MS EXPERIENCE

Windows XP SP3 now available via Windows Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:54:00 +0000

For the people who doesn't want to download from pirated sites and who were waiting for the official release of Windows XP SP3, now the wait is over and it is available for download via Windows Update site though it is still not available on automatic updates.This is the full 316 meg file.

This file can be downloaded here

Microsoft says 140M Vista licenses sold

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Microsoft Corp. said Thursday that it has sold 140 million licenses of Windows Vista.
Colleen Healy, general manager of investor relations, made the statement during a conference call with Wall Street analysts after Microsoft posted its third-quarter earnings. The company pointed to strong PC sales for helping the much-maligned operating system achieve that number.
However, revenue from Microsoft's client division, which overwhelmingly comes from sales of Windows Vista or XP licenses, was down 24% from last year's third quarter to $4.03 billion. Chris Liddell, Microsoft's chief financial officer, attributed the decrease to strong sales a year ago immediately after Vista's launch, plus increased software piracy in developing countries and other reasons.
View Full Article: Computerworld

New FolderShare client for Windows available

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:21:00 +0000

There's a new version of FolderShare for Windows that's designed to help improve security and reliability. To bring as many people as possible up to date, we’ll start prompting users to upgrade this week. When the time comes, you won't be able to sign in until you update. We understand this process may cause some inconvenience, so we strongly encourage you to get a head start and install the new version today.

Thanks for your patience as we get FolderShare into even better shape!

—The FolderShare team

Source: foldershareteam.spaces.live.com

BizTalk R3 Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:12:00 +0000

Steve Martin sent out the announcement yesterday that the BizTalk Server line of products would be getting an R3 update during the first half of 2009. BizTalk Server 2006 R3 moves the BizTalk platform to the Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and .NET Framework 3.5 wave of releases. In addition, there are feature enhancements planned for:

Supporting UDDI 3.0
Improved integration and hosting with service-oriented applications
Connectivity with RFID and mobile devices
Enhanced interoperability for business protocols such as EDI and SWIFT

You can read the original announcement by Steve on BizTalk Server 2006 R3 for more details.

Microsoft Not To Raise Bid For Yahoo!

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:08:00 +0000

Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corp, Steven Ballmer was adamant and refused to raise its $44.6 billion offer for Yahoo! Inc. The CEO of Washington-based Microsoft said, “We know what Yahoo is worth to us. We offered a lot of money: $44 billion. It is not a lot of euros anymore. If their board thinks that's fair, great. If not, we'll move forward,"

Ballmer did clarify as to what he meant by ‘moving forward’. He however clarified that Microsoft would not make a bid for Google primarily for regulatory reasons.

Yahoo! has four days before Microsoft's deadline to agree to its offer or face a hostile takeover fight and risk a lower bid. Earlier Yahoo! had rejected Microsoft’s offer and had argued that it's worth more than the $31 a share in cash and stock that the latter offered. Yahoo! management and directors have said Microsoft's cash-and-stock offer "significantly" undervalues their company.

Meanwhile, Yahoo! also announced its first-quarter financial results on April 22nd. These results were closely watched as these could make a statement in themselves and coax Microsoft for a higher bid. Revenue, excluding the amount paid to advertising partners, rose to $1.35 billion. That beat forecasts of $1.32 billion.

After the results, CEO and co-founder Jerry Yang reinforced that the Microsoft bid was low and said, "The quarter's results underscore the fact that our strategy and investments are beginning to pay off. Our board and management are committed to choosing a path to maximize stockholder value and will not enter into any transaction that does not recognize the full value of this company."

Are these results good enough to compel Microsoft shell out a higher amount? At least Steven Ballmer does not think so. He has already threatened to take the proposal straight to shareholders if Yahoo doesn't agree to its terms by April. 26. Prior to the declaration of the results, e had said, "I wish Yahoo all the success with its results, but it doesn't affect the value of Yahoo to Microsoft."

Microsoft fell 17 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $30.25 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading yesterday. The shares have fallen 15 percent this year. Yahoo fell 1 cent to $28.54 yesterday and the stock has risen 23 percent this year.

Source- TheMoneyTimes

DreamSpark: Free Microsoft software offered to all students globally

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:28:00 +0000

DreamSpark is a new program that launched today (Feb 18th) with Bill Gates giving the keynote. If you're a student you can get

Windows Server 2003
Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition
Microsoft Expression Studio including Expression Web, Blend, Design and Media
A one year subscription to XNA Game Studio Creator's club

DreamSpark is simple, it's all about giving students Microsoft professional-level developer and design tools at no charge so you can chase your dreams and create the next big breakthrough in technology - or just get a head start on your career.

Here is what the Microsoft press release reads-

Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates today will unveil a software giveaway that will ultimately provide millions of college and high school students around the world with access to the latest Microsoft developer and designer tools at no charge to unlock their creative potential and set them on the path to academic and career success.
The Microsoft DreamSpark student program (http://channel8.msdn.com) makes available, at no charge, a broad range of development and design software for download. The program is now available to more than 35 million college students in Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. Broad global coverage, as well as an expansion of the program to high school students around the world, potentially reaching up to 1 billion students worldwide, will continue throughout the next year. Gates will share details with students and faculty at Stanford University as part of a U.S. and Canada college tour that kicks off today.

For full information, check out https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/ and watch Max Zuckerman's interview with Bill Gates

Microsoft January 2008 Security Bulletins

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:35:00 +0000

As part of Microsoft's routine, monthly security update cycle, today they released two new security bulletins that affects Windows system.
Note: There may be latency issues due to replication, if the page does not display keep refreshing.

Critical

MS08-001 - Vulnerabilities in Windows TCP/IP Could Allow Remote Code Execution (941644)

Important

MS08-002 - Vulnerability in LSASS Could Allow Local Elevation of Privilege (943485)

Microsoft also released Non-Security, High-Priority Updates on MU, WU, and WSUS:
- Five non-security, high-priority updates on Microsoft Update (MU) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
- Two non-security, high-priority updates for Windows on Windows Update (WU) and WSUS.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft has released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

References:
January 2008 Security Bulletin Summary: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-jan.mspx
Security Bulletin for end-users: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/bulletins/200801.mspx
MSRC Blog: http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2008/01/08/january-2008-monthly-release.aspx

Support:
Call 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. International users should go to http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx

Security Bulletin Webcast:
Microsoft will host a Webcast tomorrow. The webcast focuses on addressing your questions and concerns about the security bulletins. Therefore, most of the live webcast is aimed at giving you the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from their security experts.

Update sources:
Microsoft NEVER send security updates via e-mail. As always, download the updates only from the vendors' website - visit Windows Update and Office Update or Microsoft Update. You may also get the updates thru Automatic Updates functionality in Windows.
Security updates are available on ISO-9660 DVD5 image files from the Microsoft Download Center. For more information, please see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/913086
Note: Don't be a victim of spoofed emails. Read "How to tell whether a security e-mail message is really from Microsoft"

Recommendations:
Microsoft advises customers to install the latest product releases, security updates, and service packs to remain as secure as possible. Older products, such as Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, may not meet today's more demanding security requirements. It may not be possible for Microsoft to provide security updates for older products. More info at Microsoft Support Lifecycle website.

Report Security Vulnerability to Microsoft:
If you have found a Microsoft security vulnerability, please report: https://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/...in/alertus.aspx

Tool:
Check your system for missing or misconfigured patches using Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA).
For 3rd Party tools in scanning your computer for missing updates, hotfixes, end of life or out-dated version, please see the list at http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?showtopic=13587

Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Redistributable

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:19:00 +0000

The Microsoft® .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Redistributable contains the common language runtime and class libraries built for the .NET Compact Framework. In addition to version 3.5 support, it also supports applications developed for version 1.0 and 2.0. The .NET Compact Framework 3.5 provides new features such as Windows Communication Foundation, LINQ, SoundPlayer, new runtime tool support, and many other features.
Important: To develop .NET Compact Framework applications, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 is required.
This package uses ActiveSync 4.0 to update the device. Before running NETCFSetupv35.msi, connect your device to your PC. If your device is not connected, ActiveSync will store the CAB file and will not install the package until you connect. If you are not using ActiveSync, run the CAB files on the device that correspond to the device–specific CAB files found in the install folder.
System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows CE .NET; Windows Mobile 2003 SE software for Pocket PC; Windows Mobile 5.0; Windows Mobile 6; Windows Vista; Windows XP
Supported Device Operating Systems: Windows Mobile Software for Pocket PC 2003, Windows Mobile 5.0 for PocketPC and Smartphone, Windows CE .NET 5.0 and higher.
Important: This download utilities Microsoft® Windows® Installer technology. Windows 98 and Windows ME users should install the Microsoft® Windows® Installer 2.0 before proceeding with this download.
Download: Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Redistributable
Link: Home Page

Sysinternals Suite Build 2008.01.04

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:17:00 +0000

The Sysinternals Troubleshooting Utilities have been rolled up into a single Suite of tools. This file contains the individual troubleshooting tools and help files. It does not contain non-troubleshooting tools like the BSOD Screen Saver or NotMyFault. Microsoft acquired Sysinternals in July, 2006. Whether you’re an IT Pro or a developer, you’ll find Sysinternals utilities to help you manage, troubleshoot and diagnose your Windows systems and applications. If you have a question about a tool or how to use them, please visit the Sysinternals Forum for answers and help from other users and our moderators.
What's New ( January 4th, 2008 ):

Updated Autoruns to version 9.01: Autoruns v9.01 fixes a bug in the way that it handles certain shell extension points and adds awareness of several additional shell extensions.
Updated PsExec to version 1.94: This update fixes a bug in the timeout option and it makes it possible to use more options when launching local processes, like processor affinity, without administrative rights.
Updated Tcpview to version 2.52: Tcpview v2.52 fixes a bug that causes partial display of UDP endpoints on Windows XP.
Sigcheck to version 1.41: This Sigcheck update correctly displays long comments in file version information.

Download: Sysinternals Suite
View: Applications Descriptions
Link: Home Page | Official Forum | Official Blog

SideShow Coming To Windows Mobile, iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 17:29:00 +0000

Ikanos Consulting is developing a framework which is in beta testing which will, when completed, allow you to run Windows SideShow Gadgets on a Windows Mobile device, finally bringing SideShow to the masses.

SideShow is a wonderful technology in Vista, allowing the display and access of data from a Vista PC on external mini-devices (usually little screens with a few buttons on the outside of a PC case), but the hardware is very specific and very rarely implemented. With support for running SideShow programs (Gadgets, just like the Sidebar kind) on mobile phones, SideShow can be used by any of the millions of Windows Mobile phones.

With SideShow, you can check email on your host PC, select music for the PC to play, see the weather or your Messenger buddy list, or load up any Gadget that's been created by anyone for the purpose. There aren't a ton of Gadgets now, but once the hardware gets out there (and by enabling existing devices, it gets out there a lot faster), developers will start creating even more cool functionality.

http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2007/12/31/sideshow-coming-to-windows-mobile-iphone/

Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5) Refresh

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:07:00 +0000

As a platform, our intent is also to enable third parties to supply support for new hardware, technologies, and tools, just as Microsoft Windows provides a platform for others to bring their products and technologies to the community of PC users. So while we may populate our platform with some of our own contributions, those should not be considered exclusive to tools or libraries provided by other parties looking to provide interesting technologies for this platform.
The Microsoft Robotics Studio delivers three areas of software:

A scalable, extensible runtime architecture that can span a wide variety of hardware and devices. The programming interface can be used to address robots using 8-bit or 16-bit processors as well as 32-bit systems with multi-core processors and devices from simple touch sensors to laser distance finding devices.
A set of useful tools that make programming and debugging robot applications scenarios easier. These include a high quality visual simulation environment that uses the AGEIA Technologies™ PhysX™ engine.
A set of useful technology libraries services and samples to help developers get started with writing robot applications.

Our development environment runs on the platforms listed in the section "System Requirements". It can be used to support robots that support these platforms as well as robots that can be remotely controlled from a PC running a supported platform. The remote control can for example be through a serial port, Bluetooth®, RF or Wi-Fi. We provide information that can be used by hardware or software vendors to make their products compatible with our development platform.
System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems: Windows CE; Windows Server 2003 R2 (32-Bit x86); Windows Server 2003 R2 x64 editions; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows XP 64-bit
To use Microsoft Robotics Studio with .NET Framework 2.0 Software Development Kit (SDK): .NET Framework 2.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) (x86 or x64)
To use Microsoft Robotics Studio with Visual Studio 2005: Any of the Visual 2005 Express Editions, Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition, Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition or Visual Studio 2005 Team System Edition

Important: With the exception of the Simulation Engine, Microsoft Robotics Studio is fully compatible with 64-bit Windows. The Simulation Engine uses the XNA Framework which does not yet support 64-bit Windows so you can't run simulation on 64-bit Windows. Microsoft Robotics Studio can be used to develop services that can be deployed on Windows CE. The development tools themselves do not run on Windows CE, only the services developed for Windows CE.

Download: Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5) Refresh
Link: Home Page

Microsoft ILMerge 2.0.7.1226

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:04:00 +0000

ILMerge is a utility that can be used to merge multiple .NET assemblies into a single assembly. ILMerge takes a set of input assemblies and merges them into one target assembly. The first assembly in the list of input assemblies is the primary assembly. When the primary assembly is an executable, then the target assembly is created as an executable with the same entry point as the primary assembly. Also, if the primary assembly has a strong name, and a .snk file is provided, then the target assembly is re-signed with the specified key so that it also has a strong name. ILMerge is packaged as a console application. But all of its functionality is also available programmatically. Note that Visual Studio 2005 does allow one to add an executable as a reference, so you can write a C# client that uses ILMerge as a library. If you are using Visual Studio 2003, you must use the v1.1 version of ILMerge and rename it to be a dll in order to use it as a reference.
There are several options that control the behavior of ILMerge. See the documentation that comes with the tool for details. The v2.0 version of ILMerge runs in the v2.0 .NET Runtime, but it is also able to merge v1 or v1.1 assemblies. However it can merge PDB files only for v2 assemblies. The v1.1 version of ILMerge can only process assemblies built in the v1.1 runtime (but does merge PDB files for those assemblies). Currently, ILMerge works only on Windows-based platforms. It does not yet support Rotor or Mono. It runs in the v2.0 .NET Runtime, but is also able to merge v1 or v1.1 assemblies.
System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000; Windows Server 2003; Windows XP
Important: Make sure you have the latest service pack and critical updates for the version of Windows that you are running. To find recent security updates, visit Windows Update.

Download: Microsoft ILMerge 2.0.7.1226
Link: Home Page

Microsoft Office 2007 SP1 download available Dec 11

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:42:00 +0000

Microsoft Office 2007 SP1 will be available for download Dec 11. The improvements in 2007 Office System SP1 are in response to direct feedback from power users at large organizations or indirect feedback from home and Office users through the Dr. Watson bug-reporting system.

It will eliminate many deployment barriers. it will provide support for Windows Server 2008, and will provide critical fixes.

2007 Office System SP1 will not be released to AU immediately. Instead, the Microsoft Office System team will announce the ate to use automatic updating so IT departments will have time to learn yourself about SP1 and determine the best method to deploy it.

For more information, see the Microsoft Office download site.

The new Windows Live is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:53:00 +0000

Today Microsoft released the next generation of Windows Live! You can get all the new products now at the new WindowsLive.com. You can install everything in one download, or pick just the products you want.

Everything coming out today is designed to work with the Windows Live services you’re already using, like Windows Live Spaces, Hotmail, Messenger, and Windows Live for mobile, but of course, they add a whole slew of new features into the mix.

Today’s release includes:

Windows Live Mail — This desktop mail program lets you see all your e-mail accounts in one place (including Hotmail, Gmail, AOL, or any other IMAP or POP web e-mail account), and adds all kinds of features you don’t normally get with web mail.
Windows Live Messenger (update) — The popular IM program has a new upgrade, including improved contact cards, file sharing, video calling, and VOIP capabilities.
Windows Live Writer — A WYSIWYG editing program for bloggers that makes it easy to add photos, maps, tags and more to your blog, and publish directly to Windows Live Spaces, Blogger, TypePad, and many other blogging services.
Windows Live Photo Gallery — Helps you find, organize, fix, and share your photos and videos, stitch together panoramic photos, and upload them all directly to Windows Live Spaces or Flickr.
Windows Live Toolbar (update) — Easy access to Live Search and Windows Live, custom buttons, and security features that help you block suspicious websites and pop-ups.
Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare — Tools to help you protect your children from inappropriate websites and contacts. You decide how much control you want for each child.

U can download all the products here- http://get.live.com/wl/all

More info can be found at the official blog here

Windows Live Wave 2 including Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Final build 8.5.1302.1018 leaked

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:48:00 +0000

The latest version of Windows Live Messenger,Writer, Toolbar, Photo Gallery, Family Safety and including Sign-in Assistant has been leaked by mess.be on the net before it's official released this evening.Not much updates has been available till yet but If U are eager to download the latest version then U may download here.You might have to uninstall your previous client first.

We are also downloading all the updates and will let U know more about it very soon!!!!!!

(NOTE: MS Experience does not support piracy and these links are just for the guys who cant wait for the official release :) )

Source- Mess.be

5 Years Later, Microsoft IPTV Coming to India

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:25:00 +0000

At a press event in Mumbai, India today, Microsoft announced a partnership with India's Reliance Communications Ltd. to bring IPTV service to the country by March 2008.

Microsoft Corp. and Reliance Infocomm Ltd. today announced that the two companies plan to work together to jointly create, test and deliver next-generation Internet Protocol (IP)-based television services using an upcoming IPTV solution being developed by Microsoft® TV. This new technology is designed to enable Reliance Infocomm to leverage its nationwide high-speed infrastructure to deliver a unique set of next-generation television services that take full advantage of its state-of-the-art network. The new relationship also will enable the companies to test the benefits to Indian households of leading Microsoft technologies such as Windows Media® 9 Series, Microsoft .NET and Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

"We are happy to be working with Microsoft to create and test a solution that will help Reliance Infocomm offer our customers a variety of services for a rich TV experience," said Amit Khanna, official spokesperson, Reliance Infocomm. "This understanding highlights the strategic relationship between Reliance Infocomm and Microsoft to provide next-generation broadcast TV and video-on-demand services to our Indian consumers."

"Microsoft TV's IPTV solution allows Reliance Infocomm to maximize the value of its network," said Moshe Lichtman, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV Division. "Reliance Infocomm has the strategic vision to look to the future and next-generation TV services. Reliance Infocomm clearly recognizes the value that software can add to the IPTV and advanced video services market, and we are pleased to kick off our new IPTV efforts by announcing this alliance with one of India's largest private-sector enterprises."

Source- Microsoft Press release

Try Windows Home Server for 120 days

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 07:09:00 +0000

Microsoft is offering a 4 month trial of Windows Home Server for evaluation purposes. The Windows Home Server 120-Day Evaluation Kit includes a Windows Home Server Installation DVD, a Windows Home Server Connector CD and a Home Computer Restore CD. A backup is recommended prior to installation as the setup process for server installation will erase any existing data. Microsoft provides the minimum specifications, which aren’t very high at all, and minimum requirements on the website below. The software giant also notes that a wireless connection between Windows Home Server and the network is not supported, although home computers connected wirelessly to the wireless router can access the Home Server.

Link: Order Now
News source: Microsoft

Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista (KB941229)

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:18:00 +0000

This update addresses issues with Media Center for Microsoft Vista. For complete listing of issues included in this cumulative update, see KB941229. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows Vista License Terms.

32 Bit- http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en

64 Bit- http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en

Microsoft Announces Availability of New Zune Accessories at Retail

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:14:00 +0000

Microsoft Corp. today announced the retail availability of new accessories for its innovative digital media player, Zune. The new first- and third-party accessories will usher in the next generation of Zune digital media players, which will be on shelves Nov. 13.

Zune also announced an expanded third-party accessory partners program, teaming up with leading manufacturers to offer a wide selection of products created exclusively for Zune. Microsoft is collaborating directly with 23 accessory partners to ensure customers have a number of accessory options, complementing and enhancing their Zune experience.

Licensed Zune accessory partners are Agent 18, Altec Lansing Technologies Inc., Belkin International Inc., Case-mate, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), Directed Electronics Inc. (Polk Audio), Dual Electronics Corp., GPX, Griffin Technology Inc., Golla, iHome, Incipio Technologies, Integrated Mobile Electronics Corp., , Kicker, mStation Corp., Memorex Electronics, Monster Cable Products Inc., Skinit, Speck, Targus Group International Inc., VAF Research, Vaja Corp., and zLive (DPI, Inc.).

With these new partners, the Zune accessory family now includes more than 60 new products. The accessories will be available for purchase at a variety of online retailers and major retail store locations beginning this week.

Source- Microsoft Press release

Project Gatineau Web Analytics Begins Beta Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:50:00 +0000

We are happy to announce that Project Gatineau, Microsoft’s new, free web analytics service, 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.

All advertisers can request an invitation here: http://advertising.microsoft.com/microsoft-adcenter-gatineau

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.

Features include:

Click and visitor tracking reports
Marketing campaign reporting and conversion tracking
Unique demographic and geographic information from your site visitors

Of course, Project Gatineau is a beta service so we are still adding features and working hard to improve.

With your participation and feedback, we hope you will help us build Gatineau into the best web analytics service possible.

Request your invite today!

Check out the adCenter Forums to see what people are saying!

Thanks

Ian Thomas & Justin Carder - Microsoft Project Gatineau

Source: http://blogs.msdn.com

Microsoft Accepting Applicants for Next-Gen PC Design Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:49:00 +0000

Microsoft Corp.’s annual Next-Gen PC Design Competition is open for online entry submission until 11:59 p.m. EST Dec. 14. The competition aims to encourage ongoing enthusiasm for Windows-based PCs by engaging the imagination and creativity of the industrial design (ID) community and delivering a resource for the PC industry at large.

With this competition, Microsoft hopes to identify great talent and spur a dialogue between the ID field, the PC industry and their shared customers regarding what makes a great PC fit their customers’ digital lifestyle.

This year’s competition theme focuses on designs that help people fuel their passion, whether it’s music, traveling or photography. This year’s next-generation PC designs must contain scenarios and features that address ways to help people pursue their passions more easily, more powerfully and more enjoyably — and even how to help users obtain results they had never thought possible. This is also the first year the competition will look at software and hardware as part of the PC design. Applicants will need to focus not only on exterior design, shape and color, but they must pay attention to programs that will enhance what people feel passionate about. Successful entries will clearly define and thoroughly understand the audiences that the PC is designed for as well as the culture, lifestyle, habits and practices of the user.

All eligible entries will be reviewed January through April 2008 by a distinguished panel of Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)-member judges from the international PC and industrial design community in addition to representatives from leading hardware manufacturers. The entries will be scored by the following criteria:

•Innovation. Is the design new and unique?

•User experience and interaction. In what ways does the design make the PC easier to use?

•Aesthetics. How does the appearance enhance the emotional appeal of the product?

•Technology integration. How is the design enhanced by new technologies?

•Windows software. How does this design enhance or expand the users’ experience with Windows?

•Market viability and manufacturability. Who does this design appeal to, and what are the viable markets?

•Ecology. How is the design environmentally responsible?

Five winners will be selected, and up to five honorable mentions may be chosen by the judges. From Feb. 15 through March 15 the selected finalists will be posted on the Next-Gen PC Design Competition Web site, http://www.nextgendesigncomp.com, where the public will be invited to vote for its favorite entry to determine the Public’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced in May 2008 and honored at the 2008 Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC). More information about the competition, including how to enter, is available at http://www.nextgendesigncomp.com.

Source: Microsoft Press release

Updates for Windows Vista

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:36:00 +0000

Install this update to resolve an issue where Omniquad Firewall and TT Firewall Version 2.0.3 fail to install on systems running Windows Vista.
Update for Windows Vista (KB942089)
Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB942089)

Install this update to resolve an issue where an indexing service query, using a LIKE predicate, returns an incorrect result on a system running Windows Vista.
Update for Windows Vista (KB940069)
Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB940069)

Install this update to resolve an issue where a duplicate or incorrect date is displayed on the Windows Vista Sidebar Calendar gadget.
Update for Windows Vista (KB943544)
Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB943544)

Install this update to resolve an issue where connecting to a non-UNC (Uniform Naming Convention) printer fails on a system running Windows Vista.
Update for Windows Vista (KB941542)
Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB941542)

Install this update to resolve an issue where the computer continually restarts with Microsoft Windows Pre-installation Environment (Windows PE) 2.0 on an AMD Barcelona processor, and the Operating System Capabilities ( _OSC ) method enabled in the BIOS.
Update for Windows Vista (KB942813)
Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB942813)

Install this update to resolve suspend and resume issues on Windows Vista systems configured with a digital cable tuner.
Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista (KB938929)
Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB938929)
Install this update to resolve suspend and resume issues on Windows Vista systems configured with a digital cable tuner.
Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista (KB927084)
Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB927084)

New version of the compatibility, reliability, and stability update for Windows Vista

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:34:00 +0000

This update improves the compatibility, reliability, and stability of Windows Vista. This update includes the following improvements:

•It extends the battery life for mobile devices.

•It improves the stability of portable computers and of desktop computers that use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

•It improves the reliability of Windows Vista when you open the menu of a startup application.

•It improves the stability of wireless network services.

•It shortens the startup time of Windows Vista by using a better timing structure.

•It shortens the recovery time after Windows Vista experiences a period of inactivity.

•It shortens the recovery time when you try to exit the Photos screen saver.

•It improves the stability of Windows PowerShell.

This update also resolves the following issues in Windows Vista:

•A compatibility issue that affects some third-party antivirus software applications.

•A reliability issue that occurs when a Windows Vista-based computer uses certain network driver configurations.

Download the update for Windows Vista x86-based versions (KB941649) package now.

Download the update for Windows Vista x64-based versions (KB941649) package now.

Remaining Ultimate Extra Language Packs Released!

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:34:00 +0000

Barry Goffe, Director of Windows Ultimate, today disclosed on windowsultimate.com that the remaining 19 language packs have been made available via Windows Update.
The additional supported languages are:
* Arabic
* Bulgarian
* Croatian
* Czech
* Estonian
* Greek
* Hebrew
* Hungarian
* Latvian
* Lithuanian
* Polish
* Portuguese (Portugal)
* Romanian
* Serbian
* Slovak
* Slovenian
* Thai
* Turkish
* Ukrainian

Source- Windows ultimate blog

Microsoft Launches New Xbox 360 Console for Families

noreply@blogger.com (Ankur Mittal) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 06:59:00 +0000

Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360^® console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price)*. Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), “Uno” (Carbonated Games), “Luxor 2” (MumboJumbo), “Boom Boom Rocket” (Electronic Arts Inc.) and “Feeding Frenzy” (Sprout Games).

“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing — and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”

Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us, added, “We are excited to offer this new gaming experience to our customers — children and families — who can now enjoy the fun of Xbox 360 together. Many of this holiday season’s hottest items provide Internet connectivity, and with the online entertainment options available through Xbox LIVE^®, Xbox 360 Arcade offers families a great mix of online content and traditional gaming in one console.”

source- Microsoft Press release