GOETTLE'S BLOG

Spring 2009

2009-05-31T15:08:00.001-07:00

Spring has come and gone again. Now were in Summer again. My summer vacation starts on June 19th, 2009 and goes until September 8th, 2009. Below are some pictures that I took this spring.

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Zune HD

2009-05-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

I like other people have heard of the Zune HD rumors on the Internet. On Tuesday, Microsoft confirmed that the Zune HD is indeed real and it's coming out this fall. The Windows SuperSite Blog says the current ship date is September 5th, 2009. The Zune HD is Microsoft's competitor to the iPod Touch. I actually have been wondering for awhile, "When is Microsoft going to make a Zune touch?". The Zune HD (the next Zune) is going to have a multi-touch display and other features. It still lacks functionally of the iPod Touch like the applications, 3D games, app store, mail client and being able to play YouTube videos. The Zune HD is more for media. But it also has some advantages of the iPod Touch. Better quality screen, built in HD radio, HD video output, bigger screen and better wide screen format video. Microsoft is not copying the iPod Touch but competing with it. I was not interested in Zune at all untill I found about the Zune HD. In fact, 5 months ago in a blog post, I said Microsoft should kill the Zune. In recent months, I have been seeing more and more Zunes. I wonder some times, what is Apple going to do when Steve Jobs leaves and if everyone likes Windows 7, Zune HD and the Palm pre, Apple could go out of business.

Visit the Zune HD Website and check out the Windows SuperSite Preview

Windows 8 Concept

2009-05-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

Some Windows enthusiast created a concept video for the successor of Windows 7, currently codenamed Windows 8. To me, it looks like BumpTop, Mac OS X and Windows Longhorn.

Windows Vista/Server 2008 Service Pack 2

2009-05-26T19:27:00.001-07:00

I have not talked about Windows Vista/Server 2008 Service Pack 2 since October 2008. Today, Microsoft released it to the public for download. With Service Pack 2, Vista is just now ready to ship. By Service Pack 4, Vista will be fine. Service Pack 2 contains all the updates released since Service Pack 1 and adds some new features as well.

New features:

Windows Service Pack Clean-up tool (compcln.exe): Delete files from Vista RTM and SP1 that have been updated with SP2 versions to save space on your disk.

NOTE: Once you do this, you cannot uninstall Vista SP2.

Windows Search 4.0: Previously a free download for Vista SP1 is included in Vista SP2 and performs better.

Blu-Ray disc writing: You can now record data to a blu-ray disc.

Windows Media Center:Improved performance of protective TV Content in Media Center.

Bluetooth 2.1 Support: Vista SP2 includes support for Bluetooth 2.1.

VIA 64-bit support: Windows Vista now supports 64-bit VIA microprocessors.

Power management improvements: The default power management policies are approximately 10 percent more efficient than before.

RSS Feed gadget improvements: The Feed Headlines gadget for Windows Sidebar has been updated for better responsiveness and performance.

General improvements to the OS, compatibly, performance and reliability.

Sidebar Gadgets: Sidebar gadgets now take 100MB less RAM.

NOTE: You must have Service Pack 1 installed first before installing Service Pack 2.

You can download SP2 as a standalone installer or by Windows Update.

Vista SP2 on TechNet.

Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview leaked

2009-05-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview has been leaked on to BitTorrent file sharing networks in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. You might be able to get the Technical Preview officially from Microsoft in July. Sign up here, there will be a public beta in Quarter 3 2009. Office 2010 has the same requirements as Office 2007 and runs on Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Office 2010 includes a new ribbon interface and other new features listed below.

Office Anytime Upgrade
32-bit and 64-bit versions
Ribbon interface in all office applications
More customizable ribbon
Office Mobile Device
Improved Outlook
Windows 7 Integration

The end of the school year

2009-05-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Microsoft Windows 95 Commercial "Start Me Up". Can Windows 7 bring back the 95 goaly days?

It's that time again, the school year is almost over again. This school year was my first year of high school. I have struggled this year, been called names, been treated like I was retarded. But I got throw it. Next year might be better because I have friends coming up from the middle school and I will have already been throw one year at the high school. Next year there will be no more 45 minute classes sadly. So the day will go by slower. The South Whidbey School District is almost laying off allot of teachers due to finance problems. Luckily only one of my favorite teachers is being layed off.

Intel Sucks: No XP Mode for most Intel chips

2009-05-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has released Windows XP Mode Beta and Windows Virtual PC Beta for the Windows 7 RC. Windows XP Mode is a free Windows XP virtual machine for Windows 7. Windows XP Mode requires Virtualize Technology on AMD and Intel processors. On AMD processors the technology is called, AMD-V (virtualize) and on Intel is called AMD-VTx (virualize technology). Virtualize Technology has been around for three years now and is on most AMD processors but not all Intel processors. Virtualize Technology has to be enabled in the PC BIOs.

Virtualize technology supported Intel and AMD processors-

Intel:

Pentium 4 662 and 672
Pentium Extreme Edition 955 and 965 (not Pentium 4 Extreme Edition with HT)
Pentium D 920-960 except 945, 935, 925, 915
some models of the Core processors family
some models of the Core 2 processors family
Xeon 3000, 5000, 7000 series
some Atom chips
all Intel Core i7 processors

AMD:

Athlon 64

Athlon 64 X2

Turion 64 X2

Opteron 2nd gen and 3rd gen

Phenom and all newer

Windows 7 Release Candidate Review

2009-05-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a video review I made of the Windows 7 Release Candidate.

Windows 7 Release Candidate leaked

2009-04-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

The official Windows 7 Release Candidate (build 7100) has been leaked to torrent file sharing networks in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Windows 7 build 7100 build string: 7100.0.winmain_win7rc.090421-1700. You will notice several changes and improvements since the Windows 7 beta (build 7000). I expect build 7100 will be available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers in the coming days and available to the public on May 5th, 2009. You can still use your Windows 7 beta keys to active the release candidate. The RC will expire on March 1st, 2010. If your on one of the leaked pre-rc builds (7068, 7077...etc). You will not notice much different and maybe you should wait for it to be available to the public from Microsoft. The release candidate will look and perform like the final RTM version of Windows 7. I expect Windows 7 to be finalized by July 2009 and out to the public at retail in October 2009.

Windows 7 Roadmap-
Pre-Beta (build 6801, close enough to even number) - October 2008
Beta (build 7000) - January 2009
Release Candidate (build 7100) - May 2009
RTM (build 7200, speculated) - July 2009
Availability to TechNet and MSDN Subscribers - August 2009
General Public Availability- October 2009

UPDATE: The Windows Team Blog has confirmed that the Windows 7 Release Candidate will be available to TechNet and MSDN Subscribers next week and to the public on May 5th. Link

HP Mini 1000

2009-04-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been so long since my last blog update. I've been busy. I also was on Spring break part of the time. I'm saving up for a Netbook, the HP Mini 1000. I've been wanted a portable computer for two years and have made the mistake twice of getting desktops. Face it, the desktop PC is dieing a slow death. The HP Mini 1000 is the perfect computer for my needs.

Here are the custom specs-

Geniune Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3

Intel Atom Processor 1.6Ghz

1GB DDR2 RAM

16GB Solid State Drive

10.1 Inch Display

Wireless-G Card

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

The total cost is $384.98. I already havesaved up $25.00 and I plan to earn money between now and September.

I'm a PC ad

2009-03-30T22:37:00.001-07:00

<br/><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=0bb6a07c-c829-4562-8375-49e6693810c7" target="_new" title="Laptop Hunters $1000 - Lauren Gets an HP Pavilion">Video: Laptop Hunters $1000 - Lauren Gets an HP Pavilion</a>

This a new I'm a PC ad from Microsoft. Pointing out the fact that Macs cost are more experience and how only cool upper-middle people can have Macs. I agree with this Ad.

Windows 7 Road Map

2009-03-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Windows 7 upgrade and compatible program starts on July 1st, 2009 and ends on June 30, 2010 and Windows 7 will only have one compatible sticker. We will start seeing software and hardware that says Windows 7 compatible. Microsoft will portray release a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and reveal Windows 7 Box Packaging and Pricing in the next few months. I expect Windows 7 to be finalized in July, available to corporations and MSDN/TechNet Subscribers in August, and retail out in October.

Windows 7 build 7068

2009-03-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Windows 7 build 7068 was leaked a few days to BitTorrent networks. The build was compiled on March 21th, 2009. I downloaded it and I'm running it on my computer right now. The Windows 7 Release Candidate is in it's final development stages. Build 7068 is the most stable build I have seen since 7022. There's only a few minor things that need to be changed before the the release candidate is ready.

Windows Internet Explorer 8 out now

2009-03-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 8. A Major upgrade to the web browser. The web browser has not been this good in years. I hated Internet Explorer 6 and 7 but I really like 8. I still prefer Firefox and Google Chrome but I use IE8 for all my Microsoft websites I visit.

Whats new and improved in Internet Explorer 8-
Redesigned user interface
Accelerators
Huge speed improvements
Web Slices
Instant Search
Improved Phising FIlter
Crash Recovery
Private Browsing ("Porn Mode")
Smart Screen Filter
Search Suggestions

Read my review on Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 back in Aprill 2008: http://jgoettle.blogspot.com/2008/04/windows-internet-explorer-8-beta-1.html

Download: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx

Sliverlight 3

Following the release of Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft released Sliverlight 3 beta 1. A new feature of Sliverlight 3 is running applications outside the browser.

Download Sliverlight 3 beta 1

Apple announces iPhone OS 3.0

2009-03-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today, Apple announced iPhone OS 3.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch. They added features that i've been wanting since I got my first iPod touch.

New Features-

Spotlight - Search all over your iPhone

Cut, Copy and Paste - Finally! Should have been in 1.0. But hey better late than never.

YouTube Accounts -Access your YouTube account form your iPhone. Manage your account and also subscribe and view your favorites.

Notes Sync - I've been wanting this feature to sync my notes. You can now sync your Notes to a Mac or Windows PC.

Landscape Mail, SMS, Notes, Stocks

A year of blogging

2009-03-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

I have now been blogging for a year. I started this blog back on March 13th, 2008. When I was in Mr. Bergquist's class and we were blogging are journal entries. Over the past year, I have gone tho allot. 1 Semester of High School, Graduated Middle School, had a nice summer, got a iPod touch, tested and blogged Windows 7, learned how to progrAM and changed my opinions on Windows and Mac.I have also matured a bit, I think about something before I blog it. This year I will blog more about life along with Technology. Feel free at look back at my March 2008 archives.

Best Web Apps

2009-03-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've seen a few good web apps out there. I expect to see more over time. As we make the transition to mostly web based applications in the coming months and years.

Meebo
Mibbit
Google Docs
280Slides
Gmail
Google Reader
VirtualNES
SumoPaint
Wordle
Magnigragh
Cameriod

Reasons why Apple Sucks

2009-03-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

I have not done one of these in about a year. This is for the Apple haters.
Note: I like Apple but here's some reasons why they suck.Also, I can think of ways to counter these reasons.

1. There to expensive - Macs cost about 15% more than a PC.
2. You can only upgrade the RAM, Hard drive and DVD drive.
3. No Copy and Paste on iPhone.
4. No Light Scribe or Blu-Ray.
5. You can't remove the battery on the new MacBook Pros.
6. One button mouse.

High School Status Update

2009-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have not done a school status update for about three months, so I decided to one today. My first year of South Whidbey High School so far has been confusing, good and sucked. I'm now in Semestar II of 9th Grade. Only three months and a hale tell 9th grade year is over. This semester I'm taking English 9, Support Lab, Math and Physical Science. High School is allot harder than Middle School. Can't change glasses, can't go out side the building, no sports at Launch. The first year is the wrost. I like Physical Science it's a ok class. I'm looking forward to 10th grade, some of my firends from the 8th grade are coming up next school year. It will be Better next year. I will know the school and have more friends.

Why You Should Try Linux

2009-03-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

Most non-tech people have never even heard of Linux or how good it is. The Linux Market Share is gaining near 1%. It's time for people to give Linux a chance as a main OS. I can say Ubuntu Linux is now better than Windows XP.

Why You Should Try Ubuntu Linux-
Compiz Fusion - Awesome 3D Effects
Low Requirments - Unlike that monster Vista, Ubuntu Linux requires only 256MB for the ultimate version. :D
It's free and legal - Why pirate a OS or buy a $200 OS, when you can get one just as good for free
Viruses - For Linux there is hardly any viruses unlike Windows. Save Money on Anti-Virus software.
If your already using Firefox, Blender, Gimp and OpenOffice on Windows your almost done - All are alvabible for Linux too.And all (expect Blender) are included by default in Ubuntu Linux.
It's the furture with applications moving to the web - who needs Windows? Google Docs, Google Reader, Meebo, 280Slides, VirtualNES and Mibbit are the first major web apps.
Adobe Flash and Java are alabale for Linux too.
You can run it off the CD and try it.
You can take it with you on your USB.
Theres lots of Open Source and Free Software out ther to be descovered with Add/Remove in Ubuntu.
There's games for Linux. Consolve Emulators, Copys of Classic Arcade and a few cool ones like Frets on Fire and Open Arena.

The Technology Furture

2009-02-27T20:40:00.001-08:00

The Computer World is changing. I predict in the next 10 years, Microsoft and Apple will die out. Applications on the desktop are moving to the Internet and you can access them cross-platform in a Web browser. No need for Windows or Mac OS X. We are starting to see no need for powerful computers anymore. People can get by very well with low-end Netbooks now. Linux can do Intenet and run very well on Netbooks. We are also starting to see more and more all in one devices like the iPhone. The Computer will die out in the next 20 years. People can do what they want to on a computer with a device like the iPod touch even. We will see Touch-Screen TVs that do TV, Internet, Make Movies, Edit Photos, Email. We will still have computers but only geeks, businesses and schools will buy them. To write Applications and schools and businesses with not want to buy TVs and stuff like iPod touch. I'm already doing things we will in the future like using Linux on a low-end computer and using Google Docs (web app) to make my Documents.

Windows 7 Status Update

2009-02-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well. Windows 7 is on the road to RTM. The rumor is form Softpedia that Microsoft has finished Windows 7 Release Candidate and released it to testers. Softpedia also says that the build number is 7048. I believe the rumors are ture. Screenshots have been leaked of Windows 7 build 7032, it looks well polished for a Release Candidate and also Softpedia does this the build string for 7048, 6.1.7048.winmain_win7rc1.090211-1625. So, it was compiled on February 11th, 2009. So 2 months ahead of the April 2009 date. Windows 7 is without a douh ahead of schedule. I now expect RTM to be finished in Late April/May and out in June/July. I admit it, I have tested Windows 7 Builds later than Beta Build 7000. I have tested Windows 7 Pre-RC Build 7022, which was leaked to torrents sites and it was compiled on January 15th, 2009.

UPDATE: Rumors were false. Microsoft will release Windows 7 Release Candidate on April 10th to the public and it will be the only release candidtate. I expect RTM in June/July and out in October.

What I've been up to

2009-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

For the past week I've been programming Microsoft Visual Basic .NET. I'm been programming web browsers, text editors and Paint programs. I'm getting good at it. My web browser is now starting to compete with IE 6. My paint program is good. Right now i'm almost done developing Beta 2 of Version 2.0 of my web browser. Today, I will release Doodle V1 (my paint program) for download. NOTE: You need Microsoft .NET 3.5 Installed on XP, Vista or Windows 7. Link

Doodle V1 Download:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/xbyvuf

I'm sick

2009-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

For the past few days. I've been sick. I had to miss school today. I think I have a ear anfation. I can't talk normal and my head hurts sometimes. Anyway thats why I have not been blogging or making youtube videos lately.

Microsoft annouces Windows 7 Editions

2009-02-03T16:04:00.001-08:00

Today, Microsoft announced the official Windows 7 Editions. I have to say I wish Microsoft would have just done Windows 7 Home, Pro and Ultimate.

Windows 7 Starter - Only available to OEMs to pre-install on new PCs Worldwide.

Windows 7 Home Basic - Only available to emerging retail markets.

Windows 7 Home Premium - Word Wide, Retail

Windows 7 Professional - Word Wide, Retail

Windows 7 Enterprise -Volume-license business customers only

Windows 7 Ultimate - World Wide, Limited Retail
So for retail at least there is just Windows 7 Home, Pro and Ultimate. Microsoft has yet to announce Pricing, Volume Licensing, and N Edition(s) of Windows 7, that ships without Windows Media Player to the European market.