Longhorn has now been given a name by Microsoft, Windows Server 2008. All the features mentioned in the post before like the new Windows PowerShell (Monad) are most likely to be included, but here is what Microsoft have to say about their new operating system:




However, as the web address clearly shows, Microsoft are a little slow in renaming it to 2008, as it is still LHS (longhorn Server).

Download: Windows Server 2008 (Still Beta 3)
Watch: Naming of Windows Server 2008

Microsoft have released Windows Server "Longhorn" beta 3 to the general public. Probably to be renamed "Windows Server 2007", Longhorn Server is an amalgamation of Server 2003, the best bits of Vista and several recent server technologies such as the Windows PowerShell (Monad). It is built on top of Windows Vista, so shares many of its features and functionality, such as the new networking stack improved search and updated Windows Firewall.

You can download the four versions of Server 2003 (Standard, Enterprise, Web, Datacenter) in 32-bit or 64-bit versions. One other option is the new Core installation. This is where no graphical user interface (GUI) is installed, and all maintenance is run through a command-line interface (CLI) or remotely via the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).

Download: Windows Server "Longhorn" (Microsoft)

Back in January, Dell decided to stop selling XP on new PCs and migrate entirely to Vista. By March, only two models continued to offer XP. However, after being plagued by considerable public backlash, that policy has been reversed. Now customers can once again opt for XP Home or Professional on four Inspiron laptops and two Dimension desktop models.

Why do people still clamour for XP? Windows Vista has been plagued with problems since its Volume Licencing launch back in November (and in the betas before it), and the system requirements to run Vista are much higher than those of XP. Also, the familiarity of XP will keep many people from migrating to the unfamiliar Vista. Even though PC manufacturers (OEMs) will no longer be able to buy licences for XP come January 2008, it looks like its going to stick around for as long as it can.

Read: BBC

As of the start of next year, new PCs will no longer have Windows XP on them. Next January is Microsoft's contractual deadline with PC builders for selling the OEM version of Windows XP. No doubt XP will still be obtainable through less official means, but Vista will be the only Windows OS you can buy preinstalled on PCs. Let's just hope that Microsoft get a Service Pack (Fiji?) out for Vista before then.

Carl and Richard were the emcees at the Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa launch events in December, 2006. Hear them and their guests Shane Miskin, Scott Howlett, Allan Vander-spek, Mohammad Akif, Robert Achmann, Jean-Luc David, and Tony Davidson.

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Windows Serviceability is pleased to announce the broad availability of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2.

This release includes the following standalone builds of Service Pack 2:

• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)
• Windows Server 2003 R2 Service Pack 2 for x64 Editions
• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 for Itanium-based Systems
• Service Pack 2 for Windows XP Professional, x64 Edition

Service Pack 2 will also be available integrated with the operating system.

Today's release includes editions for English and German. Other languages will be released in the coming weeks.

Join us for this premier event filled with 4 days of in-depth training, exciting keynotes and cool networking parties at the Marriot Orlando World Center in Orlando, FL.

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See how Windows Presentation Foundation (formerly code-named "Avalon") was used to create an immersive experience that brings The North Face's brand and catalog to life in a retail environment.

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Nominations are now being taken for entry into the Windows Home Server Beta 2 program. Ideal candidates must have the following:

- Two or more PCs
- A broadband connection and router
- A spare PC or server that can be dedicated to Windows Home Server software

More details can be found here

Good luck!

For those of you that use iTunes, Apple have urged its users not to upgrade to Vista just yet, due to a compatibility issue with the player. Some of the found issues included in the statement were: failure to playback downloaded songs, failure to automatically sync media on to an iPod, and corrupting the iPod when ejecting it.

Apple will be bringing out a newer version of iTunes within the next few weeks which will resolve the issue, and for those of you who have already upgraded to Vista, there is now also a tool for you to download from the Apple website which should repair the errors. (See Link Below)

On another note, concern has been raised about the Speech Recognition software included in Vista which can control the entire computer using voice commands.
Microsoft has pointed out that it is technically possible for voice recordings on malicious websites to control the computer and delete documents. However, they concluded that there should be no need to worry, as the software has to be activated by the user first, and both the Microphone and the speakers have to be switched on.

You can find more information about both issues on the BBC website.

Vista has speech recognition hole (BBC)
Itunes and Windows Vista with iTunes Repair Tool (Apple)

Do you intend to install or upgrade to Windows Vista this year? Come fill in our poll at MSForums.

LINK: Vista Poll

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Microsoft released several updates to its Windows Vista product line recently. The following is a listing of which updates were listed:

• 2 Ultimate Extras (BitLocker and EFS enhancements & a "Hold Em" Poker Game)
• 5 Updates for both the 32bit and 64bit Vistas (KB930857), (KB928089), (KB929427), (KB931573) & (KB929735)
• 15 Language Packs

BitLocker Drive Encryption provides increased security by encrypting everything on your hard drive - data, programs, and even Windows itself. If your computer has as a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 chip, BitLocker can use the chip to perform a system integrity check, a process that verifies your computer system has not been tampered with, before unlocking your drive.

I still have yet to see the DreamScene extra, but I am sure it will be arriving soon...

Well that's it - all the excitement we have been building up to for years has culminated in this official public release of Windows Vista - Microsoft's latest operating system. But is it the greatest?

Don't think we stop here - stay tuned to VistaSector as we will continue to bring you the latest information about Windows Vista and its associated products and technologies. We'll be showcasing some opinions from software experts and Microsoft associates here soon. We will also be featuring screenshots from the final builds and bringing you some useful tutorials.

We have really enjoyed bringing you news about Vista's development, and we're looking forward to being able to help everybody in the real world with their own PCs. VistaSector will be showcasing new products and updates for Vista, as well as a wide range of articles and the aforementioned tutorials.

One last bit of good news - those of you who have shelled out for Windows Vista Ultimate will find themselves with some Vista Ultimate Extras available to download: an Ultimate-only version of Texas Hold 'Em, BitLocker and EFS enhancements, and a handful of security fixes.

Let us know on our Forums if you would like any advice, or experience problems with Vista - we love to hear from the Windows community.

In the meantime... Happy Vista

The day is nearly upon up - 50 minutes until Vista is officially released to the general public. The big launch event in New York City has been going on today, and quite a few people are getting excited... not least good old Steve Ballmer.

Loads of statistics have been banded around today: 70 countries, 39,000 retail outlets, 1000s of OEMs, 1.5 million devices that are supported, 31,000 drivers, 2,500 certified products, 5 million beta testers. But then again, there are lies, damn lies and PR...

The many people who will be saying goodbye to the contents of their wallets over the next few days, weeks, months and years will undoubtedly have some tales to tell. We will all look back on this say and remember the good and the bad of Vista. I suppose we'll find out which there is more of.

In the meantime, have a look at the new Microsoft Windows website.

The official launch of Windows Vista is planned for January 30 (8 days away). Some online retailers have, however, made the operating system available early. mwave.com states that it has Vista 32-bit Home Basic OEM for $89.90, Vista 32-bit Home Basic OEM 3-pack for $268.90 and Vista 32-bit Business OEM for $139.90, all in stock and ready to ship. Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate are currently unavailable. Customers are limited to two copies of Vista Home Basic OEM or Vista Business OEM and they must be purchased with hardware for licensing reasons. You can probably get away with ordering a really cheap piece of hardware and still saving a lot over the retail price of Vista. Overclockers UK has previously also started listing OEM versions of Vista.

LINK: mwave
LINK: OCUK

11 days before the public launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft have announced that their brand new Operating System will be available to purchase and download online.

This is a new step for the software giant, which has previously only sold end-user copies on disk or preinstalled on PCs. Evaluation copies of Windows have been available to download for the past few years, Volume Licensing customers can purchase their ISOs online and Windows Vista's betas have been available to download to the general public for the past year or so.

The download program, being announced late Wednesday by the Redmond, Wash.-based software maker, will also include the Office 2007 line of software when both are released for consumers Jan. 30. At least initially, the huge downloads will be available in North America only.

Bill Mannion, director of consumer marketing for Windows, called these three steps part of an overall effort "to give more flexibility to end users." Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, said the company likely was hoping to increase the incentives for consumers to buy costlier versions of Vista. Indeed, much of the marketing surrounding Vista will highlight features available only in higher-end versions, such as the new three-dimensional user interface and encryption functions.

Microsoft also plans a promotion that will let buyers of Vista Ultimate get $50 copies of Home Premium for two other PCs.

Source: USA Today

Softpedia is claiming “third party sources confirm that the next version of Internet Explorer is already cooking in the Redmond labs”. Internet Explorer 8.0 is supposed to be unveiled at MIX 07, at the Venitian Hotel in Las Vegas this year between April 30 and May 2. The session entitled “First Look at the Future of IE” is described as “Hear what Microsoft's browser investments mean to you, and make sure you get a voice in shaping the next version of Internet Explorer. Hear about what features and layout issues are being worked on, and let us know what causes you the most problems.”

Now, assuming the above is all concrete fact, let’s hit some speculation. Microsoft may not release Internet Explorer 7.x and will go straight to version 8; an alpha version of 8.0 is already an internal release in Redmond. At MIX 06, Bill Gates announced that IE releases would be between 9 and 12 months apart and recently at CES 2007, Microsoft confirmed that the development of Internet Explorer 8.0 had already debuted. Great right? No, not so great. A Microsoft representative at CES 2007 said they expected a period of 18 to 24 months until Internet Explorer 8.0 hits the market. ActiveWin.com is reporting the exact same thing.

On a related note, Microsoft says it just hit the 100 million mark for IE 7 installations.

Link: IE8 Taking Shape - More Than Vaporware - Softpedia

Well, only a week into January and MS has provided the first "extra" for Ultimate edition users. The sports bar that had originally been seen in December (by mistake), has finally been released. Below are a few screenshots of the sports bar "extra".

Read on for more images.



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Microsoft has silently announced its plans to support Windows Live Messenger 8.1 within Vista Media Center.

Previously known as Project Nero, the project (Windows Live for TV) codenamed Orbit will be in limited beta test to US participants shortly.

The main features will be:

• Browse millions of Spaces in rich 3D graphics with new Gallery views and full keyword search
• Find out what your friends have been doing and saying on Windows Live Spaces
• Have real-time text and voice conversations
• Call your friends' mobile or landline telephones by signing up with Verizon Web Calling to make affordable domestic and international calls
• Easily navigate with your mouse, keyboard or a TV remote (remote navigation requires Microsoft Media Center Remote and IR)
• Make free PC-to-PC calls to other Windows Live Messenger users.

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Face it, Windows Vista is just so played these days. With that preliminary biz release under its belt, we're ready for bigger and better things, and luckily a certain "jameskyton" drive-by-blogger has the low-down for us on Vista's successors, Fiji and Vienna. James calls Fiji a sort of "Vista R2," which should include most of those fancy features Microsoft had to cut out of Vista to get it released this century. Highlights include the reappearance of WinFS, which will sit on top of the NTFS file system; a more full-featured sidebar app; tight Windows Live integration, especially when it comes to media; built-in playback of HD-DVD; Next-Generation Secure Computing Base; and possibly even a Garage Band clone called Monaco. There will also be the usual interface and other minor enhancements you can expect from such an update, but Fiji has nothing on Vienna, which is purported to feature a complete overhaul of the OS, including a break in compatibility with "all applications," though hopefully Microsoft will have some Apple-esque transition schemes in place before that time comes. The fresh beginning will give Microsoft more OS-building freedom than it has had in a long time, but right now it sounds like they're a bit too excited about this: Vienna will supposedly do away with the Start Menu, toolbars and menus in favor of some sort of pie-menu interface, WinFS-t-the-core and search, potentially leaving long time users stranded with a brand new interface to learn from the ground up. The OS will also feature beefy speech support, along with a sandbox mode for running non-managed code without risking your security. Much of this is hearsay so far, and we're really hoping Microsoft doesn't go off the deep end with Vienna, but we're still curious to see what they have up their sleeves after being cooped up so long ironing out Vista bugs.

-Engadget