Google to IE Users: Try Firefox
Google on Wednesday rolled out the first third-party advertisement on its traditionally spartan homepage -- a link to download Firefox with the Google Toolbar. The promotion appears underneath Google's search box and is currently visible only to Internet Explorer users.
The search engine's ties to Firefox are nothing new; the company has hired a number of the browser's developers and has begun paying affiliates $1 for each user they get to install Firefox with Google Toolbar. The Mozilla corporation behind Firefox also makes most of its revenues from a search partnership with Google.
Microsoft to Drop $900 Million in China
One week after Chinese President Hu Jintao made a visit to the home of Bill Gates before heading to the White House, Microsoft has announced it will invest $900 million into the country. The spending includes plans to purchase $700 million in hardware from Chinese firms over the next five years.
In addition, Microsoft agreed with China's National Development and Reform Commission to invest $200 million into Chinese software companies by forming joint ventures and partnerships in the country. In return, Chinese companies will make large purchases of Windows licenses and help to stamp out piracy, which has become a major problem to China's software industry.
'Monad' Named Windows PowerShell
Microsoft's new command line shell and scripting language, known by the code-name Monad, has been given an official name: Windows PowerShell. The utility is designed to enable administrators to automate and control tasks on Windows desktops and servers.
Monad was initially slated to replace the command line in Windows with an object-oriented shell that rivals shells found on Unix systems. However, Microsoft Senior Vice President Bob Muglia said last year that it would take the company a few years to fully flesh out the technology.
Linspire to Release 'Freespire' Variant
Linspire CEO Kevin Carmony announced at the Desktop Linux Summit in San Diego Monday that his company would be releasing a free variant of its Linux operating system under the brand "Freespire." The distribution will come in two flavors, one with bundled proprietary software and one entirely open source.
Freespire will be community driven and is intended to broaden the reach of Linux on the desktop. While the open source operating system has gained a strong foothold in the server market, it continues to struggle to gain acceptance among consumers. Part of the problem is a lack of drivers and compatible software.
Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 Released
Microsoft early Tuesday put live the Beta 2 release of Internet Explorer 7, the company's new standalone browser for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. A new IE Web site is promoting the beta, which Microsoft is targeting at both enthusiasts and the general public.
IE7 Beta 2 follows a preview release in January and a layout-complete build that debuted at MIX 06 in March. Margaret Cobb, IE Group Product Manger, told BetaNews that although there have been many noticeable changes since MIX, Beta 2 brings improved compatibility and a far more reliable browsing experience.
Intel Unveils vPro Business Branding
Intel on Monday introduced a new brand for business PCs dubbed vPro, which serves as a chip platform much like Intel's Centrino for mobile computers and Viiv for entertainment systems. vPro brings to the table the second generation of Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) and built-in virtualization.
AMT is designed to ease management of workstations for businesses, offering the ability to diagnose and repair PCs, even if the operating system has crashed or hardware has failed. Administrators could also use AMT to isolate systems infected with spyware or viruses.
Office Communicator Mobile Released
Microsoft over the weekend made available for download Office Communicator Mobile, its new unified messaging client that links into Live Communications Server 2005. The software runs on both Windows Mobile 2003 and the latest 5.0 release for both Pocket PC devices and smartphones.
Office Communicator Mobile 1.0 features an interface similar to the desktop client, and is designed to enable information workers to stay connected when away from their desk. Along with text and voice messaging, the software supports voice over IP calling, which will enable companies to save on calling rates.
Microsoft to Patch its Security Patch
In response to problems experienced by some customers after installing the MS06-015 security update last week, Microsoft is planning to issue a new patch that includes a workaround for the compatibility issues. Only users who have not installed MS06-015 and those having trouble will receive the fix.
Microsoft explained earlier this week that the MS06-015 update installs a new executable to validate shell extensions before they are loaded into Windows. However, Hewlett Packard's Share-to-Web software, which ships with HP printers, scanners and cameras, causes this program to stop responding.
Google Local Becomes 'Maps' Again
Google early Friday announced it was responding to customer feedback and bringing back the Google Maps brand, which has been merged into a unified Google Local site last October. The company said it was trying to emphasize the wide range of local features the service offered, but most users continued to identify the site as Google Maps.
"Does this mean that local search is no longer important to Google? Absolutely not! Google Maps continues to have the killer combination of maps, driving directions, and local business search. And local search has become a fundamental part of the Google search experience," says product manager Thai Tran. A "Maps" link has replaced "Local" on the Google homepage.
Opera 9 Beta Brings Widgets, Torrents
Opera Software on Thursday made available the first beta of version 9.0 of its popular free Web browser, which has been in testing since last October. The release adds a number of major new features, including widgets and support for BitTorrent downloads.
Widgets are small mini-applications that typically run inside another program. Konfabulator, now known as Yahoo! Widget Engine, popularized the technology, and Apple included widgets as part of the Dashboard feature in Mac OS X 10.4. Stardock's DesktopX has long offered supports for widgets as well.
Visual Studio Express to Remain Free
Microsoft said Wednesday it had decided to extend the free availability of Visual Studio Express Edition indefinitely, citing the immense response from customers that amounted in the tool being downloaded over 5 million times. VS Express was initially going to be offered free for just one year.
A number of Microsoft partners have made use of Visual Studio Express to build developer communities around their products. The Redmond company cited examples of LEGO, eBay and Phidgets among those who are providing resources and code to software developers.
Microsoft Delivers SQL Server 2005 SP1
Microsoft on Wednesday released the first service pack for SQL Server 2005, just five months after the new database made its debut last November. The Redmond company said quick adoption by customers and feedback from partners in 92 countries helped push the update out the door.
SP1 brings database-mirroring functionality to ensure continuous availability during outages, a new management tool for SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, as well as enhanced reporting with support for SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence. Microsoft also reaffirmed its commitment to deliver this summer a CTP of SQL Server Everywhere Edition, which targeted at mobile and embedded devices.
Microsoft Looking Into Patch Problems
Microsoft on Tuesday acknowledged that a patch released as part of its monthly updates last week could block some users from accessing "My Documents" or "My Pictures," and crash applications when the "Open" dialog is activated. The problem affects systems with certain HP software and older Nvidia drivers.
The MS06-015 update installs a new executable to validate shell extensions before they are loaded into the Windows Shell or Windows Explorer. However, Hewlett Packard's Share-to-Web software, which ships with HP printers, scanners and cameras, causes this program to stop responding.
Burst Countersues Apple Over Patents
Following through on a statement made in January, patent holder Burst.com announced Tuesday it had filed a countersuit against Apple Computer for infringing on four of the company's streaming media patents. Apple filed a lawsuit in January to preemptively invalidate Burst's patents.
At issue are the iTunes Music Store, iTunes software and Apple's QuickTime Streaming products, which Burst claims infringe on U.S. Patents 4,963,995; 5,995,705; 5,057,932 and 5,164,839. The company had attempted to settle with Apple two years ago, but talks broke down and Burst threatened to sue late last year.
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