Windows Shell/User (MSN & OneCare Too)

Update Rollup 1 for Microsoft Media Center Extender for Windows XP Media Center

Fixes:

You cannot play back Copy Generation Management System/Analog (CGMS-A) protected TV content. (HBO, Cinemax)
Some supported audio and video files do not play back correctly.
You may experience a temporary black screen when you use the Skip feature when you watch recorded TV.
You may receive video playback errors when your computer resumes from Standby mode.
You may experience video glitching when you watch video for a long time over a wireless network.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/b890924

Sunbelt Challenges Microsoft's GIANT Purchase (Looks like everything is being worked out)

Microsoft buy comes with strings attached

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+buy+comes+with+strings+attached/2100-7350_3-5495994.html?tag=nefd.top

Sad. I wonder what GIANT Software was thinking when they inked the deal with Sunbelt?

Microsoft buys anti-spyware technology firm

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+buys+anti-spyware+technology+firm/2100-7350_3-5493756.html?tag=st.rn

I gave the software a try today, and it does better than Spybot and AdAware Combined. Even has real-time protection and features of Geek-To-Hero / Desktop Armor (www.getright.com). Only complaint? The demo is only 15 days, and I am sure it will not be available in that short of a time. The server I got it from no longer has it.

Free Christmas Theme 2004 for Windows XP

Windows XP RTM support on Windows Update is ending.

Looks like Microsoft is pushing to move everyone from Windows XP RTM (Original Release) to XP SP2. I do not see this as a bad thing, since SP2 has more Security. and the requirements have not changed..

Windows XP RTM support on Windows Update is ending. Learn more.

To see exactly where, I dug out the info. Go to: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifewin last product. Now, I wonder why XP SP1 and XP SP2 are not listed...

Microsoft testing subscription Outlook

One in five buy their software via spam

One in five buy their software via spam
You probably weren't expecting this
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20152

      Usually when buying software via SPAM, you are buying pirated/bootleg software. None of the money goes back to the company. This is what pays the programmers and allows them to improve the software. You can report Microsoft Piracy to piracy@microsoft.com or www.microsoft.com/piracy. Want to know if your license is valid? Go to www.microsoft.com/howtotell. I once bought off of Amazon Marketplace 2 CD's which I thought were retail versions, but were bootleg ($10 a piece did not sound un-reasonable). They were not. I got Amazon.com to give me the money back on one, then I had to call my credit card for the other since Amazon.com was un-responsive. I then reported the seller (Not Amazon.) to the RIAA and the NY PD who refereed me back to the RIAA.

      Other software companies have similar reporting e-mail addresses and websites. Please visit their websites to see about reporting or seeing if you product is legal.

PalmSource to build Palm OS on Linux

PalmSource to build Palm OS on Linux
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/08/palmsource_linux/

Michael Connolly and Jim Horne - Demo of MSN Spaces / Talking about MSN Spaces

Thank you Robert Scoble, for posting the feedback to the previous post about the demo and interview. I thought this might be of interest to many people and thought it deserves its own post.

Michael Connolly and Jim Horne - Demo of MSN Spaces #
http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30998

Michael Connolly and Jim Horne - Talking about MSN Spaces #
http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30995

MSN Introduces New Communication Service That Enables Blogging, Picture Sharing and More

MSN Introduces New Communication Service That Enables Blogging, Picture Sharing and More
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-01MSNWave10PR.asp

MSN Spaces (Blog)
http://spaces.msn.com

MSN Messenger 7 Public Beta
http://messenger.msn.com/beta/