So the last time around some whacked out “tech columnist” in a popular Indian daily cited “experts” and said that Windows 7 looks like Windows XP and another one called the RC’s bi-hourly shutdown post March a “glitch”. Well, that’s not the end of it. Two new instances have surfaced where some level of negligence and irresponsibility by “technology” journalists & editors is on display. Unfortunately these “tech journalists” don’t realize the role they play in the eco-system. One of India’s most visited technology website – Techtree has done an article on a debate that’s being going on in the Western countries with regards to a software edition that will be available ONLY in the Western world and will NOT be available in India.

So before I begin let me put the whole thing in context… there are four ways by which people in the US & UK can acquire Windows 7:

1. Buy the normal Windows 7 media (available at retail prices.)
2. Buy an Upgrade media (available at a lower price.)
3. Buy an OEM copy of Windows 7.
4. Buy a new PC with Windows 7 pre-loaded.

Microsoft’s policy states that if you want to use the Upgrade media you need to have:

1. a licensed copy of either Windows XP or Windows Vista installed.
2. and the install CD/DVD of the Windows OS installed. ¹

Without the two things mentioned above it is not legal to install Windows 7 using the Upgrade media. And this essentially means that if you plan to install Windows 7 using an Upgrade media on a brand new hard disk which has no legally valid copy of Windows installed… you’re violating their Terms.

Now as I said these are four ways for the people in the US and UK… key phrase being “people in US & UK”… I repeat again, “people in US & UK.”

India will not be getting the Upgrade media for Windows 7. There are only three ways by which one can legally purchase a copy of Windows 7 in India:

1. Buy the normal Windows 7 media.
2. Buy an OEM copy of Windows 7.
3. Buy a new PC with Windows 7 pre-loaded.

Making this clear, the article by Techtree is totally out of context & irrelevant to India and NOWHERE is this irrelevance highlighted!

So here’s the article by Techtree:

When is Windows 7 Upgrade Illegal?

Now here’s something really quirky and interesting from Microsoft. With the launch of Windows 7, almost everyone is busy installing the new OS on their systems. These include brand new systems and existing computers that already had an older version of a Microsoft Operating System running. Most Vista users with a “full” license were eligible for an upgrade option wherein they could get Windows 7 for a discounted price.

In a recent blog post, Microsoft has clarified as to how a clean install done on a blank hard drive from an upgrade install disc by an user who does not own a full license is in violation of the Windows 7 EULA (End User License Agreement). The post was triggered owing to blog posts and “how tos” that help users do a clean install from an upgrade disc. Since the upgrade option is a cheaper way of getting the OS, it was a fairly attractive means of getting a licensed version of the product for less. Microsoft’s EULA for upgrade discs explicitly states that must own a full version of a previous version of Windows if you want to use the Windows 7 upgrade disc. Now, what this means is that when you do a clean install, you are no longer own a “previous version” and are hence breaking the terms of the EULA.

Microsoft has clarified the circumstances in which a clean install is perfectly legal in the following excerpt from the post: […]

Now, here is the problem with the article…

This entire issue deals with Windows 7 Upgrade Media which is available ONLY in the Western world for a cheaper price. UPGRADE PACKAGES WON’T BE AVAILABLE IN INDIA! So when they use the phrase “When is Windows 7 Upgrade Illegal” it is abso-fucking-lutely wrong since DVDs that will be available in India do NOT need you to have a copy of a previous edition of Windows installed.

The article is bound to create confusion in the minds of the consumers about whether they can upgrade to Windows 7 or not since the blog post by Microsoft is talking ONLY about the Upgrade media! These consumers will then be going to retailers who further know squat about what they’re selling and what options are available and these “tech journalists” after creating a confusion won’t be held responsible.

If you have Vista you can without any problem go ahead and use the “upgrade” option in the setup! You do NOT need the install media of your previously installed media since this is NOT the upgrade media.

I hold two sets of people responsible for this kind of horrendous reporting:

1. the people who write and pass such stuff (the journalists & editors)
2. the people who fail to educate their people and the public (the PR)

I’m pretty sure the person who wrote this is oblivious of the fact that Windows 7 Upgrade media won’t be available here (if he is aware and still wrote this, the editor is responsible for the fiasco.)

The people at Microsoft who’re supposed to educate the sales force for not informing their people about the differences in editions & versions available abroad and in India. Also, not educating and giving sufficiently clear information to media houses like UTVi (who own Techtree) about these differences.

NOTE: If you’re eligible for an OEM upgrade that you bought a Vista machine post June-July and your OEM is giving you a Windows 7 upgrade, I’m assuming they’ll be giving you an upgrade media, in that case, you’ll need to upgrade, a clean install though possible would be violating the Terms.

The second instance is a lot more surprising. Apparently Mr. Anwar.K.Sadath, Manager – Kerala state IT mission. Govt. of India, has in an article in the Malayala Manorama Yuva stated that Windows 7 is unstable and is not able to be run Google Chrome. W.O.W.! How bloody ignorant can you be?! For one, Google Chrome runs flawlessly on Windows 7, it ran well on Windows 7 RC & works smoothly on Windows 7 RTM.

It surprises me as to how did the editor of the paper let this outrageous claim be published in the news paper!

It never ceases to surprise me that the level of technology know-how is so low in our country despite all the IT glories we have.

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Shoddy Indian Tech Journalism & Windows 7 #2

Windows 7 brings with itself the industry’s new favorite toy – Virtualization to your desktop. The three most notable features in Windows 7 are:

• Built-in ISO Burner
• The ability to boot using VHDs
• XP Mode (XPM) – a virtual XP machine to tackle legacy app issues

Using machines in a virtual environment is really fun, being able to try out OSs without having to restart to change the OS is time saving, though there’s a compromise on performance. In this article I’ll talk about Windows Virtual PC, creating VHDs, native boot into VHDs & optical drive emulation.

Part 1: Enabling Hardware Virtualization

Before we begin, make use of this tool to check whether your processor supports hardware virtualization and if need be, enable it via BIOS. This is required for Windows XP Mode and better support for a virtual environment. We’ll make use SecurAble to determine Hardware Virtualization.

There’s a tool by Microsoft as well that tells you whether Hardware Virtualization is supported on your PC:

Part 2: Windows Virtual PC

Once all’s set, we’ll go on and download Windows Virtual PC (it still in RC for the public but has RTMed and the final bits are available for MSDN & TechNet subscribers.) Windows Virtual PC replaces Virtual PC 2007. Not much has changed, it still works pretty much the same way but has tighter integration with Windows 7. Windows Virtual PC now has support for USB drives as well, which might I say is a #WIN!

One can install Linux distros on it as well. And though unsupported by Microsoft, Windows Virtual PC works well on Windows Home Premium.

NOTE: Windows Virtual PC is required for XPM.

Jumplists:

Explorer:

Start Menu:

If you wish to launch an application from your host machine directly into your virtual machine you can use a utility created by MVP Woflgang Unger. The utility creates an entry in the Right Click menu for the applications that will allow you launch the application directly into the virtual machines setup on the host. Screen shots:

The utility has parts to it:

• one is a standalone launcher for the host machine
• two is an installer for the virtual machine

Once downloaded do the following:

1. Extract the contents to any folder, among other things there will be a file named VMLauncher.exe & a folder named Client
2. Start your virtual machine and navigate to the Client folder
3. Run the VMLauncher.exe in the folder named Client and install it.
4. Now, on the host machine, run the VMLauncher.exe file (not the one in the Client folder.)
5. You will see the virtual machine listed in this window. Screen shot:

You should now have the virtual machine in the right click context menu as well.

NOTE: This works only for Windows based virtual machines.

Tipped by the MVP Blog.

Part 3: Setting up a Virtual Machine

Windows Virtual PC works fine on Home Premium and above editions of Windows 7. Once you’ve downloaded Windows Virtual PC, you can install your own copy of Windows XP (and not necessarily use XPM), Vista, Server or a Linux distro as shown in the earlier article. To create Virtual Machines:

Start –> Run –> c:\Windows\System32\VPCWizard.exe

And you should get this screen:

To boot from the physical drive:

Tools –> Settings

If you’re installing a Windows machine, after installation you should install the Integration Components for seamless integration, the biggest advantage is the cursor movement between the VPC & desktop. To do this:

Tools –> Install Integration Components

Once you’ve installed and all’s fine, you can configure your machines without having to start Virtual PC. This is possible due to Virtual PC’s shell integration with Windows 7. In order to do this:

Use Windows Virtual PC Jumplist and click on Manage virtual machines alternately you navigate to C:\Users\<username>\Virtual Machines Here, simply select the VPC instance you want to configure and press Settings in the taskbar below the address bar. Screenshot:

Part 4: Windows XP Mode & XP Mode Applications

Windows XP Mode has been introduced with Windows 7 to enable better legacy compatibility support for corporate users and XP Mode Applications is its biggest advantage. XP Mode is a simple install that will create a virtual machine of Windows XP with Integration Components installed. Officially Microsoft has made XPM as a free download for Windows 7 Professional & Ultimate/Enterprise users. However, it should work fine on Home Premium as well if the setup is run (I haven’t tried it.)

XP Mode’s advantages for users are:

• Ease of setup
• Run applications in XPM as if you’re running them natively on Windows 7 (this is not like setting compatibility mode for applications.)

Once you’ve run the setup, start your XP machine and install your XP specific applications. Then on your XP instance create a shortcut of the application in:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs

This will allow you to run that application without having to start the XP machine. To run this application in Windows 7, navigate to:

Start –> Programs –> Windows Virtual PC –> Windows XP Mode Applications

Here’s the golden oldie Windows Media Player Classic running as a XP Mode Application on Windows 7:

Damn cool right!

In case you have an application on the host machine that you directly want to launch in any one of the  virtual PCs, there’s a utility that will provide that option in the Right Click context menu.

Part 5: Creating VHDs & Converting to VHDs

• Creating a VHD in Windows 7

Start –> Right click on Computer –> Manage –> Action –> Create VHD (screenshot):

Follow the onscreen instructions, I’d suggest you save it to a folder with no spaces in the name and the VHD should also have no spaces in the name. It’s precautionary.

• vmdk to vhd

VMWare & Virtual Box are the most widely used virtual machine environments and unfortunately neither of them save discs in the VHD format. However, you can convert VMWare virtual discs (*.vmdk) to VHD within a couple of clicks using a handy tool – vmdk2vhd. It’s pretty simple to use, conversion time depends on the size of the disc. Screenshot:

I’ve not been able to find a similar tool for Virtual Box though.

• Physical drive to vhd

SysInternals recently released a tool that allows you to create VHDs of your physical drives. Which sounds pretty cool but I don’t really find much use besides being able to run your PC environment on another PC via Windows Virtual PC. If there was a way by which I could use it as a ghost image to restore systems that’d make this is a killer tool.

NOTE: SysInternals’ team advises NOT to use VHDs created using disk2vhd for native boot on the same system as it can lead to apocalypse.

Part 6: Native boot into virtual machines:

Yes, now you can run virtual machines of some Windows versions like a native OS by adding it in your boot selection menu. This is a Windows 7 (and Server 2008 R2) specific feature and do this, you need to keep in mind that the virtual machine you want to boot into should be setup on a *.vhd virtual disk. Virtual instances created using Windows Virtual PC are stored in the VHD format. There are two ways by which one can setup the VHD to be used: Without an OS, only the VHD. The same VHD CANNOT be used in Windows Virtual PC & for native boot.

There are two of ways using this feature:

1. Making a simple VHD and installing the OS on it like we do on a normal PC
2. Using a Windows Virtual PC VHD with the OS already installed

Both need you to attach a VHD so that Windows will treat it as a normal system hard disc. For Windows to recognize the VHD as a system OS disc follow these instructions:

• To attach the VHD and make it a OS drive:

On the host PC start CMD in Administrator mode and enter these commands:

C:\bcdedit /copy {current} /d “OS Name”

C:\bcdedit /set {guid} device vhd=[driveletter:]\path to the vhd file.vhd

C:\bcdedit /set {guid} osdevice vhd=[driverletter:]\path to the vhd file.vhd

C:\bcdedit /set {guid} detecthal on

Here {guid} needs to be replaced a with the contents enclosed in { } once you run the first command. Screenshot:

NOTE: It is while entering the path to the drive here that having space as a character in the vhd file name or folder it is in can create issues, hence avoid.

• Using a Windows Virtual PC VHD:

Installing the OS is simpler using this method & allows you to continue working on your PC while the OS is installed. To do this, install Windows 7 on Windows Virtual PC, once setup and Windows starts then… yes, take a minute here… and then… do this, else it won’t work… and then:

Go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe

Here, check the box for Generalize and select Shutdown from the Shutdown Options dropdown. Screenshot:

After doing the Sysprep, your virtual machine will shut down. Then you need to attach the VHD and make it a system drive so that Windows knows where to boot from. To do this you’ll need to do go into CMD and enter commands mentioned in under #1 (To attach the VHD and make it a OS drive)

Upon successful execution, you can restart your PC and you shall see the new entry in your boot screen. Select and move forward

• Using a newly created VHD with no OS installed

We created a VHD in part 5.1 and attached it in 6.1 To install the OS, we need to do the following:

Restart your PC and boot into the Windows install disk. Follow these steps:

• On the Install Now screen, press Shift+F10
• Type: DISKPART
• select vdisk file=D:\win7vhd\test.vhd (Note: you need to change the location to where you’ve saved the VHD)
• attach vhd
• create part pri (to create a Primary partition on the VHD)
• format fs=ntfs quick

Windows will create a dual boot entry for you.

Part 7: Virtual Desktops & drives:

• Virtual Desktops

If like Linux you want to have multiple desktops, you can try out the Virtual Desktop Manager application available via Codeplex. Check it out here. Screenshot:

• Burning ISOs

This is half-assed and lame. I mean, seriously, allowing us to burn ISOs but not being able to read them let alone edit them is stupid. But nevertheless, the feature comes in handy when our lives are being governed by Murphy’s laws. To burn an ISO, double click on it or Right click –> Open with –> Windows Disc Image Burner and Windows will take care of the rest. Screenshot:

• Loading ISOs

Clone DVD drives have been around for some time now. Use grew thanks to pirated games. But that’s not all they’re used for. With the increase in use of ISO images clone drives are installed on pretty much every enthusiasts PC. Daemon Tools is the most widely used but I’ve had serious issues with it on Windows 7 which led me to Virtual CloneDrive and I must say this is pretty awesome. Install – mount- use – unmount. Simple. Screenshot:

• Editing ISOs

If you want to edit ISOs, make bootable discs the I’d suggest you use UltraISO. Works pretty well.

~Enjoy

PS: I somehow managed to have 7 parts to the guide. Neat!

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Complete Guide To Using VHDs, Windows Virtual PC, Windows XP Mode & ISOs On Windows 7

From what I understand, Microsoft India is concentrating on the corporate crowd and is leaving the Windows 7 sales for consumers to the OEMs. The reason is that they don’t expect a lot of off-the-shelf purchases as much as Windows 7 being bought with newer OEM PCs. Here is the 23 minute discussion:

• Windows 7 prices still high and retail availability

[He said] Priced much lower than what Vista was. Took market into consideration and priced accordingly. (yes, it’s approximately half of what Vista was priced when launched in India.)

Retail availability – soon. (In case you missed, Windows 7 is still not available in India at retail outlets due to legality issues.)

[I say] The killer part is that probably for the first time, a product will be cheaper in India even after including taxes, if one were to do a Dollar to Rupee conversion. However, with a price tag of 7,000/- INR they haven’t crossed the Indian buyer’s mental block. It’s more of a psychological issue than an affordability issue.

• Will the Windows 7 Upgrade packages be available at retail stores? If yes, what will be their costs?

[He said] No upgrade packages will be available. Only FPP (Full Packaged Product) will be available. (The reasoning was quite an obvious one, since a considerable population of India doesn’t own more than one PC.)

[I say] Very unfortunate, Microsoft missed a huge opportunity as quite a lot of people would’ve pitched in and bought copies for themselves, all legit. Tech enthu friends/cousins would’ve contributed and bought quite a lot copies.

• I heard in an interview on TV that Windows 7 Family Packs won’t be launched in India, will there be any sort of discounts if someone were to purchase multiple copies or is this solely at the retailers’ discretion?

[He said] No discounts from Microsoft.

[I say] Opportunity missed. Discounts help. If it weren’t for the dirt cheap pre-orders on Amazon and other sites, Microsoft wouldn’t have out-sold Harry Potter. Maybe, the retailers will have some offers.

• Student discounted versions are available at $30 in some developed countries, anything like that for students in India (other than the tie-up with IEEE & Dreamspark)?

[He said] No.

[I say] Very unfortunate again… major opportunity missed. But, you can get Windows 7 Professional edition for free. (Details #1 & #2)

• Will Windows 7 Starter edition be available off-the-shelves at retail stores? If yes, what would be the cost? If no, how can one purchase the Starter edition? Do OEMs get Starter edition licenses? If yes, how soon should we able to get Starter edition bundled computers? By when will OEMs start getting their copies of Starter editions?

[He said] Home Basic will be available off-the-shelve. Windows 7 Starter edition will be available only via OEMs. PCs bundled with Windows 7 Starter edition will be available sometime soon.

[I say] Since there is practically no difference ever since Microsoft dropped the 3-App limit on Starter, it will only add to the confusion for the  customer, though, I guess changing wallpapers will be easier in Home Basic. I’ve said in the past that there is no need for so many SKUs.

• Advertising campaigns if any like the ones in US, UK & Australia?

[He said] Yes, in coming days, OEM partners and Microsoft will have campaigns suited for India, like The Next Gen Family.

[I say] Along with the New Efficiency launch happening in November which is focused towards the corporate crowd (it deals with Server 2008 R2) there will be a push for Windows 7. OEMs are apparently gearing up for wide range of new PCs and their own marketing campaigns.

He did mention “the big screen” and beyond TV in the same sentence.

• Are all available packages are Geographically locked?

No definitive answer. But, I’m pretty sure the ones available here will be geographically locked to India.

• Any update on Bing for India

Bing in India is pretty much a re-branded Live for now but that will change. Probably the only good news that was conveyed was that Bing Search will be localized for India. No time frame yet, though.

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Microsoft India – Localized Bing, No Windows 7 Upgrade Packages & No Student Discounts

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video courtesy Ankur Sadhoo’s Facebook profile.

From the description:

A group of around 22 passionate employees from across Microsoft’s Hyderabad campus designed and executed the amazing feat of unveiling the Windows 7 logo using 7000 domino(es)

Damn neat!

UPDATE:

Came across another video where someone has created one of the bundled Windows 7 wallpapers in Rangoli (colored sand art)

Click here to view the embedded video.

tipped by @mswindows. Another cool vid I say

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Windows 7 Logo Unveiled With 7000 Dominoes Cascading At Microsoft India, Hyderabad

• Motion Designer
• Interaction Designer
• Industrial Design Lead

For all we know this could be for the Microsoft tablet Courier (aka Codex). The requirement is for a Motion Designer, the job posting states:

Overview / Primary Responsibilities:
The candidate will be responsible for leading the creation, development, refinement, and documentation of innovative and compelling motion design solutions that meet the business, project, and design goals and objectives. This person will drive motion design for a wide range of user behaviors and interaction models for both near and long term product.

Emphasis added.

And Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices division is defined as:

Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices division includes the Interactive Entertainment Business (Xbox and Games), the Mobile Communications Business (Windows Mobile), the TV, Video and Music Business (Windows Media Center and Zune), and the Specialized Devices and Applications Business (Hardware, Surface, Office for Mac, Microsoft Auto and Windows Embedded software).

In another related job posting, The E&D division is looking for an Interaction Designer who’s job is defined as:

This person will drive design for a wide range of user behaviors and interaction models for both near and long term product.This person will drive design for a wide range of user behaviors and interaction models for both near and long term product. Strategic thinking and creativity will be critical to innovating compelling user experiences through product design. This Interaction Designer will work closely with industrial designers, user researchers, ergonomics, marketers, software engineers and hardware engineers in a highly collaborative environment.

Emphasis added.

The third job posting is for an Industrial Design Lead and his role is defined as:

This person will drive design for a wide range of user behaviors and interaction models for both near and long term product. Strategic thinking and creativity will be critical to innovating compelling form-factors through product design. This Industrial Design Lead will work closely with Interaction designers, user researchers, ergonomics, marketers, software engineers and hardware engineers in a highly collaborative environment.

Emphasis added.

So Microsoft is looking for a UI, UX and a device form factor design lead. Something’s cooking up at Redmond.

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(Natal Like?) Motion Interaction Coming In Other Microsoft Products