Windows 7 will include features specifically developed for enterprise customers and partners in an unprecedented number of technology early-access programs Microsoft is offering for the forthcoming OS.

Microsoft invited more than 100 customers and partners to give feedback on Windows 7 early on in its development process in an attempt to learn from mistakes it made when building Vista, said Gavriella Schuster, a senior director of Windows product management, in an interview Tuesday.

Microsoft developed four new customer and partner focus groups and spent six months planning how it would build Windows 7, and how it would engage customers early and often in that process, before even beginning development, she said.

Microsoft revealed more about this process in a blog post on the Windows Team Blog Wednesday.

In addition to expanding the number of testers in its existing Technology Adoption Program from about a dozen to nearly 20, Microsoft formed a Desktop Advisory Council, an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engagement group, a Windows ecosystem readiness program and a First Wave program of customers to deploy the beta in live environments to garner "really early insight" from customers and partners about what the final OS should look like, Schuster said.

The company invited 4,000 enterprise customers in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, Japan, India, and China to provide feedback as part of extensive research as well, she said.

Enacting this unprecedented level of early customer engagement, combined with an effort to make the development process more predictable in general, were aimed at avoiding missteps the company took as it built Vista. Features Microsoft promised early on in Vista's development didn't make it into the final code, and the process itself was shut down and restarted midway through.

"We know the stop-and-start nature of Vista [development] posed a lot of challenges for customers," Schuster said.

With Windows 7, Microsoft has tried to share information "only when we had a higher degree of certainty" Microsoft could deliver on features or time frames for release milestones, she said.

As a result of all of this effort, Windows 7 will include several enterprise-specific features developed based on feedback from Microsoft's focus groups and other research.

Customers and partners said that protecting corporate data was a key priority, which is why Windows 7 will expand the BitLocker feature from Vista with a BitLocker To Go feature, Schuster said.

BitLocker To Go will extend the encryption already provided by the feature not only to the PC's hard drive itself but to any external USB device that is plugged into the laptop, she said. This will make it more difficult for hackers to access data not only on the PC but on peripherals connected to it.

Enterprise customers also expressed a need to ensure that corporate users only install and use authorized applications on their PCs and desktops, which led Microsoft to include a new AppLocker feature in Windows 7, Schuster said.

AppLocker allows IT administrators to determine through group policy what applications a user is able to install. For instance, a policy can be set that a user can install any application from Adobe Systems or to be more specific, only Adobe Acrobat 8.1 or later, Schuster said.

Policy setting in AppLocker can also be narrowed down to the "script level," with administrators authorizing that users can install only certain scripts on their machines, she added.

Enterprise customers also told Microsoft during the feedback process that they need to be able to give better remote access to employees because more of them are working outside of the office and that will continue. As a result, Windows 7 will include a couple of new features to make it easier for remote workers to access corporate networks, she said.

One is a DirectAccess feature that replaces a virtual private network with a secure tunnel to the network at the core OS level. Another is a Branch Office Caching feature that allows users on a corporate network to find and access a file on another corporate user's local machine if it already has been downloaded from the corporate network to that machine. This makes it easier for users to get access to files on a corporate network, Schuster said.

Microsoft is widely expected to release Windows 7, which is now in beta, before the end of the year. Microsoft has said it is on track to deliver the OS three years after it released Vista, which went out to business customers in November 2006 and to the general public in January 2007.

By Elizabeth Montalbano, IDG News Service

Have you notice that your system is very slow with windows vista? If so, today tip is very useful for you to speed up your windows vista with only a few easy steps. There is a default setting in windows vista which is used to manage the cache writing on disk. By default windows enabled the write caching on disk but the advanced performance setting is disabled.

Below are the steps to enable the advanced performance setting:

Firstly, right click your “My Computer” icon and click “manage”.

A windows will appear on the screen with title of “Computer Management”, now select the Device Manager option, then double-left-click the SATA Disk under the Disk Drives. And finally, check the boxes of “Enable write caching on the disk” and “Enable advanced performance”.
This option is only selectable on SATA hard disk, else if using PATA or IDE hard disk, you won’t see the options, or the settings are grayed out or disabled.

My advice to you:
As you can see in the description, “Recommended only for disks with a backup power supply. This setting further improve disk performance, but it also increases the risk of data loss if the disk loses power.” So, enabling of advanced performance will hold more writable data in the memory cache to further improve disk performance, you are advice to use this option only if your disks do have a backup power supply, such as system protected by UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or notebook and laptop computer with charged cell battery pack to fall back. This configuration will increase the risk of data loss if the disk loses power.

By ontechnews.com

Like everyone said, time is gold. Every single second is precious and time is not to be wasted. You know, it usually takes you at least 10 seconds to open a windows programs. With today tip, you can probably open any programs within 5 seconds. So now I’m going to show you a list of general and common commands that you can use in the Run option from the start menu (Start > Run box). I consider this tip somewhat advanced, but if you get this into your head early on and spend more time familiarizing yourself, you can be a PRO in computing shortcuts!

This list is quite long and extensive. If you can’t memorize all these right away, you can always come back here and check out the commands you need when you wish to open certain windows programs.

Run Commands that can be used in both Windows Vista and Windows XP:
To open… Run Commands…
MSN Messenger (If installed) --> msnmsgr
Accessibility Options --> control access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard --> hdwwiz.cpl
Add or Remove Programs --> appwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs with Add New Programs Preselected --> control appwiz.cpl,,1
Add/Remove Programs with Add Remove Windows Components Preselected --> control appwiz.cpl,,2
Add/Remove Programs with Set Program Access & Defaults Preselected --> control appwiz.cpl,,3
Administrative Tools --> control admintools
Adobe ImageReady (if installed) --> imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed) --> photoshop
Calculator --> calc
Certificate Manager --> certmgr.msc
Character Map --> charmap
Command Prompt --> cmd
Component Services --> dcomcnfg
Computer Management --> compmgmt.msc
Control Panel --> control
Date and Time Properties --> timedate.cpl
Device Manager --> devmgmt.msc
Direct X Troubleshooter --> dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility --> cleanmgr
Disk Management --> diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager --> diskpart
Display Properties --> control desktop
Display Properties --> desk.cpl
Display Properties with Appearance Tab Preselected --> control color
Driver Verifier Utility --> verifier
DVD Player --> dvdplay
Event Viewer --> eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool --> sigverif
Files and Settings Transfer Tool --> migwiz
Firefox (if installed) --> firefox
Fonts Folder --> fonts
Fonts options --> control fonts
Game Controllers --> joy.cpl
Iexpress (Self Extracting Package Creator) --> iexpress
Iexpress Wizard --> iexpress
Internet Explorer --> iexplore
Internet Properties --> inetcpl.cpl
Java Web Start --> javaws
Keyboard Properties --> control keyboard
Logs You Out Of Windows --> logoff
Microsoft Access (if installed) --> msaccess
Microsoft Excel (if installed) --> excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed) --> frontpg
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool --> mrt
Microsoft Movie Maker --> moviemk
Microsoft Paint --> mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed) --> powerpnt
Microsoft Word (if installed) --> winword
Mouse Properties --> main.cpl
Mouse Properties --> control mouse
Nero (if installed) --> nero
Network Connections --> control netconnections
Network Connections --> ncpa.cpl
Notepad --> notepad
ODBC Data Source Administrator --> odbcad32
On Screen Keyboard (interesting tool!) --> osk
Outlook Express --> msimn
Paint --> pbrush
Phone and Modem Options --> telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer --> dialer
Power Configuration --> powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes --> control printers
Private Character Editor --> eudcedit
Quicktime Player (if installed) --> quicktimeplayer
Quicktime (If Installed) --> QuickTime.cpl
Real Player (if installed) --> realplay
Regional Settings --> intl.cpl
Registry Editor --> regedit
Registry Editor --> regedt32
Reliability and Performance Monitor --> perfmon.msc
Remote Access Phonebook --> rasphone
Remote Desktop --> mstsc
Scheduled Tasks --> control schedtasks
Services --> services.msc
Shared Creation Wizard --> shrpubw
Shared Folders --> fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows --> shutdown
Sounds and Audio Properties --> mmsys.cpl
SQL Client Configuration --> cliconfg
Sync Center --> mobsync
Syncronization Tool --> mobsync
System Configuration Editor --> sysedit
System Configuration Utility --> msconfig
System Information --> msinfo32
System Properties --> sysdm.cpl
Task Manager --> taskmgr
Telnet Client --> telnet
Tweak UI (if installed) --> tweakui
Utility Manager --> utilman
Windows Address Book (Contacts) --> wab
Windows Address Book Import Utility --> wabmig
Windows exprorer(It shows me Documents) --> explorer
Windows Firewall --> firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier (Try this out!) --> magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure --> wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player --> wmplayer
Windows Picture Import Wizard (require camera connected) --> wiaacmgr
Windows Security Center --> wscui.cpl
Windows System Security Tool --> syskey
Windows Version (About your Windows) --> winver
Wordpad --> write

Run Commands that are only usable In Windows Vista:
To open… Run Commands…
Adapter Troubleshooter --> AdapterTroubleshooter
Advanced User Accounts Control Panel --> Netplwiz
Authorization Manager --> azman.msc
Back up or Restore your stored User Names and Passwords --> credwiz
Backup Status and Utility --> sdclt
Color Management --> colorcpl
Computer Management Snapin Launcher --> CompMgmtLauncher
Disk Defragmenter --> dfrgui
Ditilizer Calibration Tool --> tabcal
DPI Scaling --> dpiscaling
Driver Package Installer --> dpinst
Firewall Control Panel --> FirewallControlPanel
Firewall Settings --> FirewallSettings
iSCSI Initiator --> iscsicpl
Language Pack Installer --> lpksetup
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool --> msdt
Problem Reports and Solutions --> wercon
Remote Assistance --> msra
Software Licensing (Windows Activation) --> slui
Sound Recorder --> soundrecorder
Sound Volume --> sndvol
System Properties (Advanced tab preselected) --> SystemPropertiesAdvanced
System Properties (Computer Name tab preselected) --> SystemPropertiesComputerName
System Properties (Data Execution Prevention preselected) --> SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention
System Properties (Hardware options preselected) --> SystemPropertiesHardware
System Properties (Performance options preselected) --> SystemPropertiesPerformance
System Properties (Protection options preselected) --> SystemPropertiesProtection
System Properties (Remote options preselected) --> SystemPropertiesRemote
Trusted Platform Module Initialization Wizard --> TpmInit
Windows Features --> optionalfeatures
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security --> wf.msc
Windows Image Acquisition (only if you have a scanner) --> wiaacmgr
Windows Mobility Center (Only For Mobile PC) --> mblctr
Windows Update Application --> wuapp
Windows Update Standalone Installer --> wusa

Run Commands that are only usable In Windows XP:
To open… Run Commands…
Check Disk Utility --> chkdsk
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) --> gpedit.msc
Local Security Settings --> secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups --> lusrmgr.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) --> rsop.msc
Windows XP Tour Wizard --> tourstart

By ontechnews.com

I recently attended a briefing where Microsoft explained some of the new features in Windows 7 to reviewers from different publications. At the end of the meeting, the Microsoft folks asked the half-dozen of us present what it will take for the new OS to be a success.


"Injecting about three trillion dollars into the economy to end this recession," was my initial response. It's hard to imagine any new OS will be a success, especially with business customers, until the economy improves. What we are already using works just fine, thank you. It will have to see us through.

So, let's fast-forward in the economic cycle to the inevitable uptick, when investing in business computing becomes easier. Here are 10 things Windows 7 will have to do.

1. Windows 7 should not be positioned in relation to Windows Vista, which is nonexistent in most businesses. Windows 7 needs to be related back to Windows XP, to which I think it is the legitimate successor.

2. I don't see Windows 7 as Vista SP2 or Vista Lite or anything like this. Windows 7 looks like a new OS to me and deserves to be treated as such. (Readers: Give Windows 7 a chance, OK?)

3. Windows 7 needs to run just fine on hardware the runs Windows XP just fine today. My sense, playing with Windows 7, is this is possible. Vista grabbed an early reputation as a resource hog. Windows 7 must avoid this.

4. Because Windows 7 cannot upgrade an existing Windows XP installation, Microsoft needs to provide easy transition tools. A copy of Windows 7 and a flash drive or small stack of DVDs needs to move all my data and my applications and my settings to the new OS. This may mean Microsoft needs to send an applications disc with Windows 7.

5. Just for emphasis: If I have to reinstall my applications, Windows 7 will not be a welcome upgrade.

6. If Microsoft does not or cannot accomplish the previous items, then it should not promote Windows 7 as an upgrade and offer it on new hardware only. This will avoid one of the major factors in Vista's failure: its inability to run well on what people already owned.

7. Fortunately, the Windows 7 user experience is not wildly different from XP the way Vista is. This will make it easier for companies (or households) to have a mix of Windows XP and Windows 7.

8. I like what I have seen of Windows 7, but have yet to hear Microsoft offer a good reason besides "a wide range of improvements" for me to upgrade. If it comes only on new hardware, that's fine. And, yes, some people will then decide they like the new OS and upgrade older machines as a result. But if Microsoft hopes to sell an upgrade, it needs to look at how Apple sells its upgrades.

9. Speaking of which: Apple sells features and applications that are included with the OS as major upgrade benefits. If Microsoft included more significant applications with the OS, maybe it could make them as important as the iApps are to Apple customers. Apple manages to charge its best customers up to $300 a year for upgrades of some sort.

10. I think we have solved the problem of linking Windows 7 too closely to the release of Office 14 now that the timing between two seems clearly offset. Delays, economic or technical, should not bring the two releases back together. At least, not until its clear from seeing the software that one won't drag down the other.

I won't say those are the "top 10" things Microsoft needs to do to make Windows 7 a success. My experience with the OS is too limited for me to feel I've considered all the angles, but these suggestions are a good place for Redmond to start.

By David Coursey

Although the enthusiasts that are testing Windows 7 have been generally positive on the product itself, some feel Microsoft has been less than eager to receive constructive criticism.

The issue came to a head last month in regards to changes Microsoft was making to make its controversial user account control feature less annoying. While the company did eventually make some shifts to address security concerns raised by testers, for some, the notions has lingered that Microsoft just isn't all that interested in user feedback.

For its part, Microsoft is now trying to make a challenging point. It is trying to reassure the hundreds of thousands of people testing Windows 7 that their feedback matters. Engineering Chief Steven Sinofsky wrote a lengthy blog posting on the subject asserting that Microsoft takes in every piece of feedback it gets. At the same time, it is also true that the vast majority of suggested changes won't make it into the final version.

There are a number of factors at play. First of all, while the loudest chatter right now is coming from hard core techies, Microsoft is also designing for a broader audience that includes tech novices and first-time computer users as well as businesses, whose needs are also different. In some cases, Microsoft is making choices for the many, even though they may irk the few.

Second, although Microsoft is paying attention to all of the e-mailed suggestions, it is also keeping a close eye on what its hard data is showing--it gets reports on what is and isn't crashing. Many of the things it is most actively working to fix are the kinds of things that are affecting a broad swath of the user base.

Finally it is getting a little late in the game. Microsoft has already pronounced the beta version as feature complete and the bar is quickly raising as to what types of issues would actually merit a design change at this point.

"We are toward the end of the process," said Mike Angiulo, who leads the Windows PC Ecosystem and Planning team.

But some might say their feedback was never really solicited. After all, it was only last October that Microsoft first offered a test version of Windows 7 to a broad public audience.

Part of the underlying discrepancy, I suspect, is also an expectation gap. While it's probably true that Microsoft is open to feedback, the level of changes that it is interested in making probably differ from the kind of suggestions many people are interested in offering.

Microsoft does look for broader input, but it tends to solicit that earlier in the process and from a more limited group, such as the 3,600 people that went through Windows 7 usability testing as part of the product planning process.

That's not to say Microsoft isn't making any changes between the Windows 7 beta that was released in January and the release candidate version that will be made publicly available at some point in the not-to-distant future. However, the changes may seem minor and relatively few and far between.

One of the tweaks that Microsoft expects to make, for example, is to slightly shrink the size of the icons on the new taskbar to aid enthusiasts that want lots and lots of programs to reside there. For another, Microsoft plans to add a number of keyboard shortcuts that map to various new elements of Windows 7's graphical user interface. That's the kind of change that is easy to make, because those that want it can use them while everyone else won't even know they are there.

"That's a no-brainer," Angiulo said.

By news.cnet.com