Archive for the ‘ Windows ’ Category

Hyper-V Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX

Now that the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta are out, a lot of info has also been coming out on the new features it brings to Hyper-V R2: Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX.

As far as Dynamic Memory is concerned, there’s a very comprehensible article on the Virtualization Team’s blog, and a post on Ben Armstrong’s blog as well. Ben also mentions all the supported guest operating systems for both the DM beta and the release, and he also spoke about it at TechEd US 2010.

Also, when it comes to RemoteFX, while many SBC (server-based computing) players announced their support for it (e.g. VMWare, Quest, Wyse Technology), I do think nVidia is the one that stands out, because this brings a huge opportunity for them to enter the server market.

2010
07/17
CATEGORY
Downloads
Microsoft
Virtualization
Windows
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End of support for Windows XP SP2

Microsoft has recently announced the end of support for Windows XP SP2 (which means it won’t be receiving any more updates).

Vista RTM is also scheduled to enter end-of-support in April 2010. More details on the Microsoft website.

2010
07/16
CATEGORY
Microsoft
Windows
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W2008R2 & W7 SP1 public beta coming

The contents of this press release were announced during the TechEd North America keynote: http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/jun10/06-07TechEd2010PR.mspx

“Public beta of service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 coming by end of July. The new virtualization tools in SP1 will help Windows Server 2008 R2 users prepare for cloud computing, Remote FX provides rich 3-D graphical experience for remote users, and Dynamic Memory enables more control to adjust memory usage without sacrificing performance. The service pack also will include a series of incremental updates, previously delivered through Windows Update, for both Windows Server and Windows 7 users.”

Ben Armstrong (Virtualization Program Manager) was also there at TechEd, talking about Dynamic Memory in Hyper-V R2 SP1 (download available).

Later edit: check out the DM presentation recording here.

2010
06/09
CATEGORY
Microsoft
TechEd
Virtualization
Windows
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Google and the Windows security debate

Following an article in the Financial Times where Google states they’re dropping Windows all across the company, out comes the response of the Windows Team, on their official blog. In short, Google are blaming Windows for the China attacks in January, and they’re ditching it in favor of Linux and MacOS. But is really blaming a 9-year-old browser the way to go?

To be honest, I find that the biggest security problem with Windows is actually it’s popularity: in the long run, using Linux or MacOS might in fact be less secure if attacked directly, even if there really are more known attacks/viruses/worms/trojans built  for Windows than there are for MacOS or Linux. After all, the security of a computer system depends very much on it being up to date and properly configured, while also running latest versions of any software being used. Having an outdated and/or badly configured version of any OS is a dangerous thing to do, no matter which OS it is. And switching to another OS simply because you can’t properly and securely configure the previous one is a really dumb move.

In any case, both links above are worth a read. :)

Later edit: Google have also announced that ChromeOS will be out “later this fall” -  do you really think this is just a coincidence?

2010
06/03
CATEGORY
Microsoft
Security
Windows
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Windows 7 – academic launch

After last week’s Microsoft Academic Program opening in UBB Cluj, this week is time for the official academic launch of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. I’ll be the one talking a bit about the latter (Win 2008). :)

More details on the launch announcement page.

2009
11/05
CATEGORY
Events
Microsoft
Virtualization
Windows
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Free eBook: Deploying Windows 7

A very useful free eBook is available on Microsoft Downloads: Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance

Overview:

Microsoft’s eBook Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine combine selected chapters written by industry experts Mitch Tulloch, Tony Northrup, Jerry Honeycutt, Ed Wilson, and the Windows 7 Team with select Windows 7 articles from TechNet Magazine. Sample topics include: Deployment Platform, Planning Deployment, Testing Application Compatability, and 8 Common Issues in Windows 7 Migrations.

2009
10/29
CATEGORY
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Free stuff
Microsoft
Windows
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Microsoft Security Essentials is available!

Microsoft Security Essentials, the free antivirus from Microsoft is finally out of beta. :)

It’s available for XP, Vista and Windows 7 users (both x86 and x64), with the sole mention that your PC must run genuine Windows in order to install it.

2009
09/30
CATEGORY
Downloads
Free stuff
Microsoft
Security
Windows
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