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Feb

28

Certified for Windows Vista Devices and Software

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

   


Have you been wondering how you can tell which software and devices will be compatible with the premium features of Windows Vista? You can easily identify these products by looking for the devices and software that are Certified for Windows Vista. Read below for more specifics on the program, and then enter to win thousands of dollars worth of Certified for Windows Vista products.


What does it mean to be Certified for Windows Vista?


You all have probably seen the Designed for XP logo that appears on PCs. The Windows Vista Logo Program is the next generation, however, we’ve made two important changes. First, Microsoft has worked with industry partners to develop new standards and device categories so Windows Vista can take full advantage of dramatic advances in hardware and devices to enhance the types of computer activities people have become accustomed to. Secondly, we’ve set up a certification process, so that devices and software need to go through Microsoft compatibility tests before they qualify for the logo. So, yes, there are there thousands of applications and devices that are compatible with Windows Vista, however, Certified for Windows Vista devices and software have been tested to help ensure that they are compatible with the premium features of Windows Vista. Devices and software that carries the Works with Windows Vista logo are tested for baseline standards of compatibility with all PCs running Windows Vista.


Devices:


To talk a bit more specifically about device drivers, they have undergone Microsoft compatibility tests for ease-of-use, better performance and enhanced security. We are continuing to add approximately 1,600 device drivers per month. These devices will install easily on Windows Vista and can automatically download device driver software. Wireless devices are also intuitive to set-up and security-enhanced. 


Devices are tested to deliver performance and quality beyond basic compatibility, so you can have high-definition experiences with photos, music, videos and communications. For example, they are able to take advantage of Windows Vista features like native DVD burning, Network and Sharing Center and Windows Aero user experience. Color sensitive devices like monitors and printers work together with the Windows Color System so when you print pictures, they look like what’s on your screen. Certified of Windows Vista wireless routers provide reliable connectivity for demanding applications like on-line gaming and HD media streaming, while wireless networks are security-enhanced. 


Software:


And now on to some software specifics. I want to emphasize here that Certified for Windows Vista software products are tested to Microsoft’s compatibility standards to help make software easy to install, better performing and more secure. For example, software is specifically tested to minimize the number of crashes, hangs and reboots that are typically experienced by users. It also installs without degrading the performance of Windows Vista or other applications. I also think it’s important to mention that Certified for Windows Vista software should continue to improve over time, because we require that they not just include error reporting, but that they also use this data to continually update their product.  Certified for Windows Vista software is also designed to work with advanced security features in Windows Vista, as well as meets the Anti-Spyware Coalition privacy guidelines.


I’m planning on posting information about specific Certified of Windows Vista products on a regular basis, so continue to check back for product highlights and deeper spec information. This is a just an introduction to the program. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. In the meantime, enter each week for a chance to win a ton of great products from our partners.

Feb

27

See you at MIX07

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

This year’s MIX07 promises to be an exciting 72-hour conversation amongst Web devs, designers, advertisers, decision-makers and MS (I’ll be there), with Ray Ozzie and General Manager Scott Gunthrie slated to start it all off with their keynote.  Just like last year at MIX06, MS is continuing to “mix” it up (the audience, that is) to get various perspectives on bringing next-generation experiences to the Web.


MIX07 at Las Vegas’ Venetian Hotel offers a variety of sessions, such as “Blending Up User Experiences” (focusing on WPF integration and implementation) to “IE7 Past, Present, and Future” (browser features and futures).  And of course Windows Vista is right in the middle of it all, being the OS underpinning many of the advances in the Web experience.


Even better?  All MIX07 attendees receive a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate.


Last year’s MIX saw the Beta 2 Refresh of IE7, giving developers and web designers a peek at Microsoft’s brand new Web browser now shipping with Windows Vista.


This year’s MIX should be quite interesting.  If you’re not already signed up, do so before 15 March so as to take advantage of the early-bird discount of 15% off the full conference registration price.


And if you want to share your excitement for the event, you can even put some MIX bling on your website or blog.


Meet Me at MIX07 


See you there …

Feb

27

It’s Windows Vista Week at Channels 9 and 10

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

Windows Vista Week has begun at Channel 9 and Channel 10.  Over on Channel 9 they’re covering Windows Vista from the developer side, focusing on building apps for Windows Vista as a user-centric operating system.  What technologies underlying Windows Vista make it what it is for the user?  And what can developers get out of those technologies to improve the user’s experience with their Windows apps?  Channel 9 will take a deep-dive into those technologies this week.  Expect topics to range from UAC to the networking stack and beyond.


Also, Channel 9’s Charles Torre has posted his interview with Michael Wallent on the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of Windows Vista’s developer appeal.  Incidentally, I had the opportunity to interview Michael about Windows Vista product quality back in November, and he had some illuminating things to share, so I’m sure his words for devs will be equally valuable.


On Channel 10, the team will be covering a wide range of Windows Vista topics, too, in this case targeting power users (is that you?).  For instance, Tina Wood works hands-on with Ernie Booth while installing Windows Vista, and Laura Foy interviews Windows Mobile’s Mel Sampat (creator of FlexWallet) about getting Windows Sidebar Gadgets to run on your Windows Mobile device.


Should be an interesting week …

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