should also be a number of software updates/patches for some applications which still have issues running on Windows Vista.

I have been experimenting quite heavily with the Speech Recognition in Vista, and although there are still some areas that need some work, overall it rocks! Being able to surf the web, change TV channels, send emails, and listen to music without ever having to touch my keyboard or mouse is a great thing - especially when using the Media Center interface on a big screen. With a wireless headset, I can sit in the lounge chair and control my PC without even needed the remote - talk about some serious lounging.

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December 08, 2006

Media Debate: Windows Vista Hardware Requirements

Once again, the media is out to completely confuse the public when it comes to Windows Vista. In the latest round of news frenzy, there are reports that most users will need major hardware upgrades in order to use Windows Vista, and on the other side are articles that say that the majority of mid to high end computers sold in the past three years "will run Windows Vista just fine." Then of course there are the articles comparing prices between XP systems and Vista system. When someone compares a P4 524, with 160 GB Hard Drive and 512 MB RAM for $299 after rebates (the XP system), against a P4 531, 160 GB Hard drive and 2 GB of RAM for $830 (the Vista sytstem), and then hypes the 64% difference between them, well, any person with common sense can figure that you can buy the $299 system and upgrade the RAM and even toss in a fairly nice graphics card for a lot less than the difference between those two systems.

The truth of the matter is that if you have a system that is a couple of years old that was in the mid range when you bought it, you may only need to toss in a stick of RAM, and maybe upgrade your video card to get the full Vista experience. Sure, running a Core 2 Duo, with 2 - 4 GB of high dollar RAM, and a $300+ video card will give you an aweseome experience, but you can easily run Vista Home Premium, or even ultimate with full Aero effects on a system that sells for $500 or even less today.

So, what am I running Vista on? Well of course I have a Core 2 Dou system with 2 GB of PC-6400 RAM, SATA II hard drives and dual ATI graphics cards, but I also have Vista Ultimate and Home Premium running on a AMD 64 3200+ with 1 GB of PC-3200 RAM and an ATI x300 graphics card (a sub $400 computer today), and on a new AMD Sempron 3200+ laptop with 768 MB PC-2700 RAM, and integrated ATI Express 200M graphics (a $399 Walmart special, with a $35 stick of extra RAM). Both systems run full Aero Glass, and although they are certainly not gaming machines, they have been running every day for the past few weeks without any noticable issues.

Now of course there are the shabby merchants who will tout their Vista ready cheapo systems to consumers, without explaining the difference between Windows Vista Basic, and Home Premium or Ultimate. Not to mention that I have my doubts that a laptop with 512 MB RAM that shares out 128 MB for video memory will even intstall Vista Home Premium; although I have seen a few so configured that come with Media Center 05 and tout the Home Premium upgrade coupon. The best advice for consumers who are interested in upgrading to Windows Vista, or are purchasing a new system is to take a little time and do a bit of research before making the plunge. Who should you believe? Well you can read plenty of blog posts and articles from people who have been working with Windows Vista since the early Beta stages, or you can believe some kid working in a super store who doesn't know the difference between RAM and ROM.

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November 17, 2006

Windows Vista Frenzy - What Ticks Me Off

As an avid tech enthusiast, beta tester, application developer, and general all around geek, I constantly read the latest tech news. With the release of Windows Vista RTM, there has been no shortage of reading material, but more often than not, I end up shaking my head at the many misconceptions, and even blithering idiocy of some reports. While everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, I have to wonder sometimes what exactly some people have been putting in their morning coffee. Sensationalist headlines have hit the web over the past week, many of them completely out of context, and others not even relating to the real stories being presented.

I keep hearing that Windows Vista is too expensive - yes, everything is too expensive, but lets take a look at comparisons. Most new Video games run $60 USD a pop, independent software titles from companies like Adobe often run $300, $400, even $500 for one single program. Antivirus companies are charging $30-$40 a year for their software. And yet people are complaining about $299 for Windows Vista, a software 'package' that is what gives us the platform to run the programs we choose to run. Of course most people will never spend the $299, as it is a much better deal to get it pre-installed on a new computer, and especially now with the Vista Upgrade coupons, it makes sense to upgrade hardware and software from those Windows 98 machines that people seem to be hanging onto.

Then of course there is the 'I can't afford a thousand dollar computer to run Windows Vista' - utter nonsense! I have installed Vista RTM on a $350 desktop, and a $400 laptop, and have full capabilities of all the Vista has to offer, including Aero Glass. Are these gaming machines - of course not, but they both are better than the desktops and laptops that many people are still running. So why upgrade if your current hardware and software does everything you want to? Don't, just wait until the hardware or software crashes, and then come pay me to fix it, or pay me to recover your data. Of course you could always pay Geek Squad, or Firedog a heck of a lot more, and they will probably end up charging you money to tell you they can't fix it, then end up selling you an overpriced new system so full of overbloated software that it will be slower than your old system .

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have those people who don't seem to understand that the future requires change in order to grow. Windows Vista is the next step - it is not an express elevator to the top, it is a step towards better programs, more productivity, more security, and a richer computer experience. It is a fact that most people use Windows on PC's - why? Because it is easier to use than most linux flavors, it offers more support for polished third party software, and it does not require a branded hardware platform to run - and oh yeah, it has by far the best games!

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November 16, 2006

The Potential of Windows Vista Accessibility

One of the often overlooked set of features of Windows Vista is its great features for accessability. Added to the previous accessability features of Windows XP, Windows Vista now includes a great built-in speech recognition feature. While this feature is great for users who want to dictate a letter, and show off the novelty of being able to control their computer's with voice commands, it will open up a whole new world for people with physcial challenges who previously either had to purchase expensive third party solutions, or just go without adequate computer access. The built in accessibility features including speech recognition in Windows Vista can change all of that.

Imagine not being able to use a keyboard or a mouse and being stuck in a world where you are dependent on others for your everyday needs. Now, imagine that suddently you can use a computer to surf the internet, send and recieve emails, communicate with people all over the world, and enjoy many of the computer programs which are out there to experience things that before where out of reach. This is truly an area which could have a profound impact on people who were previously bound by thier physical challenges.

Experimenting with the speech recognition in Windows Vista, I was easily able to open, use, and close native Windows and many third party applications. Browsing the internet was easy - I could even make forum posts! Playing music or watching a video was just a matter of a few voice commands. While there is still some work that is needed for many applications in order to make them fully speech compatible, the current implementation is quite good, and the future potential is incredible. In addition, the ability to communicate with others through email and web interfaces by using speech recognition will open a new world to those with physical limitations.

With the low cost of entry-level computers today, and the features that are found in Windows Vista, those with physical challenges will more easily be able to experience many of the wonders of modern day technology. Although the technology is not quite perfected, it has certainly come a long way, and with further advances from Microsoft, and the help of third party solutions, more and more people who were previously unable to use a computer, will now be able to join the worldwide community.

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November 10, 2006

Media Twists Windows Vista Security

At a press event the other day, Microsoft co-president Jim Allchin made a remark concerning security in Windows Vista. As has happened quite frequently lately, many members of the media have taken his comment completely out of context and twisted it into something it wasn't. This unfortunately is journalism at its worst, and in an effort to make sensational headlines, we have seen a number of headlines stating that Jim Allchin said Vista won't need to run an Anti-virus solution. This is not what Jim Allchin said, yet it seems his words have been twisted once again by those hungry for headlines.

The original quote from Jim Allchin was "My son, seven years old, runs Windows Vista and, honestly, he doesn't have an antivirus system on his machine. His machine is locked down with parental controls, he can't download things unless it's to the places that I've said that he could do, and I'm feeling totally confident about that." Nowhere did he say that the average user of Windows Vista doesn't need Anti-virus, but rather Jim was referring to his seven year old son, who is running in protected user mode, with highly customized security settings which make the chance that a virus will ever be downloaded in the first place highly unlikely. He did not recommend not using Anti-virus, nor did he allude to any issues with Anti-virus companies, yet this is what has appeared in the headlines.

In the past few months, many members of the media have created headlines that have given an incorrect perspective regarding security in Windows Vista. Some of the statements have been highly interpretational, while others have been blatently wrong. It is one thing to report on facts, but it is another to basically make up a story just to grab headlines. Are there issues regarding Windows Vista security? Sure there are. There will always be issues when it comes to computers and security. However, when it comes down to it, Windows Vista is much more secure than any previous version of Windows, and that fact alone is a good reason to use it.

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October 31, 2006

Misconceptions Regarding Windows Vista

With the upcoming release of Windows Vista, expected within the next few days, there seems to still be quite a few misconceptions about what exactly makes Windows Vista different and better than previous operating systems. From comments such as "Vista is all eye candy", to "Vista is too much of a memory hog", it seems that many people are seeing only the surface and missing much of what lies beneath.

The new Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) provides so much more than just eye candy. It provides and environment for developers to create applications which can provide a rich media environment coupled with incredible graphic capabilities. One such example is the latest work being done at the Scripps Research Institute (see Windows Vista: The Incredible Potential) in which they have created an application built upon WPF which is currently being used to research the SARS virus and cancer cells.

While Windows Vista does certainly use more RAM, and has higher initial hardware requirements, one must take into account that not only are the programs which are running much more complex, but that Windows Vista’s dynamic memory design has the purpose of keeping more of what the user needs in active memory, thus reducing the amount of time needed to access it. Coupled with the new ReadyBoost feature, this improved memory management will allow users to more quickly access multiple applications which are used the most, while making better use of available RAM.

Many people have also complained that Windows Vista does not support enough legacy applications. While this is true to an extent, it is all part of the advance of technology in computing. When Windows XP first arrived, there were the same complaints, as many of the older Windows 98/DOS based programs would not work. As Windows Vista becomes more widely adopted, many application vendors will update their programs to work on Windows Vista, and also take advantage of many of the underlying new features available. In addition, Windows Vista will provide platforms for new programs the likes of which are currently not possible.

When Windows Vista is released, it is likely that there will be reports of system instabilities, much the same as when Windows XP was released. However, many of these problems will disappear as more and better hardware drivers are released, and applications are updated to work with Vista. In addition, Windows Vista includes a much more comprehensive set of performance and troubleshooting tools which will help IT professionals and users identify and resolve problem issues. With Windows XP, such capabilities are quite limited, and often result in sending an error report, and then living with the problem – with Windows Vista, we may actually be able to fix these kind of issues.

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October 27, 2006

Vista Ultimate Not Included In Express Upgrade?

From descriptions on computer vendors websites, it appears as if Windows Vista Ultimate Edition will not be available as part of the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista program. On HP's website, it specifically states "This program does not offer an upgrade path to Windows Vista Ultimate. If you are interested in upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate, please visit your retailer to purchase the full-packaged-software version." This is quite a blow to tech enthusiasts, and means that these types of upgrades will have to be purchased through retailers or directly from Microsoft.

Another issue with the Express Upgrade is that users of Windows XP PRO seem to be stuck with an upgrade to Windows Vista Business. While many users of XP PRO are business users who may benefit from such an upgrade, once again it is the tech enthusiasts running XP PRO who are being stuck with an option they may not want. With the cost of Windows Vista Ultimate being significantly higher than some of the lower tiered versions, many users may instead opt for their free upgrade. Microsoft could be losing out with this aspect of the program, as there are many users who would probably be willing to pony up the extra dollars to upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate, but will not want to have to upgrade to a lesser version, and then pay to upgrade once again to Ultimate.

It also appears as if plea's for some kind of multiple upgrade discount for families has gone unanswered, which is sad because Microsoft could have really capitalized on something like that. Due to the high retail cost of Windows Vista, many families will probably end up waiting until they can buy new systems rather than spending the money to upgrade their current systems to Vista. With home users of computers numbering more than ever before, this is certainly a lucrative market segment to which Microsoft could have targeted their marketing efforts in a better way.

With Windows Vista, the Ultimate edition promises to deliver everything a consumer could want out of an operating system, with everything from full Media capabilities, to ultimate business tools. In addition, there will be the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras, which promise to add special features that will only be available to users of the Ultimate Edition when they are first released. Although the Express Upgrade program has already been announced, perhaps Microsoft will consider revising the program before Vista launches.

Posted by jrfree1 at 08:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 23, 2006

Firms Defend MS Vista Security

While the two biggest security firms, Symantec and McAfee, have vigorously complained about the new security features in Windows Vista (see Vista Kernel – Security Companies Whine), Microsoft has a number of firms and individuals who are defending many of the changes to security in Windows Vista.

We reported earlier this week how a previous rootkit exploit in Windows Vista had been addressed (see Vista Rootkit Exploit Blocked, PatchGuard Explained), and now Microsoft seems to have pleased at least some security experts. While Symantec and McAfee are demanding access to the kernel in order to get their products to work on Vista x64, firms like Sophos and Deepnet have found working solutions by using Microsoft’s security guidelines.

Sophos has stated that its antivirus products will include full protection against malware threats on Vista, and recently the firm commented regarding the current whining by the big two by saying "Symantec and McAfee have recently made high-profile complaints that they are being locked out of the Vista kernel. They argue that this is preventing them from continuing to develop proactive protection against new malware, sometimes referred to as 'host intrusion prevention' or 'HIPS'. CTO of Sophos, Richard Jacobs explained, We've taken a different approach, by focusing on catching bad behaviour before it has a chance to occur. Additionally, we are building our technology by making use of supported Microsoft interfaces rather than by trying to subvert them. That's why we're ready for 64bit Vista, and others aren't"

A representative from Deepnet Security was recently quoted as saying We don’t touch the kernel but we've always had full cooperation from Microsoft regarding API’s. It appears as if Symantec and McAfee may well be driving customers not towards Microsoft, but rather their own competition, who in many eyes already have a superior product.

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October 19, 2006

Vista Kernel - Security Companies Whine

With improved security being one of the biggest goals for Windows, Microsoft developed PatchGuard to protect the operating system kernel in it's 64 bit edition of Windows Vista. PatchGuard was designed to provide another strong layer of security for it's operating system, but now Symantec and Mcafee, two of the larger security vendors, have complained that it isn't fair because they want access to the kernel for their own security products, and that Microsoft is hurting the competition and creating and unfair advantage for its own products.

It seems as if these companies really want a less secure operating system, so that they will be able to sell their products. As both Symantec and Mcafee have had issues in the past with their own products being compromised, this means that Windows Vista's security will become dependent on the integrity of these third party solutions. Instead of working with Microsoft to find a better way to ensure security for Windows, it seems it is easier for these companies to whine to the European Commision and use the word 'antitrust' in order for them to get what they want.

Many power users of Windows refuse to use Symantec or Mcafee products because of their tendency to be resource hogs and the fact that they seem to cause conflicts with other Windows programs, yet these two companies certainly seem to have the corner on the security market when it comes to their products being preinstalled by so many OEM vendors. As a result, it is becoming more commonplace that many independent computer service companies will routinely uninstall Symantec and Mcafee products as a matter of course when setting up new systems for their customers. Maybe if they made a better product to begin with, they wouldn't feel so threatened by Microsoft!

Many of the other complaints leveled against Microsoft lately have been groundless, such as saying that Microsoft is cutting out third party vendors by promoting their own security products in Vista's new Welcome Center - this simply is not true. It has been well known for quite a while that OEM's will have the ability to customize parts of the Welcome Center and promote any third party vendors that they want to. Yet accusations such as these are just more fuel to the 'antitrust' fire which has been fanned by the media.

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October 15, 2006

Windows Vista - An Inside View

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Microsoft Corporate Campus in Redmond Washington as part of the Windows Vista Tech Beta Testers Tour (see PROnetworks At The Windows Vista Beta Tour.) The tour itself was incredible, and although all the participants had to sign strict NDA's concerning the technology we were shown, I can say without a doubt that when Vista is released, it will have some suprises in store, including some things not seen in the Beta and RC releases. During the tour we met with product teams for both Windows Vista and Longhorn Server, and got a great behind the scenes look at the development of Windows Vista.

The group which was invited to Microsoft for this special tour included beta testers from all over the US, Canada, as well as a few people who flew all the way from the U.K. There were quite a lot of interesting stories regarding experiences with beta testing Vista, and I must say that the Vista product teams listened closely to all of feedback and provided answers to all the questions we asked. Although the tour was only for 2 days, we were there from 8am to 7pm each day, and we met with an incredible number of Microsoft staff who were all extremely appreciative for all the hard work done by the beta testers.

Our welcoming keynote was delivered by none other than Jim Allchin, who is one of Microsoft's senior management staff. Jim impressed everyone there with his easy going manner, and his keynote was more of a discussion with all of us where he both answered our questions and asked our opinions. After the keynote, we were split into 2 groups and then treated to presentations from various Windows Vista development teams. These presentations were given by program managers, developers, and support personnel, and included in-depth looks at some of the new features which will be included in Windows Vista. At each presentation, our questions were answered by the development teams, who all took a lot of interest in our suggestions and comments.

At the end of the tour, Microsoft hosted a special reception for the attendees which included a fantastic spread of food and beverages (for anyone wondering, Windows Vista soda is actually flavored sparkling water), and inside the reception were numerous tables hosted by development teams and Microsoft partners whom we could talk one-on-one with. We were all given special Microsoft bags and each product group had some great swag for us - everything from t-shirts to media center remote controls. This tour provided not only a wealth of inside information, but allowed me to meet and make friends with fellow beta testers and Microsoft employees. One of the most important things that I learned from this experience is that our feedback does matter, and many of the features of Windows Vista, and the changes made throughout the development cycle, are a direct result of the bug reporting and suggestions given by beta testers.

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October 01, 2006

Vista Beta Testers Tour - Microsoft Headquarters

As a Tech Beta tester for the Microsoft Windows Vista and Longhorn server, I will be attending a special Beta Testers Tour at the Microsoft Campus in Redmond Washington next week. Microsoft generally extends invitations to operating system and other major program Beta Testers for a special tour before the product goes Gold for RTM. Although all the participants have to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding the technology we might see, I will be reporting as much as is allowed.

The attendees will be having a pre-tour dinner the night before, which both my wife and I will be attending. There is sure to be some interesting conversations, and I am looking forward to speaking in person with other Beta Testers from across the country and around the world. It will be great to compare testing experiences, and get a first hand account of opinions regarding Vista and Longhorn Server.

While we are there, we will be meeting with various Windows Vista and Longhorn Server product and development teams, and getting an insiders look at some of the work being done. This is an exciting time to be visiting Microsoft, with the release of Windows Vista right around the corner. We will also be treated to a tour of the Microsoft campus, including the fantastic ehome - an incredible glimpse into the future of technology.

Getting a chance to put faces to all the names from the largest Beta Test in history will be exciting, and it will be great to be able to talk one-on-one with some of the people behind the development of Vista. As we will be spending a little extra time in Seatlle, we hope to get a little sightseeing in, and plan on taking lots of photos to share.

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September 15, 2006

Windows Vista RC1 Released To The Masses

Microsoft has finally taken all the wraps off of Windows Vista RC1, and today began offering the public a downloadable version, or the opportunity to order it on DVD (see Public Download Vista RC1 Now Available!.) Microsoft had previously stated that this release would be available to 5 million users worldwide, and in emails today they already have warned that download times may be slow due to a huge response.

When Microsoft released Windows Vista Beta 2 in June, they had to throttle back their servers because of the high demand (see Vista Downloads Overwhelm Internet), and they are expecting an even higher demand for RC1. While many testers have reported that Vista RC1 is much better in terms of stability and overall function, there are still numerous issues with hardware drivers that can cause system crashes or even make installation impossible.

On the positive side, many features are now fully functional, and things like Media Center, which needed a lot of work in the Beta 2 release, have greatly improved. With the time until release getting shorter, Microsoft is hoping that this wide public release will help identify any last minute major issues before they finalize the release code. Although there are still many small issues, many of these will probably not be addressed until after Vista is released due to the possibility of small code changes causing bigger problems.

Microsoft is walking a fine line between delivering Vista on time, and delivering a quality product, and the next few weeks of development are probably the most critical. It is expected that official Beta testers will probably see a few more interim builds to help identify last minute bugs, and Microsoft is hoping to get a lot of feedback from the public CPP testers who are currently downloading and installing RC1.

Posted by jrfree1 at 07:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 09, 2006

Windows Vista Price - Too Expensive?

After the posting of Windows Vista retail pricing by Amazon.com (see the article HERE), and the recent public disclosure of pricing by Microsoft, there have been a lot of questions regarding whether or not Windows Vista is worth the price. A lot of this will depend on how we relate value, and comparing the prices of other items which are commonly bought. We also have to examine what exactly we get when we purchase Windows Vista.

In addition to being an operating system which provides a platform to run many of the most popular software titles, Windows Vista also includes a multitude of its own built in applications. With integrated cd/dvd burning, a full featured media center and stand alone media player, a great new backup program, a movie maker, a number of entertaining games, and built in speech recognition software, Windows Vista includes many great stand alone applications. Of course there are third party apps that do the same and sometimes much more, but for the most part, the ones that come as part of the package will get the job done for the average user.

Value has to do with comparisons, and when you compare the price of Windows Vista with some other commonly used and popular software titles, it gives a little better picture of where Vista sits in the pricing game. Since Amazon.com first posted the Windows Vista prices, I used some of their other software prices as a comparison:

Adobe Photoshop CS2: $589.99 USD
Macromedia Flash PRO: $696.07 USD
Corel Draw X3: $249.99 USD
Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred: $164.99 USD
Beyond TV 4 Media Bundle: $92.99
Norton Save and Restore: $67.95 USD

Considering that the price of some stand-alone software titles are far above what Windows Vista will cost, and then looking at the comparative costs of software which has comparative features that are included in Vista (granted some of them offer more features, but the ones in Vista will work for most users), the final price of Windows Vista actually seems like a bargain. Of course, there is the question that many users have who are considering upgrading from Windows XP - why upgrade when what I have already does the job?"While it's true that many of the great underlying features of Windows Vista will not be seen until applications that take advantage of them are released, upgrading will provide better security, more functionality for basic Windows tasks, and hopefully, better stability.

While it remains to be seen how good the final product will actually be, and there are certainly still some bugs to be worked out, the potential for Windows Vista is great. Of course there is the hardware upgrade factor in cost to consider, but then again, it is not only Windows Vista that will require the better hardware, but many of the new software titles which will be released, and of course many of the new games.

Posted by jrfree1 at 10:09 AM | Comments (0)

September 01, 2006

Windows Vista RC1 - A First Look

In a move that caught most Beta Testers by surprise, Microsoft released Windows Vista RC1 Build 5600 to TAP and Tech Beta testers via Microsoft Connect earlier today (for details, see HERE), with promises for the public release to follow soon. I just installed this latest build on 2 of my home systems, and both installations went easily, and quickly. One at 21 minutes, the other at 24 minutes. With the exception of a Creative Audigy 2 ZS card, and an eHome Wonder TV tuner, all drivers installed during setup.

After downloading the latest Creative Vista Beta drivers, I was pleased to find that my Audigy 2 card works well, without the crackling and hissing found in some earlier builds (although this may not be the case for everyone - see Answers: Creative Drivers & Vista). My TV card also installed, and the Media Center setup was much easier and quicker than in Beta 2. The first thing I noticed once Vista had assessed my system performance (after giving me a much better rating than in Beta 2) was a better responsiveness in the Start Menu and Windows Explorer as compared to earlier builds. The user interface has undergone a number of changes since Beta 2, and there are many new icons and graphics.

Although Windows Vista Build 5536 was just released a week ago, there are a number of bug fixes apparent in this build, most noticeably for me was that my RAID drivers loaded properly. This is looking more like a build that I can easily run as a main OS, with full media capabilities, and much less intrusive UAC prompts. Many of the features which were not fully working in Beta 2 have been completed, and I really like the new UDF support which allows you to easily drag and drop files onto a writeable DVD, or even save files directly to DVD R/Rw's from any program within Vista.

With the most recent Beta release of Virtual Server (see Download Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 - Beta 2), users now have the ability to mount the VHD images which are created by Windows Vista CompletePC Backup utility. All in all, Vista RC1 seems to be the best release of Windows Vista by far, and although there are sure to still be some bugs to find, it looks as if Microsoft has been listening and working hard to iron out all the bugs submitted by Beta Testers.

Posted by jrfree1 at 08:36 PM | Comments (0)

August 26, 2006

Windows Vista: The Incredible Potential

As Windows Vista evolves through the Beta cycle, many people are wondering what is so great about Vista. From enhanced security, incredible graphics, and many great new features like CompletePC Backup (see Windows Vista PROview: CompletePC Backup), Windows Vista is full of potential. Many times already, we have heard comments like "Linux can do that", or "Apples can do that", but the truth is, the new foundations upon which Windows Vista are built offer the potential for applications that may literally save the world.

Unfortunately, many people only see the Aero glass and Flip 3D as being the Aero features, however, the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) on which Aero is built is already being used to develop applications which are truly incredible. The eye candy that so many people talk about barely scratches the surface of the capabilities of WPF, and the ability to integrate with other Windows Vista Foundations will provide developers with a rich platform for new applications.

A shining example of what Windows Vista is capable of may be seen in a new application currently being used by the Scripps Research Institute. This new application, the Collaboration Molecular Environment (C-ME), is currently being used to research the complex structures of cancer cells and the SARS virus. With real time 3D rendering and the ability to directly annotate a 3D representation of cancer cells and proteins, this new technology will enable researchers from all over the world to collaborate on important projects and dramatically increase productivity.

In addition to the potential for such applications, thanks to new technology such as the .net framework 3.0, developers can create new applications in a much shorter time span than ever possible. In the coming months, there will be more and more speculation about Windows Vista, but already its potential is being used by people who strive to make human life better.

Posted by jrfree1 at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)

August 15, 2006

Is Windows Vista Misunderstood?

With the release of Windows Vista RC1 coming soon (see Vista RC1 Download Availability Update), the public is about to get a much better look at what Vista will look like when it is released. There has been a lot of speculation on certain features in Vista, and it seems that many people are just looking at the surface. With the popularity of Microsoft Windows, there are always features which stand out, but what lies beneath is often overlooked.

Windows Vista is built upon a number of layers, most significantly the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Communication Foundation (see Windows Vista: Connecting With WCF), and the Windows Workflow Foundation (see Vista WCF, WWF Explained). All of these foundations will bring new levels of functionality to Windows Vista, and many of these features work behind the scenes.

WPF is what brings us the eye candy, and the cool Flip 3D features, but it is so much more. WPF, and WWF will allow developers to produce applications which feature a rich 3D experience, and combine data from multiple sources into interfaces which are easy to use and provide a level of functionality which is not possible on other platforms. A great example is seen in the Healthcare demo of Windows Presentation Foundation. WCF will bring new applications to a wide range of devices, and will provide a much higher level of network interaction.

To some of the opponents of Microsoft, it has been easy to say that certain features are not new, or rely on old technology, and while this may be true in some cases, Windows Vista will bring a lot of new technology to a place it has never been seen before - the desktops of average users.

Posted by jrfree1 at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2006

A Pleasant Customer Service Experience With Dell

Although Dell sometimes gets slammed in the press for bad customer service at times, I must say that I just had a very positive experience dealing with one of their customer service reps. I have a Dell 2005FPW LCD display which I have had for almost two years. A few weeks ago, I noticed what appeared to be image burn-in lines on part of my screen. While I am pretty careful about such things - using a 15 minute power down setting on the monitor, and changing my backgrounds frequently, I tried to erase the burn in by running a random motion image for 72 hours with no positive results (this is the recommended cure from Dell). Due the the cost of this monitor when I bought it, I opted for the optional extended warranty, which has proved to be a worthwhile investment now.

After reading the FAQ's on Dell's support site, I contacted a support rep through the web chat interface. From the start, the rep was very nice, and after verifying my system info, I described the problem and the steps I had taken to correct it. The one thing I hate about most customer service reps, is that they usually have you go through a series of scripted resolutions regardless of whether you have already done them or not. The Dell rep asked me if I had the ability to take a picture of my screen and email it to him - which I did. As soon as he recieved my email, he immediately started the paperwork to ship me a new monitor and then outlined the possible causes of this problem. He very nicely pointed out that it appeared as if I had taken the correct precautions, as well as steps to resolve the issue, and appologized for any incovenience. The web chat was actually faster than going through phone support, and I am glad I tried it out.

Many people I have talked to have been oblivious to the fact that LCD monitors can easily suffer burn-in (in some cases much worse than old CRT monitors). Static images should never be displayed for any prolonged period, movies and videos should not be paused for extended periods, and video games should be not left running with the monitor on for extended periods if no one is playing them.

Although we often write about our bad experiences, I was quite impressed by my experience today with Dell, and want to thank the XPS support rep Roger for providing the kind of positive customer service which should be more commonplace.

Edit: 08/08/2006, 9 AM CDT
While I was impressed with the customer service I recieved from Dell yesterday, today I am totally blown away. A few minutes ago (less than 18 hours after my initial contact) a fedex truck delivered my replacement monitor! Now I am thoroughly impressed - this is what customer service means. While I know that some people may not have such a good experience, I have to say that this was truly the easiest problem resolution I have ever had.

Posted by jrfree1 at 05:50 PM | Comments (0)

July 14, 2006

VistaBootPRO 2.0 - BCD Edit Made Easy

PROnetworks today released VistaBootPRO 2.0 Beta to the public, and with already over 25,000 dowloads of VistaBootPRO 1.0, it is sure to be well received. As the Vice Officer in charge of Applications here on PRO, I had the great pleasure of working closely with the Betas team in the development and testing of this application.

Windows Vista has introduced the BCD store as a new bootloader which replaces the old ntldr and boot.ini files which were used by Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003. Unfortunately, before VistaBootPRO, the only way to manage this new bootloader was through the command line tool bcdedit.exe. This tool requires complex commands (at least complex to the average user), and is not very user friendly. The Betas team on PRO has put together a great application written with Microsoft C# which provides a user friendly GUI (Graphic User Interface). The program has the ability to manage boot entries, rename them from the default 'Microsoft Windows' which the Vista Beta's use, set the default OS, and even add and remove Vista and legacy OS entries. In addition, VistaBootPRO 2.0 adds a number of advanced features which the power users will love. Also included is the ability to remove or replace the Vista Bootloader in case of a problem, or if a user wants to revert back to an earlier operating system boot environment like XP. This compact application makes managing the BCD easy for the average user, and because it actually uses bcdedit to accomplish most of the commands, it is fully compatible with Vista. This is one of the first true third party Vista software applications to be released.

Working behind the scenes with the Betas Team is always exciting, and developing a new application, for use on a new operating system is challenging and rewarding. We spent a lot of time on developement and testing, and the great thing about a working in a team environment is that you can test scenarios on a variety of hardware configurations and really put an application through its paces. Having 5 or more operating systems installed at any one time is no big thing to a Beta tester and we have all learned to keep our installation media handy for another fresh install at any time.

Windows Vista has gone through many stages over its development cycle and with Vista Beta 2, and Build 5456 we have seen some great additional features. Build 5472, 5490, who really knows what will be the next release. Of course when a new build is released, everyone wants to see the screenshots and read the reviews before they install it themselves. Now, with VistaBootPRO 2.0, running these Beta versions of Windows Vista will hopefully be a good bit easier for those who choose to be on the cutting edge.

Posted by jrfree1 at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2006

Windows Vista - here comes Beta 2 finally!

Microsoft is poised to release Windows Vista Beta 2 at the WinHEC conference next week, and then shortly after, should make it available to the public. Is it ready for prime time? Looking at the latest Tech Beta release, build 5381.1, there have certainly been some major improvements over some of the previous builds. The features are more complete, and as this last build was not even a CTP, it is expected to have some issues.

If Microsoft follows previous guidelines, hopefully the Beta 2 release will be the most stable and bug free release to date. This Beta release will certainly come under heavy scrutiny from the press and the public, so I really hope this is more ready for my machine. I just want to play games, watch TV, use the new Media Player, surf the web with better security. Oh yeah, I want my drivers to work, and most of my software to work as well. I don't think that's asking too much.

Of course I know that when I install Vista Beta 2 in my multi-boot configuration, I certainly won't be having to muddle through Microsoft's BCDEDIT to manage my boot entries - that is what VistaBootPRO is for. I was lucky enough to be able to help with the planning and testing of this software, and I must say that I have become quite attached to it - because it WORKS!

One litte rant from the latest news - I just have to laugh at Symantec. Talk about a power play. Of course they do stand to lose even more of their share of the security market, but perhaps if they focused instead on making software that was less bloated, consumed less resources, and actually worked the way the user wants it to, instead of trying to hold Microsoft hostage, they would be better off.

Posted by jrfree1 at 05:39 PM | Comments (0)

April 26, 2006

Windows Vista 5365 - a look ahead

Windows Vista build 5365 was recently released to TAP program members and Tech Beta testers as the latest 'interim' build in the Beta 2 fork. While this build is not a CTP or IDW build, and is not subject to the tighter standards in terms of stability, it seems to be much better perfoming in many areas. Although some users have reported some major issues with certain hardware, I have found that it works better than any previous build on my hardware. Noticable improvements have been made to the Media Center Shell, which has been an issue in previous builds. Windows Media Player 11 has also gone through a number of enhancements, and although not all of the features are fully implemented, it gives a good look at things to come.

With the Beta 2 release currently scheduled for some time in late May, the development of Windows Vista seems to be headed in the right direction. The user interface is becoming more refined, and many of the features such as system restore, tablet PC input, speech recognition, and performance tools are becoming more fully functional. There has been a major focus on security, and this is evident throughout the Vista experience. From the integrated Windows Defender to the new User protection mode, Microsoft is making it easier to protect your system from unwanted attacks.

I really like some of the new features, such as the Snipping Tool which allows you to take a snapshot of any selected area of your desktop. This feature give the user much more control than using teh Print Screen key, and will allow much easier collection of screenshots. Another nice new feature is the DVD maker, which lets the user create a DVD from videos or pictures stored on their computer. It has an easy to use interface, and provides the casual user a free alternative to third party sofware for creating this type of DVD.

I can't wait to see what wonders the Beta 2 release will bring!

Posted by jrfree1 at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)

April 12, 2006

Please Mr. Easter Bunny bring me a Vista CTP

At my age, I really don't need the Easter candy, so perhaps the Easter Bunny can take a jaunt through Redmond this year and pick me up a Windows Vista CTP. Build 5308 (February CTP) was packed full of features, but not all of them were fully functional yet, while Build 5342 (the March Tech Beta release) was not quite as stable as a regular CTP build. So now I want something new, something better, something that has more driver support and has a better working Media Center. Does it matter that the Public Beta seems to have been pushed back? I would rather see MS take the time to address the current issues, and release something that is going to make the public go oooooh and ahhhhhhh. There are so many great features under the hood of Vista besides the obvious eye catching graphics.

I really like that I will be able to view previous versions of my files, that finally I will be able to resize my partitions without having to rely on a third party application, and I really like that I will be able to talk to my computer and tell it what to do! Now I just have to decide which version of Vista I want to run...... like there is really a question here - Ultimate all the way!

Posted by jrfree1 at 08:09 AM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2006

Windows Vista and Office 2007 Coming Soon

It's been 5 long years since the introduction of Windows XP, and now the latest news says that we must wait until early 2007 for Windows Vista and Office - perhaps Microsoft jinxed itself when deciding on adding the 2007 to the office name! So, will it be worth the wait? Windows Vista will boast a host of new features which are designed to provide a safer, more secure, and more media rich computer experience. With advanced parental controls, it will be easier to control access for families with children. New Internet explorer enhancements, and built-in Antispyware, will help keep your computer safer. The interface is slicker, and they have tossed in some cool graphic effects, but there is so much more 'under the hood'. Developers are getting excited about the possibilities which the Windows Presentation Foundation presents - media rich applications, with 3D capabilities never before seen in a consumer Operating System.

But of course there are the new hardware requirements - better graphic capabilities mean a need for better graphics cards. But we all know why Windows has continued to dominate the desktop - GAMES. Windows supports the most, and the best computer games, and Windows Vista will make the gaming experience better, faster, and stronger than ever before.

And then we have Microsoft Office 2007. Completely revamped, with a new User Interface which is sure to confuse long time users at first, it has a new look and new feel. But, gone are the days of having to navigate through menus and sub-menus. Now we are introduced to Ribbons. Ribbon are what makes a package prettier, and in the case of Office 2007, prettier also brings with it functionality. With Office 2007, integration is a big thing, with Office applications designed to work better together. Want to update your address book without having to do so much work? Gguess what, now you can - it's as easy as sending an email with a prebuilt form. Send it to all your contacts, they fill it out and send it back, and presto, the information is automatically added to your contacts database. New IGX graphics will allow the creation of graphically rich documents, and new to this version is full PDF document compatibility.

Yes, we still have months to wait, but with an incredible pool of Beta Testers, and now some new people in charge at Microsoft, Windows Vista and Office 2007 have the potential to be something great!

Public Beta releases of Windows Vista and Office 2007 should be availabe for download sometime in mid 2006, so it's coming - be ready!

Posted by jrfree1 at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)

February 05, 2006

Modern Day Magicians

I have recently had the pleasure of teaching a computer class to a small group of construction foreman who are building a large condo project at one of the local beaches here. I love teaching, and it reminds me that so many skills that the computer savvy take for granted truly seem like some kind of magic to those unaccustomed to computers. It is not that it is difficult to do many of these things, it is more that many people have no idea how they are done, or even that they can be done.

To non-computer people, those with computer knowledge are the current day magicians, and instead of using a wand and muttering incomprehensible words, we use a mouse and mutter incomprehensible words like dll, com, and clsid. Instead of a pouch with herbs and potions to cure the sick and weary, we carry flash drives, usb cables, and of course the ever needed anti-virus software.

Seeing the mountains of paperwork that some businesses have always gets me thinking how computerizing could save a mountain of time and energy. Of course this often means that someone will have to be hired or trained to use the technology, but even so, the savings in the long run would be substantial. Hand written sheets with calculations done on paper or a calculator could easily be replaced by spreadsheets. Manually typed letters can easily be templated for much faster and easier completion.

Those who use technology on a daily basis have no problem seeing the benefits, but those who don't often resist change. Their way has always been done, and they are comfortable with it. So why change? Sometimes, all it takes is showing someone how to use the 'magic'.

Posted by jrfree1 at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)

November 04, 2005

Windows Vista Progressing

For over a year now, I have been working with Windows Vista fka Longhorn, and I have watched it progress from a shaky Alpha Version, to a much more full featured OS. Granted, it still has a way to go, and there have been many changes along the way, but it promises to be the wave of the future. Microsoft has bombarded us over the past few months with 3 releases of Vista - Beta 1, and then the September and October CTP's. With the latest release we finally see a glimpse of the new Windows Media Player, some of the more advanced security features, and some great new tools to help manage the OS. So, what does this mean to the average user? Hopefully it will mean a more stable and secure OS environment, an OS that will allow us to immerse ourselves in the digital world - having access to rich media content, news on demand, easier access to the files we need, and a better sense of security while online.

For those who have not yet had access to the early builds of Vista, don't worry, the Beta 2 Public release is on its way. I have enjoyed playing with Vista, learning about the new things, seeing what tweaks work and what don't. Everyone wants to see the new 'eye candy', the transparency, the cool 3D effects. They are cool, but behind them is hidden something much greater. In the years to come we will see a whole new generation of applications that go far beyond anything that we use now. Already there are applications beginning to spring up that are based upon Vista. PROnetworks own VistaTweakPro application, which is a great utility to tweak the Windows Vista experience, is a prime example. As with any release of an OS, there will always be those of us who want it to do more, to figure out how to use the hidden features, and from that desire will spring a new world of applications and tweaks.

The next year holds a lot of promise, along with some sure surprises from Microsoft, and I for one can't wait to see what the final product is going to be like!

Posted by jrfree1 at 10:17 AM | Comments (1)

October 24, 2005

My First Car Remembered

When I was 14, I convinced my Mom to let me buy my first car. A friend of hers had a son who was in the military, he reenlisted without telling her and she didn't want his car sitting in her driveway for another 4 years. So for the monumental price of $200 I got my first car - a 1969 Mustang. Since I couldn't legally drive the car for at least another year, I took it apart bolt by bolt, all the way down to the frame. 1969 Mustangs are great, with a 1/2" and 9/16" wrench you can take apart 98% of the car. Over the next year and a half I completely rebuilt the car, and by the time I got my license I had one of the nicest cars around. I ended up selling the car about 3 years later for $4000, and ever since then I have always wanted another one.

Finally my dream came true. This past week I bought another Mustang - from a guy in the military who was going to be relocated and couldn't take it with him. It's been almost 25 years since I sold my first Mustang, and I have so many fond memories of that car. My new one is a 2001 that was amazingly maintained, and although it doesn't have that rough ride, the squeaky passenger door, or a power steering line that hangs down waiting to be snagged by any big bump, it is still a Mustang. Perhaps it is because of my age where I am now thankful for the power seats, the cruise control, and the much softer and more comfortable interior. But, it has a five speed that will still snatch the gears, a throaty dual exhaust, and it can take corners like there is no tomorrow. Although we can't go back in time, for me I feel like I have recaptured a part of it that I fondly remember.

Posted by jrfree1 at 08:00 PM | Comments (1)

October 17, 2005

Vista 5231 - It's coming together

I just installed the latest version of Windows Vista October CTP 5231, and with every build I am seeing more and more of the things I have wanted to see. From a new Windows Media player and an integrated Media Center, to new Internet Explorer enhancements and the upcoming inclusion of Microsoft Antispyware technology, Microsoft finally seems to be listening to what people are saying they want.

With all the Microsoft bashing that goes on in the press (some of it deserved), it seems as if the newest offering in Operating Systems is finally begining to take shape - a shape that works. While there are still some areas that need to be addressed, such as the complicated new structure of the Media Center, there are other areas which are living up to expectations. The new IE7 now sports not only tabbed browsing, but a tab preview which gives you snapshots of all of your open tabs. There is also some much needed added security features. Of course it is inevitable that holes will be found, exploits made, but for now it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Another amazing thing is the frequency of the new builds - 2 now in less than a month! So many things to play with that you don't even have time to see them all before Santa Bill drops another present on your cyber doorstep. In another month and a half or so the public will be treated to the Beta 2 preview and it will be interesting to see what the reaction is - we must not forget though, it is still a BETA.

Posted by jrfree1 at 11:47 PM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005

Shoppers Beware of Tech Staff

I just returned from a shopping expedition today from one of those Retailers where it is advertised that you can get the best buy in technology products, and I must say that the tech staff working the floor there scared me. To the poor unsuspecting and unenlightened shopper who is shopping for their first or next computer, these people are the ones who should make the shoppers transition into the technology world a smooth one. Instead they often confuse, befuddle, and outright lie about things. I don't really know whether it is just ignorance and poor training that is the cause, or whether it is a purposeful thing. Perhaps it is a bit of both.

Some of the things that I heard today: 'The most important thing when deciding on a computer is the speed of a processor' - this was the reply when a customer asked the difference between a Celeron and a AMD 64 processor - the customer was going to chose the Celeron because it was faster. 'Integrated graphics is the way to go because you don't have to worry about replacing a video card' - this was the response to a woman who was looking for a machine her son could play the latest games on.

The sad thing about these cases was the fact that the customers probably would have spent more money to get what they really wanted. Of course if the customers had done a little research before going to the store it would have saved them a lot of trouble, but in my opinion, when you go to a large national chain that is 'supposed' to be a technology oriented store, you should be able to at least trust the technical knowledge of the staff. It all comes down to a phrase coined a long long time ago - Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware!

Posted by jrfree1 at 08:56 PM | Comments (4)

September 10, 2005

Media Control

How often have we been outraged by something we have seen on tv, or read in a newpaper or on a website? How often have we felt an outpouring of emotion from just a few words, or a picture? How often do we base our opinions on this information?

The media controls our lives, what we see, what we hear, and to a point what we believe. They put the 'spin' on the stories that we ingest. But with so much information that bombards our senses, we are often left with the dilema - who do we believe?

With so much going on in the world today, and coverage of events by so many sources, we often find ourselves overloaded with information. For every story there are numerous takes, numerous opinions, numerous slants. Sometimes we end up believing that which fits with our own ideals and preconceptions, while at other times we actually see things in a different light.

Sometimes we become part of heated debates in which we cite the numerous sources that support our position, while those who have different ideas cite their own sources. Yet often these sources are privy to the exact same information. Where does the data become corrupted? What is the real 'truth'?

I myself have been sucked in by so called trusted sources, believing them not just because they are trusted, but because I WANT to believe what they say because they fit with my own preconceptions. Sometimes I will let myself get worked up, debating a point beyond reason. Other times someone will point out a different point of view and I will take the time to investigate. Sometimes I even change my opinion, and other times I stubbornly refuse to.

Am I right? Am I wrong? Our opinions are only as good as the information we base them on, and in the end, unless it is something that we have experienced ourselves, we are left with information that is filtered by someone elses perceptions. Some may say "but I saw it on TV, I know it is real". But what did they really see? Did they really see the whole picture, the before scene, the after scene, the behind scene? No, they only saw the scene that someone presented. The scene that someone thought we should see.

As important as it is for us as human beings to feel compassion and have empathy for others, it is just as important for us to realize that not everything we see and hear is as it seems. We should always question things, and we should always be willing to listen to the other sides. Before you make an opinion on something, ask yourself is this the truth? Is this all there is to it? Do I believe this because I have looked at all the sides and formed an opinion, or do I believe this because this works for me?

Posted by jrfree1 at 05:39 PM | Comments (3)

September 07, 2005

Crash

"It's the sense of touch. Any real city, you walk, you brush past people, people bump into you. In LA, nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think that we miss that touch so much that we crash into each other just so that we can feel something"

Thus starts the movie Crash. A powerful film which examines prejudice in the lives of a group of people in a city, who through circumstances, interconnect in their everyday lives.

It is a film not just about prejudice about other cultures, but prejudices of our own, and of ourselves. Prejudice, racism, both words to describe actions and thoughts that are based upon preconceptions of a group of people and culture rather than people as individuals. This film is a powerful statement which contains a message. It shows not only the results of prejudice, but some of the causes, or at least the circumstances that lead to these kinds of thoughts and actions. It also shows that ultimately, we each have a choice in the matter, that at any time we can change the way we think and act if we so choose. A good film is one that wraps you in it's characters and brings emotions within you out. This film succeeds in a way that amazed me. I felt gripped by the characters, felt for them and with them, and also saw what I think the film makers where trying to convey - it doesn't matter what has happened to us, nor what we have done that matters as much as what we do from this moment on.

Posted by jrfree1 at 04:57 PM | Comments (1)