Microsoft: Linux isn't cheaper

Microsoft on Wednesday released the latest in a series of studies it has commissioned that show Windows to be as cheap or cheaper than Linux as part of its "Get the Facts" campaign.

The latest study, conducted by BearingPoint, found that even looking at only the "hard costs" of licensing and support, Windows Server 2003 was often cheaper than Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Novell/SUSE Linux

While the acquisition costs associated with licensing and support should be evaluated, this study has found after comparing the cumulative costs within medium and enterprise scenarios over a five year period that those costs do not significantly differentiate Windows Server 2003, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 or Novell/SUSE Linux 8," BearingPoint said in the conclusion of its report.

WinBeta.org - Microsoft: Linux isn't cheaper

TechEd: Microsoft to kill 'Kodiak' code name

"Microsoft will dump its 'Kodiak' code-name that had been tagged to the next generation release of Exchange Server, instead shifting strategy to release individual improvements as they are ready, according to company executives here at TechEd 2004.

The Kodiak name was used to represent a whole set of technologies. We will deliver those technology pieces not in a single release, but as soon as possible,' said Kim Akers, senior director at Microsoft.

Pieces that were expected in the Kodiak release, which was due in the 2006 timeframe, include the forthcoming Yukon relational data store technology, enhanced security, mobility improvements, and 64-bit support, among other things."

MSFN - TechEd: Microsoft to kill 'Kodiak' code name

Microsoft creating Windows for supercomputers

"Microsoft has launched an effort to produce a version of Windows for high-performance computing, a move seen as a direct attack on a Linux stronghold.

High-performance computing once required massive, expensive, exotic machines from companies such as Cray, but the field is being remade by the arrival of clusters of low-end machines. While the trend could be considered an opportunity for Microsoft, which has long been the leading operating-system company, Linux has actually become the favored software used on these clusters.

Now Microsoft has begun its response, forming its High Performance Computing team and planning a new OS version called Windows Server HPC Edition. Kyril Faenov is director of the effort, and Microsoft is hiring new managers, programmers, testers and others."

ieXbeta Board - Microsoft creating Windows for supercomputers

Microsoft extends product support to 10 years

"Microsoft Corp. next month will institute a new product life-cycle policy that extends support for Microsoft products to a minimum of 10 years from the current seven years. The updated policy also provides increased support for IT infrastructure security assistance, Microsoft said at its Tech Ed conference in San Diego.

The announcement, in a keynote presentation by Microsoft Corporate Vice President Andy Lees, was welcomed with applause by the audience."

ieXbeta Board - Microsoft extends product support to 10 years

Microsoft will release its own P2V solution for Virtual Server 2005

"During a TechEd 2004 session, a Microsoft representative revealed this will happen: a new “Virtual Server Migration Toolkit” will be released in beta (as web download) during Q3 2004, and in RTM during Q4 2004. This toolkit is an add-on to actual ADS 1.0 and will eventually work with Virtual Server 2005 only."

Bink.nu - Microsoft will release its own P2V solution for Virtual Server 2005

Exchange Intelligent Message Filter (Spamfilter) released!

Intelligent Message Filter is based on Microsoft SmartScreen Technology from Microsoft Research. By using e-mail characteristics tracked by SmartScreen technology, Intelligent Message Filter can help determine whether each incoming e-mail message is likely to be spam. Based on this likelihood, you can choose to block e-mail messages at the gateway or at the mailbox store. For more information about Intelligent Message Filter, see Exchange Intelligent Message Filter Overview.

Bink.nu - Exchange Intelligent Message Filter (Spamfilter) released!

Exchange 2003 SP1 released!!

"Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) offers new updates and improvements to Exchange Server 2003. Enhancements include new language support for Outlook Mobile Access and Microsoft Office Outlook® Web Access spelling checkers, and out-of-office modification, a larger text entry field, search folder support, and improved menu navigation for the Outlook Mobile Access user interface."

Bink.nu - Exchange 2003 SP1 released!!

Access 2003 Conversion Toolkit Will Significantly Streamline Database Conversion

"The Microsoft Office Access 2003 Conversion Toolkit is a set of tools and documentation designed to ease the deployment of Microsoft Office 2003. Specifically, it helps organizations discover, evaluate and convert their Microsoft Office Access databases. (Microsoft Office Access 2003 is a program that enables the management of desktop databases.) The Access Conversion Toolkit is made up of four components: a scanning tool, a reporting tool, e-learning and documentation, as well as changes to the Microsoft Office Access application itself. Although the toolkit is designed primarily for IT professionals, all customers moving from Access 97 to either Access 2002 or Access 2003 will benefit from the new tool."

Bink.nu | Access 2003 Conversion Toolkit Will Significantly Streamline Database Conversion

Web Services Enhancements (WSE) 2.0 for Microsoft .NET

"Web Services Enhancements 2.0 for Microsoft® .NET (WSE) is a supported add-on to Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework that enables developers to build secure Web services based on the latest Web services protocol specifications.

WSE 2.0 simplifies the development and deployment of secure Web services by enabling developers and administrators to more easily apply security policies on Web services running on the .NET Framework. Using WSE, Web services communication can be signed and encrypted using Kerberos tickets, X.509 certificates, username/password credentials, and other custom binary and XML-based security tokens. In addition, an enhanced security model provides a policy-driven foundation for securing Web services across trust domains. WSE also supports the ability to establish a trust-issuing service for retrieval and validation of security tokens, as well as the ability to establish more efficient long-running secure communication via secure conversations."

Bink.nu - Web Services Enhancements (WSE) 2.0 for Microsoft .NET

Windows 95 makes it to Pocket PC

This was made possible by a Pocket PC port of Bochs, by Mamaich, who has also ported DosBox, a 'program similar to Bochs but it's a lot faster and only emulates DOS'. Sadly, the author tried and failed to get WarLords II working on both these versions, but I'm sure time will tell!

If you're keen to try this on your own Pocket PC, you'll need a minimum of a 256MB memory card (or stream the image over a wireless network) and you'll need a program like Nyditot Virtual Display to increase your screen resolution. Oh, yes, and you'll also need the emulator.

According to Miracle, what we really need now is for another developer to 'pick this up and optimize it to get more speed, since Mamaich stated that he will not continue to work on this, but instead focus more on DosBox.'

ieXbeta Board - Windows 95 makes it to Pocket PC

Another TechEd Hot Button: WSE 2.0

Microsoft will use next week's conference to talk up the latest version of its Web Services Enhancements technology.

As part of its emphasis on developer and security issues at its annual TechEd conference next week, Microsoft will tutor attendees in the finer points of its Web Services Enhancements (WSE) 2.0 technologies.
WSE is the vehicle via which Microsoft provides annual or biannual updates to its Web-services support. The 2.0 release includes support for Web services specs upon which Microsoft, IBM and BEA have collaborated, as well as support for greater security.

Microsoft Watch - Another TechEd Hot Button: WSE 2.0

Oracle Joins Microsoft's Visual Studio

In a move considered by some to be an easing of tensions between rivals, Oracle has joined Microsoft's Visual Studio Industry Partner (VSIP) program as a premier-level partner.

'Microsoft is pleased to announce our partnership with Oracle,' said Eric Rudder, senior vice president of Servers and Tools at Microsoft in a statement issued Thursday. 'The integration of Oracle's products with Visual Studio .NET 2003 will provide our mutual customers with a more productive developer environment for building Oracle applications on the Microsoft Windows platform.'

In its announcement, Microsoft hailed the partnership as an initiative that will increase productivity, ease deployment and provide tighter integration between Oracle Database and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003.

ieXbeta Board - Oracle Joins Microsoft's Visual Studio

Ballmer Throws Down the Security Gauntlet

'I guarantee you our company will have the most secure software in the world. We may also have the most popular, so it is the most attacked. We're learning from all those attacks. Some days the only thing I can be happy with on the security front is that we're getting smarter fast.' — Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during his closing speech of this week's Microsoft Government Leaders Forum-Americas 2004.

Microsoft Watch - Ballmer Throws Down the Security Gauntlet:

IBM Drops Gloves in Database War with Oracle

"IBM is taking off its kid gloves. IBM, the blue-chip company with a buttoned-down reputation, on Friday fired off a full-page newspaper ad in both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal aimed at stealing its archrival Oracle Corp.'s database customers. 'MAY DAY! MAY DAY! (rescuing Oracle users),' the ad said. It goes on to warn readers that Oracle sales people will soon call on them to buy the next version of its software as it stops supporting current versions.

On the one hand, the ad befits a long, bitter rivalry between International Business Machines Corp. and Oracle for the top spot in the database markets. Oracle dominates the database market, but IBM has been challenging it for the top spot. But consolidation and antitrust threats have forced software companies to become more friendly, as evidenced by Microsoft making up with a number of rivals like America Online, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and SAP AG, after years of being thought of as the biggest bully in the sandbox."

Neowin.net - IBM Drops Gloves in Database War with Oracle

USS Enterprise Finally Flies!!!

'Found on Slashdot Japan: Model builder Kaname of Kumamoto, Japan has built a flying radio controlled model of the original Star Trek's USS Enterprise. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for a video. Or go here for an mpeg, and here for a WMV.) The ship measures from 75 cm, and only weighs 16 grams. It's a wobbly flight, but makes you think what else in Star Trek might work if it were tried.'

Slashdot - USS Enterprise Finally Flies!!!

Microsoft Readies Updates For Tech Ed

"A raft of updates are expected at next week's Microsoft Tech Ed show in San Diego, including the release of Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Internet Security & Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 and possibly beta one of Visual Studio 2005.

As of late Thursday, the status of the first beta of the new Visual Studio toolkit, code-named Whidbey, remained day to day. Best-guess estimates from company insiders that it would surface at Tech Ed, as planned, ranged from 'likely' to 'iffy.' A Microsoft spokeswoman declined to comment on the timing of the beta."

WinBeta.org - Microsoft Readies Updates For Tech Ed

Microsoft Readies New Bridging Tool

"Redmond's new 'Information Bridge Framework' is designed to make Office-back office connectivity more transparent.

Microsoft is readying a new tool that is designed to connect Microsoft Office applications to back-end enterprise systems.

The tool, called the 'Information Bridge Framework,' or IBF, is on tap to debut at the company's Tech Ed 2004 conference in San Diego next week, sources said.

IBF is designed to connect Web services to the Office client with no 'extra hops' or intermediate servers required.

IBF is designed to build on top of the XML support that Microsoft already has built into its Office System 2003 applications, such as Word, Excel and Outlook. IBF will allow developers and information-worker users to expose 'enterprise business objects' and then pull them right into their familiar Office documents."

WinBeta.org - Microsoft Readies New Bridging Tool

PCI Express - Believe the hype

Rolling out this summer will be Intels new architecture--the PCI-Express. The PCI Express bus will replace I/O interfaces such as PCI and AGP8X on all servers and workstations, as well as desktops, notebooks, and communications devices.

With high performance RAID, and enhanced network performance, the PIC-Express will be a must have for hardware enthusiasts and computer users alike. There is a possibility of increasing full-duplex GbE and 10GbE, which could not be done in PCI-enabled boxes. With a PCI bus, you have to open up the box and insert a card, but with PCI-Express, manufacturers can put connectors on the motherboards that will enables users to simply plug in cables at the back of the box which completely simplifies the process.

WinBeta.org - PCI Express - Believe the hype

Security Guidance Kit v1.0 available as download

"What is the Security Guidance Kit?

The Security Guidance Kit is a collection of how-to information, software tools, and detailed prescriptive guidance within a small 'viewer' application. The materials within the Kit are all designed to help you implement security measures in your environment. The topics covered include patch management, anti-virus measures, securing remote access, and blocking unsafe email attachments."

Bink.nu - Security Guidance Kit v1.0 available as download

Mozilla 1.8 Alpha1

These release notes describe system requirements, installation instructions, and known issues for Mozilla 1.8 Alpha1. These notes are updated when we receive feedback, so please check back for new information. Consult our releases page to download the source and the latest version of Mozilla for your platform.

Mozilla Releases - Mozilla 1.8 Alpha1

Mozilla 1.7 RC 2

These release notes describe system requirements, installation instructions, and known issues for Mozilla 1.7 RC 2. These notes are updated when we receive feedback, so please check back for new information. Consult our releases page to download the source and the latest version of Mozilla for your platform.

Mozilla Releases - Mozilla 1.7 RC 2

The Official Samba-3 HOWTO and Reference Guide

"As Linux makes its way into previously Microsoft-only environments, whether in a server or desktop capacity, it is likely that Samba becomes involved in the process of integrating the systems. Hot on the heels of the September 2003 release of Samba 3.0 comes The Official Samba-3 HOWTO and Reference Guide, edited by John H. Terpstra and Jelmer R. Vernooij, two of the cofounders of the Samba team."

Linux Journal - The Official Samba-3 HOWTO and Reference Guide

Writing Scalable Applications with PHP

A follow-up to April's print article, "Real-World PHP Security".

The first part of this article, "Real-World PHP Security", appeared in the April 2004 issue of Linux Journal and covered the subject of secure PHP development. This article takes you, the professional PHP developer, one step further, by providing detailed explanations and reliable source code that illustrate the steps to follow in order to develop successful PHP applications.

One day or another, every developer faces a situation in which he/she is responsible for extending the functionality of an existing application or prepare an application for an increase in use and traffic (scaling up). Our goal today is to make this process trivial by learning to develop applications based on a clean, elegant and modular design that is secure, reliable and flexible while keeping it all simple.

Linux Journal - Writing Scalable Applications with PHP

Google moves toward clash with Microsoft

"Edging closer to a direct confrontation with Microsoft, Google is preparing to introduce a powerful file and text software search tool for locating information stored on personal computers.

Google's software, which is expected to be introduced soon, according to several people with knowledge of the company's plans, is the clearest indication to date that the company, based in Mountain View, Calif., hopes to extend its search business to compete directly with Microsoft's control of desktop computing. "

ieXbeta Board - Google moves toward clash with Microsoft

Is Torvalds really the father of Linux?

"It's hard to imagine that Linus Torvalds could have launched Linux without directly using earlier operating system work, according to a report that has become controversial even before its scheduled publication Thursday.

The 92-page report, from a 14-person Washington, D.C., think tank called the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, suggests more Linux credit should go to Minix. A Unix clone, Minix that was designed by Andrew Tanenbaum at Vrije University in Amsterdam for the study of operating systems and software, which Torvalds used before he embarked on Linux development in 1991.

According to the study, it's safe to argue that Tanenbaum, who had years of OS experience and who had seen the Unix source code, could create Minix in three years. 'However, it is highly questionable that Linus, still just a student, with virtually no operating systems development experience, could do the same, especially in one-sixth of the time.

Although the new study raises more questions than it answers, in an interview author Ken Brown was bolder in his claims. 'It's clear to me, at least from quotes from Tanenbaum, that Linus started from Minix...He just sat down with Minix and wrote this product. By definition, that is not an invention,' Brown said. 'If you sit down with the Ford blueprints and build a Chrysler and don't give Ford any credit, that's not invention.' "

ieXbeta Board - Is Torvalds really the father of Linux?

MS chief reveals Xbox 2 development secrets

On the morning after Microsoft's exclusive E3 drinks reception in Hollywood, where the likes of Allard, Peter Moore, Shane Kim and the European Xbox team mixed with a handful of sweaty hacks, the Xbox creator was in an open mood when we spoke with him. He discussed the current state of play for the Xbox business and beyond, offering insights into next-gen software development and how it will change the way we experience videogames.

When asked if, aside from the XNA demonstrations we've already seen, he had been privy to next-gen demonstrations, he said: 'There's some stuff that's just knocked my socks off.

Bink.nu - MS chief reveals Xbox 2 development secrets

Microsoft adds disaster aid to volume licensing

Microsoft said Wednesday that some volume licensing customers will soon be able to store their software at no charge on an additional server used solely in the event of a disaster.

The software maker said that starting June 1, businesses in its Software Assurance program will be able to make a duplicate copy for each server software product they license.

There are two major caveats, however. The software must be stored on a "cold" server, that is, one turned off until a disaster occurs. Also, the rights to store the extra copy are good only as long as a Software Assurance agreement is in place.

Microsoft has been working to add benefits to the Software Assurance program amid criticisms that the primary benefit--free upgrades--is not justifying the cost. Microsoft has already added additional training, support and other perks to improve the program.

Bink.nu - Microsoft adds disaster aid to volume licensing

Microsoft to submit antispam standard

Microsoft on Wednesday said it plans to submit a proposal to make its antispam technology a standard, becoming the latest Internet giant to seek industry approval for the adoption of its technique.

The technology, called "Caller ID for E-mail," is an Internet Protocol-based method to ensure that the sender's return e-mail address is authentic. Many spammers have used a method called "spoofing," which makes their return addresses appear legitimate to the recipient's spam filters. Often, people open unwanted spam, thinking it originated from a contact, which could lead to the further dissemination of viruses and user annoyance.

Microsoft plans to file its proposal to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), an industry standards body, either this week or next.

Bink.nu - Microsoft to submit antispam standard

Microsoft cuts back on worker benefits

Goal is to reduce expenses by 21% Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software company, will cut vacation time for new employees and charge US workers a $40 copayment for brand-name prescription drugs as part of plans to cut costs as sales growth declines.

Microsoft also will reduce the discount for employee stock purchases to 10 percent from 15 percent starting in July, spokeswoman Tami Begasse said. Using generic drugs can save Microsoft as much as 80 percent in prescription costs compared with brand-name drugs, she said.

Chief financial officer John Connors wants to reduce operating expenses by 21 percent next year to about $21.9 billion to boost profit as sales slow. Microsoft has forecast revenue to grow as little as 3.4 percent next fiscal year, compared with the 14 percent it expects for the year ending next month.

Bink.nu - Microsoft cuts back on worker benefits

Commerce Server 2002 Service Pack 3

Service Pack 3 is not required if Commerce Server 2002 Feature Pack 1 is already installed. Commerce Server 2002 Feature Pack 1 includes the incremental fixes beyond SP2. Do not use this Service Pack with the Commerce Server 2002 Trial Software; a version of this Service Pack can be downloaded with the Commerce Server 2002 Trial Software .

Commerce Server 2002 Service Pack 3 (SP3) contains a collection of hotfixes and security fixes, including added support for Windows Server 2003, Visual Studio .NET 2003, SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (64-bit), .NET Framework 1.1, removal of the 5 connection limit for Commerce Server 2002 Developer Edition, and Commerce Server 2002 Developer Edition on Windows XP.

Please be sure to read and review the documentation in the download readme.htm before installing Commerce Server SP3

Bink.nu - Commerce Server 2002 Service Pack 3

Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Service Pack 2 released

Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides the latest updates to ISA Server 2000 and provides an even higher level of security, reliability and stability to customers. Microsoft strongly encourages customers to install SP2 on all computers running ISA Server.

ISA Server 2000 SP2 can be installed directly on ISA Server 2000, ISA Server 2000 Service Pack 1 or ISA Server 2000 Feature Pack 1 or any other combination of hot fixes.

ISA Server SP2 can be applied to ISA Server Standard and Enterprise Editions, and includes:

• All hot fixes and security updates issued since ISA Server was released to manufacturing.
• Fixes for common issues reported by customers through Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS).
• Enhanced stability of the ISA Server services and administration tool in a number of scenarios.
• Fixes that enable ISA Server to run on Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003, Standard Edition and Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition.
• Fixes recommended through an audit by third-party security experts.

Bink.nu - Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Service Pack 2 released

Symantec Firewalls Vulnerable to Intrusion, DOS

Symantec has confirmed a flaw in its firewall software products for Windows that could enable remote access or denial of service by attackers.

The company has released updates to fix the security holes, discovered by eEye Digital Security. Secunia termed the flow extremely critical because of the large installed base for the affected Norton Internet Security and Norton Personal Firewall products and the potential for the flaw to be exploited by an auto-propagating worm.

Despite the ease of repair (Symantec users can simply run the products' LiveUpdate auto-update feature), vendors expressed concern about the similarity to the mid-March revelation of a vulnerability in ISS' Black Ice products, which was exploited barely a day later by the Witty worm. That incident raised alarms about "zero day exploits" - attacks published the same day a security hole becomes public, leaving no time for network administrators to repair vulnerable systems.

Netcraft - Symantec Firewalls Vulnerable to Intrusion, DOS

Opera 7.50 Released

"Opera Software today released 7.50 for Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris. Opera 7.50 offers users hungry for a better Internet experience the latest advancements in Internet technologies, with the same engineering excellence and inventiveness that made its browser rendering so famous, now also offers a top-notch e-mailer, newsreader, IRC-compatible chat client, contact database, support for RSS newsfeeds and much, much more. Still, with all the features, Opera remains the fastest, best coded, small browsing application in the world, weighing in at 3.5 MB."

Neowin.net - Opera 7.50 Released

Microsoft Releases Source Code for WTL

"Microsoft on Tuesday night released the source code for its Windows Template Library under the open-source Common Public License and posted it on SourceForge, the open-source code repository. The Windows Template Library (WTL) is a library for developing Windows applications and user interface components. It also extends the Active Template Library (ATL) and provides a set of classes for controls, dialogs, frame windows, GDI objects and more.

The ATL is a set of template classes developed by Microsoft Corp. to aid in the development of ActiveX controls and Component Object Model (COM) objects. They're template-based C++ classes that simplify the programming of COM objects. The COM support in Visual C++ allows developers to easily create a variety of COM objects, Automation servers and ActiveX controls."

Neowin.net - Microsoft Releases Source Code for WTL

Microsoft to Battle Spyware

"Nearly half the world's computers may soon have built-in protection against debilitating infections of spyware and other unwanted software, thanks to Microsoft's update of the Windows XP operating system.

Expected to be released this summer, the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update will contain no fewer than five new security features designed to ward off the unauthorized installation of software via the Internet, according to Microsoft officials. The company hopes the features will not only quell the growing number of complaints from consumers about Windows XP's susceptibility to spyware, but will also save businesses millions of dollars in tech support calls."

MSFN - Microsoft to Battle Spyware

Oh boy, Denial of Service Vulnerability in IEEE 802.11 all Wireless Devices

"A vulnerability exists in hardware implementations of the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol[1] that allows for a trivial but effective attack against the availability of wireless local area network (WLAN) devices.
An attacker using a low-powered, portable device such as an electronic PDA and a commonly available wireless networking card may cause significant disruption to all WLAN traffic within range, in a manner that makes identification and localisation of the attacker difficult.

The vulnerability is related to the medium access control (MAC) function of the IEEE 802.11 protocol. WLAN devices perform Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA), which minimises the likelihood of two devices transmitting simultaneously. Fundamental to the functioning of CSMA/CA is the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) procedure, used in all standards-compliant hardware and performed by a Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) physical (PHY) layer."

Bink.nu - Oh boy, Denial of Service Vulnerability in IEEE 802.11 all Wireless Devices

Microsoft: SP2 Will Not Install on Pirated Copies of XP

"Contrary to the remarks it made to the ComputerTimes, Microsoft now claims that it will not permit users who have obtained Windows XP illegally to upgrade to its latest service release. Instead, the software giant will continue to enforce compliance with its licensing.

In a nutshell, Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe told ComputerTimes that Windows XP Service Pack 2 would not exclude pirated copies from upgrading, and that it was more important to keep user safe than to be 'concerned about the revenue issue.'


To clarify its position, a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews, 'Press reports indicating Windows XP Service Pack 2 will install on pirated or illegal copies of Windows XP are not entirely true. Prior to installing, SP2 will check the OS' product ID (PID) against a list of known pirated PIDs. If a PID is found to be invalid, SP2 will not install.'"

BetaNews - Microsoft: SP2 Will Not Install on Pirated Copies of XP

OSX Emulation on a x86

"This is the first official release of PearPC. Please note that this is an experimental program not meant for productive use. There are still unimplemented instructions, mysterious bugs and missing features. Don't use it on important data, it WILL destroy them sooner or later! However if you are brave enough to try it out fetch one of the builds or the source. Don't forget to read the documentation, it will save you hours of frustration! And please don't whine if it doesn't work for you but fix the bugs."

ieXbeta Board - OSX Emulation on a x86

Google Unveils Redesigned Blogger.com

"Google Inc., the No. 1 Web search company that recently announced plans to go public through a Dutch auction, on Monday rolled out a new design of its Blogger service that enables users to self-publish Web content.

The latest version of the free product allows users to instantly publish their Weblogs, or personal journals called 'blogs,' from any e-mail-enabled device, including cellular phones and handheld devices. Other new features also enable Blogger users to invite comment from readers or to post personal profiles."

ieXbeta Board - Google Unveils Redesigned Blogger.com

Shock as Microsoft Evangelist Robert Scoble Recommends Microsoft Technologies

Much has been made in recent days about Microsoft evangelist Robert Scoble and his comments about how Mozilla can take advantage of the new technologies introduced in Longhorn, the next major version of Windows. Scoble's thoughts on how Mozilla Firefox could be enhanced via features such as Avalon, Longhorn's new graphics layer, and WinFS, the enhanced file storage system, prompted InternetNews to conduct a follow-up interview, sparked a discussion at Slashdot and caused MozillaNews to quote almost enough to stretch the definition of fair use.

Which is interesting, as nothing Scoble said was particularly surprising. The fact that a Microsoft employee even mentioned Mozilla was a shock to some but it should be noted that Scoble, who was an established member of the weblogging community long before taking a job at Microsoft, was speaking for himself and not Redmond. Furthermore, Microsoft have recently started encouraging their employees to maintain weblogs, launching initiatives such as blogs.msdn.com and Channel 9. In addition, while some media outlets reported that Scoble was offering advice to Mozilla, in reality he simply was recommending technologies whose widespread adoption would benefit Microsoft. At its core, this is a simply case of a Microsoft evangelist evangelising Microsoft. Nothing particularly surprising about that.

MozillaZine Talkback - Shock as Microsoft Evangelist Robert Scoble Recommends Microsoft Technologies

Namco Releases Tekken 5 Teaser

"While Namco's Tekken 5 won't be officially unveiled until E3 next week, there's a tiny teaser for the game available at Namco's new Japanese webpage promoting the series. If you check out Tekken-Official.jp today, there's some art in the background that doesn't look like any Tekken character we remember.

As for what he does look like, the hair is oddly reminiscent of Dennis Rodman's, which ironically inspires memories of Zack from the Dead or Alive series.

Speculate over that how you like, at any rate, and look forward to more details when Namco unveils its new arcade fighter next week."

Neowin.net - Namco Releases Tekken 5 Teaser

Longhorn WinHEC Build: What's New?

"As I'm sure most people know by now, we've made an updated build of Windows 'Longhorn' (build 4074) available. My colleague Mike Taulty pointed to a webcast from Dave Massy that highlights the progress that's been made since the bits we handed out at the PDC. Of course many people (myself included) hate webcasts: they're just too slow and it's hard to pick out the salient points. So I've taken the liberty of posting the notes I took whilst watching this webcast, to give you the choice between watching or skim-reading...

This week we've released a Longhorn Community Technical Preview - the first update to the Longhorn bits distributed to PDC attendees. The updated bits were distributed to WinHEC attendees and are also available to MSDN subscribers. There are 32-bit and 64-bit (both Itanium and 64-bit extensions) images in both debug and retail versions. The SDK has been updated, and a DDK has also been released."

MSFN - Longhorn WinHEC Build: What's New?

IPAQ h5550 goes interstellar

"On Thursday, May 6, HP announced that their handy, dandy iPAQ Pocket PC was being used by the Expedition 9 crew aboard the International Space Station Soyuz 8 space craft.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of owning a Star Trek -like Tricorder, this is very cool. The handheld computers run a truncated version of Microsoft Windows, and will be used by astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke and cosmonaut Gennady I. Padalka as mobile productivity tools to record daily crew procedures, write personal memos and check e-mail and calendars.

The crew will also be able to listen to music, view photos from home and read e-books, allowing them to have some of the comforts of home on their journey. The devices will remain aboard the ISS and be reconfigured for each new crew. For the next flight, two additional iPAQs are expected to launch to the station for a total of four iPAQs."

MSFN - IPAQ h5550 goes interstellar

KOffice 1.3.1 Released

The KOffice team is happy to bring you the first bugfix package that builds upon the successful 1.3 version, adding even more enhanced OpenOffice.org import and export filters, improved spellchecking with ispell, fixes in hyphenation and many more. See the release notes and the complete list of changes.

KDE News - KOffice 1.3.1 Released

Microsoft verifies, updates "XP Reloaded" plans

"Various Microsoft representatives verified this week that 'XP Reloaded' will be a marketing campaign aimed at rejuvenating consumer excitement in Windows XP, a product that has evolved dramatically since its initial release in October 2001. Set to run from October to December 2004, XP Reloaded will focus on new XP versions such as Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, as well as various product updates that will ship in late summer/early fall, including XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and the next major version of Windows Media Center, and add-on products like Portable Media Centers and Media Center Extenders. What's changed is that Microsoft originally planned to have separate marketing campaigns for XP SP2 and XP Reloaded; now SP2 will be marketed as part of the XP Reloaded campaign."

Bink.nu - Microsoft verifies, updates "XP Reloaded" plans

Windows Roadmap

"During his keynote address at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2004 in Seattle Tuesday, Microsoft Group Vice President Jim Allchin updated attendees on the company's client and server product plans for the next two years. Allchin also declared the coming product waves to be part of what Microsoft calls 'the experience economy,' where only those products that think through end-to-end experiences will be wildly successful. Allchin called out non-tech industry companies such as Starbucks as innovators of the experience economy."

Bink.nu - Windows Roadmap

Microsoft Unveil New Copyright Protection Software

Microsoft is unveiling copyright protection software to allow rented songs or movies to be used on portable players, cellular phones and other devices.

The company's latest 'digital rights management' software, code-named Janus, was released Monday. It will give songs and videos purchased through subscription services a sort of digital expiration date that works even when the data is transferred from a computer. The technology also protects the content against piracy.

The goal is to make it easier for companies who want customers to rent songs or videos, rather than own them, to also let those users play back the content on portable players.

WinBeta.org - Microsoft Unveil New Copyright Protection Software

Windows XP SP2 breaks .NET

"A new update of Visual Studio .NET will be released at the same time as Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. The reason is the tightening of security that SP2 implements: network protection, memory protection, email security, and browsing security.

From a developer’s point of view the most important changes are to RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls), DCOM and memory execution protection. These changes could cause applications to stop running if good design practices haven’t been followed. The surprise is that VS.NET is affected, and after installing SP2 the debugger no longer works because the Windows firewall is now turned on by default."

MSFN - Windows XP SP2 breaks .NET