Free Windows 7 Beta available

Microsoft released their Beta version of the Windows Vista successor Windows 7 today.
Get it here. So far it looks more than just a even more shiny version of Vista but take a look by yourself.



UPDATE:
Only 2.5 million beta user accounts are available so better hurry up.
Oh yeah, and at this very moment the servers are more than just busy. Hope Microsoft gets this to work soon.

UPDATE 2:
Microsoft put the download website offline temporary... :-(

Cleaning day

Today it was time to clean something up. Not the flat nor some clothes. I deleted about 97% of the contacts in my MSN contact list. I had about 216 contacts and in most cases I didn't even remember the real names...
So in future logging into mobile LIVE messenger should be done in no time with my cell :-)

Coming today: Microsoft LifeCam Video Messages Gadget

At videomessages.live.com Microsoft will start today their LifeCam gadget exclusively for Microsoft LifeCam users. You can use it if you’re running Windows Vista. The gadget allows you to record, send, forward, and watch Video Messages right from your desktop. So enjoy ^^

Microsoft Photosynth goes live

While checking the usual IT news websites I found out that Microsoft Live Labs finally released their incredible Photosynth web application. On photosynth.com you can download the needed browser plugin after you logged in with your live-ID but believe me it is worth it.
Here's a little test: Castle in Hesse

Windows Media Center Fiji Beta - reloaded ?

During some research I noticed that there were some great news for fans of Beta versions. Microsoft not only invites new beta users for the Windows Vista Media Center successor at Microsoft Connect but on the chinese written blog thinknext.net a few screenshots surfaced showing the first milestone of Windows 7.

Microsoft Photosynth Preview

About a year ago, I saw an amazing video of the Microsoft Live Lab's project called Photosynth at a MSDN event. Everybody who say it just was astounded.
Well, enough talk here's a sample video:




And here's the link to test it by yourself:
Microsoft Live Labs

Shenmue II works now XBOX 360

Please insert a Homer Simpsons 'Woohoo' here :-D
While researching some China related stuff i remembered the game Shenmue II originally released for Sega Dreamcast, later ported to XBOX. It was one of the better Dreamcast games and is in the Guiness book of World Records as the most expensive videogame.
Well, will reading some info about this game I found a note telling it works now on XBOX 360 via emulator :)
Hehe, will test it in a few minutes :-D

PS: Conker Live & Reloaded works now on the XBOX 360 aswell. Since December 2006... ;-)

Longhorn Server Beta 3 released

A few days ago Microsoft released the third beta of its Windows Server 2003 successor.
You can download the beta here and luckily it runs under Virtual Server 2005 R2 so no need to setup a whole new maschine. I gave the Windows Server - Project"Longhorn" 1.5 GB RAM in VS2005R2 and it runs really smoothly.

Some of the new features include the now called Powershell, a new command line prompt and the Windows Vista like possibility to search trough every folder and menu.
This and the MMC 3.0 are really nice to work with. So enjoy the beta :)

PS: The final is not expected before 2008 so you have plenty of time for testing.

Update your Windows XP to Windows Vista

Well, you are a proud owner of the newly released Vista and want to upgrade your old Windows XP machine to Windows Vista? As for me, I tried several Vista RC (Release Candidates) and pre beta builds in the last 2 years but for the more common user this could become a pain in the ass a little bit more difficult.

For that reason Microsoft released two nice usefull tools.
The one is called WindowsVistaUpgradeAdvisor and the other one is Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP and Windows 2000.
Well i guess the names make it quite clear what these applications do.

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor scans your system for installed software and hardware and tells you after the scanning process if programs will run in Vista, or if there is a need to reinstall them. As for me there was some trouble with the Vodafone Connect Now software, that was needed for using UMTS on my notebook. So I decided to wait for a Vista version of the application. Drivers are scanned too, so you will know in advance what vista compatible drivers you should get.



As for the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP and Windows 2000 its one of these simple programms that can make the admin's life so much easier. It "simply" backups the user and configuration files from your Windows XP PC and make them Vista compatible.


Seems, like Microsoft has done something really good in releasing this easy to handle tools.


Downloads:
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Windows Easy Transfer

127.0.0.1 for IT-Pros

Microsoft has just opened a new community for IT professionals.
Its called Aggreg8 and there you can find lots of info recarding Microsoft product. All you need is a PassPort account and you're ready to go.