Tag Archives: microsoft

Microsoft announces no internet browser preloaded in Windows 7

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Microsoft has announced today that Windows 7 will not be sold with an internet browser in Europe.

That means that Microsoft’s Internet Explorer will not be included by default, giving the user the chance to make their own choice on which internet browser they would like to use.

Microsoft has recently been in a little trouble for promoting Internet Explorer too much and not giving other browsers a chance, so it would appear that Microsoft are just trying to avoid getting penalised again.

When Windows 7 is released, European users will have to download their own browser – however Microsoft has said they will still recommend Internet Explorer, even if it isn’t included.

To be honest this has surprised me slightly – this is the first time since Windows 95 that Microsoft has decided not to include Internet Explorer, but I am happy that all of the internet browsers out there will get a chance.

Windows 7 Release Date confirmed!

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Wow, 4 posts in one day!

Anyway, big news! Microsoft has just confirmed that Windows 7 will be launched to the public on October 22nd 2009, miles on track of their hopes of getting in a release before 2010.

This is great news and it now means I’m going to have to start saving up. On that note, Microsoft still hasn’t confirmed pricing details of Windows 7 yet, so I’m still unsure of what it will cost.

But anyway, if you’re one of the many looking forward to the Windows 7 release, put October 22nd in your diary!

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.

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.