Articles about Windows

As promised, Microsoft has completed the long awaited USB 2.0 drivers for Windows XP. USB 2.0 support entered beta last summer, but Microsoft opted to leave the drivers out of its new operating system until they could be tested on more devices. USB 2.0 increases available bandwidth for devices to 480Mbps, making the technology ideal for high-quality video and storage.

"Microsoft has worked closely with its hardware (and software) partners - such as Adaptec, Canon, Cypress Conductor, Gateway, Intel, and NEC - to provide the necessary support for the USB 2.0 bus driver in Windows XP, driving further adoption of USB 2.0 and enabling customers to take advantage of the more than one hundred USB 2.0 devices available on the market today, as well as the hundreds of future USB 2.0 products," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews.

Continue reading →

The beta cycle for the Windows XP edition of Novell's Client software has drawn to a close. Novell claims that its latest release represents the fastest, most reliable and best tested client for Windows, with in excess of 26,000 workstations tested. The release allows Windows XP users to utilize Novell Directory Services provided by servers running Novell software.

According to Novell, "The 32-bit Novell Client product brings the full power, ease of use, manageability, and security of NDS to Windows XP workstations. Novell Client for Windows XP fully supports NetWare and NDS services and utilities on a Windows XP workstation, including integrated messaging, multiprotocol support, management, security, and file and print services."

Continue reading →

Microsoft on Tuesday issued a second application compatibility update for Windows XP, and announced upcoming support for USB 2.0. The 1.5MB compatibility package, currently available for download via Windows Update, increases support for over 40 older software applications. Notable inclusions on the list are Easy CD Creator 4.02, Norton AntiVirus 2001, Corel Draw, and RealPlayer 7.0. The software giant is also finalizing support for USB 2.0, and expects to provide an update by early 2002.

USB 2.0 increases the available bandwidth for high-speed devices from 12Mbps to 480Mbps, making the technology ideal for video cameras and storage devices.

Continue reading →

Microsoft on Wednesday released the final version of Windows XP Embedded, the componentized edition of the OS designed for full-featured connected devices. Windows XP Embedded is based on the same binaries found in XP Professional and runs on devices such as set-top boxes, gaming systems, self-service kiosks, industrial automation, and residential gateways.

Developers can order a free 120-day evaluation copy, which provides full support for testing embedded images. Windows XP Embedded offers pre-built configurations and over 10,000 components for developers to utilize. The OS also includes headless support and flexible boot and storage options to accommodate most embedded devices.

Continue reading →

var sImgExpandedArrow = ""; var sImgDefaultArrow = ""; function change_display(head) { var oSrcEle = window.event.srcElement sImg666 = oSrcEle.src

if (sImgExpandedArrow == ""){ sImgExpandedArrow = "images/arrow_expand.gif"; } if (sImgDefaultArrow == ""){ sImgDefaultArrow = "images/arrow_default.gif"; } if (document.all.item(head).style.display == "") { document.all.item(head).style.display = "none"; oSrcEle.src = sImgExpandedArrow; oSrcEle.alt = "expand menu"; } else { document.all.item(head).style.display= ""; oSrcEle.src = sImgDefaultArrow; oSrcEle.alt = "collapse menu"; } }

Continue reading →

var sImgExpandedArrow = ""; var sImgDefaultArrow = ""; function change_display(head) { var oSrcEle = window.event.srcElement sImg666 = oSrcEle.src

if (sImgExpandedArrow == ""){ sImgExpandedArrow = "images/arrow_expand.gif"; } if (sImgDefaultArrow == ""){ sImgDefaultArrow = "images/arrow_default.gif"; } if (document.all.item(head).style.display == "") { document.all.item(head).style.display = "none"; oSrcEle.src = sImgExpandedArrow; oSrcEle.alt = "expand menu"; } else { document.all.item(head).style.display= ""; oSrcEle.src = sImgDefaultArrow; oSrcEle.alt = "collapse menu"; } }

Continue reading →

With over 50 partners in tow, Microsoft on Thursday kicked off Windows XP in New York's Times Square. Alongside Regis Philbin, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and top industry CEOs, Bill Gates ushered in the biggest change to Windows in over six years. In his keynote address, the Microsoft Chairman highlighted improvements over XP's predecessors and said goodbye to DOS forever. "This is a version of Windows that will take the PC industry to new heights," Gates told the more than 1500 attendees.

Steve Ballmer commanded a similar event in London.

Continue reading →

During the summer, testers silently leaked details that publicly unveiled many of the visual elements contained in Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP. At the time, Microsoft did not comment on what consumer expectations should be for Plus! -– a product that has become the traditional aftermarket companion for newly minted milestones of Windows. While a lack of specifics relegated discussion of Plus! to be limited to games, screensavers, themes, and Media Player visualizations, the folks at Redmond managed to slip in a few surprises.

Wednesday, Microsoft is set to officially announce Plus! commencing what promises to be a long marketing campaign on the coattails of Windows XP. Additional add-on packs are planned, some of which include several multimedia enhancements, rich digital photography tools, and volume licenses for home users.

Continue reading →

Microsoft has given word that its retail and OEM partners are gearing up for the launch of Windows XP by accepting pre-orders. A long list of outlets including Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, Costco.com, and CompUSA locations nationwide are participating in order to provide their customers with immediate access to the shrink wrapped product.

Microsoft also announced Upgrade Advisor, a tool that takes advantage of Windows Update technology, providing customers with up-to-date information. Windows XP Upgrade Advisor will assist would be upgraders in making the determination of whether or not their systems are ready to handle the switch over to the newly minted operating system.

Continue reading →

In its latest attempt to gain a foothold in the market for embedded systems and devices, Microsoft has released a second beta version of Windows XP Embedded to developers. Facing stiff competition ranging from relatively unknown niche businesses to Sun Microsystems and Linux backers, the software giant is actively seeking partners to ensure industry adoption of its offerings. Windows XP embedded offers a componentized version of the operating system that is built upon the Windows 2000 code base.

Enhancements include improved security and reliability, the latest multimedia capabilities Redmond has to offer, support for a broad range of networking protocols, tools for remote management, and the ability to hot swap hardware. Microsoft has also included rapid development tools to assist customers in deploying customized solutions that correspond with their specific needs.

Continue reading →

In what is to be the company's biggest software launch to date, Microsoft today released to manufacturing the final version of Windows XP. The announcement was made this morning in Redmond, while representatives from six computer manufacturers stood by to receive copies of the golden master complete with gold briefcases. Helicopters then lifted off with the PC makers in tow, set to begin building computers with the new operating system.

The final build, numbered 2600, was completed at 3 a.m. Saturday, August 18, after three minor bugs were discovered in 2542, the final interim release. 1,000 CDs were distributed to internal testers for a final run, and golden master disks were created Sunday. Final testing of the media and build itself completed Thursday, whereupon testers signed off on XP's release to manufacturing.

Continue reading →

Microsoft today announced the arrival of Windows XP Release Candidate 2, the final milestone before the upcoming operating system is released to manufacturing next month. Sporting build number 2526, RC2 is available for download from WindowsBeta, but will not be sent out on CD. The release will soon be made available to Windows Preview Program participants, but on an incremental basis in order to avoid previous problems. Ecstatic with XP's progress, the software giant proclaimed in an e-mail to testers that, "The end is in sight."

Despite its importance, very little is new in RC2. Microsoft has added an option to uninstall Internet Explorer and has removed the infamous Smart Tags, but claims the code is practically complete. "RC2 is simply a final checkpoint on the way to the final RTM. We are close to release and want to continue to get feedback, but there will be very few if any significant changes between RC2 and RTM," Windows product managers wrote in an e-mail to testers.

Continue reading →

In a startling blow to cross-platform developers, Microsoft has announced it will not include support for the Java programming language in the upcoming Windows XP. After settling a lawsuit with Java creator Sun Microsystems in January, the software giant decided the easiest way to prevent further litigation was to simply remove the code entirely. The settlement stipulated that Microsoft would no longer license Java from Sun, and refrain from stating that Windows is "Java Compatible." Outdated Java support will remain available as an added download from Windows Update if required.

Java's removal from the software giant's new operating system comes on the heels of announcements surrounding .NET, Microsoft Web services based on XML. These services are accessed over the Internet from a variety of devices. Coincidentally, Sun has been developing its own Java-based version of .NET, dubbed Jini. However, Microsoft vehemently denies claims that it intends to phase out support for Java as an attack on Sun.

Continue reading →

At long last, Microsoft today released Windows XP Release Candidate 1 to testers, sporting build number 2505. Beating the company's internal release goal of July 1, RC1 marks feature completion for Windows XP. Microsoft issued interim build 2502 earlier this week as a final check before the first release candidate was officially declared. The software giant is expected to make an announcement shortly to Preview Program participants, who will be given access to download the release.

Release Candidate 2 is slated to follow late next month, with a release to manufacturing at the end of August. In preparation for October's launch, Microsoft began a billion-dollar marketing campaign for Windows XP this week in Las Vegas.

Continue reading →

Microsoft today released to testers the final interim build before Windows XP is deemed Release Candidate 1. Build 2502 marks the seventh interim release since Beta 2 debuted in March. The much anticipated first release candidate will signify feature complete code, with only bug fixes and fine-tuning made thereafter. RC1 is expected to arrive sometime next week, slightly delayed from the original June 20 schedule.

It was previously reported that last week's 2494 would be the last interim release before RC1, but Microsoft beta coordinators clarified in an e-mail today that, "This build is NOT RC1. We expect to post RC1 for download within a week. If you have a slow connection to the net, you may wish to wait for RC1."

Continue reading →