Well, just learned this morning after launching Excel 2007 that the Office 2007 BETA 2 suite has finally expired. I have been running the suite on one of my desktop systems since beta 2 was released last year and I guess you could say this is just another proof of how stable the suite has been. I guess its time to upgrade. :)

Resources:

ActiveWin: Office 2007 RTM Review

From Microsoft

Looking for BIG entertainment from your PC?

Did you know that you can enjoy TV, photos, music, video, and the latest digital media all in a central place on your PC? With Windows Media Center--available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate editions--you can.

What's more, you can experience Media Center on any TV in your home. Just add a Windows Media Center Extender, like an Xbox 360, to your wired or wireless home network.

These cool new PCs are ready for a Media Center experience. Are you?

New and notable

Test drive Windows Vista Business edition

Try the first edition of Windows Vista designed specifically for small businesses--without installing it on your PC!

How to install Windows Vista on a new PC

Learn how to install and troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Vista drivers in this self-paced online course from Microsoft Learning.

Better together: Windows Vista and Windows Live OneCare

Windows Live OneCare adds antivirus protection and automatic tune-ups to your PC powered by Windows Vista. Try Windows Live OneCare free for 90 days.

Free Windows Vista Ultimate for all attendees at MIX07

Attend MIX07, Microsoft's cutting-edge conference for Web professionals that are designing and building next-generation PC experiences, April 30 through May 2, 2007 in Las Vegas, and you'll receive a free edition of Windows Vista Ultimate.

Tips and tricks for Windows Vista

Featured tip for Windows Vista

Experience the enhanced user interface
If your PC supports the Windows Aero user experience, open multiple files and see how easy it is to locate the right open window using Windows Flip or Flip 3D.
1. To use Windows Flip, press Alt + Tab.
2. To use Flip 3D, press the Start menu key + Tab.

Visit our Help and How-to website to learn more about using Windows Vista.

More tips for Windows Vista

Games have never looked this good

See at a glance how DirectX 10 in Windows Vista makes games more detailed and more realistic in this article from Windows Vista Official Magazine.

Search just got easier: Finding files in Windows Vista

Every year, hard drives get bigger and cheaper, encouraging us to store more on our PCs. Learn how the powerful search system in Windows Vista helps you easily find all your important PC files.

From Apple via MacRumors

For owners of Apple Intel based systems, Apple has released an updated beta of their dual boot utility BootCamp which will be finalized with the release of the Company's next generation operating system Leopard. BootCamp facilitates the installation of Windows on Intel Macintosh systems.

Boot Camp 1.2 beta includes:

• Support for Windows Vista (32-bit)
• Updated drivers, including but not limited to trackpad, AppleTime (synch), audio, graphics, modem, iSight camera
• Support the Apple Remote (works with iTunes and Windows Media Player)
• A Windows system tray icon for easy access to Boot Camp information and actions
• Improved keyboard support  for Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, and French Canadian
• Improved Windows driver installation experience
• Updated documentation and Boot Camp on-line help in Windows
• Apple Software Update (for Windows XP and Vista)

Download here

From ActiveWin

Quote:

Install this update to resolve an issue where an error message is received when placing a Windows Vista system into a sleep state while a PPP connection is active. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows Vista License Terms.

Also available:

• Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB931671)
• Update for Windows Mail Junk E-mail Filter [March 2007] (KB905866)
  Update for Windows Mail Junk E-mail Filter for x64-based Systems [March 2007] (KB905866)
  Install this update for Windows Mail to revise the definition files used to detect e-mail messages that should be considered junk e-mail or that may contain phishing content.
• Update for Windows Vista (KB931174)
  Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB931174)
  This update configures the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program to improve the quality of software information sent to Microsoft.
• Update for Windows Vista (KB932649)
  Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB932649)
  Install this update to resolve an issue where poor video quality may be experienced when configuring video to interlaced mode on a system running Windows Vista.
• Update for Windows Vista (KB933824)
  Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB933824)
  Install this update to resolve an issue where an Apple iPod may be corrupted by using the Safely Remove Hardware feature on a system running Windows Vista.
• Update for Windows Vista (KB932988)
  Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB932988)
  Install this update to resolve an issue where when adding metadata to RAW images from Canon EOS-1D or EOS-1Ds cameras, the file is truncated and the image is permanently lost.

Thanks to Jonathan Tigner

From Canucky.net

Kris Kenney talks about his experiences installing Windows Vista on his brand new, state of the art Dell XPS 710 system. He also provides a nice tutorial for owners of an XPS 700 or 710 about how to install Windows Vista on it. I was surprised that you have to remove 2 of the memory sticks for the Vista installer to work. Very insightful!

Please follow this guide only if the following conditions are true:

• You own a Dell Dimension XPS 700 or Dell Dimension XPS 710 desktop system.
• Your computer has 4 GB of memory (RAM).
• You are trying to install a retail copy of Windows Vista.
• You have a general knowledge of how to install Windows.
• You have a general knowledge of the inside of a computer system.

Read more here

Just finished installing Windows Vista - Canucky.net

Resources: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777

So I just got a chance to install the new Windows Vista Ultimate Extras Dream Scene Backgrounds and I must say I am impressed. My favorite so far is the waterfall which reminds me of the beautiful scenic views from around my home island of Jamaica to my desktop.

The rushing water of a forest stream

A field of thistle, with a bee gathering pollen | A streetlamp reflected in a puddle, with softly falling rain

Orange wisps flowing in a computer-generated scene

The Windows Ultimate Team has done an amazing job and I'm looking forward to future releases!

From Windows Ultimate

Quote:

"Windows DreamScene is currently available only as a preview version, but many of you have chosen to install it. In recognition of your interest, we accelerated our schedule to release a Content Pack that contains four video backgrounds, which are now available on Windows Update.

The four videos are:

• A field of thistle, with a bee gathering pollen
• The rushing water of a forest stream
• A streetlamp reflected in a puddle, with softly falling rain
• Orange wisps flowing in a computer-generated scene

Learn more here

Previously:

WinCustomize - Blissful Sunset DreamScene

Over the weekend I was browsing the WinCustomize DreamScene gallery deciding on what I should choose, I have to say most of the available ones (for free) did not excite or interest me. Then I saw Blissful Sunset, which I have been expecting to receive through Windows Ultimate Extras for the past couple of months now. In mid February Microsoft released a preview of DreamScene through their Ultimate Extra's service which is exclusive to licensed customers of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. The idea is to add life to static desktop wallpapers with motion scenary which can range from nature based to abstract backgrounds.

Blissful Sunset Dreamscene by WinCustomize

I first saw Bliss Sunset at the Windows Vista launch event in New York after a demo presentation. Wowed I was by the quick glimpse which left me anticipating DreamScene, which has so far only delivered one preview. Blissful sunset comes at a cost though ($4.95) and requires that you install the free Dreamscapes software for it to work since it does not use the Microsoft based .Dream format and requires that you add the Blissful Sunset DS through Object desktops own technology. Its kinda confusing and I would have preferred if WinCustomize used the existing tools in Vista to do this.

Is it worth purchasing? To be honest with you, no, it should be free, it loses its nostalgia after a while too. There are also some small problems such as audio playing in Media Player 11 I hear skips and distant echo feedback in songs. If its paused though I don't get the glitches. Another issue is the grass blades, I am seeing a fair amount of dirt down to the taskbar area that does not escape the fact its computer generated imagery. I can't decide if this is a field of tall grass or sugar cane (which is a specie of grass by the way).  I love playing the BeeGee's How Deep Is Your Love while watching this dream scene, its such a soothing experience.

My nephew asked me why isn't the sun setting? I told him because its a specific moment in time you want to always have, but, subtle sun animation would have been nice though to add to that realism. As for performance, no changes at all, the system runs just fine, except for the current audio problems I'm experiencing with it, with 2 GBs of RAM, 256 MB Video card and a 64-bit processor I wouldn't expect it to though. Dreamscene files are big too weighing in around 27 MBs, the Bliss abstract preview weighed in at 21 MBs. Overall, its not perfect, but it is beautiful and credit must be given to the artist who came up with it. But it does prove that these things have to be tested.

Check out WinCustomize Dreamscene gallery HERE thanks to Jeff for the link

Resources:

How to enable Windows DreamScene
DreamScene - The Issues So Far
The Windows Ultimate Extras Drought
Forza 2 DreamScene for Windows Vista

Here are some links from Microsoft for getting up and running with Windows Vista

Get organized with Windows Vista

Searching for lost files just got easier with Windows Vista. Using Search Folders and other new tools, you can find files faster and easier. Learn more about these new features that help you get a handle on your digital information. Then explore other features of Microsoft's newest operating system:

Easily find and use information on your PC and the Web
Stay better connected to your information and entertainment
Easily maintain the health and security of your PC

Download Windows Vista? Yes, you can

Have you heard the news? Windows Vista upgrade editions are available to download now through your digital locker at Windows Marketplace.

Windows Vista: What's changed from Windows XP?

Are you wondering where some of your old favorite features are? Make the transition to Windows Vista easier by learning exactly how things have changed and moved.

From Windows Ultimate via ActiveWin.com

Quote:

"Check out the download section. It was looking empty, so we created something special just for Ultimate users. We got the awesome graphics artists on the Windows Experience team to create unique static wallpapers for your desktop. They gave us two compelling images that we're offering to you in three resolutions.

We think the images cover the gamut of displays. Even those of you with Ultimate-worthy 30-inch flat panel monitors will find something to fit your screen. The resolutions available include both 4:3 and widescreen versions."

Download HERE 

Wouldn't call this one an exclusive extra for sure, since anybody can download it and use it on their computer, even Windows 3.1 users. :P Hope I see some March updates for licensed users of Vista Ultimate, its been really, really long now and lets hope its something that amazes.

Resources:

The Windows Ultimate Extras Drought

From Microsoft TechNET

Quote

What time will your organization's computers think it is on Sunday? Or, more important, will everyone's Outlook calendars be in sync on Monday morning? The United States Energy Policy Act of 2005 goes into effect on March 11 and unless certain updates are applied, the time zone settings for your computers' and handheld devices' system clocks may be incorrect during the four-week period affected by the change. To get the updates and learn how to apply them, the Microsoft Daylight Saving Time Help and Support Center is the place to start. There you can find a rundown of all products affected by DST. You can also participate in webcasts and technical chats geared to help you apply the updates. These updates have been released through a combination of channels including Microsoft Customer Support Services (CSS), hot fixes incorporated in Knowledge Base articles, Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and the Microsoft Download Center. Also check out Microsoft IT Deployment Guidance to learn about the Microsoft internal best practices on easing the DST transition.

Available DST updates for Windows:

• Update for Windows XP x64 Edition (KB932590)
• Update for Windows Server 2003 (KB932590)
• Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB932590)
• Update for Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems (KB932590)
• Update for Windows Vista (KB932590)
• Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB932590)

Support and Troubleshooting

Support News

•Daylight Saving Time Help and Support Center

How-to Articles

•How to address daylight saving time by using the Exchange Calendar Update Tool

•How to prepare SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000 for changes to daylight saving time in 2007

Knowledge Base Articles

•Update for daylight saving time changes in 2007 for Exchange 2003 Service Pack 1

•February 2007 cumulative time zone update for Microsoft Windows operating systems

•Preparing for Daylight Saving Time changes in 2007

Update your Windows Mobile powered device now

You can't deny it-spring is on the way! And this year, along with the sunshine and warmer weather, comes Daylight Saving Time. Due to Congress's Energy Policy Act, you'll need to remind your Windows Mobile® powered device that clocks will be set forward sooner than usual this year. Make sure your device doesn't fall behind by updating its software now.
To ensure your device is on time, visit http://www.windowsmobile.com/daylightsaving/ and download the necessary updates.

From The Wow | The Hive

Quote:

"Believe it or not, quite a few people have asked how do you open the nifty Windows Vista Box or packaging after purchasing Windows Vista at the store. So I figured I'd do a step-by-step process on how to open your nice new copy of Windows Vista without smashing or destroying its cool packaging."

Read the entire tutorial here

I wanted to keep my mouth shut on this one, but its getting a bit disturbing for me to continue doing so. Windows Ultimate Extras has been in the works for a long time now from early on in the Vista Beta. Vista Ultimate RTMed late January, but so far the UE folks have only released some stuff that honestly do not make this particular SKU a must have. I still have some confidence left in me that more value will show up over time, but the wait for more stuff has been rather long since downloading Hold 'em Poker, Bitlocker with Online Backup in February. The recent preview of DreamScene has been well, ok, but has not brought any wow factor to my user experience. Also, where are those other DreamScene backgrounds I saw at the launch event? Why are they taking so long, what needs to be fixed?

I need progress updates, I need more value, right now, Vista Business and Home Premium are looking like the most sensible choice for most users planning on moving to Vista. Yep, its obvious, I'm a bit frustrated, but I believe I have good reason to be. Vista Ultimate has a 5 year life support expectancy, but, the major gaps between UE releases are too wide, the value its adding just does not seem worthy enough. While Ultimate Extras does have the edge by melding together features of the Consumer/Business branches, looking deeper, what are you missing out on really?

• Domain Join (Business and Enterprise Edition)
• Media Center (Home Premium)
• Windows DVD Maker (Business Edition)
• Windows AERO (Home Premium, Business)
• Tablet PC (Home Premium, Business)
• Meeting Space (Home Premium, Business)
• XBOX integration (Home Premium)
• Complete PC Backup (Business)
• Remote Desktop (Business)

Right now, Vista Home Premium win's out carrying a majority of the features most users are looking for. If you are connecting more than five PC's in a work environment, Business Edition continues to be the best value. At the office, we only have 10 PCs connected to a Server running Server 2003 Standard in workgroup mode and we are able to do what we want just fine. So, for most small businesses, looking to Ultimate as getting everything cheaper without the need to invest in an Enterprise Agreement to get features like Bit Locker, is not a sensible decision.

To be honest, I don't use Media Center/XBOX 360, Tablet PC and Meeting Space. But, features like Windows Movie Maker and DVD Maker (Home Premium) are tools I'm finding the time to use more and more. Microsoft's marketing has mismatched the features in so many way's, you can't get away without thinking about Ultimate as the best choice. But at the same time, you have to ask yourself, do I really need all these features? In most cases, you probably have a third party application that can offer whats only available in Ultimate and missing in a cheaper SKU.

When I look at the big picture, having all features isn't a justified reason for purchasing Ultimate. Especially if you don't have the hardware to fully take advantage of it. So, my final recommendation is, when you go out to purchase Vista (if you do), focus primarily on Home Premium or Business, these two seem to have the needs of most users. Also, its not a distasteful idea to scrap the Ultimate SKU you and sell off some of the services of Ultimate extras as optional add-ons (ala-Plus!) for users of the lower SKU's. But that would be taking it a bit too far I would assume. I just wish the releases were more rapid. <sigh>

I just updated my Windows Guide, with new tips and tricks and information for getting started with Microsoft's new client operating system. With a wide range of topics that include doing a clean install with the Vista upgrade media, compatible Antivirus utilities and trouble shooting operating system errors such as Windows Update problems.

Check it out HERE

You can check out the Vista Tips and Tricks section for the latest info to stay agile.