Kurt Shintaku's Blog: Product

DOWNLOAD: Virtual PC 2004 is now available as a free download

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 19:49:45 GMT

Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 is now available for free... especially for testing Windows Vista within it.

VIRTUAL PC OVERVIEW:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/evaluation/overview2004.mspx
VIRTUAL PC DOWNLOAD:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx
USING WINDOWS VISTA & VIRTUAL PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/sa/benefits/vista.mspx

For those of you who have never used a virtual machine emulation product like Virtual PC, Virtual PC installs like a normal application on your Windows XP Professional desktop. What it allows you to do is simulate one or more new physical workstations "in memory" and install any x86 operating systems into them.

For example: I could configure Virtual PC to create & emulate 3 new workstations in memory that are:

- tied together with Intel network adapters on the same virtual LAN segment

- running 256MB of memory

- running S3 video adapters

- using a CDROM drive (linked to my actual physical CDROM drive on my workstation)

Then I could install on each of the 3 'virtual workstations' respectively:

- Windows XP Professional with IE 7.0

- Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition

- Red Hat Linux 9.0

I would do this by putting the OS source disc into my local physical CDROM drive and have one virtual machine "boot" to the CDROM drive, install the OS, then change source discs, and on another virtual machine, boot to that new OS disc. etc. etc. (You can also point to .ISO files to boot off of instead of a the local CDROM drive for faster installation performance)

After this, it is possible to run, simultaneously, all 3 operating systems, each in their own window on your Windows XP Professional desktop. There's a demo of all of this at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/evaluation/vpcdemo.html

Virtual Machines are very cool because they allow you to:

- Drag and drop files from your 'real' desktop to the window in which the virtualized OS is running

- Pause/freeze the virtual machine and put it in stasis

- Rewind time, and reset the virtual machine back to the point at which you started it at

This has the following VERY useful scenarios:

- EDUCATION: You can train people on Virtual PCs and if they make mistakes, they can just rewind time.

- TESTING: It is possible to test software installs on Virtual PCs to simulate how software will work on a given OS... or Browser since you can have different virtual machines running different browser revisions

- ISOLATION: You can run products in a virtual machine and not worry about it impacting your local workstation's installation.

DOWNLOAD: Ink Screensaver for Tablet PCs

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 02:13:12 GMT

I know several of you just recently got Tablet PCs. Welcome to the fold.

This is my favorite 'Powertoy' for Tablet PCs: It's called the Ink Screensaver. Basically, it allows you to write or draw something on a blank screen and use your scribbling, drawing, or otherwise writing as your screensaver.

It can be a picture that you want to draw... maybe your kid can draw the picture...

It can be a message you want people to read... after all, once it kicks in, it's certainly going to be hard for anyone to miss...

It can be basically anything. And it's something no one else can do, because it requires a Tablet PC.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/tabletpc.mspx

NEWS: WinHEC part 3 - "Virtual Server R2 SP1"

Wed, 24 May 2006 23:02:45 GMT

Q: Will Virtual Server continue to exist after the arrival of Windows Server virtualization? If so, what role would it have?

A: Yes, Virtual Server will still be a supported product. Windows Server virtualization will run only on x64 systems which are IVT and AMD-V enabled. For customers who want to virtualize on 32 bit systems, Virtual Server is still a very attractive product.

Q: Why did you make Virtual Server free? Was it a response to competition from VMware and Xen?

A: Resource management has always been part of the operating system, and over the years customers have been able to obtain this functionality as an integrated part of their operating system platform. As Microsoft releases its Windows Server virtualization technology in the Windows Server “Longhorn” timeframe, customers will be receiving the benefits of virtualization as part of the Windows Server operating system. Today’s price change makes it easier for customers to access and experience the benefits of virtualization technology. Customers creating virtual machines with Virtual Server 2005 in the Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) format will have an easy migration to the Windows Server virtualization.

Today Microsoft allows customers to run up to four virtual operating systems on one physical server [Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition] at no additional cost. Within two years virtualization will part of Windows Server “Longhorn” and customers will be able to run an unlimited number of virtual operating systems on one physical server [Windows Server “Longhorn” Datacenter Edition]. Given the market trends, customers should think twice before spending thousands of dollars for a virtualization product that may be free, and be part of a fully supported Microsoft solution in less than two years.

Q: Why didn’t you make Virtual Server a free product in the first place?

A: When we launched Virtual Server 2005 it was very early in the evolution of virtual machine technology. Test/Dev, server consolidation, disaster recovery, application re-hosting provide customers running x86 servers with great value. Certainly Virtual Server customers are still realizing benefits today. Since then this nascent market has changed. Customers have told us they want a smooth migration from today’s virtual machine technology to tomorrow’s virtualization technology within the OS (e.g., Windows Server virtualization), and we’re providing that smooth migration in the form of pricing, technology and licensing

Q: Please clarify your product support policy for Linux running on Virtual Server.

A: Our support has three components:

1. A customer running a qualified Linux guest may get product support when calling normal support channels for Virtual Server 2005 R2;

2. Microsoft will maintain a list of qualified Linux distributions that are considered “supported”; and

3. Microsoft will release virtual machine add-ins for the Linux distributions that improve the customer experience when running Linux operating systems in Virtual Server 2005 R2.

Microsoft is committed to ensuring a good customer experience when running supported Linux operating systems in Virtual Server 2005 R2. Therefore, we have set up a product support model for these configurations that is consistent with the way that customers get support for Virtual Server 2005. Technical support calls will be provided through the traditional channels (Premier and Professional), and will be limited to interop issues and the virtual machine add-ins. Customers who report issues will be routed to a dedicated team that is specially trained to troubleshoot issues related to Linux guests.

Q: Does adding Linux support in Virtual Server R2 this mean you’re making peace with Linux?

A: We added Linux support to Virtual Server recently based on customer feedback—we understand that our Enterprise customers have a critical need for interoperability in their datacenter environments, and we’re intent on doing a high-quality job of servicing that need.

Q: What was recently announced with regard to Virtual Server SP1?

A: We announced on April 28th, 2006 that Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 is available as a free public beta; see www.microsoft.com/virtualserver. General availability is expected in calendar Q1 2007.

Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 adds support for hardware-assisted virtualization and improved backup services and compatibility. SP1 will support the hardware virtualization capabilities developed by AMD and Intel. By supporting both AMD Virtualization and Intel Virtualization Technology, customers will be provided better interoperability, strengthened isolation to prevent corruption of one virtual machine from affecting others on the same system, and improved performance for non-Windows guest operating systems.

Other features of Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 include:

Volume Shadow Service, which provides customers with improved support for backup and disaster recovery. Instead of backing up each virtual machine individually, customers will be able to backup just physical machines that will in turn backup all the virtual machines on that physical host.
Active Directory integration and management
Included Host Clustering technical white paper and the VB script needed to enable this feature

We’ll have two betas of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1. This process enables us to better manage the beta program and work with third-party backup vendors. Beta 2 is scheduled for Q4 of this year.

Q: What’s delivered in Beta 1 versus Beta 2 of Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1?

A: Beta 1 of Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 includes:

Intel Virtualization Technology compatibility
Host Clustering technical white paper and the VB script

Beta 2 includes the features of Beta 1 plus:

AMD Virtualization Technology compatibility
Active Directory integration and management features
Volume Shadow Service

Q: What does hardware-assisted virtualization provide for the customers?

A: Hardware-assisted virtualization provides Microsoft with a new execution mode in the processor dedicated to virtualization. This additional hardware capability simplifies the virtual machine monitor, the lowest layer of Virtual Server to provide a more robust and secure solution. By supporting both AMD Virtualization and Intel VT, customers will be provided better interoperability, strengthened isolation to prevent corruption of one virtual machine from affecting others on the same system, and improved performance for non-Windows guest operating systems.

Microsoft also is collaborating with Intel on the design and specification of Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O (Intel VT-d). Intel VT-d helps improve the reliability, flexibility and performance of I/O in a virtualized environment. The VT-d hardware foundation combined with future versions of the Windows Server virtualization will help provide customers with increased scalability and higher-performance I/O by enabling direct assignment of devices to virtual machines.

Similarly, Microsoft is working closely with AMD to help open the way for a new class of innovation, such as AMD’s I/O virtualization technology, making IT systems not only more cost-effective, but also more secure, manageable, and interoperable.

Q: I ran a Windows NT guest OS within Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack beta 1 on an AMD Virtualization-enabled server and it performed well. But when I ran [any of the 9 supported Linux guest OSes] I didn't see the performance or capabilities expected. Why is that?

A: We’ll have two betas of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1. Beta 1, currently available, supports Intel VT and other features. Beta 2, which is scheduled to be available in Q4, supports the features of Beta 1, as well as AMD Virtualization and other new features.

AMD Virtualization is scheduled to be available with the release of the AMD Opteron processor socket 1207 in Q3 2006. Availability of beta 2 of Virtual Server 2005 R2 service pack 1 is dependent on the availability of socket 1207, as well as necessary time for Microsoft internal testing. We’ll update customers and partners if this schedule changes.

Q: Microsoft has mentioned the importance of security and management for virtualized environments. What are you developing and delivering in these areas?

A: We’re increasing our investments in the Microsoft System Center family of products to address resource optimization and virtual machine lifecycle management. Effective management of virtualized applications and resources is essential to customers. Microsoft already provides tools — such as Visual Studio 2005 Team System, Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 and Systems Management Server 2003 — to develop, deploy, monitor and update applications that work in both physical and virtual environments. In addition, Microsoft is investing in enhanced security measures, to appear in Windows Server “Longhorn,” that are designed to provide higher security as well as richer and more dynamic platform integrity and identity solutions.

NEWS: WinHEC part 2 - "Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager"

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:28:05 GMT

Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager: Formerly code-named “Carmine,” this technology is a centralized, enterprise management solution for the virtualized data center. System Center Virtual Machine Manager is part of the System Center family of products and is due for beta release within the next 90 days. Microsoft anticipates release to manufacturing (RTM) in the second half of 2007.

Q. What are the business benefits of System Center Virtual Machine Manager? What does SC VMM do?

A: System Center Virtual Machine Manager enables increased physical server utilization by making possible simple and fast consolidation on virtual infrastructure. This is supported by consolidation candidate identification, fast Physical-2-Virtual (P2V) migration and intelligent workload placement based on performance data and user defined business policies. VMM enables rapid provisioning of new virtual machines by the administrator and end users using a self-service provisioning tool. Finally, VMM provides the central management console to manage all the building blocks of a virtualized data center.

Q. What is the target market for the SC VMM?

A: SC VMM will work and provide value in customers of any size as long as they are using Microsoft Virtual Server.

Q: Will it work with Windows Server virtualization (hypervisor)?

A: Yes. When Windows Server virtualization is released, System Center Virtual Machine Manager will have the capabilities to manage it. In the meantime, customers can use System Center Virtual Machine Manager to manage Virtual Server 2005 R2 environments.

Q: When will the System Center Virtual Machine Manager be available to customers?

A: We will be delivering a public beta 1 within 60 days, a public beta 2 in H1 of 2007 and will RTM the product in H2 of 2007.

Q: What is the difference between Beta 1 and Beta 2? Is Beta 1 full featured?

A: Beta 1 will be a full functioning version but still plan to add more for Beta 2. The following are features that will not arrive until beta 2: General fit, finish and polish. Distributed library topology. 64 bit support for VMM server. Fine grained controls on self service provisioning. Full integration with clustered physical host support. Physical-2-Virtual conversion. Carmine MOM Pack. Agent Management. More complete set of controls on the self service provisioning feature.

Q: How does this product integrate with System Center Operations Manager?

A: First, Operations Manager is used to identify what we call consolidation candidates. To identify the appropriate workloads for virtualization it is not as simple as listing all of the servers which are currently requiring low CPU. There are issues of “spiky” or high variance workloads and high I/O workloads which must be taken into consideration. The performance data stored in Operations Manager is used to create a consolidation candidates report that takes all of these issues under consideration.

Second, placement of workloads onto physical servers in resource pools is at the crux of maximizing physical resource utilization. Operations Manager is integrated into the placement algorithm by incorporating historical performance data for the workload either from a physical or virtual environment as well as the current the performance data of the physical resource pools.

Third, Operations Manager is the enterprise monitoring solution for both physical and virtual machine infrastructure. VMM doesn’t create an additional, parallel monitoring system to be configured and supported.

Q: How does this product integrate with System Center Configuration Manager?

A: No integration at this point but we see some interesting patch management solutions in the future.

Q: How does this product integrate with the System Center Data Protection Manager?

A: VMM doesn’t integrate with DPM directly. Instead, application consistent backups can be taken using any backup application that is configured to use the VSS writer provided by Virtual Server R2 Beta 1.

Q: Aren’t you late to market, entering an established market dominated by other players with more mature products?

A: I would characterize the state of the market very differently. Looking at the latest IDC server shipment data the total number of physical servers that will be used for virtualization is still a rounding error on the total market. More importantly, when we talk to customers who are virtualizing their data centers they don’t say “there is no more work to be done”. They say just the opposite. We hear continually that the solutions on the market are entirely too complex and costly. For these reasons we are confident we have a great deal of value to bring to customers which is currently not being delivered by others.

Q: How is this product better than VMware Virtual Center?

A: Customers have told us they don’t want a separate, essentially duplicate set of tools to manage their virtual environments versus their physical environments. Customers have also asked us to deliver virtual machine management functionality that leverages their investments in Microsoft products and technologies. For this reason, we are very focused on extending our current management solutions to address virtual environments. Virtual Machine Manager is part of the System Center family of products. The System Center product family and Windows server virtualization will provide the most integrated, cost-effective virtualization solution, giving customers the capability to manage virtualization as a part of the overall IT environment, rather than as an additional set of technologies requiring specialized skills.

Q: In the past you mentioned close partners in the virtual machine management area, does this mean you are going to be putting them out of business?

A: We are working closely with our partners to help them understand where we are making technology investments and how they can help extend and enhance the solutions we deliver in this space.

Q: How much will System Center Virtual Machine Manager cost?

A: We are not disclosing our pricing at this early stage of product development but we will ensure that our product delivers great value and is cost effective.

Q. How will System Center Virtual Machine Manager be licensed?

A: We are not disclosing our licensing terms at this early stage of product development but we will ensure that our product delivers great value and is cost effective.

NEWS: WinHEC Part 1 - "Windows Server virtualization"

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:25:35 GMT

Microsoft’s hypervisor-based solution is on track to be available with the upcoming Microsoft Windows Server “Longhorn” operating system. Microsoft anticipates having a beta release of Windows Server virtualization by the end of 2006 and plans to release to manufacturing (RTM) within 180 days of Windows Server “Longhorn” RTM.

Q: What is Windows Server virtualization?

A: Windows Server virtualization, previously codenamed Viridian, is a hypervisor-based technology that is a part of Windows Server “Longhorn”. It provides a scalable, secure and highly available virtualization platform. It is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to provide our customers and partners with the best operating system platform for virtualization.

Q: What is Windows hypervisor?

A: A core component of Windows Server virtualization, Windows hypervisor is a thin layer of software between the hardware and the OS that allows multiple operating systems to run, unmodified, on a host computer at the same time. It provides simple partitioning functionality and is responsible for maintaining strong isolation between partitions. It has an inherently secure architecture with minimal attack surface, as it does not contain any third party device drivers. We expect the Windows hypervisor to be less than 100Kb in size. (As a reference, the driver for the trackpad in a laptop is about 260K in size).

Q: What benefits does Windows Server virtualization offer customers?

A: Windows Server virtualization provides customers an ideal platform for key virtualization scenarios, such as production server consolidation, business continuity management, software test and development, and development of a dynamic data center.

Windows Server virtualization provides key functionality which an ideal virtualization platform should provide - scalability, high performance, reliability, security, flexibility and manageability. It provides scalability and high performance by supporting features like guest multi-processing support and 64-bit guest and host support; reliability and security through its hypervisor architecture; flexibility and manageability by supporting features like live migration of virtual machines from one physical host to another, dynamic addition of virtual resources and integration with System Center Virtual Machine Manager.

Q: When will Microsoft ship Windows Server virtualization?

A: We aim to have a beta by the end of this year (2006). Windows Server virtualization is targeted for RTM within 180 days of RTM of Windows Server “Longhorn”.

Q: Will Windows Server virtualization be shipped as part of Windows Server “Longhorn?”

A: The ship vehicle for Windows Server virtualization is still to be determined.

Q: I understand Windows Server virtualization will require x64 bit systems with Intel or AMD virtualization technology. Aren’t you limiting the market potential with these requirements?

A: The expectation among industry analysts is for rapid adoption of those systems, but customers who do not have the newer hardware will be able to use Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 for server virtualization on 32-bit host systems.

Q: Will Microsoft continue to support Linux operating systems with Windows Server virtualization?

A: Yes, Microsoft will provide virtual machine add-in technology and technical support for customers running select Linux distributions as guest operating systems within Windows Server virtualization.

Q: Will software and hardware partners now need to certify their applications and systems for Windows Server virtualization?

A: Microsoft tests and supports Windows running in its current virtualization products, Virtual PC and Virtual Server. ISVs and IHVs work with Microsoft to certify that their applications and systems run with Windows, which covers both physical and virtual machines. This will hold true with Windows Server virtualization, as well.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of Windows Server virtualization’s feature set?

A: Some of the capabilities of Windows Server virtualization will include x64 host and guest support, ability to run guest machines in a multi-processor environment, dynamic resource management, and ability to move running virtual machines with minimal downtime.

Q: How will customers migrate to Windows Server virtualization?

A: Customers who invest the .vhd file format – the format used by Virtual Server, as well as a multitude of vendor licensees - will have a clear path forward to Windows Server virtualization. Customers can work with Microsoft’s partners who provide solutions to conveniently migrate from VMware to Windows Server virtualization.

Q: What are the security implications with Windows Server virtualization? Does it present a new surface to attack?

A: Windows Server virtualization has been carefully designed and architected with security as a key consideration. Windows hypervisor, a core component of Windows, has an inherently secure architecture with minimal attack surface as it does not contain any third party device drivers. We expect the Windows hypervisor to be less than 100Kb in size. (As a reference, the driver for the trackpad in a laptop is about 260K in size). In addition, Windows runs as a foundation role in the parent partition thereby providing increased reliability and security with removal of non-value add legacy and client components.

Q: What benefits will Windows Server virtualization offer customers that they can’t already get now from VMware or Xen?

A: Virtualization is a key stepping stone for customers toward dynamic systems that are independent of physical resources. Customers need virtualization solutions that are secure, interoperable, manageable, supported, as well as appropriate licensing policies. Microsoft’s strategy is to address all of these needs and Windows Server virtualization is a key element of that strategy. Windows Server virtualization is designed to provide integrated virtualization capabilities to Windows customers. Windows Server virtualization and the System Center product family will provide the most integrated, comprehensive and cost-effective virtualization solution for customers. The result will be a highly efficient and secure virtualization capability that will act as a building block for managing the next-generation datacenter. We believe the combination of virtualization platform and management capabilities can deliver business agility, dynamic resource usage and higher levels of efficiency.

Q: Are the new hardware standards for I/O Virtualization competitive with Microsoft’s products?

A: Microsoft has been working with hardware partners on progressive complementary technologies that combine new hardware and software innovations. As a matter of fact the next generation of virtualization products from Microsoft that we are talking about this week are actually dependent upon new industry hardware assists for virtualization. Microsoft is further an active participant in the PCI-SIG IO Virtualization Working Group and is excited about how these new standards can further complement existing and future virtualization solutions from Microsoft. We are cooperating in this industry forum to help ensure these standards enjoy optimal compatibility even with existing Windows Operating Systems and extend future complementary capabilities from virtualized devices. These new device virtualization standards will help the industry provide more efficient and dynamic sharing of resources across blade systems even without a hypervisor, but with future Windows Virtualization even broader capabilities can be available through to individual virtual machines within a physical machine.

TOOL: Using Skype on Pocket PC Phones to send & receive long distance calls

Mon, 01 May 2006 17:07:18 GMT

While this isn't a Microsoft technology per se, it is a reasonably interesting technology that runs over our Windows Mobile platform.

Taken from Dan Fernandez's blog:

http://blogs.msdn.com/danielfe/archive/2006/03/17/553826.aspx

------------------

Skype trick to never pay for long distance
Juval Lowy sent me this gem of a tip for how to use Skype on a PocketPC leveraging Verizon's broadband network and have your calls automatically forwarded to your PocketPC (no more nights and weekends). It also works well when travelling assuming your hotel has broadband, plus anyone calling you only pays for local calls

You install on it SkypeIn and SkypeOut for the pocket PC.

http://www.skype.com/products/skype/pocketpc/

SkypeIn lets you receives calls on 3 numbers of your choice anywhere in the world, routed to your pocket PC, has voice mail, etc for a small flat fee:

http://www.skype.com/products/skypein/

SkypeOut lets you call outside to normal phone numbers for VOIP prices (3 cents a minute anywhere in the world):

http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/

Wherever you are in a WiFi hotspot, your pocket PC becomes your free cell phone.

Now, you sign with Verizon a data deal for unlimited broadband access to their network using a PCMCIA card ($60 per month)

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/businessSolutions/mobileProfessional/remoteAccess.jsp?action=leRemote
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=1600

You connect over the Verizon card to the Internet, then use Skype as a cell phone where there is no WiFi.
Net effect – really cheap cell bill every month, plus you can use the pocket PC as a modem for your laptop anywhere Verizon has coverage.
I use it mid-way: When I am on the road in Europe, I have SkypeOut on my laptop, and I use it as a cell phone, and I listed to my US cell phone voice messages via it.

NEWS: The Hype around Origami

Sat, 25 Feb 2006 12:41:49 GMT

I figured I'd better throw in my two cents here about all the rumors around Origami. (The rumors are beginning to sound a lot like the "Ginger" hype from Dean Kamen. One person I talked to thought it was a competitor to Playstation Portable.)

Here's a few URLs to read:

http://www.origamiproject.com

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/101668.asp

http://www.national.com/news/item/0,1735,703,00.html

VIDEO: http://www.evilkoala.org/media/microsoftorigami.wmv

RELEASE: Enterprise Windows Desktop Search

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 18:41:27 GMT

We've released a new Enterprise product called Windows Desktop Search V02.06 (updated 3 Jan 2006*) for Windows XP. It enables people to index and quickly search their desktops. We've also made it easy for customers to distribute the product Internationally using the MUI pack for it, and manage it using Active Directory Group Policy.

This is a recommended update. This updated version can be installed over the previous version (V2.06.0000.2057) and will result in a rebuild of your index.

- Old version: V02.06.0000.2057 (release date: 15 Nov 2005)
- New version: V02.06.0000.2083 (release date: 3 Jan 2006)

Details are available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907371/en-us.

-------------------------------------------

Windows Desktop Search V02.06.0000.2083 downloads:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch/enterprise/downloads.mspx

Windows Desktop Search Multilanguage User Interface (MUI):

http://g.microsoft.com/8SEURL/ENUWDSMSCOMDownloadURLWDSMUI

Windows Desktop Search Group Policy .ADM file:

http://g.microsoft.com/8SEURL/ENUWDSMSCOMDownloadURLWDSADM

Windows Desktop Search Administrator's Guide:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows/search/dtsguide.mspx

RELEASE: Slingmedia enables TV to your Windows Mobile device

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 10:34:32 GMT

Sling Media Delivers Your Home Television to Windows Mobile Smartphones and Handheld Computers

SlingPlayer™ Mobile delivers the complete home TV experience, live and recorded, to Slingbox owners who have a Windows Mobile-based smartphone or handheld computer

Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, NV – January 5, 2006 — Sling Media, a digital lifestyle consumer electronics products company, today announced SlingPlayer Mobile, a new software client that gives Slingbox customers the ability to watch and control their home TV from any wirelessly-enabled Windows Mobile smartphone or handheld computer. The new SlingPlayer Mobile software supports all flavors of Windows Mobile including Windows Mobile for Pocket PC and Windows Mobile for Smartphone, and is compatible with both Windows Mobile 4 and the recently released Windows Mobile 5 operating systems. The SlingPlayer Mobile software will be available in the first quarter of 2006. Pricing and distribution will be announced at that time.

http://www.slingmedia.com/press/pressreleases-01.05.06b.php

RELEASE: VOIP Phone for consumers using Windows Live Messenger Service

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:24:04 GMT

Wow. Hook this cordless phone to your PC's USB port or to a standard POTS phone line. The phone can be used to make calls over the Internet to land lines and receive them.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28695

UPDATE: Official WMF Vulnerability patch coming Jan 10th

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:08:25 GMT

The official Security Advisory for the WMF vulnerability is located here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/912840.mspx

There are several options available on the advisory page but apparently a patch is slated for release next week. It's currently built and being tested internally and with certain test customers.

"Microsoft recommends that customers download and deploy the security update for the WMF vulnerability that we are targeting for release on Jan. 10, 2006"

PRODUCT: Nissan's "URGE" - The first car with SERIOUSLY integrated XBox360

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:26:12 GMT

DETROIT — Dec. 28, 2005 — Nissan North America Inc.(NNA) and Microsoft Corp. have merged automobile design and gaming technology to create the first-ever fully integrated gaming system within a vehicle. Conceived by Nissan Design America Inc. (NDA) and equipped with the Xbox 360™ next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Nissan URGE concept car allows drivers (while parked) to play “Project Gotham Racing® 3” using the car’s own steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal while viewing the game on a flip-down seven-inch LCD screen. “PGR® 3” is developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Bizarre Creations Ltd. for Microsoft Game Studios.

The URGE, which will make its world debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 9, offers a glimpse of how echo boomers are influencing the next generation of vehicle design.

“Nissan conducted an Internet survey of 2,000 echo boomers, a majority of which said technology and gaming are among the most important attributes in their first car,” said Bruce Campbell, vice president of design at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. “Xbox 360 offered the latest in technology and was already a favorite among this audience.”

The Nissan URGE, outfitted with an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, puts the controls of the world’s most powerful gaming console at the hands and feet of the driver. Implemented by the designers at Nissan Design America with the guidance of Microsoft engineers, the Nissan URGE delivers an immersive driving experience not available in any living room.

The URGE concept car is equipped with the award-winning “PGR 3,” which allows drivers to control a breathtaking trip through the streets of five photo-realistic locations: New York City, London, Las Vegas, Tokyo and the Nurburgring test track in Germany. “PGR 3” drivers view and play the game on a flip-down LCD screen, which doubles as a rear-view mirror when the car is being used for real driving. They control the action using the Nissan URGE’s race-inspired steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal. A Nissan URGE driver can, for example, maneuver through the streets of New York, park the car and fire up the Xbox 360, then virtually race through the same streets using the same steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal — blurring fantasy and reality in a way that the automotive world has never before seen.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/dec05/12-27URGE360PR.mspx

SUPPORT: Mac Internet Explorer hitting end-of-life for support

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 21:27:17 GMT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER FOR MAC USERS

In June 2003, the Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit announced that Internet Explorer for Mac would undergo no further development, and support would cease in 2005. In accordance with published support lifecycle policies, Microsoft will end support for Internet Explorer for Mac on December 31st, 2005, and will provide no further security or performance updates.

Additionally, as of January 31st, 2006, Internet Explorer for the Mac will no longer be available for download from Mactopia. It is recommended that Macintosh users migrate to more recent web browsing technologies such as Apple's Safari.

See the rest of it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/internetexplorer/internetexplorer.aspx?pid=internetexplorer

NEWS: HDTV on Windows PCs, without a set-top box!

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 22:42:30 GMT

Microsoft and CableLabs Announce Agreement to Enable High-Definition Digital Cable Programming on Windows-Based PCs

Future versions of Media Center PCs to receive digital cable programming without the need for a cable set-top box.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/nov05/11-16CableLabsPR.mspx

Yeah, baby!

Expandable hard drives... HD recordings that you can 'sling' to anything on your home network... stream from your home PC to your desktop at work... share content with your friends... archive and burn to DVD...

... and NO MORE TiVo FEES!

NEWS: Where to buy an XBox 360 from?

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 18:56:32 GMT

WOW. Check this out.... this is VERY reasonable.

XBox360 pre-sale through CostCo - $479.99

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11091580&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=3

The only other pre-sale site that I know of that has XBox360's still available is

The Silver Bundle for XBox360 at Gamestop.com for $799:

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/360/360_silver.asp

DOWNLOAD: Free X Server for Windows from StarNet

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 20:38:57 GMT

Starnet Communications Offers a Free X Server Download
X-Win32 LX is designed to complement Microsoft Services for UNIX 3.5 platform of interoperability solutions by enabling the display of X Windows applications running locally on the Windows workstation or server.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/sfu/default.mspx

or http://www.starnet.com/xwin32LX/get_xwin32LX.htm

NEWS: "Hot Wheels" USB Memory

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 07:23:49 GMT

This is innovative thinking. I hope someone's reading this.

http://www.johnaho.com/usbcar.htm

BOOK: Windows Administrator's Automation Toolkit

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 17:45:27 GMT

I was quite surprised by the number of people that immediately went to go get the book I wrote about called "Windows Group Policy Guide". In fact, I had no idea so many people read this blog.

That being said, check this out:

0-7356-2166-7 Microsoft® Windows® Administrator's Automation Toolkit

This is the Windows Administrator's Automation Toolkit. It's focused on writing scripts against Windows XP & Windows 2000/2003 for automating redudant or scheduleable tasks.

Get the detailed guidance, tips, and tools you need to automate Windows system administration—including 120 full working scripts with command-line controls on the CD! Windows automation expert Don Jones shows you how to run the scripts as written or customize them for your unique requirements. You’ll learn how to reconfigure multiple services on a computer, shut down multiple remote computers, add users to Active Directory® directory service, automate security configurations, work with Internet Information Services 6.0, and perform other key computer and network management tasks. You’ll also explore advanced scripting tools. The CD features all 120 timesaving scripts, plus a bonus eBook to further your scripting expertise

NEW: "The Conversationator" for MSN Messenger 7.0

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 18:53:55 GMT

My coworker, Dutch de Rijke pointed this new Microsoft technology out to me. I hate it when others get the drop on me but I suppose one can't get everything. <grin>

"The Conversationator" for MSN Messenger 7.0.0813

The Conversationator is a slideout window in MSN Messenger 7.0.0813 Access it by entering into a conversation with someone, and clicking "Activites --> Conversationator". They'll need to accept the Conversationator session, then a window will appear within MSN Messenger.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how to describe this thing. It's basically a method of transmitting "smileys" via audio. Instead of typing :-) or sending a smiley face, you press a button in the "Conversationator" window to transmit a sound or voice like, "Ha ha ha!" or "Cooool."

Just another form of expression bridged by Microsoft Instant Messaging technologies.
(Download MSN Messenger 7.0.0813 at http://messenger.msn.com)

NOT NEWS: IE7.0 won't be available for Win2000

Tue, 31 May 2005 01:25:47 GMT

File this in the 'duh' file, but IE7.0 WON'T be available for Windows 2000 users. Attached is the IEBlog entry that highlights this point.

http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2005/05/27/422721.aspx

NEWS: Mappoint Location Service gaining customers!

Thu, 26 May 2005 00:32:29 GMT

It looks like we're making traction with our cellphone-based location server!

For those of you who haven't seen it, Mappoint Location Server is a very cool server that enables companies that use cellphone to track the movement of their personnel through cell phone location-based services technology (similar to GPS), combined with geographical maps provided by Mappoint.

The result is a low cost GPS system that:
- tracks where shipments are along their route
- where people are in the field
- enables look ups over a web browser.

http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-5709298.html

RELEASE: Microsoft Speech Server 2004 R2 releases!

Thu, 26 May 2005 00:24:07 GMT

Microsoft updated its server software platform for speech-enabled applications this week with an R2 version of Microsoft Speech Server 2004.
The key new features of Microsoft Speech Server 2004 R2 are support for all-in-one server configurations and support for U.S. Spanish and Canadian French speakers at no extra cost in the original version designed for U.S. English speakers.

The new version also enjoys expanded telephony boards coverage and VoIP support from industry partners including Aculab, Brooktrout Inc., Eicon Networks and Vail Systems Inc.http://www.microsoft.com/speech/

MAPS: What's Microsoft doing with mapping technology?

Wed, 25 May 2005 01:49:52 GMT

I've gotten a lot of questions about mapping technology recently.

Normally, I don't get too conversational in my blog being that I know that there are a lot of my customers reading this and we don't want to get talkie-talkie like most blogs get. But I want everyone to know that when it comes to mapping... we're doing some absolutely spectacular stuff in this space.

Enter: Microsoft Virtual Earth. Check this out:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/4/a/64a8e731-6cf5-4609-999c-1da1c2767040/virtual_earth_2005_channel9_video.wmv

1) We can not only provide a maps for 30 different countries, with frankly an EXCELLENT smooth moving interface for mapping...
2) We can not only show aerial SATELLITE imagery that shows people...
3) We can BLEND TOGETHER the digital maps and the satellite imagery to enable you to not only see the maps from an aerial biew but to also know where you are...
4) We can identify building locations from aerial maps to show you where you are or where you're going on a REAL map...
5) We can do driving directions mapped right over the aerial maps... we can blog directly to MSN Spaces to show people how to get from place to place...
6) ...and it's all totally programmable through the Mappoint Web Service.

So as you can see... we are NOT worried about Google Maps.

(BTW Let me say that Steve Lombardi, Program Manager for the Mappoint Business Unit is one of the most interesting, brilliant, and likeable guys I've ever met. He's got a Pocket PC Phone that automatically shows you where he is based on this Mappoint Web Service technology. (http://www.whatididwaswrong.com/whereissteve/) For those of you at Countrywide - I'd STRONGLY recommend checking this stuff out with regard to ideas in Real Estate.)

TOOL: Lookout - Indexing engine for Outlook 2003

Thu, 12 May 2005 00:55:11 GMT

Speaking of Sandbox, there is a really cool tool that we bought called Lookout. It's not being developed any more in deference to MSN Desktop Search however, I think it's still a REALLY good indexing engine.

Basically it puts a GOOGLE bar into your Outlook, and when you're not looking, it indexes your Outlook mailbox. (the online store or more specifically, the .OST mail cache file on your local drive) It also will index, at your wish, your .PST files which might contain archives of mail, and your documents in your "MY DOCUMENTS" folder.

It's very fast and very accurate. It does rankings and everything and is enabled for drag and drop. Download it and try it! It's free!

http://www.lookoutsoft.com/Lookout/lookoutinfo.html

RTM: Live Communications Server 2005 SP1 is now available for LCS 2005

Fri, 29 Apr 2005 00:03:05 GMT

Live Communications Server 2005 SP1 is now available for LCS 2005, which will enable Public IM Connectivity to AOL, MSN, and Yahoo. Pricing availability for the "public IM connectivity" component is TBA.

DOWNLOAD: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3508860C-2616-4B5A-BA00-353BE599A7B1

SP1 Documentation on Office Online
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011526591033.aspx

Live Communications Server 2005 with Service Pack 1 Planning Guide
Live Communications Server 2005 Address Book Service Planning and Deployment Guide
Updating to Service Pack 1 and Enabling Public IM Connectivity
Live Communications Server 2005 with Service Pack 1 Feature Guide