Category Archives: In the News

Tech news and opinions

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 released to manufacturers!

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Microsoft recently confirmed that they have released Service Pack 2 of Windows Vista to manufacturers – which I guess means that they have completed work on it. They have also sent a RTM of Windows Server 2008 SP2 to manufacturers.

The official release of Vista and Server 2008 SP2 is not due until quarter two of 2009, but it’s good to know it looks like Microsoft are on track and ready.

According to Microsoft (quote-en-qoute), these are the key features of SP2:

  • Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches
  • Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology
  • Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista
  • Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration
  • Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

So hopefully it’ll be good. GEEK! will keep you updated on any dates for the Service Pack’s launch as soon as they arise.

Windows 7 release candidate date confirmed!

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The Windows Blog yesterday confirmed the release dates for the Windows 7 Release Candidate. They have said there has been a lot of question as to when the release candidate is coming out, so they decided to post the date online.

Anyway, the Release Candidate will be available to MSDN/TechNet customers from April 30th 2009, and it will be available to the general public from May 5th.

Looking good Microsoft, but remember the havock that arised when the Beta was launched. Hopefully Microsoft will think about this and organise downloads a little better.

Anyway, something to look forward to. I’ll be reviewing it as usual in a couple of weeks time.

BBC [finally] updates iPlayer download software!

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At last, the BBC have finally updated the iPlayer download software. I just couldn’t stand the Java (? – I think it was Java – correct me if I’m wrong), but the BBC have totally rewritten and redesigned the software with Adobe Air.

Big improvement. It’s much easier to use, it’s quicker, plus it works much better overall.

iPlayer

On top of that, the BBC has added download support for Google Chrome you can download programmes from Chrome.

So if you use iPlayer a lot, this is a very handy update. Head over to bbc.co.uk/iplayer to see what the fuss is about.

Mainstream support has been ended for XP, but it’s nothing to worry about… yet.

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Basically, as planned, Microsoft ended Mainstream Support for Windows XP today. As far as I am aware, this means that Microsoft will no longer provide non-security updates to private users. As Extended Support is still available (and will be for years to come), Microsoft is still going to provide security updates for free as and when they are required. Microsoft is not planning to cut security updates for XP until April 8, 2014.

The company is also going to continue providing support both over the phone and on the web.

Basically, there’s not much to worry about. However, when Windows 7 is released, I would suggest that people start to think about moving to that rather than hanging on an earlier version of Windows that will only provide security fixes for a limited period.

The same Mainstream Support has ended for Office 2003, so users may also consider upgrading to Office 2007 or waiting until the next version of Office is released with Windows 7.

Update: It also seems to have become apparent that you need to be on Windows XP SP3/Office 2003 SP3 to continue to receive important security updates.

Windows 7 will offer downgrade to Windows Vista and XP

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Microsoft has confirmed to news site The Register that Windows 7 will offer a downgrade to Windows Vista and Windows XP for up to 6 months after general availability. The news page seems to suggest that the downgrade will be available for Windows 7 Pro and Windows 7 Ultimate.

I would guess that the downgrade availability would be becuase there are still a large group of people who prefer Windows XP to Windows 7 and Vista.

So, if you still love Windows XP, you don’t need to worry about buying a new computer. Personally, I think Windows 7 will be much better than any previous Windows version, so see what you think before you downgrade.