Brief Description

The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) version 5.5 contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Windows 7, Windows Vista®, a Windows Update, or a new version of Windows® Internet Explorer® in your environment.

Overview

The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) 5.5 helps customers understand their application compatibility situation by identifying which applications are compatible with the Windows 7 RC and Windows Vista® operating system and which require further testing. ACT helps customers lower their costs for application compatibility testing, prioritize their applications, and deploy Windows more quickly.
You can use the ACT features to:

• Verify an application's compatibility with a new version of the Windows operating system, or a Windows Update, including determining your risk assessment.
• Become involved in the ACT Community, including sharing your risk assessment with other ACT users.
• Test your Web applications and Web sites for compatibility with new releases and security updates to the Windows® Internet Explorer® Internet browser.

System Requirements

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows 7; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 3
• Supported Database Components: Microsoft® SQL Server 2005, Microsoft® SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
• Miscellaneous Software Requirements: Microsoft® .NET Framework, version 2.0

Important: The Application Compatibility Manager, the Internet Explorer Compatibility Test Tool, and the Compatibility Administrator are not supported on Windows 2000; however, you can run data collection packages and the Setup Analysis Tool on computers running Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 (SP4) and Update Rollup 1.

DOWNLOAD HERE

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

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!

Introduces BranchCache, a new feature in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that reduces WAN link utilization and improves application responsiveness.

Provides an overview of the BranchCache feature introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. After a thorough introduction of BranchCache and its modes of operation, the document describes BranchCache configuration. It then provides troubleshooting details and a list of tools to be used by BranchCache administrators.

BranchCache™ is designed to reduce WAN link utilization and improve application responsiveness for branch office workers who access content from servers in remote locations. Branch office client computers use a locally maintained cache of data to reduce traffic over a WAN link. The cache can be distributed across client computers (distributed cache mode) or can be housed on a server in the branch (hosted cache mode).

BranchCache is designed to prevent unauthorized access to content. Content is encrypted when transferred between peers or between clients and the hosted cache server. Content can only be decrypted using the identifiers provided by the content server in the main office. The content server will only provide identifiers to authorized clients. BranchCache supports the optimization of downloads over end-to-end secure transports such as HTTPS and IPsec.

BranchCache only optimizes traffic flows between Windows Server® 2008 R2 servers and Windows® 7 clients. The BranchCache feature is an optional component on Windows Server 2008 R2 and must be installed and enabled before BranchCache can be used. To optimize SMB traffic, the file server role must be enabled. BranchCache is installed on Windows 7 client computers by default, but IT administrators must enable BranchCache and create firewall rules to enable traffic between client computers.

To Download complete Click here

On Saturday, 18th April 2009, several User Groups in India would host Windows 7 bootcamp event.

Windows 7 Beta is attracting a lot of buzz recently, and here is your chance to dive in the same. Attend the one-day workshop to gear up on all the necessary skills to get started on Windows 7 efficiently.

• Walk in with your laptops and get them powered with Windows 7
• Participate in the parallel sessions running
• Even if you are not carrying your laptops, feel free to attend sessions
• Lot of surprises await you!

Gurgaon (Hosts: Delhi IT Pro): Register here

Mumbai (Hosts: Mumbai IT Pro): Register here

Pune (Hosts: Pune User Group): Register here

Bangalore (Hosts: Bangalore IT Pro): Register here

Chennai (Hosts: Chennai IT Pro)

Siliguri (Hosts WindowsSupport)

Registration for the event is free.

Please obtain your own Product Key by visiting: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

SPECIAL NOTE:

I wanted to share some quick tips if you’re attending Install Fest so that you get the best possible experience.

1. Ensure that your BIOS is at the latest revision (must be ACPI compliant). Go to your manufacturers website to download and flash your system.
2. Keep in mind that if you’re doing an upgrade, the amount of data in your profile will greatly affect the length of your upgrade. (we’ve had one last over 2 and a half hours) so clean up before you show up.  Delete temporary internet files,  backup and move off your 10,000 song library – whatever you can do to reduce the # of files on your system. If you don’t – your upgrade process could take more time then we have scheduled for the install fest.
3. We STRONGLY suggest you go for a clean install (wipe and replace) or Dual Boot. Fast, clean, simple – SO TAKE THE FULL MACHINE BACKUP BEFORE BRINGING YOUR MACHINE
4. Bring all the needed drivers on a USB key/Driver Disk. Check out your manufacturers site for Beta Windows 7 drivers OR bring 32 / 64 bit VISTA drivers. Not absolutely required but it’s in case your hardware is not covered by the “In-Box” drivers. This will ensure you get the best possible experience onsite.
5. THERE IS NO INTERNET AVAILABLE ONSITE. Sorry about that. We wanted to, but with 150+ people in the room, the first thing Windows 7 does is try to connect with the internet and download 150 megs of updates, fixes and drivers. There just wouldn’t be enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone. As soon as you “get home” from the event – plug into the internet and ACCEPT all the downloads / patches for your system – you’ll need them.
6. Bring an open mind – it is about sharing, connecting with each other and HAVING FUN.
   

What you need to know before installing the Beta

Thank you for participating in the Windows 7 Beta. To help make sure you have a great experience, please read this section before you install the software—even if you've previously been a beta tester.

• The Windows 7 Beta is a pre-release version of Windows. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it's not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.

• The Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. You won't be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.

• Important Note to Internet Explorer 8 Beta testers: If you're already testing Internet Explorer 8, please be aware that the version in the Windows 7 Beta is at a different stage of release. If you're beta-testing Windows 7, you need to use the version of Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it.

To learn more, see Windows 7 Beta: Frequently Asked Questions.

Please do...

• Do install the Beta only on a dedicated test computer.

• Do make frequent backups while testing the Beta. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. (See How to backup a PC.)

• Do prepare a recovery disc. A recovery disc restores your computer to its out-of-the-box state. Most computers come with one. If yours didn't, contact your PC maker.

• Do update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it before installing the Beta. After you install the Beta, remember to re-enable the antivirus program.

• Do connect to the Internet after you install the Beta. Being connected helps make sure you get useful security and hardware updates. (If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still install the Beta.)

• Do download the Release Notes. Release Notes provide important information that you should know before installing and using Windows 7. You should familiarize yourself with all of the known issues in this document prior to installing the software. For example, the Release Notes describe a bug in which MP3 files may become corrupted and provide information on mitigating risk.

Please don't...

• Don't install the Beta if you're uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems. Microsoft does not provide technical support for the Windows 7 Beta.

• Don't install the Beta on your primary home or work computer. Microsoft is not responsible for downtime stemming from the Windows 7 Beta.

Microsoft’s technical advisors and local experts will be on-hand to assist you and share how they’re taking advantage of Windows 7. They’ll demonstrate some tips and tricks to make the most of your experience of Windows 7, as well as highlight elements relevant to you.