Showing posts with label Windows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Windows. Show all posts
Mozilla stops development of Firefox for 64-bit Windows
Mozilla will not continue the development of Windows 64-bit versions of Firefox. Users are advised to use the 32-bit version. As a reason for the decision Mozilla Development Minister Benjamin Smedberg calls on the developer mailing list, the bad experiences that make a lot of users with the version.
Many updates for Windows 8 Apps
The dance the Bing app starts with an improved search for local content, a file picker which allows you to use images from search results in other apps, and the ability to create thematically related queries. With the Photos app you want after the update also rotate and crop images, and slideshows can be run automatically. The maps app gets a bird's-eye view, over 3000 interior views of buildings, improved navigation function and integration with the Bing search engine.
The Apps Mail, Calendar, People and Messaging now supports IMAP and provide an improved search function and a conversation view of messages in the inbox. Invitations should be possible to accept or reject after the update, or, in the messaging app you can search for contacts in the future. Within the SkyDrive app is the user can search, rename, move files and folders, and change the sort order of the displayed files.
Other announced updates affect the apps finance, news, sports, travel, weather, video, music and games.
Simultaneously with the announcement changed an operating system update the display of the apps from the Store: Were standard previously displayed only apps in the set, preferred language, you can now see all close to 1900 apps, including the languages in others.
AMD launches Android app store for Windows PCs
The chip maker AMD has launched a website and an app store for apps and games to run on Windows machines with AMD hardware. On the AMD AppZone there is software that was developed for the Radeon graphics chips and APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) written by the manufacturer, or adjusted. AMD advertises thousands of Android apps that have been found to be partnering with the Android system virtualizer Bluestack inclusion in the AppZone. The bulk of the software, however, lies not in the store prior to download, and most programs are only indirectly related to links to their product pages.
With BlueStacks, it is possible to run Android apps to run on Windows and control touchpad, mouse and keyboard of the host computer. Also, the Android system to access the files on the Windows PC, including Windows applications been started running in the background. AMD has stated that the use of the chip manufacturer version of the BlueStacks player was adapted to the OpenGL hardware acceleration for AMD chips.
Also, users can synchronize their data AppZone of Android apps with BlueStacks' Cloud Connect, a cloud service that allows a Windows PC can be used to extend for an Android device, and vice versa. The apps can be directly related to the website or through the integrated App Store. Also, there are apparently some discussions with OEMs to pre-configure the AppZone player in AMD devices.
Online storage on your own
With the private cloud software Tonido cloud can offer itself (own) online storage. According to the manufacturer Codelathe is suitable for use as corporate, educational institutions, Internet service providers and hosters. To access the private cloud storage, you need a web browser, a WebDAV client or mobile devices running iOS, Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 The synchronization of the online store and then works with Mac OS X, Linux and Windows, which can also integrate the online storage as a drive.
Tonido cloud data stored on hard drives and network attached storage (NAS) and storage area networks (SAN). It also can use Amazon S3 and OpenStack for it. Tonido Cloud versioned data stored once, has no file size limits and retrieves user data and directory services such as Active Directory, LDAP, respectively.
Tonido Cloud is a Linux Server with Apache (mod_rewrite) ahead, PHP 5.3 and the NoSQL database MongoDB - according to the manufacturer to Tonido Cloud will be set up in half an hour. Codelathe required for Tonido cloud that can serve 20 users, $ 500 a year. Each additional user hits with 25 U.S. dollars on the bill, but the manufacturer only offer licensing packages for ten users. There are volume discounts as well as a time-limited introductory discount of 25 percent for the first year.
Main board firmware for UEFI Secure Boot
With Windows 8, Microsoft wants to replace the outdated PC BIOS: complete systems with factory-installed operating system and Windows-8-logo must meet the hardware certification requirements that prescribe the UEFI mode enabled Secure Boot feature. Without deliberate intervention by the user starts thus excluding the preinstalled Windows 8 no other operating system, unless it brings a Microsoft digitally signed UEFI boot loader.
Secure Boot is thereby prevent the start of malware blocked but also the first of many boats USB drives or optical media, and therefore the installation of other operating systems. Microsoft also does prescribe that Secure Boot be on normal x86 PCs and laptops can be disabled, but it is probably depending on motherboard firmware, a trip to the BIOS or UEFI setup required.
Secure boot is a feature of the 2011 adopted UEFI version 2.3.1 and have yet to be found in the wild. That is changing now, because some motherboard manufacturers such as Gigabyte, Asus, Gigabyte and MSI launch first (beta) versions of firmware for certain boards which are to meet the Windows 8 specifications. Unfortunately, the Taiwanese companies usually do not specify exactly which points to the specification for the firmware version exactly fulfilled or not. But with the L1.47 Beta BIOS version for Asrock B75M worked on Windows 8 Secure Boot and allow first experiments.
After the BIOS update is secure boot first off and there are no load digital certificates. Both of you need to independently initiate via the setup option. After a restart Secure Boot is active, the firmware works in "user mode". Only in setup mode is allowed, the key, and databases can be changed, but the Asrock firmware knows but the set-up mode, but offers - unlike the MSI mainboard last Aldi PC - no functions to influence keys (PK, CEC) or databases (db, dbx).
If Windows is started 8 in secure boot mode or not can be found out by our present knowledge only to a registry key. Under HKLM \ System \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Secure Boot \ State is the DWord value "UEFISecureBootEnabled" who is active Secure Boot has the content "1" and "0" if Secure Boot before the launch of Windows 8 via BIOS was switched off setup. Other effects of the Secure Boot fell Asrock B75M not.
Kernel-mode drivers that are not digitally signed will, but in the secure boot mode can not be installed - but those signatures x64 Windows requires anyway and only the 64-bit version of Windows 8 will support UEFI and hence Secure Boot. Exciting and usually only when the expected Atom Tablets with Intel's Clover Trail chips and Connected Standby: The latter function will require Secure Boot, on the other hand, there is for the PowerVR graphics this atom now only 32-bit drivers. But for the Windows RT tablet with ARM SoCs are otherwise prevented from Microsoft combination of 32-bit code and UEFI is necessary.
When Asrock B75M with beta firmware the startup of other operating systems in secure boot mode by the way do not worry: Even if you activate secure boot can allow using the BIOS setup, loading a Compatibility Support Module (CSM). This CSM is after the actual firmware startup to BIOS compatibility so that any other operating systems run without UEFI boot loader. This is exactly why Microsoft requires hardware in the Certification Requirements for computers with Windows-8-logo that with Secure Boot the CSM is prohibited. But Asrock writes laconically regarding the CSM option: "Please do not set to disable unless runnig WHCK test", which is about: "Please do not turn off unless you check the Windows Hardware Certification". WHCK the test Microsoft describes in a PDF document.
Until Windows 8 start in little more than six weeks, every motherboard and notebook manufacturers who wants to sell products for computers with Windows-8-Logo, the Secure Boot requirements have been implemented. At least publicly, but offers as Intel does not appropriately updates for its own motherboards. Linux developers hone meanwhile on their equipment for UEFI Secure Boot, upcoming versions of the distributions Fedora, Suse and Ubuntu should be able to handle it. For previous operating system such as Windows 7 x64, but apparently no secure boot-retrofit planned.
Mandriva wants to schools
Mandriva Class represents the French Linux distributor Mandriva a platform specially for schools. The software is designed to facilitate collaboration between teachers and students in the class. Through a streamlined interface, the teacher can make the students files and Web pages accessible, access the Bildschirmhinhalt of Student PC, send messages to students and the computer lock control, or shut down. Students can send messages to the teacher.
Mandriva Class runs on Windows and Linux. The teacher version of the software costs 50 euros, per student PC are 25 euro payable. More details provides a PDF file.
RT Windows Tablets: Rather notebook replacement as an iPad competitor
The most important question before the IFA was: Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung finally trust with their Windows-RT Tablets from cover? In recent months, there were here and there an info-bites, a few times we could see, but not touchen.
The answer: At least two of the four manufacturers dare. We must look not only, also touchen. At the Samsung booth in Hall 20, visitors can play with the Ativ Tab and Asus made the press at his Vivo tab RT. So it's time for the next question: How good are the RT-Tablets? You really compete with the iPad? Or they cover different usage scenarios?
A complete conclusion is only after a proper test to be possible, so the end of October, if comply with the manufacturer for the promised launch date. Only then one can, for example, assess the application and content offerings. But stuff can be stated now:
Hardware: The RT-tablet from Asus and Samsung are a bit lighter and thinner than the iPad, the screen show only 1366 × 768 pixels (iPad: 2048 x 1536)
Speed: The Asus Tab settled operate absolutely smoothly. Also the browser, the vulnerability of many Android tablets responded as quick as on the iPad. Samsung Apps on the prototype took off pretty slow, but that was probably mainly due to the lame-Fi connectivity.
Endurance: Samsung promises twelve hours battery life for video playback. Check the leaves earlier than October.
Operating concept: All advertised RT Tablets can dock to a keyboard (besides those from Asus and Samsung also from Dell). Then one has a foldable notebook that is operated with a keyboard and touchpad, not wiping around on the display.
Strictly speaking, the RT-Tablets are thus rather tablet notebook hybrid - a concept at the time and ultimately the case of previous unsuccessful attempts Microsoft ran out with the so-called "Tablet PC". Asus wants to ship the keyboard as standard, Dell and Samsung have not yet been determined.
The initially surprising. Tablet PCs with Anstecktastatur firmly stuck for eleven years in a tiny niche. Apple, however, has in two and a half years, nearly 100 million iPads sold, without the old folding concept. So why Asus, Dell and Samsung still can not do without it?
On the reasons one would immediately if you try their tablets. The interface of Windows RT is the same as for the other Windows 8 versions. This means that the well-known, developed for the Windows desktop mouse control is also on board. And not just for emergencies.
For example, you end up in the Desktop Explorer, if you want to copy files from a USB stick. Also Microsoft's RT adapted and pre-installed on the tablet office applications only run on the desktop. Most of the buttons are so small as ever, at least in the current "preview version".
The manufacturers are well advised to offer a keyboard along with touchpad. Whether you see it as a welcome addition or as a necessary evil, depends on what one wants to do with his RT-Tablet.
To dispense with it is, in any case difficult because the finger is disabled desktop with Explorer and the Office programs always one step away. This is an important difference between Windows and RT on one iOS and Android on the other side.
Also the RT-priced tablets are the iPad and Android tablets probably not directly compete. Asus and Samsung commit themselves yet, but representatives of both manufacturers suggest 600 euros upwards. The potential as a laptop replacement, of course, serves as an argument for the additional cost compared to the competition.
The balancing act involves risk: the user might expect that he can continue to use their existing Windows applications such as Photoshop, Paint.net, iTunes or Outlook on the Tablets. But that is not the case. To RT-Tablets can only install apps from Microsoft's Metro-Store, so touch programs.
Who wants to have Photoshop on your tablet, you need a model with Windows x86 CPU. Which are also present in large numbers at the IFA - most are free, but again significantly more than the RT-Tablets.
VMware Workstation 8 and 9 Windows Server 2012 support
With VMware Workstation 9 of users to virtual machines (VMs) now also on desktop computers running Windows 8 in the 32 - and can run 64-bit versions. For the supported guest operating systems Windows 8 are added to the Metro UI and Windows 2012 Server.
Linux users should benefit from the improved virtualization capabilities for 3D graphics and OpenGL. The administrator of an encrypted VM can set another password, without the users can not make changes. It can also prevent the use of common features such as folders, move files, access to USB and exceeding the resource limits.
The developers have also made improvements to the support for VNC (Virtual Network Computing) and the security features when VMs are streamed. Virtual machines running on servers running VMware ESXi virtualization software should be downloaded to Workstation 9th . leave Workstation with 9 according to the manufacturer hybrid by Microsoft Hyper-V VMs are realsierbar, for this option there is no support. VMware recommends that you use the virtualizer in productive VMs.
Another new feature is the remote access via HTTP and WSX (HTML5), so that the applications running on the desktop machine VMs over the network are accessible via browser. VMware recommends Google Chrome 17 on PCs and Apple's Safari fifth on Mac OS X and iPad
Version 9 of VMware Workstation you can try free for 30 days after registration. A new license costs 193.50 euros at VMware, the upgrade Euro 92.45 net.
Lenovo presents its first Windows 8 Tablet
Lenovo has unveiled its first Windows 8 Tablet: The ThinkPad Tablet 2 runs on an Intel processor should only weigh about 600 grams and come in October simultaneously with Windows 8 on the market. "More detailed information on the European market," Lenovo wants at 30 August announce at IFA. A prototype was seen in June at Computex.
According to Lenovo, the 10-inch tablet a USB host port and a HDMI output and is 9.8 millimeters thick. For an additional charge, the producer with a pen, with which one can draw and write (Windows has a handwriting recognition on board). UMTS, and a docking station are optional. There is also the predecessor with pen, UMTS and docking station, but it runs on Android and with an ARM processor.
The now-8-announced Windows Tablet, however, has an X86 chip from Intel, the expected dual-core Atom Clover Trail. Tablets with this system-on-chip are expected from several manufacturers, such as Acer and Dell. It will be exciting how fast Windows runs on the platform and whether the battery life is on par with the competitors with ARM CPU. The previous Intel Atom Tablet disappointed in these disciplines.
In addition, Lenovo has announced the U.S. prices for two ultra-known books that have been introduced several months ago: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon will cost at least 1,300 U.S. dollars, which is available from T430u ThinkPad 780 U.S. dollars. The price of the ThinkPad Tablets betrayed not the manufacturer.
New features for Windows Movie Maker and Photo Gallery
Microsoft released on Tuesday the Windows Essentials 2012 for Windows 7 and Windows 8th The former are called Live Essentials suite is available in the Windows team blog as a web-installer (1.2 MB) or a full installation package (131 MB) available for free download. The installation succeeds only if at least. NET Framework 3 is present. Included in the package the app SkyDrive, Live Messenger, Live Mail are, Live Writer, Photo Gallery and Movie Maker. The changes are limited, however, the latter two.
For the complete installation of Windows Essentials 2012 six applications end up in a separate group on the Home screen. The movie maker has a new function for the stabilization of videos that allegedly just run the often shaky movies from mobile phones and small cameras quiet. The function used for the correction of the films new features in Windows 8 For better readability of text effects, the pasted text will now receive a frame.
Additional options are amateur filmmakers to acoustic background of film projects. To quickly find suitable music, allow their rights to use also, Movie Maker related to the services AudioMicro, Free Music Archive and Vimeo. Is something suitable is found, the new feature helps to fade the waveform in the audio and video tracks in accurately positioning and cutting. For the voice-over editing program now offers a third audio track that accepts non-audio files and videos. Add there a video, so does the movie maker, only the sound of it. The finished version of the video stores in 2012 in the default H.264 format.
There are fewer new in the Photo Gallery. This gets to the "Auto Collage" collection is a function that automatically creates a collage of at least seven images. Both the Photo Gallery and Movie Maker recently the possibility of images and videos directly provide services such as Facebook, Vimeo and Flickr to share with others.
New contact point for Windows Phone Developer
To say goodbye to the old naming obviously seem to be in vogue these days at Microsoft. Because under the new flag "Windows Phone Dev Center" now sailing the former "App Hub", the portal developer's post on the Windows Phone Apps and provide information for development. But not only the name and also the appearance has changed, but also the structure of the portal has become a clear division into the "Submit Application", "Get SDK" and "View Samples" to read.
But still have several projects in motion, for the time being everything affects only Windows Mobile 7 and 7.5. So shall soon the number of countries and markets that can be offered for the apps to be almost quadrupled. With the geographical growth accompanied by the expansion of the pricing and payment options. For individual countries and regions will have to set different prices, each in different currencies. Both the collection can be handled via PayPal for the future, the app sales and the payment of fees for the developer accounts, at least for the countries in which the service is available.
Also the financial aspect is the handling of "in-app" sales, which was with the idea of Windows Phone has been announced 8th However, this will be possible only with explicit WP8. Having been frequently lamented, is that the previously allowed number was too low of 100 participants for beta testing, Microsoft is expanding the number of "thousands" of participants - as are the many to be specific, but is still open. This potential growth also carry the new bill analysis tools that provide a more granular review of the use of sales, and beta test versions, each with corresponding sales and also a tracking upgrade of the behavior of such trials to be purchased apps.
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