Monday, May 04, 2009

Windows 7 RC download is live

The wait is finally over, in what is considered a surprise move Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 will be free for 1 year. The updated OS will be available for download for the general public from 5th of May. Microsoft has promised there will be no limit on the number of copies downloaded. The software will run until 1, June,2010, in what the Microsoft marketing manager considered as a "try before you buy" scheme.

However there are a few catches,
  • You don't need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
  • Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You'll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
  • Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don't test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
  • Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
  • Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
  • Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
  • Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you're running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you'll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.

READ

Microsoft Download Center - Click here for download
Technet Download
Installation Instructions

Sony Ericsson MBW 100

Sony Ericsson is announcing their new Blue tooth enabled Mobile Watch MBW 100. It is basically a wearable mobile phone. However there is one deadly issue that I am very concerned with, how hot will the battery run when you are talking on the phone with a bluetooh headset?

Read

Presto! In ten seconds, you've got an Internet desktop.

I had always been a fan of upgrading old hardware, and I found this fascinating article today:



Have you ever had the need to boot your laptop in a Starbucks, an airport lounge, or a buddy’s house, but don’t want to go through the agonizing multi-minute procedure of starting up your operating system with all of its managed software and utilities? If you’re a corporate Windows user on the go, chances are your PC might take several minutes to get up and running if you just want to get onto the Internet, GMail, surf, Twitter, FaceBook, instant message, Skype, or what have you. Well, now there’s a solution: Presto.Presto! In ten seconds, you've got an Internet desktop., Apr 2009



You should read the whole article.



Presto is actually an ultra-stripped down Linux that has been optimized to boot on even the oldest PC laptop hardware in a matter of seconds. Unlike other Linux environments that require re-partitioning of your system, Presto actually is stored in the C:\Program Files\Presto directory on your native Windows NTFS file system and installs just like a regular Windows Program.




This actually reminds me of a very similar product, puppy Linux. This is a Linux smaller than 256MB, and the best thing is it loads into the RAM of your computer. What this means is that old system with at least 256MB of ram can run this with ease. One of the main measure stick everyone uses is the boot time of a system. This version of Linux will not impress you in that catergory, the boot process requires you to answer a few question, then it will load itself into the RAM of your computer. However after the boot up process, the speed of the OS is real quick. I am really starting to like this product. I sure recommend you to give it a spin and post comments below.