As the Next generation Console War rages on, companies such as Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony are fighting to find new ways to grab their users’ attention, and to pull users away from the other companies. Microsoft may have just set the new standard with a product that they plan to release for their console, the XBOX 360, called Natal.

The concept is simple, a special camera that plugs directly into your console, can open up a new range of possibilities. In the demo shown here we see a user who interacts with a virtual person on the screen. Big deal right, anyone can make a program to listen for predefined words and have some sort of response. The difference is that you build a relationship with this person, you learn from them and they learn from you. In a report that was released from XBOX, users claim to actually forget the person is a virtual entity, but actually get drawn into their story (which is different for everyone)

On top of that, the camera and the software that Microsoft has developed has the ability to ‘scan’ real life objects. Shown in the demo a user draws a picture and holds it up to the camera, the camera scans it into the system, and the virtual charter takes the picture from the user and looks at it, even compliments it. In a few other concept videos it shows how a child can scan a skateboard and use the graphic on the bottom of it to play a game.

In another video shown here, a user can chat with another XBOX Live member, and even share items that the camera has scanned into the system. An example is used of a girl trying to pick out a dress to wear, and a friend sends her a picture and even places it on a still frame photo.

Microsoft promises that this will change the future of gaming as we know it, finally giving the gamer a more in depth experience, blurring the lines of fantasy and reality. I look forward to its arrival as well as what other ideas spring forth from this.

Chuck Lindblom

On Oct. 22, Microsoft will release Windows 7. Touted to be a faster and much better operating system than the much-maligned Windows Vista, it is seen as the OS whose time has finally come!

After October’s release nearly all new computers will be pre-loaded with Windows 7, and the rest of us will need to determine if it is time to upgrade from Vista or XP.

Windows XP is still the most popular version of Windows, despite having its initial release in 2001. Having done the job for these nine years, it’s now showing its age when it comes to security, networking and other interface features more important today.

Windows 7 boosts productivity and is easy to use. Fandotech is ready to recommend Windows 7 to our client base. Windows 7 has fixed the flaws in Vista and has finally given Microsoft customers a reason to move up from XP. And Windows 7 is packed with features that create an easier, richer user experience.

Windows 7 Summary

• Introduces real advances in organizing your programs and files, arranging your taskbar and desktop.
• Allows quick viewing and launching of a page or document.
• Built-in touch-screen features.
• Removes organizational clutter.
• It is more efficient than Vista and is not sluggish.
• Compatible with most third-party software and hardware.
• Fits in a reasonable hardware configuration.
• Limits the constant, annoying security warnings present with Vista.
• Works on a broad range of hardware platforms – the WSJ tested Windows 7 on 11 different computers, ranging from netbooks to standard laptops to desktops. These included machines from Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and Sony, and yes – wait for it… even on an Apple Macintosh laptop.

The Upgrade
Windows 7 will come pre-loaded on most new purchases. For those with existing equipment, the upgrade path will vary.

1. Vista to Windows 7: This upgrade is doable but lengthy. It can take from an hour to several hours. The system for upgrading is complicated, but Vista migrates keeping all files, settings and programs in place.

Some upgrades may result in:

• Slow start-up and reboot times.
• Some features, like the display or touchpad may not work properly.
• Some drivers may need to be restored.
• Requires add-on security software re-install.

2. XP to Windows 7: The transition for XP is just plain hard. It requires wiping out the hard drive (after backing up their files offline!), then going forward from scratch.

Note that the Windows 7 Transfer wizard moves only personal files, not programs. Therefore it has limited use in the XP to Windows 7 upgrade which is long and painful. Also, Windows 7 no longer has several built-in applications, such as email, photo organizing, address book, calendar and video-editing programs.

All in all, these are exciting times. The industry is clamoring that Windows has hit the nail on the head with this release…just 2 more days and we’ll be able to see for ourselves!

John Boyd

The Conficker virus stole headlines at the end of March 2009 with its dynamic and unique threat to infect the Internet.  Since the Internet continued to function after the supposed payload date of April 1, there has been a media silence since April 2.

However, this does not mean the threat disappeared. On the contrary, according to the Conficker Working Group, 350,073,303 infections have been tracked to date. These infected systems are used to send spam and to distribute fake anti-spyware applications known as scareware. Like most things, the motive comes down to money—money earned by the virus authors through spamming and selling malicious software to unwitting users.

In order to understand how it works and why it created such a furor, check out some good sources for reliable information about how the virus works:

US-CERT – Conficker Worm Targets Microsoft Windows Systems

Microsoft – Centralized Information About the Conficker Worm

New Scientist – The Inside Story of the Conficker Worm

There are also several testing and remediation resources out there, but be wary of over-enthusiastic, no-name vendors fueling infection panic and pushing a free removal tool. Research vendors before downloading any software. In fact, to be on the safe side, use tools recommended by the Conficker Working Group.

Conficker infections have not stopped even though headlines have slowed down to a trickle. Keep up to date on this ever-changing security threat.

Share your Conficker experiences below, in the comments.

In January of 2007, Microsoft released what some would say is one of the worst software products in the market. I’m talking about none other than Microsoft’s current operating system, Windows Vista. Now, I know that some of you who just read those words may have had a cold chill run down your spine, but I’m here to talk about why I don’t think Windows Vista desserves such negative views.

I admit I was one of the many who criticized the entire operating system before I ever had a chance to work with it. And I’ll be among the first to admit that I was wrong. I have been using Windows Vista on my personal computer for about six months now in a dual boot environment with Windows XP. It’s been about five months since I’ve used Windows XP on that computer. Let me address the top three complaints I’ve heard about Vista:

• It’s a resource hog. While this canbe true, I’ve found that people are looking at the requirements to run Windows Vista Premium. In reality, Windows Vista Basic requires only an 800 Mhz Processor, and 512Mb of RAM. Most of the computers you can buy today come with at least these specs. Vista is only a real resource hog when you want to use nice features such as Windows Areo (the slick semi-transparent interface), or all of the new advanced display options. While these features are great, they’re not essential, and I could live without them if I had to.
  

  Windows Vista logo

• The User Account Control (UAC) feature is irritating. This is that little message that pops up every time you try to run a program, or install a new program, or make a change to anything inside of the system. I will admit that I was endlessly annoyed with it, but after disabling it, I found my experience with Windows Vista was far smoother. While this is mostly okay for personal computers, I do not recommend it for a corporate environment. Whether at home or work, the UAC can actually help detect a rogue program trying to make changes within the system, so disabling it makes your system a bit more vulnerable. The easiest way to disable User Account Control is to open up the control panel in Windows. Once inside this window you can type ‘UAC’ in the search box located in the upper right hand corner of the window. The first result of the search should be, “Turn User Account Control (UAC) on or off”. Simply click this option, and make sure the check box on the next screen is not selected. Windows will show one last UAC prompt to make sure that this is what you wanted to do, and then Windows will ask you to reboot the machine. Once the PC starts up again you should no longer be prompted by the UAC to make changes.
• Windows Vista won’t run programs that run in Windows XP. While I can’t vouch for every program ever made, I can say I have yet to personally encounter a program that runs fine in Windows XP but not in Windows Vista. I have installed programs that range from Microsoft Office to Rational Rose. I suppose that there may be cases of a software company that does not support its product running in a Windows Vista environment, but I have yet to run into even one case of that.

I feel that Windows Vista is a hidden gem, and because of a few minor bugs that showed up when it first came out, it developed an undeserved reputation. I also feel that if people would just give Vista a chance, they will be impressed with it. Yes, there are some annoyances, but with a few small tweaks, these annoyances can become a thing of the past. If you really want to try Vista, but don’t want to buy it, go to your local Staples or Circuit City and try some of the floor models they have, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Chuck Lindblom

As a Microsoft Partner, my clients expect me to have a complete understanding of the Microsoft licensing model. I will state here and now, “I will never understand completely the Microsoft licensing model,” but every day I get closer. Recently, I had a conversation with John Baker, a Licensing specialist for Microsoft. In this call John laid out for me what the biggest differences between the licensing programs are, and which programs will be the correct fit for the clients we serve.

Retail Box:  This is the simplest of programs. You can buy the licenses through a reseller (like Fandotech) or at your favorite Big Box (Staples, OfficeMax, WalMart, etc.). This program is usually the most expensive route for obtaining licensing and the customer needs to retain all licensing agreements and product codes to prove ownership. This is the fastest way to get Microsoft licensing.

OEM (Other Equipment Manufacturer): This is another common way for clients to purchase Microsoft applications. For most people, when they buy a new PC, it comes with an operating system (XP or Vista in most cases) pre-installed. That is a great example of OEM licensing at work. Dell and HP provide you the Microsoft license with your purchase.

Volume licensing: Must be purchased through a reseller and the initial purchase must include a total of five (5) Microsoft products (i.e., Server 2008, and 4 Client Access Licenses) to qualify. The client is setup with a contract authorization number and can purchase all future licensing against this agreement. Microsoft offers the licenses at a discount and there is an electronic record of the licensing for proof of purchase when obtaining support.

There are multiple programs within the Volume licensing scheme including Open Business, Value and Select being the leaders. Our sales consultants can help you determine the correct program for your business, but the volume licensing program is the correct fit for most business customers for the following reasons.

Why Volume Licensing?

• Volume discounts—when customers spend less on software licenses, a greater share of their IT budgets can be spent on focused deployments and using the funds saved to achieve other strategic business objectives.
• Genuine Microsoft Software—security and reliability with no worries about malicious or counterfeit software.
• Electronic Licenses—proof of ownership without the burden falling to the customer to keep boxes, media, and stickers. An easier method to track and manage software.
• Unavailable OEM Products—Office Pro Plus, Subscriptions/Services, etc.
• Additional rights—downgrades, portable use, corporate imaging, transfer rights, cross language rights, etc.
• Different licensing programs to fit the customer’s needs—OB, OV, OVS, Select, Select Plus, EA.
• Volume Licensing Keys—provides simpler deployment, upgrading, and patching.

Another handy tool from Microsoft that can be used in creating budget and comparing programs is MS Gearup. This site allows users to build configurations and provides cost comparisons and definitions for all compared programs. Additionally, it provides list pricing for all products. Still, even when you have built your configuration, it is advisable to check with your reseller to see if there are any discounts, promotions, or changes to the program you desire. After my call, what I determined is that while Volume Licensing is likely the best route for most businesses, I may have gone from being a blind man to one that is only moderately nearsighted on the topic of Microsoft Licensing.

Brian Doyle