GoToMyPC - Access Your PC From Anywhere

Jan

29

Expiration of Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows Vista & Windows XP

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

I have some important information for those of you who have installed the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows XP or Windows Vista. The Service Pack Blocker Tool temporarily prevents the installation of a service pack through Windows Update, typically for one year after general availability of the service pack. We are announcing the upcoming expiration dates for the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3:

After April 28th, Windows Vista SP1 will be delivered via Windows Update. And after May 19th, Windows XP SP3 will also be delivered via Windows Update. 

For more information on the Service Pack Blocker Tool, please see this Q&A.

Digg This

Jan

28

Data Privacy Day

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

As a security guy, I get all sorts of questions from people about privacy. A lot of folks really think about online privacy as the same thing as computer security. Others see it as a pure tradeoff between one or the other. I don’t necessarily think that giving up privacy results in greater security; nor do I believe that greater security requires a loss of privacy. No matter what your thoughts are on security and privacy, I hope there is one thing we can all agree on: both are important.

That’s why I’m glad to report that Microsoft, along with other key players in the safety ecosystem, is once again participating in today’s global event, Data Privacy Day. A lot of you have probably never heard of Data Privacy Day, so here’s the skinny: it is a day intended to increase awareness of privacy and data protection issues that we all face. I’m proud of Microsoft’s commitment to protecting consumer privacy, and on a personal level, I’m happy to have been involved in campaigns promoting child safety and preventing identity theft.

I’m also proud of our work on Windows Vista. It’s built and tested to allow users to connect to whomever and whatever they want while providing the confidence that personal information is safe. The Windows Security Center in Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista is one of the innovative tools that helps protects users from security risks. The program informs users if key security capabilities are turned on and updated and if a problem is detected, customers receive a notification and are given recommended actions to help protect their information. IE Protected Mode in Windows Vista also helps protect users from attack by running the Internet Explorer process with greatly restricted privileges. Protected Mode significantly reduces the ability of an attack to write, alter, or destroy data on the user's machine or to install malicious code. These are just a few of the ways that Microsoft is working to keep its customers safe. We are also continuing our commitment to security in Windows 7 by building upon the strong foundation created in Windows Vista.

Like me, many of us at Microsoft are passionate about helping to ensure that you have the safest, most secure computing experience possible. If you’re passionate about online safety or if you just want to learn more about the topic, check out the Data Privacy Day 2009 website to see how we’re working to raise awareness about online privacy and safety issues.

Jan

26

Internet Explorer 8 RC1 Now Available

Category: Vista News | Leave a Comment

This afternoon, Internet Explorer General Manager Dean Hachamovitch has announced the immediate availability of Internet Explorer 8 RC1. Internet Explorer 8 RC1 is available in 25 languages for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server. You can download IE8 RC1 here:  http://www.microsoft.com/ie8. Here is what Dean says about IE8 today:

IE8 focused on how people really use the web. Consumers want a browser that makes the tasks they do every day faster and easier. The activities people spend their time on define real-world performance: navigating to websites, working with tabs, searching, keeping track of changing information (like traffic or an auction), and using the information from one site with another (as in getting a map). Everyone wants a trustworthy browser that keeps them in control and protects their safety. Developers want great developer tools, great interoperability, and a powerful platform that enables them to innovate. For some people, accessibility is crucial; for some organizations, policy, administration, and deployment are essential.

For more information on upgrading to RC1 – please see this post from Internet Explorer Program Manager Jane Maliouta. Jane provides an excellent and information-filled post on what you need to know to upgrade to RC1.

Internet Explorer 8 RC1 can only be installed on Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server. For more information on Internet Explorer 8 and Windows 7, please read this blog post.

Digg This

keep looking »
eXTReMe Tracker