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  • alex 2:19 pm on January 8, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Beta Download, Beta Tests, , Cd Burner Xp, Dell Machine, Fan Boy, Fan Boys, Iso File, Iso Files, Iso Format, Iso Image, Limited Time, Linux Fan, , Microsoft Fan, , Stable Release, Stupid Arguments, Traffic, , Windows 7 Beta 1, ,   

    Windows 7 Beta download link & Expect a slow-down on the internet! 

    Well tomorrow (or today if you’re reading this on the 9th) See’s the public release of Windows 7 to the public.

    Some people have already had access to the beta, but i expect tomorrow they’re be a surge of traffic over at Microsoft’s site with people (including myself) downloading the preview of Windows 7. So expect slow download rates of the new beta with a frenzy of downloaders.  Early reviewers say that Windows 7 is a pretty stable release for a beta, and some tests suggest it outperforms vista and even XP! But I’ll give it a go on an old Celeron D 2.53 GHz Dell machine and see what happens.The download will be in the ISO format, so you’ll need to burn the image using programs like Nero or the free  burning tool CD Burner XP.

    I’ve no idea the size of the download yet, i guess it must be a few gigabytes and its unclear whether Microsoft will release it in the 32 and 64bit versions, but from the extract below it appears that both versions are available, but we’ll see tomorrow! Its also worth noting that only 2.5 Million downloads are available so get there nice and early!!!

    I cant wait for the surge of mac boys and Linux fan boys slamming the os – its always humours! By the way I’m no Microsoft fan boy – i just believe there’s more important things in life to stupid arguments like “my os-is-better-than-yours” – those people need a life!.

    Ive taken an extract from the official windows blog with details on Windows 7 Beta:

    Download Windows 7 Beta  ISO files Here (will only be available from the 9th Jan!!)

    The Windows 7 Beta is going to be available download-only (we’re not sending out physical media) and available for a limited time to the first 2.5 million people who download the beta.

    The Windows 7 Beta will be available in English, German, Japanese, Arabic, and Hindi, and each language will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions (except Hindi which will only be available in 32-bit). Because the Windows 7 Beta will be offered download-only, it will be provided to you as an ISO image (an .iso file) that you download. After downloading either the 32-bit or 64-bit ISO image of the Windows 7 Beta, you will be required to burn the ISO image to a DVD to install Windows 7. So you want to be sure you have a DVD burner before spending the time downloading the ISO image.

    To burn the ISO image of the Windows 7 Beta to DVD, if your PC comes with Nero or Roxio products – you should be able to burn the ISO image to DVD. If you don’t already have DVD burning software on your PC, you can also check out ImgBurn which is free and can be downloaded here.

    The Windows 7 Beta only supports Windows Vista SP1 to Windows 7 upgrades. So if you intend to do an upgrade – be sure it is on a PC running Windows Vista with Service Pack 1. We are not yet announcing anything regarding finalized upgrade paths for Windows 7.

    The Windows 7 Beta will be only available in one edition, which is roughly equivalent the Ultimate edition of Windows Vista.

    Also, another important thing to keep in mind is that the Windows 7 Beta will expire on August 1st, 2009.

    I also need to emphasize that this is a beta of an unreleased operating system. Be sure to backup all your important data. As much as the Windows 7 Beta completely rocks, part of the beta process is discovering bugs and reporting those bugs. Some of those bugs could possibly lead to data loss. I tend to be a risk-taker myself and have gone all-out with the Windows 7 Beta by putting it on almost all my PCs both at work and at home, but not everyone should do this. I recommend using Windows Vista’s Backup and Restore features to ensure your information is backed up before trying out the Windows 7 Beta. Click here for several methods of backing up your data in Windows Vista.

    The Windows 7 Beta is targeted toward the enthusiast crowd – people excited and knowledgeable with technology. If you don’t quite understand much of what I’ve written above, it is probably best you don’t try to install the Windows 7 Beta.

     

  • alex 10:34 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Download Center, Download Microsoft, , Improvements, , , , Windows Update,   

    Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 (kb953272) download link removed 

    Microsoft has Requested me to remove the download of Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 (kb953272), so rather than face any repercussions, i thought its best if i remove the link entirely. So sorry to anyone who is looking to download it.Other sites such as the green button community may still have it.  I suppose the only way to get it now is if you purchase a copy of Windows Vista and hopefully that has it on there. Ive no idea why they are not offering this brilliant update to everyone via windows update – it makes no sense. Ive been using it for a few months now and I’m really impressed with the improvements. On the bright side i suppose my bandwidth usage wont be as high!

    Bring on Windows 7 – from what I’ve read so far it looks and performs great – what vista *should * of been! but no doubt lots of anti-Microsoft people will be writing negative reviews without even using the OS soon! the joys! By the way, IE 8 Beta 2 is running quite well, and for once it renders most sites correctly!

     

    • Anonymous 12:43 pm on August 1, 2009 Permalink

      I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my delicious. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  • alex 12:22 am on November 16, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Calculator Download, Download Calculator, , , Program Download, , Windows 7 Calculator, , Windows Calculator, , Windows News, Windows System32,   

    Windows 7 Calculator for Vista! 

    The clever guys over at windowsvistaclub have found a way to get the new and improved calculator for windows 7 to run in Windows Vista!

    Good news is that the new Windows 7 Calculator works on Windows Vista too, if it’s been ported or migrated to Windows Vista.

    Windows Vista users who want to use the more advanced Calculator program from Windows 7 can download the following RAR archive which consists of calc.exe with its mui language file extracted from Windows 7 pre-beta build 6801.

    To Run Windows 7 Calculator :

    1. Simply unpack the content to another folder
    2. Run the calc.exe to use the Windows 7 Calculator in Windows Vista.

    To replace existing default Calculator program in Windows Vista :

    1. Copy calc.exe to \Windows\System32\, and calc.exe.mui (in en-US folder) to \Windows\System32\en-US\ folder

    Overwriting existing file (you may want to backup the old Calculator binaries first in case of error running Windows 7 version). Voila, now the new Windows 7 Calculator has been installed on Windows Vista.

    Download the Windows 7 Calculator for Vista

     

  • alex 1:07 am on October 17, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Digital Ac, , Dolby Digital, KB953272, Known Issues, MediaCenterTVPack2008-KB953272, MediaCenterTVPack2008-KB953272-x64, Microsoft Digital, , Mpeg 2, Ms Format, Ms Microsoft, , , , ,   

    Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008 Download (KB953272) 

    A while ago, Microsoft released to manufacture (RTM) the new update to Windows Media Center; Windows Media Center TV Pack 2008.

    Microsoft stated that it’s only going to be available to OEM users (god know’s why!) but i’ve managed to download a copy of it, and have uploaded it to this webserver, both the 32bit version and the 64bit version.

    Some features of TV Pack 2008 Include:

    • Improved TV Tuner Support
    • Enhanced Guide and User Interface
    • new file format for recorded tv – .WTV

    Some Known issues (taken from pcmag’s article)

    TV Pack alters the file format of shows recorded by Media Center from DVR-MS (Microsoft Digital Video Recording) to WTV (Windows TV), a switch many are complaining about. A bunch of third-party applications for post-processing recorded television shows—mainly to remove or otherwise mark advertisements—haven’t been updated yet to work with the new format

    But what does the new format add? Video in the new WTV format is encoded using the MPEG-2 standard and audio using MPEG-1 Layer II or Dolby Digital AC-3 (ATSC A/52)—specs that are similar to those in the earlier DVR-MS format. WTV extends these standards by including metadata about the content and digital rights management, through Microsoft’s new PlayReady DRM scheme. Since PlayReady was initially designed for mobile devices, it’s possible that Microsoft plans deeper integration between Windows Mobile 7 devices and content recorded (and maybe even distributed) across the Media Center platform. Only time will tell.

    Ignoring the obvious format-related incompatibilities, the other problems seem to relate to rights management. Users with CableCARDs are reporting trouble tuning in certain channels they ought to receive, though it’s unclear whether this is an issue with TV Pack or with the OCUR tuners themselves—which are notoriously troublesome. Other users report “restricted content” errors when attempting to watch live shows that shouldn’t be restricted—though many say they can record these shows successfully. Clearly, there are some DRM issues that need to be resolved.

    Beyond that, there are surprisingly few known bugs, a refreshing change from other Microsoft software launches

    Download Links

    At the request of Microsoft the Links have been removed

     

    • Eli 4:33 pm on November 22, 2008 Permalink

      big help

  • alex 11:22 pm on October 9, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: High Priority, Mail Virus, Malicious Software, Microsoft Company, Microsoft Corp, Microsoft Customer, Microsoft Mail, Microsoft Millenium, Microsoft Update, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millenium, Microsoft Windows Os, Microsoft Windows Vista, Os Users, Os Versions, Priority Updates, Private Version, Public Distribution, Security Assurance   

    Warning! Security Update for OS Microsoft Windows e-mail is fake and contains a virus! 

    Just a quick post to warn people that if you get an email from: (or similar)

    Microsoft Update Center <securityassurance@microsoft.com> This is a virus! Do not install!!

    Microsoft would never send such an update via email!

    Dear Microsoft Customer,

    Please notice that Microsoft company has recently issued a Security Update for OS Microsoft Windows. The update applies to the following OS versions: Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millenium, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista.

    Please notice, that present update applies to high-priority updates category. In order to help protect your computer against security threats and performance problems, we strongly recommend you to install this update.

    Since public distribution of this Update through the official website http://www.microsoft.com would have result in efficient creation of a malicious software, we made a decision to issue an experimental private version of an update for all Microsoft Windows OS users.

    As your computer is set to receive notifications when new updates are available, you have received this notice.

    In order to start the update, please follow the step-by-step instruction:
    1. Run the file, that you have received along with this message.
    2. Carefully follow all the instructions you see on the screen.

    If nothing changes after you have run the file, probably in the settings of your OS you have an indication to run all the updates at a background routine. In that case, at this point the upgrade of your OS will be finished.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this back order may be causing you.

    Thank you,

    Steve Lipner
    Director of Security Assurance
    Microsoft Corp.

    Isn’t it ironic that they say install this update to prevent against attacks – genius…NOT! Nevertheless i hope you have the sense not to install it

     

  • alex 8:28 pm on September 12, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Creative Applications, Creative Audio, Creative Entertainment, Creative Software, Creative Sound, Creative Website, , Entertainment Center, Installation Cd, Pax, Retail Version, Smart Recorder, Software Auto, Software Suite, Sound Blaster, Soundfont Bank Manager, Soundfont Manager, Volume Panel   

    how to install creative applications for x-fi xtreeme Music (OEM) on windows vista 

    If you have a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic (OEM version) and want all the applications that the retail version gets such as :

    • Creative Audio Console
    • Creative Volume Panel
    • THX Console
    • Creative Software Auto Update
    • Creative MediaSource
    • Creative Entertainment Center
    • Creative Smart Recorder
    • Creative WaveStudio
    • Creative 3DMIDI Player
    • Sound Blaster for Media Center
    • SoundFont Bank Manager
    • Creative Diagnostics

    Or if when you try to install the Sound Blaster X-Fi Installation CD for Windows Vista (that contains all the applications like the THX console, volume panel etc) you get an error message along the lines of unable to identify hardware – there is a solution (but sadly you cannot use the ‘official CD..you have to use a modded one- although from what ive read, the applications are the same, they just mod the setup)!

    1. Get the latest Drivers from the creative website
    2. Download the Application from Youp-Pax_X-Fi_Software_Su08.7z
      (you may need a program such as winrar to open it)
    3. Extract the Software Suite 08, do a custom install but uncheck install audio driver
    4. Next install the latest driver from the creative website
    5. Reboot and enjoy!

    If i manage to find a solution for installing the Sound Blaster X-Fi Installation CD for Windows Vista on the Creative X-Fi xtreeme music oem card without the need for the modded software suit , i’ll add it to this post.

    btw, if you have a retail version of Xtreeme music then you don’t need to use the modded application. OEM cards are usually on sale on eBay!

     

    • Randall Walden 5:51 pm on January 27, 2009 Permalink

      I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi and I use Windows Xp. I did’nt get any software or drivers with it. I downloaded this software but it reads that it is’nt for my audio device. I figured since it was originally for this card and Windows XP, it should work. Should’nt it? Thanks for your reply.

  • alex 10:50 pm on August 11, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Backup Features, Central Storage Place, Cost Of Electricity, Day Of Defeat, Day Of Defeat Source, Drive Space, Dynamic Domain, , Economic Aspect, Foot Prints, Gig Drive, Home Server, , Neat Idea, Nifty Feature, Oem Version, Orange Box, Server Windows, Source Server, Terabyte, Usb Drive, WHS, Windows Home Server   

    Is the a point of having Windows Home Server? 

    Windows Home Sever:

    What’s the point of Windows Home server i think to myself as I stare and excogitate at my now installed 120-day Evaluation Windows Home Server. I installed it on a cheap (£5 – bargain off eBay!) P4 2.8, 1 Gig Ram, but i shoved in a 120GB instead of the the 40 Gig drive that came with the PC.

    At home we have 3 PCs and my Laptop, so a central storage place makes sense…but i think to myself, can’t i do this anyway on one of the XP/Vista machines and just share that folder? It makes sense from an economic aspect because a server needs to be on 24/7 and with the cost of electricity going up and the concern of global warming/carbon foot prints.

    Backup Features

    The nifty feature of automatic back-up is quite tempting, but is it really worth it? All that hard drive space required for images of each PCs drive, and my main desktop has a 500GB drive, so really at least a terabyte of storage is required.

    Remote Access

    Another nice feature is the remote access, say I’m at uni, and i need a file…maybe my course work which was on my USB drive, and my drive failed, then i could access my work by typing in the domain name and bam! I’d have access to my work…seems quite neat idea, but i could easily implement a ftp server and use a dynamic domain name and port forwarding…

    Well…..?

    So has Microsoft got my money for the £80 ish it costs for the OEM version? Well I’m not entirely convinced but i’ll give it a go, and see how it performs. Mind you I’ll put it to good use by running out Day of Defeat Source server for the VBC clan on it :P …if i could manage to get mani plug in working for the new orange box update!!!

     

  • alex 1:16 am on August 8, 2008 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Directv, Fiji, Free Sat, Green Button, Handy Feature, Hd Recording, Itv, Media Center, Media Center Edition, , Oems, Sp2, Tuners, , , Uk Users, Vista Media, Vista Ultimate Extras, ,   

    Windows Vista Media Center TV Pack 2008 (Fiji) – no BBC/ITV HD yet…

    Last Month According to, arstechnica.com the much rumored Fiji update has been named Windows Vista Media Center TV Pack 2008 and has gone RTM (Release To Manufacture).

    VMC TV Pack 2008 (Fiji) is an update to the current Media Center on Vista aka “Media Center Edition +1?. However from reports on The Green Button Community, it appears that this update is only available via OEMs and it requires a re-install of the OS before you can install it! There was speculation that this may be offered as one of the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras, but this still remains unconfirmed.vista logo

    According to arstechnia.com some possible features of the TV pack include:

    Microsoft has been very quiet about Fiji, which is expected to be available for editions of Vista that include Windows Media Center. According to leaked screenshots, the software giant has included a built-in updating engine dubbed “Windows Media Center Update.” The final version is also supposed to include new HD recording preferences, better ability to control the tuners, and the replacement of DVR-MS with WTV.

    Microsoft disappointed Fiji testers when it revealed that planned DirecTV support would not be in the product. It is unclear if support for DirecTV will come in Vista SP2 (unlikely) or in Windows 7. While Fiji has RTM and will arrive on new OEM machines, it is also not clear when the new build will be released publicly.

    In addition to this it has been said (but not confirmed ) that BBC and ITV HD are NOT supported (no HD for UK free-sat) which is a big blow to me and all the other UK users!!! Freesat HD in Vista *SHOULD* be supported by now…

    Similarly the inclusion of Messenger (like there was on Windows Media Center 2005) is not confirmed, but i hope that it is included…messenger in media center was a handy feature, however i believe there already is a messenger plug in for Windows Vista Media Center.

    Until the Windows Vista Media Center TV Pack 2008 is officially released, there is only speculation to what is actually included in the new version of media center…as is the cost Microsoft are charging us for this privileged…i wunder how the Open Source offerings compare now…its just the lack of support for BBC ITV HD Freesat is a major bummer!

     

    • Anonymous 12:47 pm on August 1, 2009 Permalink

      nice blog, i come again

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