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Microsoft Releases Windows Vista System Requirements
2006-12-20 22:29:01
Microsoft has updated its Get Ready Web site to include the minimum system requirements to run Windows Vista . A Windows Vista Capable PC must include at least a CPU running at 800MHz, 512 MB of RAM, a DirectX 9 graphics card capable of at least 800x600, a CD-ROM drive and a 20 GB HDD with at least 15 GB free for the install. Of course, systems with bare minimum specifications will be unable to run Vista in the Aero interface. In order a PC to be certified as ?Windows Vista Premium Ready,? it must have at least a 1 GHz CPU, 1 GB of RAM, a DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory, Pixel Shader 2.0, DVD-ROM drive, a sound card, internet access and 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space. For Windows XP, users who did not meet the minimal requirements for XP Home (300 MHz, 128 MB) were still able to install and run the operating system, albeit rather slowly. It remains to be seen if Windows Vista will allow installs on machines lesser than minimal s...
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Microsoft?s December ?Patch Tuesday? to unleash fixes ? but
2006-12-12 22:23:01
By Alex Zaharov-ReuttMicro soft is releasing six patches along with an update to their Malicious Soft ware Removal Tool. But with hackers already taking advantage of an unpatched Word flaw, why is Microsoft delaying the repair of this critical flaw?Ah, good ol? Microsoft. Looking after its own interests as usual, and not those of their consumers. One of the reported patches in the upcoming Patch Tuesday is meant to fix a flaw in Windows Media Player. It always seems like whenever there?s a flaw that can affect the safety and reputation of the Windows Media Player, software that is inextricably linked to Microsoft?s digital rights management programs, a patch is ultra quick to emerge. But when Microsoft?s software cash cow of Word has a major flaw that is already being actively exploited? consumers have to wait. This is a ridiculous situation, especially considering the amount of spam that comes with attachments. I?ve already been receiving ?invoices? and ?remittance statements? i...

Windows Vista will create 100,000 new jobs, says Microsoft
2006-12-12 22:23:01
By Wolfgang GruenerMicrosoft new operating system will have an immediate impact on the U.S. economy when it launches early next year, Microsoft claims. According to an IDC study, which was commissioned by Microsoft, the availability of Windows Vista will create 100,000 new jobs and generate $70 billion in sales."Our research indicates that Windows Vista will infuse new energy into the market in its first 12 months of availability, driving important job and economic growth through new industry revenues," said John F. Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president of IDC, and author of the study.IDC's findings were published by Microsoft early on Monday. The research firm believes that more than 200,000 IT companies with more than 660,000 employees in the U.S. will be able to profit from the release of Vista.IDC expects Microsoft's Vista related revenues to reach about $3.9 billion within twelve months after launch. Microsoft's partners are estimated to generate about $18 ...
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By Steve Ragan
2006-12-12 22:23:01
By Steve Ragan for Tech News Microsoft said on Thursday that it will release five security fixes for this Tuesday?s patch release. A sixth patch will fix a known issue with Visual Studio that is spreading in the wild. The company did not mention exactly how many flaws and vulnerabilities these updates will fix, but it did warn users that the recently disclosed security hole in Microsoft Word was not included. This exploit found by researchers at CERT is listed as severe to critical and was reported earlier this week. They are working to release an update for this but need more time to do so. As always when Microsoft releases its Tech Bulletins there was no mention of exact details of the exploits, which are the cause of these security issues. Of the updates released Tuesday, the highest rating is Critical with the others being of lesser ratings. The new version of the MSW-MSRT (Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool) will also be included with the updates offered. On ...

Microsoft Takes the Windows Vista Road
2006-12-06 10:19:04
After five years of hard work and 9 billion dollars worth of investments, Wind ows Vista fails to provide an answer to a simple question: ?Who needs it??Ever since 2002, Microsoft has not missed a single chance to tell how revolutionary, how reliable and how special the new Windows would be (dubbed Longhorn up to 2005).However, under the pressure of time, competition and many other factors, some services have been eliminated; others have been rethought while others have not even been mentioned again.The final result? An operating system whose hardware requirements are met only by half of the computers currently used in the US (there?s no point mentioning the rest of the world), an OS which brings several significant transformations to what Windows has meant so far.The first and most talked about change that Windows Vista brings is its new graphic interface, also known as Aero (those inclined toward sarcasm haven?t been able to refrain from commenting that Aero is inspired by Apple).I...

Microsoft IE 7 Likely To Gain Rapid Adoption
2006-12-02 16:15:08
WebSideStory, a leading provider of digital marketing and analytics solutions, has released exclusive data showing that Micro soft 's long-awaited browser, Internet Explorer 7, will likely gain rapid adoption on the web if past history is any indication. Based on the growth of its predecessor, IE 7 should become the dominant browser version within a year, perhaps even faster as Microsoft bundles the new browser and its enhanced security measures into an automatic security update. Launched in Aug. 2001, IE 6 grew to more than 45% usage share within one year on Windows operating systems, and then surpassed IE 5 for good one month later, according t...
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Microsoft set to push out updated antipiracy tool
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Microsoft will soon start pushing out a new version of its controversial Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications antipiracy tool to Windows XP users.The updated WGA Notifications package includes additional changes in response to continued criticism Microsoft has faced over the software, the company said Tuesday. Microsoft in June also updated the tool after critics likened it to spyware because it checked in with Microsoft after each Windows restart.
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Microsoft updating backbone of profits
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Software giant has much riding on new Office, Windows VistaAll at once, Microsoft is launching crucial upgrades to the company's most widely used and most profitable products. They include a new Windows operating system, known as Vista; an update of the Office package, which includes Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; and server software that handles behind-the-scenes functions. The products will begin to be available for business users Thursday, with a consumer release of Windows and Office on Jan. 30. Even in a less competitive world, the enormity of the launch would make this a crucial time for Microsoft. Vista has been delayed so long that it has been five years since the last overhaul of the operating system, which runs 90 percent of the world's personal computers. Office last got refreshed in 2003. But the stakes are particularly high now. Savvy competitors using the Internet are challenging Microsoft's status as computing's vital plumbing provider. Meanwhile, Microsoft ...
More About: Dating , Profit , Back , Prof

Exploit surfaces for just-patched Windows flaw
2006-12-02 16:15:08
A recently disclosed vulnerability which was fixed in Microsoft's latest security update is the target of an exploit. The vulnerability had not been made public until Microsoft released a fix on 14 November as part of its monthly security patch cycle. Three hours later, an exploit targeting unpatched systems was released. The exploit was posted by security research firm Immunity Inc as a module for its Canvas security research application. Kostya Korchinsky, a senior analyst at Immunity Inc, confirmed to vnunet.com that within one hour of the patch's release, the firm had posted proof-of-concept code on the vulnerability. Within three hours, Immunity had a fully working exploit. The exploit targets a vulnerability in the Wind ows Workstation service, a networking component that handles printer and file access operations. Microsoft said that the flaw could allow an attacker to gain complete control of system. The attack is carried out through a server containing the exploit c...
More About: Surf , Exploit , Faces

Microsoft says it's willing, but Red Hat rejects alliance
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Offer follows deal to make Linux, Windows compatibleMicrosoft Corp., which has agreed with Novell Inc. to make Linux and Windows compatible, opened the door Thursday to a similar alliance with Red Hat Inc. "We are willing to do the same deal with Red Hat Linux and other Linux distributors," Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said at an SQL database software conference in Seattle. Microsoft and Novell agreed two weeks ago to enable their software to co-exist on a single server computer in response to demands from customers who are increasingly using both. The agreement, which dulled a longstanding rivalry between Microsoft and Linux, also came as Oracle Corp. boosted its Linux efforts, threatening both Microsoft and Novell. Ballmer, responding to an audience member's suggestion that the deal might reflect Microsoft "selling out," said it was necessary to keep customers happy. To illustrate his point, he polled the audience of several hundred customers of SQL Server, Microsoft'...
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Microsoft sits on Zune Vista upgrade
2006-12-02 16:15:08
we revealed that Micro soft 's iPod killing Zune does not work with its new super soaraway operating system Vista . We wondered why the Zune team did not work with the Vista team so that the machines could work together. According to a deep throat in the Redmond Vole hill, there is a Vista patch which enables Zune to operate it is just that it has not been made public. Vista had been running on lots of machines in various Microsoft offices and the patch was developed for those who were testing the Zune to play with. Microsoft apparently did not see the need for the software patch to ship with the early launch of the Zune because Vista was not available to the sorts of riff-raff who would by the Zune. In other words we can expect to see a Zune patch for Vista being launched with when the operating system is released to home users in January.
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Windows Vista security
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Windows Vista is engineered to be the most secure version of Windows yet. The new features in Windows Vista help to give you the control and confidence you need to get the most out of your PC.Windows Vista contains a number of new security features that, taken together, are designed to make Windows Vista-based PCs more secure and your online experiences safer. The improvements are designed to help you have:1. A PC protected from viruses, worms, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software;2. A safer online experience for you and your family;3. An understanding of when your PC is unsafe, and the control and guidance to help improve your security.
More About: Security , Windows , Windows Vista , Wind

Windows Flip and Windows Flip 3D
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Windows Vista provides two entirely new features to manage windows: Windows Flip and Windows Flip 3D. Flip allows you to flip through open windows (by using Alt+Tab), providing a live thumbnail of each window, rather than just a generic icon and file name. Live thumbnails make it easier to quickly identify the window you want, particularly when multiple windows of the same kind are open. With Flip 3D, you can use the scroll wheel on your mouse to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly locate and select the one you want to work with.
More About: Windows , Wind , Indo , Window

Windows Aero
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Windows Vista is the first Windows operating system that has a user experience that can gracefully scale to the hardware capabilities of the computer it is installed on. All computers that meet minimal hardware requirements will see the Windows Vista Basic user experience, which provides the benefits of the refined interface features already mentioned.Windows Aero is an environment with an additional level of visual sophistication, one that is even more responsive and manageable, providing a further level of clarity and confidence to Windows users.
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Microsoft: Unveiling Windows Vista ?Gone Gold? Features
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Finally, Microsoft has said its Windows Vista has received "gold" status and will be available starting January 30, 2007. Here are some features of Windows Vista promissed by Microsoft...User ExperienceWindows Vista introduces a breakthrough user experience and is designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience. The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.
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IE 7 automatic updates get green light for XP users
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Microsoft has begun the automatic update process for users of IE 6 on computers running genuine versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 and Window XP x64, with the rollout process expected to take months.That?s because Microsoft doesn?t want to flood their servers with requests for IE 7 updates from users around the world. English language users started seeing requests to update the IE browser from November 1. On Wednesday November 15, users of Windows XP or better in German, French, Spanish, Finnish, Brazilian Portuguese and Arabic will start seeing update notifications as well, with other languages to follow throughout 2007.Users are not forced into upgrading to IE 7 right away, with users able to block the update from installation, with administrators also able to prevent the update on their business fleets of computers until they are ready to allow the update to happen. For Microsoft?s full schedule of IE 7 updates, visit this site.
More About: Dates , Green , Auto , Updates , Automatic

Microsoft to release six Windows security updates
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Microsoft will release six groups of security patches next Tuesday, fixing flaws in its Wind ows operating system. The updates will be released as part of Microsoft's regularly scheduled monthly patch release, and will fix critical flaws in Windows and the company's XML (Extensible Markup Language) parser, according to Microsoft. With only six updates, November looks to be a quieter month for systems administrators than October. Last month, Microsoft issued 10 updates, fixing 26 bugs in its Windows and Office software. The XML update is of particular interest to security experts because hackers have posted code showing how a flaw in the parser could be exploited to run unauthorised programs on a PC. However, Microsoft gave no indication that it plans to patch this or another recent bug, reported last week in its Visual Studio software. That bug, known as the WMI Object vulnerability could also allow an attacker to run unauthorized code on a victim's computer. Because these bugs w...
More About: Security , Dates

Internet Explorer 7 rises to level of its competition
2006-12-02 16:15:08
When hundreds of millions of people rely on software that grows more complex with each release, publishers find it harder to get updates out the door - as Microsoft knows all too well.Windows Vista, the long-awaited revision of Microsoft's flagship operating system, won't be ready for consumers until early next year - behind schedule and after the holiday shopping season.Luckily, Microsoft won't make us wait that long to update its Web browser. Inter net Explorer 7, the first face-lift for the program since 2001, is available for downloading now, and it looks pretty good.Of course, it has to compete with a couple of other free Web browsers these days - an open-source project called Mozilla Firefox and a Norwegian entry known as Opera.During the past few years, they've taken a chunk out of IE's overwhelming market share - particularly among experienced Web surfers. And with good reason. They were faster, more versatile and more secure than Internet Explorer 6.To give credit where...
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Over- the-Air Configuration for Windows Mobile Devices
2006-12-02 16:15:08
Synchronica says that it has added full support for device management and firmware updates of Microsoft's Wind ows Mobile 5 devices to the Synchronica SyncML DM Server platform. Using the industry standard OMA DM, Synchronica's SyncML DM Server can now remotely diagnose and repair configuration issues in Windows Mobile 5.0 devices or deliver a firmware update over the air (FOTA).Thanks to OMA DM support in Windows Mobile 5.0, SyncML DM Server uses the built-in OMA DM / FOTA client on the device. Synchronica has also adapted SyncML DM Server to support Microsoft's extensions to the OMA DM industry standard, providing mobile operators and device manufacturers with a powerful tool for slashing the costs associated with support of Windows Mobile 5 devices. Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Synchronica, comments: "As Windows Mobile 5.0 devices become increasingly popular, operators and device manufacturers can rely on our SyncML DM Server automated lifecycle management product to keep custo...
More About: Devices

Internet Explorer 7 will come looking for you
2006-12-02 16:15:08
ATTENTION Windows XP users! Big changes are coming to your computer, and if you're not paying attention, the biggest one may come whether you want it or not.Sometime in the next few days, Microsoft will make the latest version of its Web browser, Inter net Explore r 7, available online. Then, next Tuesday, the company will post to the Web its newest music/video player, Windows Media Player 11.You'll be able to download Internet Explorer 7 at www.microsoft.com/ie and Media Player at www.microsoft.com/mediaplayer. Test versions are already available at both sites.But even if you don't grab IE7, it's going to come to you.Although Microsoft has not yet announced the date, sometime in early November IE7 will be pushed out to Windows XP users with Service Pack 2 installed via Windows Update. It may come in the regular batch of fixes on the second Tuesday of the month ? known affectionately among the geekerati as Patch Tuesday ? or as early as Nov. 1.That means one day you will sit down ...

Managing Windows Security Patches
2006-09-18 17:33:02
A decent percentage of security breaches involve a software vulnerability caused by a missing patch that the IT security staff already knows about. Research Company Gartner estimates that IT departments spend up to two hours every day managing patches. So, why do these vulnerabilities exist? It?s because of the lack of an effective plan and knowledge for managing and deploying security patches in the enterprise.There many tools to manage and deploy security patches. These tools can be divided into two major categories: tools to evaluate security of the systems, and that are used to patch systems. In order to know which patches to apply, you must first know what is in your enterprise network.The common way for evaluate the security state of your systems is enumeration. This technique allows you to query the systems in your network for what security patches are applied and their security settings. Both patch scanner and vulnerability scanner fall into this category.A patch scanner enu...
More About: Security , Windows , Wind , Patches , Patch

Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB922582)
2006-09-16 11:21:02
A problem has been identified in Filter Manager that can prevent you from installing updates from Wind ows update. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.System RequirementsSupported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edit ion; Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition; Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition.
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Windows Update?
2006-09-04 09:54:02
Some would say keeping your windows up to date is essential in keeping it free of the newest. Others would say that updating your windows is overemphasized. Microsoft will have ways of detecting whether your version of windows is actually store-bought. Such a move by Microsoft is almost required in order to continue cornering the OS market. You had to have an authentic windows serial code in order to download the update. There are of course ways of getting around this.Had you have had a pirated copy of windows (and the majority does). Then you could have downloaded a copy of windows SP 1/2. You would have had to completely re-install and possibly format in order to install it. You could have just downloaded the packs from the windows update servers. Having a non-pirated copy of windows is a convenience. Some would remember a stunning virus that was released not too long ago. You would have 30 seconds before the computer shut down. Should you have formatted? Just to re-install window...
More About: Windows , Wind , Update , Indo , Window

Windows Update for mobile phones?
2006-08-30 09:24:01
The Open Mobile Alliance has published its Firmware Update Management Object (FUMO): a standard which allows mobile phones to be updated over the air - from fixing a spelling mistake to changing the whole OS, all without bothering the user at all. For all the complaints about Windows Update, there is value in the distributor of an operating system being able to issue updates, and few users are actually capable of installing those updates, even when prompted to do so. Windows Update has probably prevented more problems than it?s caused. While some people want comprehensive control over updates and patches, the majority just want security and functionality improvements to happen when they?re not looking. But enabling the same kind of functionality on mobile phones has proved a great deal more complicated. The lack of space to store a complete backup, and the relatively slow connectivity, has required that patches and upgrades need a visit to an approved service centre: a strange lim...
More About: Phone , Mobile Phones , Mobile Phone

Microsoft Warns Against Adding More Servers To Outgoing Wind
2006-08-29 09:21:02
Even though Software Update Services 1.0 is being phased out, Microsoft said some customers have been adding the component to more servers, which means they could be left out in the cold in December.Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it believes corporate customers are adding more Wind ows servers to Software Update Services 1.0, despite plans to stop publishing updates over the add-in component as of Dec. 6.Microsoft has been telling customers that they need to migrate to Windows Server Update Services 2.0, which was released last year. WSUS supports Windows Server 2000 and 2003, and Windows XP operating systems, the same as SUS. WSUS, however, also receives updates for Office, Exchange and SQL Server. Even though SUS 1.0 is being phased out, Microsoft said some customers have been adding the component to more servers, which means they could be left out in the cold in December."We have recently noticed that the number of SUS 1.0 servers is not dropping as much as we expect," a Microso...
More About: Servers , War

TechED Keynote - MU & wSUS are shipped!!!
2006-08-20 09:09:01
At 10:00 this morning, Steve Ballmer delivered the Keynote speech to nearly 11,000 Tech Ed participants. In the course of the speech, Steve announced Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services. Adittionally, we placed CDs of the final product on all of the seats for the attendees.The response from the attendees shows tremendous excitement. Many people came by our cabanas to talk about wSUS, and the scenarios it enables. For all of the details about wSUS, click the link in the right-hand pane.
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Microsoft Ready for Another Big Patch Tuesday
2006-08-18 09:06:01
August will be another substantial patch month for Microsoft , with the vendor releasing 12 security bulletins next Tuesday to fix holes in both its Windows OS and the Office productivity suite. Ten of the patches will affect Windows, with at least one rated as a "critical" update. The other two security updates, at least one of which also is rated "critical," affect Office. Critical flaws are those that can be exploited by attackers to run unauthorized code on a PC without any user action. The patches, some of which will require a restart, will be released on Aug. 8 as part of Microsoft?s regularly scheduled monthly security update, which security researchers call "Patch Tuesday." Microsoft?s advance note on the updates can be found here. Also on Tuesday, Microsoft will release an updated version of its Windows Malicious Soft ware Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services and the Download Center. The company also will release two non-security hi...
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TechED Keynote - MU & wSUS are shipped!!!
2006-08-18 09:06:01
At 10:00 this morning, Steve Ballmer delivered the Keynote speech to nearly 11,000 Tech Ed participants. In the course of the speech, Steve announced Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services. Adittionally, we placed CDs of the final product on all of the seats for the attendees.The response from the attendees shows tremendous excitement. Many people came by our cabanas to talk about wSUS, and the scenarios it enables. For all of the details about wSUS, click the link in the right-hand pane.
More About: Note , Ship

Microsoft Will Distribute IE7 Through Windows Update
2006-08-18 09:06:01
Microsoft quietly announced last week that it will distribute its new Internet Explorer 7 browser (known mainly as IE7) through Wind ows Update as a ?high priority update.? The Windows Update service is found on most Windows XP operating systems, and in most cases will automatically download critical software bug fixes, patches, and secretary updates. Although its rare that the company would release a major software enhancement in this fashion, Microsoft justifies its actions by stating that there are many ?advanced security? features on its upcoming release, making a security fix rather than a browser upgrade.However, distributing IE through Windows most certainly gives the Redmond, Washington based company a leg up against its competitors, most notably Firefox and Opera. The IE browser has steadily been losing market share since Firefox was released, and the Internet Explorer 7 (which hasn?t seen a major upgrade in the past 6 years) mimics the Firefox browser, adding tabbed browsin...
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