Windows 8 ‘Confirmed’ for 2012 Launch

More and more evidence is emerging that Windows 8 will be released in 2012. At this years Professional Developer’s Conference (PDC 2009), budding attendees managed to get their hands on two Windows roadmap slides that show ‘Windows 8′ launching in 2012:

Now these slides don’t really provide any information that we didn’t know; Microsoft typically leave 3 years between each release and with Windows 7 launching this year, Windows 8 was always likely to be in 2012. It is unlikely that Microsoft would pull Windows 8’s launch forward to 2011 because it would impact Windows 7 sales with customers delaying upgrades, and unlikely they would delay until 2013 as Windows 8’s development seems to be progressing quite nicely.

Source: Microsoft Kitchen

(Unofficial) Windows 8 Wallpapers

Here’s been no sign of any official news or Windows 8 media, but that hasn’t stopped talented designers pulling together their own. Rajesh Patel has created six Windows 8 Wallpapers that are available for download:

Windows 8 to be 128-bit compatible?

As we’ve known for some time, Microsoft had already begun work on Windows 8 before Windows 7 was completed. The reason being that different teams work on different aspects of the operating system, which is why Microsoft was able to do this. Microsoft previously shed some light on what we can see in Windows 8 through a job description.

It appears though, that one specific Microsoft employee was not too careful with their LinkedIn profile, and had accidentally leaked some interesting details regarding Windows 8. According to his LinkedIn profile, which seems to have had many of its details removed, Robert Murdon has been working at Microsoft since January 2002. Windows 8 News managed to catch this on the Microsoft employee’s LinkedIn profile before it disappeared:

“Robert Morgan is working to get IA-128 working backwards with full binary compatibility on the existing IA-64 instructions in the hardware simulation to work for Windows 8 and definitely Windows 9.”

“Robert Morgan is using Hestia (custom software package) for experimenting with the processor for scientific analysis and 3D graphics. Error: Memory Latency? Always gotta be a challenge barrier, it’s gotta be a bug in Hestia. right?!”

“Robert Morgan is frustrated with process standards and regulations! Delays Delays!”

Murdon seems certain that we will see 128-bit compatibility with Windows 9, while it appears that whether we will see it in Windows 8 or not is still uncertain. Coincidentally, many do believe that Windows 7 will be Microsoft’s last 32-bit OS. So could this mean we will see Windows 8 come in 64-bit and 128-bit flavors? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Windows 8 Professional Edition Transformation Pack

Windows 8 is still in planning stages,though unofficial transformation packs has been released.

Here are the screenshots of the transformation pack-

Download Windows 8 transformation pack here

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions

I was Just surfing trhough net about the windows 7, and So on I landed over the Microsoft's Windows 7 home page. I was Curious on the faq's for the new OS of Windows. And hence I just got this FAQ's on how 32-bit and 64-bit of windows versions are. And this FAQ's are really helpful for any body who is goin to buy a new PC. Or one who is goin to Upgrade the PC.

Well Its fuller reaches underneath the hammer!...

and here is it.



*What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows?

-The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

*How can I tell if my computer is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows?

-To see if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

1. 
   
   Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then clicking System.
2. 
   
   Under System, you can view the system type.

*Can my computer run a 64-bit version of Windows?

-To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. If you are unsure whether your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

1. 
   
   Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
2. 
   
   Click View and print detailed performance and system information.

*Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

-No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll need to back up your files and then perform a Custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows.

*Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

-Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.

Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. For information about updating drivers and troubleshooting issues with device drivers for 64-bit versions of Windows, contact the manufacturer of the device or program.

*Would I benefit from using a 64-bit computer?

-The benefits are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.

*If I'm running a 64-bit version of Windows, do I need 64-bit drivers for my devices?

Yes. All hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don't work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor website.

source:

Thinking of migrating from Vista To Windows 7?

Sometimes you just get a sudden realization that there is something you’re forgetting but just can’t figure out what. I have quite a few these & in such a moment it dawned upon me that I hadn’t mentioned Windows SteadyState in the past 2 posts on making Vista look & behave like Windows 7. Anyhow, the past week we saw Aeropeek come to Windows Vista too, here are is another list of software that will give you some of Windows 7’s features in Vista :

1. Windows SteadyState: gives you the PC Safeguard facility of 7 in Vista & XP. It essentially creates a sand-box which allows people to do whatever they like but the moment they restart the machine any change made is gone. Yes, ANY CHANGE!

However, SteadyState requires validation for downloading, so if you have a genuine copy then by all means.

2. Aeropeek:

Finally the known & missing Aero feature of Win 7 that was not present in Vista has arrived. Requirements:

1. Windows XP/Vista
2. .net framework 3.5

3. Desktop Slideshow:

Windows 7 has an inbuilt feature of automatically changing the desktop wallpaper after a specified time interval, you can avail the same feature on your PC using Caledos Wallpaper Changer. Screen shot:

4. Beta Wallpaper Pack:

Here is the wallpaper pack of the wallies contained Windows 7 Beta.

~Enjoy

UPDATE:

5. Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts in Vista:

• Win+Left/Right arrows: Dock the window to each side of the monitor
• Win+Up arrow: Maximize the active window
• Win+Down arrow: Minimize the window/Restore the window if it’s maximized
• Win+Space: All windows are made transparent so you can see the desktop
• Win+Home: Minimize all windows but the current window

6. Taskbar Shuffle:

A simple, small, free utility that lets you drag and drop your Windows taskbar buttons to rearrange them. Here’s a full feature list:

• Reorder your taskbar buttons by dragging and dropping them

• Reorder your tray icons in the same way

• Reorder tasks in a grouped button’s popup menu in the same way

• Middle-click to close programs on your taskbar

[Update] Windows Vista To Windows 7

Here is an update to my previous post on the resources that you can use on Vista to emulate Windows 7.

1. Windows 7 Build 6956 Boot Screen

To apply the boot screen, you will need TuneUp Utilities. To change the boot screen:

TuneUp Utilities –> Tune Up Styler –> Under Interface “Boot Screen”

• Download TuneUp Utilities

2. Windows 7 Icon Set:

3. Windows 7 Wallpaper Set:

4. Wordpad 2009:

Make Vista Look & Behave Like Windows 7

Since Windows 7 has been unveiled at PDC 2008, coders and artists have been hard at work to emulate it’s look for it’s predecessor – Vista. Along with the theme, coders have come out with applications that provide you with 7’s features like Shake & Snap on Vista too. As a matter of fact, 7’s calculator can run on Vista too! To make your Vista look & feel like Windows 7 here are some resources that you can use.

1. Windows 7 Boot Screen

1. Open the folder “%windir%\System32\en-US” and replace the existing “winload.exe.mui” file with the one in zip file. You will need to take ownership of the file before copying it. Please take a back up of the actual file before replacing it.
2. Start->Run->msconfig and in the Boot tab and select “Microsoft Windows Vista” entry and enable “No GUI Boot” option and apply it. Restart your system to take affect and watch the new boot screen in action.

[via AskVG]

2. Logon Screen:

• Download Logon Screen
• Download & install LogonVista
• Load the logon which is in the rar file
• Take ownership for basebrd.dll from c:\windows\branding\basebrd\basebrd.dll
• Replace with the given dll
• Logout and see the changes

3. Theme – Windows 7 Vista Style FINAL by ~giannisgx89

4. Wallpaper – Here is the official blue Windows 7 wallpaper:

Click to enlarge.

5. Taskbar: To make your Taskbar show only the icons, you can use the manual registry edit method or this nifty little application. Project page.

To make your taskbar show large icons:

1. Unlock the taskbar
2. Right click in the Quick Launch area
3. View -> Select ‘Large Icons’

Also, to increase the height of the window tab, download this application:

6. Right Click Menu:

Just like Windows 7 has the Gadgets shortcut & the Display Settings shortcut in the Right Click Menu, this link will help you achieve the same as shown in the screen shot. [via AskVG]

7. Aero Snap: Just drag a window to a corner and it sticks there, if you liked this nifty feature added to Windows 7 you can rejoice for it is available on Vista too.

8. Aero Shake: Like the new Windows 7 feature, shaking the active window with your mouse will minimize all other windows; shaking it again will restore them. Dev Page

9. Win 7 Calculator

Some genius figured out that you can use the Windows 7 calculator in Windows Vista too. All you need to do is replace some system files and you’re done. [via DailyGyan]

To do this:

1. Make a backup of C:\Windows\System32\calc.exe
2. Replace it with the one in the archive.
3. Backup C:\Windows\System32\en-US\calc.exe.mui
4. Replace it with the one in the archive.

10. Sidebar: As Windows 7 won’t be featuring a ‘Sidebar’ you can simply drag your gadgets out of the sidebar then:

• Right click on the Sidebar.
• Select Close Sidebar.

Now you won’t be having the sidebar obstructing your desktop wallpaper.

~Enjoy.

How to customize the Save As dialog box in Windows 7

Simpli Software’s Places Utility allows users to customize the windows ‘Save As’ dialog box.

Those who often find themselves browsing through directories in ‘Save As’ dialog to organize their downloads will benefit from this simple program.

Organizing information you download from the Internet (and other files) can be quite a chore.

The standard Save As dialog provides five starting places to save your file: History, My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and Network.

This program helps you customize these 5 locations easily. You may have to Run it as Administrator. Works on Windows Vista too.

HomePage.

How to password protect use of any application in Windows.

There may be reasons where you may want to restrict use of certain application. While we have already mentioned how you can password protect Internet Explorer natively, here is a way where you can password protect any application, including IE.

DeskLock is a good freeware utility to password protect applications and open applications using a hotkey. It will detect execution of your listed applications and prompt for a password before continuing.

One can also set hotkeys (eg. CTRL + SHIFT + 1) for most of the features used in the utility. Using a hotkey you can show/close/hide all the applications listed. You can also set a specific hotkey for the different applications, toggling the visibility of the application by pressing the hotkey. For instance, if the application is open then pressing the hotkey will hide it, if the application is closed/hidden then pressing the hotkey will show/run it.

You can also specify if you want to password-protect the application so that you can execute them without prompting for a password if you need it. The initial password is 2.

HomePage | Download.

Upgrade your Windows Live Messenger Service

We are committed to providing a safe, secure and positive experience for our more than 300 million customers across the globe using Windows Live Messenger
every month.

To deliver on that commitment, beginning on August 25, we started asking our customers using versions 8.1, 8.5 and 14.0 to upgrade to the newest version of Messenger. The upgrade will provide customers with the latest software updates including code fixes and feature enhancements, as well address vulnerabilities discussed in the Microsoft Security Advisory 973882 that existed in previous versions of Windows Live Messenger.

The upgrade process will take place in a phased approach over the next several weeks:

First Phase, Optional Upgrade:
The optional upgrade will happen in two stages:
Starting Aug. 25, customers using versions 8.1 or 8.5 were asked to upgrade their client.
Starting early Oct., all customers using versions 14.0 (but not the latest release 14.0.8089) will be asked to upgrade their client.
The upgrade at this time is optional. Customers who haven’t upgraded during the optional phase will be required to do so during the second phase.

Second Phase, Mandatory Upgrade:
The mandatory upgrade will happen in three stages:
Starting mid-Sept., all customers using Messenger 8.1 or 8.5 will be required to upgrade their version of Windows Live Messenger.
Starting late Oct., all customers using Messenger 14.0 will be required to upgrade their version of Windows Live Messenger.
To ensure that we are protecting customers, those who do not administer the upgrade will not be able to sign in to Messenger after this time.

Please Note: It will take several weeks for the upgrade process to be completed, as the upgrade will be rolled out to customers over the course of several weeks.

Below are some examples of the prompts that you will encounter during the upgrade process.

Want to upgrade now? You don’t have to wait for the notification. In fact, we encourage you to download the updated version of Messenger right now by visiting http://download.live.com .

source: bink.nu

Samsung Laptop N120 Review

Anybody's first look on this Samsung N120 would be just buy it .It looks Superb.It is also nicely crafted and finished, and its very light weighted too.

The keyboard department has done really well job for fast typers like me to access each key with the same flow.The Build is awesome to look on, it

is wider than the normal lappy and it has the reason for that .And the reason is to increase the user experience while typing .

I think the black one looks more good than white one.But both are equally well perfomable, when terms come on performance.

I had just been about looks ,now some techchy points.As all choclates are sweets but some sticks on your teeths.But this chocolates are very good .Some time it is very difficult to find the best combination of “Looks+function”= My Laptop

But this lappy have both of them,a perfect Combination of looks and performance.This Samsung N120 has Intel Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz Processor ,The cache L2 memory is 512kb which is very good ,I always want that L2 Cache on such small machines.HDD is also of 160 GB – Serial ATA-150 – 5400 rpm..Now some thing about gaming it has Intel GMA 950 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0 ,Which is good for gaming,with one GB of RAM..!!! Looks Exciting..!!

Gaming on with a smaller lappy a netbook wow...Diiferent Experience.

The most important features on which i got shocked is its battery .It is Long lasting Battery upto 10 hrs.Oh! my god this is damn good for me and second thing is its speaker ,2.1 speaker on both sides of screen and also below is a dedicated subwoofer.

It has lots of features for one and all you can see some.
Before having a hands on it lets have a look on the CNET review, reviewed by the famous Dan Ackerman (of CNET).just see his review by clicking here.

Lastly if you are planning to buy this Samsung N120 ,please tell me your opinion about this.Your Comments on this post are valuable.

The good: Giant keyboard (for a Netbook) and 2.1 speaker system.

The bad: Bit more expensive than most Netbooks.

The bottom line: Part of Samsung's second generation of Netbooks, the N120 offers a generous keyboard and some unexpected audio power.

Some more ratings which I personally feel:
Design: 8.3
Features: 8.5
Performance: 8.5
Battery life: 10.0
Service and support: 9.5
Overall score: 9.1