Windows 7 RC just now available on TechNet and MSDN Subscriptions download center. Those who are having TechNet or MSDN Subscription should be able to download the RC images and product keys.

For TechNet subscribers they can download the Windows 7 RC right now from the following link.

http://technet.microsoft.com/hi-in/subscriptions/downloads/default(en-us).aspx

Deep Zoom Composer prepares images for use with the Deep Zoom feature in Silverlight 2

We are pleased to present a technology preview of Deep Zoom Composer, a tool to allow the preparation of images for use with the Deep Zoom feature currently being previewed in Silverlight 2. The new Deep Zoom technology in Silverlight allows users to see images on the Web like they never have before. The smooth in-place zooming and panning that Deep Zoom allows is a true advancement and raises the bar on what image viewing should be.

High resolution images need to be prepared for use with Deep Zoom and this tool allows the user to create Deep Zoom composition files that control the zooming experience and then export all the necessary files for deployment with Silverlight 2. It is fantastic tool for creating deep zoom objects.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

My First Deep Zoom Silverlight based page prepared in just 2 minutes.

Always wonder about the decisions made for Windows Operating Systems ? What’s behind those decisions ?

Well, here is Talking About Windows, a new community based site. This site will answer the demanding questions asked by IT Professionals. We have fantastic audience from Microsoft that will guide you and cover the most of the Windows 7 Development phase.

We have IT Professionals and Engineering team behind Windows 7 Development will answer most of your queries. Get guidance on Windows 7 and check out the Springboard Series on TechNet for structured guidance and topical commentary. Subscribe to the feeds on the site and you can get into the discussions.

Specifically, www.TalkingAboutWindows.com offers IT professionals genuine insight on Windows 7 from the Microsoft engineers who helped build the product such as Jon DeVaan, Gabe Al, Sharif Farag, and Mark Russinovich.  Additionally, you will hear real world commentary from IT Pro Managers from corporations like Pella, Continental Airlines and others.   Be sure to come back to the site as we will be adding more engineering and customer videos in lead up to general availability of Windows 7!

The 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides customers with the latest updates to the 2007 Office suite (the products that are affected by this update are listed below). This download includes two types of fixes:

• Previously unreleased fixes that were made specifically for this service pack.
  • In addition to general product fixes, this includes improvements in stability, performance, and security.
  • You can find out more information in Knowledge Base Article 953195, where product-specific changes are described.
• All of the Public Updates, Security Updates, Cumulative Updates, and Hotfixes released through February 2009.

Before installing this service pack, you are strongly encouraged to read 953195, which describes some big improvements introduced by SP2, and also calls out some important information that you should be aware of before installing.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

The Microsoft Tag team is pleased to announce the ability to create custom Tags! You know what a standard Tag looks like, but custom Tags will knock your socks off.

To provide better branding and creative opportunities, you can customize Microsoft Tags by using dots instead of triangles and replacing the background with any image. You can also create a more advanced design by modifying the symbols and incorporating them into the design concept. Customized Tags can be rendered in color or black-and-white.

As part of the custom Tag release, we’re also announcing the Tag Slaps Design Contest.  The Tag Slaps Design Contest challenges advertisers, marketers, and designers—or anyone with a passion for design—to create an original custom design Tag and a mobile experience creative concept for it.

What is a Tag Slaps you ask?  In the graffiti world, a “slaps” is defined as a sticker with a writer or tagger’s tag on it.  A slaps can be spread more quickly than other forms of graffiti, making it a favorite in many places such as newspaper dispensers, stop signs, phone booths, and more.

A slaps is not unlike a Microsoft Tag.  With Microsoft Tag, you can now customize the look of a Tag so that it embodies your brand, a message or theme, or a really cool visual!  It’s your personal slaps. What’s more is that a Tag can be included on just about anywhere including an advertisement, product packaging, signage, an email or web site, and so much more.

What kind of Tag will you slap?

The contest is NOT open to Microsoft employees, but not to worry, you can still create your own custom Tag.  Share the contest details with your advertising and design agency partners and anyone interested in a new design challenge. Contest submissions will be accepted beginning May 4 through June 12; for contest details, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/tag/content/overview/TagSlaps.aspx.

For more information about creating a custom Microsoft Tag, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/tag/content/overview/CustomTags.aspx.

Thanks everyone and have fun creating a custom Tag!

Join the discussion

· Facebook

· Twitter—to tweet the latest information about the contest, please include #tagslaps.

· Microsoft Tag Blog

· Microsoft Tag Discussion (mstagd)

Download the Reader

· Go to http://gettag.mobi from you mobile device

· Send the download link via SMS from www.microsoft.com/tag

HAPPY TAGGING