You've probably only just got used to your brand new "official" version of Windows 7, but now you can look forward to Windows 8 if you're already getting itchy feet.

Based on the usual subjective guessing that Apple fans usual partake in, msftkitchen.com, a site that describes itself as "serving up some seriously tasty Microsoft" is putting two and two together and making four (and a bit).

Based on historical assumptions, and previous quotes from the boys and girls at Microsoft, the author of the article, Stephen Chapman is predicting

"Windows 8 being released around a time frame of 2012".

How has Chapman come to this conclusion? It's all based on the timeline for Microsoft's Windows Server OS, which serves as the backbone to Microsoft's consumer based OS launches. ?As the flowchart shows, it's had a release every 4 to 5 years.

We will keep you posted.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Microsoft Windows 8 Rumours

Roadmap says we should expect Windows 8 in 2012 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:10:16 +0000

Google?has officially announced Google?Chrome OS, its operating system it hopes will allow it to get more people on the web, while at the same time offering an alternative to Microsoft's Windows 7 and Apple's Snow Leopard OS. But what does it offer, should you be getting ready to ditch your OS now and when will it be available? Here is what you need to know:

It will be fast

Really fast in fact. Google are promising a nippy boot time of currently just 10 seconds with the promise that it will get faster as the launch approaches. That's done by cutting out everything they can think of that you don't really need. It won't, for example, check to see if you've got a floppy disk drive, it just assumes you won't. Nor will it show you a splash screen. Hardware requirements within the OS state that the device must have a Solid State Drive.

It will be secure

Trying to get around the concept of viruses wiping out your machine (just like Apple's OSX) the system will require you to install nothing on devices with the OS running. Instead everything, applications and all will be stored in the "cloud" allowing Google to run daily security checks making sure nothing is out of sync. While the search giant isn't promising that the OS will be virus or malware free, it does say that it will be able to track and fix issues and threats as they happen, patching the software and applications as needed.

It will be easy to use

As easy as using a browser in fact because that's pretty much what it is: a glorified browser with a few nifty features, fast boot times and the promise of greater security. If you can use a browser (and chances are that means the one you are using to access this site), then you'll be fine when it comes to Google Chrome OS.

There will be plenty of applications

Any application that is coded for the web will work on the Chrome OS. That means anything from Google Maps, Google Docs, Facebook, Twitter, Google's Reader, Lala, Flash-based games, you name it, it will work.

There's going to be an API

Google is keen to get this rolling and let everyone get in and play. That means the code has been made open source for all to tinker with and there will be an extensive range of APIs so developers can get the most out of the system.

It will be free

In keeping with Google's free mantra the OS won't come with a price. It will be free.

You won't be able to buy for your current computer

It might be free, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to download it and install it on your current computer. The Chrome OS will only work on devices launched and approved by Google very much in the same way that the company offers the Android operating system. Does that mean will see Dell and HP doing the same custom skins a la HTC, Motorola and Sony Ericsson? Time will tell.

You'll only be able to run Web Apps

If you're wondering whether Adobe or Microsoft will be releasing a Chrome OS version of Photoshop or Office stop. The only way those applications will get on the OS is via the web, so in that case for both of those you should be fine.

You'll be able to multitask

The OS will run like a browser allowing you to run multiple tabs with programmes running in each one. You'll also be able to run persistent windows either at the bottom or to the side that allow you to chat or stream music.

You won't be able to save anything to a Chrome OS device

Whatever apps you do run, don't expect to save them to your new computer to access on a rainy day. You won't be able to. The OS doesn't allow you to save anything locally instead insisting that you save it all to the cloud.

You'll need to be online most of the time

With no local storage options (it's not certain at this time whether you'll be able to save to an external hard drive) you'll have to be online all the time either via a 3G connection or Wi-Fi. This isn't going to be the OS for you if you spend most of the time out of the loop from the connected world.

There won't be a hard drive in sight, just SSD

That's right. Hard drives that whirr and floppy disk support is out of the window. It's flash drives (SSD) and nothing else. Cry in horror? Only if you are a hard drive manufacturer.

You will only be able to play Flash games

Games will be offered but only via the web, meaning Google isn't hoping this will be the next big games challenger, unless of course someone works out how to pump state of the art games down the intertubes.

You'll be able to connect other devices

Cameras, mice, keyboards and printers will work we are told, however only so you can access the content on the device rather than store to it. Details are sketchy how printers will actually work (you mean you still print?) but promise more details on their innovative approach in 2010.

It's not coming till Christmas 2010

It might have just been announced, but you won't be able to start using the official Google OS until November 2010. Hardware is expected to be announced mid-2010 to whet your appetite with actual devices expected in time for the Christmas gift guides.

Will I be able to get it earlier?

Like Chromium, the Chrome-based browser for the Mac, you'll probably be able to get Chromium OS ahead of the official Google launch. The Chromium homepage is already calling for developers to get involved.?

Tags: Software Operating Systems Google Chrome OS Features

Google Chrome OS: What you will and won't be able to do originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:16:31 +0000

Google has today unveiled its plans for its new OS,?Google Chrome OS. The cloud based OS promises to fundamentally change the way people work on the go when it launches next year.?

Based on the Chrome Browser, Google has said that it will focus on three things, speed, security, and simplicity.?

Google says they expect to have device manufacturers announce devices, such as netbooks and "smartbooks" in the middle on next year with the new OS expected to be launched around November 2010.?

To stay up to date with the latest news with the new Chrome OS?check out our?Chrome OS homepage.

Tags: Software Operating Systems Google Chrome OS Video

VIDEO: Google explains Chrome OS originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:29:22 +0000

Google has announced details of its new operating system, Google Chrome OS on Wednesday outlining what the new OS will offer.

Focusing on speed, simplicity and security, Google aims to appeal to those looking for a lightweight operating system by being fast and clean, rather than checking for things that slow the system down for users keen to work on the Web.

"If you take the number of interesting applications you've used over the last 5 years it will have been web based", said Sundar Pichai, vice president of Product Management at Google before outlining the new features.

With no conventional applications saved on the device you are using, the new OS is a dramatic shift away from the way Apple's Snow Leopard and Microsoft's Windows 7 operating systems work currently. Data will be saved and stored in the "Cloud" rather than locally.

"You will not have to install anything. Every application will be a link to a web application", said Pichai.

The move means that google will be able to not only control what software is available for the system, but insure that it will be incredibly secure.

"If I loose my Chrome OS machine I should be able to log in and get it all back", says Pichai.

It also means that any application that works for the Web, will work on the browser:

"Anyone who writes an app for the web, writes an app for the Chrome OS... it's a browser with a few modifications".

Those web apps, which will range from Google docs, to music services, to flash based games, ebook readers and of course twitter will automatically be checked against a central server to ensure the system is kept secure. It also means Google will be able to roll out daily updates to any application without the user having to do anything as nothing is stored locally.

The lack of applications means that the system will be able to be considerably faster in its performance. In a demo of the new OS at the company's HQ, Pichai showed a laptop running Chrome OS took just 7 seconds to boot with a further 3 seconds to get through login process.

As for the look and feel of the new OS, the device will look very similar to the current Chrome browser available for PC. Users will have a number of favourite tabs that will allow them to access their favourite apps. Additionally there will be a panel, similar to the company's Android platform.

Further to the tabs system, there will be a persistent panel that appears in the bottom right hand corner that allows users to run further applications like chat or music services.

"Almost everyone knows how to use a browser", said Pichai on the user interface. "Lots of the UI will change - it won't be exactly the same as you see today, however the core concept is there".

However, Google isn't expecting the new operating system to be for everyone. Users who have to edit documents or pictures will struggle as you won't be able to save data locally.?

"We are expecting this to be a secondary computer".

Google is expected to launch the operating system at the end of 2010 with device announcements coming mid 2010.?

?

Related links:

• Feature - Google Chrome OS- what you need to know

Tags: Software Operating Systems Google Chrome OS

Google Chrome OS detailed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:27 +0000

Google's Chrome OS is about to be unveiled to the public, and the source code for the operating system has already made it out into the wilds of the Web.

At the moment, there's very little to show for it - just a login screen and one of the included wallpapers (hit the images tab along the top of the story to see it). Expect more to appear in the coming days, however, as coders compile the operating system and explore deeper into what Google has built.

We know so far that it's a lightweight Linux-based platform, built around Debian, which has a tonne of open-source software that powers it. It's built around the browser, positing that you don't need much else to have a useful operating system.

It'll be free to device manufacturers, but how well it takes off will depend on both the quality of the experience from Google, and whether the company manages to rope in any retail partners to pre-load the OS onto machines. We'll bring you more as we hear it.

Read

Tags: Software Google Chrome Chrome OS Browsers Operating Systems

Chrome OS source code available originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:08:41 +0000

Nokia appears to be preparing to lose the Symbian operating system on its N-series range of top-end smartphones. ?In its place will be Maemo - the Linux-based operating system that powers the forthcoming N900 handset.

The claim was made by Maemo's marketing team during a London-based N900 event. If correct, it would see the company phase Symbian out gradually - some devices that use it are currently in development and they'll be released as planned. However, no new devices with Symbian on will be created.

Nokia was apparently "surprised" at the level of enthusiasm shown towards the N900 and Maemo by the development community. Symbian won't be dumped entirely - it'll still be used on the X-series and E-series range of devices. However Nokia has no doubt been stung by the fact that many reviewers, including Pocket-lint, criticised Nokia's current flagship handset - the N97 - for its interface and software.

Read

Tags: Mobile phones Nokia Symbian Maemo Nokia N900 Software Operating Systems Rumours

Nokia to dump Symbian from N-series? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:36:35 +0000

Further to reports that Chrome OS is close to launch, we now have more confirmation that the platform isn't too far off - Google is apparently going to hold an event on 19 November that will reveal all about current progress of the OS, a broad overview of its features, and show a few demos.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s VP of product management and Matthew Papakipos, Google engineering director for Google Chrome OS will be speaking at the event, but it seems like the original rumours that the platform could launch this week were a little premature - Google says the platform will instead be launching next year.

However, it's entirely possible that some preview code will be made available so that developers can begin to explore the platform and possibility of porting their applications to it. If Chrome OS is to succeed, it'll need to have at least a little software support - however much of that is web-based.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Chrome OS Google Rumours

Google's Chrome OS plans to be detailed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:08:25 +0000

Google has published the source code of Android 2.0 - the next version of its operating system, and the one that appears on the recently-released Motorola Droid. Until now, only Motorola and HTC had access to the source, but Google has just opened it up for everyone.

The software update features multiple email accounts, exchange support, new address book functionality, a combined inbox, better search, an improved camera, an improved keyboard, a better browser, and more useful calendar, as well as Bluetooth 2.1, better media playback, and more options for developers.

Hackers have already ported the update over to the G1, the very first Android handset to be released. The team behind the port - Cyanogen - said that the handset runs "really well, fast and smooth" with the 2.0 software. They haven't yet got audio/video playback working, but it's likely not to be far away.

For those unwilling to hack their handsets, though, you'll need to wait for a patch from your phone manufacturer. Expect one to be on the way - we'll let you know when they're released.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google Android HTC Motorola Operating Systems G1

Android 2.0 source code appears originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:34:56 +0000

Could Google's web-based "Chrome OS" operating system be close to launch? TechCrunch is quoting a "reliable" source who reckons that it could be here within a week.

The operating system will likely be initially rather rickety, due to the demands of creating a whopping great big pile of drivers. It's likely that all but the most common hardware will initially be unsupported. One rumour suggests that Google is creating its own hardware drivers, while another says that the company will leave it to manufacturers to make their devices work.

Google has said that Chrome OS is due to launch "in the Fall", so we're just about within that timescale still. Expect Chrome OS, if it is about to arrive, to be very firmly still a "beta", and not a Microsoft/Apple/Linux destroying monster. Yet.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Google Chrome OS Rumours

Is Chrome OS approaching launch? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:33:59 +0000

Windows 7 may be about to get branded themes from advertisers, in an extension of the marketing options that Microsoft currently offers companies across its web properties.

Companies like Coca-Cola, Ducati, Infiniti, 20th Century Fox and Ferrari have appeared in screenshots, as well as the movie Avatar and the video game Gears of War. Microsoft has announced that it's begun to plan test pilots with those companies, with the results being known as the "Windows Theme Experience" and "Windows Personalization Gallery".

Brands will be able to stick their logos on IE8 add-ons, Windows 7 and Vista gadgets, Windows 7 backgrounds and borders, and "audio elements". However, before you get too upset, these will be opt-in for customers, who'll have to download the packs off an external site.

"These new themes are intended for the brand's most passionate fans and allows for a deeper engagement by letting consumers embed their favourite brand into their PC experience", says Microsoft.

The trial is due to take place in October 2010.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Windows 7 Advertising

Windows 7 to get branded themes originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:23:56 +0000

Apple fans have a new salvo to fire at their Windows-loving brethren, as a Microsoft exec has revealed that the Windows 7 operating system enjoyed some fruit-flavoured inspiration.

Microsoft's partner group manager, Simon Aldous, has told PCR-Online, in a candid interview, that Microsoft deliberately tried to "create a Mac look and feel" with the new OS.

The quote from Aldous, who we hope still has a job as we write this, goes as follows:

"One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it's very graphical and easy to use. What we've tried to do with Windows 7 - whether it's traditional format or in a touch format - is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics.

Aldous does then pull it back with a bit of pro-Windows spin: "We've significantly improved the graphical user interface, but it's built on that very stable core Vista technology, which is far more stable than the current Mac platform, for instance".

When asked if Microsoft has "taken the style of the Mac platform and built it on the more solid foundations of Vista", Aldous said: "We've also tried to listen to what customers want in terms of a much slicker user interface and the ability to engage with it far more intuitively. That's the product that we're delivering".

UPDATE: This has been debunked in a Microsoft blog post. Brandon LeBlanc says: "I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed", before pointing readers in the direction of other online articles that look at the design of the OS.

Read

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Apple Snow Leopard Operating Systems

Windows 7 offers "Mac look and feel" says Microsoft exec originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:10:27 +0000

Apple?has moved to fix a number of bugs in its latest operating system,?Snow Leopard,with the release of version 10.6.2.

The new 499.9MB download is recommended for all users and "includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac," says Apple.

The software update, which doesn't feature anything but fixes, has been rumoured to?remove Intel Atom support?for the OS, locking out Hackintosh users who've decided to put the Apple OS on a non Apple devices like the Dell Mini 10.

Although Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro range uses Intel processors it doesn't offer any machine with Intel's Atom processor, allowing it to remove the support and only affect what it deems as illegal machines.?

The full list of listed fixes are:

?

• an issue that might cause your system to logout unexpectedly
• a graphics distortion in Safari Top Sites
• Spotlight search results not showing Exchange contacts
• a problem that prevented authenticating as an administrative user
• issues when using NTFS and WebDAV file servers
• the reliability of menu extras
• an issue with the 4-finger swipe gesture
• an issue that causes Mail to quit unexpectedly when setting up an Exchange server
• Address Book becoming unresponsive when editing
• a problem adding images to contacts in Address Book
• an issue that prevented opening files downloaded from the Internet
• Safari plug-in reliability
• general reliability improvements for iWork, iLife, Aperture, Final Cut Studio, MobileMe, and iDisk
• an issue that caused data to be deleted when using a guest account

?

Read

Tags: Software Mac software Apple Software updates Operating Systems Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard 10.6.2 update out originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:00:23 +0000

It's been a bumper year in 2009 for software, services and apps as the overarching trend of tech creeps glacially away from its hardware focus and more towards what the Internet and its friends can do for us. So, before you shout out in the comments who you think should be nominated for the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Best Software/Service/App - and we hope you do - here's a little reminder of how the year panned out.

The Big Players

It was something of a solar eclipse moment in 2009 with both Apple and Microsoft releasing completely new versions of their desktop operating systems. Although Snow Leopard only claimed to be a relatively small upgrade there was still plenty to get excited about with the arrival of 64-bit computing and addition of Grand Central Station, as well as all the other speed, efficiency and power boosts under the hood of the new caged cat. Microsoft, on the other hand, was a lot more overt about the scale of Windows 7 - partially because of the disappointment over Vista and also, with good reason, because of the success with which the product has launched. Like Snow Leopard, it boasts speed and efficiency but, more importantly, the coming of age of the new AERO look and feel which its predecessor introduced.

Naturally, a new version of iTunes came with the OS for Apple with more playlists and more album art as well as offering a block to the Palm Pre's compatibility feature. Aside that, it was really just the next release in the hugely popular video editing Final Cut series with the launch of Final Cut Studio. It seems the Cupertino company was keeping itself busy on mobile matters but more on that in a minute.

The 'Soft, though, hasn't been so content to leave things as thin. 2009 has seen Gates, Ballmer & Sons embrace the cloud with their re-offensive on Google. First there was the highly successful revamp of the MSN Live search into the colourful Bing, and later the launch of Office 2010 web apps to try to take something back from Google Docs. Beyond that, the company has had another go at both the MSN music download store and the free offering of Microsoft Security Essentials, plus there's been some mobile movements with Microsoft too but, again, more of that later.

The real powerhouse this year though has undoubtedly been Google. The company has spread its arms even wider round the globe with its fingers now in the telephone industry with Google Voice, social location software with Google Latitude, the encyclopeadia business with Sidewiki, the energy saving push with Power Meter and, of course, the what-the-hell-is-it business with Google Wave. More recently the company has announced the smack down on TomTom and friends with the arrival of Google Maps for Navigation for Android 2.0, which may or may not make it out in time for a nomination.

Of course, Android itself has been a very big deal but leaving its mobile impact alone for now, let's not forget the OS's arrival as desktop software on products like the Archo 9 and more recently the dual booting Acer Aspire One D250. It hasn't had the traction to make any significant in-roads this year but it's certainly a space to watch for 2010.

Desktop Software

As the cloud rolls in there's a storm slowly gathering for desktop software. By no means will it ever disappear, but what we're certainly seeing is a lot less diversity in this sector. 2009 has largely been left to improvements from the old guard. Avid has put a smile on the faces of both video and music editing enthusiasts with the launch just last month of the Pinnacle and ProTools suites, Adobe has done the same for the imaging community with the more basic Photoshop Elements 8 and the photographer's friend in the free beta of Lightroom 3.0, and Roxio has thrown in a bit of everything with the company's annual release. This season's colour is Roxio Creator 10.

Antivirus has been as strong an area as ever with malware, phishing and scareware on the rise and a tonne of Christmas shopping round the corner. Symantec's new Norton 2010 product managed to block 100% of threats in independent testing - making it the first time ever for any such software but, of course, if you'd still rather not pay, then at least AVG are still helping out on that front.

Last, and more certainly not least, a certain Swedish company also happened to a make a certain popular social music streaming application that rather set the world on fire. Technically, Spotify was released in private beta in November last year, just before our 2009 awards cut off limit, but it has since gone public within the required time frame. Just to confuse matters it's in private beta once more, so I'll leave it to the judges to sort that one out.

Web Services

During the current aftermath of the eighth renaissance of the bursting of the dot com bubble, new sites have been thin on the ground - certainly ones worth mentioning anyway. The majority of developers and start ups have moved to mobile apps in search of the gold, but there have still been one or two notables over the year - all heavily on the quirky side. Wolfram Alpha provided an alternative, well-meaning but rather leftfield form of internet search; Hunch added a layer of advice to the conundrum and Invisible Hand has begun in its quest to help us find cheaper prices on the Web automatically. As with most of these things, it'll take a while for them to catch on. Twitter wasn't built in a day.

Finally here, the latest craze could be on its way with FourSquare. Like Twitter it was released at the general and social media liquorice allsort that is SXSW and it's been going great guns in the States. Now on UK shores, has it left it too late to win our coveted award or have we assessed its potential already?

Mobile Sofware

From apps to OSes it's all about mobile phones these days. We know this. Smartphones have become our windows on the world. If there's a great service on the Internet, then we want it as an app, and most of all, we want it to run like clockwork.

We've seen four significant mobile operating systems launched this year with the rebranded, reskinned and user-friendlified Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 now known as Windows Phone. We've also seen the coming of age of Android - or at least its growth into adolescence - and the launch of the superb iPhone 3.0 software with its 100 or so features. Finally, we saw a rather specific piece of software from Palm with webOS at January's Las Vegas annual tech binge, but that didn't stop it making an enormous splash and perhaps inspiring a few ideas in other mobile software developers.

On the next tier down are those that have deemed their handsets too special to run the common-or-garden versions of Android and Windows Phone and have come up with their own Custom UIs. Probably the two of most note, and certainly the ones who qualify for this year's awards would be HTC Sense as seen on the Hero with its social contacts integration and Motoblur on the Dext.

Any phone can of course have its OS customised by the addition of an alternative browser. Opera has been going strong for years and supplying those on the Symbian platform with a very strong option. 2009 has brought Opera Mini 10 and for the first time, Firefox has gone to the small screen too with the currently underused Mozilla Fennec. Still both certainly well worth a shout though.

At the bottom of it all, though, and yet king of the mountain for many consumers are apps. We saw the little devils explode in 2008 with the launch of the iTunes App Store and this year has taken the trend to a sickening extreme. The world and its wife now has some kind of platform where they can pedal often highly novelty and often profitable software along with a good chunk that are seriously useful too.

It's the latter group which we'd rather you considered for this year's award but if the Mr T Soundboard ends up being the most popular, then so be it. The apps of major note in 2009 have been largely for the iPhone with the arrival of Tweetdeck, Google Lattitude and TomTom. Spotify has offered its premium service for music streaming on the move to both the Apple phone and Android and finally Facebook has got round to supporting Google's mobile OS too. But the big question is which is your favourite? Which is the app you simply can't do without? Let us know at the bottom.

?

What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our readers have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Software/Service/App 2009? Who have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

?

?

Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - laptops
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - digital cameras
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - car gadgets

Tags: Software Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features Apple Microsoft Google Android Mobile phone applications Operating Systems Windows 7 Spotify Symantec iPhone 3GS

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - software, services, apps originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:23:29 +0000

The Moblin Linux project, which aims to create a user-friendly, lightweight and media-rich interface for mobile devices, has announced the release of version 2.1 for Intel Atom-based devices. A video overview of version 2.0 is on Youtube, and there's a pile of screenshots of 2.1 available too.

The team behind the release states that this includes the "broadest feature additions, customer requested improvements, and overall polish to date". It includes a better browser, 3G support, Bluetooth support, an integrated app installer, localization improvements, a nicer UI and several bug fixes and performance upgrades over 2.0.

The release is 754MB, and can be installed using either a CD or a 1GB (or greater) USB stick. You'll need a netbook or nettop with an Intel Atom or Intel Core 2 CPU, but it's not compatible with the GMA-500, Nvidia or ATI graphics chipsets at the moment. A full list of compatible devices can be found on the team's website.

If you've got a netbook lying around that you don't use much, then give Moblin a try, and let us know what you reckon in the comments.

Tags: Software Operating Systems Netbooks Nettops Moblin Linux Software updates

Moblin 2.1 released for netbooks originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:57:15 +0000

Whether you're a Mac or a PC (or a bit of both) this witty concept design has something for all-comers, with the clever design idea to create real-world versions of the calculators found in operating systems.

Just a concept at this stage, although we reckon with real product potential, the Mintpass designer has managed to capture the individual characteristics of the XP calculator and Apple's more metallic option perfectly.

Of course, if they were real world products the Mac version would be over-priced - and likely boast a non-replaceable battery - while the Windows version would crash often and may well come with an over-friendly paperclip as a free gift.

Read

Tags: Software Calculators Microsoft Apple Concepts Operating Systems

Clever concept sees OS calculators created in real life originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:44:52 +0000

Parallels has launched a new version of its operating system virtualization software. Parallels 5 allows you to run Windows, Linux, OS/2 Warp, or whatever other operating system takes your fancy from the comfort of your Mac desktop.

The company reckons that there are plenty of enhancements. Aero is now available on Windows 7 and Vista, and the software is claimed to feature seven to eight times better graphics performance than its previous version. There's also improved USB functionality and speed, and the latest VT-x2 virtualization technologies.

Another intriguing new feature is "Crystal mode", which allows you to make Windows invisible so that you can only see the program. You can now copy/paste formatted text between operating systems too, and there's multi-touch support for gestures in Windows. The Apple remote can now control Windows apps too.

There's a "Safe Mode", for privacy and security, as well as DirectX 9Ex and Shader Model 3 support. If you prefer, you can turn off the Mac/Windows integration, giving a completely isolated virtual machine, if you're running insecure code.?Lastly, a feature called?Mac Look will allow you to skin Windows... er... windows so that they look like Apple ones, instead of the default XP, Vista or 7 skin.

Parallels 5 will be available shortly for ?60.

?

Tags: Software Mac software Windows Linux Software updates Gaming Mac games Operating Systems

Parallels Desktop 5 software arrives originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000

Apple appears to be removing support for Intel Atom processors in the forthcoming 10.6.2 patch for Snow Leopard. OS X Daily is reporting that the update kills support for the processor, which is primarily found in netbook and nettop computers.

Apple doesn't sell any machines that have Atom-based processors, and the licensing agreement explicitly says that OS X is not permitted on hardware that's not sold by Apple. Despite that, there's a large and growing community of modders that build "hackintoshes" that run the OS.

The tech company has a reputation for heavy-handed comedowns on these groups, including a whole pile of legal threats to Psystar - a company that sells custom-made Apple machines. This move is regarded by many to be an attempt to shut down the hackintosh community in the same way.

However, groups of modders invariably move faster than big tech companies, so it's unlikely that it'll be long before a version of the 10.6.2 patch that works absolutely fine on Atom processors is found in the wild.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Apple Snow Leopard Hacking Netbooks Intel

Snow Leopard update removes Intel Atom support originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:37:45 +0000

So, Eclair has arrived, pretty much as we predicted. The SDK is now available to developers who want to build the next version - version 2.0 - of Android into their devices, as well as people who want to create apps for the platform.

Among the improvements will be email and contact syncing with multiple accounts from multiple sources, Exchange sync support, a combined inbox for those multiple email accounts, better calendar, improvements in address book UI, loads of camera improvements including flash, digital zoom and a macro mode, a better virtual keyboard, improved graphics, three-point multi-touch, a better browser and Bluetooth 2.1.

Some of those things, like the keyboard and exchange support, have been provided by device manufacturers building their own editions of Android, and some have been waiting in the wings for a while. Will these improvements bring bog-standard Android up to the same level that HTC took it to with its Sense add-ons?

We'll have to see when there are some phones available with it on.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Google Operating Systems Video

Android 2.0 rolls out to developers originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:58:47 +0000

Early next year, Google is set to launch version 2.0 of its Android mobile operating system, codenamed "Eclair". The platform is confirmed to be appearing on the forthcoming Motorola Droid, but what about other manufacturers?

Samsung is staying tight-lipped about its Android experiments, perhaps following the difficult birth of the Galaxy i7500. HTC, however, buoyed by the success of its Hero handset, has happily confirmed to Gearlog that it has Android 2.0 in-house and it's working on it for future handsets.

What's not entirely clear yet is whether current Android handsets will be able to be upgraded to version 2.0. An Android 2.0 announcement is due imminently, so perhaps some of the questions surrounding the platform will be answered then. We'll keep you posted.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Operating Systems Android HTC Samsung

HTC working on Android 2.0 handsets originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:11:54 +0000

Microsoft has quietly issued a variant of its brand new Windows 7 operating system that can be copied to a USB stick and used to install the OS on computers that don't have a CD drive, which includes many netbooks available today.

In our review of Windows 7, we found that the software performs admirably well on even relatively low-spec hardware, so putting it on a netbook is being actively encouraged by Microsoft, especially as most of those netbooks are running 2001's Windows XP.

All you've got to do is buy "Windows 7 For Netbooks" from Microsoft's online store, then download an ISO file. Make that drive bootable, then reboot your netbook with it plugged in and you should be away. We'd like to hear your experiences of Windows 7 on your netbook - share it in the comments below.

UPDATE: Seems like the USB stick edition is US-only for the time being. PC Pro quotes a Microsoft spokesperson saying:?"This option is available in the US, but we have nothing to officially announce in the UK at this stage". We'll let you know if the situation changes on that front.

Read

Tags: Software Windows 7 Microsoft Operating Systems USB drives USB

Windows 7 available in USB stick edition originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:18:20 +0000

So here we are at the end of the week, having covered all the latest and greatest news and launches with the highest profile debut of the week undoubtedly Windows 7.

With the general release of the OS, Pocket-lint has offered a whole host of special Windows 7 related articles.

These features should help you by not only giving you an idea of which version to buy - or for that matter whether to buy it at all - but ease you into its use, allowing you to get the most out of Microsoft's latest OS.

So here in no particular order is the run down of the useful features, articles and guides Pocket-lint has dished out throughout this week.

Find out whether Windows 7 is actually right for you with Pocket-lint's Seven reasons to buy Windows 7. How much faster is it? Are the new multimedia elements any good? Is it any easier to use than previous efforts? It's all here so just click through.

With the new OS being touchscreen-compatible you might find this Five touchscreen Windows 7 PCs useful. Products covered include the HP Touch Smart, Asus Eee Top ET2203 and Dell Studio One 19.

You've decided to make the break with your old OS but which version of Windows 7 should you go for? You'll be like a kid in a sweet shop with our feature Windows 7: Which version should you get.

If you have a little uncertainty as to how to install/upgrade then this next feature is just what you need. Follow the step by step instructions for a stress-free experience in How to upgrade to Windows 7.

If time is of the essence then you need Pocket-lint's Windows 7 Quick Guide, which gives a smart little run down of the OS, telling you all you need to know. What's new? What's not?

Finally, for those of you who need that little bit extra clarification of what the OS is like to use, then our Windows 7 full review is a must, was it really worth the wait after all?

?

Tags: Software Windows 7 Operating Systems Microsoft

Pocket-lint's complete coverage of Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:32:47 +0100

So, you want Windows 7. You've read our guide to Microsoft's latest OS, you've worked out the benefits of making the switch are the right one's for you, in fact you may already have chosen which version you want to install and have your Windows 7 disk in your hands, the question now is how do you actually upgrade your computer to Windows 7? Well, that's why we're here.

Upgrading from anything other than XP, Vista or other versions of Windows 7

Let's get the easy one out of the way quickly. You can't. Whether you've got a blank computer, Linux or you're still running Windows ME for some strange reason, then you'll have to buy the complete version and do a clean install. Back up all your personal files, put them on a DVD/USB stick/external HDD, do a clean install of Windows 7, make several cups of tea and then put your files back on again. Job done.

Upgrading from Windows XP

First of all, bear in mind, you XP users, that if you're planning on using the feature of Windows 7 that allows you to run a virtual version of XP then make sure you've got Windows 7 Professional Edition or Windows 7 Ultimate. The Home version does not have that function. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to run all your Windows XP supported programs but you may have an issue with the odd obscure one. Ok? Right.

Step 1: Buy
Go down the shops - virtual or otherwise - a pick up an upgrade version of Windows 7.

Step 2: Check you system
It's a touch on the anal side but for measures of completeness, download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor software. It'll take a quick look at your machine and tell you if you're going to have any problems with the current software you're running if you intend to transfer it over to Windows 7. Chances are that if it does come up with any issues, they'll probably still run fine but it might be worth doing this process for piece of mind. You can then have a look online for the software developer's site and see if they have any advice on the matter.

Step 3: Back up
From XP you'll need to do a Custom install rather than a straight Upgrade. It'll wipe all the files on your system, so grab yourself an external HDD of some sort or a very large USB stick and prepare to move files. You can do it manually, but an easy way to do it is by downloading and running the free Windows Easy Transfer software. It'll create one massive file with all your docs, sheets, photos, music, vids etc which is great if you have the space for it. What it won't copy is your programs and installers, so you can either pick those up from the Internet once you've finished the upgrade or copy them over manually which is probably a bit unnecessary.

Do bear in mind here that Windows Easy Transfer will not work if you're planning on going from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version. If you're doing that you'll need to back up your files by hand. Secondly, it won't copy your media licenses, so if you have DRM-ed music and videos, you'll have to pick them up elsewhere afterwards. Another reason why DRM can be a total pain in the recharge socket.

Step 4: Run your anti-virus
Again, marginally on the picky side but the last thing you want to do is carry your malware over if you're doing a fresh install, so have a last run of your anti-virus program for good luck and then switch if off.

Step 5: The big install
Ok, let's do this. Connect to the Internet so that the program can pick up any new updates as it goes. Disk in, run the program and select Custom install. Choose the partition that currently has XP on it - usually C: - and hit install.

Step 6: Make tea

Step 7: Replace your files
Run Easy Transfer again which will plop all your personal files back in the equivalent places on your spanking new OS. If you haven't used this program, then you'll have to do it by hand. Make sure you do this before adding the applications back in, so that your programs will know where to look for the files or at least have a go at finding them if you copied them to the wrong place.

Step 8: Update your drivers
Run Windows Update to make sure you're all patched and that you've got all the relevant drivers to keep your system happy.

Step 9: Clean up
A couple of weeks after the install, run Disk Clean, hunt down your previous windows install if it's indeed still there and delete it to remove any last traces of what is now totally redundant. That'll reclaim all those sectors for good. You can even defrag if you fancy it too.

Step 10: Enjoy your new OS.

Upgrading from Windows Vista

Sadly this isn't quite as straight forward as it looks. If you're planning on going from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version then you'll have to a do a Custom install even though you have an Upgrade version of the Windows 7 software. Go to the "Upgrading from Windows XP" section above and follow the steps. Also, if you're planning on moving from a Home or Ultimate version of Vista to a Professional version of Windows 7; if you're trying to go from a Business Vista to an Ultimate or Home version of 7, or in fact if you'd like to go from Vista Ultimate to any non-Ultimate version of Windows 7, then again, you'll need to do a Custom install, so you'll have to follow the XP steps above.

Step 1: Buy Windows 7 Upgrade
Go down to the shops or online and buy yourself the relevant edition of the Windows 7 Upgrade that you wish to install. You can go from any edition of Windows Vista to any edition of Windows 7 but do bear in mind that if you're crossing from one type to another, you'll probably have to do a Custom install as mentioned and laid out above rather than a straight Upgrade.

Step 2: Install Windows 7
The advantage of doing the Upgrade option is that you don't need to muck around with saving any files or anything like that at all. Just put in the disk, hit the Upgrade option and it'll keep all your settings just the way they are. The only thing you will want to note is if you use a finger print reader, then make sure you've got a copy of the system password before you install as it won't remember your finger print patterns.

Step 3: Make tea

Step 4: Update your drivers
Run Windows Update to make sure you're all patched and that you've got all the relevant drivers to keep your system happy.

Step 5:? Enjoy your new OS

Upgrading from Windows 7 RC

For one reason or another, Microsoft didn't want people using beta and RC versions of Windows 7 to be able to use the simpler Upgrade option. You can still buy the Windows 7 upgrade software, but you'll have to do a Custom install option as in the Windows XP example at the top. However, if you'd like to, there's a little hack-aroo to get around that nonsense. It goes a little something like this...

Step 1: But Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade
All RC versions of Windows 7 are Windows 7 Ultimate, so this is the version you'll have to buy if you intend on using the hack.

Step 2: Find the file
Insert you Windows disk into your machine and copy all the files to your computer rather than actually running the install. If you have no disk drive and you're using an ISO image, then use the Windows 7 extractor to get hold of the files. Once extracted go to the sources folder and find the cversion.ini file. Open it up and change the MinClient line value of 7233.0 to 7100. Save it. Close it and run the setup.exe file from the same folder and run the installer as normal.

Step 3: Install Windows 7
Select the Upgrade option as the wizard starts, make tea and enjoy your new OS.

?

Related links:

• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review
• Feature - Windows 7: Which version should you get?
• Feature - Quick guide to Microsoft Windows 7
• Feature - Seven reasons to buy Windows 7

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems How to Features

How to upgrade to Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:41:05 +0100

How do you celebrate the launch of Microsoft's Windows 7 in Japan? Team up with Burger King of course to offer the Windows 7 Whopper.

The burger of burgers, features not one burger, but of course seven burgers in a bun in what is no doubt a gut busting experience.

On sale for the magic price of 777 yen (to the first 30 customers) the price soon hikes to 1500 yen suggesting the hamburger chain has taken a leaf out of Microsoft's book with regards to pricing.

Bloatware any one?

?

?

Read

Related links:

• Via - Electronista

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Burger King Windows 7 Operating Systems

Windows 7 Whopper celebrates bloatware originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:40:30 +0100

With multiple versions of?Windows 7?available to buy depending on your needs, which version should you be opting for when it comes to upgrading or starting afresh? Do you really need to opt for the Ultimate edition or will the Starter version do you? Let's try and navigate you through the minefield matrix of the editions likely to be most relevant to you.

Starter Edition

As the name suggests this is the starter option for the OS. It's also the edition that is likely to come pre-installed on a netbook if you buy one with Windows 7. You can't actually buy this on its own.?

While many have already proved that you can in fact run the full Ultimate package on netbooks, this is the recommended choice as it's not as feature rich and therefore power heavy.

While you will get most of the core functions (it's not just a browser in a box) you will also miss out as well. Annoyingly you don't get multiple monitor support, something that given the small size of netbook screens we would have thought would be a must, and you won't be able to jazz up your wallpaper either. There is no Aero support, or multi-touch, while Media Center isn't included either. There is no XP mode, no Desktop Windows Manager or Remote Desktop support.

That doesn't mean you are buying a crippled system. You still get most of the new interface features like the improved taskbar and Snap features. You've just got to remember, Starter really does mean starter.

Only available pre-installed

Home Premium

Home Premium is the version you will most likely end up with if you are planning on using Windows 7 in the home rather than in the office. Forgetting Windows 7 Starter edition for a moment and Home Basic (which isn't available in the UK), it is the entry-level option to the OS. Here you do get multiple monitor support, you do get user switching, you do get customisation options, you do get Desktop Windows Manager and Windows Media Center Support.

You also get Aero, Remote Media streaming via Media Player and 32-bit and 64-bit versions if that's what you're interested in.

You won't get an encrypting file system, you won't get Remote Desktop support, you won't get Windows XP mode and a bunch of boring enterprise features that the average home user won't use anyway.

UK: ?89.99 US: $119.99

Windows 7 Professional

Aimed at the "Professional" whoever that might be, Windows 7 Professional features all the above but includes Windows XP mode and Remote Desktop functionality. It's still not got everything, but for most will be enough to enjoy a full Windows 7 experience. Key bonuses here are Domain Join, a system that lets you connect to a business domain so you can share files, access data and Backup and Restore. While you can run Backup and Restore on the Home Premium options, here you can opt to backup to a network rather than just a hard drive plugged into the computer.

UK: ?148.00 US: $199.99

Windows 7 Ultimate

Yep, as the name suggests this comes with everything that you can think of, ticking all the boxes in Microsoft's comparison chart. XP Mode, Virtual hard disk booting, Multilingual support for when you fancy operating your computer in French and Windows Server support - yippee.

Key reasons to get this edition over everything else are three-fold. The first is because you feel the need to own the "I've got it all" package, the other two, which are probably more valid reasons are BitLocker and Virtual hard disk booting. BitLocker allows you to put a virtual lock on your data in case it gets lost or stolen. You've probably already seen software like this on external hard drives from people like HP, Seagate and Buffalo, and now you can do it here on your main drive. Virtual hard disk booting is a bit like Boot Camp on the Mac allowing you to boot different operating systems if you fancy loading up Windows Vista, Linux or something random.

UK: ?159.99 US: $219.99

?

Related links:

• LInk - Microsoft.com UK Store
• Link - Microsoft US store

Tags: Software PC software Operating Systems Windows 7 Features

Windows 7: Which version should you get? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:32:30 +0100

Windows 7 has launched, but it's already in the hands of many people across the UK thanks to a postal strike sparking Microsoft to begin deliveries early. If you've already installed your brand new operating system then you might be interested to hear about a few features that haven't been well-documented, but could prove useful.

If, on the other hand, you haven't had a chance to get everything backed up for the install process yet, you might want to bookmark this page so you can have a butchers at it over the weekend once everything is up and running again. But without further ado, let's take a look at the top 5 secret Windows 7 features.

Shakin' Windows

One handy little user interface improvement that Microsoft has added to the mix allows you to drag windows to the edges of your screen to anchor them there, or to the top to maximise something. However, there's another neat little trick in a similar vein that you can use.

If you grab a title bar of a window and shake it around with the mouse, you'll find that everything flies out of the way and leaves you with a pristine desktop and the window you were holding. Much more Zen, no?

Problem Steps Recorder

Once you've convinced your parents that they need to upgrade to Windows 7, and they've bought it and you popped round to install it for them, they'll invariably find something that doesn't work - something that you can't fix over the phone and have to actually be there to sort out.

Well, instead of trying to talk them through installing a remote desktop viewer like VNC, you can now just ask them to press the Windows key, tap in "PSR", hit enter, and then hit record before trying to do whatever it is they're trying to do. Once they're done, the recording is saved as a zipped MHTML file that they can email to you so you can see exactly where they're going wrong.

Resource Monitor

Seasoned Windows fans will know that when the system locks up, the first thing you want to check is the Task Manager. You can still do that, but there's now a better option instead, called the Resource Monitor. This lets you take a look in considerably more detail about exactly what's going on with your CPU, RAM, disk and network.

To access it, just hit the Windows key and type "resmon" before hitting enter. It'll bring up an overview of all the processes that are currently active on your computer, and exactly what they're doing. You can then do something about that irritating program that won't stop crashing.

So what do you do? Well, you can force quit something like you would in Task Manager, but you can also right-click a process and hit "Analyze Wait Chain" to see more info about why it isn't doing anything - it could be waiting for a response from another process, for example. With Resource Monitor you'll hopefully be able to track down the issue more quickly.

Desktop slideshows

So you've seen that most of the default themes that comes with Windows have auto-changing backgrounds, and you'd like to get in on that action. How do you do it? Well, it's actually pretty simple. All you have to do is right-click an empty part of the desktop and hit "personalize". From there, hit "desktop background" near the bottom and pick a folder full of pictures that you'd like to rotate through, and select how often you'd like to rotate.

How would you like a desktop wallpaper that automatically updates from an RSS feed? That functionality appeared in the beta, though it was buggy and seemed to have been removed from the final version. However - there's a way round the limitation.

Visit the feed you want to get pictures from in Internet Explorer, and then subscribe to it. On the right-hand-side you should have a "View feed properties..." option. Hit that and then enable the "Automatically download attached files" option. Close the window, and re-open it, then hit "View files" and use that folder as your rotating background folder as above. Voila!

Colour and ClearType Calibration

Lastly, if you view a lot of images, movies or play games a lot on your computer - and doesn't everyone? - then you might want to make sure that your monitor is calibrated to display colours correctly. You can do this very easily with a wizard included in Windows 7 called the Display Colour Calibration Wizard.

To access it, all you have to do is hit the Windows key, type DCCW and hit enter, and the wizard will appear and take you through all the steps necessary to make sure your display has its gamma, brightness and contrast set correctly. After that, you'll have the option to view the ClearType calibration wizard.

Conclusions

So there you go. Five features that Microsoft hadn't told you about, but are still incredibly useful. Have you discovered anything else that's noteworthy and relatively undocumented in Windows 7? Be sure to share it with us in the comments, just down below.

Tags: Software Operating Systems Windows 7 Microsoft Features

Five secret features in Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:47:26 +0100

What is Windows 7?

Er, ok. You really need this one answered? Well, Windows 7 is Microsoft's eighth consumer focused operating systems for personal computers. Don't ask us why the company chose 7 - possibly because it's a suggestion that we forget about either Windows ME or Vista or perhaps because someone miscounted. Either way Windows 7 it is and after quite a long run up it's finally been released for purchase by both consumers and businesses.

Why do I want it?

There's plenty of reasons to want the latest version of any OS, not least of which is that it's most often more secure than the last version meaning that your system is less likely to become compromised and your data and ID should stay exactly where you want them - with you. The slightly sexier reasons for wanting to upgrade are because it has a more modern look and feel, it runs smoother and quicker and it gives you a whole bunch of new bits and pieces to play with. In fact, the only real downside is having to part with some money for the privilege.

So, what's new?

At its core, Windows 7 has improvements to the kernel, which is at the heart of all operations, better performance with multi-core processors to get the most out of new CPU technologies and a more efficient boot too. What that translates to is a faster start up and shut down, a faster resume from sleep mode, a more responsive performance and more better use of processing power. That's the theory, anyway. To make it happen, Microsoft used a set of tracing tools to identity all the slack code and dysfunctional pathways of previous versions of the OS to work out exactly where the majority of the tweaks needed to be. There's also been special attention paid to laptops specifically by fitting a series of power saving functions like auto-screen dimmers and such. So, two reasons to make the switch is to get your battery to last a little longer and your PC running like the hot rod it promised it was when you bought it.

And what about the differences I can actually see?

Windows 7 continues the shell design first implemented in Vista - Windows Aero. Much of it will appear similar to many users. A lot of focus has been given to the taskbar with the addition of Jump Lists, bigger icons and even just the ability to move them about at will in the knowledge that they'll stay in whatever order you left them. If you hover the mouse over the icon of an open application in the taskbar, then mini full screen previews will pop up for each window that that program has running. So, if you have three Word documents open, then you'll see three small versions of each one when the curser is over the Word icon in the taskbar. From there, you can click on the one you want to go straight to it or just move the mouse away from the taskbar and go back to whatever it was you were doing on the desktop.

If instead, you right click on icons on the taskbar, then a Jump List will pop up. These lists contain all the recent files that you might have been accessing for that specific app. It doesn't remember all your browser pages but if, say, you right click on your media player icon, it'll come up with a list of all your recently played video and music files for you to shortcut straight to and in the case of media, you'll also be offered a degree of playback control straight from the taskbar too, but the level of access will vary from app to app. You can also choose to pin files to these lists for good or even pin them to the taskbar itself which might be handy if it's something you use all the time or at least repeatedly over a small period.

The windows themselves have also had a bit of a functionality twist too in a feature called Aero Snap. If you drag any open window up to the top of the screen it automatically maximises it. Likewise, if you throw them to the sides of your display, they'll take up exactly half the desktop. Drag one to the opposite edge and now you can compare two open windows in a split screen view. Very useful if you're taking notes from information online, for example. Finally, if all your open windows are beginning to take over your desktop, you can press the small button at the bottom right hand corner of the screen on the taskbar called Aero Peek which makes them all translucent, and if you actually click on the button, it minimises everything on the screen and shows you your desktop and any gadgets you might be running.

Any new applications?

Naturally, there's new versions of Windows Media Centre, which now comes with its own gadget, and Internet Explorer, if you really must. IE8 features a revamped address bar which can be used for search, there's new tabs and a make-over for the favourites bar as well. Web Slice allows users to be updated of any changes to sites they're monitoring without actually having to switch back to the tab in question. For example it would display updates to an eBay auction or a web mail inbox up on the favourites bar at the top of the browser. The final addition is the IE Accelerator which offers contextual menus for selected pieces of copy within a web page. So, you might be able to right click on the name of a shop and the options could include links to reviews, its online retail site or a map with its location.

One of the more impressive improvements is to the desktop search function which has now gone truly universal. Located at the foot of the Start menu, the search starts working as soon as you start typing and will bring up a string of results immediately from all corners of your machine including external devices and any shared PCs on the same network. It groups the suggestions by file type - be they docs, images, e-mails, applications etc - and highlights the part of the titles that responds the letters of your query. The whole process is also given a slight extra speed kick by suggesting frequently selected results from familiar search enquiries too. If you want to get deeper into it, you can open out the panel further and use the dynamic options with graphics to help you sort by date, size, name and other criteria in a much more simple way that was often quite painful in Windows packages of days gone by.

Windows 7 also sees some consolidation of functions too. The old Windows Security Centre has been renamed the Action Centre and works as an issues and problem solver to do list including requests from Windows Defender as well as any other tasks as recommended by your machine for you to deal with when you have a moment. Each is listed with a warning of how important it is. Finding an anti-virus program, for example, qualifies for the top of the list.

The other area of consolidation is of device management. Printers, phones, MP3 players and pretty much anything you can plug into your PC are all now dealt with in one specific area. Of course, each offers slightly different options of action but the place to find them has been homogenised and should be far easier for viewing and transferring the content off and onto them. One neat feature particular to printers is an auto-detect default which will recognise where you are based on the network connection and automatically select the appropriate default printer from your list without you having to chop and change manually.

And what about multi-touch?

Yes, probably the most high profile addition to the Windows OS is the added support for touchscreen PCs and more specifically multi-touch as well. There is a slew of computers set to arrive that take advantage of this. There's also some added fun with the trainable handwriting recognition software built-in, as well as smaller apps like post it notes and graphical add ons too. At its most basic though, the touchscreen allows you to scroll, zoom and navigate your way around the operating system using your fingers. You will, of course, require a touch enabled computer or PC tablet for this to work.

Anything else?

Naturally, there's a bunch of new desktop themes, there's better support for SSDs and virtual hard disks, there's a redesigned calculator with a statistics mode and the return of internet connected versions of the games Spades, Checkers and Backgammon, all of which had been apparently mistakenly dropped for Vista. Networking has been made easier with WindowsHome and DirectAccess which allow an automation of the set up of sharing content across Windows 7 machines in the home and intranet set up for businesses. A particularly useful feature called Play To lets users choose which machine in their network they'd like to stream any particular media onto.

Is it any good?

Well, early reports indicate that Windows 7 will be a winner. It's essentially a refined version of the unpopular Vista which should give the new OS a head start in a lot of departments, not least of which is general public feeling. It has a greater user-centric experience with performance improvements for far smoother day to day running. There's even a a few bits of fun left for the future with an upcoming patch for USB 3.0 support expected very soon and all the high speed data transfer that should allow – fingers crossed.

Can my PC handle it?

A 32-bit version of Windows 7 will require a machine with a minimum of a 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of disk space. If you want to go 64-bit, then obviously you'll need a 64-bit CPU, a minimum of 2GB RAM and 20GB of space to put it.

How much is it?

That all depends which version you go for. There are a slightly confusing six different variants but actually only three different names to take care of. The standard consumer version is Windows 7 Home Premium for ?149.99, then comes Windows 7 Professional for ?219.99 intended more for businesses and finally Windows 7 Ultimate at ?229.99 for those in need of serious data protection and computing in 35 languages. You can also buy upgrade packages of each version for ?79.99, ?189.99 and ?199.99 respectively but they'll only work if you already have Windows Vista installed. Officially speaking you can't even upgrade from the Windows 7 release candidate but there's a way around that one for the more adventurous.

Related links:

• Feature - Five touchscreen Windows 7 PCs to look out for
• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review
• Read - All things Windows 7
• Feature - A brief history of Windows

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Quick Guide Features

Quick guide to Microsoft Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:13:31 +0100

"Nearly a billion people use Windows. Their ideas added up to Windows 7", says Microsoft of the above advert, as Windows 7 sees its official general release.

While some UK consumers have received their copy of the new OS in the last couple of days due to early shipping because of the postal strikes, hundreds queued up last night for a midnight launch at PC World's flagship store.

Amazon has reported record pre-orders, so it will be interesting to see how long before Microsoft reveals official figures.

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Video Advertising

VIDEO: Windows 7 launches with new ad originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:38 +0100

After all the hullabaloo, Windows 7, Microsoft's new operating system, is now here. Finally you can now officially ditch Windows Vista or Windows XP once and for all. But why should you spend ?79.99 on getting it? Here are seven reasons why you should and one reason you shouldn't.

Faster

Windows Vista is, was, and always will be, a dog to run. It needs plenty of RAM, needs plenty of processor power and isn't netbook friendly. One of the biggest reasons the software was hated so much was people tried to run it on machines that just weren't powerful enough. The good news is Windows 7 doesn't suffer from the same afflictions. It's a lean mean operating system and that means it's netbook and old computer friendly. Huzzzah.

Cleaner

While the Mac boys will tell you that you should still feel dirty for using Microsoft, the Windows 7 interface has had a massive overhaul making it a lot cleaner on the eye. The task bar has been improved, the graphics are now tidier, and the overall look and feel much more "Mac". Microsoft has come a long way since the days of?Windows 3.11?and this iteration of the company's OS shows it.

Easier to use

Never thought you would hear us say that did you? But it's right, Windows 7 is easier to use. The company now tries to explain what it's doing rather than expecting you to have a degree in computing from Cambridge. The search has been vastly improved, the taskbar now makes sense, the device manager lets you know what's going on and where, and even the networking isn't the dog it once was.

Touch enabled

Those who like to get more touchy feely with their computers will love the fact that Windows 7 comes with touch support out of the box. Why should you care? Well if you've got a touch-enabled PC or laptop you can get involved with your fingers rather than just use your keyboard and mouse.

Media, media, media

The multimedia elements to Window 7 have also been enhanced. There is the Remote Media Streaming feature than lets you stream your music and video around the home or over the Internet as well as new services like Sky Player?that means Sky subscribers can stream Sky via the Media Center without the need for a TV or even a Sky box.

64-bit support

64-bit computing means you should, all being well, get things done faster as a 64-bit PC can handle larger amounts of information than a 32-bit system. Bring on the speed.

Windows XP mode

It's like you never installed Windows 7. While Microsoft says that you can run virtually all applications on the new OS, you just know that there is going to be one app you've got, most likely your favourite one, that won't. In steps Windows XP mode that allows you to run XP as a virtual machine so that one old programme can still work.

And finally why you shouldn't...

It's made by Microsoft - just kidding.

?

Related links:

• link - Microsoft.com

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Features

Seven reasons to buy Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:47:55 +0100

To celebrate the forthcoming Windows 7 release, PC World has announced that it will be discounting some of its hardware as well as Window 7 itself.

Perhaps one for the more enthusiastic among you this deal begins at the PC World Tottenham Court Road shop from midnight on 21 October.

Toshiba and Dell laptops are included in the discounts as well as the Packard Bell iXtreme quad core PC, which will be available with up to ?150 off the RRP.

PC World is also doing a trade-in offer for all UK customers which will mean an entitlement to ?100 off any laptop when you hand in your old one.

In terms of the Windows 7 discount, it'll possibly mean queuing up outside the shop, as it's only the first 200 who are entitled to the half price offer.

Cameron McMillan, manager of the PC World Tottenham Court Road store comments: "This is well worth staying up late for. By opening the doors at midnight our customers will not only be the first in the country to get hold of this fantastic new operating system but will also be able to advantage of some amazing deals in-store".

So if you're not a student (who've already had their opportunity to pick the new OS at a discount) you live in London and don't have work in the morning, this could be for you...

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems PC World Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: Windows 7 half price originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Those that pre-ordered Windows 7 are already seeing their copies drop through their letter box as the US software giant has been forced to ship early due to the threat of postal strikes here in the UK.

Microsoft has authorised retailer PC World to send out copies of the OS ahead of its general release date of 22 October, with customers receiving their discs days ahead of the due date.

"October 22nd sees both the launch of Windows 7 and a planned postal strike in the UK. ?In order to minimise the impact on customers, Microsoft has authorised those partners who participated in the pre-order programme to ship Windows 7 to those customers who pre-ordered it." A Microsoft spokesperson told Pocket-lint.

Other retailers have apparently been given the go ahead to do similar with Microsoft stating it is "aware of the planned postal strike and has taken action to minimise impact on those customers who pre-ordered their copies of Windows 7".

?

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 PC World Operating Systems

Windows 7 ships early to avoid postal strike originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:56:33 +0100

If a rose by any other name would have smelled as sweet then we'd all be looking forward to the launch of Interlace Manager 7 this week. That was how it all began for Microsoft's projected in 1981 when Windows was first under development. Fortunately, by the time Windows 1.0 was released in 1985 someone clever soul had thought a slightly more consumer focused name might be better. They were right. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Windows 1.0 (1985)

Initially, Windows was little more than operating environment add-on for DOS. MS DOS Executive was another of its names that fell by the wayside but it more accurately described the user friendly GUI addition to computing. Microsoft had worked on the early Apple computers - prior to the Macs - on their desktop accessories and much of the Windows look was licensed from Apple. There could be no overlapping of windows, so tiling was used to put them side by side instead, and there was no trash can either, as implemented in the Apple OS. Despite the addition of some familiar faces in the shape of Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard Viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal and the Word predecessor, Write, there was no great popularity for the system.

Windows 2.0 (1987)

Two years on, the second iteration was fundamentally about improvements to the memory management and the interface itself; two of the most important areas of any OS. Windows 2.0 opened up the expanded memory for programs to use which was normally saved for running peripherals. It meant greater ability to multi-task and it began to look more like the real picture with Microsoft sneaking overlapping windows into the design. The system introduced new keyboard shortcuts and the now famous Excel and Word applications. The real boost to the OS though was that the hugely popular desktop publishing software AldusPagemaker was released in a Windows variant. It was the first major piece of third party software to come in both Windows and Mac and is the moment many historians herald as the turning point for Microsoft. The system was now, on one level, an equal to Apple's.

Windows 3.0, 3.1 & 3.11 (1990)

Windows 3.0 was the first success for Microsoft in the commercial sense. The company had re-written critical operations in Assembly rather than C making them lighter and faster and the introduction of virtual memory and VGA cards meant a more efficient, more powerful and more graphic capable platform. Virtual memory was able to trick applications into thinking that they were using large blocks of address space when it was actually fragmented and often spilled into the storage disk rather than just using the RAM. It meant Windows could successfully run more programs at once. The system was also flexible at the same time, meaning that if you would rather offer applications the protection of running in one block them you could automatically assign specific space for that too. Windows 3.0 sold 2 million copies in its first six months rising to 10 million over the next 18.

3.1 was released in reaction to IBM's OS/2 2.0 operating system software that had initially been a joint venture with Microsoft. It contained the same bug fixes and multimedia support. By the time 3.11 came out Microsoft had made sure they'd seen off the threat from IBM and Windows had gone 32-bit.

Over the same period Microsoft had been added more and more Appley features to their OS until the former employer sued the company under 189 charges relating to the Apple "look and feel" of Windows. Of those, 179 were dismissed and the last 10 were deemed ideas that were simply non-copyrightable.

Windows 95 (1995)

10 years down the line and it was time for a serious facelift. Windows 95, originally codenamed Chicago, saw a significant step in the GUI as well as offering impressive under the hood improvements too. It introduced pre-emptive multi-tasking into the operating system which was a way to ensure that each application gets a fair chunk of the CPU while it's trying to run. It's possible because of an interrupt mechanism which can suspend apps already in execution and order their power resource demands. Every 32-bit program was now also given a separate address space meaning that one bad program wouldn't bring the whole system crashing down. Through these two advances Windows was now much more stable than before.

The great addition from the user end was Plug and Play which made the previous driver hunts a lot less important along with a lot of CD-ROMs that came with various bits of peripheral kit. The system allowed for automatic detection and installation of hardware with considerably less faff than ever before on PCs. File names could now be as ling as 250 characters and the supported RAM on Windows 95 was up to 512MB with a virtual effect of 2GB. DOS was pretty much altogether bypassed and now just used as a boot loading device.

Windows 98 (1998)

Despite better support fir the FAT-32 file system, new hardware drivers and allowances for disk partitions larger than 2GB, Windows 98 was heavily criticised for its slowness and unreliability compared to the previous release. Most of the problems were cleaned up by the second edition one year later but there was further controversy in the GUI with Internet Explorer's integration into the design and into Windows Explorer. It eventually lead to the accusation that Microsoft was abusing its position as the OS at the expense of the waning browser competition that was Netscape Navigator. Ultimately, the case has had little effect on the success of either company and eventually Windows 98 was appreciated by consumers the world over.

Windows ME (2000)

The Millennium Edition, on the other hand, never received a lot of love. Much like Windows Phone today, the turn of time OS was more of a stop gap than anything else while plans were afoot to merge the Windows business line, Windows NT, with the consumer stream. Essentially, it had the same core as Windows 98 but had adopted many of the features of the latest in the NT range - the very popular Windows 2000. It had enhanced multimedia and internet capabilities with the introduction of Windows Movie Maker as well as Universal Plug and Play which allowed for a far more seamless, automatic approach for connecting network devices. You could no longer boot the OS into DOS and it was the last version not to include the online Product Activation system. ME was lambasted for its instability and often referred to with alternative acronyms like Mistake Edition but perhaps its one moment in the sun was the introduction of System Restore which still exists today and works very well so long as you remember to use it.

Windows XP (2001)

Codenamed Whistler, XP was the Microsoft's messiah in the unification of their business and consumer OS products. Until now, Windows NT had been running very successfully alongside since 1994 and had been the company's answer when the OS/2 project with IBM had fallen apart. The problem was that NT's increasingly complex structure became harder and harder for developers to write for and eventually they stopped bothering as it was for a relatively small percentage of the market. Seeing as operating systems with no drivers aren't of much use, the new approach of one OS with several variants was added which is why we got Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. XP even inherited the NT5.2 kernel at its core and, after several service pack updates, became not only secure and stable but also the longest lasting Windows OS, selling from 2001-2007.

Windows Vista (2006)

Releasing the software to the commercial sector first was never going to be much of a hearts and minds campaign for what has become one of Microsoft's most contentious operating systems. When codename Longhorn was finally given to the public at the beginning of 2007 with a brand new GUI just to upset more people, it got on the end of some very harsh reviews indeed. As well as introducing the Windows AERO look with its more powerful, more efficient and aesthetic designs, Vista also had a strong focus on security. The administrator had always been the default user on a PC and that was now switched to a rather irritating system of passwords and user management that, although certainly safe, didn't really help matters.

There was a new version of IE, Windows Media Player, a new generation of games like Mahjong and despite all the troubles, it still outsold XP in its equivalent first month with 20 million copies leaving the shelves. However, in a survey of businesses, only 8% were satisfied with the product compared to the 41% that had been happy with XP. There were reports of many users downgrading back to Windows XP but the one group who were pleased with the new system was the gamers. Vista was the first to include DirectX 10 which offered them even better graphic fun than ever before.

Windows 7 (2009)

Curiously, the 8th consumer release of the Microsoft OS, Windows 7 is in fact very similar to its predecessor but with just enough refinements and some time to get used to the AERO GUI. It was codenamed both Blackcomb and Vienna, has none of the user account issues of Vista and predominantly comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It has a significantly faster boot time, better power management options for notebook users and has also gone multi-touch. So far, throughout all the beta tests, and RC versions, there have been no real complaints. The only issue is perhaps the ever-growing number of variants, now standing at six.

Windows 8 (?)

Barely have we tasted 7 and already there is a smattering of rumours about Windows 8. There's only two things to go on but both should raise an eyebrow each - 128-bit computing and cloud-optimised operating system. Certainly should keep us talking.

Related links:

• News - Windows 8 and 9 could go 128-bit
• Feature - Quick guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 - Windows Phone
• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 8 Windows 98 Operating Systems Features Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows ME

A brief history of Microsoft Windows originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:41:25 +0100

Microsoft's follow ups to its soon-to-be-released Windows 7 operating system are already in development, and the first nuggets of information about the software packages are starting to appear. It looks like the operating systems could feature 128-bit support.

A LinkedIn profile for a Microsoft employee called Robert Morgan included the phrase: "Research & Development projects including 128bit architecture compatibility with the Windows 8 kernel and Windows 9 project plan". It also added: "Robert Morgan is working to get IA-128 working backwards with full binary compatibility on the existing IA-64 instructions in the hardware simulation to work for Windows 8 and definitely Windows 9".

Windows 7 is reckoned by many to be the last Microsoft OS that'll support 32-bit technologies. If Windows 8 adds 128-bit support in addition to 64-bit then Microsoft looks to be moving considerably faster to the next level than it has with 32-bit.

We'll bring you more on Windows 8 and Windows 9 as it arrives.

Read

Related links:

• News - Five Windows Mobile 6.5 phones to watch out for

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 8 Windows 9 Operating Systems

Windows 8 and 9 could go 128-bit originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:52:08 +0100

It may not have been quite the upgrade Microsoft had conceived of with the company's initial route map for 2009 but the launch of Windows Phone/Windows Mobile 6.5 today comes with no less ceremony. Naturally, an operating system is all very well and good so, here are some of the first flush of Windows phones to show it off.

HTC Touch2

Samsung Omnia II (i8000)

LG GM750

Toshiba TG01

HTC HD2

Related links:

• Feature - Quick guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 - Windows Phone
• News - HTC HD2 coming this month with Sense UI

Tags: Phones Windows Mobile Windows Phone Operating Systems Mobile phone apps Mobile phones Windows Marketplace Microsoft HTC Samsung TG01 Omnia II Omnia LITE LG HTC HD2 HTC Touch2 Features

Five Windows Mobile 6.5 phones to watch out for originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:05:00 +0100

Want to know what all the fuss is about? Read our quick guide to find out more about what the changes are, what they mean, and how they affect you. We'll also give you a run down of the good and bad points.

What is Windows Phone?

It's the rebranded name of Windows Mobile. As part of Microsoft's long term strategy the company has chosen to ditch the Windows Mobile title as of the release of version 6.5 and just refer to it as Windows Phone. On the one hand it's supposed to simplify the OS and extend the software to handsets such that people refer to them as Windows phones but it's also not a bad way to try to drop some of the stink surrounding what has never quite been the platform that it could be. It also helps to refer to the operating system as something in its own right like the iPhone OS rather than being a squished down, mobile version of what you get on a full size PC.

What's changed from Windows Mobile 6.1?

Sadly not as much as we'd all like. Windows Mobile 6.5 was announced back in February at Mobile World Congress but only as a stop gap while the delayed Windows Mobile 7 was put back to 2010. As a result, there is no multi-touch to keep the Windows phones up with the likes of Android, S60 and iPhone and you still have to use a stylus for certain applications. The biggest change is the GUI on the front of the system which has been simplified considerably, made much more user-friendly and more like the Zune interface. It's less fiddly and goes to an Android/iPhone/S60-like menu screen of three columns of app icons when you press start rather than folder expansion. Everything from e-mail to Bluetooth is now set up through better looking wizards and the whole thing is really targeted at users looking to make the step up from a feature phone to a smartphone. The back end of the software is largely the same.

What about apps? Do we finally get apps?

Yes indeed. Microsoft announced a codename project to go with 6.5 called SkyMarket which has in fact turned out to be the long awaited Windows Marketplace for Mobile expected to go live as the OS is launched. There are currently 731 developers working worldwide on more than 200 initial applications that will be available when the marketplace opens. Developers get a 70% cut of the profits after paying a $99 fee for a year's licence unless they're registered as students from Microsoft in which case the licence will be free.

Apps so far include a number of business solutions as well as Facebook, MySpace, Netflix, Twikini, WunderRadio, Zagat and games like Revenge of the Fallen, Sudoku, Transformers and the Pac-Man series. Browsing the Marketplace is a straight forward affair with the usual lists of genres and top sellers and the Zune-look menus also have a section for your operator's app store which is sure to please the networks if no one else.

What else?

Microsoft's mobile synching cloud service is the other main area of note which is known as My Phone. It's been in beta for 7 months but on launch users will get 200MB of storage where they can save SMS, contacts and images which they can also publish on Flickr, MySpace and Facebook straight from their phones. Much like another smartphone service out there, you'll also be able to remotely lock your phone should you lose it, locate it on a map from its last synch, send out a "please return to" message, make it ring even if on silent and, if all else fails, wipe the data. There will also be a premium service with more storage available.

The final update of significance is of the Internet Explorer mobile browser which works in a standard desktop view mode as well as a mobile format and there are other Microsoft applications you'll find on-board include Windows Live, Bing, Mobile Office Communicator and Microsoft Online Service (Exchange and SharePoint).

Good points and bad points

Well, it certainly looks better and the simplification and face lift appear to be a definite step in the right direction. The fact that 6.5 has come as a stop gap doesn't really help with the biggest disappointment of all the missing multi-touch and the fact that certain programs, such as Windows Media Player, still need the use of the stylus. HTC has added a multi-touch front to the OS but many of the applications like Explorer will still not support it. It's a fairly low cost option which should make it a competitive option for those making a step up and it will coexist in the market when Windows Phone 7 is released next year.

How do I get it

Unfortunately, you can't just upgrade your version of Windows Mobile 6.1. It would require an update of the firmware as sent by your operator who will not necessarily do this for free. Your handset might also not be able to cope with it but, of course, there are always more shady unofficial ways of making the switch yourself. For most, it will be a case of buying a specific handset. The platform will launch on the HTC Touch2 but there will also be Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola Windows Phones coming soon, as well as an upgrade for the HTC Touch HD Pro.

Tags: Phones Quick Guide Windows Mobile Windows Phone Operating Systems Mobile phone apps Mobile phones Windows Marketplace Microsoft

Quick guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 - Windows Phone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Lenovo has begun the Windows 7 battle with a shot across the bows of other hardware manufacturers. The company is claiming that it has the fastest boot and shutdown times out there - it says that its ThinkPad notebooks and ThinkCentre desktop PCs will boot Windows 7 56% faster than XP or Vista.

Fran O'Sullivan, Lenovo's SVP for the Think product group, said: "To achieve Windows 7 Lenovo Enhanced Experience certification, Lenovo's technical team and developers have worked with Microsoft
during the making of Windows 7 to create an exceptionally-engineered hardware and software experience".

Lenovo took several steps to pump up the boot times. It contacted the driver for a "popular wireless device" that was causing trouble and demanded that they fix it. It hid certain devices from the BIOS so that the OS only loaded them when the boot had finished.

It did a similar thing with programs that autoload on Windows startup - relegating them until after Windows has booted up. Finally it stuffed an extra chip into its notebooks to more precisely measure how much battery was left than Windows does and help make it last as long as possible.

Lenovo's got a pretty sticker that says "Lenovo Enhanced Experience" on it, which it'll be putting on the PCs that contain these upgrades. If you're shopping for a Lenovo computer, that could be worth looking out for.

Read

Related links:

• News - Lenovo ThinkPad X200 and T400s announced

Tags: Software Lenovo Operating Systems Windows 7 Microsoft

Lenovo promises ultra-speedy Windows 7 boot times originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:33:46 +0100

Open-source Android mod Cyanogen has been hit with legal trouble from Google. The ROM heavily modifies the original Android operating system to make it much faster, using parts of code that are already available from the open-source development team, but not yet publicly released as a fully-fledged update.

But Google doesn't like it. The issue is that Cyanogen redistributes Google applications like Maps, Talk, Market and YouTube that the Goog says are proprietary and not part of the open-source operating system. Manfuacturers like HTC who mod the Android OS (with HTC's "Sense" interface, for example) have to get Google's permission to include those apps on their devices.

For a while, it looked like Cyanogen would be forced to shut down, but the modder behind it has come up with a cunning solution. Future releases of the mod will be "bare bones", which will have the call, SMS, photo, etc functionality, but won't have any of the Google applications in by default.

But given that those apps shipped with your handset already, it should be legally okay for you to reinstate them on the new Cyanogen interface. All you need to do is make a backup - using an app that Cyanogen is developing - and then overlay that backup onto your handset. There'll also be an alternative app store, like SlideMe or AndAppStore, which will let you grab alternative applications instead.

Cyanogen promises that more updates will be available once he's manged to work out the code. We'lkl keep you posted of his progress.

Read

Related links:

• News - Android-based Archos 5 launched
• Via - TechGeist

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Operating Systems Google Cyanogen

Google issues cease-and-desist to Cyanogen originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:53:09 +0100