Windows Archive

Mastering File Types in Windows XP

Eugenia Loli 2005-11-07 Windows 18 Comments

Microsoft offers scant documentation and tools for working with file types in Windows XP, presumably to protect the sensibilities of the novice user. Ironically, however, this just creates a whole new set of problems for beginners, and more hassles for experienced users. This sample book chapter remedies that situation. You'll learn the basics of file types, and then see a number of powerful techniques for using file types to take charge of the Windows XP file system.

Microsoft’s AntiSpyware Rebranded ‘Windows Defender’

Thom Holwerda 2005-11-06 Windows 41 Comments

Microsoft's Windows AntiSpyware technology has been renamed "Windows Defender" and has been expanded to detect and remove rootkits, keystroke loggers and other forms of malware. The revamped application will be bundled into the Windows Vista operating system, but users will be free to choose a competing spyware protection product from a redesigned Windows Security Center.

Is Windows Vista Out of Sync?

Thom Holwerda 2005-11-01 Windows 72 Comments

The release of the software giant's new operating system will be one of Microsoft's most important product launches this decade, when it goes live next year. But despite the product's myriad new features and functionality, current market trends could inhibit initial adoption of Vista, PC industry analysts say.

Vista To Support Symbolic Links, Office 12 Supports XPS

Submitted by CPUGuy 2005-10-31 Windows 90 Comments

"In Vista/Longhorn server, the file system (NTFS) will start supporting a new filesystem object (examples of existing filesystem objects are files, folders etc.). This new object is a symbolic link. Think of a symbolic link as a pointer to another file system object (it can be a file, folder, shortcut or another symbolic link)." More news out of Redmond: "Microsoft will add a 'Save As' function in its upcoming Microsoft Office 12 for publishing the developer's own electronic document format, XPS, another move in a competitive campaign against Adobe."

Monad Beta 2 (for .NET Framework 2.0 RC/RTM) Released

Thom Holwerda 2005-10-30 Windows 14 Comments

The 2nd beta of Windows' new shell (Monad) has been released for use with the just released .NET 2.0. "The Windows 'Monad' Shell is a new interactive command-line and task-based scripting technology in Windows that enables administrators to more efficiently and securely automate and control system management tasks on both desktops and servers." Download for x64 and x86.

Windows Vista In-depth Preview – Part II, Performance

Submitted by Andrew Bragdon 2005-10-30 Windows 34 Comments

BentUser has Part II of an in depth preview of Windows Vista, which includes a look at some more Vista features as well as some analysis of overall performance, including a numerical comparison with Windows XP. Also takes a look at the new error reporting/self healing features and the cross-computer syncing features.

Microsoft: Windows May Be Pulled in Korea

Submitted by Vai777 2005-10-28 Windows 77 Comments

Microsoft on Thursday said that an investigation by Korea's antitrust watchdog could lead to the withdrawal of Windows from the country, or to delays in introducing new versions of the OS there.

Windows Vista 5231: the Real Analysis

Submitted by Sushil Savant 2005-10-26 Windows 9 Comments

"This is the continuation from our previous article on the latest build, which significantly depicts itself as Beta 2. We'll cover everything we missed in our first installment of the 5231 coverage, but before you continue, we recommend you read the first part of the article to get a better grasp on the new features and changes Microsoft has made in 5231."

Wine Enters Beta Stage; CrossOver Office 5 Released

Submitted by mike_m 2005-10-25 Windows 34 Comments

As scheduled, Wine has officially entered the beta stage today. "This is release 0.9 of Wine, a free implementation of Windows on Unix. After 12 years of development, this release marks the beginning of the beta testing phase." In related news, CrossOver Office 5 has been released, with support for Office 2003 and 'bottles' (multiple Windows environments).

A Guided Tour of the Microsoft Command Shell

Submitted by Eric 2005-10-24 Windows 34 Comments

Ars Technica has posted a lengthy article on the new promising Microsoft Command Shell. It looks at MSH from the point of view of both coders and Windows admins.

In-Depth Windows Vista Build 5231 Preview

Submitted by Andrew Bragdon 2005-10-22 Windows 63 Comments

A detailed look from bentuser.com at Windows Vista Beta 1 build 5231, including Windows Media Player, Media Center, the updated IE7 build, Aero Glass, Games, etc.

After 12 Years of Work, WINE is Going Beta

Submitted by carbon-12 2005-10-22 Windows 76 Comments

After roughly 12 years of work, the Wine Project is about to take its widely used Windows translation layer to a place it has not been in all that time: beta. Wine Project leader Alexandre Julliard, who has worked on the software nearly since its beginning in 1993 and maintained it since 1994, said in an interview yesterday that the beta release is "a matter of days away." He has since updated that forecast and said it would be released on Tuesday, October 25th.

Ballmer: Trusting Vista, Battling Google; Vista Review

Eugenia Loli 2005-10-19 Windows 62 Comments

Steve Ballmer wants you to know one thing: He never throws chairs. Elsewhere, here is a mini-review of the Windows Vista Build 5231, discussing interface, WMP, tabbed browsing and more.

Review: Windows Vista Build 5231

Submitted by Sujhsta Shah 2005-10-19 Windows 23 Comments

"Microsoft is right on schedule with this month's Windows Vista CTP. We had to really pull some strings to get this release slightly ahead of schedule, but we managed it and it's our pleasure to bring you our initial analysis of the new build, titled 5231. It's becoming clear that Microsoft is serious about Vista, as it keeps getting better with every CTP release."

Microsoft Shows Off New Vista Features

Eugenia Loli 2005-10-18 Windows 80 Comments

In its first update to a new community-based preview program, Microsoft is showing off a number of new features for Windows Vista, including efforts to improve the web browser and make the operating system more resilient.

Microsoft Bakes Windows AntiSpyware Into Vista

Thom Holwerda 2005-10-18 Windows 62 Comments

Microsoft has confirmed plans to bundle anti-spyware protection into Windows Vista, a move that is sure to raise eyebrows among competitors and possibly antitrust regulators. "The core Windows AntiSpyware functionality gets built in," said Greg Sullivan, lead Windows product manager. "For unmanaged environments, home and small business users, we want to provide base-level security services."

Microsoft: Africa Doesn’t Need Free Software

Submitted by Rehdon 2005-10-18 Windows 67 Comments

"In response to a question on the role of open source software in Africa, Gerald Ilukwe, the general manager of Microsoft Nigeria, said that cost is not important, even though he admitted that the average annual salary in the West African country is only US$160."

Microsoft Releases Code for Windows Server R2 RC1

Thom Holwerda 2005-10-18 Windows 13 Comments

Microsoft on Monday came closer to the final release of Windows Server 2003 R2, expected before the year's end, by making Release Candidate 1 available for download. The release of the RC1 code, which is available here, follows the release of RC0, in late August.

Microsoft Windows Vista Build 5231 Review

Eugenia Loli 2005-10-17 Windows 91 Comments

While Build 5232 was released today to testers, WinSuperSite continues its review of build 5231. "Windows Vista Build 5231 could have been horrible and I'd still be happy about it, because we're finally getting regular Windows Vista builds. That build 5231 is not horrible, and includes a number of exciting new features, is just the frosting on the cake. After a rough beginning and a particularly bad 2004-2005, Windows Vista is finally on track."

XP SP3 Preview Package a Fake

Thom Holwerda 2005-10-16 Windows 56 Comments

A few weeks ago an "unofficial" preview release of windows XP SP3 hit the web. Now, Microsoft has responded and warned users of this preview package. "You would be well advised to stay clear of this FAKE SP3 package. It is NOT suitable for testing as it is NOT SP3."