Plates55.com » Microsoft http://plates55.com Restart, Reboot, Reinstall Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:01:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Microsoft P2V Migration tool beta http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:00:37 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2172 P2V Migration for Software Assurance uses the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Sysinternals Disk2VHD to convert a user’s existing Windows XP or newer client environment to a virtual hard disk then automates the delivery of an updated and personalized Windows 7 operating system containing a virtual machine with the user’s previous Windows environment, applications and Web browser. The user’s previous virtual desktop retains its existing management components, domain membership and policies. The process also publishes applications and the browser for the user to access them seamlessly within Windows 7′s start menu.

How it Works

Starting Windows environment with Windows XP SP3 or newer. Environment is personalized with applications not compatible with Windows 7.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 initiates fully-automated migration to Windows 7. Process includes P2V conversion of the running OS using Sysinternals Disk2VHD.

Windows 7 migration complete. Windows 7 contains the previous operating system in its entirety within a virtual machine.

Standalone application and Internet Explorer links published from virtual machine to native Windows 7 start menu.

Incompatible application from previous operating system is launched seamlessly within Windows 7 using RemoteApp integration and Virtual PC.

Even the most skilled IT shops, with resources to work through application compatibility challenges, often find a few users blocking roll-outs to entire sites or larger numbers of users due to:

  • Compatibility of specialized, region or user-specific applications, browser customizations or USB device drivers.
  • Missing installation files or media to install applications or drivers for testing or redelivery.
  • Critical users who cannot risk losing any functionality of their current desktop environments and require a working backup before moving to Windows 7.

These types of issues make it difficult to completely replace existing systems with Windows 7 without causing user disruption. Allowing users to retain their current desktop environments while moving to Windows 7 can smooth the transition while mitigating or delaying investments required for making applications and hardware natively compatible with Windows 7.

Download P2V Migration for Software Assurance now:
P2V Migration for Software Assurance beta (https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=30989)

Note: Physical-to-virtual hard drive migration of a Windows installation is a valid operation for customers with Software Assurance and full retail copies of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Software Assurance provides users valuable benefits. Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 installed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) using OEM versions of these products may not be transferred to a virtual hard drive in accordance with Microsoft licensing terms.

Customer Benefits

Help Reduce Windows 7 Deployment Times: The ability to perform P2V conversion of Windows XP or newer 32-bit systems as part of Windows 7 and/or 64-bit deployment means that IT organizations do not need to wait as long to get value from Windows 7. IT organizations will deliver the new Windows 7 operating system builds while preserving the old environments of a limited set of users that would otherwise delay production deployment.
Extend the Timeframe to Mitigate Application Compatibility: Using this solution, targeted users can have access to their previous set of applications, just in case something was not provisioned as part of the Windows 7 deployment. Accessing previous applications is also easy for end users, as those applications are published to the Windows 7 start menu.

Users can Access Incompatible Legacy OS Applications: Using this solution, targeted users can have access to their previous set of applications, just in case something was not provisioned as part of the Windows 7 deployment. Accessing previous applications is also easy for end users, as those applications are published to the Windows 7 start menu.

How does P2V Migration compare to Windows XP Mode or MED-V?

Windows XP Mode: Windows XP Mode is not optimized for managed desktop environments. The operating system included in Windows XP Mode cannot be customized easily without manual effort. The time spent recreating a user’s previous environment can easily take several hours per computer and it is not guaranteed that software installation media exists for every application on the previous system.

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V): Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) removes the barriers to Windows upgrades by resolving application incompatibility with Windows Vista or Windows 7. MED-V enables administrative control over the distribution and management of Virtual PC images, thereby ensuring that those images are up-to-date and compliant with regulations. P2V Migration is targeted at specific deployment-blocking users with specialized requirements or conditions where a standardized virtual environment delivered with MED-V will not suffice.

Download P2V Migration (https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=30989)

Tell us what you think! Send your feedback and questions to the SAT team.

For If you are not already a member of the MDT beta program, click link below to join:

http://connect.microsoft.com/site14/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=1646&InvitationID=P2VM-C49K-PQHR

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Microsoft’s Arc Touch Mouse http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:05:03 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2163 Some say the mouse’s days are numbered, but today Microsoft Corp. proves the gadget is alive and well by unveiling the Arc Touch Mouse, the first mouse designed to flatten for portability and pop up for comfort. The new mouse features Microsoft’s first touch scroll strip for easy navigation — just move a finger slowly for controlled scrolling or flick for hyperfast scrolling. Windows-based PC users will love packing up their laptop bags without the added bump of a mouse, as the Arc Touch Mouse flattens with just the touch of a finger.

As the computing landscape evolves to offer new ways of interacting, such as touch screens and touch pads, the mouse is also evolving but holds true to its core purpose: providing comfort and precision to users when navigating the PC.

“This is not the first time that the mouse has been threatened — look at 10 years ago when people started buying laptops that had integrated pointers and touch pads. Still, the mouse category continued to grow and grow,” said Brett Ostrum, general manager for the Hardware Group at Microsoft. “The reasons people need external mice will not change: comfort and precision. The Arc Touch Mouse just demonstrates again how committed Microsoft is to continuing to bring great new mice to consumers.”

Arc Touch Mouse

Continue for the Press Release

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Windows Phone 7 – Released To Manufacturing http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:01:19 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2161 Today is the day that the Windows Phone team has been driving towards, and we’re very excited to say that we’ve reached the biggest milestone for our internal team – the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows Phone 7!  While the final integration of Windows Phone 7 with our partners’ hardware, software, and networks is underway, the work of our internal engineering team is largely complete. 

Windows Phone 7 is the most thoroughly tested mobile platform Microsoft has ever released.  We had nearly ten thousand devices running automated tests daily, over a half million hours of active self-hosting use, over three and a half million hours of stress test passes, and eight and a half million hours of fully automated test passes.  We’ve had thousands of independent software vendors and early adopters testing our software and giving us great feedback. We are ready.

I last posted on this blog when we reached the Technical Preview milestone, and we’ve received some great feedback since then which we’ve been able to respond to and improve the smart design throughout the OS. For example, folks loved the Facebook integration in the People Hub, but they also wanted ways to filter their contacts so only the Facebook friends they really know will show up in their contact list  – we’ve added support for that.  We’ve also made it easy to “like” a post right from the People Hub, or quickly post a message to someone’s Facebook wall directly.

Full Story Here

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Xbox 360 S 250GB hard drive available … right now http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:17:20 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2157 If you already want a hard drive for that 4GB Xbox 360 S you bought, you could wait patiently for Microsoft to announce the accessory … or you could just go to Gamestop and buy one. Reader Iain informs Joystiq that he spotted the 250GB hard drives for the redesigned Xbox in his local store — and they’re also available on GameStop.com right now. (We couldn’t find the item being offered by any other retailer yet.)

Of course, the $130 price for the drive completely obliterates any savings you might temporarily enjoy after buying the $200 4GB model (or the upcoming Kinect bundle), but it sure beats a mountain of USB flash drives.

Continue at joystiq

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 TechNet Magazine August Edition online http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:15:59 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2154 Forward-thinking companies continue to grapple with the realities of moving to the cloud. For every benefit comes a concern, for every answer a question. There are myriad considerations to resolve before actually pulling the plug on local storage and local hosting. Is cloud-based e-mail secure? How will I control access? Will I have access to e-mail archives? What happens if the hosting provider goes out of business or suffers a catastrophic failure? What’s my back-up plan? Read more…

Software Licensing: Track Software Usage with MAP Toolkit 5.0
Tracking software usage for large enterprise customers can be a challenge. This new tool helps provide more accurate assessments.

Office Communications Server 2007 R2: Backup and Restore Your OCS 2007 R2 Contacts
Export your OCS 2007 R2 contacts to an XML file with the Dbimpexp utility, and save yourself valuable time and effort.

Read (via http://blogs.technet.com/b/aralves/archive/2010/08/17/technet-magazine-august-edition-online.aspx)

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ugust marks the six-month anniversary of the public unveiling of our next-generation mobile phone, Windows Phone 7. Six months is an interesting bit of time; it can fly by, or it can feel like it’s dragging on forever. The gating factor tends to be how much fun you are having. For us on the Windows Phone team, it feels like just yesterday that we first introduced Windows Phone 7 to the world. Now, just a blink of the eye and phones will be on shelves.

All of the work of the last six months is certainly paying off, as just about every conversation we have with developers focuses on their strategy for generating more business with Windows Phone 7. It’s amazing to see so many inspired developers looking to create experiences for Windows Phone 7. In fact, to date there have been north of 300,000 downloads of the Windows Phone Developer Tools.

Of course, it’s not just the big names in development who are going to bring great titles to Windows Phone 7 customers. There are many multiples more of lesser known developers who are looking to be in the Windows Phone Marketplace. Large or small, all developers will have equal opportunity to capitalize on the first mover advantage of having their apps or games ready at launch. In order to do that, there are a few things developers will need to do:

  1. Register at the marketplace today
  2. Finish you application or game using the Beta tools
  3. Download the final Windows Phone Developer Tools when they are released on September 16th
  4. Recompile your app or game using the final tools
  5. Have your XAP ready for ingestion into the marketplace in early October when it opens

The final tools will likely have some minor breaking changes from the Beta tools, so developers may have to fix some bugs that arise. The final tools will also include several highly requested Silverlight controls which will make it even easier for developers to deliver high quality Windows Phone 7 experiences. Also in the September 16th final release, the panorama, pivot and Bing maps controls will all be available to drop into applications.

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 The First Wave of Games Announced for Windows Phone 7 http://plates55.com/windows-7/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/windows-7/%datetime%/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:12:54 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2151 Late tonight here in Redmond, but very early over in Germany we took the wraps off our first wave of game titles making their way this holiday to Windows Phone 7.  I know there has been lots of anticipation about XBOX Live on Windows Phone 7 so I hope this first drop of news is welcome!  First, head over here to get all the latest on the announcement including titles like Crackdown 2: Project Sunburst. This is a tower defense game that uses real locations as the gaming world thanks the Bing maps. Defend the big landmark in your city or even your own house!

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In addition to the games, we also announced enhanced Games hub functionality in store for Windows Phone 7 including a rich avatar experience, messaging using Xbox LIVE and the ability to see all your friends’ play status, Gamerscore and latest achievements. If you don’t have a Xbox LIVE account when you purchase a Windows Phone 7 you can sign and up and deck out your avatar all from the phone, no Xbox console required!

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This is just the first in many great announcements we have planned for Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 so be sure to stay tuned for the latest. I will drill into some of the specific titles announced today in the coming days, and also try to get some guest posts or interviews with our publisher friends in coming weeks. Also head over to the Windows Phone Developer blog to hear from Michael Klucher on the ground in Germany!

Continue here for full story

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]]> http://plates55.com/windows-7/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Microsoft refreshes ‘Flight Simulator,’ ‘Age of Empires,’ ‘Fable’ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:09:43 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2147 On Tuesday, Microsoft announced a new iteration called “Microsoft Flight,” coming soon to Windows. Microsoft said it will be “Live-enabled,” meaning there will be some sort of online component through Windows Live.

The unveiling was part of the company’s larger announcement of games for Windows and for Windows Phone 7. Also revealed: “Age of Empires Online” and “Fable III.”

Microsoft’s teaser trailer for “Flight.” If these are the true graphics, they look amazing.

Source: SeattlePi

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Microsoft Security Bulletins August 2010 http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:51:52 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2134 Microsoft released 14 security bulletins, addressing 34 vulnerabilities. Eight of those bulletins have a Critical severity rating, and Microsoft considers four of those to be high-priority deployments:

  • MS10-052 This bulletin resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft’s MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted media file or receives specially crafted streaming content from a Web site. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the logged-on user.
  • MS10-055 This bulletin resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Cinepak Codec, which is used by Windows Media Player to support the .avi audiovisual format. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted media file, or receives specially crafted streaming content from a Web site. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the logged-on user.
  • MS10-056 This bulletin resolves four privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office. The most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens or previews a specially crafted RTF e-mail message. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the local user. Windows Vista and Windows 7 are less exploitable due to additional heap mitigation mechanisms in those operating systems.
  • MS10-060 This bulletin resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities, both of which could allow remote code execution, in Microsoft .NET Framework and Microsoft Silverlight.

 

The six other bulletins offered this month are rated Important. Two of the Important-level bulletins, MS10-047 and MS10-048, are Windows Kernel updates.

As always, Microsoft recommends that customers test and deploy all security updates as soon as they can.

For a closer look at some of the issues involved in these bulletins, our Security Research & Defense (SRD) team writes about MS10-048, MS10-049, and MS10-054 today on its blog.

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Office for Mac 2011 Hitting Store Shelves This October http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:41:36 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2120 Microsoft Office for Mac 2011, the next version of the leading productivity suite for the Mac, will be available in more than 100 countries around the world at the end of October. The suite will come in two editions to purchase at retail — Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 and Office for Mac Home and Business 2011. For better alignment across platforms, the Office 2011 pricing and edition options map closer with Office for the Windows operating system. In addition, starting today, if customers purchase Office 2008 for Mac, they will be able to upgrade to Office 2011 when it is available at no additional cost through the Microsoft Office for Mac Technology Guarantee Program.

How Much Will Office for Mac 2011 Cost?

Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 includes Word for Mac, PowerPoint for Mac, Excel for Mac and Messenger for Mac, and it will retail starting at $119 (U.S. estimated retail price [ERP]).

•It will be available in two editions — a single install for $119 (U.S. ERP) and a Family Pack for $149 (U.S. ERP) with three installs for families with more than one Mac in their household. The Home and Student edition provides the core productivity applications that Mac users want and need.

Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business 2011 includes Word for Mac, PowerPoint for Mac, Excel for Mac, Outlook for Mac and Messenger for Mac, and it will retail starting at $199 (U.S. ERP).

•It also will be available in two editions — a single install for $199 (U.S. ERP) and a Multi-Pack for $279 (U.S. ERP) with two installs for a user with two machines. If Home and Student customers determine that they need the additional functionality of a desktop e-mail client, they can easily step up to Office for Mac Home and Business 2011using online upgrade functionality.

Microsoft Office for Mac Academic 2011 includes Word for Mac, PowerPoint for Mac, Excel for Mac, Outlook for Mac and Messenger for Mac, and it will retail at authorized academic stores and Microsoft, http://www.officeformac.com, for $99 (U.S. ERP).

Continue here

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]]> http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/feed/ 0 Microsoft Hohm Joins Forces With Blue Line Innovations to Help Consumers Track Energy Use Down to the Minute and the Dollar http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/ http://plates55.com/microsoft/%datetime%/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:15:30 +0000 swood http://plates55.com/?p=2118 REDMOND, Wash. — July 27, 2010 — Tracking your energy use and saving money just got easier today. Microsoft and Blue Line Innovations have joined forces to give consumers real-time information about their energy use down to the minute and the dollar. The companies have combined Blue Line’s popular energy tracking device with Microsoft Hohm to give consumers information about their household energy use — and its cost — at a glance, with easy-to-use graphs that show where you can save the most energy and money.

“With a utility bill you may only see your energy usage once every month or even every two months,” said Troy Batterberry, product unit manager for Microsoft Hohm. “The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway provide updates every 30 seconds, so you’re getting real-time data so you can take real-time action. It’s kind of like online banking for your energy bill, offering 24×7 access to your usage.”

The PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway pull consumers’ power use data into their Microsoft Hohm profile, where charts and graphs make it easy to track consumption patterns and see changes in real time.
The PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway pull consumers’ power use data into their Microsoft Hohm profile, where charts and graphs make it easy to track consumption patterns and see changes in real time.
Click for larger image.

The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor attaches to a household power utility meter; no wiring is required, and no need to call in an electrician. The WiFi Gateway device wirelessly transmits energy use data to the consumer’s Microsoft Hohm account and can provide personalized energy recommendations. Hohm also offers social networking communities on Facebook and Twitter to help users compare notes and get tips for ways to improve their energy efficiency.

Graphs and charts make it easy to identify usage patterns and potential problems. For example, the electricity usage chart below shows that power consumption spiked when the user turned on the air conditioner at various times of the day. With this type of insight into energy usage, consumers are empowered to make immediate choices about how to manage their household power consumption.

PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway, Hohm View of Power Usage
PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway, Hohm View of Power Usage
Click for larger image

“Our goal with Microsoft Hohm is to give consumers information that can help them make smarter decisions to control and manage their energy use. We see this collaboration with Blue Line as a first step toward achieving that goal,” Batterberry says.

Microsoft’s collaboration with Blue Line is the first available device partnership for Microsoft Hohm, and Batterberry sees it as just the beginning. The goal of Microsoft Hohm is to connect to smart plugs, thermostats, HVAC systems, electric vehicles and other devices so that consumers have as much information as possible to help them understand and reduce their energy consumption.

The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway are available today from Blue Line Innovations and through select retailers. The complete package of PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway is available for $249 (estimated retail price); consumers who already have the PowerCost Monitor can purchase the WiFi Gateway separately for $159 (estimated retail price).

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