Category:

Software

Windows 7 Beta update – its installed

by Philip Sellers January 10, 2009

written by Philip Sellers

I had much better luck today getting a installation key and copy of the Windows 7 Beta from Microsoft. I have just installed it in a BootCamp partition on my MacBook Pro and so far, I’m impressed. I decided to put it into BootCamp to get real performance metrics since VMware Fusion would have a certain amount of overhead. And as a BootCamp partition, I should be able to run it as a VM in either Parallels Desktop or Fusion.

So far, I have to say, I’m impressed. The OS is responsive and quick. The boot time was impressive and so far, it looks to be a huge improvement over Vista, even in its beta form. Everything that I have seen so far is in line with what I’ve been reading. Some are already giving it the real what-for by using it as their day to day OS and its working well. It runs on par with Windows XP and has all the enhanced functionality of Vista.

January 10, 2009 0 comments

Datacenter Software

Microsoft take down Windows beta download, adding servers

by Philip Sellers January 9, 2009

written by Philip Sellers

I just checked in again for the first time since about 6:00 on the Windows 7 Beta download – got this message from Microsoft:

Thanks for your interest in the Windows 7 Beta. The volume has been phenomenal — we’re in the process of adding more servers to handle the demand. We’re sorry for the delay and we’ll re-post the Beta as soon as we can ensure a quality download experience.

I’m glad they noticed… But their comment – phenomenal? A blind man could have seen this in a crystal ball – c’mon people, be prepared…

January 9, 2009 0 comments

Datacenter Software

Windows 7 Beta downloads crashes Microsoft servers

by Philip Sellers January 9, 2009

written by Philip Sellers

In a sure sign that the world wants something better than Windows Vista, downloads for the new Windows 7 beta has brought Microsoft’s web servers to a screaching halt. In trying to download the beta since its release about 45 minutes ago, I have encountered only “Server Too Busy” messages when trying to login to download the beta. I will continue to try downloading the beta through the afternoon, but as for now, I don’t think anyone is having much luck. Great job Microsoft…

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx

January 9, 2009 1 comment

Datacenter Software Virtualization

VMware Patches versus Microsoft Patches

by Philip Sellers January 3, 2009

written by Philip Sellers

I had a conversation with one of the senior systems admins in my group today. The conversation was basically why is it easier to get to VMware patches and to know what has been released to you than it is with Microsoft’s patches? Beyond the basic “well Microsoft has way more software to support” answer, I came to the conclusion that VMware’s website organization of their patches for their products is far superior to Microsoft and their emails alerts are actually useful.

January 3, 2009 0 comments

Datacenter Software

Microsoft leaks Windows 7 to BitTorrent dilberately?

by Philip Sellers January 3, 2009

written by Philip Sellers

Caught this on headline on Slashdot: Windows 7 Leaked To Pirates By Microsoft?

I immediately think, this might be the smartest thing Microsoft has done in a while, if its true. This has created a lot of free publicity that the company might not have otherwise experienced from the product and its creating a lot of interest, cause face it… we all secretly want what we’re not supposed to have, right? Human nature?

That is besides the point, the theory is pretty cool. This would certainly be a much more effective way to improve their image in the wake of the abysmal Seinfield/Gates commercials… I’m generally a fan boy of one of the more secretive technology companies out there, but in this case, Microsoft may be onto something. Also, I have to admit, I’m liking what I see in Windows 7. And I hear its fast. I can’t wait for the official beta program to begin from Microsoft. I’m hearing we may see that at CES…

For more, see Slashdot or Microsoft Watch on eWeek.

January 3, 2009 0 comments