New over at the Microsoft Daylight Saving Time & Time Zone Blog, details on the Microsoft Windows Daylight Saving Time and Time Zone update now available (December 2009)
The most recent cumulative update to daylight saving time (DST) and world time zones (TZ) is now available for supported versions of the Windows Operating System via Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update.
Microsoft product teams follow a semi-annual DST and TZ update schedule, which follows the Windows regular schedule for publishing newly legislated DST rules and time zone updates. These annual Windows "Cumulative Daylight Saving Time and Time Zone Updates" are released in December for each calendar year; a semi-annual update will be released in August, as needed. Microsoft products that are affected may also schedule updates to accommodate some of these changes.
For more information about this cumulative DST and TZ update, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976098
Tags: Windows, Microsoft, Daylight Saving Time, Daylight Savings Time, RSS, DST; 18,000,000; 20,400,000 (up >3M)
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It's Thanksgiving, and again I am fortunate enough to spend my holiday with my friends and family. In a past post, I noted my posts on being thankful, in particular this one on being thankful, where I noted the Seattle P-I newspaper's slide show on "Words of Thanks."
"What are you most thankful for? P-I photographer Meryl Schenker profiles six local residents who have different reasons for giving thanks on this holiday."
At home, we're thankful for many things, primarily for good health, family, and our community. The philanthropist W. Clement Stone said that "If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share."
Today I received a mail with a link to an article from last year on Bill Gates and how Microsoft's founder and his wife, Melinda, are aiming to change charity...
"For the past 10 years, the Gateses have opted for the latter: “How can we do the most good for the greatest number with the resources we have?” Bill asked a sea of Harvard University graduates at their commencement ceremony last year.
"The answer? If you’re Bill Gates — with $37.5 billion in your foundation’s coffers and as much as $100 billion to contribute over the course of your lifetime — you do it very, very carefully, say philanthropy leaders."
OK, you don't have Bill & Melinda Gates' resources. What can you do?
Plenty. And you don't need billions to make a difference.
In an article today from Patrick May of the San Jose Mercury News writes about the local impact of the recession at the holiday to some of those in Silicon Valley, and provides a list of places to give for the holidays in San Jose and surrounding areas.
In Amy Goodman's article about thanksgiving, she notes "Billion for a Billion" campaign launched by the WFP, "urging the 1 billion people who use the Internet to help the billion who are hungry. But if you think that hunger is far from our shores, here is some food for thought ... and action: The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report Monday stating that in 2008 one in six households in the U.S. was “food insecure,” the highest number since the figures were first gathered in 1995.
And Jerry Large writes today about good people giving back with thanks, about "someone who traveled to a foreign land and made a fresh start despite hardships and with the help of new friends."
So I've included this link on how to help over the holidays from my previous hometown paper, and from our new home town, The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy.
This in closing from the article on Gates noted above...
"Gates — who dropped out of Harvard to create Microsoft — returned to the university last year to accept an honorary degree and to deliver the 2007 commencement speech to graduates. It was, Gates-watchers agreed, probably one of his finest speeches ever, an eloquent reminder that success doesn’t always mean following the rules. Among other things, Gates told Harvard students that technological achievement is critical in the years ahead, but that “humanity’s greatest advances are not in is discoveries but in how those discoveries are applied to reduce inequity … reducing human inequity is the highest human achievement.”
How will you pay it forward?
Whatever you do, for those in the States and wherever you are, have a happy Thanksgiving.
Tags: shopping, Microsoft, articles, blogs, what I read, Thanksgiving.
Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Windows Vista, Windows 7, computers, Thanksgiving, how-to
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Jenn asks today…
"What do people read the most on your blog? I found your article on how to choose a new computer and found lots more stuff."
Good question, Jenn. I didn't really know until I looked today.
Here are the top recent posts from my blog in the last couple of weeks. Seems that the most popular are the historical pieces on daylight saving time, with one of the most popular in the last couple of months my post on "Microsoft Windows August 2009 Updates to Daylight Saving Time and Time Zones" with details on Microsoft KnowledgeBase Article 970653, "August 2009 cumulative time zone update for Microsoft Windows operating systems". (Note that details on the December 2009 cumulative time zone update will be posted next week.)
One of the most popular posts in the last quarter was "Be careful: Why getting Windows 7 "RTM" today can be like a box of chocolates" advising our customers to "be careful and don't download something from a less than trusted source. As noted in my post here on the Windows 7 Release Candidate, please don't use torrents or P2P to get Windows 7 bits, as has been noted in the in the news. (Also available via http://bit.ly/L9PaO.)So many people eager to get Windows 7 but may subject themselves to malware."
On the content side, the top post in the last year ((and still popular today) is the collection of articles titled "Halloween, Daylight Saving Time, Bill Gates' new company and other mysterious things I've read this week" – "Here's a blast from the past (December 2006): What do candy, Microsoft products and Congress have in common? You can read more about this in the latest news on the subject. If you thought tracking the machinations of various daylight saving time and time zone changes around the world was tough, Paul Tennant of the Eagle-Tribune reports that in Haverhill (MA), trick-or-treating is Saturday night this (and every) year rather than on Friday, October 31."
If the connection here is Bill Gates Halloween Masks, then you really want to read the article in Forbes (click the link on this link to the Halloween Masks article) from Matthew Herper back in 2003 (masks designed by Nina Gould)…
"He created a monster. In his younger days, Bill Gates was accused of being a monopolist. Microsoft is maturing, and now pays a dividend. The world's richest man is trying to remake himself as a philanthropist who uses his vast fortune to fight the scourge of AIDS in Africa. Which is the real Gates? Ask FrankenBill." Click on image for mask.
One of the all time most popular posts is this one on Your questions: 'If we installed the December 2007 Microsoft daylight saving time updates, are we covered for the changes this Fall?'
Recently, I received a question similar to one I answered last year on daylight saving time and time zone updates to Windows:
"We updated our systems earlier this year for daylight saving time [the rules for the US and Canada]. Is there anything we need to do? Should we also update our systems with the last DST update? [referring to the August 2008 cumulative update]
Generally, the answer is yes. As I noted earlier here, it depends.
Next, on the top list of posts is this how-to covering one of the most popular questions: "How do I make Internet Explorer my default web browser?"
As I work in the Windows division, a letter made its way to my office: a customer mail sent to one of our senior leaders that asked...
"How do I set up Internet Explorer to be my default web browser?"
Simple question you may say, but unfortunately in this case, the customer noted that they were unable to find the information on our web sites or using online help. So, after first apologizing for the difficulty the customer had in locating the information, I then provided the following steps on how to configure your PC to use Internet Explorer your default web browser.
But I digress…
Here are a few of the most popular posts from the blog in the last month or so. Seems that most of the info I share is via my feed on twitter, which I update a few times a day.
- The link to the video on migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 using the User State Migration Tool is one of the top posts: "Of interest is the TechNet information on Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 using the User State Migration Tool (aka USMT). With it, you can migrate your files and settings from your Windows XP computer to a new Windows 7 installation."
- Next is this post on "Being foolish about customer and partner satisfaction at Microsoft" – "I recalled tonight an old quote: Fortuna favet fatuis. If you know me, you'll likely understand my personal, off-hours affinity for such a quote and my penchant for Monty Python humour. But in all seriousness, I'm reminded of a past post in which I noted that fools may find fault with ease. It takes the persistent to note that the customer experience isn't a commodity, and to course correct when we find fault…"
- "I'm a PC and Windows 7 was my idea." Perhaps, but the look-and-feel of Windows 7 was done in Redmond - "Brandon over in Windows (interesting to write it like that, having recently moved from building 26) posted here about how we really designed the look-and-feel of Windows 7, in contrast to a quote in a short interview from a Microsoft employee not involved in designing Windows 7."
- From Windows 7 to working with product groups customer satisfaction - "With this move comes a move from my office in the Windows division and later this week across campus to my new home. Sad to leave Windows but excited to move to this new role on the heels of one of the most successful product launches the company has seen in some time."
Your questions: "How did you collect cool items for the Microsoft Giving Campaign Auction?" I just asked. – More than almost any item on the blog save my articles on daylight saving time and more recently the arrival of my Windows 7 Party Pack is the interest in the items I provided to benefit the Microsoft Giving Campaign this year. I received more email this week on these posts than any other post this month." Also see the related post "A couple of choice items benefitting the Microsoft Giving Campaign this year" and "Wonder what's up at the Microsoft Giving Campaign? Here's a look at few auction items generating interest". In all, these items added several thousand dollars to the total Giving Campaign auction.
My Windows 7 Party Pack Arrives – "The package may've been a little rough, but the contents are all intact, including the copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition, various party favours and decorations and instructions on how to throw a successful house party. (We're throwing ours to friends with kids to look at the family safety features and home applications, along with plenty of pop and pizza, 'though I'd love to show some of the more advanced management features.)"- Free download: Microsoft Security Essentials suite available now – "Now available (US and Canada) is the new Microsoft Security Essentials suite, available for free, providing protection from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software for your PCs at home. Just installed the release version on my home PCs today. (Security Essentials will replace Windows Live OneCare, as I noted here this summer.)"
- Reminder: Microsoft Windows 2009 Daylight Saving Time and Time Zones Hotfix available for Egypt, Western Australia – "In case you missed the announcement, there is a new Microsoft Windows 2009 Daylight Saving Time and Time Zones Hotfix available for Egypt and Western Australia. See my original post here."
- More help and tips in finding that perfect laptop computer, this time from Rob Pegoraro of the Washington Post – "Over swim lessons today, I read Rob Pegoraro's article "Tips to boot up your laptop hunt" (which was picked up in today's local paper) for users looking for new laptops (as I Tweeted today)…"
Also see the related post "It's nearly back to school time: here's info on buying a new PC" – "As I posted on Twitter today, Joel Santo Domingo over at PC Magazine has published a new article, How to Buy a Back-to-School PC. He covers what you should consider when shopping for a new PC for back to school or for you home." It's helpful and timely information given the article I recently read from Jonathan Starkey on How to clamp down on spending for college, given how expensive tuition and housing are these days. Starkey said that "It all can add up quickly, but there are ways to stretch a family's college budget."- This reminds me of my prior post, "What kind of a computer should I buy?" from late last year.
- Windows 7 flying high in the skies above Redmond – "Last week a few of the folks got together and enjoyed a cool but fun afternoon on main campus. A fun time was had by all celebrating the RTM Engineering Milestone. And one of the signed Windows 7 flags was on display for all to see."
- Ed Bott offers up his update to the Windows 7 upgrade chart in Walt Mossberg's blog – "As I noted on Twitter, a quick nod of the head to Ed Bott for his post on the Windows 7 upgrade chart published in Walt Mossberg's blog this week. Ed took a few moments and updated the Windows 7 Upgrade chart with a more simplified look and feel..."
Last but not least, I'm not sure why, but my humourous post "Apologies for my ode on the Day Before Christmas" (http://tinyurl.com/64uu5f) remains one of the top posts in the last year. My guess is that pictures of snow and kids always get folks online.
Tags: shopping, RSS, Microsoft, New PC, articles, blogs, Microsoft, Windows 7, what I read, twitter, FAQ, your questions.
Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Windows Vista, Windows 7, computers, hardware, how-to
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In the category of the interesting and odd things I see around Microsoft, this is one of the most unique, one that has found its way onto the Internet. It's the fractal panda (or is that Fractal Panda?). It's used by our good folks in Microsoft during various college informational trips. (I noted this on Twitter this morning as well, with a tip of the hat to the good folks over at Microsoft Recruiting and noted by folks in the wild including @ellenchisa.)
Anyone every see this around their campus?
As for interesting and odd, I fully expect to see more interesting holiday sweaters around the office today, too, for reasons that people on campus may acknowledge.
Tags: articles, what I read, Microsoft, Windows, recruiting, fractal panda.
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On today's WSJ.com in Mossberg's Mailbox from Nov. 18, 2009 on the allthingsd.com/ site (the blog where venerable technology columnist Walt Mossberg answers readers' questions) Mr. Mossberg answers several reader questions, including one on Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows 7. This must be a popular topic, because I received emails this week (thanks, April and Josh) with essentially the same question.
Q: Will Office 2003 work with the new Windows 7 operating system?
A: Microsoft, which makes both products, says the answer is yes, though I haven't tested it.
I have. It works. I used it until recently at home (one machine recently moved to Office 2007). But you want more than anecdotal information from me.
Well, there's a web page for that ;).
As I initially reported here, you can find more information on the Microsoft Windows 7 Compatibility Center. Perhaps folks could include a reference to this helpful site when wondering online about Windows 7 application compatibility (aka "appcompat" at Microsoft). Just a thought.
With respect to Office 2003, we have tested it and you can see the results for yourself on the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, specifically on these pages for the Office 2003 Suites (and be sure to get Office 2003 Service Pack 3 provides the latest updates).
You can get information on more products on the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, and by using the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. A few weeks ago, Katie Boehret (a reporter for the Wall Street Journal who pens the weekly Mossberg Solution column), talked about this Windows 7 Upgrade Made Easy just before we released Windows 7 on October 22:
"Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta [my note: it's released now], Microsoft’s own tool, analyzes what will and won’t work properly when the newest version of Windows installs."
More info: if you've got questions about Windows 7, look thru the posts from community experts on the Microsoft Answers site about Windows 7 (in 11 languages!) at http://bit.ly/ZbSp6.
Tags: Windows Vista, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7, FAQ, your questions.
Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, how-to, upgrade, Windows 7, Office.
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Of interest is the new Dell Inspiron Zino HD which ZDNet calls "Dell's answer to Apple's Mac mini."
"The Zino HD is an interesting machine because Dell has managed to cram a lot of power into the Mac mini-esque 7.8 inch by 7.8 inch footprint of the system. Buyers can choose from a selection of single and dual core AMD energy-efficient CPUs, as opposed to the Intel dual-core parts used in the Mac mini by Apple."
I'm impressed that Dell has put so much into a space 8" square (thanks to an external power supply). With an HDMI output and Blu-ray drive, coupled with up to 8GB memory (looks like 3GB is standard) this would make a nice Windows 7 home media centre.
For getting video into the box, looks like you'll need a USB TV tuner, or access your Media Center via the network.
Tags: what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7, Dell.
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Here are answers to some common questions about upgrading to Windows 7 from our Windows 7 frequently asked questions page. (And if you need more information and guidance on installing and reinstalling Windows 7, check out this page on the Windows 7 site.)
What's the difference between the upgrade and full versions of Windows 7?
When purchasing Windows 7, you can choose either an upgrade version or full version. Both upgrade and full versions include the same features. Upgrade versions require that Windows XP or Windows Vista are installed on your computer before installing Windows 7. Full versions don't require a previous version of Windows to be installed on your computer.
What is an upgrade installation?
An upgrade installation replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7 and your files, settings, and programs are kept in place on your PC. You can perform an upgrade installation using either the upgrade or full version of Windows 7.
What is a custom (clean) installation?
A custom installation replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7 but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs (it's often referred to as a clean installation for this reason). For installation instructions, see Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation). You can perform a custom installation using either the upgrade or full version of Windows 7.
How do I get Windows 7?
You can purchase Windows 7 at retail locations or online. If you have a mini notebook or other PC that doesn't have a DVD drive, you can purchase and download Windows 7 online at the Microsoft Store.
I'm running Windows XP on my PC. Can I upgrade to Windows 7?
You can buy the upgrade version of Windows 7, but you'll need to perform a custom installation. This means that you should back up all of your files to an external location and gather the installation discs or setup files for programs that you want to use with Windows 7. For detailed instructions, see Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7.
I'm running Windows Vista on my PC. Can I upgrade to Windows 7?
You can buy the upgrade version of Windows 7. In some cases you can upgrade directly to Windows 7, but in other cases you'll need to perform a custom installation. The following table shows which editions of Windows Vista can be directly upgraded to Windows 7:
If you're currently running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista and want to install a 64-bit version of Windows 7, you'll need to perform a custom installation. Also, if you're currently running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista and want to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7 (less common), you'll need to perform a custom installation. For detailed instructions on performing a custom installation, see Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).
Can I use upgrade media to install Windows 7 on a computer that doesn't currently have Windows installed on it?
Windows 7 upgrade media was designed to be used on a computer that has Windows XP or Windows Vista installed on it. You can use upgrade media to install Windows 7 on a computer that doesn't have Windows XP, Windows Vista, or any version of Windows installed on it by starting (or booting) your computer from the Windows 7 DVD and performing a custom installation. However, you won't be able to activate Windows 7, which validates that you have a genuine copy of Windows and allows you access to all the features. For more information about activation errors, see Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key and Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061.
We recommend that you install Windows XP or Windows Vista before installing Windows 7 using upgrade media. Before you attempt to install Windows 7 using upgrade media on a computer that doesn't have Windows on it, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7.
Can I format my hard drive, and then install Windows 7?
If you purchase the full version of Windows 7, you can format your hard drive, and then install Windows 7. If you purchase the upgrade version of Windows 7 and want to format your hard drive, you'll need to start (or boot) your computer from the Windows 7 DVD, and then perform a custom installation. You can click Drive options (advanced), and then format your hard drive. Don't use a program from another software manufacturer to format your hard drive before installing Windows 7. If you are using upgrade media and format the drive before starting the installation process, you won't be able to use the upgrade product key to activate Windows 7. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7.
What is the Windows 7 Family Pack?
The Windows 7 Family Pack is a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium that you can install on up to three PCs in your home. It includes both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 installation discs. The Family Pack contains the upgrade version of Windows 7, so all three computers must have Windows XP or Windows Vista installed on them before installing Windows 7. For more information, go to the Special offers webpage.
Tags: Windows Vista, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7, FAQ.
Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, how-to, upgrade, upgrade.
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Brandon over in Windows (interesting to write it like that, having recently moved from building 26) posted here about how we really designed the look-and-feel of Windows 7, in contrast to a quote in a short interview from a Microsoft employee not involved in designing Windows 7.
"I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed. If you’re interested in learning more about the design of Windows 7, I suggest reading this AP story with Julie Larson-Green as well as these WSJ (membership required) and Fast Company articles. And here is one of many blog posts on the E7 blog discussing the design process of Windows 7."
All good points, particularly when you read the detailed posts on the E7 blog that cover the development of Windows 7.
Perhaps one can take the latest "I'm a PC and Windows 7 was my idea" commercials a little too seriously (such as this one, Kirsten's Taskbar ;)
Tags: articles, what I read, I'm a PC, Microsoft, Windows, video.
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As I Tweeted today, over the weekend I read Paul Cooke's Windows Security Blog post on Windows 7 Vulnerability Claims. (I've added a few links if the terms are unfamiliar to you.)
"…most people don't knowingly have and run known malware on their system. Malware typically makes it onto a system through other avenues like the browser or email program. So while I absolutely agree that anti-virus software is essential to protecting your PC, there are other defenses as well.
"Let me recap some of the Windows 7 security basics. Windows 7 is built upon the security platform of Windows Vista, which included a defense-in-depth approach to help protect customers from malware. This includes features like User Account Control (UAC), Kernel Patch Protection, Windows Service Hardening, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to name just a few. The result, Windows 7 retains and refines the development processes, including going through the Security Development Lifecycle, and technologies that made Windows Vista the most secure Windows operating system ever released.
"Beyond the core security of Windows 7, we have also done a lot of work with Windows 7 to make it harder for malware to reach a user's PCs in the first place. One of my favorite new features is the SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer 8. The SmartScreen Filter was built upon the phishing protection in Internet Explorer 7 and (among other new benefits) adds protection from malware. The SmartScreen Filter will notify you when you attempt to download software that is unsafe..."
I agree with Paul and that you should run anti-virus software on Windows 7; our Microsoft Security Essentials is one such way to help keep your PC free of such issues and is available for free.
But you also need to remember: don't be a victim... be a participant in your own rescue. (So says our COO Kevin Turner, paraphrased ;).
As I noted in an post from 2006, no matter what OS you run, it doesn't matter: be prepared. Make you that you have the latest updates to all of your software. Generally, consumers should set up their computers install updates automatically: Windows users may do this by ensuring Automatic Update (AU) is turned on to get the latest updates. (In managed environments (like corporations where an IT Pro manages your machine), talk to your administrator to learn about your updates.) You can also visit Windows Update for the latest updates, but the easiest way is to turn on AU.
"In a comment I received to a recent blog posting on being careful when it comes to viruses, I wanted to mention something when it comes to computer security: whether you have a PC or a Mac, you will have to be concerned about security and protect yourself.
If you own a computer - PC or Mac (and we have both at home) - you should run AV software, have a firewall on your internet connection and practice "safe computing."
"But we have to be careful to reach broad-based conclusions. It's better to anticipate an attack and be prepared and protected rather than hope that you won't be the victim of an attack. As I said in a past post, see our Security at home site for more ideas on how to protect your computer. It has info on avoiding online scams with the Microsoft Phishing Filter, anti-virus, anti-spyware, security updates, Office and Windows update tools... well worth your time. Mac users can look here on Apple's site for more info on protecting your Mac."
For Mac users, of interest is eWeek's Larry Seltzer's article on "What Will Apple Do When the Malware Comes?"
As noted in my post earlier this year, follow these six tips for staying safe online, as provided in this article in the Seattle Times on cybersafety:
- Protect your privacy and personal information
- Be alert online
- Delete junk e-mail
- Use strong passwords
- Use antivirus software and a firewall
- Be smart about downloading
Pay particular attention to that last item. As I wrote here, you should only download software from a trusted source – for example, via Microsoft for our products and service – and avoid peer to peer to save yourself an additional security risk.
Additional information and guidance:
Tags: Windows Vista, Security, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7, Microsoft Security Essentials.
Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, how-to, Security, download, Microsoft Security Essentials.
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Of interest are the top films from the Windows 7 72-Hour Film Festival, held in Seattle last month.
"Seattle-based filmmakers were given 72 hours to create a 30 second to 2 minute film celebrating the launch of Microsoft's new Windows 7. Genres were picked from a hat (a different genre for each team) and the following elements were required in each film: "Windows 7" mentioned as a prop; a character named "CIO Wiggins", and the line of dialog "The guys in IT are going to like this".
You can view all the results here and enjoy some excellent scripting, including the line in this video: "remember… must not build Building 7…" (which any Microsoftie will appreciate ;).
Tags: articles, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7.
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A little more than three years ago as I noted here, I joined the Windows division working in COSD for Jon DeVaan with the rest of his management team (as I initially noted here) to work on Windows 7. I've certainly enjoyed the run in Windows, this being my second stint: I joined the engineering program management group when I first moved to Redmond back in 2003. More details are on the blog if you must know.
A couple of months ago as we discussed new roles, one of the positions that interested me was in returning to a corporate role in the company. In my new capacity, I'll work with product groups across the company to improve satisfaction with our customers and partners. These customer-focus efforts are some of key tenets of our work that we refer to inside Microsoft (in both the product groups and SMSG) as the Customer and Partner Experience (CPE).
This has been an area I truly enjoy, and one that Kevin Turner, our COO sponsors across our sales and marketing groups in close partnership with our product group sponsor Stephen Elop, the president of the Microsoft Business Division (aka, MBD, home of Office, SharePoint, Exchange, OCS, Dynamics and many other products).
With this move comes a move from my office in the Windows division and later this week across campus to my new home. Sad to leave Windows but excited to move to this new role on the heels of one of the most successful product launches the company has seen in some time.
So over the next few days will be busy as I move offices, shed parts of my old position and move on to my new role. I want to thank my friends in Windows for a wonderful time in the division and I look forward to working with them in a broad capacity.
What this means for folks reading this blog should be a broad view of the work we're doing across the company to improve customer satisfaction from the perspective of our product teams, and perhaps a few insights as I learn even more about my new surroundings in MBD.
And yes, that includes finding a new parking strategy on days I drive: the commute stays the same.
Tags: announcements, Office, Microsoft, Windows 7.
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Did you have a Windows 7 Launch Party? Gizmodo offers a gallery of photos from several different Windows 7 launch parties although most/all are uncredited with original owners/URLs.
This one is certainly my favourite (is it yours?):
Note to self: need to post more details of our own launch event.
Tags: articles, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7.
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Welcome to Windows 7 Release!
OK, now you have your copy of Microsoft Windows 7. First, check that your PC will run it with Upgrade Advisor http://bit.ly/rP24L. And if you've got questions about Windows 7, look thru the posts from community experts on the Microsoft Answers site about Windows 7 (in 11 languages!) at http://bit.ly/ZbSp6
There was an awesome Kylie moment from the Windows 7 Launch today. She got a new Windows 7 mini notebook from none other that Steve Ballmer: Steve gave her very own pink Windows 7 laptop: http://bit.ly/fXY1D (we <3 Kylie!). (Head nod to Mark Relph for the link, who I expect has interesting friends on his flights this week ;) For your own new Windows 7 PC, check out the "7 days of Windows 7 savings" (quantities are limited and the program ends October 28, 2009) http://bit.ly/2C1a8o
I had fully intended today to attend the festivities on main campus at 5AM, and there was only one thing that could keep me from B37 and the NASDAQ opening this morning did: kids. Perhaps a remote feed to the house would've helped. Here's a clip of the folks and friends in Building 37 today with Chris Liddell, our CFO, celebrates Windows 7 launch by ringing the NASDAQ opening bell remotely.
You can also check out the new social media "hub" to see what people are saying about Windows 7! http://bit.ly/2Xl3xi via @brandonleblanc. And here's a direct link to the new social media "hub" to see what people are saying about Windows 7 http://bit.ly/3kw0uE.
Here are a few top stories from Microsoft Presspass:
Microsoft Simplifies the PC With Windows 7, Oct. 22, 2009
New Retail Stores Connect Consumers With the Best of Microsoft, Oct. 22, 2009
Here are a few interesting Tweets from today (you can also find more in my twitter feed here).
@MicrosoftStore: Microsoft fans take over the Scottsdale mall. http://post.ly/9jqt Long line, now people are wait outside the mall!
Dell's Adamo XPS is an AMAZING ultra thin laptop. It's sure to be on my Xmas list! More @ http://bit.ly/xSAfE. I saw from @dancosta that Dell Offers Sneak Peek of Adamo XPS. "I wouldn't call it a hands-on, but I did touch it." http://bit.ly/2z8pvc #pcmlt More info & links on the new ultra thin & very sexy Dell Adamo XPS via Bing http://bit.ly/xSAfE
@LanceUlanoff Steve Ballmer: "95 out of 100 times, when people get to choose a PC, they choose a Windows PC" #win7 #QOTD
@LanceUlanoff Hands On with Amazon Kindle for the PC http://bit.ly/2B29Wf Nice app; smart idea for multi-touch systems.
Check out the new social media "hub" to see what people are saying about Windows 7! http://bit.ly/2Xl3xi via @brandonleblanc
How to find Windows 7 Freebies: See "Where to Get Giveaways" by @PCWorld's JR Raphael http://bit.ly/1EvctI
Reading Stuart Elliot's article in the New York Times on "The Billion Designers of Windows 7" http://bit.ly/Uu7a
As noted here, the venerable BBC News looks at the launch of Windows 7 w/ Microsoft's Leila Martine http://bit.ly/1AUzE2
Wonder how did we got to Windows 7? AP offers this analysis of Vista + 1 = 7. No, you didn't miss 5 & 6 http://bit.ly/44AbXv
All Black number 7 Richie McCaw helps Microsoft launch Windows 7 in Auckland's Queen Elizabeth Square http://bit.ly/3UrTqz
I get lots of mail RE autographed Windows 7 PC & Zune for the Microsoft Giving Campaign http://bit.ly/3pLubD
@engadget noted that Windows 7 Media Center upgraded Netflix "Watch Instantly" interface now available http://bit.ly/2kbRSa
From MSSpringboard, Podcast: Migrating Windows XP to Windows 7 Using Windows Easy Transfer and USMT http://bit.ly/2WZOxt
One more item for the Microsoft Giving Campaign: Adam Koford's (aka @apelad) LOL Cats "Extra Leafy Edition" http://bit.ly/1WdEDF
Tags: articles, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7.
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More than almost any item on the blog save my articles on daylight saving time and more recently the arrival of my Windows 7 Party Pack is the interest in the items I provided to benefit the Microsoft Giving Campaign this year. I received more email this week on these posts than any other post this month.
Another great item offer in the auction is a very special edition of Adam Koford's book “The Laugh-Out-Loud Cats Sell Out” (http://bit.ly/ItoWC), a hilarious and charming mash-up of LOLcats (those ubiquitous online photos of cats, captioned humorously and ungrammatically), and here’s your chance to get a one-of-a-kind offering from the artist. (More at http://www.adamkoford.com/ and on Twitter via @apelad)
With all the talk of Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate Offer, Koford has graciously donated an "ultimate, extra leafy edition": a signed copy of the book for the Microsoft Giving Campaign, complete with a unique drawing inside, and other drawings hidden throughout. “The Laugh-Out-Loud Cats Sell Out” presents the very best of Koford's online archives, alongside 30 new comics produced exclusively for this collection.
In addition to Koford's original drawing inside the book (pictured here, a recently posted comic) there are 20 more leaves hidden throughout this extra-special edition of the book.
Very cool.
Tags: articles, what I read, twitter, Microsoft, Windows 7, Giving Campaign.
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