Vista News

Yesterday Microsoft shared some exciting details on Windows Vista.

Here are some brief highlights:

• Availability is currently being targeted for the First Quarter of 2008. The exact date is dependant upon tester feedback. The beta will be available in a few weeks and will be a critical step for Microsoft's live release.
  
• There will be some enhancements to features, although there will not be many new ones. Microsoft is addressing reliability and performance based on feedback from Customers.
  
• Windows Vista SP1 will contain a significant number of code changes focused on the ongoing work to continue making Windows Vista the most secure operating system available.
  
• Changes were made to make Windows Vista more secure, but it did cause some application compatibility challenges, but it was tested with thousands of applications, and was found the majority are perfectly compatible. Microsoft is continually working with ISVs to provide updates that make more or their software compatible with Windows Vista.

How Will Daylight Savings Time Impact Your Computer??

At the recent International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP) meeting, I discovered an interesting fact that will effect users of Windows/Exchange 2000 or older. The United States Energy Policy Act of 2005, passed by President Bush and Congress in July 2005, will extend Daylight Savings Time (DST) in the US by approximately 4 weeks beginning this year! As a result, DST will start 3 weeks earlier on March 11, 2007 and will end one week later on November 4, 2007, resulting in a new DST period longer than previously observed in the past.

Unless certain updates are applied to your computer, it is possible that the Time Zone Settings for your computer's system clock may be incorrect during this four week period, effecting such things as meetings scheduled in your Outlook Calendar!

At this time, if you run Windows Vista...no need to worry - no updates will be needed for your system. If you run Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Server 2003 SP1, updates will be available through the Microsoft Download Center. Windows 2000 will have the update available only under Extended Hotfix Support. Windows XP SP1 and Windows NT4 are not supported to fix this issue.

Just one more reason you should upgrade to Vista!

Microsoft Vista and Office Has Set Sail!

Microsoft Vista and Office 2007 launched this week...the first major upgrade to Windows since 2001 and it is being endorsed as the company's most secure Operating System yet. This launch marks the achievement of an unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft and its customers and partners and brings about an era in which personal computing is easier, safer, and more enjoyable than ever before.

The latest release has something to offer everyone - from the personal consumer to the "Mom and Pop" shop, to the multi-million dollar executive. They feature dramatic graphic enhancements to the interface that make the desktop more visually appealing and significantly easier to use. With simple and intuitive tools, consumers can easily create and share digital documents, photos, music and videos, participate in digital communities, and play online and offline games. Consumers will also be able to experience all kinds of entertainment (video games, television and movies) how and when they want. And that is just the start of it!

From the business aspect, users will get a productivity boost from the collaboration capabilities in Office 2007. At its most basic level, Office SharePoint Server 2007 givers users a place to store and share content, which can also be augmented to some degree with prepackaged document workflow capabilities. Communications will be streamlined - business performances will be improved while being quicker and easier - as well as controlling content for improved compliance and security.

There is SO much to say about Microsoft Vista and Office 2007. ISS Group will be offering online Web meetings starting in the month of February detailing just how much Vista and Office 2007 can provide.

Let us know if you are interested in an invitation to join us!

Also, check out the following sites for additional details:

Microsoft WOW Launch Information

Microsoft Office 2007 Information

Microsoft Vista Information

Windows Vista is now RTM!

There is A LOT of buzz surrounding last week's Microsoft Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (RTM)! Many of my "computer geek" co-workers and friends have talked about nothing else in recent weeks.

With all this anticipation, how good is it really?

• It is the most heavily tested operating system ever.
• It is the highest-quality version of Windows ever produced.
• More people have tested it than previous development cycles.
• More feedback was collected than ever before.

But the work is not done yet. Finalizations are still being considered and in production to ensure great User experience when Windows Vista becomes available to Microsoft's volume license Customers this month and to Consumers on January 30, 2007.

For additional information on Microsoft Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Discount Being Considered

Today it was announced that Microsoft is considering discounts or other promotions during the Holiday season to attract users to upgrade their personal computers to Windows Vista. Final details are still being worked out.

As of right now, the new operating system is slotted to be released in January for Consumers, however, these promotions would certainly be a great option for some during the Holidays.

Vista is the first major upgrade since Windows XP back in 2001. It appears to still be on track to ship the business version in November and to consumers in January. It will have hundreds of new features, including an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed "Windows Aero". It will also have improved searching features, easier file sharing, and new multimedia creation tools.

Start your list now..."Dear Santa..."

Beta Versions Available for Windows Vista & IE7

Beta versions are now available for Windows Vista and Windows Internet Explorer 7. Have you checked them out? Tell Us What You Think...

Microsoft based the release of its Beta 2 version of Vista on a four-part message:

• That it will simplify the way people work together
  
• Enable better content protection and management
  
• Help to find information and improve business insight
  
• Reduce IT costs and bolster security

It also promises to help make our everyday tasks easier with some cool new features of Windows Internet Explorer 7!

• Makes Everyday Tasks Easier
  Internet Explorer 7 provides improved navigation through tabbed browsing, web search right from the toolbar, advanced printing, easy discovery, reading and subscription to RSS feeds, and much more.
  
  
• Dynamic Security Protection
  Internet Explorer 7 provides security through a robust new architecture, security features that help defend against malicious software (also known as malware), and new ways to better protect against the theft of personal data from fraudulent websites, a practice known as phishing.
  
  
• Improved Platform and Manageability
  Internet Explorer 7 has improved support for cascading style sheets, a rich RSS feeds platform, and robust tools for deploying and managing Internet Explorer 7 in large enterprise environments.