Microsoft released nine important security updates for Vista yesterday. Here is a list of whats included:

Update for Windows Vista (KB931836)
February 2007 cumulative time zone update for Microsoft Windows operating systems
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB932406)
The Windows desktop may stop updating correctly after a Windows Vista-based computer has been running for an extended period of time
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB935652)
June 2007 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB937077)
A high definition audio device may no longer work after you resume Windows Vista from hibernation or from sleep
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB937123)
When running Windows Vista, the 802.1X network authentication times out, fails and network connectivity can not be established.
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB938637)
In Internet Explorer 7 on a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot enter user-defined words that are added to the Microsoft IME user dictionary
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB929824)
Windows Vista cannot connect to any off-link addresses when the default gateway is configured to be the same as the client IP address
>> Download: x86, x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB930627)
The private data of the DEVMODE data structure may be corrupted when you use raw mode to print a document in a 32-bit application on a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows
>> Download: x64

Update for Windows Vista (KB935855)
Error message when you try to start Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista: "You must be an administrator to open Internet Explorer on this desktop"
>> Download: x86, x64

Hi everyone,

As we approach Windows Vista's 6 month anniversary, I decided to provide a summary of tips and tricks I have written and collected for the operating system from various sources since the start of the year so far. Its small and the intention is to grow it. The list covers a range of topics, from tweaking to securing Windows Vista. In addition to this, there is already my popular Windows Vista Quick Start Guide and FAQ, which covers preparing for the operating system, getting up and running with it, be sure to check that out.

Thanks, Andre

Productivity

1. Talking about Logging on locally using Vista
2. Adding Folders and Programs to the ‘Send To’ Context Menu in Windows Vista 
3. Get organized with Windows Vista folders 
4. Working with files and folders 
5. See details about your PC's performance using Task Manager 
6. Windows Vista Tip: Excluding Directories From Vista's Built-In Backup 
7. Windows Vista tip: Recovering from a damaged system 
8. Create unique custom calendars on your PC 
9. Get calendar templates from Microsoft Office Online
10. Share your calendars over the Internet 
11. Slow Copy and Move in Windows Vista

Customize

1. Changing the Windows Explorer Layout 
2. Changing the Windows Vista user interface to Windows Classic 
3. Enable the Menu Bar in the Vista Explorer Shell 
4. Where did the 'Run' command go in Windows Vista?

Security

1. A list of Antivirus software that works with Windows Vista RTM 
2. Set up your PC so it's safe for kids 
3. Windows Vista Tip: Using Windows Defender

Networking

1. Windows Vista Tip - Don't Display Ad-hoc Networks
2. What you need to set up a home network

Guidelines

1. Windows Vista Capable PC Hardware Guidelines 
2. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 
3. Windows Vista Public Newsgroups 
4. Hey, don't have a DVD drive but want Vista? 
5. How to open your Windows Vista Product Box by Brandon Leblanc

Compatibility

1. Windows Vista compatible version of Adobe Acrobat 8 now available 
2. Hiding Vista's Partition from XP

User Experience

1. How to enable Windows DreamScene
2. Personalize Windows Vista Even More!
3. How to install Windows Vista on a new PC
4. Change your desktop background
5. Customize Windows Sidebar 
6. Make the text on your screen larger 
7. Liven up the colors on your PC

Adapted from this months Microsoft Mindshare Newsletter

The Windows Vista team has posted a number of demos online that you can share with your group on topics ranging from the basics ("Learning to use the mouse") to more advanced ("Security Basics"). Click here to go to the demos page and see whether there's a topic that would fit into your next meeting agenda.

Adapted from this months Microsoft Mindshare Newsletter

The User Account Control feature in Windows Vista has gotten some prime-time exposure-and more than a little ribbing, thanks to the commercials of a leading competitor. Although the ads portray UAC as an overprotective agent that won't let you get anything done, UAC is actually an important (and easy to use) part of Windows Vista security. Click here to read "Understanding User Account Control in Windows Vista," by Charlene Shepard to find out how to use UAC to your best advantage.

From Microsoft

Live it today. Relive it tomorrow.

Don't leave hundreds--or even thousands--of digital photos buried on your PC. Now you can handle your photos and videos in a truly intuitive way using Windows Vista. See how simple it can be to import, find and organize, edit, and share digital memories with family and friends.

More how-to's and help for photos and video in Windows Vista

New and notable
Look for the logo. Experience the difference
For a superior Windows Vista Experience, look for hardware and software featuring a Windows Vista logo. See the different logos and learn what they mean.

Turn the PC you have into the PC you've always wanted
Upgrade your family's PC fun and capabilities by moving from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Upgrade now and get free, unlimited 90-day phone support.

Featured tip for Windows Vista

View files the way you want
When you open a folder and see your files, you might prefer larger or smaller icons, or a way to see different kinds of information about each file. To make these kinds of changes, use the Views button in the toolbar of any folder.

Each time you click the Views button, the folder window changes the way it displays your file and folder icons, alternating between large icons, a smaller icon view called Tiles, and a view called Details that shows several columns of information about each file. If you click the arrow next to the Views button, you'll find even more choices.

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

More tips for Windows Vista

Learn by watching these Windows Vista demos
Choose from more than a dozen video clips about everything from Windows Vista desktop PC basics to diagnosing problems and getting help. If you like to see how to do something rather than read about it, these are for you.

Browse Windows Vista discussion groups
Thousands of Windows Vista users participate in our online discussion groups. Join them and post your own questions or learn what other people have to say about every aspect of Windows Vista.

From Microsoft Downloads

Quote:

Overview

Users of the Microsoft Office XP and 2003 programs Word, Excel, or PowerPoint—please install all High-Priority updates from Microsoft Update before downloading the Compatibility Pack.

By installing the Compatibility Pack in addition to Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP, or Office 2003, you will be able open, edit, and save files using the file formats new to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007. The Compatibility Pack can also be used in conjunction with the Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003, Excel Viewer 2003, and PowerPoint Viewer 2003 to view files saved in these new formats. For more information about the Compatibility Pack, see Knowledge Base article 924074.

Note: If you use Microsoft Word 2000 or Microsoft Word 2002 to read or write documents containing complex scripts, please see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925451 for information to enable Word 2007 documents to be displayed correctly in your version of Word.
Administrators: The administrative template for the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint converters contained within the Compatibility Pack is available for download.

Download here

From Microsoft

Movies and more with Windows Vista

Discover how Windows Media Center in Windows Vista makes it easy for you to enjoy your favorite movies. See how you can record movies from your television or download them from the Internet, watch movies anywhere in your home, and create your own movies using Windows Movie Maker.

Download free sample chapters of Windows Vista books

Download sample chapters, and if you like what you see, you can buy the book for 35 percent off. Offer good through June 30, 2007.

Set up and maintain your PC

10 fast fixes for nagging PC problems

Your Wi-Fi network has gotten slow; your everyday printer is no longer the default. Solve these PC problems and others with the advice in this article.

See details about your PC's performance using Task Manager

The Task Manager that you see when you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE isn't just for closing programs that have stopped responding. You also can use this tool to get details on how much of your processor and memory are being used. Learn how in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

TechNet Magazine's Utility Spotlight: Script Elevation PowerToys for Windows Vista

In the spirit of the old Windows PowerToys, Senior Infrastructure Consultant for Microsoft Consulting Services Michael Murgolo has created a few Script Elevation PowerToys to elevate some types of tasks in Windows Vista.

Microsoft Debuts Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0

Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 is now available for download. This popular Windows Vista deployment tool offers IT professionals a quick way to assess their existing computers' readiness for Windows Vista in terms of hardware and device compatibility. The new version provides selective inventory, enhanced scalability for larger corporate networks and assessment for Office 2007.

Support and Troubleshooting

How-to Articles

• How to prepare to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista

On Demand

Determine Windows Vista Compatibility with Your Existing Computers

Learn how the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool can help you quickly assess the hardware and device capabilities of your computers for Windows Vista network-wide.

TechNet Radio: Direct from Day One of Tech-Ed 2007

This week on Tech Net Radio, we listen to interviews from the first day of Tech-Ed 2007. Kevin Remde talks with Dustin Jones about monitoring using System Center Essentials. He also talks with Jane Lewis about Women in Tech. Kevin and Bryan von Axelson discuss the Microsoft MVP Program with Connie Rennie. Plus, we talk with Steve Riley about Wireless Security improvements in Windows Vista.

Solution Accelerators

Determine Hardware and Device Compatibilities for Your Windows Vista Migration Project

Wondering if your computers are ready to migrate to Windows Vista? The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator is a network-wide assessment tool that quickly assesses hardware and device driver compatibility for Windows Vista upgrades. Download and start your migration planning today.

Check out all the Solution Accelerators.

From Windows Connected

Josh ask what has happened to the highly anticipated Ultimate Extras which was touted as one of the top reasons to shell cash for the Vista Ultimate SKU:

"It has been over three months since we last saw anything from the Ultimate Extra team.  Intially this was offered by Microsoft as one of the big value adds to the Ultimate version of Windows Vista, but to date I can't say they have delivered that much value. DreamScene was sweet but lasted only a few hours, Holdem was fun again only a half usable thing since it wasn't network capable, the Bitlocker tool was useful for some...."

Read the rest here

I'm going to be honest here, I am starting to reach the conclusion, that Ultimate is probably the worst SKU in the Vista line up, it can't live up to its name! I have said it many times, whatever was in Ultimate should not have been an SKU but an optional Plus! addon you can purchase or don't bother with it at all. Looks like Home Premium is a winner.

Related:

The Windows Ultimate Extras Drought

Resources:

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

These security tips and solutions are adapted from this months Microsoft Newsletter: Security for home computer users.

Volume 4, Number 6 - June 12, 2007.

How to recognize "spoofed" Web sites

According to the May 29 issue of Computerworld, the number of spoofed Web sites--fake Web sites that look like legitimate sites but are designed to steal your personal information--nearly tripled between March and April. The best way to help protect yourself? Verify that the site you're visiting is secure and authentic using these techniques.

Security updates

Security updates for June 12, 2007
The bulletin for June includes six updates: four critical updates for the Windows operating system and Internet Explorer, one important update for Microsoft Office and Microsoft Visio, and one moderate update for Windows.

For people with personal computers:
Get updates automatically from Microsoft Update
See a summary of the June updates
Frequently asked questions about security updates

For technical details or for IT professionals:
Go to the Security Bulletin Summary on TechNet

For all others: If you work in a connected office environment, your IT department will keep your computer up to date.

Protect your computer

Signs of spyware: Are you being watched?

Are you seeing pop-up ads, strange settings, or unfamiliar downloads on your computer? Know the symptoms of spyware and make sure that you're not being watched.

Does your operating system have protection built in?

Many fundamental computer security features are integrated in the latest versions of Windows. Here's how to find out if your operating system has protection built in.

Protect yourself

Help! A spammer has hijacked my e-mail address

Have you received spam that appears to come from your own e-mail address? Here's how to prevent spammers from hijacking your e-mail address, starting by using the built-in spam filtering tools in all Microsoft e-mail programs.

How to prevent Trojans from taking over your computer

With new malicious Trojan-horse programs appearing on the Internet all the time, it's important to follow these best practices to help keep your computer safe.

Protect your family

Help protect yourself when downloading music

A recent study found that online music sites pose the biggest security threat to computers. If you or your kids visit such sites, take these steps before you download anything.

Set time limits on your kids' computer use

Learn how Parental Controls in the Windows Vista operating system help you control how long your kids can use the computer.

Security resources

• Security At Home site

• Security Tips & Talk blog

• RSS feed: Get new security information delivered to you

• Security video tutorials

• Support for your home computer security issues

• Worldwide computer security information

From Windows Live

With Microsoft® Office Outlook® Connector, you can use Outlook to receive your Windows Live™ Hotmail® messages—free of charge. Plus, use all the same formatting and organizational features you already use in Hotmail! With quick, easy access to your information on and offline, Outlook Connector helps you keep track of all your e-mail and contact information and automatically synchronize your Hotmail account.

Learn more here

UPDATE: Brandon Leblanc over at the Windows Experience Blog gives us a tutorial and some background information on the new Outlook Connector. Some interesting features include the Delta Sync technology which replaces WebDAV protocol formerly used for downloading Hotmail email in Outlook.

"The Microsoft Office Outlook Connector is designed to let you access your Windows Live Hotmail account through Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007. You will be able to download and install the Connector to sync up your email and contacts in Windows Live Hotmail for free. However, if you are a paid subscriber of MSN Premium, Office Live Essentials, or Office Live Premium you will get the added functionality of being able to sync up your calendar, tasks and notes from Outlook to Windows Live Hotmail."

Read the rest here

A lot of folks are coming to the conclusion that the latest Leopard feature complete preview revealed at WWDC 2007 today, shows some resemblance to Microsoft's Windows Vista. But, honestly, I don't see it, yes the global menu bar has transparency built in, but that's about it. If Leopard is ripping off anything its probably SUN's Project Looking Glass, the new Dock bares a striking resemblance to the open application holder in that user interface.

Project Looking Glass

Feature complete Mac OS 10.5 "Leopard"

Windows Vista

Yes, they do share some similarities in terms of a unified interface and photo realistic icons. But Leopard's new stack feature is quite interesting, and makes accessibility in the Dock much easier. The Dock still suffer's from the simplicity that is available with the Windows taskbar. You can't tell the difference between open and closed applications easily, its still cluttered and uses too much real estate. Overall, a lot of the functionality in Leopard is a catch up in terms of organizing and managing your files, its just Apple has used a lot of pizzazz to present that data. I still don't see any features in this new features this release that blow me away or would have me switching, especially for an existing Mac user running Tiger, its probably more of a worthy upgrade for some on Panther or older versions of the Mac OS.

Click image to enlarge

I logged into Windows Vista Ultimate x64 and was surprised how long it took to reach and load the desktop. That was the least of the problems I experienced, after it finally loaded up, I was greeted by a bunch of errors and noticed that Windows AERO was turned off. I'm not complaining, but it seems Vista x64 is very buggy and just does not feel optimized for the 64 bit processors out there. It takes a longer time to boot up I've noticed and still suffers from the compatibility issues that plagued XP Pro x64. I hope Microsoft's Problems and Solutions applets is taking note of these problems and sending it back to Redmond to the right team. Hopefully SP1 will resolve most of the performance issues that remain so far in the RTM and glitches that are becoming more annoying.

 A great review that highlights some of the unique functionality of mobile/business/entertainment solution. This is definitely an impressive laptop from HP.

Quote

My HP tx1000 Review is online

This evening, I finally got my review of the HP tx1000 Pavilion Entertainment PC online. Check out the review and photos on the Windows Experience Blog.

Overall, it is a very nice laptop PC. However, its Tablet PC capabilities are a bit lacking. The pen and the tx1000's ability to grab my handwriting was a struggle. But when it did detect my handwriting, Windows Vista's Tablet PC features rocked the house!

Related:

Teching It Easy: Windows Vista Acer Ferrari 5000 - Review

Technorati tags: Windows Experience Blog, HP, HP tx1000, Tablet PC, Review

From Windows Connected via Techlog

Josh over at Windowsconnected.com has a great article about Vista and ad-hoc wireless networks:

One of the general annoyances of connecting to the wireless infrastructure at show like TechEd is the number people that seem to be in my general vicinity broadcasting as an ad-hoc connection. Are they trying to get unsuspecting people to connect to them and gleam some information from their laptops? I doubt it, but still annoying. From Techedbloggers.net I found a great tip from Chris Pringle about adding a quick filter to suppress ad-hoc networks. As an admin run the following:

netsh wlan add filter permission=denyall networktype=adhoc

To reverse this again run the following:
netsh wlan del filter permission=denyall networktype=adhoc

From NeoSmart Blogs

"One of the biggest problems that faces dual-booters is data corruption on many different fronts. While using proper dual-boot techniques and going by the book can avoid most forms of data corruption, there are some things that you can’t just work around, especially if it’s considered a “feature” by Microsoft… One such “feature” is that those dual-booting Windows XP and Windows Vista will find that every time they boot into XP, they’ll lose all their Vista system restore points - because XP “intelligently” detects them as being corrupt XP system restore profiles. So much for painless dual-booting. Even Vista’s “Complete Backup” feature is decimated by the very existence of XP on the same computer - and having them on separate hard drives doesn’t help!

Unfortunately, there is no solution to this. Microsoft acknowledges the issue - but provides absolutely no hint, clue, or even whiff of a hotfix though it would seem that this isn’t something difficult for them to patch. The advice has been to either not dual-boot at all, run XP in a virtual machine, or else encrypt the Vista hard drive - a feature that has more bugs than the rest of Vista put together. But don’t worry, we have a (free and easy!) solution for you! "

Read the entire tip here

Excellent tip Computer Guru

Related

Teching It Easy: Windows Vista Quick Start Guide and FAQ

From Adobe Systems

Adobe Reader has recently been updated, from version 8.0 to 8.1. A changelog is not available yet.
Adobe's description of Adobe Reader:

*Work smarter - a clean new look, custom toolbars and an RSS reader
*Work faster - 2D acceleration (requires video card support, Win only)
*Work together - new online conferencing with Acrobat Connect
*The ONLY Reader that can open and view all PDF files with full functionality

Download here

Related

Windows Vista Tip: Installing And Running Adobe Reader

From Microsoft Downloads

Thanks to Chris Overd of LiveSide.net for the tip

Overview

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista
The Windows Mobile Device Center enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with Windows Mobile powered devices (Windows Mobile 2003 or later). The Windows Mobile Device Center combines an efficient business-data synchronization platform with a compelling user experience. The Windows Mobile Device Center helps you to quickly set up new partnerships, synchronize business-critical information such as e-mail, contacts and calendar appointments, easily manage your synchronization settings, and transfer business documents between your device and PC.

This new version of the Windows Mobile Device Center contains key improvements and new features to support Windows Mobile 6 devices. The Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is only supported on Windows Vista.

Key updates in Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 include:

• Windows Mobile 6 feature support
o Information Rights Management activation - Automatically configure the Windows Mobile 6 device to open IRM-protected documents and files
o HTML mail – Set up your Windows Mobile 6 device to sync HTML-formatted mail
o Certificate Enrollment - Acquire certificates through the PC the Windows Mobile 6 device is currently connected to
o Allow data connections on the Windows Mobile 6 device when connected to the PC
o File synchronization for smartphones – Synchronize files with your Windows Mobile 6 devices, including both touch screen and non-touch screen devices
• Automatic device authentication - Connect the Windows Mobile device to the PC without the need to enter the device-lock PIN every time upon connect
• Product Registration - Register your Windows Mobile device and get connected to information and offers available for your device

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is fully compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 devices and later.

Download 32-bit here

Download 64-bit here

Brandon Leblanc gives us his top list of features Live Spaces users would definitely appreciate. My favorites in particular are 3. Tag Gallery 2. Theme Customization, I just want to add a unique look and feel relating to what I cover on my blog and 5. Better social networking relating to groups and interest. Brandon, you have definitely hit the money! 

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Top 10 Features that Windows Live Spaces needs

I'm compiled a list of features I think Windows Live Spaces needs at its next BIG update. The list is in no particular order:

1. Option to allow comments from non-Windows Live ID users.
2. Better theme customization for making my Space stand out more.
3. Tagging (instead of Categories). Enough said.
4. Enhanced Windows Live Profile options. Ability to add more information (like favorite movies, music, etc).
5. Groups. I've found that Facebook uses groups to associate with friends with common interests. Spaces should adopt something similar but expand on the concept.
6. Allow for private photo galleries. Let me designate based on my Windows Live Contact list who can see specific photo galleries and who cannot.
7. Better digital photo support. Let me upload a image taken from a digital camera without Spaces altering the image in anyway. Let folks download or view original image.
8. Better stats. Let me see page views VS RSS views, link referrers, etc.
9. Improved Friends List. Friends List too basic in its current form compared to other social networking services.
10. Custom Domain support. I want to use my own domain for my Windows Live Space just like I am able to do with email.

If the Spaces Team can swing many of these features at their next big update - I'll be one happy camper.

Technorati Tags: Windows Live, Windows Live Spaces

Today we take a look at another popular Windows Vista resource managed by  Zack Whittaker.

VistaBase is a really easy, simple way to find articles, tweaks, guides and information on Windows Vista, including Windows Media Player11, Windows Internet Explorer 7 as well as the upcoming server operating system, Windows Server 2008.

As seen on Digg, MSBLOG, James Senior’s, Daniel Moth’s and Steve Clayton’s blog, VistaBase has over 300 articles covering networking, graphics, hardware, security and all the technologies that surround Vista. It has a fully-fledged screenshot gallery with all the pre-release software images, over 50 video demonstrations, and runs off the back of Wordpress so readers can leave their comments and feedback.

Whatever you are looking for, the chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of their 15 categories, and if you can’t then you can submit a question and get it listed within the day.

Check it out here: http://www.vistabase.co.uk