Dec 13

Microsoft Says The Leaked Vista Is Of Limited Value

Posted in: Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on November 15, 2006 by CyberNet.

Windows Vista I’m not sure how many of you downloaded and installed the leaked version of Windows Vista but Microsoft has some news for you. They are making some pretty big claims regarding the version of Vista that is floating around the P2P networks:

The copies available for download are not final code and users should avoid unauthorized copies which could be incomplete or tampered. This unauthorized download relies on the use of pre-RTM [release-to-manufacture] activation keys that will be blocked using Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform. Consequently, these downloads will be of limited value.

First off, who actually believes Microsoft that the “Bill Gates” version of Vista isn’t the real deal? I’m sure there are some versions that are obviously fake but several sites have confirmed the “Bill Gates” version to be the build that was released to manufacturing.

Second, it looks like Microsoft will be blocking all of the pre-release product keys so that no one will be able to activate Vista using the “cracked” method. That’s not that big of a deal because it was only a temporary solution. The “cracked” method activates Vista RTM by having it identify itself as a pre-release version of Vista, and then activating it using your pre-release product key that you received while testing. These product keys expire 5/31/2006 and was only found to be a quick-fix for those people who are anxious to get their hands on the new operating system.

Office 2007, on the other hand, has been leaked and no crack is even needed. Microsoft decided to leave the plain old volume activation system intact so you just enter in the supplied serial number and Office 2007 will be fully activated. Can’t get much easier than that!

News Source: InfoWorld [via Neowin Forums]

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Dec 13

No Vista 5536 Pre-RC1 Downloads Left

Posted in: Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on August 30, 2006 by CyberNet.

Windows Vista Logo Microsoft has finally depleted their supply of 100,000 downloads that they were giving out of Vista 5536. That build is considered to be Pre-RC1 but you shouldn’t be too disappointed if you didn’t get an opportunity to download it. If RC1 remains on schedule it should be available sometime next week.

The site for the download now says:

The Customer Preview Program is now closed.

We have reached our goal of 100,000 downloads for the pre-RC1 release and the program is now closed. Windows Vista RC1 will be available in the coming weeks. Please refer to the Customer Preview Program website for information, including DVD-burning instructions.

I am extremely happy that Microsoft did this because it is a really stable release for everything that I have been running on it. This is now my primary operating system on two computers and the only thing I lack is a widespread AntiVirus compatibility. AVG seems to be doing well for me but I was hoping to use Avast. For more details on the compatibility issue please refer to my previous article.

Remember that your Beta 2 keys do work with this build and can be activated on up to 10 different machines (I think that is what the number was). Happy testing!

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Dec 13

Windows XP SP1 Support Ends October 10, 2006

Posted in: Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on August 29, 2006 by CyberNet.

Windows XP SP2 I just stumbled across a Microsoft page that says support for Windows XP SP1 will end on October 10, 2006. I’m not sure why anyone would still be stuck back in the day of Windows XP SP1 unless they weren’t a big fan of Microsoft’s new security features. I happen to like the new features myself and it helps me feel just a little more secure.

There is actually some reasoning behind Microsoft’s madness believe it or not. They have a Support Lifecycle all drawn out for you so that you will know how long they will continue to update their software. Basically they will provide security updates for 10 years after a product has been released…so Windows XP users still have plenty of time.

Think about all of the poor IT people in the world that will have to deal with an insane amount of questions regarding Vista and Office 2007. That will probably be enough to drive people to quit their jobs! Get ready for a surge in IT job openings. :D

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Dec 12

ESET Smart Security & NOD32 4.0 Beta

Posted in: Features, performance, Pre-Release, Release Date, Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on November 26, 2008 by CyberNet.

arrow Windows Windows only arrow
ESET NOD32 and Smart Security have always been my favorite security products because of their performance and high detection levels. There’s some good news for current owners! ESET is getting ready to move to the next level with version 4 of their security suite and antivirus software.

NOD32 4.0 and ESET Smart Security 4.0 are currently in a public Beta phase, and include numerous enhancements. One such improvement is that they will now be bundling the SysInspector tool that they have been, and still do, offer as a free download. Here are some other features new to version 4.0:

  • Tasks can be postponed when the machine is running on battery, and a notification can be displayed if a larger update is going to be downloaded.
  • Improved scanning of removable media (used maximum settings when running files from removable media, allows blocking/allowing USB ports)
  • Improved cleaning and self-defense
  • Added statistic graphs and information about the currently scanned object
  • Added an option to use advanced heuristics on file execution
  • Added an option to control the level of archive scanning or maximum scan time of objects
  • Added option to supress notifications when applications are run in fullscreen mode
  • Scanning of encrypted HTTPS/POP3S protocols
  • Website management allowing to block/allow access to user-defined sites
  • New Document protection module for scanning MS Office files
  • Password protected uninstallation
  • Notification about missing operating system updates
  • Works with Windows Live Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird
  • Antispam now uses a user and global address books
  • Potentially unwanted/unsafe applications are now reported in a yellow alert window which requires a user interaction

nod32 4.jpg

There’s no word on a release date yet, but the current Beta applications don’t expire until 02/03/2009… so I wouldn’t expect to see a final release before then.

ESET Beta Homepage
Thanks Storytellerofsci-fi!

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Dec 12

Bulk Edit Text Files in Notepad++ (Without Opening Them)

Posted in: Freeware, search, Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on December 03, 2010 by CyberNet.

find replace text in files.png

arrow Windows Windows only arrow
Notepad++ has been a long time favorite app of mine when it comes to text editors. It seems to have the right mix of features, and if you use it enough you’ll start coming across some gems that can really save time. One of the features I want to focus on here is the “Find in Files” functionality that is extremely easy to overlook.

To get to the Find in Files section all you have to do is open up the find/replace dialog and switch to the respective tab (pictured in the screenshot above). Most people I talk to about this feature say that they’ve never even navigated to that tab because the Find and Replace tabs generally conquer all of their bulk editing needs. It’s true that those tabs have a lot of functionality, but Find in Files definitely deserves the space it occupies.

When switching to the Find in Files tab you may not immediately notice how this is different than the Find tab. The Filters and Directory fields (along with a few of the checkboxes) are the notable differences. This is where you can specify a directory you want Notepad++ to crawl and bulk edit files without having to first open them in Notepad++. Using the filters you can have it restrict results to certain file extensions, and the checkboxes off to the side will control its ability to crawl into hidden folders and sub-folders.

I’d like to present you with a small warning though. Before doing a bulk replace you should perform a Find All so that you can see a list of matching files along with the line numbers that will be modified:

notepad bulk find.png

Why? Once you choose the Replace in Files option you’ll see a brief warning confirming that this is what you want to do, and then it will go on its merry way updating all matching files. No backups are made, and it won’t tell you which files were changed. Personally I think it should also return a list of all the files it modified along with a glance of the text before/after the change, but that’s just me.

Generally I just use this for the finding capabilities, which also has one other nifty aspect I haven’t mentioned yet. You can actually double-click on any line number in the result list to instantly have Notepad++ open that file and take you to that line number. Alternatively you can right-click in the result pane and select the Open All option to have all of the matching files opened in different tabs.

I have some other Notepad++ tips that I’ll be sharing later on… so be on the lookout if you enjoyed this article.

Notepad++ Homepage (Windows only; Freeware)

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Nov 01

Kinect commercial SDK coming in 2012 (video)

Posted in: kinect, Microsoft, minipost, Today's Chili, video, Windows

So much for it being a fad. Kinect has evolved from a way to play with Elmo to a key tool in scientific research, delivering interactive presentations and managing your bank account. We’ve always called these non-standard uses of the device “Kinect Hacks” as people find more weird and wonderful ways to use it to their advantage. Unsurprisingly, Redmond has been paying attention and it’s planning a commercial Kinect SDK. It’s teaming up with developers to create the new software and has already received 200 applications from interested parties. It all kicks off early next year, and interested parties should be chatting up the company as we speak. Stuck for inspiration? We’ve got you covered, check out what other clever bods have already achieved with the technology in the video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect commercial SDK coming in 2012 (video)

Kinect commercial SDK coming in 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 31

No, Microsoft Doesn’t Own CyberNet

Posted in: Today's Chili, Web Sites, Windows

This article was written on August 29, 2008 by CyberNet.

A new website launched the other day called Quarkbase, and its goal is to provide details about all kinds of different websites. It gives you details like who owns the site, ways to contact them, how many articles are on Digg, and so on. It’s a pretty cool service and all, but I’ll admit that I didn’t have any intention of writing about it.

Why the sudden change of heart? Several of our readers have obviously looked us up because we’ve received a half dozen emails regarding the details about who owns us. I have no idea how but it says that the owner of our site is “Microsoft Corporation,” and places to contact us are the Internet Explorer Developer Center, Engineering Windows 7 blog, and other Microsoft-owned sites:

cybernet-1.png
(Click to Enlarge)

Wow! If Microsoft owns us they sure aren’t paying us very well. And where are my free lunches? Not to mention the fact that we’d probably be exiled from the Redmond campus by now since we’re MacBook Pro and iPhone owners. ;)

Sure we’ve been called Microsoft fanboys in the past because we actually find Vista to be a decent operating system, but I have no idea how Quarkbase gathered that we’re owned by them. Guess they still have some quarks quirks they need to work out.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in. You can put the paper bag down because it won’t help with your hyperventilating. Just breathe slowly, and give your teddy bear a hug. CyberNet is the “mom and pop shop” that it’s always been.

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Oct 31

Use ImgBurn to Change Book Type (Bitsetting) to DVD-ROM

Posted in: Freeware, Software, Today's Chili, Windows

This article was written on August 11, 2010 by CyberNet.

arrow Windows Windows only arrow
The book type setting is something I haven’t had to worry about much, but that is largely because I don’t burn DVD’s very much anymore. The last time I did have to burn one, however, it was a DVD+R DL (dual layer) that didn’t want to work in the particular DVD player that I was trying it in. After some searching around I found out that not all DVD players recognize the DVD+R DL book type/bitsetting, and that it may be necessary to change it to DVD-ROM when burning.

Nero reportedly has an option that will let you do this, but I wanted to use something free. To my surprise I didn’t even realize that I had an app on my computer that was able to change the book type of the DVD… the program I’m talking about is ImgBurn.

Once you fire up ImgBurn you can go ahead and select one of the options related to burning a disc (e.g. “Write image file to disc”). Then right-click on the Destination drop-down menu (I know, it doesn’t seem like you should be able to right-click on a drop-down menu). That’s where you’ll see the option to change the book type:

imgburn change book type menu.png

Now you should be presented with a bunch of tabs that represent the different drive manufacturers. As long as you have one of the supported manufacturers (BenQ, LG, LITE-ON, NEC, Nu Tech, Plextor, RICOH, and Samsung) you should be able to change the book type:

imgburn change book type.png

The settings available depend on the manufacturer. For example, with LITE-ON you can change the book type setting so that it only takes affect on the next DVD that you burn, whereas with LG you have to make the setting default for the entire drive (although you can always change it back).

Once I burned the DVD using the DVD-ROM book type I was able to play the dual-layer DVD in my player without any troubles. I recommend giving ImgBurn a try if you’ve had similar compatibility troubles with your DVD+R or DVD+R DL media.

ImgBurn Homepage (Windows only; Freeware)

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Oct 31

ASUS’ Eee Pad plans: Transformer Prime landing November 9th, two Win 8 tablets coming in 2012

Posted in: ASUS, NVIDIA, slate, tablet, Today's Chili, Windows, windows 8, Windows8

The Transformer Prime, with its quad-core silicon and tasty OS, has rightfully garnered much attention lately. A PowerPoint deck detailing ASUS’ Q3 earnings now gives us a peek at its Eee Pad strategy — confirming the aforementioned Prime’s November 9th release date, while also promising two more bot-powered slates in the first quarter of 2012. Of course, ASUS isn’t putting all of its eggs in the Android basket, as the same slide reveals that the Taiwanese firm will be getting its first two Windows 8 tablets to market by this time next year. So it seems that there will be an Eee Pad for all, whether you’re from Redmond or Mountain View. No need to shove, fellas, there’s room at ASUS’ tablet table for everybody.

ASUS’ Eee Pad plans: Transformer Prime landing November 9th, two Win 8 tablets coming in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Netbook News German (Translated)  |  sourceASUS (PDF)  | Email this | Comments

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Oct 31

Windows 8 desktop interface swaps classic theme for Metro, gets with the times

Posted in: Microsoft, minipost, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, preview, Software, Today's Chili, video, Windows, windows 8, Windows8

Microsoft’s Windows 8 developer preview greeted us with an interface steeped in Redmond’s new Metro style — its tile-centric start screen is sleek, fresh, and downright pretty. Imagine our surprise then, when the preview’s desktop default view punted us straight back to the contemporary “Aero” dressing of Windows 7. It’s not an ugly interface by any means, but shiny, translucent window frames are so last generation. Where’s the style? In the big M’s latest Building Windows 8 preview, of course. The MSDN blog’s latest Task Manager update shows the familiar feature in a clean Metro suit. Although Aero is still the OS’ default look, the Windows 7 basic theme has been substituted for a style heavily inspired by Metro’s clean tiles. The post doesn’t say much on the matter (nothing at all, in fact), but it’s nice to see the classic interface getting a facelift to match Microsoft’s new look. Want to see more? Hit the source link below, it’s got all the Metro window frames you could ask for.

Update: This post originally misstated that the updated Basic theme was a new style, but in fact, it is already available in the Windows 8 developer preview.

Windows 8 desktop interface swaps classic theme for Metro, gets with the times originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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