Operating Systems Article (0)
How-to Dual Boot Windows XP and Fedora or Red Hat Linux » February 25, 2004 05:00PM
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How to hack/change your Windows XP Boot Screen » March 13, 2002 05:00PM
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How to disable the System File Checker In Windows XP » March 3, 2002 05:00PM
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Windows XP Services Removal Guide » January 31, 2002 05:00PM
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How to hack / change your logon screen in Windows XP Professional » November 5, 2001 05:00PM
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Operating Systems News (238)
OLPC, Now With Windows XP
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: May 16, 2008 08:54AM
Author: Ben Grantham
The One Laptop Per Child project originally started out with its own custom Linux based operating system, but has now announced it will be pairing up with Microsoft to deliver Windows XP on the pint sized laptop. The move is somewhat controversial, though I'm sure MS is happy about getting children in the developing world using the ubiquitous OS. As XP is a bit big to fit on the integrated 1GB flash memory in the OLPC XO, it will come preloaded on a 2GB SD card during the trial period. The original Linux OS won't get the chop though, allowing users to dual boot the two operating sytems. The machines loaded with Windows will enter trials in June and should be available come August or September, which will basically make it very similar to other ultra portables that are currently around (MS has spent time developing custom drivers for the OLPC however).
Corporate America to Wait Out Vista?
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: May 14, 2008 03:30PM
Author: Carl Dunham
Lets face it since Vista has come out it has gotten mixed reviews, from "zomg its so pretty!" to "did a toddler design the file transfer system for this?", so who's right in this case? Big business companies like General Motors are leaning towards the later and are playing the waiting game instead. GM is stating that with the high demands of Microsoft's newest operating system it would not run well on many of its systems and with the costs and time spent in upgrading these systems, Windows 7 might just be around the corner. Not to mention compatibility with software has definitely not been on Vista's strong side with the lack of drivers and inability to run certain utilities and/or programs. It's anyones guess as to if Vista will yet be accepted by business's around the world or if it will be passed up for the next generation.
Microsoft's Patch Tuesday Examined
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: May 13, 2008 07:45PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
Today marks the monthly release of security and usability fixes from Microsoft, and this Patch Tuesday brought a number of important releases. MS's .NET Framework 1.1 received its first Service Pack, and "Critical" ratings were given to three updates - one for MS Word, one for Publisher, and the last for Windows - all of which dealt with Remote Code Execution issues. Also of note is an update to a number of Microsoft's security products - including Live OneCare and Defender - that patches a vulnerability in the Protection Engine that could allow a DoS attack. The full Security Bulletin is available here.
Details of Microsoft's XP ULPC Restrictions
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: May 12, 2008 03:00PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
When Microsoft announced in April that it would continue to allow XP Home to be installed on ULPCs until mid-2010, consumers and OEMs rejoiced - even though the move was clearly aimed at preventing Linux from gaining a larger foothold in the ultra-portable market. Initially, XP's stay of execution was interpreted by many to allow for its installation on any ULPC, but a recently leaked Microsoft document shows that the restrictions are far more specific - going so far as to use an ULPC's screen size as a means of qualification. Among other qualifying factors are the amount of RAM installed in the ultra-portable - limited to 1GB, and the size of the ULPC's hard drive - limited to 80GB.
Microsoft to Make Windows XP SP3 Available - Again
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: May 6, 2008 12:32PM
Author: Dale Shuck
A week ago Microsoft pulled the Windows XP SP3 service pack from its automatic update service due to a glitch discovered with SP3 and Microsoft's electronic checkout system software. While the problem only affected a few customers, Microsoft made the decision to pull the updates until a filter could be put in place prevent users of the checkout software from downloading the service pack. While the filter is not a permanent fix, the resumption of the updates will now allow most users to get the service pack throw the Windows Update process. Microsoft indicated a fix has been identified and should be available later this month once testing is complete.
Microsoft Pulls Windows XP SP3 from Windows Update
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 29, 2008 02:43PM
Author: Dale Shuck
A last-minute glitch discovered in Windows XP SP3 led Microsoft to again delay the release of the service pack via the Windows Update service as well as from Microsoft's Download Center. The problem is present in both XP SP3 and Vista SP1 and affects users of Microsoft’s electronic checkout system. The problem affects only a small number of customers, Microsoft decided to remove the update until a short-term fix is in place to prevent users of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System from downloading and installing the service pack. Scheduled to be released via the update service today, the service pack is still available from Microsoft’s web site for those willing to dig around a little. The service pack has already been released to OEMs and system builders.
More Companies to Offer Windows XP After June 30 Cutoff
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 25, 2008 10:47AM
Author: Dale Shuck
Yesterday, Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer, created quite a stir by stating that Microsoft would listen to customers if they really wanted to purchase XP beyond the June 30 deadline the company has set for OEM and retail availability of Widows XP. Company spokesmen, though, hurried to quash any speculation that this meant Microsoft would, in fact, give XP a reprieve. Citing their own research, we were told that cutting off the sales of XP was the right thing to do based on customer and partner feedback. In the meantime, Dell announced its intention to continue to offer XP as a downgrade option for its customers. Now two other computer makers are following suit as Lenovo and HP both indicated they would do they same for their customers. So if the top PC manufacturers are going to continue to offer a downgrade path for their customers, you have to believe there is ongoing customer demand for XP over Vista.
Dell to Bundle Windows XP Until 2010
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 24, 2008 01:46PM
Author: Dale Shuck
In light of all the brouhaha today surrounding speculation Microsoft might extend XP's availability past the announced June 30 cutoff, sources say Dell plans to continue offering XP on new systems until 2010. By taking advantage of an option in the Vista licensing agreement, systems sold with Vista Business or Vista Ultimate can legally downgrade to Windows XP. To make this easier, Dell plans to offer the option to have XP preinstalled on its Precision and OptiPlex computers. Users would then need to contact Microsoft to obtain a product key. Microsoft is obligated to honor that request as part of the licensing agreement. This could conceivably allow companies to continue using XP right on up to the expected release of Windows 7, bypassing Vista altogether.
Hardy Heron Released Today
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 24, 2008 01:44PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
Open-source operating systems took another big step forward today, as Linux distro Ubuntu released a new Long Term Support (LTS) OS named Hardy Heron - numerically known as version 8.04. Among Hardy Heron's many features are the Brasero multi-purpose disk burning suite, Firefox 3 Beta 5 - which is said to be faster, more stable, and Ubuntu-themed, and an improved Tango desktop interface. This release is certain to further skew popular thinking that Linux is a brand, Ubuntu its platform, and Hardy Heron as the newest version of that platform - similar in concept to Microsoft Windows Vista, and that en masse comparison is also bound to further annoy (or enrage) longtime Linux users.
Microsoft Reaffirms Plans to Stop Selling XP June 30
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 24, 2008 01:21PM
Author: Dale Shuck
Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, was in Belgium for an event and spoke to reporters afterwards. In response to a question, Ballmer hinted at reevaluating its position on no longer making XP available to OEM and retail customers after June 30 based on customer feedback. This led to an avalanche of news stories speculating on whether Microsoft would relent and extend the deadline. Now Microsoft is trying to clear up any confusion created by Mr. Ballmer's statement and reiterated its plans for XP remain unchanged. Despite over 160,000 signatures on the Save XP petition, the spokesperson from Microsoft stated they have done research of their own and feel that, based on input and feedback from customers the deadline is the right decision. In an attempt to reconcile that stance with what Ballmer said, the spokesperson that they do listen to their customers and that is what they are basing the deadline decision on.
Microsoft Releases More Vista Ultimate Extras
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 23, 2008 02:35PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
As a happy Windows Vista Ultimate user, I know that I have access to every feature available across all flavors of the OS - and beyond that, Microsoft extended a promise that all Ultimate users would be granted exclusive access to Windows "Ultimate Extras". These various add-ons were advertised to provide the user an enhanced Vista experience, similar to what XP users got with the "Power Toys" options. So, to supplement the three previously available Ultimate Extras - a Texas Hold 'Em game, Windows DreamScene, and the BitLocker drive encryption tool - Microsoft released three new Extras - new Sound Schemes, updates to DreamScene, and...wait for it...EXTRA LANGUAGE PACKS!!! Excited yet? Me neither. These Ultimate additions are more reminiscent of the cutesy fluff common in the "Plus!" add-on that was optional with Windows 95, and I really don't feel that they represent any significant added value worthy of the "Ultimate" moniker...
Windows XP SP3 Released to Manufacturing Today
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 21, 2008 01:57PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
The long-awaited third Service Pack for Windows XP was released to manufacturing (RTM) today, meaning that OEM PC manufacturers like Dell and Hewlett-Packard will soon be able to start incorporating SP3 on their Windows XP-based consumer PC's. Current owners will have to wait until next week - April 29 - for XP SP3 to become available via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, and online support from the Microsoft Knowledge Base and Microsoft TechNet will be released to the web at the same time. Lastly, customers who use Windows XP at home and who have not installed SP3 will see it enter Automatic Distribution early this summer.
Windows XP SP3 Slated for April 21st Release
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 15, 2008 02:09PM
Author: Dale Shuck
According to unofficial reports, Microsoft will ship XP Service Pack 3 to OEMs and MSDN subscribers on April 21st. The service pack will then become available to the general user population through Windows Update service beginning April 29. Microsoft has remained mum on the official release dates only stating it expects to release the update in the first half of this year. You can expect a pretty hefty download as it includes all updates since the release of SP2 back in 2004 as well as additional enhancements including Network Access Protection that attempts to ensure a computer has a clean bill of health before allowing it access to a network. Other features include detect routers that are dropping packets and allowing setup a la Vista where the product keys don't need to be entered during installation.
Windows 7 Release Date Moved Forward
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 7, 2008 02:18PM
Author: Carl Dunham
Lets face it, since Windows Vista's release people have had a love/hate relationship with it, "oh it looks so pretty!", "*insert rude comment here* what are you compatible with?" and so on. It appears that rather than Microsoft trying to repair these flaws they are instead focused on moving the release date of the next version of Windows forward from its original release in January 2010. Bill Gates stated during an Inter-American Development Bank's Meeting, "That'll be sometime in the next year or so that we'll have a new version." Although no name or concrete details have surfaced about the successor to Vista, Windows 7, it is now slated for release within a year. Microsoft does not have a great track record on release dates so tacking a few months to a year onto that estimate would probably get you a closer estimate to the actual release date.
Microsoft Announces Eight Security Updates
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 4, 2008 11:57AM
Author: Chris Benjamin
On Thursday, Microsoft announced its intentions to release eight security fixes spanning a number of its products. Five of the patches are considered Critical, including fixes for all supported versions of the Windows OS, two for Internet Explorer, and one for VBScript programming software. The other three updates are rated Important, two of which are patches for supported Windows OS's, and the other for Microsoft's Visio design software. The updates are scheduled for release next Tuesday.
Windows 7 "Some time in the next year or so"?
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 4, 2008 08:52AM
Author: Dale Shuck
In a speech to the Inter-American Development Bank Bill Gates responded to a question about Vista indicating Microsoft will have a new version of its ubiquitous operating system in "the next year or so". With Vista adoption going slowly among enthusiasts and businesses and Windows XP sales slated to halt at the end of June (except XP Home versions pre-loaded on ultra-mobile PCs), this may give impetus for some to skip Vista altogether. Whether this casual comment in a speech mainly devoted to other topics is an indication the new OS will be available ahead of schedule remains to be seen. Previous indications from Microsoft were that the next version of Windows would come roughly three years after Vista's release.
Windows XP Ain't Dead Yet... Maybe
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: April 3, 2008 12:40PM
Author: Carl Dunham
Microsoft has been trying to put the nail in Windows XP's sales for a while now with the most recent extension of sales until June 2008, but don't be too sure. Sure Microsoft has Vista to take over for XP, but it just doesn't work very well on low cost/budget PCs, imagine that! Because of this Microsoft has decided to let XP hang around for use in ultra-low-cost PCs until June 2010 or one year after the release of the next version of Windows, which ever comes first (I'm thinking June 2010). This extension is probably due to the recent popularity of low cost notebooks from ASUS, ECS, Everex and Intel. However as Microsoft feels that these machines will only require Windows XP Home, the original end of sales date of June 2008 is still in effect for the other versions of Windows XP.
Free Utility Slipstreams SP1 Into Vista Install
Category: Operating Systems, GadgetsPosted: April 2, 2008 01:00PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
A Croatian college student has produced a cool little app. that allows users to slipstream SP1 into a new Vista installation. vLite was first created as a way to lessen Windows Vista's footprint upon installation, allowing users to shrink the OS down so far that it takes up only 1.4GB hard drive space after setup. The newest version of vLite, the 1.1.6 Beta, allows for the use of a "Service Pack Slipstream" - which updates the files from an original Vista install disc with SP1, then creates an .iso that can be burned to a DVD that would then be used to install the most up-to-date Vista possible. vLite also allows users a number of ways to customize their Vista installation, including - adding or removing components of the OS, which language packs are installed, and which drivers are installed. For more info on this neat program, you can visit vLite's website and poke around a little.
iPhone To Use Windows Mobile OS
Category: Operating Systems, GadgetsPosted: April 1, 2008 01:05PM
Author: Chris Benjamin
Earlier today, Apple announced its intent to use Windows Mobile as the OS on the much-hacked iPhone. An Apple insider said that the change was needed because of the difficulties experienced getting a 3G phone to work with OSX. The same insider also noted that Windows Mobile is a much more reliable platform, and far more secure than OSX. The Fruit-based tech. firm is said to be unhappy about the change, but feels that a "world ruled by Windows" is inevitable. April Fools!!
Vista Hacked, Linux Wasn't
Category: Operating Systems, Bugs / VirusPosted: March 31, 2008 08:46AM
Author: Dale Shuck
After the two-minute hack of the MacBook Air last week at CanSecWest, a laptop running Vista SP1 was next to fall after two-days of effort. Shane Macaulay finally breached the Vista machine on the last day of the contest after getting some help from other researchers. Apparently Macaulay wasn't prepared for Vista SP1 which has beefed up security compared to the original release. Macaulay was awarded the second place prize of $5,000 and the laptop running Vista. The third target in the contest running Linux was not successfully attacked, although several attempts were made.
Microsoft, Pretty in Pink?
Category: Operating Systems, Manufacturers, SoftwarePosted: March 28, 2008 03:47PM
Author: Carl Dunham
Ahhhh pink, you either look good in it or you look... well gay, but where does that leave Microsoft? In what must be a cry for attention, Microsoft is bundling (in Japan) Windows Vista Home Premium with Windows Live OneCare in a box that would make Barbie jealous, sorry Ken. Now I am afraid to ask if this box has anything to do with Microsoft's marketing staffs sexuality or if they are just pushing Vista on Hello Kitty fans, but I will never be comfortable buying a Microsoft product in a hot pink box.
Microsoft to Release Windows Mobile 6.1
Category: Operating Systems, Mobile, SoftwarePosted: March 25, 2008 03:56PM
Author: Carl Dunham
If you have Windows Mobile on your phone, look forward to the new version being released next week Tuesday. This release will be to Windows Mobile 6.1, the last major update was Mobile 6.0 that was released last year. The new version is rumored to have a more organized and easier to use interface than the 6.0. Also look forward to next year when Microsoft is rumored to be moving to a touch screen interface, I wonder where they got that idea?
Microsoft and Intel Fund Parallel Computing Research
Category: Operating Systems, Manufacturers, SoftwarePosted: March 20, 2008 04:13AM
Author: Ben Grantham
The CPU market is now a well and truly multi-core domain and only looks to go further in that direction. But what good are all those cores if you don't have the programming support to back it up? MS and Intel must be thinking the same thing, and have recently awarded two universities grants of $10m to set up Universal Parallel Computing Research Centers. The grants are going to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the University of California, Berkeley and are backed up with further money sourced by the two institutions. Intel are saying that the centers should advance operating systems, parallel processing and architecture. Let's hope the research goes some way to ensuring our extra cores are kept busy.
Windows XP SP3 RTM In Second Half Of April
Category: Operating Systems, SoftwarePosted: March 20, 2008 04:02AM
Author: Ben Grantham
The guys over at TechARP are pretty good when it comes to calling out release schedules for Windows service packs, having predicted the recent release of Vista SP1 to the public. Windows XP SP3 contains all of the updates released since SP2 plus the addition of more CD keys (originally introduced with SP2c). SP3 hits RTM sometime in April and further language support will come about 21 days after that. Interestingly, you won't be able to get hold of Windows Media Center or Tablet PC edition on CD with SP3 integrated, but will be stuck with windows update only for these versions.
Vista Service Pack 1 Finally Released
Category: Operating Systems, SoftwarePosted: March 19, 2008 12:27PM
Author: Carl Dunham
Vista users stand up and applause as the first service pack to the new Microsoft OS was released to the public for download yesterday. This new service pack claims improved stability, security and performance, the downfall you ask? The newly released SP1 may have problems with certain drivers and software installed on your computer. The update can either be downloaded through Windows Update or from the Microsoft website with automatic updates getting it in mid-April. Drivers and software from RealTek, Intel, Symantec, Trend Micro and BitDefender are known to conflict with SP1. For now SP1 will only be released in five languages: English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese with more languages released in mid-April.
Vista SP1 Hitting Windows Update Tomorrow?
Category: Operating SystemsPosted: March 17, 2008 04:17AM
Author: Ben Grantham
While not officially confirmed by Microsoft, sources are reporting that Service Pack 1 for Vista should be available for download from the Windows Update and Microsoft Download sites starting tomorrow. MSDN and Technet subscribers have been able to download the update for over a month now, but this will be the first chance for general users to get their hands on it. While much has been made of the performance of SP1 (i.e. that it doesn't make Vista any faster), there should be enough improvements to justify the download. We will then also be able to see what the public response to SP1 will be.
XP With Eee PC Now Official
Category: Operating Systems, Mobile, Manufacturers, SoftwarePosted: March 6, 2008 05:48PM
Author: Ben Grantham
The Eee PC has been a big hit, possibly bigger than even ASUS themselves had predicted. Since its launch, dedicated users have been installing versions of Windows XP onto the diminutive device. Well now you will be able to pick up a version of the Eee PC with a copy of XP pre-installed, along with some Windows Live programs such as Messenger, Mail and Photo Gallery as well as MS Works (though not in all regions). One would also assume that ASUS have done a little bit to cut down on the regular XP install so that it runs a little more smoothly on the Eee, though how much they may have tweaked can only be guessed at the moment. You can also expect a bit of a price premium for picking up an Eee-XP, probably something in the region of $30-$60 if previous predictions are anything to go by. Either way, it is good news for those who don't feel up to the task of getting Windows installed on an Eee themselves.
Vista Retail To Get Price Cuts
Category: Operating Systems, SoftwarePosted: February 29, 2008 01:38PM
Author: Ben Grantham
Most people with any sense will tend to opt for the OEM editions of Microsoft's Windows Vista OS, as it can generally be had for a considerable amount less than the retail versions. It seems MS have noticed this as well, and have announced that they will be cutting prices of retail packaged Windows Vista. They have not set a date for the price cuts but they will come in 70 coutnries worldwide, an example of which being that Vista Ultimate will go from a retail price of $399 to $319 in the US. It is unclear whether the price of packaged OEM versions which are popular will also be affected. The move is hoping to shift more copies of stand-alone Windows Vista, which currently account for only 10% of its total sales (with most being sold to manufacturers to be pre-installed on systems). Most people you ask will tell you they believe Vista is overpriced as an OS, and I'm not sure if these price cuts will change many opinions on that. It hasn't seemed to have hurt Vista too much, as MS now claim they have sold 100 million licences since launch (which is a bit like shooting fish in a barrel when you control a huge portion of the OS market).
Microsoft Fined $1.4bn by European Commission
Category: Operating Systems, Software, General NewsPosted: February 27, 2008 01:19PM
Author: Ben Grantham
I reckon it would be a reasonably safe bet to say that Microsoft and the EU don't get on too well. The European Commission has just fined the company a massive $1.4bn (or £680.9m) for being deemed to have broken sanctions imposed on it for anti-competitive behaviour. This comes as an addition to earlier fines of 280m euros and 497m euros imposed in 2006 and 2004 respectively and makes Microsoft the first company fined for failure to comply with an anti-trust ruling. The Commission decided that Microsoft was guilty of not sharing key source code with rival software makers, thus hindering interoperability. In earlier fines, MS was punished for taking advantage of its dominant market position to push out software rivals for media players and internet browsers. The commission isn't stopping at this ruling either, as it is continuing to look into similar issues.
Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition
Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, Cases, Memory, Operating Systems, Digital Photography/Video, Storage / Hard Drives, Mouse PadPosted: February 15, 2008 06:10AM
Author: Dale Shuck
Looking around the web today revealed several video card card articles. We begin with a look at the ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 from motherboards.org (also reviewed by OCC HERE). ATI is certainly back in the game with their new 3800 series of cards, but how does it stack up against the green team? Bjorn3D has a look at the factory-overclocked Gigabyte 8800GT TurboForce which features a Zalman after-market cooler. If you're in the hunt for a new video card, how do you decide which one to get amongst all the ones out there. Take a moment to read the Sweet 16 Mid-range Graphics Cards Compared article at The Tech Report for more insight. The 790FX is AMD's latest chipset designed to support their Phenom line of processors. By now you're most likely aware of the issues the current processors are having with the TLB and the microcode fix available. Viper Lair evaluates the MSI K9A2 Platinum AMD 790FX Motherboard and has a look at performance and the impact the fix has by toggling the fix on and off. While AMD is still using DDR2 memory, Intel-based boards are moving towards the faster, yet still pricier, DDR3 format. The Aeneon Xtune DDR3-1333 2GB Memory Kit from ThinkComputers is one such offering (see the OCC review HERE). PC Perspective takes the Ultra m998 Mid-Tower ATX Case out for a spin and comes away liking what they saw (OCC review). For something on the fun side, you can read about the Cyberlink YouCam at OCModShop. Vitual-Hideout likes the Razer Destructor Gaming Surface (also reviewed by OCC HERE). Tech ARP has just published its Hard Drive Performance Comparison Guide. Finally, OCModShop shows us how to Solve File Copy Problems: Tweak Vista's Auto-tuning Network.
