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July 2009 - Posts

Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:07 AM

Using Paint in Windows Vista

Paint – is a little application that has come free with every version of Windows that I can remember, it even has its own Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Paint . I think to most this application is either unknown or under utilised
Posted by robmar | 1 Comments
Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:04 AM

New Windows 7 Help & How-to Site

As you may know one of my main area of responsibilities is the windows help and and how to site which is mainly focused on Windows Vista.  So we have put up a new site which is more focused towards Windows 7 Windows 7 Help & How-to On the site
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:11 PM

49 Free Windows Mobile 6+ Smartphone Apps and Services

Great list of  49 Free Windows Mobile 6+ Smartphone Apps and Services Via Specky boy Magazine, which is a site I visit from time to time, including: Browsers RSS and News readers Communication apps Media players Graphic Editors Office Utilities Social
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 10:58 AM

Bing TV adverts

So we don’t get these in the UK but really liked the TV adverts that are showing in the US at the minute. Wonder if we will get price predictor in the UK ? Thanks to Kip on LiveSide for the tip Rob Technorati Tags: Bing
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009 9:52 AM

Free Windows 7 Downloads

Want some free downloads for Windows 7 then @imhassan at I think different has started a list of free downloads you can get.  Also check out the comments as people are adding more and more free downloads. Free Windows 7 Downloads | ithinkdifferent
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009 1:59 PM

New Microsoft Environmental Video – Innovating to improve the planet

If you wanted to get an over view of how Microsoft has a corporation is tackling some of our environmental challenges and what we have done so far then check out this video: Software Enabled Earth : New Microsoft Environmental Practices video Just some
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:33 AM

Improving Bing Results with a game

This is a really smart little project coming out of Microsoft Research called Page Hunt that aims to improve search results in Bing , whilst at the same time having a little fun :) Seattlepi.com has a little more on this project at http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/174721.asp?from=blog_last3
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:23 AM

Windows 7 Media Center review and Videos

There is a pretty good and comprehensive review of Windows Media Center on Windows 7 by Ben Drawbaugh over on engadgetHD Windows 7 Media Center review The videos  include Windows 7 Media Center in action on an Xbox 360 . and Windows 7 Media Center
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:13 AM

Microsoft Wave in the UK

The online team in the UK have launched a new really cool (and not just because my blog is in it) web site called Microsoft Wave that aims to be: ‘…the site that brings you the freshest developments and products to come out of Microsoft.’   really
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Monday, July 27, 2009 10:17 AM

Maori Windows Vista LIP now available

If you like your Windows Vista in Maori (New Zealand) then you can download the latest Windows Vista Language Interface Pack (LIP) now: Click here to downlo ad the Māori Vista LIP . and Click here to view the Māori Download page for more Maori downloads
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Friday, July 24, 2009 11:13 AM

Michael Fortin: Windows 7 Efficiency

I saw this video over on Channel 9 – and although the topic is a little more technical than I usually point out it is a very interesting video never the less around the topic of Windows 7. ‘Michael Fortin is a Distinguished Engineer in the Windows Core
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Friday, July 24, 2009 10:56 AM

Bing’d up my Caterham

So I got some Bing stickers from Ian a couple of weeks back on the promise that I would put them on my Caterham Hayabusa hillclimb car.  So I did… They are not the greatest of pictures but you just about make them out on the front wing and also on
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:58 AM

The Green Button gets an Overhaul

If you are interested at all in Windows Media Center then you should check out the updated The Green Button web site. My colleague Abid tells me that the site is now officially live in the Microsoft data center and work has been going on to localise some
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 8:34 AM

Windows Live Messenger 10th Anniversary funny video

Well worth the 4 minutes 45 seconds to watch this funny video celebrating the 10th anniversary of Windows Live Messenger ";" galleryimg="no" mce_src="http://blogs.msdn.com/blogfiles/robmar/WindowsLiveWriter/WindowsLiveMessenger10thAnniversaryfunny_7894/video1b464e2a2af9.jpg">
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:45 AM

Where can you still get Windows 7 Pre-order in the UK?

So last week we started the special offer for pre ordering Windows 7 and it has been selling like hot cakes however as off about 10:30 am today there are still a few places you can get it including: Both Home premium and professional available just Professional
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:31 AM

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths

This useful download outlines the support and unsupported upgrade paths for the various editions of Windows 7. Download details: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths   I have copied the relevant sections from the document below Supported Upgrade Scenarios  
Posted by robmar | 10 Comments
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:16 AM

70 Windows 7 Tips & Tricks

Thanks to @Technogranma for this spot of a nice article on Windows 7 tips and tricks, it covers a wide range of areas and is well worth a quick review if you are looking for handy hints for Windows 7 Sublime Maxxus: 70 Windows 7 Tips & Tricks Rob
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
Monday, July 20, 2009 8:13 AM

Bing on the Moon

Well today is the 40th anniversary of man landing on the moon and the bing homepage reflects that superbly I love the little hotspots on the pictures  telling you little info bites and asking you questions which send you to various search results,
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Friday, July 17, 2009 10:49 AM

Seven Ways to Secure Windows 7 From PC World

  PC World has a great little article on Seven Ways to Secure Windows 7   it covers areas including: 1. Bitlocker 2. Raise the UAC slider bar 3. Patch Everything 4. Install anti-spam and anti-malware software 5. Enable the Smartcsreen Filter
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:00 PM

Fancy Working for Microsoft in the UK?

Well maybe you should check out the updated Microsoft Careers site at https://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/gb/home.aspx The new site has an improved search and you can in fact search for careers across our company. Rob Technorati Tags: Microsoft
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 11:26 PM

Help Installing E editions of Windows 7

So you have probably heard that Windows 7 E in the European Economic Area doesn't come with a browser and requires a clean install as well. That might sound a little doaunting so we have put together some additional help for you at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/help/installing-e
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:50 PM

50 Vista customisation tips for beginners

Just wanted to point out this great article from TechRadar UK   50 Vista customisation tips for beginners  TechRadar UK We also have lots of great content on Windows Help and how to about how to personalise Windows Vista and you can get to the
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 10:10 AM

Razorfish Social Influence Marketing Report

The Razorfish Social Influence Marketing Report is well worth a read if you are at all interested in the world of social networking. ‘Social Influence Marketing is about recognizing, accounting and tapping into the fact that as your potential consumer
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:25 AM

UK Windows 7 Pre-Order Offer Starts Tomorrow

Just a reminder that if you have forgotten for UK customers the Windows 7 pre order program starts tomorrow 15th July, in fact we plan to have the site available shortly after midnight tonight (fingers crossed) so you can place your orders as early as
Posted by robmar | 29 Comments
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Monday, July 13, 2009 2:16 PM

Follow the Apollo 11 moon mission in real time 40 years on.

This is such a super cool site and use of social networking sites/technology Not only is the site wonderfully put together but its use of things like Twitter for you to follow in real time is fantastic. You can follow 3 twitter streams for Apollo 11 including
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
Monday, July 13, 2009 2:03 PM

Ray Ozzie on life after Windows 7

Ray Ozzie speaking to the BBC on life after Windows 7 BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft on life after Windows 7 Just a short <2 min clip but well worth listening to. Rob Technorati Tags: Ray Ozzie , Win7 , Microsoft
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Friday, July 10, 2009 9:20 AM

Mobile Media Center from OABSoftware

This looks a rather nifty mobile application  from OABsoftware in the Netherlands Mobile Media Center that can turn your Windows Mobile device into a media center. Some Screen shots below but you can use your mobile phone to: listen to music watch
Posted by robmar | 1 Comments
Friday, July 10, 2009 9:07 AM

Updated Windows Communities

Just wanted to point out some changes and updates over on the Windows Communities site   Windows Communities In a blog post @MarcusMSFT the Windows Community Manager says ‘…it gives us another place to show off all of your great tips and stories! 
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Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:31 AM

Forty-year wait for new thesaurus

I heard this story whilst listening to Radio 4 on the way home on Monday and it really caught my interest. “ The world's largest thesaurus is due to be published this autumn, Oxford University Press has said. The project began in 1965 and will include
Posted by robmar | 1 Comments
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Thursday, July 09, 2009 8:53 AM

Microsoft Learning Snack Box (beta)

Just wanted to point out this really cool new site from Microsoft, still in beta “ Learning Snacks are short, interactive learning presentations about Microsoft technologies and include various media, such as animations and recorded demos. Are you an
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
Thursday, July 09, 2009 8:40 AM

Latest Laptop hunters – This Mac is too Small

To be honest I thought maybe the laptop hunters series had run its course but there is a new ad available, this time with Matt and Olivia who are looking for a laptop for under $700 with a large screen, long battery life and ability to share pictures.
Posted by robmar | 2 Comments
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:50 PM

Microsoft Fix it Desktop Gadget

I just got of a call from my colleague Andre who works in the online support area for Microsoft.  We where discussing the Microsoft Fix it Solution Center and he mentioned that there was a Desktop Gadget that you can install to see the most popular/recently
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 11:12 AM

A handful of useful Windows Vista configuration tips and tricks

  Greg Shultz over on Tech Republic quite rightly points out that although Windows 7 is getting all the hype there is still a lot you can do with Windows Vista and he has a short list of tips ands tricks.   Below is the short list with some
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Monday, July 06, 2009 9:39 AM

Order your copy of Windows 7 from the Microsoft Store from July 15th

As mentioned last week, the pre-order for Windows 7 in the UK happens between 15th July and 9th August . You will be able to get hold of the special pre order offer from out partners and also the Microsoft Store. Chris my colleague who runs the store
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Friday, July 03, 2009 11:18 AM

Sinhala Windows Vista LIP now available

If you like your Windows Vista in Sinhala (Sri Lanka), then you can download the latest Windows Vista Language Interface Pack (LIP) now: Click here to download the Sinhala Vista LIP Or Click here to view the Sinhala Download page for more Sinhala downloads
Posted by robmar | 5 Comments
Thursday, July 02, 2009 5:20 PM

Funny IE 8 Videos with Dean Cain

Well I thought they where at least mildly amusing…   Thanks to Kevin for the tip Rob Technorati Tags: IE8 , Dean Cain
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Thursday, July 02, 2009 12:14 PM

Download Windows Feature Comparison Chart

Ever wondered what the different features are in Windows XP SP3 Vs Windows Vista SP1 Vs Windows 7? Well now you have you answer with the following download Windows Client Feature Comparison for IT Professionals Which is a nice pdf 1 page comparison table.
Posted by robmar | 1 Comments
Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:00 AM

Microsoft Maren – Type Arabic in Roman characters on the fly

  Just wanted to point out this really cool looking Windows Extension Microsoft Maren that lets you type using a Roman character keyboard and have it convert to Arabic on the fly. ‘Lack of access to an Arabic keyboard or lack of familiarity with
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 4:46 PM

12 hot (and free) apps to power up Windows 7

TechRadar has come up with a very useful list of 12 hot (and free) apps to power up Windows 7 which covers all sorts of great tweaks and addins inlcuding: EnhanceMySe7en – which seems to have almost every tweak available in one package Standalone Stack
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 1:51 PM

Everything you wanted to know about the Windows 7 Pre-order in the UK

So Windows 7 pre-order is available in the US and some other countries Brazil and Israel I think, however if you are based in the UK the pre-order is not available till 15th July. However we have put together an FAQ which should hopefully answer all your
Posted by robmar | 0 Comments
 
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