On a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, you open Device Manager to review the properties of a driver. However, the Digital Signer field on the Driver tab displays the following status message:

Not digitally signed

This behavior occurs even though the driver is digitally signed.

Consider the following scenario.

• On a computer that is running Windows Vista, you configure Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 to use a digital signature when you send e-mail.
• You import a digital ID into Outlook 2007.
• The digital ID includes a Cryptography Next Generation (CNG) key.

In this scenario, the Request For Permission to Use a Key dialog box appears whenever you try to send an e-mail message. After you grant Outlook 2007 permission to use the digital ID, Outlook 2007 successfully sends the e-mail message.

Note: When you try to send the e-mail message, you may also be prompted to enter the password of the digital ID. This situation depends on the security level that you specify for the digital ID.

Microsoft is nearly ready to unleash Vista to the mainstream world. They’ve created a number of releases to try and cover as many price points as possible (justified by various levels of functionality). There are nine available (more if you count upgrades), but most of us will only have access to four (five if you’re willing to spend a little extra for an autograph). Which one do you choose? Here’s how they break down: Keep reading →