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 Topic: MicrosoftThe new items published under this topic are as follows.
Microsoft cleans up Live Search
Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 06:45 PM
Microsoft
| Microsoft has unveiled major changes to its Live Search service intended to give it a better foothold in its ongoing battle with Google.
The Redmond giant has concentrated its improvements on the nuts and bolts of the search engine, enhancing its core search technology and strengthening the vertical search areas of entertainment, shopping, local and health.
"With this update, our engineering focus is on the areas that matter most to the 185 million consumers who use our service every month," said Satya Nadella, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Search and Advertising Platform Group.
"We know what kinds of things consumers are searching for, and we have invested in those key high-interest verticals, including entertainment, shopping, health and local search.
"With the core platform in place we intend to win customers and earn their loyalty one query at a time."
Up to 40 per cent of searches fall into the categories of entertainment, shopping, health and local search, and the enhanced Live Search is geared towards delivering relevant content in a compelling way across these key vertical search areas.
A new video search feature offers smart motion previews, facts and news on celebrities and a new xRank celebrity ranking tool.
The shopping and health searches have also been refreshed to derive the most relevant content from trusted sources, allowing consumers to refine searches faster and with more accuracy.
Microsoft has increased its index size more than fourfold as almost 20 per cent of customer challenges came from the 'long tail' of the web, indicating a need for broader coverage.
Live Search now claims to do a much better job in predicting the intention of the query to return the best results possible, despite common problems such as spelling errors, stop words, punctuation and synonyms.
The search engine is even capable of making proactive changes to the query in cases where the engine is confident of the customer's intention.
Additional improvements include a cleaner user interface that makes the results pages easier to read and use, and a more robust Answers platform that provides instant access to information from trusted sources while increasing relevancy.
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Hands on: Vista revisited
Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 01:32 AM
Microsoft
| I’ve recently acquired a couple of Vista PCs with the object of working my way around the networking features and sharing those experiences in my Networks Hands On column.
Last time, I started the ball rolling with file-sharing. This time it’s a more eclectic collection of hints and tips, with a look at the new Vista network map feature.
Mapping the Lan
Network maps are to be found in the Network and Sharing Center which, if you’re new to Vista, is one of the tools you’ll quickly become familiar with, mainly because it provides a one-stop shop from which you can access most of the other common networking utilities included as part of the new operating system.
The Network and Sharing Center can be found in the Control Panel, although that’s far from the quickest or easiest way of running it. Indeed, it’s better to click the network status icon in the system tray and select it from the pop-up menu displayed, or right-click the Network entry in the Start menu and choose Properties. Alternatively, if you need to run this tool on a regular basis, drag its icon from the Control Panel and create a shortcut on the desktop.
Whichever way you start it, open the Network and Sharing Center. At the top you’ll see a graphical map illustrating just where your PC sits on the network and how it connects to the internet. It’s not particularly informative, especially if you’ve only got the one PC. However, click the View full map link alongside and, on a larger network, Vista will attempt to identify as many devices as it can and draw a map showing how these all connect together, which can be very useful when it comes to troubleshooting or locating resources. Double-click the icon of a PC or server on the map, for example, and you’ll be given access to its file and printer shares.
In order to build this map Microsoft has introduced a new protocol called Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD), support for which is built into Vista and will also be in Windows Server 2008 when it ships. However, although devices that don’t have LTTD can still be found and identified they won’t be mapped, just listed underneath the map as connected to the network, where you’ll see that a Buffalo Linkstation appliance has been discovered but can’t be placed in the topology. The same also applies to PCs running older versions of Windows, such as the XP Pro PC also listed, although an LLTD Responder is available for Windows XP, which will allow such systems to be included in the Vista maps.
The LLTD Responder for XP is available for download from the Microsoft website look for Knowledge base article KB922120. It’s very easy to install and can be used on either Windows XP Professional or Home Edition to enable the host PC to be included in the Vista maps.
Unfortunately, there’s no responder for earlier versions of Windows, or for non-Windows platforms and devices, such as the Linkstation Nas appliance shown in the screenshots. However, Microsoft has made its source code available along with a reference Linux implementation, with the aim of encouraging third-party developers to provide LLTD support.
Non-broadcasting wireless
As can be seen from the screenshots, wireless networks can also be included in the Vista maps, with wireless management tools available via the Network and Sharing Center. There are also a number of behind-the-scenes wireless networking enhancements, one of which is improved support for non-broadcasting access points and routers, although problems can still arise if you want to connect to this type of network.
On a non-broadcasting wireless network, the access point or router is configured so it doesn’t broadcast the wireless SSID in effect, the network name or identifier. This is done to hide the wireless network from unauthorised users, although it’s not foolproof and can cause problems for those wanting to connect legitimately especially in Windows XP, where you’re not allowed to choose a non-broadcasting wireless network as a preferred connection. Rather, the XP auto configuration service will attempt to connect to broadcasting access points before trying hidden networks.
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Microsoft shows off Windows Server 2008 advances
Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 01:31 AM
Microsoft
| Microsoft has highlighted advances in the stability and security of its forthcoming Windows Server 2008 at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference.
Mark Russinovich, a technical fellow for the platform and services division at Microsoft, showed off an Automatic Space Load Randomization (ASLR) feature that changes the memory address used by applications.
The current software often assigns fixed memory ranges to applications. An attacker could overflow that memory range to crash the application or gain control over a system.
ASLR prevents such issues by assigning random memory areas. The feature is also built into Windows Vista, but Russinovich said that ASLR was designed mainly for the server operating system.
Windows Server 2008 also offers better ways to collect crash data and report it back to Microsoft. The software giant uses the information to tackle common problems and improve overall system performance.
Currently each individual application is responsible for collecting and reporting crash data. But a serious application crash can overwhelm the reporting components, causing it to discard all error data.
Instead, Windows Server 2008 has built the crash-reporting components directly into the operating kernel. This allows administrators to see what happened with every application crash and report the data to Microsoft.
Microsoft also confirmed that Windows Server 2008 will be the company's last server software that supports 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Any future releases, including the upcoming Small Business Server codenamed Cougar and Windows Midmarket Server codenamed Centro, will be exclusive 64-bit releases.
Both 'servers' provide bundles of operating systems and middleware such as a database and are slated for release in 2008.
Intel and AMD have been shipping 64-bit capable chips since 2004, ensuring that most current-generation systems are able to run the operating system.
Even though older servers will not be able to upgrade to the new operating system, Bill Laing, general manager of Microsoft's Windows Server division, stressed that the advances of a 64-bit-only server operating system will be worth it.
"Once we get through it and look back, we will realise all the benefits and realise it is the right thing for the industry," he said.
2008 will also see the release of Longhorn Storage Server. The R2 release of Windows Server 2008 is due to out in 2009.
Along with the roadmap, Microsoft provided attendees with an in-depth look at what can be expected in the latest version of Windows Server.
The company highlighted technical advances in security, stability and reliability with the updated OS.
"We believe that, due to the increase in consolidation and scale of servers and workloads running on individual servers, the automatic detection and recovery of hardware errors is essential," said Laing.
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Microsoft Longhorn release candidate imminent
Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 01:30 AM
Microsoft
| Microsoft will offer a release candidate of its 'Longhorn' Windows Server 2008 product next week, according to media reports.
"The long wait for Longhorn is inching [to] its close after Microsoft said today that it should have a release candidate of the server OS out next week," said Martin Veitch on The Inquirer.
"However, Microsoft still won't ship the product, officially named Windows Server 2008, until early next year."
Delays in the latest version of Microsoft's server product have seen the release date slip consistently.
The first beta was released on 27 July 2005. The second beta was unveiled in May 2006 at WinHEC in Seattle, alongside beta versions of Office 2007 and Windows Vista.
Windows Longhorn Server Beta 2 was accessible to a group of about 500,000 developers and partners at that stage.
The final release of Windows Server 2008 is expected to offer disk encryption and tighter identity integration.
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Microsoft backs 'YouTube killer'
Posted by: trraju on Saturday, March 24, 2007 - 09:03 AM
Microsoft
| Microsoft has announced its intention of partnering with News Corp and NBC to get a piece of the new online video service being portrayed as a "YouTube killer".
The Redmond giant will join forces with a newly formed Fox/News Corp and NBC/Universal joint venture to distribute a vast library of online video content to MSN consumers.
Kevin Johnson, president of the Platform and Services Division at Microsoft, said: "Today's announcement is a great win for MSN's 460 million consumers and for online video more broadly.
"When launched, this new venture will provide free access to an unprecedented library of high-quality video content.
"Our investments in MSN Video and Soapbox over the past couple of years have shown us that video is an amazing driver of user engagement and excitement, both for consumers and for advertisers."
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Microsoft launches Internet Explorer 7
Posted by: Tom Sanders on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 01:26 AM
Microsoft
| Microsoft has launched its Internet Explorer 7 browser for public download.
The software giant touted the browser's improved security with a built-in anti-phishing filter, and default settings preventing the installation of ActiveX objects.The browser also copies several popular features from Mozilla's open source Firefox browser, such as an integrated search box and tabs that allow users to organise multiple web pages in a single window.
Microsoft is also catching up with recent changes to internet standards such as CSS and HTML.
Redmond has released multiple test versions of the browser in recent months, giving developers ample time to ensure the compatibility of online applications. But critics have warned that not all application developers will meet today's launch deadline, maintaining that the Internet Explorer 7 release will bring a flood of support calls to help desks and internet providers.
Microsoft downplayed any compatibility concerns and instead touted online services that support the new browser including PayPal and VeriSign. The company is also offering free phone support for users in North America until 1 November 2007.
Internet Explorer 7 requires Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows XP Pro 64 Edition or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. The software is available in English only for now. Additional languages are slated for release in the coming weeks.
Users can download the application directly from Microsoft's IE website and the software will be automatically pushed out to users as a 'high priority update' within the next few weeks.
Internet Explorer 7 will prompt the user before installation and enterprises will be able to disable the download altogether, preventing any compatibility issues.
The application was originally scheduled to ship as part of the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system.
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European and general public Vista launch on schedule
Posted by: Anonymous on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 04:24 AM
Microsoft
| Microsoft said today that it is not expecting any further delays to the launch of Windows Vista in Europe.The software giant is "on track" to release Vista to businesses in November and to the general public in January.Microsoft had to agree to make changes to Vista in order to avoid antitrust actions and to prevent a delay in releasing the product in Europe, according to general counsel Brad Smith.
"We have made changes to ensure that we are in compliance with our competition law obligations, and we are moving forward to make Windows Vista available on a worldwide basis," said Smith.
Microsoft said in a statement that it had engaged in a "constructive dialogue " with the European Commission.
The EU threatened in March to ban Vista over concerns that software included in the operating system violated antitrust laws.As late as September, Microsoft had speculated that legal issues with the EU could delay the European launch of Vista.
"We are committed to adhering to local law in every region of the world," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.
An IDC study commissioned by Microsoft in September claimed that Vista would create as many as 50,000 new IT jobs and bring in €4.8bn in six key European markets.
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Time to put Windows Vista on radar screen
Posted by: BILL HUSTED on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 12:31 PM
Microsoft
| More than once I've stood in line at midnight just for the privilege of buying the latest version of Windows.
Back in the early days of Windows, each new release was an event. So plenty of folks were around for company as I waited for the store to open its doors. Then we surged forward, credit cards in hand. I think of it as the Charge of the Nerd Brigade.
My guess is that all of us will be a little calmer when Microsoft Vista, the replacement for Windows XP, is finally released. The latest word on release dates is that it will be available to large business customers in November and to home users in January 2007.
While Vista won't be a door-busting event for many of you, it's still important. Like it or not, most of us will be using Vista sooner or later.
The big question for home users is this: Will your computer run Vista?
If a Gartner Research survey is accurate, many of you should worry. That survey said half of the nation's PCs are not ready for Vista.
When I've written about Vista in the past, I've said that Microsoft was vague about the requirements needed to run it. Things are a lot clearer now.
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Microsoft Seeks Appeal of Antitrust Ruling
Posted by: Anonymous on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 05:49 AM
Microsoft
| SEOUL, South Korea - Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday it has no plans to give up a legal challenge in South Korean court, one day after regulators rejected its appeal of an antitrust ruling against the company.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission on Monday turned down Microsoft's appeal of the decision, which included a fine of 32.5 billion won ($34 million). The U.S. software maker also has appealed to the Seoul High Court. "We respect the Korea Fair Trade Commission's decision," Microsoft said in a statement.
"However, Microsoft firmly believes it has complied with Korean competition laws, and has conducted business for the benefit of consumers in Korea," it added. "Microsoft will continue to defend its position in the case through the appeal process in the Seoul High Court."
In February, the commission issued a final ruling that Microsoft abused its dominant market position in South Korea by tying certain software to its Windows operating system. The preliminary ruling came in December.
Under the ruling, Microsoft is required to provide two separate versions of Windows after Aug. 24, 2006. One must be stripped of Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger, and the other must carry links to Web pages that allow consumers to download competing versions of such software.
In March, the Redmond, Washington-based software company filed appeals with the commission and with the Seoul High Court seeking revocation of the ruling.
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Outside Programmers Fix Microsoft Flaws
Posted by: ALLISON LINN on Sunday, April 02, 2006 - 01:35 PM
Microsoft
| SEATTLE - When Microsoft Corp. researchers learned recently that a software flaw had been made public and could prompt Internet attacks, the company ordered a team to devote all its time to fixing the flaw and making the repair work with other products.Microsoft argues that's the approach customers want and expect, but some security experts complained that the software company's traditional method, which could take days or weeks, wouldn't help people fast enough.
So for the second time in three months, outside programmers took matters into their own hands by quickly releasing their own fixes, days ahead of the official Microsoft patch for its market-dominant Internet Explorer browser.
Microsoft doesn't endorse such third-party fixes, warning it can't vouch for whether they will work smoothly with Microsoft products and other applications. But those providing them argue they have a responsibility to protect users from attacks.
"It's kind of like having the cure and not sharing it with anybody," said Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer with eEye Digital Security Inc. of Aliso Viejo, Calif., which earlier this week released such a fix.
Rather than replacing Microsoft's own patch, Maiffret says he is hoping to provide a bandage for the interim.
The security expert also doesn't fault Microsoft for taking time to finalize an official patch because it can be difficult to make sure that repairing one part of the complex Windows operating system, which includes Internet Explorer, doesn't cause problems elsewhere.
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