Microsoft have released an 8mb update to Microsoft Outlook 2007.

This update fixes a problem in which a calendar item that is marked as private is opened if it is found by using the Search Desktop feature. The update also fixes performance issues that occur when you work with items in a large .pst file or .ost file.

I have installed this patch and it does seem to improve the performance of Outlook 2007.

Download Link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?

Microsoft Office 2007 has a new User Interface (called the ribbon), in this Screencast we have a quick introduction and compare the new design to the File, Edit and View of old.

We also show how using the quick access toolbar can help you access your most frequently used features.

This screencast runs for 5m25s

Click the Screencast to Play.

This screencast requires the Flash plug in. You can get it here

If you’re a North West based business looking help and advice with new technology then get in touch I can help you. Tel: 01606-841587.

Please feel free to link to this content, I update regularly.

My 2007 Screencast Links:
http://www.colindiponio.com/category/screencast/

Thanks

Colin

I did some digging around the issue of Windows XP OEM availability and came up with this.

Pretty much just confirms the Dec 2007 cut-off date.

Computer makers have been told they’ll no longer be able to get Windows XP OEM by the end of this year, despite consumer resistance to Vista and its compatibility problems.

By early 2008, Microsoft’s contracts with computer makers will require companies to only sell Vista-loaded machines. “The OEM version of XP Professional goes next January,” said Frank Luburic, senior ThinkPad product manager for Lenovo. “At that point, they’ll have no choice.”

Link: http://apcmag.com/5835/vendors_in_no_rush_to_ditch_xp_for_vista

Groove 2007 allows you to create ad-hoc virtual teams to work on projects.

It uses p2p type technology to keep everyone in the team in sync and does other things like instant messaging, push to talk (to the virtual team) and lots, lots more.

I am going to do a demo Screencast about it, its going to be easier to demo than write about.

It would appear that Dell’s Website No Longer offers Windows XP Pro as an option on their range of Optiplex computers. I assume this kicked in early April.

At the time of writing you can still get equipment from the Latitude and Precision ranges with XP

Dell Optiplex are the range of Business Class Desktop PC’s.

Naturally this forces business users to Choose Windows Vista.

I have been dreading this day because neither I nor my customers now have a choice.

I have hundreds of XP machines in the field and haven’t had to worry about driver support for a long, long time.

Example: I can’t now just order a printer alongside a new pc without checking its got Vista drivers.

Example: If an existing business user needs a new PC. I can’t assume all of these existing things are just going to work!

Digital Camera
Skype Phone
Scanner
iPod
USB Microphone
Mobile Phone Connection or Mobile 3g Data Card
Various exotic printers

What Joy…….

Update 12/04/2007: According to my Dell Account Manager “You will be able to choose Windows Xp Pro until Dec 2007 on Optiplex and Latitude”. Its not available on the website you need to ask for it from an Account Manager or Sales Rep.

To make this worse the date for low cost Windows Vista Express Upgrades has passed (31/03/2007) so if you Get XP now and want to upgrade later you will be doing so a the full cost. Ouch.