• MSN Remote Record for Windows Vista
  Media Center uses will find this update useful.
• McAfee, Webroot Announce Vista Compatibility
  A couple of the big players in the antivirus field are finally ready.
• Mozy is now available for Vista!
  Those that use Mozy to backup their files can resume using it on Vista.

• Bill Gates: Vista is so secure it could run life support systems.
  Would you trust YOUR life to Vista?
• Vista encryption ‘no threat’ to computer forensics
  Makes you wonder if it’s worth using in the first place.
• Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Public Beta
  Test software and win prizes!
• Apple to Windows iTunes users: Don’t install Vista yet
  I don’t use iTunes, but I found that one of my machines recognizes my iPod when I plug it in, the other doesn’t, can’t find the driver, even if I install iTunes.
• iTunes Repair Tool for Vista 1.0
  Already installed iTunes and now you’ve got trouble? Maybe this will fix it.

• MS Windows Mobile Device Center Driver for Vista
  Enables data synchronization between Windows Mobile-powered devices and Windows Vista. Released on 1/31/07.
• Is Microsoft a Murderer?
  Some very interesting ‘advertising’.
• Simon says: download backdoor.exe (or using Vista Speech Command for fun and profit)
  More info on the concept of using speech recognition to hack your Vista.
• Ink Desktop for Vista now available
  Grab it now for your tablet pc.
• Vista Beta Tester? Good News! You get 3 Copies of Vista for $100.
  The title says it all.

• Retail launch at Midtown Manhattan Best Buy
  A picture of Ballmer belittling someone is included (at least it looks like that’s what he’s doing).
• UK Green Party on The Vista Landfill Effect
  Vista’s negative impact on the environment (forcing hardware upgrades). I’m surprised the excessive packaging for Vista isn’t mentioned as well.
• Workaround Discovered For “Clean Install” With Vista Upgrade DVDs
  So now it appears it’s possible to install Vista from an Upgrade disc without having XP installed first. The problem is you need to install Vista twice, and it’s still unclear if you can truly get a ‘clean install’.
• Vista ‘Family Discount’ Bites Back
  Family Discount users were issued invalid installation keys. Microsoft doesn’t currently have a solution and says ‘either wait, or get a refund’.
• AutoCAD and the New Windows Vista
  Expect an announcement in 2-4 weeks about details of AutoCAD running in Vista.
• Microsoft to bend Vista SP1 under EU pressure
  Microsoft agrees to rework SP1 to allow developers to bypass Vista’s PatchGuard, which is meant to prevent ‘malware’ from changing the OS, but which also prevents developers from making changes.
• Vista Express upgrades off to a rough start
  The website was unusable most of the day. Wow!

The Microsoft Security Response Center Blog has a post that describes a potential issue with Vista’s speech recognition feature. They say it’s nothing to worry about, the stars would have to align to take advantage of it. So can the ‘hackers’ find a way to make it work? Keep reading →

• Bill Gates on the Daily Show
  As usual, Jon knows how to make an interview more interesting. Unfortunately we have to listen to Bill’s laugh!
• Experts: Don’t buy Vista for the security
  The jist of the story is to get Vista with a new machine, but don’t bother with an upgrade, just use IE7 with a firewall and antivirus on XP while making sure you stay up to date with patches.
• Vista’s actual launch? Think whisper, not bang
  Shoppers go for the midnight discounts, not for Vista.
• Nikon RAW codec issues
  Install the Nikon RAW codec already? This may explain why you can’t open some of your files…
• Windows PowerShell 1.0 for Windows Vista
  It’s officially released for Vista, start your downloading…
• A BadVista at Microsoft’s New York launch parties
  An interesting technique, the signs are pretty cool.
• Microsoft’s Ultimate Disadvantage
  Most retailers not pushing Vista Ultimate.

Many thousands of people rushed out yesterday to get their hands on Microsoft’s Windows Vista. Many of them probably have it installed already and are exploring the new features, and finding the many changes in this new OS. Of course, many of them are also wondering What is this? and Where is that and How do I make this thing stop doing that!. To help answer some of those questions, here are 30 tips for getting more (or less) out of your new Vista install. Keep reading →

Windows Vista Updates

• Some retailers plan to open doors after hours to sell Windows Vista
  Be the first, get in line!
• Microsoft Pumps $500 Million Into Vista Marketing Campaign
  $500 Million. ‘Wow’ is right!
• Best Buy Vista Video #1: Easier Than Ever
  A short video showing a few of Vista’s navigation features.
• Best Buy Vista Video #3: More Entertaining
  A short clip showing Windows Media Center on Vista.
• Best Buy Vista Video #4: More Mobile
  Short clip with sync and mobility features.
• Best Buy Vista Video #2: Enhanced Security
  A short clip with features related to security, including backup, IE7, parental controls, etc.
• Retailers Offer Windows Vista Discounts
  Choose the right store and you could get some extra swag with your Vista.
• Kiwis rush to Windows Vista?
  So is there any way to know who purchased the first retail version?
• Vista Launch In Second Life
  Watch the Vista launch in Second Life! Screen shots of the different locations are included, which are interesting to see for someone like me who’s never been into Second Life.
• Microsoft wants to replace JPEG with HD Photo format
  Microsoft keeps trying, but so far has only dominated in OS and productivity suite. I predict their new photo format will be as popular as their new PDF ‘replacement’.
• Sucker! First Windows Vista buyer!
  My question answered. Here is the first buyer of Vista retail.
• Bill Gates confirms, Vista Upgrade Under $100
  At $98.99 I’m surprised he didn’t say ‘well under $100′!
• ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Windows Vista
  At the last minute, the ATI drivers are ready!
• Vista DRM Cracked by Security Researcher
  Just in time for the retail launch!
• Windows Vista Team Blog : Offline Files
  Available since Windows 2000, but with some enhancements in Vista.
• XM Radio Online available with Windows Vista
  For those of you into satellite radio, you can now listen to XM Radio on Vista.
• Vista upgrade invalidates your XP key
  Say goodbye to Windows XP…
• Microsoft Misses The Mark With Vista Building Dancer Billboard
  A ‘Cirque’ style Vista billboard. I’m sure it was interesting for a couple minutes…

What good is a computer without some games to waste time with? What better game to waste time with than Solitaire? Well, Vista has Solitaire, and it’s improved from previous versions. Nice graphics, sounds, and even animation, the effects will make you feel like you’re really there, with yourself, playing cards. Keep reading →