beta version

Hardware makers warned to start testing Windows 7 devices soon

Paul Mah — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:24:21 -0400

In an apparent bid to avoid the device driver compatibility problems that plagued the launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft has ordered hardware makers to begin testing on the first beta version of Windows 7 as soon as it becomes available. Those who fail to comply with the edict risk not qualifying for the Windows Logo certified compatibility program for Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Also, all submissions must include a complete CPK--a process control method with test logs from Windows 7 onward. Going by Microsoft's customary timelines, the final version of Windows 7 is expected to be out by 2010.

For more about Windows 7:
- check out this InformationWeek article

Windows XP SP3 and IE

Mehan Jayasuriya — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:39:14 -0400

Microsoft may have put a temporary freeze on Windows XP SP3 due to compatibility concerns, but that hasn't stopped most folks from installing the Service Pack anyway. The fact of the matter is that unless you use Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS), you're probably in the clear and SP3 install files can be easily had if you're willing to do a little detective work. Here's a question, though: What precautions should one take before installing SP3? If you're an Internet Explorer user, you might want to take stock of your situation before installing. IE6 users will have the option of upgrading to either IE7 or IE8 beta 1 after installing, though they can elect to keep on using version 6. Similarly IE7 users will have the option of upgrading to IE8b1. But what if you're already using IE8b1? Microsoft advises you to uninstall the browser before installing SP3 and then reinstalling it afterward. The company warns that XP SP3 should not be installed on any system containing any beta version of Internet Explorer.

For more on IE and SP3:
- see this Ars Technica article

Integrating BI with Web 2.0 generates mixed reviews

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Business Objects is learning that it is difficult to please all of the people all of the time. The company has released a beta version of its Business Intelligence tools that are supposed to take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies. The tools, which support mashup and web collaboration concepts, have been released to advanced users so that they can play with the technology and provide feedback to be incorporated into production versions of the of the offerings. Word of the beta has gotten out and the some of the reviews have been less than glowing. Lavishing faint praise on the effort, Neil Raden, founder of the BI consulting company Hired Brains, reported on his blog that the effort showed "creative thinking," but little practical value. "I think these data mashup capabilities are entertaining, but I don't really see that they have any enduring value."

For more on Business Object's Web 2.0 play:
- check out InfoWorld's treatment of the story. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Final beta Vista came and went

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:01:34 -0400

If you went looking for Microsoft's latest, and final beta, version of Vista and can't find it it's because the vendor has already pulled the plug on public review of the final version. The short time frame, from last Friday to this past Monday, for checking out Release Candidate 2 (RC2) has angered more than a few IT professionals hoping to get some more insight on the system. Article

Symantec report: Vista a bit buggy and unstable

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:01:36 -0400

Security vendor Symantec has released a paper highlighting flaws and security issues with the upcoming Vista system that Microsoft is expected to complete and release at year's end. But since Microsoft took a big plunge into the security industry this year, pretty much taking Symantec on in terms of competition, you have to take the report with a big grain of salt. The paper claims that new code will make Vista less stable than XP, at least initially, and notes several flaws in the beta version currently under scrutiny. Microsoft, for its part, responds that the version under review is a beta, after all, and so flaws are expected.

For more on the Vista examination report:
- take a look at this article at CNet News.com

Microsoft gets the bugs out of Vista

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:01:38 -0400

While the beta version of Vista is still a bit buggy, one Windows developer/consultant says Microsoft is doing more than an adequate job at trying to resolve and clean up the bugs as beta testers file them. Admitting that his view point could be a little skewed since he doesn't have full access to the bug database and the vendor's methodology of tracking and closing bugs on the tally sheet, Robert McLaws believes Redmond and company are doing a "good job" and "pushing for quality" in getting Vista readied for full launch.

For more on the system's bugs:
- read this article at TechWeb

SPOTLIGHT: IE 7 beta released

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 20:01:33 -0400

Microsoft has released a revised version of Internet Explorer 7 for users to test in the second step of its beta process. The company hopes that by having true users involved it will help uncover any potential conflicts or flaws that made it past developer beta testing. Some experts warn, though, that the still-in-beta version could cause some headaches. Microsoft says it hopes to fully deploy a final version by year's end. Article