Since the Longhorn Project started, we have been seeing early concepts of new pictorial representations of task throughout the operating system. Over time, we have basically gotten tired of the same old thing, since we have been seeing them for so long now. Microsoft has hinted since the start of Vista BETA 1 that more fit and finish will be added to Vista as the project heads to RTM. Confirmation of this was recently revealed on Paul Thurrotts Windows Supersite for Windows with a banner linking to his soon to be release final review of Windows Vista. I would like to take a look some these changes with the new Multimedia and Productivity icons expected in the final Vista RTM code.

 
Windows Vista Multimedia Application icons

Windows Productivity Icons

Ok, you are saying to yourself, there is strong use of the orange African Daisy. But I like them, I did not at first, but they have grown on me really quick. They are rich, retro and edgy and use what seems to be either a Glass or plastic element for keeping your data. The use of the flower itself is representation of both beauty and workflow, you see the different scenarios in which you can control, manipulate, reuse and exploit your data. I personally did not get the DVD Maker icon off the bat, but eventually it came to me when I realized the circle was a DVD disk. For ages, Microsoft has really stuck to just slightly updating their icons, and much of this is still true, Computer, Network and others still are the same, but do they need any drastic departures as these are? Overall, its a change that communicates ease of use, fun and most of all integration, I like 'em!

Microsoft yesterday revealed the new product boxes for Windows Vista which would be considered a new age design that migrates from the traditional four edge squar box we have been using since the 80's. The new boxes seem to be in a hard polycarbonated frame which aims to protect contents from both damage and theft which is today used by Windows XP when purchased through Retail channels. When I say theft, an unscrupolous individual cannot go into a store and simply open the case take the disk out and walk away.

The consumer and business client edition Windows boxes.

According to Nick White of the Windows Vista Blog: "Designed to be user-friendly, the new packaging is a small, hard, plastic container that’s designed to protect the software inside for life-long use.  It provides a convenient and attractive place for you to permanently store both discs and documentation.

The new design will provide the strength, dimensional stability and impact resistance required when packaging software today.  Our plan is to extend this packaging style to other Microsoft products after the launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Office system."

Two of the new Windows product editions added to the Vista product line, Home Basic targets first time PC buyers, one PC homes and persons on a budget who want a secure, productive out of box experience. Windows Vista Ultimate is at the top of the pyramid and includes all the features from all the SKU's including a set of services called Ultimate Extras available only to Vista Ultimate customers.

The two other editions that do not have retail product boxes are Windows Vista Enterprise and Starter Edition. Vista Enterprise will only be available to Volume License customers who have a Software Assurance or Enterprise Agreement (SA/EA). Starter Edition will be available in only in emerging markets such as Asia, Africa, Brazil and Mexico to name a few through OEM vendors on new PC's. All Windows Vista retail should include both x86 and x64 platforms, with one product key, leaving the decision up to the user to choose which platform they want to install or depending on what instruction set their PC supports.

Windows XP boxes, Home and Professional.

For the traditional SKU's such as XP Home and Professional, Microsoft has remained very consistent with the Home Premium and Business Editions by retaining the familar Green and Blue themes. The two new retail SKU's Home Basic and Ultimate are different, Basic blends with green and white shade while the Ultimate box uses a strong black tone with blue Aurora accents. Missing from the packages are slogans that tell us what Vista represents. XP's slogan was "Experience the best of the digital decade", its possible because they want to deliver a very clean frontal view, this will be available at the back of the box, also the Microsoft Company log is at the bottom right hand instead of top right hand. People have noted incorrectly that the new design looks similar to Microsofts Office for Mac 2004 product boxes, the answer is simply, no. Also Office 2004 product boxes use a unique design its still different and retains more of the 4 edge look with equal sides. Its a strong theme that speaks elegance and simplicity, I must say, I love it. Good job Microsoft!

Resources:
Windows Vista Product Editions Page
Windows Vista Team Blog

Windows Vista Ultimate Package

Connect and share instantly on the world's most popular IM network - Download

What’s new with Windows Live(TM) Messenger 8.1 Beta
Check out the features we’ve added:

• Redesigned, smarter contact cards give you more data about and easier access to your friends
• Your display name, status and personalization roam with you to any computer
• Try PC-to-phone calling with two free calls to virtually any phone in the world*
• Better server performance
• Automatic updates
• Improved sign-in performance

From Microsoft Downloads

Quote:
"Windows Media Player 11 offers great new ways to store and enjoy all of your digital media. It's easier than ever to access all of your music, video, pictures, and recorded TV on your computer. Play it, view it, organize it, and sync it to a portable device for enjoying on the go, or share with devices around your home - all from one place. Windows Media Player 11 is designed to work with all versions of Windows XP with Service Pack 2, including Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional N."

Download HERE

Update: You can download the x64 build here

Thanks again to Volkan for the tip.

From Microsoft Volume License

Quote:
"Microsoft includes product activation technology in some products that are sold through original equipment manufacturer (OEM), retail, and Volume Licensing channels. The Windows Vista operating system will require Volume Licensing customers to use a new type of activation, called Volume Activation. Volume Activation is a flexible solution that enables Volume Licensing customers to more securely and easily activate computers that are running Windows Vista. In the future, Volume Activation technology will be used for all Microsoft products, but it is being introduced in Windows Vista."

Read the rest here 

Thanks Volkan for the tip. :)

From James Senior

Quote:
"So over the weekend I installed a nice shiney RTM build and the sounds have been upgraded from the ones in XP to the new creations by Robert Fripp.  I'd thought I would share some of these with you and I've compiled them in this mp3 which you can download and listen to below.

The sounds I cover are the following:

• Critical Stop
• ReadyBoost drive inserted
• Windows UAC control prompt
• New e-mail notification
• Low Battery Alarm
• Exclamation
• Windows Start
• Exit Windows"

Check them out HERE

You are in for a real treat. ;)

So I have been running Windows Vista RC2 Build 5744 x64 for a while now, but there is one trade off since installing the OS, I don't get Glass. There have been hints that this would happen, ever since build 5472 I have had to manually enable Glass everytime I install the 64-Bit platform. Also, the Slide Show Photo Album effects were not available, instead images were shown in Basic mode.

Desktop PC Specs:
Generic AMD 64 Machine
AMD Sempron 1.6 GHz
512 MBs of RAM
nVidia Geforce FX 5200 128 MB AGP

It seems the root cause is the amount of memory in the system, 512 is just not going to cut it seems is what Microsoft is saying. I have the same GPU on another desktop running 32 bit Vista RC2 with 2 GBs of RAM and I get Glass just fine. What is probably strange and annoying about all of this is, on builds prior to 5744, I got Glass just fine, some I had to manually enable it by going to Personalization explorer > Windows Color and Appearances. But the fact is, Glass worked, now I am left with the ugly theme AERO Basic which I consider to be a downgrade from XP's Luna.

So, where does this leave me? Well, one things for sure, I won't be upgrading any of my systems at home to Vista, since Microsoft is suggesting that they are not powerful enough to run the OS properly. I  believe I might be setting myself up for a trap if I do decide to upgrade the memory, I don't want to find out later after adding another 512 module that the GPU is not powerful for AERO Glass and I need to upgrade that. This ultimately means, I won't be experiencing Vista at home until I purchase my next PC, which won't be until some really new systems hit the market at a comfortable price point. With the advances in CPU and GPU coming from companies such as Intel, AMD, nVidia and ATI (Quad Core, Direct X 10 capable cards), its best I at least wait until the 4th quarter of 2007 to make the move to Vista.

I want a great experience not one thats half ass, I don't want to know that, this is not fully working because, this piece of hardware is not powerful enough. Overall, I am disappointed that Microsoft would intentionally add an artificial cut off point for AERO Glass. After experiencing it for several months on the same system using 14 builds. Glass makes so much difference when using the PC, its almost like night and day compared to AERO Basic and Windows Classic Themes, productivity enhancements such as Flip 3D, LiveTaskbar Thumbnails, Alt-Tab 2D and just a refreshing interface thats easy on the eyes make Glass an enticing part of using Vista. Still, I am hoping this is not the case and we will see something different by RTM, but if it is, I must say this is one lousy move. Looking at it from the point of view as a consumer, that has my system requirements, goes out and spends $400 on Vista Ultimate, installs it to find out you need to upgrade hardware just to get a better experience is a slap in the face I won't accept. In the mean time, Vista at work it is! 

By default the Run command on the Vista Start panel is turned off, but can be easily accessed by using the Windows key + R command to display it on screen, or click Start > type ‘Run’ hit Enter or Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Run.

If you want it to appear on the Start panel permanently > click Start > type ‘Taskbar and Start menu’ > Start Menu (tab) > Customize > Advanced (tab) > under Start menu items: > scroll down and check the Run command box > click > OK > OK.

Alternatively, you can right click the Taskbar > click Properties.

The Run Command provides quick access to programs, files, locations and websites. For example, shortcut commands for programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel can easily be launched by typing WINWORD or EXCEL which you might find much quicker than using the traditional step by step Start > All Programs > Microsoft Office group > Microsoft Word or Excel.

To access a system location such as your Documents from the Run Command, type G:\Users\youraccountnamehere\Documents.

Sorry about the graphic messup. Still getting a hang of this and of course, Live Writer is beta. :)

As we approach the release of Windows Vista I would like to start releasing some tips and tricks on getting started with the new OS. Whether it’s enhancing your productivity or customizing the OS to suit your needs.

Before:

The Menu bar has replaced the Command bar in the Windows Vista Explorer Shell. You can still access it temporarily by holding down the Alt key on your keyboard, if you want to turn it on permanently, do the following:

1. Open an Explorer window such as ‘Computer’ or ‘Document’s from the Start panel.

(Alternatively, you can open Control Panel, click the Appearance and Personalization link, then click the Folder Options link.)

2. Click on the green Command bar Organize > Folder and Search Options.

3. On the Folder Options dialog, click the View (tab)

4. Under Advanced Settings then check the ‘Always show menus’ box

5. Click ‘OK’ to confirm changes.

Although the new Command bar offers quick access to common task, some users might want more advanced options such as the ability to move files and folders without the extraneous process required by copying/cutting and editing.

If you want to turn off the Menu bar, follow the same procedures and uncheck Always show menus, click OK to confirm changes.

After: You will now have access to more options that were previously unavailable using the Command bar in Windows Vista.

In my next tips n’ tricks, we look at bringing back the Run Command and changes to the Windows Explorer Shell.

From NeoWin.net

Quote:
"5 years ago today Windows XP was launched worldwide after it had RTM'd a month earlier.
It has been without a doubt the longest running operating system Microsoft has ever produced. Microsoft typically updated the client version of Windows every 2 years with Windows 95 being released in early 1996, the successive OSR updates until 1997 when Microsoft were hammered by anti-trust cases for bundling Internet Explorer 4.0 with Windows 95 OSR2, Windows '98 in 1998, Windows 98 Second Edition in 1999 and Windows Millennium in the February of 2000 after an extremely short beta cycle."

Read the rest here

I can't believe I forgot this one. Funny how time flies, Windows XP is said to be on over 400 million desktops world wide I am sure this is based on registered/activated installations, which does not account for the many pirated installs in use pushing it to 600 million. There is nothing spectacular to account for here except that regardless of all that XP has been through, (vulnerabilities, activation, Linux/Open Source), it continues to stand the test of time and will be running on many systems for a very long time post Vista. A culmination of ease of use from Windows 98 in areas such as hardware detection, application compatibility and gaming plus the strength of the Windows 2000 kernel, Windows XP deserves to be called a highly respectable desktop operating system. Happy B-day XP!

Another famous MS OS, Windows 95, celebrated its 11th birthday in August of 2006.

Resources:
Microsoft Windows XP Website
The GUI Gallery
ActiveWin: Windows XP Review

From Microsoft

Quote:
Document Experience

In Windows Vista, you can easily create a document in a paginated, fixed-layout format. An XML Paper Specification (XPS) Document is a page-by-page view of the document's content as it would be printed. In other words, it turns on-screen content into true electronic paper.

The XPS Document Viewer comes with Windows Vista and is also available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The XPS Document Viewer allows you to open and read XPS Documents without using the original authoring application. You can also use the XPS Document Viewer to view and apply digital signatures to XPS Documents. The XPS Document Viewer is a Windows Rights Management Services (RMS)-enabled application so that any XPS Document protected with Windows RMS can be authenticated by the viewer.

Learn more here
Learn about the XPS Specification and License Downloads here
Microsoft XPS Released, download to create and view XPS documents via http://bink.nu

When you see what XPS (formerly Metro) does, the first thing that might come to mind is Adobe’s PDF. It has a similar approach for creating documents by using a printing engine, similar to Acrobat Professionals Distiller. The XPS Printer is by default the installed printer if you don’t have a physical one setup. Documents and files sent to the XPS Printer are viewed through Internet Explorer, there are available add-ins for Internet Explorer 6 on XP and Server 2003. It would be convenient if Microsoft does not limit this to just IE and open up the specifications to other popular browsers such as FireFox and Opera. It is not known if XPS will be integrated into the final Vista code, but the capability of saving documents is available to all Vista applications, Office 2007 applications also support it, but requires that the the XPS add in is installed on supported systems. Taking advantage of it is very simple, just Click File > Print and select XPS Document Printer, click OK, save your file and your done. Launch the file, which opens in your default browser. XPS makes it simple for Vista and XP users to exchange, share and view documents without the necessary applications installed.

Adapted from the ActiveWin.com: Pre-Release Candidate 1 Preview (Builds 5472 & 5536)

From WinFuture.de

Once again WinFuture.de a German Windows enthusiast website is showing some new screenshots of the internal Windows Vista build 5840. Nothing has changed since 5744, which is not surprising and we probably shouldn't expect anything except for continued performance improvement and under the hood bug fixes.

Check out the screenshots here

Related News:
DigiTimes: Microsoft reportedly delays release of RTM version of Vista

From All About Microsoft

Quote:
"Should old, abandonned operating systems just fade away? Or is there some way to breathe new life into them – without running afoul of the copyright police?

A handful of members of the Joejoe.Org Windows enthusiast site may soon find out. A self-selected group of site members have begun building a Longhorn-client-based, community-developed product they currently are calling “Longhorn Reloaded.”

Read the rest here

I can understand this from a enthusiast point of view and nothing else. Early alpha builds from the Longhorn Project were ambitious and promised to revolutionize the way we interact with out PC's. But the project itself took on too much and ended up disbanding anticipated features such as WinFS which was a new SQL like indexing service running on top of the NTFS file system. A vectorized user interface was suspected to be a part of Longhorn. The Sidebar was also a System Service in the early alphas and was known for memory leaks and instability, its very different in Vista using a Gadget (small application) approach instead of the tile based layout first introduced in Longhorn Alpha.

Eventually the project was scrapped in August of 2004 and started from a clean slate on the SP1 code base for Server 2003. I did get a chance to try build 4074 and was mostly disappointed by the horrible performance and stability and in comparison to Vista today would definitely call it a dud. The interface layout was not as logical and convenient as what we are experiencing today in Vista and XP. Longhorn 4074 took 12 hours to install in Virtual PC compared to an hour for Vista. It was a great time back in 2003 to 2004, but do I miss it, no way!

Jim Allchin (Co-President of Microsoft Windows at Microsoft), announced the launch of the newly redesigned Vista Team Blog, incorporating innovative elements such as rich media (Video and Visuals) to fit the look and feel of the Company's upcoming release of Windows.

I like the change, but honestly don't appreciate the background wallpaper, I think its very rough and out of place with the product itself, it needs a human touch. The earlier green grass blade wallpaper would have been nice which was used in the WinHec and Beta 1/interim releases. I am sure you will appreciate the mature look and feel that drifts away from the Company's technical MSDN Blogs history which is what I would describe as bland.

Here's a quote from Jim Allchin

"Hello,

Welcome to the new and improved Windows Vista blog.  A few months back, I pushed our team to bring the blog from the blogging Dark Ages into something a little more modern.  The blog back then wasn’t quite doing the job.  Postings were infrequent, and the site wasn’t particularly helpful.

In May, the team really turned the corner and today we’re launching the newly updated look and feel.  I hope you’ll agree it’s a big improvement.  It incorporates some key parts of the Windows Vista visuals.  We’ve also improved the organization of the site, so things should be easier to find.  The team’s providing great information, and I’m happy to see the comments and feedback from the community through the comments on the site.  I read these regularly, as do many others in the Windows leadership team, so please keep the feedback coming."

Read more HERE

Check out http://www.windowsvistablog.com

From eWeek

Quote:
"Opinion: Vista is finally—we think—arriving shortly. But, which, if any, Vista is the one you should buy for your home or company?

Eventually, we're going to see Vista come out. Yes, I know, even at this late date, Vista is still getting unexpected delays—it was set to go to manufacturing Oct. 25, but it's not going to make it—but it is on its way.

My question, though, is: What version will actually work for you come that day?

That's not an idle question. I knew several businesses that were burned by XP Home when it first came out because they'd assumed they could save a hundred bucks a box and use XP Home PCs on their domain and AD (Active Directory)-based networks."

Read the rest here

I think Microsoft has made it pretty clear with this release the segments of the market they are targetting. If you are under a SA/EA licensing programs, you are most likely to be deploying Windows Vista Enterprise since this particular edition will be only available in that package with a specific set of tools for large deployments. Business Edition for companies with 250 or less PCs will continue to be a choice for users who don't want the game tweaking, media center capabilities, and will also be a right fit in SMBs that want compelling set of tools to help run the business right with easy collaboration tools, Windows Update and better out of box security.

One PC homes are also a target with Vista through the Home Basic edition that does not include all the whizz bang features such as AERO Glass theme, MCE and other more entertainment focused features, for persons on a budget this is gonna be a likely choice. Home Premium and Ultimate of course will target a specific segment of the consumer market, such as multiple PC homes, game enthusiast, sharing media and others who care deeply about their computing experiences and also want a flexible integration between home and work by having it all. The choices are very obvious and its hard to see how you could be confused.  

Resources:
Windows Vista Editions

From Windows Vista

Quote:
Receive an Express Upgrade to Windows Vista when you buy a qualifying PC running Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, or Windows XP Professional

If you're in the market for a new computer this holiday season, be sure to ask your retailer about the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista, being offered by participating PC manufacturers. When you buy a qualifying Windows Vista Capable PC between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007, you may be eligible for an Express Upgrade to Windows Vista.

Don't wait to enjoy the benefits of owning a new PC. Buying a Premium Ready Windows Vista Capable PC means you can buy a great Windows XP computer today, with the confidence that it will easily upgrade to the Windows Vista edition of your choice. Express Upgrade to Windows Vista offers from participating PC manufacturers will ensure you can easily enjoy Windows XP today and Windows Vista when it's available."

Check out the Windows Vista: Express Upgrade Page HERE

A great incentive, this should entice consumers to be more open to upgrading to Windows Vista. I personally though prefer to wait until Windows Vista is pre-installed on a new PC. So I guess you would say I am in the post Jan '07 camp.

Resources:
eWeek - Microsoft Finally Reveals Plans for Upgrades to Vista

From Microsoft Downloads

Overview
Windows Desktop Search 3.0 is the technology which enables instant search on your computer. It helps you to find, preview, and use your documents, e-mail, music, photos, and other items. The search engine in Windows Desktop Search 3.0 is a Windows service that is also used by applications such as Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 and OneNote 2007 to index application content and deliver instant results when searching within that application. Windows Desktop Search 3.0 provides fast indexing, improved performance, and improved file type support.

Download WDS XP x86 HERE
Download WDS XP x64 HERE
Download WDS Server 2003 x86 HERE
Download WDS Server 2003 x64 HERE

From Microsoft Downloads

Quote:
"Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive. Now with 2 free support incidents for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003."

Download HERE

Don't forget to check out my Windows Defender Preview at ActiveWin.com which I will be updating soon to reflect the changes in the final release.

Windows Defender for Windows XP and Server 2003 is finally here, after a two year beta, it’s been a long time coming for sure. Featuring a major over haul to the UI, Windows Defender is a culmination of months of hard work from both the Anti-Malware team and feedback from the community. Since January 2004, Windows Defender, formally named Windows AntiSpyware has been downloaded over 25 million times.