Acker, Alcorn/Bloomberg
"This year, one of the most important things that we will do in the smart device category is really push forward with Windows 7-based slates," said Ballmer. "This is a terribly important area for us."
Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts
Download Microsoft Windows 7 RC Free
Microsoft has released the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), which is now available for download to MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Now Windows 7 is in final phase of development and getting ready for partners to develop new applications, device drivers and services.
Some of the cool new features to look out for are
1. Remote Media Streaming. Remote Internet access to home-based digital media libraries from another Windows 7-based PC outside the home.
2. Windows XP Mode. Utilizing Windows Virtual PC, allows Windows 7 users to run many Windows XP productivity applications, launched right from the Windows 7 desktop.
3. Windows Touch. Controlling the computer by touching a touch-enabled screen or monitor is a core Windows 7 user experience.
- 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB of RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver
In case you are not TechNet or MSDN subscribers, but still interested in previewing Windows 7, the Windows 7 RC will be publicly available May 5 on the Microsoft Windows 7 site.
Note: Windows 7 Beta was available earlier for a limited time earlier till January 24, 2009. The Windows 7 Beta software will expire on August 1, 2009.
Update: Now the promotion is over and now you need to buy Windows 7.
Some of the cool new features to look out for are
1. Remote Media Streaming. Remote Internet access to home-based digital media libraries from another Windows 7-based PC outside the home.
2. Windows XP Mode. Utilizing Windows Virtual PC, allows Windows 7 users to run many Windows XP productivity applications, launched right from the Windows 7 desktop.
3. Windows Touch. Controlling the computer by touching a touch-enabled screen or monitor is a core Windows 7 user experience.
Download Windows 7 RC
So what are the minimum system requirements for Windows 7?- 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB of RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver
In case you are not TechNet or MSDN subscribers, but still interested in previewing Windows 7, the Windows 7 RC will be publicly available May 5 on the Microsoft Windows 7 site.
Note: Windows 7 Beta was available earlier for a limited time earlier till January 24, 2009. The Windows 7 Beta software will expire on August 1, 2009.
Update: Now the promotion is over and now you need to buy Windows 7.
Dell Now Offering Windows 7 Drivers for Commercial Desktops and Laptops
Dell is jumping in to help business (commercial) customers get ready for Windows 7 by offering Windows 7 drivers for their commercial desktop and laptop PCs. They are posting their Windows 7 drivers here (see Drivers and Downloads on left-hand navigation).
By offering drivers for their commercial desktop and laptop PCs, Dell is helping business customers with Dell PCs in their environments prepare for Windows 7 deployments.
For more information, see this blog post on Dell’s Inside Enterprise IT Blog.
Announcing New Tools for IT Professionals & Developers Transitioning to Windows 7
Today I am pleased to announce some new technologies to help developers and IT professionals make the transition to Windows 7.
For developers, we are announcing the public beta for the Platform Update for Windows Vista. The Platform Update for Windows Vista is a set of runtime libraries that makes it easy for developers to target both Windows 7 and Windows Vista. The Platform Update for Windows Vista includes:
For developers, we are announcing the public beta for the Platform Update for Windows Vista. The Platform Update for Windows Vista is a set of runtime libraries that makes it easy for developers to target both Windows 7 and Windows Vista. The Platform Update for Windows Vista includes:
- Windows Ribbon and Animation Manager Library: contains the Windows Ribbon API, a command framework that enables developers to quickly and easily create rich ribbon experiences in their applications, and the Windows Animation Manager API, an animation framework for managing the scheduling and execution of user interface element animations.
- Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS Library: components for developers to leverage the latest advancements in modern graphics technologies for gaming, multimedia, imaging and printing applications. It includes updates to DirectX to support hardware acceleration for 2D, 3D and text based scenarios; DirectCompute for hardware accelerated parallel computing scenarios; and XPS Library for document printing scenarios.
- Windows Automation API: allows accessibility tools and test automations to access Windows user interface in a consistent way across operating system versions.
- Windows Portable Devices Platform: supplies the infrastructure to standardize data transfers between an application and a portable device, such as a mobile phone, digital camera, or portable media player.
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and Windows 7 Compatibility Center now available
Hello again! It’s Mark Relph from the Windows Ecosystem Team here at Microsoft. There is a lot of excitement for the launch of Windows 7 and we know many of you are looking for information as you think about upgrading. To help you, we are announcing the availability of two great tools today – the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.
Both these tools are available at www.windows.com/compatibility- your place to go for any Windows 7 compatibility questions you might have. Not only will you find links to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and Windows 7 Compatibility Center, you’ll also get compatibility help from experts in the Microsoft Answers Forums and the Windows Help & How-to team.
Now let me tell you a little bit more about what we are releasing today…
The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it’s ready for Windows 7. It checks to see if your PC meets the system requirements, lets you know if your processor is capable of running 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and gives guidance on your upgrade options. It also tells you about any known compatibility issues with the most commonly installed software programs and devices connected to your PC. If an issue can be resolved, it suggests next steps for you to take before installing Windows 7.
Both these tools are available at www.windows.com/compatibility- your place to go for any Windows 7 compatibility questions you might have. Not only will you find links to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and Windows 7 Compatibility Center, you’ll also get compatibility help from experts in the Microsoft Answers Forums and the Windows Help & How-to team.
Now let me tell you a little bit more about what we are releasing today…
The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it’s ready for Windows 7. It checks to see if your PC meets the system requirements, lets you know if your processor is capable of running 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and gives guidance on your upgrade options. It also tells you about any known compatibility issues with the most commonly installed software programs and devices connected to your PC. If an issue can be resolved, it suggests next steps for you to take before installing Windows 7.
Statoil Discusses their Windows 7 Deployment
Today at TechEd Europe 2009, one of our Windows 7 enterprise customers, Petter Wersland, Lead Architect at Statoil, participated in a panel discussion with Stephen Elop, President of Microsoft’s Business Division as a part of the keynote presentation. We caught up with Petter Wersland just before this appearance to get more information on their Windows 7 deployment.
Rich Reynolds: Tell me about Statoil and your role at the company.
Petter Wersland: Statoil is an international energy company based in Stavanger, Norway. We operate in 40 countries with 30,000 employees with an additional 10,000 consultants. With roughly 40,000 desktops under management, we have a significant IT team.
I’m the lead advisor within the IT infrastructure area covering the Windows ecosystem and storage solutions. I’ve been at the company since 1991, covering several positions in IT and Windows infrastructure.
We’re moving from Windows XP to Windows 7 and are looking forward to using the new functionality introduced in Windows 7. We’re preparing a rollout that includes a hardware replacement of most of the PCs in the entire company.
Rich Reynolds: How are you driving productivity in the organization? What results are you seeing with Windows 7?
Rich Reynolds: Tell me about Statoil and your role at the company.
Petter Wersland: Statoil is an international energy company based in Stavanger, Norway. We operate in 40 countries with 30,000 employees with an additional 10,000 consultants. With roughly 40,000 desktops under management, we have a significant IT team.
I’m the lead advisor within the IT infrastructure area covering the Windows ecosystem and storage solutions. I’ve been at the company since 1991, covering several positions in IT and Windows infrastructure.
We’re moving from Windows XP to Windows 7 and are looking forward to using the new functionality introduced in Windows 7. We’re preparing a rollout that includes a hardware replacement of most of the PCs in the entire company.
Rich Reynolds: How are you driving productivity in the organization? What results are you seeing with Windows 7?
Important Reminder Regarding Expiration of the Windows 7 RC
On February 15th, people still running the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will receive a notification reminding them that starting March 1st, 2010, their PC will begin experiencing bi-hourly shutdowns. These shutdowns will continue through June 1st, 2010.
On June 1st, 2010, a non-genuine experience is triggered where your wallpaper is removed and “This copy of Windows is not genuine” will be displayed in the lower right corner above the taskbar. This means your PC will no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads that require genuine Windows validation.
To avoid any data loss, I suggest making plans to move to a released version of Windows 7 before the automatic shutdowns start. During these shutdowns, your work will not be saved.
Remember, pre-release versions of Windows are unsupported. For more information on the expiration of the Windows 7 RC, see this KB article.
To move to a released version of Windows 7, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the installation of the Windows 7 RC. I suggest install, reinstall, uninstall Windows page on Windows.com which covers all kinds of installation scenarios.
Do you need more time to test your application and hardware compatibility in Windows 7? If so, the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial provides a great opportunity for IT Pros to finish critical testing with a full version of Windows 7 Enterprise.
If you’re an IT Pro ready to move to Windows 7, I suggest visiting the Springboard Series on TechNet which provides the latest tools, whitepapers, walkthroughs and tips and tricks to help you with your Windows 7 Deployment. On the Springboard Series on TechNet, you’ll find resources such as Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z and Installing Windows 7 on an Existing XP PC. You can visit the Window 7 TechNet Forum for more information as well!
Tags: Windows 7, Windows.com, Springboard Series, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 RC, Expiration, Windows 7 RTM, IT Professionals, Installation, Resources, Genuine Windows, Reminder, IT Pro
On June 1st, 2010, a non-genuine experience is triggered where your wallpaper is removed and “This copy of Windows is not genuine” will be displayed in the lower right corner above the taskbar. This means your PC will no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads that require genuine Windows validation.
To avoid any data loss, I suggest making plans to move to a released version of Windows 7 before the automatic shutdowns start. During these shutdowns, your work will not be saved.
Remember, pre-release versions of Windows are unsupported. For more information on the expiration of the Windows 7 RC, see this KB article.
To move to a released version of Windows 7, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the installation of the Windows 7 RC. I suggest install, reinstall, uninstall Windows page on Windows.com which covers all kinds of installation scenarios.
Do you need more time to test your application and hardware compatibility in Windows 7? If so, the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial provides a great opportunity for IT Pros to finish critical testing with a full version of Windows 7 Enterprise.
If you’re an IT Pro ready to move to Windows 7, I suggest visiting the Springboard Series on TechNet which provides the latest tools, whitepapers, walkthroughs and tips and tricks to help you with your Windows 7 Deployment. On the Springboard Series on TechNet, you’ll find resources such as Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z and Installing Windows 7 on an Existing XP PC. You can visit the Window 7 TechNet Forum for more information as well!
Tags: Windows 7, Windows.com, Springboard Series, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 RC, Expiration, Windows 7 RTM, IT Professionals, Installation, Resources, Genuine Windows, Reminder, IT Pro
User State Virtualization: What is it and how will it help you deliver a dynamic and personal Windows Experience?
A few weeks ago, I posted the first in a series of blogs about Microsoft’s position on Desktop Virtualization. In that post, I explained the three layers to Desktop Virtualization consisting of User State, Application and Operating System Virtualization. Today, I’d like to spend a little more time discussing User State Virtualization and how to think about it now and in your future desktop strategy.
To recap, User State Virtualization (USV) separates the user’s data and settings from the physical device and replicates it centrally. Microsoft recommends that you start first with User State and Application Virtualization if you plan to incorporate virtualization into your desktop strategy. We make this recommendation because once these layers are configured they can be applied to users running traditional PCs or laptops, users running Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or users who are running their desktops via Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Let’s take a closer look.
To recap, User State Virtualization (USV) separates the user’s data and settings from the physical device and replicates it centrally. Microsoft recommends that you start first with User State and Application Virtualization if you plan to incorporate virtualization into your desktop strategy. We make this recommendation because once these layers are configured they can be applied to users running traditional PCs or laptops, users running Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or users who are running their desktops via Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Let’s take a closer look.
Functions in the Entity Framework
Over the last few weeks I’ve been writing a series of articles that cover some great improvements in the Entity Framework 4.0 In this third article I will explore some SqlClr features and show how to call custom .NET functions and aggregates in LINQ to Entities queries.
- SqlClr
- Creating SqlClr user defined functions
- Deploying SqlClr functions
- Calling the SqlClr functions in SQL
- Calling the SqlClr functions in LINQ to Entities
- Sharing functions between LINQ to Objects and LINQ to Entities
- Creating SqlClr User Defined aggregates
- Calling the SqlClr aggregates in SQL
- Calling the SqlClr aggregates in LINQ to Entities
Windows 7 for Developers
Last week I attended a two day Microsoft training about Windows 7 for Developers at U2U. We took a closer look at the Release Candidate and it’s features for developers. It was quite interesting to see how to develop applications that use specific Windows 7 features like the new taskbar (thumb previews, jump lists, icon overlays), ribbons, multi touch, UAC, power management, sensors and location, Direct2D, DirectWrite, …
Afterwards I take some time to look up some extra information, libraries and tools. I found a lot of interesting websites and blog posts and so I summarize them here:
Windows 7
Microsoft already created a website with all information and downloads for Windows 7
Another very interesting source is Paul Thurott’s Supersite for Windows
Afterwards I take some time to look up some extra information, libraries and tools. I found a lot of interesting websites and blog posts and so I summarize them here:
Windows 7
Microsoft already created a website with all information and downloads for Windows 7
Another very interesting source is Paul Thurott’s Supersite for Windows
App-V with Appsense : Better Together
Todays post is from Skand Mittal, Product Manager with the Desktop Virtualization Team and our resident expert in our DV Zone on Springboard
I was talking with Stephen Rose, the owner of this blog, and he was saying that one of the top pain points that he hears from you frequently is transferring the user profiles when migrating from XP to Win7. In today’s blog post we are going to touch on Microsoft and its partner’s offerings that we feel will help solve that pain point.
This week, Karri Alexion-Tiernan posted a blog on the Windows For Your Business blog about the value of using App-V.For those not familiar, App-V is Microsoft’s flagship Application virtualization solution that enables you (IT pros) to deploy applications based on user’s identity and role, providing a more efficient way to deliver and mange applications centrally. Product Manager AJ Smith talked about User State Virtualization (USV) in his blog; how Microsoft’s USV technologies like Folder Redirection and Roaming Profiles empower you to provide users a consistent windows experience across multiple desktops and laptops, by separating user’s data and settings from the physical device and replicating it centrally.
One of Microsoft Premium partners Appsense provides user virtualization solutions that extends Microsoft’s USV offering by providing additional capabilities that’s helps in migration of XP profiles to Windows 7 profiles by seamlessly combining the two into a single version, thus accelerating Win 7 deployment in your organization. It can also abstracts both user’s desktop personalization and application settings, providing a consistent application experience across physical AND virtual applications. For additional info on Appsense, visit their website.
You can complement the benefits of both App-V and USV by deploying them together so that users can be provisioned both their applications and data on demand from multiple devices, thus reducing the dependency on one piece of hardware. In this blog we will go a level deeper and talk about what you should consider when implementing App-V with Appsense user virtualization. To get an overview - you can also watch this webinar from Appsense on App-V integration. Enough said on the value – let’s get into the technology piece!
I caught up with two Microsoft’s MVPs - Alaa Ajweh and Tim Mangan who shared some guidance and best practices on deploying App-V with Appsense to support user profile virtualization on Windows 7, so let’s hear in their own words!
I was talking with Stephen Rose, the owner of this blog, and he was saying that one of the top pain points that he hears from you frequently is transferring the user profiles when migrating from XP to Win7. In today’s blog post we are going to touch on Microsoft and its partner’s offerings that we feel will help solve that pain point.
This week, Karri Alexion-Tiernan posted a blog on the Windows For Your Business blog about the value of using App-V.For those not familiar, App-V is Microsoft’s flagship Application virtualization solution that enables you (IT pros) to deploy applications based on user’s identity and role, providing a more efficient way to deliver and mange applications centrally. Product Manager AJ Smith talked about User State Virtualization (USV) in his blog; how Microsoft’s USV technologies like Folder Redirection and Roaming Profiles empower you to provide users a consistent windows experience across multiple desktops and laptops, by separating user’s data and settings from the physical device and replicating it centrally.
One of Microsoft Premium partners Appsense provides user virtualization solutions that extends Microsoft’s USV offering by providing additional capabilities that’s helps in migration of XP profiles to Windows 7 profiles by seamlessly combining the two into a single version, thus accelerating Win 7 deployment in your organization. It can also abstracts both user’s desktop personalization and application settings, providing a consistent application experience across physical AND virtual applications. For additional info on Appsense, visit their website.
You can complement the benefits of both App-V and USV by deploying them together so that users can be provisioned both their applications and data on demand from multiple devices, thus reducing the dependency on one piece of hardware. In this blog we will go a level deeper and talk about what you should consider when implementing App-V with Appsense user virtualization. To get an overview - you can also watch this webinar from Appsense on App-V integration. Enough said on the value – let’s get into the technology piece!
I caught up with two Microsoft’s MVPs - Alaa Ajweh and Tim Mangan who shared some guidance and best practices on deploying App-V with Appsense to support user profile virtualization on Windows 7, so let’s hear in their own words!
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