I use Windows Media Player a lot so getting an update is always welcome. I have avoided the Beta Versions of version 11 and have elected to wait until its finished.

Its finished.

Review Link: http://reviews.cnet.com/

New Features Link: http://www.microsoft.com/

Download Link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/

I know a few readers are keen on all M1210 news.

Dell have updated the bios to A04

This is an optional update and dell have list the changes as.

1. Updated Support for Microsoft Vista.

2. Updated Support for Intel Processor T5200.

3. Improved High Definition Audio Device performance.

Link: http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/

It was launched on October 25th 2001

It brought the separate operating system code bases together (xp home and xp pro). This has made getting drivers for hardware almost guaranteed.

In fact drivers are going to be the biggest issue with Windows Vista until its been out for a while.

I wonder how history will remember XP. After all its been the most attacked operating system in history.

Today I had to deploy a clean Windows XP Pro SP1 machine and put it in service.

Before I could I had to.

Upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack2 (SP2)
Run Windows Update against the SP2

In total 68 Updates were downloaded and took the best part of 2 hours to bring up to date.

I have mixed feelings about this, but I should just be thankful that Microsoft put a lot of effort in trying to keep XP secure.

So happy birthday XP.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP

This is my current browser of choice. Well this week anyway.

In a related story Microsoft’s IE team sent a Cake to the Firefox guys to celebrate them shipping version 2.0

Now that’s nice

Link: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Details are emerging about the nominal cost upgrades to Windows Vista. If you buy a PC between 26/10/2006 and 13/03/2007

This is so you don’t put off buying because you know there is a new version of Windows in the wings.

These will be dependent on the retailer offering the scheme. I imagine it will only be a few days until Dell announce it.

It looks like this*

If you purchase a PC running Windows XP this holiday, you should remember to take into account the upgrade path of the SKU you purchase. In the US, the upgrade path looks like this (but will vary by region):

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 –> Windows Vista Home Premium (nominal fee)

Windows XP Professional –> Windows Vista Business (nominal fee)

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition –> Windows Vista Business (nominal fee)

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition –> Windows Vista Business 64 (nominal fee)

*Source

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/