Perpetually Connecting ….
Posted by Jack Cook on 09/12/08 in Microsoft, Windows Vista
Jerry Seinfeld convinces Bill Gates to try and connect with everyday people the old fashioned way. And Yes, Bill still has the shoe from Shoe Circus….
http://www.microsoft.com/windows
Gates, Seinfeld and Ad #1
Posted by Jack Cook on 09/5/08 in Microsoft, Windows Vista
Mary Jo Foley had a post on ZDNet.com entitled “First Microsoft make-over ad airs: $300 million well spent?”. I missed seeing the ad during the NFL Season Opener so given the opportunity to watch it via YouTube the next day was pretty good. Mary Jo said she was “not wowed by the first in what is expected to be a series of star-studded ads designed to reshape Microsoft’s consumer image” and that made me want to click on the video even faster.
Well I’m glad I did … why? Because I laughed. It was well done and my guess is that as the series of ads continues, we will see more that will make us laugh more that will designed to reshape Microsoft’s consumer image. And maybe we will finally see some well done “swipes” at Apple!
Did you know?
Posted by Jack Cook on 08/12/08 in Laptops, Windows Vista
If you right-click on the Windows desktop, there’s an option to change the default size of desktop icons? You are able to change the size to either choose medium, large or the default “Classic” size. But, is that enough for you? Do you want more flexibility?
If you don’t want to be limited to the three default sizes, then try this:
Left-click anywhere on your Vista desktop, hold the ‘Control’ key and move the scroll wheel on the mouse. You now can adjust the desktop icons to the size you want by changing the direction of your scroll.
Free Vista SP1 Support (until March 18, 2009)
Posted by Jack Cook on 07/31/08 in Laptops, Software, Tablet PC, UMPC, Ultra Mobiles, Windows Vista
Did you know that you can get free technical support on Windows Vista SP1 until 18 March 2009? Free, unlimited installation and compatibility support is now available for all worldwide customers using Windows Vista SP1, until March 18, 2009. Telephone support is available worldwide.
Find out more and access the service here.
This support for SP1 is valid until March 18, 2009. Availability of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. For customers residing in North America or Canada, chat and e-mail support is available.
Some issues may require more advanced support for which there is a charge.
PenCommander 2.1
Posted by Jack Cook on 07/24/08 in Software, Tablet PC, Windows Vista
PhatWare Corp. has announced the immediate availability of PenCommander 2.1 for Windows XP and Vista-based Tablet and Ultra Mobile PCs. The new version features an improved user interface for Visual PenCommander, a tool which provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)-like environment for creating and testing PenCommander scripts; significantly reduced memory footprint; and improved support for Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
PenCommander enables a pen to be used to call up commands that can control Tablet PCs and UMPCs in almost limitless ways, such as editing documents, inserting often-repeated text into documents and launching applications. Scripts are executed by writing a PenCommand name on the application’s input panel. PenCommander is recognized as the best tool for entering repetitive data, accessing frequently used applications and documents, inserting time, date and signature, and overall extending Tablet PC functionality and user’s productivity.
PenCommander 2.1 is now available at reduced price of $24.95. Registered users of previous versions of PenCommander can upgrade at no cost. The registration code for PenCommander 1.5 or later will work for PenCommander 2.1. Check out PenCommander 2.1 here at http://www.phatware.com/pencommander. You can download a preview copy to try …. I think you will like it.
Need a little more information about it? Then head over to GottaBeMobile where you can watch a great Ink Show showing you all the possibilities.
Sideshow on your mobile
Posted by Offbeatmammal on 06/3/08 in Devices, General, Windows Vista
If you’ve never seen Windows Sideshow in operation you’re in for a treat. Sideshow is a function in Windows Vista which allows small hardware gadgets to access data and control the host device.
The team have just released a runtime to enable you to turn any Windows Mobile device (touchscreen or smartphone, as long as both it and your PC supports Bluetooth) into a Sideshow device and host gadgets. You can find out more details and download it from their blog.
Examples of Sideshow in action include remote controls and external screens on laptops, Fridge magnets and messenger bags. Gadgets can be simple RSS readers, weather alerts or remote control for your Windows Media Player. You can get more detail at WindowsSideshow.com and SideShowDevices.com and find gadgets at the Windows Live Gallery.
The neat thing for developers is that the team have also just released a new SDK to allow development using Managed Code (C# rather than C++) which makes it easier to develop gadgets that can run on any Sideshow equipped devices.
I’ve been playing with it over the weekend and love being able to use my phone to control Windows Media from across the room. More practical uses include controlling a PowerPoint presentation or getting weather at a glance on both your Vista sidebar as well as a device you take everywhere with you.
