As you all know, Microsoft released a beta of its free antivirus and antispyware utility today once code named 'Morro'. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free product for Windows 7, Vista and XP customers. Back in 2006 Microsoft introduced its security service suite Windows Live OneCare. Microsoft recently decided that they would discontinue Live OneCare in June 2009 and replace it with Security Essentials. Based on Microsoft's own Forefront 2.2 enterprise security technologies, the aim of Security Essentials is to provide an economically friendly way to encourage protecting your Windows PC. A lot of computer users who buy a new PC often get a free trial period version of popular security utilities. When they expire, the user tends to not purchase a full license but continue using the expired software. There are persons who out right consciously decide they are not going to purchase additional security software. For users like that, Microsoft has an answer, its called Security Essentials.

So, its free, but there are other free Antivirus products out there such as Free AVG and countless others? Microsoft does not have a problem with that, they are not competing with either commercial or free Antivirus products. The focus of Security Essentials is for those persons who do not have any security software installed on their Windows systems at all or don't keep security software updated.

Installing Microsoft Security Essentials (click image to enlarge)

Installation

Quick and easy is how I would describe the installation process. I was very surprised at how small the setup file is too. For persons on a slow Internet Connection, downloading Security Essentials will be a breeze. The 3.7 MB executable for Windows Vista and 7 x64 is the smallest out of all the platforms its available for, which range from 4.7 to 7 MBs. The install wizard requires that you have a genuine installation of Windows before you can install the software. Security Essentials encourages that you remove any currently installed Antivirus and AntiSpyware products before installing it as this can result in conflicts and performance issues. I already had Kaspersky beta for Windows 7 installed. I was still allowed to install MSE and I was able to remove Kaspersky after installation. MSE also disables the bundled Windows Defender AntiSpyware utility that comes with Windows 7 and Vista. After completing the installation, you can immediately download signature updates and scan your PC for malicious software.

Microsoft Security Essentials user interface

Anything special

Just like most Antivirus utilities, Microsoft Security Essentials scans your PC's hard disk, other storage devices and main memory to detect viruses and spyware and also deletes or quarantines them. It scans disk drives for signature characteristics strings by known viruses. Security Essentials also looks for suspicious behavior, such as attempts to erase or alter areas of your system. The interface is a very slick presentation that provides a cohesive tabbed layout of activities, history and settings, which is quite similar to Windows Defender if you have ever used it. I was hoping that the software though would display information like how old the Antivirus and AntiSpyware signatures were since they were last updated although the software indicated clearly that it needed an update based on a orange banner and computer display icon. I was also informed by Action Center in Windows 7 that the program is out of date.

Checking for virus and spyware definitions

Microsoft Security Essentials indicating its Updated

I noticed that Security Essentials refused to give me access to both History and Settings area of the utility. I suspect this is to prevent malicious programs from infiltrating the program and disabling it. Once I successfully updated MSE, I was granted access to those areas of the utility. Updating MSE is clearly emphasized with tips about why it is important to do so. For a new computer user, this definitely takes the complexity out of using security software with well explained information. Concerning updating, I hope Microsoft provides an online repository similar to Symantecs SARC where I can manually download the latest definition files and apply them on PC's that might not have reliable Internet access with MSE installed, especially for persons who might be on slower connections, this will be a handy convenience.

Running a Scan, a screenshot of MSE's memory usage in Task Manager (right)
(Click image to enlarge)

Microsoft should add a tab specifically for scanning, I notice the Scan execution is not well thought out and might trigger some sense of confusion. I would like a Custom Scan area with Scan tab that allows me to select the drives that I want to scan, instead of me clicking Custom, click Scan and it brings up a separate dialog. I notice when I select 'Full Scan' and click 'Scan' it scans the system partition first. I am currently running Windows 7 on a logical partition, I would prefer if MSE scans that first or ask me, would you like to scan these drives too.

The History tab provides a centralized location for managing malicious threats

Users can also take advantage of options such as contextual scan menu in Windows Explorer shell for on the fly scanning of folders and drives. I notice that MSE's Help Menu features an option to upgrade the program which suggest that the latest version of the utility can be easily kept updated and easy to install all from within the program.

Settings area for Security Essentials

Maintenance and Configuration

MSE integrates nicely with Windows 7's Action Center Security area, providing centralized links to quickly update the program without having to do so through the utility itself. Security Essentials Settings are organized into a well thought out list of options and settings that allows the user to easily customize the the utilities functionality. A list view of options include the following:

Scheduled scan: Here you schedule when you would like MSE to scan your PC for threats in addition to checking for virus and spyware definitions.

Default actions: Lets you decide how to handle detected threats, by letting you define the default action for each alert level such as Severe, High, Medium, or Low.

Real-time protection: Alerts you when viruses, spyware or other potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or run your computer.

Excluded files and locations: When you run a scan or use real-time protection, you can exclude certain files and locations.

Excluded file types: You can exclude certain file types. Excluding certain file types can help speed up the scan, but may leave your computer less protected.

Excluded processes: Allows you to exclude certain processes that run on your PC, examples include .cmd, .bat, .pif, .scf, .exe, .com or .scr.

Advanced: Provides a wide grouping of options for scanning archived files such as .ZIP and .CAB. You can optionally choose to scan removable drives (unchecked by default). Apply a system restore point before applying actions to detected items and allow users with limited privileges on the PC to view Detected items in the History tab.

Microsoft SpyNet: Just like Windows Defender, MSE includes support for Microsoft's online community for responding to potential threats.

Once installed Security Essentials will disable Windows Defender if its installed

Scanning Experience

Scanning your computer is probably a very mundane task. As with Security Essentials, there is no glitz or glamour, its quite reminiscent of using Windows Defender. I notice that when I started scanning a 2 GB USB Thumb drive, the system started feeling sluggish. Although I understand that this is still a beta, it was quite noticeable and I started hearing my computer fan spinning up loudly. I checked Task Manager to see how much memory MSE was consuming and I was quite surprised by how little it was, a total of 4 MBs. The scanning process took approximately 11 mins to complete. I went ahead and did a scan of my local disk which took approximately 40 mins (20 GBs). Overall its good and the memory usage is quite impressive.

Conclusion

What I like most about Microsoft Security Essentials apart from being free is the focus on simplicity with substance. The interface features a clean, well organized design that's easy to work with and maintain. Integration with Windows technologies like Security Center in XP/Vista and Action Center in Windows 7 will provide the cohesive experience that users expect from security utilities such as this. When combined with Windows 7's rich suite of security technologies already built in such as UAC, DEP, Patch Guard, Safe Unlinking and ASLR, users will certainly enjoy an even more complete security experience. Its early days yet, but Microsoft is doing something I believe that's right for both Windows and its user base. Personally, I wouldn't mind if Windows came with a program like Security Essentials already built in. With a strong brand identity behind it and I am sure strong marketing, this will encourage users to ensure that their Windows PC is protected.

Availability

Microsoft is providing Security Essentials as a limited beta open to 75,000 potential testers in the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Israel (English only), People’s Republic of China (Simplified Chinese only) and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese only).

Related

Download Microsoft Security Essentials Link should be live at 12 ET
Introducing 'Microsoft Security Essentials'
Microsoft Windows Defender Beta 2 Preview

Resources

Security Changes to AutoRun in Windows 7
Windows Security Blog: Windows 7 Security: Helping Enable the Mobile Workforce
Windows Team Blog: Windows 7: A New Approach to Securing Today’s Enterprise
Enhanced Security features in Windows 7

Messenger81What a coincidence? Back in May I wrote a Clubhouse story about my favorite application I cannot do without in response to a Clubhouse suggestion by Technogran. I thought, why not just republish it? Well here it is again, take 2, my 'Messenger 10th Anniversary Story' with some screenshots.

This is a difficult question simply because of the richness of the Windows Ecosystem. I run a variety of applications on Windows that I use almost everyday, whether its Microsoft Word, Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 V2, Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Media Player 11. But when I try to think about it from a fundamental point of view, some of those applications I mentioned are not detrimental, because they are available on the majority of PC's that run Windows. So, what is that one app I just cannot do without? The app that triggers some weird paranoia, anxiety moments if I don't have access to it on a daily basis? I thought about this carefully and looked at my usage patterns and management of the application itself. So, I would conclude that Windows Live Messenger is my must have, can't do without, can't cope without it application of them all.

Why is it so important to me?

Windows Live Messenger to me is my line of communication, just like my cellular phone, I am able to stay in touch with many friends and family. Windows Live Messenger goes beyond the traditional PC, just the other night, I saw my brother come online and I we started a chat session. I broke the ice, saying, 'you are up rather late tonight', he replied, 'I'm at work'. I asked 'where', he said at a 'Cell' tower. 'So late?' and 'how are you getting Net access?' I asked. He said from his Blackberry phone (he works for a Cellular carrier, so he is on stand by 24 hours). This particular scenario for me shows how powerful and connected Windows Live Messenger is, not necessarily the connection which could be EDGE or 3G, but the anytime, anywhere, almost any device experience Windows Live Messenger provides. In addition to being a connected platform, I have formed some life long friendships through Messenger over the years, to the point I have gotten the chance to meet persons face to face I got to know through Windows Live Messenger. One of the things I have discovered that others have agreed with is the ice breaker experience it provides. Being able to get to know persons over a long period of time from around the world establishes a trust and comfort when that opportunity arrives to actually meet in person. I remember traveling abroad and my only form of contact was through Windows Live Messenger being able to utilize features such as voice and video allowed me see my family and them to see me - all with the help of a free Wi-Fi connection.

How long have I been using Windows Live Messenger?

My first experience with Instant Messaging was MSN Messenger 2.2 that came with Windows Millennium Edition back in 2000. I was a bit scared at first, since it was a new experience for me, but I adjusted quite fast to this new way of communication when I discovered a few friends from high school were also using the service. I have upgraded to every version ever since and have enjoyed the fast pace level of innovation the platform has delivered with each release along with the opportunities to know so many wonderful persons and cultures from around the world. Here is a list of some the countries I have gotten to know people from:

Australia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, USA, France, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom, China, India (and many others I am sure I can't remember). Its quite amazing when you can say, ' I know a person or two from these fascinating lands and one of the engaging experiences that makes Windows Live Messenger such a worthy and powerful application/service for me.

Just the other night I was going through some old folders on my hard disk and I discovered some old beta screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 8.0 beta I took when it just came out. This was the first version of Messenger to embrace the 'Live' moniker.

Windows Live Messenger 8.1 - 2006

Windows Live Messenger 8.0 beta - December 2005

Along with that, here are some older versions of Messenger from yester-years.

Here is a screenshot of MSN Messenger 7.5 from August 2005

MSN Messenger 7.0 showing integration MSN Spaces - December 2004 click to enlarge

MSN Messenger Service 2.2 came bundled with Windows ME - circa 2000

I am sure I have some other screenshots of Messenger versions 4, but I will probably have to look on some old back-up disk. Here are some concepts of Messenger that I also found, its amazing the stuff I have stored on my hard disk:

Concepts that were being thought up for future versions of Messenger - circa 2004 click to enlarge

Here is one of those random but interesting conversations I have had over the years.

Yahoo! Messenger

Every now and then I try out Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger's main rival in the IM field, but I have discovered quickly that I know limited group of contacts who use the service. In fact, the majority of my 313 Windows Live Messenger contacts are mostly Hotmail, MSN or Live members. With the release of Windows Live Messenger 8.1, Microsoft in partnership with Yahoo! integrated support for Live Messenger users to communicate with Yahoo! Messenger users on their respective services. Apart from being able to chat with Yahoo! contacts, Windows Live Messenger delivers some unique enhancements that makes it the best platform for instant Messaging, features such as photo-sharing, personalized theming capabilities, integration with Windows Live products and services, ability to sign into multiple locations and devices make it best choice for me and the must have application on all the computers I use. Messenger has seen some evolutionary changes over the years, some that focus on integration with the Windows OS, some with services and others that were more about introducing new ways of interacting your friends. The Messenger Teams rapid pace of development and innovation is just exceptional and I would like give them a big thank you for all the great releases and I am looking forward to many more!

Resources

Instant and Social Communication with Windows Live Messenger 9

This is a difficult question simply because of the richness of the Windows Ecosystem. I run a variety of applications on Windows that I use almost everyday, whether its Microsoft Word, Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 V2, Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Windows Media Player 11. But when I try to think about it from a fundamental point of view, some of those applications I mentioned are not detrimental, because they are available on the majority of PC's that run Windows. So, what is that one app I just cannot do without? The app that triggers some weird paranoia, anxiety moments if I don't have access to it on a daily basis? I thought about this carefully and looked at my usage patterns and management of the application itself. So, I would conclude that Windows Live Messenger is my must have, can't do without, can't cope without it application of them all.

Why is it so important to me?

Windows Live Messenger to me is my line of communication, just like my cellular phone, I am able to stay in touch with many friends and family. Windows Live Messenger goes beyond the traditional PC, just the other night, I saw my brother come online and I we started a chat session. I broke the ice, saying, 'you are up rather late tonight', he replied, 'I'm at work'. I asked 'where', he said at a 'Cell' tower. 'So late?' and 'how are you getting Net access?' I asked. He said from his Blackberry phone (he works for a Cellular carrier, so he is on stand by 24 hours). This particular scenario for me shows how powerful and connected Windows Live Messenger is, not necessarily the connection which could be EDGE or 3G, but the anytime, anywhere, almost any device experience Windows Live Messenger provides. In addition to being a connected platform, I have formed some life long friendships through Messenger over the years, to the point I have gotten the chance to meet persons face to face I got to know through Windows Live Messenger. One of the things I have discovered that others have agreed with is the ice breaker experience it provides. Being able to get to know persons over a long period of time from around the world establishes a trust and comfort when that opportunity arrives to actually meet in person. I remember traveling abroad and my only form of contact was through Windows Live Messenger being able to utilize features such as voice and video allowed me see my family and them to see me - all with the help of a free Wi-Fi connection.

How long have I been using Windows Live Messenger?

My first experience with Instant Messaging was MSN Messenger 2.2 that came with Windows Millennium Edition back in 2000. I was a bit scared at first, since it was a new experience for me, but I adjusted quite fast to this new way of communication when I discovered a few friends from high school were also using the service. I have upgraded to every version ever since and have enjoyed the fast pace level of innovation the platform has delivered with each release along with the opportunities to know so many wonderful persons and cultures from around the world. Here is a list of some the countries I have gotten to know people from:

Australia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, USA, France, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom, China, India (and many others I am sure I can't remember). Its quite amazing when you can say, ' I know a person or two from these fascinating lands and one of the engaging experiences that makes Windows Live Messenger such a worthy and powerful application/service for me.

Yahoo! Messenger

Every now and then I try out Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger's main rival in the IM field, but I have discovered quickly that I know limited group of contacts who use the service. In fact, the majority of my 313 Windows Live Messenger contacts are mostly Hotmail, MSN or Live members. With the release of Windows Live Messenger 8.1, Microsoft in partnership with Yahoo! integrated support for Live Messenger users to communicate with Yahoo! Messenger users on their respective services. Apart from being able to chat with Yahoo! contacts, Windows Live Messenger delivers some unique enhancements that makes it the best platform for instant Messaging, features such as photo-sharing, personalized theming capabilities, integration with Windows Live products and services, ability to sign into multiple locations and devices make it best choice for me and the must have application on all the computers I use.

Resources

Instant and Social Communication with Windows Live Messenger 9

So its official, I think? Microsoft is planning to build their own retail stores and brand. Its an interesting move taking into account the current global economy. But its still an important one because of the potential opportunity to interface with the Company’s customers. I thought of suggestions on what a brand experience should be in a Microsoft store.

• First of all, don’t call it the ‘Microsoft Store’, my suggestion for a retail brand is, the ‘Windows Live Style Store’. Get it? Windows is an ecosystem and the Windows brand is still powerful and should be something to build from for a consumer running Windows. The Live evokes a connection with the customer, that brand is the people who work at the store, the people who talk to customers, engage with them, help them answer questions, solve problems and help get the most out of their Windows PC.
  
• Showcasing the ecosystem. I know the Windows Live Style Store will have a lot of Microsoft branded software and hardware. But the great part of it is show casing the OEMs who make great hardware devices that utilize Microsoft software and technologies. It should be one of the first places to go to see the latest Netbook, Gaming PC, Tablet, Business PC’s, Consumer PC’s running Windows. Looking at Engadget is great, but getting to experience the devices first at the Windows Live Style Store will be even greater.
  
• Solutions, I mentioned the Windows Live Style store being a place where Windows users can go to get answers to their questions or solve their problems. I believe this is where building confidence in the brand will definitely come in. Users should be able to bring their Windows PC to the Live Style Store, have technical experts fix their Computer while they are educated about their PC and the great things they can do on it. Whether its learning about new products, getting working done or utilizing the consumer features of Microsoft services such as Windows Live Essentials.
  
• Live Projects and Scenarios. The store must be a place where you can come and do things. Microsoft should setup class room training, help customers, schools that have classes and need to get projects done. In fact, consulting should be one of the hallmarks, whether you want to get your school reports done, how to use Windows Movie Maker to create that great cinematic experience or how to start a small business.
  
• Entertainment. I think this is a key differentiator for Microsoft from Apple. Microsoft has the potential to draw customers into their store and the innovations exist to do it, the Surface, the XBOX 360 and Windows Live should be ways of expressing to customers the fun side of doing things on the Windows platform. Some of the key elements include Game Parties, where persons can come down to a Live Style store on the weekends and play on the XBOX’s, families can show off their home movies on big screen TVs in the store. Have local bands come and play at the store in Jam sessions. Really make it an experience. Connect with the users.

Am I thinking too big? Maybe! But I think Microsoft needs to stand out on the retail experiences. Its gotta be more than just having a store thats filled with Microsoft. Its gotta be a people place, a social experience, a way of showing the human side of Microsoft.

So with Windows Vista RTM only a few hours away, we are on the threshold of a new era in computing. Testing Vista for over a year has been one wild ride, from the first beta in July 2005 to the many interim releases that came after. It was fun and I must say I enjoyed every minute of it and hope to do it again in the future without the long gap and wait for Beta though. So with the beta now ended I just want us to take a look back at the past 15 months:

Build 5112: Windows Vista BETA 1
Build 5219: Windows Vista September CTP
Build 5231: Windows Vista October CTP
Build 5270: Windows Vista December CTP
Build 5308: Windows Vista February CTP
Build 5536: Windows Vista Pre Release Candidate 1
Build 5600: Windows Vista Release Candidate 1

Build 6000: RTM ActiveWin Windows Vista Ultimate x86 and x64 Review New! Coming Soon.

Of course, there are some builds I didn't review, such as 5342, 5365, 5381, 5384 (BETA 2), 5456 and 5472, because they were either unusable or just not significantly different in changes to justify a review. The feature set has been pretty much frozen since Build 5308. Of course, the platform on which Vista started has not officially finished development. Windows 'codenamed' Longhorn Server will carry the torch into Q4 2007 and I hope to get a bit more interested in that release and present some reviews to see whats happening with it.

Remember to stay tuned to Teching It Easy for ongoing coverage of Windows Vista, with tips and tricks plus a new category called Vista Journal where I will be exploring and relating my everyday experiences with Windows Vista for one year, everyday (hopefully).

Resources:
Windows Vista RTM FAQ and Quick Start Guide

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

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! 

Microsoft today released their client Virtualization solution Virtual PC 2007 with support for both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows XP and Vista. I hastily downloaded to try out the new release and I must I am pleased so far. All of my existing Virtual Machines work without a hitch, performance is good and everything just work like it does on XP. Version 2004 was known for its incompatibility with Vista, especially since there was no native 64-bit version available.

 
Installing Virtual PC 2007 on Windows Vista RC2 (click to enlarge)

Installation
Was a cinch, I accepted the EULA, entered my user information, selected the default location and was done in less than 5 mins. After installation was completed, I was greeted by the Add a New Virtual Machine wizard. Adding a new Virtual Machine is just the same as version 2004 with the exception of Windows Vista now being a supported operating system from OS listings.

Adding and Configuring Virtual Machines in Virtual PC 2007

Usage
As previously said, not much has changed in this release with exception of full Windows compatibility. I was able to use existing VHDs stored on another partition and they ran perfectly. I have tried three classic operating systems so far, Windows 95, NT 4, 98 and ME all work as expected. Some small issues remain such as Print Screening the Virtual Machine window, which nothing out of the ordinary since its something rarely done unless you take lots of screenshots. I wish there was a better way of switching between Guest and Host in full screen mode. The keyboard acrobatics become daunting after a while, I suggest, maybe a switch between solution by adding a VPC icon in the notification area for both modes, similar to a Virtual Desktop.

Windows operating systems running on Windows Vista RC2 in Virtual PC 2007
(click to enlarge)

Overall, this release strengthens Microsoft's commitment to Virtualization, I don't know if this release will get anybody switching from VM Ware, but it just might since it is free. Virtual PC 2007 supports Windows Vista editions, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate for both Guest and Host.

You can sign up to test this new release by going the Microsoft Connect website and click the link available connections.

Recently, Microsoft released an update to their successful Consumer Security suite, Windows Live OneCare 1.5 for Windows Vista RC1 x86 (32-bit) or later. OneCare is Microsoft's first foray into the desktop security market which includes Antivirus, Malware and Anti-Phishing Protection. The Company's first product to be released into BETA was Windows Defender formerly Windows AntiSpyware purchased from GIANT in late 2004. In this review, I take a look at installing, configuring and maintaining Live OneCare 1.5 on the recent RC2 update for Vista, build 5744 x86. There are no plans at this time to make the suite available for Windows Vista x64, users of that platform will still have to depend on third party solutions such as Trend Micro Internet Security.

So what is new in this special release for Windows Vista. Not much except for compatibility, OneCare Live strengthens existing Security tools already included in the OS, such as Windows Defender, Internet Explorer 7 AntiPhising by adding a much needed Antivirus utility. Integration is also utilized through other features such as Windows Vista's Backup Center Utility.

Installing Windows Live OneCare 1.5 (click image to enlarge)

Installation
I have to say this is probably the most refreshing installation of software I have had in a while, it was just straight forward, quick and easy. To get OneCare Live 1.5 first you have to sign up by clicking the available link for the software at http://ideas.live.com which will take you to a page where you will enter your E-mail address and click a link to begin downloading the software. A small 1 Mb executable is downloaded, after which you run and the setup process begins. You cannot download the entire software to your local disk, the entire installation is done through the website. Its a sort distinct hint of Web 2.0 by delivering software this way which promises to deliver the most up to date releases of Windows Care. The installation time depends on the speed of your Internet connection, for me it was finish within 10 min's, after which I was required to restart to complete the installation.

  
Windows OneCare Live 1.5 Signup and Download Page. (click image to enlarge) 

After restarting and logging back into my account, I was greeted by a Windows OneCare Live splash screen which then displayed a status window indicating the software was installed successfully and can be found in the notification area. The OneCare Live main window was also opened ready to configure and adjust any settings. The Anti-Phishing utility is not turned on by default, this I did, next I activated the software which gave me a 180 day trial period (cool). I don't know if this is available to everyone, Paul Thurrott noted on his WinInfomant page a 90 day trial period.

Activation
Is simple and requires that you have a Windows Live ID, MSN or Hotmail account. During the activation process, the wizard checks if you already have an existing account, I believe this is how I got the 180 day trial, since I am already a perpetual beta tester for the OneCare software on Windows XP. The entire process was simple, no problems occurred.

Activating Windows Live OneCare 1.5 (click to enlarge image)

Using Windows Live OneCare
When you first launch the software you are greeted by the status window which gives you a quick overview of what's going one, indicators include Update to Date (Green), Needs Attention (Amber), You Are At Risk (Red). The three status listings on the main page are Protection Plus for Antivirus, Performance Plus which does things such as defragmenter and disk cleanup, check for updates and files that need backing up. Next is Backup and Restore which protects your files by backing them up to removal storage such as a USB external hard disk, CD/CD RW or DVD/DVD RW or even a Network Location if these options are available to you.

Windows Live OneCare Status windows and Vista Security Center integration.
(click image to enlarge)

What I find kind of ironic is the security technologies if Windows Vista and Live OneCare, when certain actions are executed, such as managing settings, starting a backup or tune up, the UAC dialog is launched before you can begin the process. I just find it strange, knowing its a Microsoft product also and it is not speared the notification. Live OneCare includes its own Firewall utility which replaces the Windows Vista Firewall as the default one which handles both incoming and out going request. Windows Defender which is already a part of WLO  package for XP and included with Windows Vista provides better integration through centralized management along with the Antivirus. Upon completion of install, the Media Center Extender on the Xbox 360 would not launch. After further investigation, I found out one needs to open OneCare, then go to Change OneCare Settings > Firewall > Advanced Settings > Ports and Protocols and enable: Xbox 360 and Media Center Extenders and Xbox 360 and Windows Media Connect Devices once you do this, then your extender will connect. Thanks to Brian Kvalheim for the tip.

Conclusion
Windows OneCare Live 1.5 is a great addition to the security portfolio in Windows Vista. The performance is superior in comparison to the other security products such as Norton Antivirus and MacAfee AV. System performance has not depreciated also which is a common characteristic of the more popular AV's out on the market, its easy to use and manage plus it provides a great out of box experience. The interface is also easy to understand and navigate, I wish there was better automated detection of hardware devices such as the XBOX and Media Center port blocking which are also Microsoft products. There should also be a trust relationship between UAC and WLO, I am sick of the security alerts, but I don't want to turn them off simply because I like a clean, green security center. Overall, I like it and I think you will too.

Download Windows Live OneCare 1.5 for Windows Vista RC1 x86 or later HERE
Get Windows Vista RC2 HERE

The Windows Vista Team notes on their blog that a lot of UI elements have been updated, and the effort continues. I know we won't see every icon updated, for instance, there is a good amount of legacy icons situated in the Windows folder, but I suspect because this is not a often accessed location they will be skipped.

I still see a few old XP style icons here and there and some UI inconsistences I would like to point out.

The Windows Update, Taskbar & Start menu icons in Control Panel are not updated to be scaled at a large size. The Windows Update globe in particular has not been updated to feature that level of realism that you see on globe based icons throughout Windows Vista such as those for Internet Connection, Regional Settings and iSCSI Initiator. It also uses the old XP style Windows flag.

Next up are some dialogs that still feature old XP style icons, such as the Previous Versions tab, found on the Properties of a file. The System Properties > Hardware tab, still feature two prominent XP style icons: Device Manager (which does not sync with Add/Hardware device icon found in Control Panel) and Windows Update which was previously noted.

Finally, I come to one small iconsistency which is very, very small, the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties > Taskbar tab displays a preview of the Taskbar appearance. From what I can see the image is stretched. If I compare to an image of my Taskbar, its safe to say, the image was not cropped properly by the person responsible for this area and was stretched instead.

Microsofts Taskbar

My Taskbar in Windows Vista 5728

Overall, Microsoft has done an amazing job, and like they said, the effort continues to update as much as possible. The interface is superb and I must give kudos to the folks on the Shell Team for their hard work and dedication to making this the best user experience possible. Some areas of Windows Vista I believe were left in an unfortunate position, such as the common Windows applications, Word Pad, Paint basically "untouched". I don't know what the user studies show, but to me they look pretty much out of place, the last time they got a face lift was with transition to Windows 95. I was hoping that Microsoft Paint at least would adapt some of the charateristics of a modern graphics application featuring tighter integration with new applications such as Photo Gallery and set of more accessible tools. Oh, just one last thing before I post, the Ultimate Extras icon has not been updated to be scaled to a large size when selected.

Resources:
Shell Revealed

Application compatibility is one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to moving or transitioning to Windows Vista. Microsoft has made a concerted effort to deliver a unique experience over past versions of Windows in Vista for both businesses and consumers, these include Application Compatibility (first introduced in Windows XP), the new Application Compatibility Wizard to help identify which applications on your system are not working properly with Windows, Windows Upgrade Advisor to determine if you have the necessary requirements and settings to successfully install Windows Vista and the soon to be released (in beta) Virtual PC 2007 to run a prior version of Windows on top of Windows Vista that supports your legacy applications.

For me, I have had minimal trouble with compatibility on Windows Vista, the only problem for me is my USB E398 and C350 Motorola Cellular phones are not fully compatible with Vista, the root cause is the Motorola Mobile Phone Tools software developed by BVPR. Hopefully sometime after Vista is Released to Manufacturering, they will have a supported device driver and working software.

I have been running some old applications such as Office 2000 Premium SR1 and Adobe Photoshop 6 on the latest Vista builds 5600 (RC1) and 5728 and I am surprised how functional they are, no glitches or errors during installation or during daily use. I did not have to run either compatibility mode, both also run at optimal performance. Many corporations are still on versions of Office such as 2000 and XP and are usually slow at moving to more recent releases, upgrade cycles can factor in a combination of both new and old software. Its reassuring knowing that you can take advantage of the latest operating  system while keeping older productivity and graphics software without affecting your TCO. Of course Microsoft will recommend a Vista/Office 2007 deployment strategy, but I am sure most IT Departments and CIO's are realist and the case will be a either or approach to moving to Office 2007 and Vista for many.

Resources
http://windowsconnected.com/blogs/joshs_blog/archive/2006/01/07/295.aspx
ActiveWin.com: Release Candidate 1 Preview (Build 5600)

From ActiveWin.com

Quote:

"You tend to get a bit jaded about beta software especially after testing 12 pre-release builds of it over a 14 month period, slowly watching it at times fall and progress. Windows Vista has been five years in the making; throughout that time we have seen Microsoft delay the release of this “major upgrade” over and over and over again. But the Company throughout that tumultuous time did manage to pick up the pieces and literally start all over again. Now with the 13^th and possibly final test build; Release Candidate 1, we are only a stones throw away from Release To Manufacturing (RTM)."

Read the rest here

From ActiveWin.com

Quote:

" I have just posted his 21-page Microsoft Windows Vista Pre-RC 1 preview (Builds 5472 and 5536). In the preview, he discusses load times, installation times, an array of features (IE 7, multimedia, advanced, etc.) and much more. Included are over 20 screenshots. Below is an excerpt:

For me, installing the operating system has been a varied experience depending on the hardware; I tried different machines, all which successfully installed a combination of x86 and x64 platforms. The BETA 2 build released in May installed in approximately 35 to 40 minutes on both 32 and 64 bit hardware. Microsoft has since released updated builds (5456, 5472) otherwise known as interim releases. I recently installed 5472 (x86); the install time on my desktop and laptop were 59 minutes and 54 minutes respectively. A significant drop in performance there compared to build (5384 – BETA 2). Although we should take into consideration 5472 x64 is an interim release and does not reflect the same quality, as a milestone build such as BETA 2 or RC1 will be. Hopefully I will see changes to this area as development progresses, but fluctuation in performance has been a number one problem since BETA 1."

Read the rest here

From Windows Connected

Everybody knows Internet Explorer, whether you hate it or love it, it’s the most popular web browser around the world. Apart from the new user interface, which seems a bit squeezed, Internet Explorer 7 biggest features are Security and Really Simple Syndication. RSS allows the user to subscribe to their favorite website’s and receive notifications of updates to those subscribed sites without the need to individually browse each to check for new information. An orange button (also used by FireFox) indicates when a site is RSS enabled, click it and you are presented in a Feed view of the particular site, which you can then save and add to your collection of feeds in the Favorites Center. You can set the browser to download new updates automatically at certain intervals.

Read the entire preview here