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ARCHIVES 2007 |
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| The First, To Breathe Its Last !? |
| Dec 31st, 2007. AOL has a long history on the internet, being one of the first companies to really get people online. Throughout its lifetime, it has been involved with a number of high profile acquisitions, perhaps the largest of which was the 1999 acquisition of the Netscape Communications Corporation. Netscape was known to many as the thought leader in web browsing, and had developed a number of complementary pieces of software that allowed for a rich suite of internet tools. |
| Support for Netscape will end soon ! AOL will continue to release security patches for the current version of the browser, Netscape Navigator until February 1, 2008. After February 1, there will be no more active product support. Source: Netscape via ChotoCheetaOnline. |
| Netscape users visits to this site account for 0.1%, whereas 66% of visitors to this site use the Internet Explorer. |
| Windows Live Messenger & Google Talk Decide To Get Friendly !? |
| Dec 28th, 2007. "Recently a Microsoft employee announced what they're working on for the new version of Windows Live Messenger, connections with GTalk, ICQ and AIM. ICQ and AIM is still in the works. But they claim they have a basic connection to the Google Talk network, which means you can use Google Talk inside of Windows Live Messenger, like the Yahoo! compatibility added a while ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't support voice or file calls yet." |
| "They're also working on adding some goodies, like multiple video/voice chats, and a new API for developing addons, but that's not relevant to Google Talk. The first beta has been released, but it's a private beta, so you cannot get it unless it's leaked or they decide to release it public". Source. |
| But is this News ? Or Non-News ?? More about this at LiveSide Blogs. |
| Microsoft launches System Center. |
| Dec 26th, 2007. Microsoft has recently launched the System Center. Microsoft System Center is a family of IT management solutions, including Operations Manager & Systems Management Server, designed to help manage mission critical enterprise systems & applications. |
| Microsoft - For sale on eBay ! |
| Dec 24th, 2007. Microsoft, began operating in Portugal in 1990. But before Microsoft, another company called Microsoft Lda registered its name locally in 1981, long before Microsoft Corp penetrated the Portuguese market. Microsoft Corp, USA, is registered as MSFT in Portugal. The Portuguese company has now put up its brand name and business up for sale on eBay. |
| The Portuguese company Microsoft Ltd. plans to put its brand name and business up for sale on online auction site eBay, with a starting price of US $1 million. Reuters. Any takers ? |
| Pakistan Wants to Learn How to Hack? |
| Dec 23rd, 2007. Came across this last-months-but-nevertheless interesting read : "Apparently, a lot of people in Pakistan want to learn to hack, especially how to hack Hotmail. Well, at least they are doing a lot of Google searches on it." |
| "What’s even more interesting is the fact that according to this page, Pakistan only has 824,616 IP addresses, which is about .03% of all the IP addresses in the world. If you were to adjust the above chart to show search volume per IP address, I would guess those bars would be off the chart." An Extract From Here. |
| Microsoft set to roll out GenNext Retail Tools. |
| Dec 22nd, 2007. Microsoft India is in advanced talks with 10 leading Indian retailers to roll out its next-generation automated retail tools. The latest from the IT giant firm will offer next-generation automated tools such as mobile billing and smart supply chain management. These tools will help differentiate a neighborhood retail joint from the large format retail space in the mall. |
| The Microsoft retail solutions will deliver accurate merchandising, improve planning, increase profitability, enhance customer experience, strengthen store operations, improve workforce management and create an intelligent supply chain. Indian retailers will like to possess a robust and scalable supply chain that complements expansion plans. Source. |
| Microsoft India's Small Business Portal "meraBusiness" Launched. |
| Dec 22nd, 2007. Microsoft India's Emerging Business Portal has been launched recently. In line with prefixing the names with 'mera' meaning 'my', this one has been named as www.meraBusiness.com . www.meraWindows.com is a Windows help forum and www.meraOffice.com is the Office help forum. |
| Dont forget to download the Free IT Guide while there. |
| Microsoft's piracy steps showing results in China. |
| Dec 22nd, 2007.Piracy rate in China, has dropped to 82 percent in 2006 from 90 percent in 2004. |
| "In his first official visit to the United States in 2006, China President Hu Jintao arrived for dinner at Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates' house with a gift for the host. Shortly before Hu's Seattle visit, the Chinese government had issued a decree requiring all personal computers manufactured in China to come with a licensed operating system before leaving the factory gates. The software company co-founded by Gates is seeing the benefits of more stringent intellectual property policies in China, with a decline in piracy rates and improved results at its mainstay Windows division." Source: MSNBC. |
| Mac versus Windows vulnerability stats for 2007. |
| Dec 22nd, 2007. Apple had more than 5 times the number of flaws per month than Windows XP and Vista in 2007, and most of these flaws are serious. Clearly this goes against conventional wisdom because the numbers show just the opposite and it isn’t even close. |
| Also noteworthy is that while Windows Vista shows fewer flaws than Windows XP and has more mitigating factors against exploitation, the addition of Windows Defender and Sidebar added 4 highly critical flaws to Vista that weren’t present in Windows XP. Sidebar accounted for three of those additional vulnerabilities and it’s something I am glad I don’t use. The lone Defender critical vulnerability that was supposed to defend Windows Vista was ironically the first critical vulnerability for Windows Vista. ZDNet. |
| Top 10 US Social-Network and Blog Site Rankings. |
| Dec 19th, 2007. MySpace.com has again topped the rankings of top US social-networking sites, with nearly 57.4 million unique visitors in Nov 2007, down from October’s 58.8 million, according to survey of Top 10 US social-networking sites and blogs compiled by Nielsen Online. Windows Live Spaces occupied the fourth position in the top 10 social networking sites for the U.S. market. In terms of social networking, attention is on Facebook. With a traffic growth of 89%, Facebook accounts now for some 21.9 million unique users, while one year ago it had just 11.6 million. Microsoft recently acquired a 5% minority stake in Facebook, placing the value of the social networking website at $15 billion. Ranked second among social-networking sites, Facebook increased the number of visitors to nearly 22.0 million. |
| Google’s Blogger had 33.6 million visitors, down from October’s 34.1 million. Among blog sites, top-ranked Blogger increased its visitors a significant 49% from the year. WordPress, which maintained the No. 2 grew 310% from the year-earlier period. More Here. |
| Google Toolbar Vulnerable ! |
| Dec 19th, 2007. Google Toolbar, is one of the latest utilities able to permit a hack attack and allow intruders to deploy malicious applications. Aviv.Raffon has reportedly found a way to exploit a Google Toolbar vulnerability. "Google Toolbar allows spoofing the information presented in the dialog which is being displayed when adding a new Google Toolbar button. This can allow an attacker to convince the users that his button comes from a trusted domain. This button can then be used to download malicious files or conduct phishing attacks (e.g. show a login form of a bank)." |
| Google has acknowledged this and are already working on a fix. Until a fixed version is provided, it is suggested that you avoid adding new buttons to the toolbar. Details at Source. |
| Microsoft & Viacom Join Forces - Sign Advertising / Content Deal. |
| Dec 19th, 2007. Viacom Incorporated and Microsoft Corporation have negotiated an agreement under which major divisions of both companies will collaborate on advertising, content distribution, event promotions and games over the next several years. Detailed financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal has a projected base value of approximately $500 million in financial considerations and business services between the two companies over the initial five-year length of the agreement. The deal includes a combination of revenue sharing provisions, guarantees and content licensing agreements. More at Neowin. |
| Microsoft sued for distributing copyrighted material. |
| Dec 17th, 2007. Ho hum ! Microsoft has been sued again. But this time by a School and for ... 'distributing copyrighted material' ! |
| A Philippines School, filed on Monday, a civil case against software firm Microsoft Corp. and its local subsidiary, Microsoft Philippines, for alleged illegal distribution of copyrighted material. |
| The case stemmed from Microsoft’s allegedly unauthorized and illegal “digital copying” and distribution of a locally developed manual on the use of Microsoft Office. Ironically, Microsoft has been at the forefront of attempting to curb the illegal distribution of its own copyrighted software in the Philippines. |
| Microsoft has issued a statement in answer to the P100 million lawsuit filed Monday by Southeastern College (SEC) for alleged copyright infringement, saying it tried to resolve the dispute beforehand. |
| The emailed statement reads: “We at Microsoft Philippines Inc. are disappointed that Southeastern College has filed this lawsuit.” |
| Microsoft Announces Winners of Ingenuity Point Competition. |
| Dec 17th, 2007. The passion and innovation of Microsoft Corp. partners took center stage today as the company announced the first round of winners in the Ingenuity Point contest. |
| Independent software vendors from around the world are taking part in the competition, which focuses on recognizing software solutions that are making a meaningful difference in the areas of education, healthcare and environmental sustainability. |
| More at Microsoft. Do check out the Ingenuity Point Website. |
| Microsoft Launches Ultimate College Idol Playground. |
| Dec 15th, 2007. As part of Microsoft’s promotion the Ultimate Steal, university students from around the world will be able to create and customize their own digital alter egos, or avatars, in the Ultimate College Idol and the Ultimate College All-Nighter “playgrounds”. These competitions not only are designed to be fun; they offer students a way to engage technology at a very personal level. |
Through Jan. 31, 2008, students can participate in two online avatar playgrounds:
• The Ultimate College Idol competition gets students to take center stage, exhibiting their best — and possibly worst — talent. More important, students have a chance to flaunt their school spirit and use that as their inspiration.
• In the Ultimate College All-Nighter competition, students can use their avatar to tell the world about their favorite all-nighter — whether they skipped sleep to cram, stayed out partying until dawn, or rode an adrenaline rush through a nonstop gaming session. Source: Microsoft. |
| Microsoft Canada's AskSanta Website. |
| Dec 5th, 2007. Microsoft may have discontinued the use of Santa Agent, reported below, and issued the following statement: "Yesterday we received reports that the automated Santa Claus agent in Windows Live Messenger used inappropriate language. As soon as we were alerted, we took steps to mitigate the issue, including the removal of language from the agent's automated script. We were not completely satisfied with the result of these actions, and have decided to discontinue the automated Santa Claus agent". |
| Nevertheless, while the Santa Agent may have been discontinued, there is still joy & hope for kids!. There is yet another Microsoft site where kids can write to or play games with Santa; visit Mr Claus' WorkShop or Mrs Claus' Kitchen. AskSantaClaus Spaces blog, part of the same site, is still online too. Do visit AskSanta. Kids sure will love it ! The site can be translated in French "Demande au pere Noel" too . |
| Google's Knol project to challenge Wikepedia. |
| Dec 15th, 2007. Google has launched yet another web service: Google Knol, that will be similar to parts of Wikipedia and Squidoo, combined. Basically, this is a knowledge base, where experts write up articles and users have a chance to benefit from the wisdom. The system is currently under an invitation-only status. Google has started inviting a select group of people to try the new, free tool that is called "knol", which stands for a unit of knowledge. Google will share revenues with the experts, through advertising. This will certainly be the big differentiator, as other wikis, such as Wikinvest and Wikipedia, rely on authors who do it for fun. GoogleBlog. |
| Google has already said that Knol results will be in Google’s index, presumably on the first page, and very possibly at the top: “Our job in Search Quality will be to rank the knols appropriately when they appear in Google search results.” Google wants Knol to be an authoritative page: “A knol on a particular topic is meant to be the first thing someone who searches for this topic for the first time will want to read” and that’s a direct challenge to Wikipedia. Google can use its might to crush that competition by favoring pages from Knol over others, on what is the worlds most popular search engine. Techcrunch. |
| AskEraser Service from Ask.com Launched. |
| Dec 14th, 2007. Ask.com, the fourth-largest search engine company has just launched a service today called AskEraser, which allows its users to make their searches more private. |
AskEraser is a new privacy feature on the Ask site that provides searchers with unprecedented control over their search activity data. You can turn on AskEraser at any time and start searching Ask.com with the confidence that your search activity data will be completely deleted from Ask.com servers within a number of hours. |
Ask.com and other major search engines like Google, Yahoo, Live, etc keep track of search words & terms typed by users and link them to a computer’s Internet address. Ask.com will discard all that information, if AskEraser is turned on. More at AskEraser FAQ & Blog.Ask. |
| Incidentally. Ask accounted for 4.7 % of all searches conducted in the US in October. Google accounted for 58.5 %, Yahoo for 22.9 % and Microsoft for 9.7 %. |
| Opera sues Microsoft. |
| Dec 13th, 2007. Opera has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission. The complaint alleges Microsoft is abusing its dominant position by tying its browser, Internet Explorer, to the Windows operating system and by “hindering interoperability by not following accepted web standards”. |
| Didn't know 'web standards' were laws which had to be followed; and in any case Windows users have always had the option of using Opera, Firefox or Safari for that matter. Now I wonder if Opera is planning to file a suit against Apple too, for tying its Safari browser to its OS ! Opera, in my opinion is a quality browser; but then, was the move propelled by the fact that it was unable to dent the browser market, esp with Firefox's trot turning to a sprint ? |
| Microsoft buys Multimap. |
| Dec 12th, 2007. Microsoft has continued its high-profile acquisition spree, snapping up UK online mapping company Multimap. The US software giant aims to marry the 11-year-old company's location and mapping technology with its wide range of digital products and services. |
| Microsoft said that Multimap will complement offerings such as Virtual Earth, Live Search, Windows Live services, MSN and its new $6.5bn acquisition aQuantive. The acquisition of Multimap is an attempt by Microsoft to compete with Google, whose Google Maps and Earth tools dominate the global online mapping and location market. |
| The deal, expands Microsoft’s fast-growing footprint in web and mobile advertising. Microsoft did not disclose the price of the acquisition, However, The Times of London reports that Microsoft paid $50 million for the tech company. |
| The 1st European Silverlight Challenge. |
| Dec 11th, 2007. INETA Europe in collaboration with Microsoft, has organised the 1st European Silverlight Challenge. |
| This competition is taking place in different European countries: Italy, United Kingdom , Germany, The Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, France, Spain , Belgium, Croatia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, at the same time starting right now. Here are the German and Spanish versions. |
| The winners of all national competitions will get the chance to compete against each other on a European level and win one of the 3 master prizes, paid trip to MIX 08 in Las Vegas including conference passes and some more goodies! |
| More on SilverlightChallenge. |
| Microsoft launches new website to create Secure Passwords. |
| Dec 9th, 2007. Microsoft Research has just launched a new Web site InkBlot, which shows, a series of Rorschach Inkblots and helps users create a secure, personal password that is easy to remember. The user is presented with a sequence of random inkblots. Each should remind the user of a word, a butterfly or a pumpkin, for example. For each image, the user then types the first and last letters of the word that come to mind, such as 'by' for butterfly or 'pn' for pumpkin. InkblotPassword.com currently has 1,000 inkblots in its database. |
| Passwords almost always suffer from one or more serious problems. Users have a difficult time remembering strong (high-entropy, hard to guess) passwords. Users handle this difficulty by recording their password somewhere insecure, by selecting a weak but memorable password, or by using the same password at multiple sites. You can also learn more about the principles behind inkblot passwords in this Microsoft Research technical Report MSR-TR-2004-85. |
| One question which comes to my mind, is that if the site is saving the word associations, does it mean that it is saving your password too ? |
| Share content from "Microsoft Chopsticks" onto your Blog. |
| Dec 8th, 2007. Microsoft Belgium's Technet/MSDN teams, have developed and launched a new website, based on an on-demand webcast platform. The webcast player is based on Silverlight Technology & offers the ability to share content from the site on to your blog. |
| Take your pick: Technet Chopsticks. MSDN Choptsticks. |
| Microsoft and AMD launch 'IQ'. |
| Dec 8th, 2007. Microsoft and AMD have come together to promote a students learning process and growth through a unique first of its kind initiative called IQ. |
| IQ is essentially a combination of an online and offline content developed for school going children from Kindergarten to class 12. It includes educational software - MS Encarta, Works, Student 2007 and additional tools to assist your child - supplement curriculum, homework assist, computer based training from a host of partners |
| Two new Games For Windows to hit the store. |
| Dec 8th, 2007. Microsoft Games for Windows branded titles “Crysis” and “Kane & Lynch: Dead Men” will be hitting the stores this week. |
| Both games are rated “M” for mature audiences only. More at GameScoreBlog. |
| Microsoft India's NextGen Web Experience Website. |
| Dec 7th, 2007. Microsoft Web Platform is a collection of tools and platforms that you could use to build the next generation of online experiences for your customers. |
| SpadeWorx, Popfly Overview and more ! Click here to learn how Microsoft Web Platform could work for you. |
| Microsoft kicks off FeedSync. |
| Dec 5th, 2007. With the help of FeedSync, Microsoft will take web synchronization to an entirely new level ! |
| The creation of FeedSync was catalyzed by the observation that RSS and Atom feeds were exploding on the web, and that by harnessing their inherent simplicity we might enable the creation of a “decentralized data bus” among the world’s web sites. Just like RSS and Atom, FeedSync feeds can be synchronized to any device or platform. |
| Previously known as Simple Sharing Extensions, FeedSync was originally designed by Ray Ozzie in 2005 and has been developed by Microsoft with input from the Web community. |
| Microsoft unveils Live Search Webmaster Center. |
| Dec 3rd, 2007. Microsoft today unveiled 2 new online ad and search utilities to help advertisers and search engine experts do their jobs better. |
| The first, Live Search Webmaster Center. Designed for webmasters and search engine optimizers, the Webmaster Center provides resources to help Web sites achieve the highest possible algorithmic listing on Microsoft's Live Search software. |
| The portal tells search experts about how Live Search crawls and indexes site pages; site map creation and submission; statistics about Web sites indexed by Live Search; and content submission guidelines. The beta version of the Webmaster Center can be accessed at WebMaster Live. |
| The second is a new tool: Adcenter Add-in for Excel 2007. It is a software application that helps adCenter customers find keywords that will better help them target the right audience with their paid search advertising campaigns. More on this at eWeek. |
| Visit Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions to connect with your target audience across multiple digital touchpoints. Learn How to Get the Most from Microsoft adCenter.
Get free training from Microsoft adExcellence to help you become a Microsoft adCenter expert. Full details at Microsoft. |
| Latest OS and Browser statistics. |
| Dec 3rd, 2007. Windows Vista usage is on the rise; IE7 installations may eclipse IE6's by year's end. Vista's predecessor! Windows XP, fell a nearly commensurate percentage, according to Net Applications Windows' overall share continues to exceed 92%. Vista's share has grown from 0.2% to 9.2% since the beginning of the year. XP's share, meanwhile, has fallen from to 78.4% from 85% at the beginning of the year. Windows Vista made its biggest leap yet in November, with the operating system now in use on nearly one out of ten Internet-connected computers, according to a research firm. |
| Internet Explorer 7's share continued to grow, to nearly 37%. It is poised to eclipse its predecessor, IE6, which fell more than 3% to 40.2%. Altogether, IE held 77.4% of the market, down from 80% at the beginning of the year. |
| Linux was in use on 0.6% of PCs worldwide. Mac platform's share continued to grow, reaching nearly 7%. IE's main competition, Firefox, held 16%. More at ComputerWorld. |
| Internet Explorer has fewer vulnerabilities than Firefox. |
| Dec 3rd, 2007. " This report documents the results of my analysis of Internet Explorer and Firefox vulnerabilities over the past few years since Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP SP2 became available and Mozilla launched Firefox." |
| The report in detail examines vulnerabilities over the past 3 years, breaks them down by severity, looks at version-over-version trends for each browser and finally examines how each browser is doing in terms of unfixed vulnerabilities. |
| The chart shows results in stark contrast to early predictions that Firefox would have many fewer vulnerabilities than Internet Explorer, and more than anything, highlights that security quality should be a concern for all vendors across the industry. This chart displaying fixed vulnerabilities naturally poses the question of how the respective vendors have done on publicly disclosed, but unfixed issues as well. |
| While the data trends show that both Internet Explorer and Firefox security quality is improved in the latest version, it also demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief, Internet Explorer has experienced fewer vulnerabilities than Firefox. Jeff Jones Security Blog. |
| New Windows Vista Springboard Website. |
| Dec 2nd, 2007. Microsoft has recently launched its new Windows Vista Springboard Website. This site contains everything you need to know to jumpstart or springboard, your Windows Vista deployments. Whether you are just exploring how Windows Vista can make your organization more productive or you are already deeply involved in a deployment, this site is for you. |
| "The Springboard series is designed to offer you a growing portfolio of recommended materials, resources and experiences. Each month, our goal is to present straight talk on various known challenges and advice on how to overcome them based on early adopter and community feedback." Worth a check it out ! |
| IE7 #1 in the US and UK, and expected to be #1 worldwide shortly. |
| Dec 1st, 2007. It’s been a little over a year since IE7 was released for Windows XP and for Windows Vista. |
| According to internal Microsoft research based on data from Visual Sciences Corporation, there are over 300 million users are experiencing the web with IE7. This makes IE7 the second most popular browser after IE6. IE7 is already #1 in the US and UK, and we expect IE7 to surpass IE6 worldwide shortly. More at MSDN Blogs. |
| Ho hum ... History repeating itself !? XP Yesterday; Vista Today. |
| Nov 28th, 2007. "Vista today is just like XP was 6 years ago. People are whining and moaning and saying that Vista is the worst thing since minced bread. They say XP is the ideal and does almost everything perfectly. |
| Problem is, and I guess 6 years is a really long time, XP was received in just the same way. The same response, the same questions, the same demands. Few people can get it through their heads that Vista will, like XP did over time, become the OS of choice and we will not know the difference or care. As loved and touted as XP is today, Vista will be in 4 years. |
| As proof, and since it's late I only did a quick search, I offer you these two reviews. One for XP 6 months in the wild, and one for Vista. You'll find some interesting parallels. Both of them are from Cnet, and I hope to find several more to prove my point." From Neowin. |
| Check out Cnet about Vista today too. CNET/Crave also today feels 'Vista is amongst Top Ten terrible tech products'. |
| Microsoft unveils new Mobile initiatives for India. |
| Dec 5th, 2007. Microsoft has recently unveiled a number of mobile initiatives for users in India.
MSN India's 'mobile browse portal' now offers news, reviews, sports updates, lifestyle tips, all for free. Available across devices like Windows Mobile, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson, users can access this service (portal) through device support, else a GPRS connection. |
| Earlier this year, Microsoft partnered Nokia to bring its Windows Live offerings to mobile users across the globe. With this, users of select Nokia N-Series and E-Series phones can access Windows Live Services, including Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, and Windows Live Spaces on their phones. The service, which is available in over 20 markets, will soon be extended to Series 40 Nokia devices. TechTree. |
| Microsoft launches new Windows Live Messenger service. |
| Dec 2nd, 2007. Microsoft has launched a new version of its Web-based Windows Live Services Suite. The free program packet includes the Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery, and Windows Live Writer services, among others. |
| Among the new features is Windows Live Events event planner. Changes have also been made to programs previously available in earlier Live Service versions. Parents now have the chance to restrict the chat activity of their children for Windows Live Messenger, for example. The suite's e-mail program, Windows Live Hotmail, has also been reworked. Invitations now include RSVP buttons for a direct yes or no, for example. Bangkok Post. |
| Google removes thousands of malware sites. |
| Dec 3rd, 2007. On Monday, Sunbelt Software's security blog has revealed that thousands of malware redirects were showing up in search engine results. Network bots designed to post relevant keywords and spam links in various online forms helped attackers claim high-ranking search engine positions for various obscure and seemingly innocuous search terms. According to Sunbelt, two of the thousands of terms were "infinity" and "hospice." Search for hospice information for a sick friend or family member, potentially get your system infected with nasty malware. |
| Google has cleansed more than 40,000 of these hosting sites from their index, so for now - it looks like the biggest source of this sort of attack has been taken offline. Sources: Sunbelt Blog & DownloadSquad. |
| Talk to Santa on your Windows Live Messenger. |
| Dec 04, 2007. It appears that Santa's Bot has been taken of-line, due to some allegations of an "improper conversation". |
| Nov 30th, 2007. This year Father Christmas is available on Windows Live Messenger. Just logon and add northpole@live.com to your contacts. Have a good chat with the 'man' himself and you could be best buddies with Lapland’s finest. |
| Well the first present you will get is a nice background for your WLM. From there on, there are presents & fun games to play too. The conversation is humorous and can take you places ! |
| You can also log on to Santa’s Personal Windows Live Space. Something kids and adults too (why not?) will surely enjoy ! Check out Messenger Cafe too ! |
| Windows Vista turns one year old. |
| Nov 30th, 2007. Windows Vista is one year old today. Microsoft's latest operating system was released to business users on 30 November, 2006, and its first year of availability has seen what could politely be described as a mixed reaction. |
| Eighty-eight million copies of the operating system have been sold to to businesses and consumers so far: the consumer versions of Vista have been available since the end of January this year. Yet analysts say "the uptake of Windows Vista in the PC installed base is taking longer than previously expected, with Vista becoming the dominant operating system only in 2009". More at ZDNet. |
| New Windows Live Hotmail e-mail id's |
| Nov 30th, 2007. New Windows Live Hotmail addresses have just become available for India, Philippines and Spain. These are in addition to the existing @hotmail.com id's. Go Here. |
| New : 'Microsoft Downloads' Website in Silverlight. |
| Nov 29th, 2007. Microsoft has quietly launched a beta of its Downloads Center website presented entirely in Silverlight which demonstrates some of the rich user-experience capabilities it has been long promising. |
| Requires SilverLight installed. Site may require time to load on slow connections. |
| Microsoft to Flex Web with new ad campaign. |
| Nov 29th, 2007. The software giant is gearing up for a major ad push to highlight how its suite of free online software connects to its Windows operating system over the Internet. The campaign also underscores a broader shift in strategy for Microsoft, which is trying to defend its bread-and-butter Windows business applications while extending its reach onto the Web. |
| The company was hoping to keep the ad assignment under wraps while it auditions ad agencies to handle creative duties on the $300 million piece of business. Microsoft's lead ad agency, McCann Erickson, is competing for the new assignment, along with Fallon, JWT and Crispin Porter & Bogusky. "They are trying to make Windows cool, relevant and Internet-centric," said one source close to the company. "They don't want to be seen as a stodgy computer company." More Here. |
| US States Say Google and Firefox Are No Match for Microsoft. |
| Nov 29th, 2007. In a brief submitted to federal court, state antitrust regulators dismissed companies such as Google Inc. and Mozilla Corp. and technologies such as AJAX and software as a service as piddling players that pose no threat to Microsoft Corp.'s monopoly in the operating system and browser markets. Ten states and the District of Columbia made the unusual claim. |
| Not even close, said the states. "While these companies' products provide some functionality for users, they still depend upon a PC operating system and browser the two spaces where Microsoft dominates and thus they are not yet able to reduce the applications barrier to entry." Source. |
| Microsoft on the hunt for 'serious' Windows flaw. |
| Nov 29th, 2007. Microsoft bug squashers are investigating reports of a serious security vulnerability in Windows operating systems that could allow attackers to take control of vast numbers of machines, particularly those located off US shores. A Microsoft spokesman had only minimal details about the investigation, which was prompted by a presentation last week by researcher Beau Butler at the Kiwicon security conference in New Zealand. According to this report in the Sydney Morning Herald, the flaw affects every version of Windows including Vista and is actually the continuation of an old vulnerability that Microsoft supposedly fixed years ago. |
| The bug, according to Symantec's DeepSight threat notification service, resides in a feature known as Web Proxy Autodiscovery (WPAD), which helps IT administrators automate the configuration of proxy settings in Internet Explorer and other web browsers. Source. |
| Microsoft's original office up for sale ! |
| Nov 28th, 2007. Own a piece of history, the original building where Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed Microsoft is now For Sale. Property offers a variety of floor plans for retail, office or warehouse uses. Condominium Association rules apply. Value priced and centrally located to NE and SE Heights and New Mexico State Fair grounds. Any takers ?! Source. |
| Microsoft StartUp Zone launches new Accelerator Program. |
| Nov 27th, 2007. The Microsoft Emerging Business Team has announced a new program for innovative software startups around the world. The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program helps high potential startups accelerate their partnership with Microsoft. The help is available to startups in terms of providing software licenses, marketing support and technical expertise. |
| The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program is designed to help high potential software startups around the globe get access, guidance and support to accelerate their success on the Microsoft platform. Selected participants receive customized engagement plans to support their software and market development efforts. Accelerator companies are selected to join the program based on their innovation, high growth potential, funding, platform decision and strategic importance to Microsoft. |
| Autumn colors screensaver collection. |
| Nov 27th, 2007. This gorgeous collection of screensavers will help you celebrate the beginning of the fall in style. From falling leaves and auburn forests to cute woodland creatures, it's easy to get images of autumn on your desktop. Visit TechMSN. |
| Play the game with Microsoft ... Are you Original ??? |
| Nov 27th, 2007. Here is a little, recently launched, game from Microsoft India, that lets Original software users upload their photographs to the gallery. The Game also tests your understanding of Original Microsoft Software and leads you to the Originals Gallery. |
| Must mention that the questions are in Hindi language. Click Microsoft India. |
| Ballmer on Google's Android OS. |
| Nov 26th, 2007. Ballmer has some more interesting insight into looking at the world through Microsoft-colored glasses. At a recent Tokyo press conference, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had some interesting things to say about Google and its new Android OS, the mobile phone OS that Google has in development. Ballmer refused to comment on the Android software itself, instead simply sticking to a general critique of Google policy. He said that he felt that Android OS was vaporware at the present and could not be compared to Microsoft's mobile phone OS, Windows Mobile. Ballmer says he is not threatened by Google, but that Microsoft is watching them like a hawk. |
| Google's Android OS is based on Linux and is under a modified open-source Apache license. It is being co-developed by "the Open Handset Alliance," which includes industry giants such as T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel, Samsung Electronics, and LG Electronics. Source. |
| Windows OS Turns 22 ! |
| Nov 25th, 2007. The Windows Operating System turned 22 years old recently. Considering the fact that Windows 1.0 was made available on November 20, 1985, the platform is 22 years old now. "Windows provides unprecedented power to users today and a foundation for hardware and software advancements of the next few years. It is unique software designed for the serious PC user, who places high value on the productivity that a personal computer can bring", these were the words of Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft, marking the release of Windows 1.0. |
| 22 years later, Windows Vista is a barely manageable mammoth release, and Microsoft assured of its commitment to produce Windows 7, currently planned for 2010. One year after the latest Windows client was released to manufacturing, and 22 years after Windows 1.0, Microsoft sold over 88 million copies of Vista, and is looking to achieve the 1 billion install base with Windows by mid 2008. Source : Softpedia. |
| Microsoft + Warner offer chance to appear in Harry Potter film. |
| Nov 25th, 2007. Thanks to Microsoft and Warner Brothers, UK fans, above 12 years, will have the chance to appear in the next film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. |
| Fans will have to complete an online quiz on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as part of the competition, arranged by Warner Home Video and Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions' UK division. Click Here. |
| Microsoft Gulf to host Techdays for the first time. |
| Nov 25th, 2007. IT professionals and developers are looking forward to the biggest Microsoft event ever to hit the Gulf. The eagerly anticipated Microsoft Gulf Techdays will take place from the 4th to 5th December in Dubai. The event will also host the launch of Microsoft's Unified Communications solutions and provide guests with a sneak peek at Microsoft Windows Server 2008, due to be launched in early 2008. More at ArabianBusiness. |
| Hotmail Founder Launches "Live Documents" ! |
| Nov 25th, 2007. After selling Hotmail to Microsoft, way back in 1997, for around $400 million, Sabeer Bhatia has launched Office Live Documents. This is an online / offline Office Suite of programs quite similar to Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Like Google Docs & Zoho Office, it lets you create, edit and share Office documents in the web browser. What is interesting to note, is Bhatia's choice of name, for this venture: LIVE ! Check it out here. |
| Microsoft & Founder, Sign Deal To Counter Piracy. |
| Nov 08th, 2007. Microsoft Corp. and China's No. 2 personal computer maker signed an agreement yesterday to install Microsoft's Windows operating system in PCs to combat widespread Chinese product piracy. The package includes Microsoft's search service Live Search, which could help the company compete for traffic in China with the country's dominant search engine, Baidu.com Inc., and Google Inc. |
| The agreement with Founder Technology Group Corp. shows "the commitment of both companies to protect intellectual property rights," the companies said in a joint statement. Founder also will sell Microsoft keyboards, Webcams and other hardware in more than 500 stores across China. Source: Lower Hudson Online. |
| The Endpoint Protection Game. |
| Nov 08th, 2007. Symantec, seems to be staking their name in online gaming. Check out their new 'game' site, where they state that the objective of the game is "to simply save your global network from viruses, worms, and a hideous host of online threats that are poised to take your IT infrastructure down." |
| Looked quite interesting. EndPointGame. |
| Vista Immune ... XP Vulnerable ! |
| Nov 07th, 2007. Windows Vista is immune to the the latest vulnerability to hit Microsoft's Windows platform. The Redmond company issued a security advisory detailing a flaw residing in the Macrovision SECDRV.SYS driver that ships by default with both Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. |
| Vista was not nominated along with the two operating systems impacted by the vulnerability and security company Symantec backed Microsoft's position revealing that the Redmond company's latest operating system is indeed immune to exploits targeting the flaw. Softpedia. |
| RE<C : Google to develop electricity from renewable energy sources. |
| Nov 29th, 2007. Google today announced a new strategic initiative to develop electricity from renewable energy sources that will be cheaper than electricity produced from coal. The newly created initiative, known as RE<C, will focus initially on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other potential breakthrough technologies. |
| "Clean and affordable energy is a growing need for our company, so we’re excited about launching RE<C, a strategic initiative whose mission is to develop electricity from renewable sources cheaper than electricity produced from coal. Initially, this project to create renewable energy cheaper than coal will focus on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, & enhanced geothermal systems, but we’ll explore other potential breakthrough technologies too." |
| Windows Live Mail 1.0 Final. |
| Nov 07th, 2007. Windows Live Mail lets you get e-mail from multiple accounts in one place. It gives you speedy access to multiple e-mail accounts in one place (even AOL and Gmail). You have the ability to compose, delete, and organize e-mail even when you're offline. |
| Get multiple e-mail accounts in one place—and not only Hotmail, but even Gmail and Yahoo! accounts, too. Plus, you can start a Windows Live Messenger conversation right from your inbox, or jump right into the latest updates from your friend Windows Live Spaces blog. HomePage. |
| Microsoft launches Windows Live Calendar, Public Beta. |
| Nov 07th, 2007. Two years ago on November 1st, 2005, Bill Gates first announced Windows Live, so it's fitting that the launch of the public beta for Calendar marks the end of Wave 2. While it is only a calendar service, it's a sign of progress and a useful marker to gauge just how far Windows Live has come. |
| As was the case with the first Mail (now Hotmail) betas, the start of Calendar beta sees it only having the most basic features. This includes: Create multiple calendars, Receive reminders through Windows Live Alerts, Share your calendar, via html, ical or xml and Importing of ical. HomePage. Source: LiveSide. |
| Windows Live Wave 2 launched ! |
| Nov 07th, 2007. Microsoft has released the next generation of free Windows Live services worldwide. You can now download the full Windows Live suite at once or choose the one's you want from WindowsLive . |
| Nov 06th, 2007. Windows Live Wave 2 is to be launched today ! This is expected to include Software: Messenger, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, Family Safety; Services: Hotmail, Events, Skydrive and Live Search 2.0. HomePage. Details at LiveSide. |
| Grab your @live.com email id now ! |
| Nov 07th, 2007. Sign Up HERE ! You may have to clear your cookies, after each sign-up, if you want to create more than one account. Nov 06th, 2007. Microsoft will be opening up registration for @live.com email addresses to all, in a day or two. A source at MSN China is telling LiveSino that Microsoft will open up registration to the general public for @live.com addresses. |
| The launched is scheduled for 22:00:00 Tue, November 6, 2007 GMT or 14:00:00 Tue, November 6, 2007 PST. So keep an eye on http://get.live.com . Source: LiveSide. |
| Try Windows Home Server FREE for 120 days. |
| Nov 03rd, 2007. You can now order the Windows Home Server directly from Microsoft FREE and try it out for 120 Days ! |
| Live Search 'Insider Guide' From Club Live. |
| Nov 02nd, 2007. Club Live has launched an innovative site which lets you explore the new features of Windows Live Search. |
| InsiderGuide from Club Live shows all the latest features available in Live Search, and promises to be quite an entertaining and an enriching experience ! |
| HP Snapfish Market Extended. |
| Nov 02nd, 2007. Some time back, Live Spaces had announced a partnership with HP Snapfish to offer online photo printing services. |
| Though initially this service was being offered only in US, it was then expanded to include Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Now HP Snapfish is also being made available in India, but it has yet to be integrated with Live Spaces. |
| Don't get tricked into using pirated software ! |
| Nov 01st, 2007. To help consumers avoid being tricked into using pirated software, Microsoft has set up a Web site, HowToTell to help them avoid deals that seem “too good to be true” and learn how to spot the differences between genuine and non-genuine software. |
| These “How to Tell” tips are part of Microsoft’s Genuine Software Initiative, a three-pronged program that addresses software piracy by promoting education for consumers and partners, seeking engineering solutions to dissuade pirates, and taking enforcement actions to protect honest software vendors. More At Microsoft. |
| Leopard makes fun of Windows BSOD's, while choking on its own ! |
| Oct 31st, 2007. There have been reports about Mac's new OS, the Leopard crashing and having BSOD's . Must be quite embarrassing, esp when, one use a BSOD icon to taunt a competing OS. Here are two nice reads, about how Leopard uses a gag icon of the Windows BSOD in its latest OS. |
| How To Remove the Windows BSOD icon in Leopard. Make OS X a little less smug. |
| Extract : "...Granted, many Leopard beta users have seen this icon since the early releases, but we didn't actually think the shipping version would include something so pompous and galling to the other 90%...". Source: EndGadget |
| Smug Ugly : |
| Extract : "The best case in point I can use to illustrate this is an example of the worst thing about Apple. There is simply nothing less attractive than a person who is both flawed and smug, and apparently one of the few plausible justifications for treating corporations as legal persons is the fact that this holds true for companies as well. And Apple is a smug company. To be honest, there's really only room for mocking everybody else if you're absolutely flawless. And even then, it's pretty bad taste -- it's not like the Mac is completely stable; It's got its share of crashes just like every other operating system." Source : Dashes. |
| Both make an interesting read. |
| Microsoft has the shortest average patch development time. |
| Oct 30th, 2007. Microsoft has the shortest average patch development time at 18 days, compared to other OS's. |
| Of the five operating systems tracked in the first six months of 2007, Microsoft had the shortest average patch development time at 18 days, based on a sample set of 38 patched vulnerabilities. Of the 38 vulnerabilities, two affected third-party applications. This is lower than the average patch development time of 23 days in the second half of 2006 based on a sample set of 50 vulnerabilities, seven of which affected third-party applications. More at Source. |
| MSN Launches Green Channel. |
| Oct 30th, 2007. MSN has launched today a new channel to its online information and entertainment network called MSN Green. It is one-stop online resource for the latest environmental news, exploring issues, taking action & more ! Worth A Check Out ! Green Channel. |
| Gatineau Web Analytics Enters Public Beta. |
| Oct 30th, 2007. Microsoft’s new, free web analytics service, Project Gatineau, is ready for beta testing and the first invitations are now being sent to customers. To manage Project Gatineau’s growth and give customers the best web analytics service possible, the beta is for US advertisers by invitation only for the moment. To request one visit AdCenter |
| Project Gatineau’s web analytics are useful to sites of all sizes – from smaller sites that can’t afford an expensive web analytics solution to larger sites looking for a boost in their web analytics capabilities. With the Gatineau beta, you can learn more about where your visitors come from and easily measure your marketing campaigns across any medium and from any traffic source. More At AdCenter Blog. |
| Who Are You ? . . . Really ! |
| Oct 27th, 2007. Who Are You? is an online Microsoft-sponsored community dedicated to discovering who you really are - not defined by your day job, but by who you are when you step outside of your job and into your life. Maybe you're an engineer who never misses Friday night karaoke, maybe you're a programmer who is passionate about fishing, maybe you're a developer who volunteers at the community center on weekends. The goal of this is simple: Microsoft is aiming to provide a community where people can showcase their hidden talents, their hobbies or their wacky skills. |
| Who Are You? will (has) debut at the Interop Conference in New York City October 23rd - October 25th, 2007. Sign Up for the Party, Nov 6th, 2007, Las Vegas. |
| More than 88 million copies of Windows Vista Sold. |
| Oct 26th, 2007. Microsoft has now sold more than 88 million copies of Windows Vista, according to company officials. Vista sales were a big part of the reason Microsoft had a more-than-solid first fiscal 2008 quarter, with earnings of $4.29 billion, or 45 cents a share, on revenue of $13.76 billion. Up until October 25, when it reported first-quarter earnings, Microsoft was saying it had sold 60 million copies of Vista since the product began shipping. |
| On today’s call with Wall Street analysts, company officials said that Microsoft has achieved more than 20 percent growth in Vista sales for three quarters in a row. They said that 75 percent of the copies of Vista sold were “premium” SKUs, compared with 59 percent of the SKUs that were premium a year ago. Volume-licensing deals were up 27 percent in the Windows client space, the Softies said. Source - zdnet. |
| Now ... Link Your Live IDs Together ! |
| Oct 24th, 2007. If you have multiple Windows Live accounts, and find it tiring having to log in and out of each of them, then you can now link all your Windows Live IDs together so you can switch identities in one click from the menu on the top right of most Windows Live pages. |
| To set this up, click LIVE, and look click on 'Manage your Linked IDs' in the Accounts Summary. From there you can easily link / unlink your Live ID's. Quite convenient actually! |
| "100 Reasons You'll Be Speechless !" |
| Oct 22nd, 2007. "Seeing Windows Vista for the first time may leave you searching for words. Many people just say Wow. Here are 100 reasons why." |
| Microsoft has JUST launched a NEW website giving 100 reasons (Yes ! Not 10, Not 50 but 100 !) why one should upgrade to Vista. Among the main reasons are: Improved user interface, Aero, Flip 3D, Multimedia Capabilities & Security. While most may agree with this new list from Microsoft, some may consider it as a case of Marketing Overkill ! See if you become speechless ... click here ! |
| Microsoft's : Project ThinSight. |
| Oct 22nd, 2007. Microsoft UK, has developed a new prototype interactive Touch-Screen, that can recognize hand movements near its screen. The screen acts as a sort of a 2-handed touch interface and as an infrared camera. Effectively, users can operate the display with both hands. This screen can even even recognize particular hand gestures and even communicate wirelessly with other close by devices, using the same infra-red technology that it uses to 'see'. Those who have seen the movie 'Minority Report' may appreciate the concept easily. |
| The technology was developed by adding an extra layer of electronics behind a normal laptop screen. This had thickened the screen by a couple of cm's but completely transformed its capabilities. This technology has been code-named ThinSight. |
| Microsoft Launches "Cool Hotmail" in India. |
| Sept 27th, 2007. Microsoft has launched a unique service in India, where users can get unique customized Live Hotmail id's.There are around 250 very cool domains under five groupings ! You can get individualized cool Windows LiveHotmail IDs ! They could be based on where you live or on your favorite stars or those which best describe your traits! Although presently this is being offered in Indian flavors only, Microsoft is expected to introduce such, in other regions too. |
| The options range from xyz@delhirocks.in to xyz@iamcrazy.in , and are divided and listed under the following categories: |
|
| Incidentally, there is another Live service, Windows Live Custom Domains which lets you easily create custom Windows Live accounts in your domain that work with Windows Live and MSN services, for Free! |
| Yahoo Messenger 9.0 Beta OUT! |
| Oct 30th, 2007. The new version of Y! has been released. Besides the support for the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, Vista, Yahoo Messenger 9.0 Beta is available in six new countries, allowing the local consumers to use the program in their native language: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India (Hindi), and Vietnam. |
| Yahoo Messenger 9.0 Beta comes with some new skins and emoticons. Source: Softpedia. |
| India's Ambani Becomes World's Richest Man !!! |
| Oct 29th, 2007. Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, Mukesh Ambani on Monday became the richest person in the world, surpassing American software czar Bill Gates, Mexican business tycoon Carlos Slim Helu and investment guru Warren Buffett, courtesy the bull run in the stock market. |
| Following a strong share price rally on Monday in his three group companies – India's most valued firm Reliance Industries, Reliance Petroleum and Reliance Industrial Infrastructure Ltd – the net worth of Ambani rose to $63.2 billion. |
| In comparison, the net worth of both Gates and Slim is estimated to be slightly lower at around $62.29 billion each, with Slim leading among the two by a narrow margin. Warren Buffett, earlier the third richest in the world, also dropped one position with a net worth of about $56 billion. |
| Source : IBNLive. More at Business Standard. |
However, a Reliance spokesman has reportedly refuted it, saying that the calculations are incorrect. |
| By the way, Ambani's, 27-storey glass-fronted residence 'Antilia' (named after a mythical island) will have parking for 168 cars, three helipads, a theatre and a staff of 600 for its upkeep, once its ready ! More about this here. |
| Bill Gates Turns 52. |
| Oct 28th, 2007. "A computer on every desk and Microsoft software on every computer" -Microsoft's Vision statement. With this vision the biggest computer conglomerate was born in 1975. Bill Gates, 20, with his childhood friend, Paul Allen, 22, founded an empire called Microsoft Corp., currently valued at USD 50 billion. More about this HERE. |
Today Bill Gates turns 52 ! |
| A Possible PageRank Tweak By Google Angers Web World. |
| Oct 28th, 2007. A drop in reputation scores for hundreds of prominent Web sites this week has bloggers buzzing that Google has tweaked its PageRank algorithm, although, Google hasn't admitted to tweaking PR. The PR drop appears to have affected sites which sell links. |
| While PR score is one factor that determines if a page will rank well in a search, it is also a factor in how much Google can charge its AdSense network affiliates, who pay to get connected to advertisers all over the world. A lower rankings can affect advertising dollars. Source: EWeek. Incidentally, WinVistaClub saw its PR jump from 0 to 4. |
| Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Phones to be priced below $100 ! |
| Oct 25th, 2007. Microsoft Corp., facing new competition from Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry and Apple Inc.'s iPhone, is working with sellers of its Windows Mobile phones to cut prices below $100. |
| Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, competes with Apple, Research In Motion and Symbian Ltd. in developing phones that handle e-mail and surf the Internet. More consumers are buying such devices, so-called smart phones, which had been the domain of corporate customers. As competition grows, Microsoft is cutting prices to appeal to a broader range of shoppers. More at Bloomberg News. |
| Microsoft Introduces InfoCard icon. |
| Oct 24th, 2007. The InfoCard Icon, is an icon to symbolize that a site or application supports Information Cards, regardless of the identity selector used to submit an Information Token associated with any Information Card. |
| InfoCards are virtual cards which contain identification information such as your name which can be used by websites and web services. On Windows OS, this is implemented via the CardSpace technology. On your Vista's search bar, type cardspace and make an infocard and try it out at this Fabrikam Friends site. Download & Information. |
| New Button Builder To create WLM Contact Buttons. |
| Oct 20th, 2007. You can create a handy button for your Windows Live Messenger contacts, so your friends can easily add you, to their contact list. |
| Use the Button Builder to create a button that suits your personal taste and then add the button to your Windows Live Hotmail, Outlook and other Email Signatures, Windows Live Space, or Blog/Websites. Anyone who wants to, can simply click your button to add you to their contact list. Click GoWindowsLive. |
| Microsoft Launches PopFly. |
| Oct 18th, 2007. Microsoft's Steve Ballmer detailed his company's progress on Web 2.0, saying the company had launched Popfly and the extension of several other Live Services. |
| Popfly is a mashup tool built on Silverlight, the company's competitor to Adobe Flash. The application will help those without any knowledge of programming create interactive webpages, gadgets, and applications. PopFly Home. PopFly Blog. The rate at which new Live services are being launched is simply astounding ... |
| Microsoft Live Labs launches LISTAS. |
| Oct 18th, 2007. Listas is the new List Management System from Microsoft Lives Labs. You can create lists of & store them centrally or even invite others to participate in your lists. You can publish them to the web or an RSS feed. |
| Create Lists to share or for yourself Get Started Create and edit lists, keep a list to yourself or share it with others and collaborate with your friends. Collect content from all over the web with the Listas Toolbar. HomePage . |
| Microsoft 'ecosystem' owns 42 percent of IT. Employs 15 million! |
| Oct 18th, 2007. Microsoft now has the data to prove how influential they are, with a new study showing they control over 40 percent of the IT industry. The software giant commissioned research company IDC to survey 82 countries and measure the economic impact of the IT industry, and Microsoft specifically. That number represents about 42 percent of the overall IT market, according to the data. Mundie expects that number to stay consistent in the coming years. For every dollar that Microsofts earns, its partners earn around eight dollars. zdnet.com.au . |
| Microsoft's software 'Ecosystem' also reportedly employs 15 Million ! |
| Microsoft enters Local Search with 'Live Search 411'. |
| Oct 16th, 2007. Hot on the heals of Google411, Microsoft has launched its new local search offering-Live Search 411 ! |
| US residents can gain toll-free access from any phone, by dialing 1-800-225-5411, to connect to local businesses, and find other local information such as weather updates, film times and airline information. Visit Live Search 411. |
| Ballmer : Microsoft's focus "... advertising, advertising, advertising!" |
| Oct 15th, 2007. Microsoft's focus was no longer Windows, nor was it the web developers that the software giant had courted for so long. "Not any more baby, it's advertising, advertising, advertising!" Ballmer screamed to a roaring applause. |
| It is a crunch time for Microsoft, and for Ballmer, who will lead the company alone when Bill Gates steps aside to concentrate on his charity work next year. |
| "We (referring to Bill Gates) have been like parents or brothers in this thing for a long time," says Ballmer. "When Bill hired me in 1980, he brought me in to be his junior partner, and I was his junior partner running the business for 20 years. |
| To read more on an enthusiastic Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer discussing his partnership with Bill Gates and future vision for Microsoft, visit Telegraph. |
| Ballmer : Microsoft has long way to go ! Software model is under attack ! |
| Oct 14th, 2007. Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer has said that the software giant has a long way to go to compete with Google when it comes to search and advertising. "In world search and advertising, Google is the leader; we're an aspirant" said Ballmer. "We have a lot of work to do in search and advertising." |
| Ballmer added that Microsoft's "software model is under attack". "We need to take control back," he said. Microsoft is clearly going after the online advertising and search markets as the slowing of the software industry's growth "is a challenge to Microsoft", hence its need to diversify into other sectors of the IT industry. ZDNet. |
| Microsoft India launches “NextWeb” Website. |
| Oct 11th, 2007. '100+ Training Videos', '300+ Resources', '70+ Tutorials and Quick starts', Blogs, Forums, Support Newsgroups, Evaluation Guides and more….The next time someone asks you about where anybody can learn about the Microsoft Web platform, point them here! Microsofts NextWeb |
| Microsoft Study shows cost savings of Vista over XP |
| Sept 06,2007. According to research conducted by Wipro and GCR Custom Research and released Wednesday, total cost of ownership for Windows XP is $4,407 annually, while Vista's cost is $3,802. |
| "These benefits include enhancements in security, desktop engineering, service desk requirements, user labor, and hardware and software benefits. Among the improvements noted were in such areas as network diagnostics, backup and restore, self-healing functions, and implementation of security policies." Source : InfoWorld. |
| Microsoft® Silverlight™ Desktop Wallpaper. |
| Oct 18th, 2007. Microsoft has released some amazing Microsoft® Silverlight™ desktop wallpaper/s.
Check them out at Microsoft. |
| Microsoft Releases New Search Services ... includes Voice Search Technology. |
| Oct 16th, 2007. Microsoft has announced the final updates to the fall release of its Live Search service, introducing a broad array of new services and features to its Internet and Mobile Search offerings. The new features and enhancements are designed to make it easier for people to find what they need at home or on the go through significant innovations in mapping, imagery and driving directions as well as new services to make the mobile search experience easy and powerful. Source : Microsoft. |
| Another NEW Rogue AntiSpyware : AntiVirGear |
| Oct 14th, 2007. Another new rogue anti-spyware program called AntiVirGear has been recently detected over the Internet. This infection, is installed by a Zlob Trojan, which masquerades as a legitimate video or audio codec that you need installed in order to view a particular multimedia. The program, by calling itself AntiVirGear, is obviously trying to misuse the reputed Avira AntiVir brand, and sow confusion in public mind! |
| When AntiVirGear is installed, it immediately scans your computer and finds the malware that actually installed it in the first place. In order to clean these files, and for the most part this program cleans nothing, you need to first purchase it. If you happen to come across this program, do yourself a favor and stay away from it! Source & Removal Instructions : BleepingComputer. |
| Microsot to launch NEW Windows Live Events. |
| Oct 12th, 2007. Microsoft has begun rolling out, of a new service called as 'Windows Live Events'. This one, will be a customized version of Windows Live Spaces, used can be used for organizing events and sharing memories among participants. The roll-out of the service will be gradually done across different geographical locations. http://events.live.com/ . |
| Windows Live Events is something like Evite with a little bit of social-networking. One can manage invitations and RSVP's for a party, wedding, or any other event by setting up an invite list and sending out a mass e-mail, linking back to your Event site. Event details can also be made available as an RSS feed. Microsoft is also putting an emphasis on connecting attendees after the event takes place, by letting them share memories and photographs of the image. |
| Microsoft launches HealthVault site. |
| Oct 5th, 2007. Microsoft has launched a Web site for managing personal health and medical information. |
Microsofts Health Privacy Commitment-
The Microsoft HealthVault record you create is controlled by you.
You decide what goes into your HealthVault record.
You decide who can see and use your information on a case-by-case basis.
We do not use your health information for commercial purposes unless we ask and you clearly tell us we may. |
| This free site can store medical histories, immunization and other records from doctors' offices and hospital visits, including data from devices like heart monitors. It is also tied to a health information search engine the software maker launched last month. Do check out HealthVault. |
| Incidentally, one of the four "verticals" of the new Live Search 2.0 service, is Health. Click health.live.com to check it out! |
| Microsoft makes available NEW IE7 build. |
| Oct 4th, 2007. 9.01 am PST.Beginning October 4th, 2007, Microsoft will make available a new IE7 build; "the IE7 Installation and Availability update (IAU)" for Windows XPSP2, x64 Server and Windows Server 2003. With this update, IE7 now installs without WGA validation, offering a streamlined First Run Experience and includes some minor enhancements to the browser and tour based on user feedback from folks like you. The updated IE7 will be available on the Windows Download Center (DLC) and the IE site in 8 initial languages. |
| Since its launch, IE7 hasn't really seen a very big uptake as Microsoft would have liked to see! People have either chosen to switch to another tabbed browser or remained with IE6. The possible reason for this could have been that there were 'some' who could not pass the WGA validation. So to stop this 'leakage' quite possibly, Microsoft may have taken this step. |
| Microsoft Office & Vista sell Big, with Mac OS users. |
| Oct 11th, 2007. 20 percent of Microsoft Office's U.S retail sales are the Mac version, according to NPD. Moreover, Mac users account for 10 percent of retail Windows Vista Business and Ultimate sales. The 20 percent number is impressive for a three-and-a-half year-old product whose successor is scheduled for a January release. |
| The question being raised is that "Does Microsoft really want to be in the business of supporting a competitor? Obviously, it's got to concern Microsoft to a degree ... But more, it's got to concern Office competitors!" Rather than looking at alternatives, the product of choice, even on the Mac; is Office. Source. |
| Google's 'gPhone' could be an OS, not a phone. |
| Oct 11th, 2007. Google is now believed to be working on a Linux-based operating system for use on all makes of mobile phone, pitched not against Apples iphone handset device, but rather against existing mobile OS's such as Symbian or Microsoft's Windows Mobile. |
| The cost of those phones may be partly subsidised by Google-managed advertising appearing on their screens. The company is also expected to integrate its full suite of applications into the new OS and develop its own mobile web browsing software. More at TheRegister. |
| Microsofts Search trails Baidu. |
| Oct 11th, 2007. 61 Billion Searches were conducted Worldwide in Augus. tHere's the latest list released by comScore on Oct, 10th, with figures rounded, showing the number of searches that happened on each search network. |
| Windows Home Server goes on Sale. |
| Oct 11th, 2007. Families in the US, will have a new way to organize, share and protect photos, videos, music and so much more. For families with multiple PCs, now it's easy to protect, connect, and organize the way you keep and share your family's most important memories; all in one central place. HomePage. |
| Linux Clones Vista to Deliver Vixta. |
| Oct 10th, 2007. If Windows Vista was so terrible, how come someone, and that too from the open-source community wants to copy it!? The latest Linux distro on the block is a Vista look-alike called ... Vixta, a brainchild of A. Paulo Santos. |
| However, as much as Aero looks good, it's not the main attractive feature of Vista. Will this see the same fate as "Lindows", considering, it's said to be using Microsoft's or Microsoft look-alike icons? More about this new OS at its HomePage. |
| Microsoft to don the Thinking Cap ... And Introspect ! |
| Oct 9th, 2007. Sometime this week, a small 2-day internal meeting will be held, where many of the key service decision makers from across Microsoft, including Ray Ozzie, are going to get together and have an open discussion about its Service offerings, compare practices, and talk strategy. |
| Larry Hyrb, director of Xbox Live programming and official videogame-community spokesperson, who posts under the alias Major Nelson, feels the discussion will basically hover around: "What do you think we don't 'get'? I know Google may be better in some areas, but what makes them better? What makes us not as good?" |
| Windows Vista Continues to Increase Market Share. |
Oct 4th, 2007. Microsoft Windows Vista operating system (OS) managed to substantially increase its install base in September, whereas both Windows XP and Windows 2000 saw their market share decreased. While Apple Macintosh platforms also increased their share last month, the growth for Vista was considerably higher. |
If Windows Vista continues to gain momentum in the coming months, in December considerably more than 10% of personal computers will use Vista. News Source. Stats Source. |
| Vista dust yet to settle down ... and yet so much Windows7 smoke ! |
| Vista has just been released...well, almost just. 'To upgrade' or 'not to upgrade' or 'when to upgrade', is the question on top of most minds ! Now ? Or After the SP1. Corporates & Individuals, waiting for the SP1 to iron out minor Vista issues, before deciding to take the plunge, feel good when they read in a reputed blog : "Vista SP1 coming soon, say sources !" The blog gets a lot of reads. Then two days, later the same writer again says : "SP1 not coming so soon !" The Blog again gets a lot of hits ! The rumour mill sure is active ! |
| To add fuel to fire, is all talk of "Windows7". "Expect Windows7 by 2010" ! Hey, thats just 3 years from now ! Should one then wait for Windows7 to upgrade, which is said to be a really outstanding OS ! But what if the date slips ? |
| True, such talk always keeps Microsoft in the news, but it also hurts the cause of consumers waiting to upgrade. No doubt, Windows always draws speculation, probably because it is so basic to everything that we do these days with computers. But again sources say that currently the Windows7 is still on drawing board for MS. There is still a lot of innovation that needs to flow to the customers from Vista launch. But with such talk, Windows7 is threatening to steal the thunder away from Vista and eclipse Vista/SP1 in public MindSpace !!! |
| Internally, MS doesn't want dust kicking on Windows7; Not even its Mktg does; Its is just what speculators have been talking about ! Microsoft then needs to issue a clear cut time frame, well atleast to the nearest quarter period, as to when a consumer should expect the SP1, If at all it does actually plan to release one. Or is it abandoning the idea of "Service Packs", and just release these fixes through Windows Update or otherwise, throughout the year, the latest "Vista Compatibility and Reliability Pack" being an example. |
| My take : If you are planning to upgrade ? The best time is NOW ! |
| Windows Vista Reliability and Compatibility Updates. |
| Oct 4th, 2007. Microsoft has released several updates to improve the reliabiliy and compatibility of Windows Vista in certain scenarios. The issues resolved by these updates are detailed in the respective Knowledge Base articles. Download the four updates here, here too, here 'three' and here also ! Details at Bink. |
| Microsofts "JellyFish'. |
| Oct 03rd, 2007. Microsoft has acquired Jellyfish.com, an innovative Madison, USA, based company. Jellyfish has done some really innovative work in comparative shopping engines. and the technology has some interesting potential applications as a key component of Live Search. Live Search is Microsoft's free internet search service that has been in third place behind Google and Yahoo when it comes to popularity. |
| Microsoft launches Start-Up incubator for the UK. |
| Oct 03rd, 2007.
Microsoft has launched a new program to support UK start-up companies with “high potential” to reach their potential and achieve success. The objective of the so called “Micorsoft Startup Accelerator Programme” is to help “high potential, high growth” companies improve their chances of survival, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer told PC Pro. Those interested in this can click MicrosoftStartUpZone. |
| Microsoft unveils 'Office Live Workspace'. |
| Oct 01st, 2007. To thwart potential encroachment on its Office turf, by Google Docs, Microsoft has finally launched Office Live Workspace, its online companion to Microsoft Office ! |
| One can store over 1000 Microsoft Office documents in one place and share or access or control files from anywhere. |
| Microsoft looks to India to boost profits. |
| Sept 30th, 2007. Microsoft anticipates a boost to its profits, from the new service it flagged off on Thursday, offering customised domains for the huge market of young Indians, a decade after it acquired Hotmail. The free mail service, coolhotmail.com, uses the same Hotmail platform but will offer over 200 personalised domains to choose from. |
| Nearly half of India's 1 billion people are below 25 years of age and the country boasts the world's largest English-speaking population spurring dramatic growth in the computer software industry. |
| Internet usage monitoring agency, comScore Networks, in its latest survey found a major surge in the number of Internet users in India in the last year. |
| More than 21 million Indians above the age of 15 years were using Internet at the end of last January, compared with 16 million just a year ago, comScore said. That 33 percent leap compared with growth of just two percent in the United States. |
| Economic boom helped lift India's personal computer sales by 32 percent to 5,04 million units in the year to March 31, 2006, according to the Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology. Source: ioltechnology.co.za |
| Three New DreamScene Sequences Released. |
| Sept 29th, 2007. Windows Vista Ultimate users may have noticed a nice surprise when checking for new Windows Updates, a few days back. Among the optional downloads are 3 nice DreamScene sequences, which the Ultimate Extras Team has released recently. More here. |
| DigiGirlz From Microsoft. |
| Sept 13th, 2007. DigiGirlz is a unique technology program for High School Girls, where the girls go to different Microsoft campus's during summer, to learn about new technology and Microsoft. The DigiGirlz program provide them with opportunities to learn about careers in technology, talk with Microsoft employees about their life experiences, and enjoy hands-on computer and technology workshops. |
| DigiGirlz programs are offered worldwide at several Microsoft locations. All programs are free of charge for attending students. Check out DigiGirlz. |
| Windows Live Launches "RealLiveMoms". |
| Sept. 13, 2007. Microsoft has launched a niche vertical called Real Live Moms for its Windows Live service that offers a space for moms to create a personalized space and network with other moms. |
| You can create a scrapbooking slide show, blogs, favorites lists, and more to showcase your growing bundle of joy. Other Windows Live tools are deeply integrated with this service. Chat with other Moms, Find local parks, create your own personal space, share photographs and more on it! You can create your own personal, interactive Web site, and start making memories with family and friends. Mark baby's milestones, record your reflections, and join a social network of moms through a Windows Live™ Space. |
| An End Of An Era : Bill Gates says Goodbye. |
| Sept 11, 2007. One last chance to hear Bill Gates speak before he leaves the company he co-founded to head up his humanitarian efforts, drew tens of thousands of Microsoft employees to the company's annual meeting at Safeco Field in Seattle. Estimates of this year's attendance ranged from 20,000 to 35,000. A demo of Microsoft's revamp to its flagship Web search engine, which is expected to be launched later this month, also created a lot of buzz. ComputerWorld. |
| AutoPatcher: "I'll Be Back ... In A New Avatar ... Soon"! |
| Sept 26th, 2007. "I have mentioned several times that we are working on something, so given the mood I'm in right now, I think I might as well post some very early screenshots of what's to come... Remember, my "job" here is programming, not making the actual releases. Since I'm sure your first question will be "when," let me just say that it depends on how fast team members can write the "scripts" for this application... Since I'm the code-and-try type, I just had to attempt writing a script of my own. I tried writing one for the English XP release. So far the script covers all of Microsoft's critical patches and most of their non-critical ones. I actually ran into trouble with one of the non-critical patches." |
| Note that Microsoft stuff will come directly from Microsoft. If the process is interrupted, the program will pickup where it left, when rerun. When downloading is done, you will end up with the usual AutoPatcher folder layout." - Antonis Kaladis. More at AutoPatcher. |
| No more Crapware on Dell Computers. |
| Sept 25th, 2007. Dell has decided to expand their "No Crapware" option from their high-end XPS systems to their entire Dimension desktop and Inspiron notebook line; meaning you get the option at purchase time to opt-out of pre-installed trialware and shareware that slows down your computer considerably and cause freezes, even when the machine and the OS is brand new. |
| However, it will still have an Anti Virus, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Google Tools left behind. You do have the option of declining the EULA for the antivirus on first boot to have it automatically uninstall. Dell will also be shipping some machines with Crapware Uninstallers, which can be used to remove Acrobat & Google Tools. |
| What could be useful to one, could be a craplet for another! A great move in my opinion. Cant be long before the other PC manufactures say "me too" ! |
| Bill Gates delivers Halo3 in Seattle. |
| Sept 25th, 2007. Seattle fans couldn't wait to get their hands on the action-packed Halo® 3, and hundreds of eager hometown Halo fans turned out for the midnight extravaganza at Best Buy in Bellevue, Washington. |
| Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was on hand to give out the first copy of Halo 3 at the store, where the crowds mingled with some senior Microsoft executives, the Bungie Studios team and local professional athletes. XBox. Get FREE Mobile Ringtones and Wall papers at Microsoft. |
| Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gets a $1.3 million pay cheque. |
| Sept 23rd, 2007. Microsoft Corporation Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer received a $1.3 million pay cheque ($620,000 in salary and a $650,000 bonus) for fiscal 2007, a year which ended June 30 and in which profit at the world's largest software maker topped $14 billion. Microsoft gave Ballmer a modest $6,750 in matches to his 401K retirement plan and approximately $3,000 worth of life insurance and athletic club memberships. Ballmer, who owns about 4.3% of Microsoft's shares, received no equity compensation. |
| Microsoft's compensation committee "believes that Mr. Ballmer is underpaid for his role and performance," according to the filing. Microsoft did not say what Bill Gates was paid in salary and bonus during the year. Gates, who owns about 9.3% of Microsoft shares, did not receive any stock-based compensation. Source:Yahoo. |
| "Kaspersky is an almost invulnerable AV". |
| Sept 23rd, 2007. An AV is supposed to protect your Computer from malware. But how safe is your AV program itself, against vulnerabilities? What happens when your anti-virus becomes a liability? Well, if your AV is vulnerable, then so is your machine. What’s the use of having a huge virus signature database if the program has a flaw that would enable a hacker to take control of your computer? |
| In this particular study, Kaspersky ranked first, then, in second place came VBA Antivirus 3.11, Symantec Internet Security 2007 and F-Secure Internet Security 2007. Then, in third place, came ZoneAlarm Internet Security 7.0, Trend Micro PC-Cillin and others. Out of the AVs that didn’t take the test, were Avast! Professional Edition 4.7, Sophos AV, Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 1.6 and BitDefender Internet Security 10. More at Softpedia. |
| Microsoft approves 'Blue Monster' wine. |
| Sept 19th, 2007. Microsoft today launched its own-label wine designed to promote innovation inside the company. Created by the Stormhoek winery, the wine will only be available for Microsoft, it’s employees, and most likely current and potential clients. Apparently the wine label was designed “to promote innovation inside the company.” |
| Microsoft’s UK Partner Group managed to convince the higher-ups that the Redmond giant had to start getting a bit groovier. Clayton has been at the forefront of the “Blue Monster” movement, which promotes a more open attitude to geeks and tech for Ballmer’s baby. Microsoft is not bank-rolling the wine, but has given its approval for the label to go out. It’s essentially a bit of fun, designed to get Microsoft people thinking about how they can really “change the world”. Source. Time To Get Drunk, Geeks ! |
| Bullguard AV fails to detect 13 yr old virus on Vista. |
| Sept 18th, 2007. Blogs everywhere are screaming "Vista attacked by 13-year-old virus" ! Sensational it does sound; but the story is a little different, actually ! |
A batch of laptops pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium & Bullguard Anti Virus, was found to have been infected with a 13-year-old boot sector virus.
According to Virus Bulletin, the consignment of infected 100,000 Medion laptops, had been sold in German & Danish branches "Aldi". Bullguard's anti-virus software, failed to detect and remove the malware. The virus however doesn't appear to have caused any damage on Vista. |
| Bullguard spokesman had this to say : "...although the firm's software failed to remove the virus it had in fact detected the presence of the ancient malware on the affected Vista machines. Because the virus had laid dormant for so long signature files were no longer present in its anti-virus software to clean up the virus. Anti-virus firms have to regularly make judgment calls over which signature files should be present in the boot sector. Too many could impact the speed at which a machine boots which can be frustrating for the user." A fix has been released by the company. |
| But then again ... its sensational headlines like these, which get HITS ! |
| Vista's BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH ! |
| Update: Sept 11, 2007. Black screen of Death, a hoax ? Microsoft was quick to debunk this warning of a Black Screen of Death. A Microsoft representative told Wired News "the reporter received inaccurate information," and that the company has not rolled out any updates to Windows Vista's anti-piracy platform. Source. HOWEVER there is an excellent read here at Softpedia, about the REALITY of the Black Screen. |
Sept 11, 2007. Windows' infamous "blue screen of death" now has a deadlier cousin ! Microsoft will release a Black screen of Death now, to haunt Vista pirates ! This is not to be mixed up with the Windows 3.x 'black screen of death', which occurred when a DOS application failed to execute properly. As a part of its anti-piracy initiative, Microsoft has activated a function in Vista called 'Reduced Functionality.' This is a specific function in Vista that effectively disables non genuine copies of Windows. Therefore anyone who has a pirated copy of Vista will experience:
A black screen after one hour of browsing, No start menu or task bar, No desktop. ComputerWorld. |
| Windows Live Web Messenger Enters 'DogFood" Phase ! |
| Sept 20th, 2007. Beta is passé, 'dogfood' is whats being used! Dogfood often points to "the use of software in one's own production systems". But it appears that Microsoft has apparently started using this term for "pre-beta" instead of ... alpha! |
| Calendar and now WebMessenger are now both in dogfoods that are running on external urls (you have to be signed up to the internal dogfoods in order to load the products; ie you need to be a Microsoft employee). |
| A Facebook group has been created for people who wish to post feature requests for Windows Live Web Messenger as well as obtain information about this web application. Windows Live WebMessenger adds Personal Status Message integration, tabbed conversations and display picture options, though those are already available from most Wave 2 Windows Live services, such as Spaces. Join here. Source. |
| Sept 19th, 2007. It was a serious contribution to the electronic lexicon: |
| Twenty-five years ago, Carnegie Mellon University professor Scott E. Fahlman says, he was the first to use three keystrokes - a colon followed by a hyphen and a parenthesis - as a horizontal "smiley face" in a computer message. Variations, such as the "wink" that uses a semicolon, emerged later. Digital ‘smiley face’ turns 25. |
| Microsoft Student Rockstar Contest! |
| Sept 18th, 2007. Microsoft has announced the 2nd edition of the Student Rockstar contest. |
This Contest is aimed at young tech enthusiasts who are keen to learn more about Microsoft technologies, share knowledge, participate in competitions, projects, events, quizzes, and much more. A good opportunity to try your luck at becoming a Microsoft Student Partner or Win XBox's, Windows Mobile Phones, Flash Drives, etc.
This contest is only for the students studying in engineering colleges in India. HomePage. |
| Coming Soon : NEW 'Messenger Presence IM Control' Feature |
| Sept 18th, 2007. A new feature dubbed Messenger Presence or IM Control, is coming soon. Users of the Web2Messenger service will already be familiar with the concept of this, as basically it means you can set up your account to allow anonymous messages from the web, which people would send to you from a "Messenger window" on your website/blog. |
| When the feature becomes available, you would go to the settings page on the net for it and select that you would like to enable this feature, you can then create the html that will go on your website/blog. This will allow people to see when you're online and allow them to then start up a conversation with you. Details at LiveSide. |
| Microsoft suffers decisive EU antitrust defeat. |
| Sept 17th, 2007. Microsoft suffered a decisive antitrust defeat on Monday when a European Union court upheld a landmark ruling that the world's largest software maker had abused its dominant market position to crush rivals. |
| The second-highest EU court dismissed the company's appeal on all key points against the 2004 European Commission ruling and upheld a record 497 million euro ($689.9 million) fine. A jubilant EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said the ruling should lead to a "significant drop" in Microsoft's 95 percent market share. While Microsoft's top lawyer said it would affect the way the company markets its products in future. Source : Canada.com |
| Microsoft Live Search 2.0, To Be Launched on 26th September? |
| Sept 10,2007. Microsoft is holding a three-hour “Searchification” event at its Silicon Valley campus on September 26 that seems like it will be the launch pad for the next version of Microsoft’s Live Search Service. |
Live Search enhancements upon which Microsoft has been laboring are expected to be discussed at this upcoming Searchification event :
- New personalization capabilities integrated into Live Search
- Integrated location/calendar/presence service that may tie in with Live Search 2.0
- New capability integrating social networks, annotation & search
- Future integration between Outlook and Live Search . Source : BinkNu. |
| Comparision Screenshots : LiveSide Here & Here Too. Source. |
| Is Gmail getting offline? |
| Sept 16th, 2007. Currently Gmail stores your e-mail online. Which means you cannot access it when you are not connected to the Net. But all that may be about to change... |
According to highly placed sources, Google has developed an offline version of Gmail. Gmail Offline will allow users to browse, reply, save drafts and do everything that currently Gmail does in an offline mode even when you don't have an Internet connection. On current indications, this would mean that you would download a software client for this. When you get online your Gmail client would automatically synchronize (sync) with the Gmail server (network computer) and send and receive e-mail. A Google spokeswoman in India officially denies such a thing but there is ample evidence to believe Gmail Offline is in fact a reality and may soon be hitting a browser close to you. This has tremendous implications for corporate e-mail, but more on that later. SOURCE. |
| A blog has been quick to dismiss this as a rumour without throwing any additional information about it! Well with Google, one never knows ! |
| Google is 10. |
| Sept 15th, 2007. Ten years ago, on September 15, 1997, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two 24 year-old Stanford University students, registered the domain name of "google.com." The word is a variation of 'googol,' which refers to the number 10 to the power of 100. |
| Page and Brin incorporated Google one year later, on September 7, 1998, in a household garage in northern California. News of Google spread largely thanks to the efficient way the search engine classified results through algorithms, and it quickly became one of the most used methods to find information on the Internet. Source. |
| Microsoft’s Free Web Analytics Tool ‘Gatineau’ |
| Sept 15th, 2007. The first public presentation of Gatineau, which aims to take on Google Analytics and basic web analytics software vendors, was done recently. |
| You can solicit an invitation for the limited beta here. The first invitations for the beta are expected to be sent out next week. For a First Look at Gatineau click here. |
| New Windows Live Hotmail released! |
Sept 13th, 2007. Check FEATURES here.
-5GB Inbox
-Faster, Improved performance
-Changes to the amount of time, the junk and deleted mail are retained
-Automatic forwarding of your mail to other Hotmail accounts
-Branded email hosting for universities
-Accepting Outlook meeting requests in the Hotmail Calendar
-Manage duplicate contacts easily
-An easier way to view blocked images
-Phishing reporting
-Smaller headers.
-Auto-replies, if you go on vacations.
-Go to your inbox by default, instead of the Today page |
| Microsofts "The Ultimate Steal" Deal For Students. |
| Sept. 12, 2007. Microsoft today announced The Ultimate Steal, a limited-time promotion for college students starting today in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and France. Students who are actively enrolled at eligible educational institutions will be able to acquire Office Ultimate 2007 via the Web at the low student price of US$59.95. Calling this promotion "The Ultimate Steal" is spot on when you consider that this is a savings of over 90 percent of the retail price of Office Ultimate 2007. The retail price is what students might think they would have to pay, when much lower pricing such as this has been available to students for many years. |
| Outside of the US, a one-year subscription license will also be offered for £12.95/€ 18.00/C$22.00 in addition to the perpetual license. The Ultimate Steal promotion will expire on April 30, 2008. To be considered eligible, a student must be actively enrolled at an educational institution and hold a valid e-mail address at that institution. In the pilot promotions, the Australian students responded overwhelmingly & positively to it. Click Ultimate Steal HomePage to register. Source : Microsofts Press Pass. |
| Yahoo! Messenger for Vista is Coming Soon ... Well, Sooner or Later atleast! |
| Sept 12, 2007. Built from the ground up specifically for Microsoft Windows Vista, this all-new version combines the reliable and easy-to-use features you've always loved from Yahoo! Messenger with the cutting-edge experience of this new operating system. Its current version 8.1 is compatible with Windows Vista. |
Features:
-Instant message, voice, webcam video, and more
-Use the integrated Yahoo! Messenger Sidebar gadget to keep up with the friends that matter most
-Also add Windows Live™ Messenger friends to your contact list to see when they're online and IM them
-Keep conversations organized by dragging and dropping them into one tabbed window
-Brand new emoticons, program icons and alert sounds
-Instantly change the look and feel of your Yahoo! Messenger interface
-Automatic groups are created in your contact list based on your Yahoo! interests (i.e. Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football league)
-Stay connected to the people and information that matter most with the Windows Vista™ operating system. Whether on the go or at home, it's now easier and safer to communicate, giving you greater peace of mind. HomePage. |
| Sept 14th, 2007. When asked about the delay in the launch, here is the company's reply: "We continue to actively work on Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista and look forward to sharing updates and information including the beta launch of the new service. We will keep you up to date on launch timing but in the meantime, information is available on the Yahoo Messenger blog and the Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista product page." SOURCE. |
| VISTA Power Toys & TweakUI. |
| Microsoft has (much earlier itself), confirmed they are releasing Power Toys for Vista, which are an extremely useful collection of tweaks & utilities that greatly improved the Windows experience. While a Script Elevation Power Toys for Windows Vista or a SyncToy 1.4 for Windows Vista, has been already been released most Vista users are anxiously waiting for the TweakUI version for Vista. The TweakUI for XP, is btw, not known to work on Vista. Though these are not officially supported, they are generated from internal projects of the Microsoft's developers. They often add vital & useful features that didn't make it into Windows proper ! One of the most helpful for XP is/was the TweakUI. Its new version for for Vista is the one most Vista users are eagerly waiting for. |
| Reservations are being expressed that it may be classified as "Ultimate Extras". Hope not as the move would be construed as being unfair to the other Vista Users ! And while most were hoping for its release by this year-end, expect its release after the release of SP1...or at best along with it ! |
| Imagine an infinity of Windows Vista desktops, right there at your fingertips. May seem far-fetched, but its being made possible! Here is the promise of a PowerToy designed especially for Vista : "Virtual Desktop Manager", currently in beta stage, at version 0.4. Vista will be able to add to the users’ experience the functionality of additional desktops. There is no actual limit to the number of desktops that users will be able to run with the Vista Virtual Desktop Manager. Those willing to try may visit here. |
| Via Windows Live Community Site Launched. |
| Sept 09,2007. Via Windows Live Community SpaceBeta has been launched recently. It is dedicated to developers to help build and understand how to utilise Windows Live technologies in applications. HomePage |
| Tafiti is ... Cool ! SilverLight 1.0 Released. |
| Sept 05,2007. If you thought all innovation in search was over and done with, get ready for a surprise ! Have a look at www.tafiti.com , powered by Live. Requires installation of Silverlight. Do check out the display options, search categories on LHS bottom and the search saves on RHS... And yes ... the Tree View too! |
| Incidentally, Silverlight 1.0 was released today! This is a great milestone for Silverlight and with general availability, you can expect a lot more applications using rich UI's built with Silverlight. When you visit Tafiti, you will be prompted to install Silverlight. Go ahead and install it so that you can experience the magic of tafiti.com Move your cursor around ... there's a lot to explore! |
| Live Is set to ROCK, alright !!! |
| Add WiLMA to your "buddy list" in Windows Live Messenger. |
| Sept 03, 2007. If you are new to Windows Live Messenger, and if you feel some help with its outstanding new features, contact WiLMA here and add "her" to your contact list; alternatively you could simply add Wilma@live.com to your contact list. "She" will show you how to connect, control, share and express yourself! WiLMA is, by the way, an acronym for Windows Live Messenger Concierge Agent. |
| Incidentally, Microsoft UK has come up with a cool initiative... a smart WLM Helpsite , with 'Sarah' to help you ! |
| Microsoft’s RELEASES its new Windows Live Suite. |
| Sept 06, 2007.
Windows Live 2.0 suite is NOW available
Windows Live Messenger 8.5
Windows Live Writer
Windows Live Gallery
Windows Live Mail
Windows Live OneCare Family Safety
Windows Live Toolbar
And more..
Check GetLive. More Info here. Live Suite Preview here. |
| Sept 03, 2007. Microsoft plans to make available free software that connects its Windows operating system to software services delivered on the Internet, a practice increasingly referred to as “cloud” computing. The initiative is part of an effort to connect Windows more seamlessly to a growing array of Internet services. |
| The strategy is a major departure for Microsoft, which primarily sells packaged software for personal computers. With this new approach, Microsoft hopes to shield its hundreds of millions of software customers from competitors like Google and Salesforce.com, which already offer software applications through the Internet. |
| Microsoft’s new Windows Live software suite includes an updated electronic mail program, a photo-sharing application and a writing tool designed for people who keep Web logs. The New York Times. |
| Windows Vienna and IE8 Features Leaked. |
| Aug. 27, 2007. "While browsing the MSDN Forums today I found a strange looking thread that actually had the features that will make it into Windows Vienna and IE8. If you are wondering why I was at the MSDN forums, it is because Microsoft has been taking me for a ride in the Student Rockstar Contest and I constantly monitor the MSDN Network for any news. Unfortunately the threads have been locked and contents deleted. But I somehow managed to read the contents of it and here are the features that are expected to make it into the upcoming Windows and Internet Explorer. Reading the blueprints gives you an Idea what Microsoft really is thinking about its competition. Microsoft is well aware of the challenge it faces from Linux and Firefox and they plan to incorporate features from the two families into the upcoming versions of IE8 and Windows Vienna." |
Here is the leaked features list :
For IE : Undo Close Tab (like Firefox)
For IE : Saving and Restoring sessions (like Firefox)
Windows Vienna : Virtual Desktops (like Linux)
Windows Vienna : The Ability to Rearrange items on the task bar |
| Also included in the post at forums says that Windows Vienna’s theming will be completely customizable and will forever change the way People look at Windows. The most interesting thing about the new version of Windows would be virtualization that will be prominent for “legacy apps”, i.e. all applications not specifically written for Window Vienna or in .NET will be run in a separate virtual machine. This is comparable to how Mac OS X handled Mac OS 9. Windows Vienna will also feature “Windows Core”, the ability to separate GUI and console from each other as in Windows Server 2008. Expect to see 'Windows Vienna' on store shelves some time in 2009. The final name, however, has not been revealed in the forum post." Re-produced from DailyAspps. |
And here are the links mentioned, to the 'now deleted' leaked threads:
http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=323949
http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=323988 |
| MSN Cartoon Beta from Microsoft China. |
| MSN China has launched a service called "MSN Cartoon Beta". It creates smiley's for all your cool expressions from YOUR pictures ! Its in Chinese, as its from Microsoft China Development. But here is its babelfish translation. |
| Using Babelfish, you could end up making some pretty good smiley's of YOUR face. Video instructions to make things easy, here at Soapbox. The news may be a little old, but nevertheless interesting ! |
| Ad Aware 2007 Free - Now Vista Compatible. |
| Sept, 01,2007. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Free, now claims to include, includes better detection of adware and malware, a scanning engine that goes easy on your PC's system resources, and a snazzy new interface. The updates apply to all three versions of Ad-Aware, which now go by the names Ad-Aware 2007 Free, Plus, and Pro. The worlds first anti spyware is still one of the finest, if I may say so! Download Page. |
| Major Gaming Update For Vista. |
| Aug 31, 2007. Microsoft has announced that it plans to release the first major "GAMING" update to its Windows Vista operating system early next year. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the Vista update should address virtual memory issues with certain games. Specifically, many games use more virtual memory address space under Windows Vista than under Windows XP, with high-end graphics cards making the problem even worse. When these games cause the 2GB virtual memory limit to be exceeded, they can crash the user's computer. Source. |
| AutoPatcher is History! |
| Aug. 29, 2007. "Today we received an e-mail from Microsoft, requesting the immediate take-down of the download page, which of course means that AutoPatcher is probably history. As much as we disagree, we can do very little, and although the download page is merely a collection of mirrors, we took the download page down. We would like to thank you for your support. For the past 4 years, it has been a blast. Unfortunately, it seems like the end of AutoPatcher as we know it." AutoPatcher. While Microsoft attributed the reason for this step to prevent any malicious code to get redistributed with AutoPatchers updates, the fact remains that this has apparently, never happened so in the last 4 years ! Autopatcher was quite useful and helped a lot of Windows users who had slow Internet connections. |
| Microsoft's new leaders prepare for the post-Gates era. |
| Aug. 27, 2007.With the twilight of Gates' career at the company approaching and new technical and strategic leaders Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie preparing to fill his role, Microsoft executives decided to make this prognosticating more formal. For the past year, and really the better part of the past decade, Gates has been downloading the institutional knowledge of Microsoft and the software industry stored in his head to the leaders who will handle his responsibilities at the company he co-founded 32 years ago. |
| However, Gates has no plans to relinquish the title of chairman when he recedes next July from day-to-day involvement with Microsoft. SeattleTimes. |
| Microsoft Founder Donates to Australian Library. |
| Aug. 23, 2007. Bill Gates, has given $1.25 million to expand computer and internet services in NT indigenous communities. The Microsoft founder gave the money to the NT Library as recognition for the Our Story database, which enables Aboriginal people to preserve and share their culture. The Annual Access and Learning Award is part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Libraries initiative. |
| The award is one of the highest accolades for libraries across the world and was the first one to go to an Australian library. Source. |
| Nokia & Microsoft join forces to take Live to the Next level. |
| Aug. 23, 2007. Nokia, the world’s largest mobile device manufacturer, and Microsoft Corp., a global leader in online communications and communities, have joined together to provide customers with a new suite of Windows Live™ services specifically designed for Nokia devices. |
| Starting today, Nokia customers in 11 countries with compatible S60 devices can download the new suite enabling access to Windows Live Hotmail®, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Contacts and Windows Live Spaces. Starting next year, customers who purchase compatible Nokia Series 40 handsets will also have access to these popular Windows Live services. Source : Microsoft. |
| Google's gBrowser rumors surfaces...AGAIN! |
| Aug 17th, 2007."Google had registered a 'gBrowser.com' domain name, which would lead one to believe that some sort of interest exists in such a browser" Google is already very influential with regard to the development of the Firefox browser. It's hard to imagine that Google couldn't get support for their applications built into Firefox. At the very least, Firefox could offer plug-ins that would support them. In a sense, one might say Google already 'owns' Firefox, to some degree. The Source for this rumour, is being quoted everywhere on the net. |
| Now, this rumour has been doing the rounds since 2004 , and keeps re-surfacing on-and-off. Most of these links mentioning the gBrowser then, have been archived. In fact registering of gBrowser.com is also nothing new, but was done way back on 26th April 2004 ! |
| The same day, an article Google doesn't intend to develop a browser was posted. Hmm ...maybe Google should instead launch a "G-Spot Browser" instead to put an end to such rumours! |
| Vista Empowers Students to Stay Mobile, Connected and Educated. |
| Aug 15th, 2007.Using new PCs and laptops with Windows Vista can help students succeed in school, while keeping connected with friends and family despite busy schedules. |
| Using new PCs and laptops with Windows Vista can help students succeed in school, while keeping connected with friends and family despite busy schedules. MS PressPass. Click SiteOfChampions. |
| Microsoft Cuts China Price For Windows Vista ! |
| 02 August, 2007. Microsoft slashed the price on its Windows Vista operating system in China by more than half, in a bid to lure buyers away from pirated versions of the software. From Aug. 1, Microsoft cut its retail price for the Vista Home Basic package to CNY499 ($66) from CNY1,521, and for the Vista Home Premium package to CNY899 from CNY1802, the company said in a statement. |
| The reduction will allow more household customers "to enjoy the legal version of Windows Vista," Microsoft said. The price cut is the latest tactic by Microsoft in its efforts to spread legitimate products in the China market, which is a hotbed for software piracy. |
The Home Basic edition of Windows Vista in North America, costs approx ~$200. The price for the same software is $250 in Canada, $200 in India, $350 in UK/Europe! Source : CNN. |
| So is this the beginning of, Microsoft adopting Dual-Pricing Strategy for its various global markets ? |
It is my considered opinion that the factor for to be considered for following a Differential Pricing Policy should not be the incidence of High Piracy in any Country, BUT the Affordability in that country; else it will only be tantamount to encouraging piracy, indirectly ! Such a step can only be construed as being a 'reward' for high piracy! However, adopting such a policy for countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America too, on the BASIS OF AFFORDABILITY, would send out signals in the right direction !
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| "Microsoft Fanboys do stupid things too!" : A photoshop Job ? |
Aug 12th, 2007. "Microsoft Fanboys do stupid things too!" claims a website , and has posted a picture.
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| But actually the ORIGINAL SOURCE does say : "If Microsoft built homes, their 'windows' would look something like this, or so we think." |
| So i guess its just another photoshop job ! |
| Windows Live Folders is now Windows Live Skydrive! |
Aug 10th, 2007. Windows Live Skydrive is now available in theUnited States,Great Britain, and India!
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| To sign up, simply click SkyDrive.
If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the blog LiveFolderStream. |
| And, just hours after Microsoft rolled out its Skydrive online storage service on Thursday, Google Inc. unveiled pricing for shared online storage for Gmail and Picasa! |
| Can you crack open this (Microsofts) coded door ??? |
| Aug 9th, 2007. Microsoft has put on-line a new Marketing campaign related to Games for Windows. |
| Once you get past this coded entrance door there is lots to explore and figure out. |
| Microsoft Windows Vista Champions Program. |
| Aug 6th, 2007.Join the Microsoft Windows Vista Champions Program and attend Hands-On-Labs (HOL) sessions, webcasts and Ask-the-expert sessions conducted by Microsoft and partner experts to build your skills on Windows Vista deployment and support. |
More WOW! The Champions Program offers you certificates and training vouchers, resources, Windows Vista DVDs and Microsoft Press books. You also get a chance to win great prizes including Intel Centrino Laptops, Windows Vista copies, 1GB USB drives, Windows Vista T-shirts and more. Source : Microsoft.
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| Microsoft India gets new mandate for development of Windows 7. |
| Designers and engineers at Microsoft R&D centre in India have a new mandate for development of Windows 7, the next generation operating system from Microsoft Corporation, slated for release in 2009-10. |
| This new operating system will have in-built features to address networking-related issues, vitalization that helps create separate machines within a PC and various plug-ins for accessories for the new OS. |
| This team headed by Mr Sunil Bansali, and comprising members of the Windows and Windows Live development teams, has now been given the task of working on the next generation operating system. Source : MoneyControl. |
| Trend Micro fails anti-malware test, identifies a Microsoft Tool as Spyware ! |
| 03 Aug, 2007. All three of the anti-malware products submitted by Trend Micro for Virus Bulletin's independent tests failed because they produced false positives. Trend Micro, one of the 'big four' anti-malware companies, submitted no fewer than three of its anti-virus products, all of which falsely identified a Microsoft development tool as spyware," said a statement from Virus Bulletin. |
| Microsoft had received widespread criticism in February 2007 after its OneCare consumer AV product failed to achieve VB100 certification on the 32-bit version of the Vista platform. "This time its enterprise product, Forefront, put in a strong performance and was awarded VB100 status for Vista x64," the Virus Bulletin statement said. |
| In June three anti-virus makers, Kaspersky, Grisoft/AVG and F-Secure had failed to meet the VB100 standard for virus detection on Windows XP. Source : vnunet. |
| Windows Vista sells more than 60 million legal licensees !!! |
| Microsoft’s CEO has said today that currently Windows Vista boasts with more than 60 million legal licensees, and that the Windows-powered PCs will surpass the number of cars produced in the world by the end of fiscal year 2008. That means more than 1 billion Windows users. Source - ComputerWorld. |
| "Windows7 & Office14 To Be Just As Big as Vista & Office2007" - Microsoft. |
| July 11, 2007. Windows Seven and Office 14 will be just as Big as Windows Vista and Office 2007 - Vista and Office 2007, and definately not the last of their kinds! |
| Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System will be followed by Windows Seven and Office 14. Kevin Turner, Chief Operating Officer, present at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007 in Denver on July 10 emphasized the fact that Windows Vista will neither be the last of its kind, nor the last big operating system release from the Redmond company. Source : Softpedia. |
| “Windows gaming is set to see one of its best years ever” |
| July 10, 2007 — Kick-starting the E3 Media & Business Summit (E3) in Santa Monica with a bang, Microsoft Corp. unveiled incredible momentum for the Games for Windows® initiative, announcing nearly 30 new titles carrying the Games for Windows brand. |
| In addition, Microsoft Game Studios unveiled plans to bring “Gears of War,” the best-selling Xbox 360™ game of 2006, and the hit game “Viva Piñata®” to Microsoft® Windows XP and Windows Vista® gamers this year. |
| Source : Microsoft. More info : GamesForWindows. |
| Microsoft on Ultimate Extras. |
| June 03, 2007. "When we launched Windows Vista in January 2007, we identified Windows Ultimate Extras as a unique series of add-ons that would be available to Windows Vista Ultimate customers. To date, we have released four sets of Extras – Windows Hold’Em, 16 Language Packs for the Windows multi-language user interface, Secure Online Key Backup, and Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool. |
| We intend to ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs by the end of the summer...We also intend to deliver additional Extras in the future. In addition to Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we plan to ship a collection of additional Windows Ultimate Extras over the next couple years..." |
| Barry Goffe, Director, Windows Vista Ultimate,
Microsoft Corporation. WindowsUltimate Blog. |
| New Vista Ultimate Dreamscene Wallpaper. |
| Vista Ultimate Users : Prepare to enjoy a new Dreamscene background ! This is produced by the Silverlight team. which by the way, is a new Microsoft technology for creating programs that run in your web browser. |
| The new Windows Vista DreamScene background - a soothing blue affair with twirling shapes is like a very low-key version of the Ribbons screensaver. It's not a proper Windows Vista Ultimate Extra, as such, so it's not on Windows Update - but you can download it from the Microsoft website. |
Microsoft Silverlight “Dusk” DreamScene (Std Screen size)
Microsoft Silverlight "Dusk" DreamScene (Wide Screen) |
| McAfee’s A/V software runs amok on Windows Vista’s tray. |
| McAfee's anti-virus software is running amol and spawning a new little red M (an icon for McAfee) into the tray of the newly installed copy of Windows Vista that’s running on a new Lenovo Thinkpad R60e. |
| In an effort to isolate the behavior, the writer finally figured out that it does this every 4 minutes and 10 seconds. More at zdnet. |
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the most widely used Web browser on the market, is the most influential technology product of the past 25 years, according to a new survey by the Computing Technology Industry Association...Products developed by Microsoft(R) claimed four of the top five spots in the poll of information technology (IT) industry professionals, conducted in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of CompTIA. Source.
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| Google Exits Digg; Enter Microsoft ! |
| Software giant, Microsoft, is hitting on the online advertising space...big time ! According to reports, the company has tied-up both- with popular news site, Digg.com, and with game developer, Electronic arts (EA); for selling adverts online. |
| However what is interesting is in case of the Digg deal, Microsoft has managed to replace previous online advertising partner, Google, reports MSN !!! |
| Coming Soon : Windows Live Folders ! |
| To sign up, simply click Get Started on their homepage. |
| If you have any questions, feel free to post them on their blog:. |
| Source. |
| Microsoft to set up University. |
| Microsoft Corporation has chosen Bangalore, India, for its first-ever exclusive and independent educational venture in the world. The company will set up a university in the city to impart high-end computer education. The university may well be India's first run by a multinational company. The varsity is expected to contribute greatly towards building a pipeline of billable tech talent in the country. To start with, the university may train around 1,000 students. |
| Microsoft has a special focus on higher education initiatives in China. "However, India will be the first country where it would have a wholly-owned university" sources said. Source. |
| But apparently, on the very next day, ie. 13th July '07 Times Of India, Bangalore edition has carried out a report on Pg.19, Times Business section. |
| No varsity plans, says Microsoft :
Microsoft Corporation says it has no plans to set up a University in Bangalore. It is not our area of expertise," said an official release from the company...The MS release mentions the company's commitment to the cause of education and the higher learning in IT. We're sensitive to the need of the Indian industry and the government's initiative to bridge the talent gap that it is currently facing. We are and will continue to collaborate with the government, academia and the industry to address the issue..." it said. Here is its source sumbitted by my MVP collegue Vasudev. |
| The Times web link however still appears as it is..so what is it then...idle...or informed speculation on part of Times !? A MYTH IN ALL PROBABILITY... |
| Mozilla admits Firefox is flawed too ! |
| In a public mea culpa, Mozilla Corp.'s chief security officer acknowledged that Firefox includes the same flaw that the company called a "critical vulnerability" in Internet Explorer during a two-week ruckus over responsibility for a Windows zero-day bug. |
| We thought this was just a problem with IE...It turns out, it is a problem with Firefox as well." |
Incidentally, Firefox, if allowed, can store usernames and passwords. If you visit a login page again, the password is then entered automatically. But this means, that a second, evil page on the same server could steal those saved passwords. Go To heise-security to see how your Firefox passwords can be read easily ! |
And btw, Scripts can read out clipboard too !
The standard settings in IE,, allow the clipboard to be read out even if it contains content from a confidential document. IE uses can visit this page too see how your clipboard information is easily visible !
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| Just what I always say. MalAttacks on an OS or a Software are directly proportional to its popularity ! |
| How Microsoft 'conquered' China ? |
| Microsoft isn't losing sleep over the rampant software piracy in China; Its quite pleased actually ! |
While the company has sold reportedly around 20 million legal Vista's globally, in the first month of launch; in China, supposedly only 244 were sold officially in the same period. Most preferred the $1 pirated Vista DVDs ! Windows is used on an estimated 90% of China's 120 million PCs ! Long Term Strategic Thinking !? A nice read at MoneyCNN. |
| Pre-Paid Software from Microsoft Now ! |
| Like you top up your pre-paid mobile SIM cards, you can now buy/use Microsoft Software in that fashion ! Microsoft has launched a pay-as-you-go computing system aimed at making its office software more accessible for people in emerging markets. |
Microsoft will charge 199 rand for a 3 month subscription to use Microsoft Office 2007 and first-time users will get an extra three months for free.
After that, customers top up their subscription as they go...The technology, based on the pre-paid cell phone model that has proved a hit throughout the developing world, is being launched in South Africa and Romania this month, and may be available in other markets at a later date. Reuters.
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