June, 2008

Following on from my previous monthly review of the most visited articles on the Windows Help and How-to site here are the most read for May:

1. Enable Java in Internet Explorer
2. Tabbed browsing: frequently asked questions
3. Preview the appearance of a printed webpage
4. Reorganize your home page tabs
5. Using Quick Tabs in Internet Explorer
6. Set up a dual-boot system
7. Find which edition of Windows Vista you are using
8. Demo: Using the web
9. Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
10. Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly

So a few movers and shakers from the last couple of months. As mentioned earlier the Preview the appearance of a printed webpage article is new in because there is a direct link from within IE, and this is probably also the reason why the Enable Java in Internet Explorer article is now the post popular page on the entire site, even more than the homepage!

I am wondering why the popularity of the Set up a dual-boot system article is suddenly so high?

Previous months: April, March and February

Rob

You may be (or not) aware of the new Windows Client TechCenter.  This was just launched last week, and I have only just got around to having a look at it.  It is definitely a great resource for more in-depth Windows (Vista & XP) information than the Windows Help and How-to site.  Targeted more at the desktop IT Pros it provides a single access point to a number of resources.

Well worth checking out if you are interested in more technical aspects of Windows.

There are many (100’s) of Technet TechCenters and you can see a full list at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/bb421517.aspx

Rob

Spotted this article on the Windows Vista Magazine site, which is a great site for Windows Vista content and help…

Windows Vista Magazine | Upcoming Webinars on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

“The HP MediaSmart Connect will let you wirelessly stream your Windows Media Center experience including content such as Live TV, Recorded TV Shows, Music, Photos and Videos to any TV in your home using your wireless or wired home network.”

to sign up for the webinar, which I have done (for the 2 10 am PST sessions) here as well as more info on the HP MediaSmart Connect machine.

Details about the MediaSmart Connect from HPs Website

Anyone now if it will be available in the UK?

Rob

There have been some new Windows Help and How-to demos posted to the site recently, hope you find them useful if not let us know.

1. Use Parental Controls to manage your child's computer time ‘Watch this demo to learn how to use Parental Controls to monitor your children's computer activities, such as the games they play, the time they spend online, and what websites they visit.’

2. Smart ways to turn off your computer ‘Watch this demo to learn about the recommended ways to turn off your computer or make it sleep.’

3. Create your own website on Windows Live Spaces ‘Watch this demo to learn how to create a website on Windows Live Spaces for blogging, sharing photos, and more.’

Rob

These last few days have seen a few updates and releases of some new Microsoft software.

Windows Search 4.0 has been released to the web – read more on the Windows Experience Blog

Technical Preview of Windows Live Writer – read more on the Writer Zone . I have been using Windows Live Writer on my various other personal blogs since it was in beta internally in Microsoft, and I have to say what a totally great product it is and it is totally free.

Rob

Windows Vista now supports 77,000 printers, cameras, speakers and other devices. Over 2,700 software programs are now certified to work on Windows Vista, including 97 of the top 100 consumer applications. 62% of small business said Windows Vista saves them time, and 70% said that it makes them more productive, according to an independent survey. More than 140 million copies of Windows Vista have already sold, making it the fastest selling operating system in Microsoft history. 71% of Windows Vista customers liked it better than their last operating system. People who are familiar with Windows Vista are two to three times more likely to have a favorable impression. Every 10 PCs that switch over to Windows Vista is the equivalent of taking an automobile off the road, in terms of greenhouse gasses.

taken from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsxp/future.mspx which is a page all about our plans to stop selling Windows XP from 30th June. There appears to be some confusion around what we will do after this date with regard support but this entry from the Microsoft Lifecycle Support Blog should clear that up.

Rob

From today you can now buy amongst other Microsoft products (such as Office and Expression), various editions of Windows Vista (full product and upgrade), direct form the online Microsoft store at http://www.microsoftstore.co.uk or to go direct to the Windows Vista selection use https://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-2/

You should be able to buy the physical box as well as via a download.  This new choice of getting Microsoft products gives you the customer another way to get our products.

Rob :)

If you like your Windows in Icelandic then you can download the new Windows Icelandic Language Interface Pack (LIP)

‘Windows Vista tungumálaviðmótspakki’

Upplýsingar um niðurhal: Windows Vista LIP

For more info on the Icelandic language try this from Wikipedia , and for more information on Microsofts Global Development and computing try the portal at http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/default.mspx

Rob