Microsoft unveils Vista upgrade matrix
If you're interested in upgrading your computer to Windows Vista whenever it comes out, you will be interested in this chart on which version of Windows can actually be upgraded over top of your current installation and which ones must be installed via a clean install.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
BetaNews | E! Adds Programming to iTunes
BetaNews | E! Adds Programming to iTunes
E! Entertainment has joined with other major networks in offering TV shows through the iTunes Music Store. Apple has been successful at getting so many television content providers to sell their shows through iTunes helping Apple add TV to the media monopoly.
E! Entertainment has joined with other major networks in offering TV shows through the iTunes Music Store. Apple has been successful at getting so many television content providers to sell their shows through iTunes helping Apple add TV to the media monopoly.
Downloadable Episodes of Favorite PBS Programs Make Their Debut on Google Video: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Downloadable Episodes of Favorite PBS Programs Make Their Debut on Google Video: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
More media is now available over the Internet through Google's Video service. This time PBS is jumping into the foray.
More media is now available over the Internet through Google's Video service. This time PBS is jumping into the foray.
Google Talk with File Transfer, Voicemail, and More
Google Talk
Check out Google Talk's new features available today:
File Transfer
Voicemail
Music Status
Update: Google Talk is supposed to update automatically to new versions. Carnality version 1.0.0.92 is what is available. The new version isn't on the website yet.
Check out Google Talk's new features available today:
File Transfer
Voicemail
Music Status
Update: Google Talk is supposed to update automatically to new versions. Carnality version 1.0.0.92 is what is available. The new version isn't on the website yet.
BetaNews | Critical Flaws Patched in Firefox
BetaNews | Critical Flaws Patched in Firefox
If you're using Mozilla's Firefox web browser (and you should be) be sure to have it check for the latest update, version 1.5.0.5. Click Help, then click Check for Updates. You'll need to restart Firefox for the update to be installed.
If you're using Mozilla's Firefox web browser (and you should be) be sure to have it check for the latest update, version 1.5.0.5. Click Help, then click Check for Updates. You'll need to restart Firefox for the update to be installed.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Skype creators to launch online TV service
Skype creators to launch online TV service
The creators of Kazaa, a peer-to-peer file sharing application, and Skype, IP Telephony software, are staring a new project to bring a peer-to-peer distributed online TV service by the end of the year.
The creators of Kazaa, a peer-to-peer file sharing application, and Skype, IP Telephony software, are staring a new project to bring a peer-to-peer distributed online TV service by the end of the year.
AMD Buys ATI Press Release
AMD Buys ATI Press Release
The "other" chip maker, running neck and neck with Intel, for speeds and market share, has bought up ATI the graphics chip maker. What will the future of this AMD/ATI company? We'll soon know.
The "other" chip maker, running neck and neck with Intel, for speeds and market share, has bought up ATI the graphics chip maker. What will the future of this AMD/ATI company? We'll soon know.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
CinemaNow launches "Burn to DVD" service for select films - Engadget
CinemaNow launches "Burn to DVD" service for select films - Engadget
CinemaNow, like MovieLink, is now offering downloadable movies that can be burned to DVD. Currently only older titles are available for $8.99.
CinemaNow, like MovieLink, is now offering downloadable movies that can be burned to DVD. Currently only older titles are available for $8.99.
Gizmo Project makes all VoIP to landline calls free. Forever. - Engadget
Gizmo Project makes all VoIP to landline calls free. Forever. - Engadget
Just a few months after Skype's daring announcement to make all Skype to US landline phone calls free for the rest of the calendar year, Gizmo Project, a rival in the PC Telephony market, announced to make all PC to landline calls free forever to any of their supported countries. What an amazing revolution! If Gizmo Project can get their client out there to people, then there's not much stopping all voice calls to go free. Long distance phone call charges may be a thing of the past.
To purchase a phone number for regular phones to call your Gizmo account costs about $4 a month (simlar to SkypeIn). Gizmo has a special service to give you a free inbound phone number in the new 775 area code with special features like dual-ringing, voicemail-to-email, and more.
Just a few months after Skype's daring announcement to make all Skype to US landline phone calls free for the rest of the calendar year, Gizmo Project, a rival in the PC Telephony market, announced to make all PC to landline calls free forever to any of their supported countries. What an amazing revolution! If Gizmo Project can get their client out there to people, then there's not much stopping all voice calls to go free. Long distance phone call charges may be a thing of the past.
To purchase a phone number for regular phones to call your Gizmo account costs about $4 a month (simlar to SkypeIn). Gizmo has a special service to give you a free inbound phone number in the new 775 area code with special features like dual-ringing, voicemail-to-email, and more.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
BetaNews | Nortel, Microsoft Forge Comm Alliance
BetaNews | Nortel, Microsoft Forge Comm Alliance
Nortel, known for their business telephony systems, and Microsoft, known for their ubiquitous software, are joining together for the create the next generation of unified communication. Microsoft has already been planning on including telephony-services in their enterprise email server product Exchange 2007. This alliance surely is a step to provide the bridge from the email client to the telephone (including smart phones).
Nortel, known for their business telephony systems, and Microsoft, known for their ubiquitous software, are joining together for the create the next generation of unified communication. Microsoft has already been planning on including telephony-services in their enterprise email server product Exchange 2007. This alliance surely is a step to provide the bridge from the email client to the telephone (including smart phones).
BetaNews | Microsoft Fixes Patch Snafus
BetaNews | Microsoft Fixes Patch Snafus
There were some issues with last week's Microsoft updates. You may want to check again to make sure you're completely up to date.
There were some issues with last week's Microsoft updates. You may want to check again to make sure you're completely up to date.
Stealth rootkit makes its debut in the real world
Stealth rootkit makes its debut in the real world
A new kind of malware will inevitably be the next big threat to corporate and home users of PC's called a rootkit. A rootkit hides within your operating system which is undetectable by current antivirus products. These rootkits cannot be easily removed and can do anything the coder wants it to do because it is hidden. Most people won't even know they have a rootkit. Of course just like science learns to adapt to new biological threats by coming up with new ways to combat the problem, security companies such as Symantec and F-Secure will come up with new detection and removal software.
A new kind of malware will inevitably be the next big threat to corporate and home users of PC's called a rootkit. A rootkit hides within your operating system which is undetectable by current antivirus products. These rootkits cannot be easily removed and can do anything the coder wants it to do because it is hidden. Most people won't even know they have a rootkit. Of course just like science learns to adapt to new biological threats by coming up with new ways to combat the problem, security companies such as Symantec and F-Secure will come up with new detection and removal software.
Google's growing list of domains
Google's growing list of domains
If you ever wanted to see a list of all the domains Google owns, be sure to follow the link in this post. Notice all of the possible misspellings that Google is accounting for so that incorrect URL's still go to Google's servers.
If you ever wanted to see a list of all the domains Google owns, be sure to follow the link in this post. Notice all of the possible misspellings that Google is accounting for so that incorrect URL's still go to Google's servers.
Think Secret - Second-gen iPod nano on tap for August
Think Secret - Second-gen iPod nano on tap for August
Another Apple rumor says that a second generation iPod nano will be announced at the WWDC in August which will have the option of multiple colors and alloy cases (much like the iPod mini).
Another Apple rumor says that a second generation iPod nano will be announced at the WWDC in August which will have the option of multiple colors and alloy cases (much like the iPod mini).
AppleInsider | iPhone, iPod messenger clues in latest iPod software
AppleInsider | iPhone, iPod messenger clues in latest iPod software
More rumors from Apple include the iPod phone, iPod messenger, and maybe even iPod gaming. Everyone loves to speculate about the next generation iPods, but we really may not know until the WWDC in August. A member of AppleInsider took apart the code of the new iPod updater to find references to signal strength, call history, and words like messenger. Things like this have been reported before occasionally the new code does reveal what is coming.
More rumors from Apple include the iPod phone, iPod messenger, and maybe even iPod gaming. Everyone loves to speculate about the next generation iPods, but we really may not know until the WWDC in August. A member of AppleInsider took apart the code of the new iPod updater to find references to signal strength, call history, and words like messenger. Things like this have been reported before occasionally the new code does reveal what is coming.
Think Secret - WWDC surprise: Apple to announce iTunes movie rentals
Think Secret - WWDC surprise: Apple to announce iTunes movie rentals
As the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference draws closer (August 7), the rumors of what Apple may unveil continue to spawn all over the Internet. ThinkSecret, a well known Apple rumormonger, and often right, has been tipped that Steve Jobs may be announcing the possibilities of downloadable movie rentals through the iTunes Music Store during his keynote address. While Apple's philosophy has been to allow users to "own" their media by downloading it and using it when and where they want to, this rental service may be a change of pace because of the unbending movie studios.
As the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference draws closer (August 7), the rumors of what Apple may unveil continue to spawn all over the Internet. ThinkSecret, a well known Apple rumormonger, and often right, has been tipped that Steve Jobs may be announcing the possibilities of downloadable movie rentals through the iTunes Music Store during his keynote address. While Apple's philosophy has been to allow users to "own" their media by downloading it and using it when and where they want to, this rental service may be a change of pace because of the unbending movie studios.
BetaNews | New Yahoo Homepage Goes Live
BetaNews | New Yahoo Homepage Goes Live
Yahoo has debuted their new homepage which features a simpler navigation included with AJAX and DHTML to keep the portal fresh and responsive.
Yahoo has debuted their new homepage which features a simpler navigation included with AJAX and DHTML to keep the portal fresh and responsive.
BetaNews | AOL PC Protection Suite Enters Beta
BetaNews | AOL PC Protection Suite Enters Beta
With the recent launch of Microsoft's new antivirus/security suite named OneCare, AOL is jumping into this new all-in-one security suite with their TotalCare. TotalCare will include antivirus, antispyware, enhanced firewall protection, and system backups. The current beta is only available to AOL customers, but will be available for non-members after the product leaves beta. AOL is promising additional features such as anti-phishing and identity theft protection. AOL seems to be launching all sorts of new products trying to gain back the market they once held so strongly. Either AOL will continue to keep their niche of less savvy users who don't want to care about getting the same AOL services for free elsewhere, or they will just go out of business. Only time will tell.
With the recent launch of Microsoft's new antivirus/security suite named OneCare, AOL is jumping into this new all-in-one security suite with their TotalCare. TotalCare will include antivirus, antispyware, enhanced firewall protection, and system backups. The current beta is only available to AOL customers, but will be available for non-members after the product leaves beta. AOL is promising additional features such as anti-phishing and identity theft protection. AOL seems to be launching all sorts of new products trying to gain back the market they once held so strongly. Either AOL will continue to keep their niche of less savvy users who don't want to care about getting the same AOL services for free elsewhere, or they will just go out of business. Only time will tell.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
USATODAY.com - Internet con artists turn to 'vishing'
USATODAY.com - Internet con artists turn to 'vishing'
USA Today is reporting on a new type of danger for unsuspecting Internet users dubbed vishing. Phishing is a term used by scammers who craftily send emails in the guise of coming from a legitimate entity with hyperlinks sending them to copy cat websites asking the users to enter their account information. While phishing is still very alive, users are getting more intelligent as well as the software the users use. Now the scammers are turning to automated phone systems to get the users to give out their account information over the phone rather than over the web.
USA Today is reporting on a new type of danger for unsuspecting Internet users dubbed vishing. Phishing is a term used by scammers who craftily send emails in the guise of coming from a legitimate entity with hyperlinks sending them to copy cat websites asking the users to enter their account information. While phishing is still very alive, users are getting more intelligent as well as the software the users use. Now the scammers are turning to automated phone systems to get the users to give out their account information over the phone rather than over the web.
BetaNews | Xbox 360 Goes Retro with '80s Games
BetaNews | Xbox 360 Goes Retro with '80s Games
For the last two decades the games of game consoles have primarily been cartridges or optical discs. Now Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live Arcade service is making retro games available to download directly to your Xbox 360's hard drive over the Internet. Internet-delivered games allow for a whole new world for gamers and will keep Microsoft's Xbox 360 number one in the gaming industry.
For the last two decades the games of game consoles have primarily been cartridges or optical discs. Now Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live Arcade service is making retro games available to download directly to your Xbox 360's hard drive over the Internet. Internet-delivered games allow for a whole new world for gamers and will keep Microsoft's Xbox 360 number one in the gaming industry.
BetaNews | VMware Releases Free Server Software
BetaNews | VMware Releases Free Server Software
The same day that Microsoft released their Virtual PC 2004 for free, VMware released their final version of VMware Server for free. Microsoft has released their virtualization server product Virtual Server 2005 R2 previously. The virtualization wars are gearing up now with these two giants vying for IT to use their products. It may be the some day virtualization is seamlessly a part of the operating system (i.e. Xen) in order for backwards compabitibility or security reasons. In the server space virtualization will be the key to the future of reliability and lowering costs.
The same day that Microsoft released their Virtual PC 2004 for free, VMware released their final version of VMware Server for free. Microsoft has released their virtualization server product Virtual Server 2005 R2 previously. The virtualization wars are gearing up now with these two giants vying for IT to use their products. It may be the some day virtualization is seamlessly a part of the operating system (i.e. Xen) in order for backwards compabitibility or security reasons. In the server space virtualization will be the key to the future of reliability and lowering costs.
BetaNews | Microsoft, Yahoo Bridge IM Networks
BetaNews | Microsoft, Yahoo Bridge IM Networks
If you're like many instant messenger users you have an account with MSN, Yahoo, AIM, and maybe even Google Talk. Thankfully you don't have to have a client program for each with programs like Trillian and Gaim(Adium for Mac). Now Microsoft and Yahoo are beta testing their new bridged IM federation. Using Microsoft's beta Live Messenger or Yahoo's beta Messenger with Voice you can communicate to either MSN or Yahoo contacts.
If you're like many instant messenger users you have an account with MSN, Yahoo, AIM, and maybe even Google Talk. Thankfully you don't have to have a client program for each with programs like Trillian and Gaim(Adium for Mac). Now Microsoft and Yahoo are beta testing their new bridged IM federation. Using Microsoft's beta Live Messenger or Yahoo's beta Messenger with Voice you can communicate to either MSN or Yahoo contacts.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
digg - Cartoon Network to launch broadband channel for Toonami
digg - Cartoon Network to launch broadband channel for Toonami
Yet another entertainment provider moving their content to be available over the Internet. Starting July 17th Cartoon Network will be making their Toonami shows available through their website.
Yet another entertainment provider moving their content to be available over the Internet. Starting July 17th Cartoon Network will be making their Toonami shows available through their website.
"People spend more time with Office than the love of their life."
Microsoft Design | Office
Microsoft details the new branding and logos for Office 2007 due out late December 2006 or early January 2007. Be sure to read the paragraph at the bottom of the page to see how Microsoft is helping your love life.
Microsoft details the new branding and logos for Office 2007 due out late December 2006 or early January 2007. Be sure to read the paragraph at the bottom of the page to see how Microsoft is helping your love life.
Microsoft's media player dubbed Zune - Engadget
Microsoft's media player dubbed Zune - Engadget
Ever since the iPod's introduction to the market, every other hardware manufacturer has been trying to create the iPod killer. Creative tried, Samsung tried, others tried, but to no avail. Microsoft has been planning their own iPod killer under the codename Argo. Engadget was able to see a sneak peak of the Zune, one of the players to be launched. Unlike the iPod, the Zune, and other Argo devices, will have wireless capability for downloading music to the device.
Ever since the iPod's introduction to the market, every other hardware manufacturer has been trying to create the iPod killer. Creative tried, Samsung tried, others tried, but to no avail. Microsoft has been planning their own iPod killer under the codename Argo. Engadget was able to see a sneak peak of the Zune, one of the players to be launched. Unlike the iPod, the Zune, and other Argo devices, will have wireless capability for downloading music to the device.
Microsoft Windows: End of support for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows XP Service Pack 1
Microsoft Windows: End of support for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows XP Service Pack 1
While July 11, 2006 marked the last day of Microsoft supporting the Windows 98 and Me operating systems, they also announced the end of support for Windows XP SP1. Only Windows XP with SP2 will be officially supported with hotfixes and patches. Note that only genuine copies of Windows XP can install service packs so if you don't have any service pack installed, it might be because your version of Windows XP isn't legit. You can find out if yours is on Microsoft's Geniune Software website. If your version isn't legitimate Microsoft provides ways to purchase a legitimate copy. Depending on the price you might want to just buy a new $299 computer from Dell.
While July 11, 2006 marked the last day of Microsoft supporting the Windows 98 and Me operating systems, they also announced the end of support for Windows XP SP1. Only Windows XP with SP2 will be officially supported with hotfixes and patches. Note that only genuine copies of Windows XP can install service packs so if you don't have any service pack installed, it might be because your version of Windows XP isn't legit. You can find out if yours is on Microsoft's Geniune Software website. If your version isn't legitimate Microsoft provides ways to purchase a legitimate copy. Depending on the price you might want to just buy a new $299 computer from Dell.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Free Antivirus Software Online Antivirus Scan From COMODO
Free Antivirus Software Online Antivirus Scan From COMODO
In my never ending search for great free software I have run across Comodo Antivirus. Other free antivirus products already exist such as Avast, AVG, Antivir, and Clamwin (on demand scan only). These products are free for home users. According to Comodo's website, "Comodo AntiVirus 1.1 beta, all subsequent beta versions and the final release version will each be available free to both home and business users." I don't see how a company can support this type of business model, but I'll check it out for sure.
In my never ending search for great free software I have run across Comodo Antivirus. Other free antivirus products already exist such as Avast, AVG, Antivir, and Clamwin (on demand scan only). These products are free for home users. According to Comodo's website, "Comodo AntiVirus 1.1 beta, all subsequent beta versions and the final release version will each be available free to both home and business users." I don't see how a company can support this type of business model, but I'll check it out for sure.
Slashdot | Adware Spreads Through Myspace
Slashdot | Adware Spreads Through Myspace
Beware of the adware that could be spreading through your computer now because of the MySpace users on your system. Use an antispyware software if you want to make sure your system is clean. Microsoft Windows Defender is available to Genuine Windows XP computers. For all others use Lavasoft's Adaware.
Beware of the adware that could be spreading through your computer now because of the MySpace users on your system. Use an antispyware software if you want to make sure your system is clean. Microsoft Windows Defender is available to Genuine Windows XP computers. For all others use Lavasoft's Adaware.
Slashdot | End of Win 98 Support May Boost Desktop Linux
Slashdot | End of Win 98 Support May Boost Desktop Linux
Today marks the last day of official Microsoft support of the still widely-used Windows 98 and Millennium operating system. While those users who are still using Windows 98 wouldn't know the difference if support stopped or not, the IT industry, including many K-12 schools, will need to upgrade their hardware and software soon. Slashdot reports that these older machines are prime candidates for using the license free Linux operating system which has many free applications for kids and adults alike. There are many different versions of Linux available; some are harder to work with than others. Be sure to check out Linspire (not free), Ubuntu, and PCLinuxOS (more available at distrowatch.com).
Today marks the last day of official Microsoft support of the still widely-used Windows 98 and Millennium operating system. While those users who are still using Windows 98 wouldn't know the difference if support stopped or not, the IT industry, including many K-12 schools, will need to upgrade their hardware and software soon. Slashdot reports that these older machines are prime candidates for using the license free Linux operating system which has many free applications for kids and adults alike. There are many different versions of Linux available; some are harder to work with than others. Be sure to check out Linspire (not free), Ubuntu, and PCLinuxOS (more available at distrowatch.com).
BetaNews | Microsoft's Private Folder App Criticized
BetaNews | Microsoft's Private Folder App Criticized
On Thursday of last week, Microsoft released a new application called Microsoft Private Folder (WGA required) which allows you to create a password-encrypted folder on your computer to keep others out of your documents. Betanews reports of the various reports of criticisms of this undocumented IT nightmare. Be sure to remember your password or just use an online service to store some personal data.
On Thursday of last week, Microsoft released a new application called Microsoft Private Folder (WGA required) which allows you to create a password-encrypted folder on your computer to keep others out of your documents. Betanews reports of the various reports of criticisms of this undocumented IT nightmare. Be sure to remember your password or just use an online service to store some personal data.
BetaNews | D-Link Releases Wi-Fi Flip Phone
BetaNews | D-Link Releases Wi-Fi Flip Phone
The VoIP revolution continues as the industry provides simpler devices to connect with people. D-Link announced their new WiFi VoIP flip phone starting at $249.99 USD. Netgear's WiFi phone (compatible with Skype) starts at $299.99. Unfortunately with these high prices, only early adopters will be willing to pay such a high price for a service that is not as universal as a cell phone. The phone would connect to any wireless network and then allow you to make ordinary telephone calls. A service contract with an IP telephony provider like Vonage is required.
The VoIP revolution continues as the industry provides simpler devices to connect with people. D-Link announced their new WiFi VoIP flip phone starting at $249.99 USD. Netgear's WiFi phone (compatible with Skype) starts at $299.99. Unfortunately with these high prices, only early adopters will be willing to pay such a high price for a service that is not as universal as a cell phone. The phone would connect to any wireless network and then allow you to make ordinary telephone calls. A service contract with an IP telephony provider like Vonage is required.
Friday, July 07, 2006
BetaNews | Microsoft to Issue 7 Security Patches
BetaNews | Microsoft to Issue 7 Security Patches
Another round of seven patches from Microsoft is coming July 11. Make sure you update your computer when the day comes.
Another round of seven patches from Microsoft is coming July 11. Make sure you update your computer when the day comes.
Antivirus company suggests home users switch to Macs
Antivirus company suggests home users switch to Macs
Sophos, one of the many computer security and antivirus vendors, recently made a statement encouraging home users to switch to a Mac computer. Without the need to have antivirus, antispyware, and other system-wide processes that slow down your computer, and are not foolproof, Macs come with everything you need out of the box and at a great price for students.
Sophos, one of the many computer security and antivirus vendors, recently made a statement encouraging home users to switch to a Mac computer. Without the need to have antivirus, antispyware, and other system-wide processes that slow down your computer, and are not foolproof, Macs come with everything you need out of the box and at a great price for students.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Microsoft Private Folder 1.0
Microsoft Private Folder 1.0
If you share your computer with others you may want to use Microsoft's new Private Folder utility which allows you to have your own password protected folder to keep your private files.
If you share your computer with others you may want to use Microsoft's new Private Folder utility which allows you to have your own password protected folder to keep your private files.
FolderShare - File Transfer & Remote File Access - Product Overview
FolderShare - File Transfer & Remote File Access - Product Overview
Share large files between your computers and your friends' computers with Microsofts new FolderShare.
Share large files between your computers and your friends' computers with Microsofts new FolderShare.
"Google" declared a verb
"Google" declared a verb: "Shangri-la"
Sometimes it takes awhile for the official dictionaries to catch up with the American language because most people have been using Google as a verb for quite some time, but now it's official. To have your company's name become part of the dictionary means you have successfully penetrated the culture.
Sometimes it takes awhile for the official dictionaries to catch up with the American language because most people have been using Google as a verb for quite some time, but now it's official. To have your company's name become part of the dictionary means you have successfully penetrated the culture.
AOL may offer free Internet access
AOL may offer free Internet access
A drastic move by AOL may be imminent to provide free access to their services to any broadband customer. AOL's declining market share is forcing AOL to make some bold moves.
A drastic move by AOL may be imminent to provide free access to their services to any broadband customer. AOL's declining market share is forcing AOL to make some bold moves.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
BetaNews | Apple Introduces iMac for Education
BetaNews | Apple Introduces iMac for Education
Apple has a special new price for the iMac if you're a student or a member of an educational institution. The iMac starts at $899 USD and comes with an 80 GB HDD, 512 MB RAM, and a 1.83 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor.
Apple has a special new price for the iMac if you're a student or a member of an educational institution. The iMac starts at $899 USD and comes with an 80 GB HDD, 512 MB RAM, and a 1.83 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor.
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