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Most Enterprises Intend to Skip Vista All Together: Survey

Pulkit Chandna — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:52:07 -0500

A survey conducted by Ziff Davis Enterprise Research has revealed that 72% of the enterprises plan to abstain from Windows Vista despite the release of Service Pack 1. This comes at a time when most analysts expect enterprises to adopt Vista en masse.

Vista almost seems to be an anathema, for about 3/4th of the enterprises are so unequivocal in their dislike for Vista that they don’t even intend to adopt the OS three years down the line. Around 28% envisage a move to the OS anywhere between late 2008 and 2010. Half of those surveyed are not fazed by the end of XP’s retail sales and OEM distribution.

Lesson for Microsoft: The Mojave Experiment hasn’t been able to fool incredulous enterprises and it's time that MS devoted more time to addressing Vista’s glaring performance issues. Address their grievances, the tide will surely turn.

Image Credit: Adelphia

Windows Vista 64-Bit – Is It Ready For Primetime?

Justin Kerr — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:01:53 -0500

When Windows Vista launched back in January 2007, the 64-bit edition was clearly not ready for primetime. The driver and compatibility issues that mired the early days of the OS were even worse on the 64-bit side, and for most users Vista x64 was completely crippled or in some cases, wouldn’t install at all. Hardware manufacturers struggled to release stable device drivers but because 32-bit and 64-bit editions both required radically different drivers, Vista x64 just wasn’t a priority. Coming up on two years later, 32-bit Vista’s issues seem to have calmed down, but what about Vista x64? Well according to Microsoft, usage of the niche OS is on the rise, but is it finally ready for prime time?

What is Vista 64, and why would I want this?

The jump from 16 to 32-bit computing in Windows 95 went mostly un-protested. But then again, back in 1995, computer instability was pretty much expected. PC pioneers put up with a lot of driver issues, and punishing blue screens. Today, PC operating systems have a much larger audience to impress, and most of its users have a very low tolerance for instability. For mainstream users, and those with older hardware, 32-bit is still the way to go. But chances are if you are reading this article, it’s because your not mainstream, and your ready to risk a few orphaned devices in pursuit of something better.

The obvious reason for transitioning to a 64-bit OS is the increased RAM capacity which technically could be as high as 16 Exabyte’s. Vista x64 however, only supports 8 GB for home premium, and a not too shabby 128 GB in the ultimate and business editions. And while this might sound a bit extreme, this extra RAM actually comes in quite handy even today. Microsoft claims Vista can make use the increased RAM capacity using a new feature called Superfetch. Using this technology, the OS is able to pre-load commonly used applications into memory, and even makes use of historical access patterns to predict a user’s needs. The more RAM present in the system, the more applications Vista can prefetch. This is an excellent example of how extra RAM can improve performance, but won’t necessarily show up in traditional benchmarks. This feature alone represents a huge benefit for heavy multi taskers looking for ways to improve overall system responsiveness.

Vista 64 Bit Software Compatibility

One of the most common myths about 64 bit operating systems is that old software doesn’t work. What you lose in stepping up a 64-bit OS is in fact, only 16-bit program support. This includes items from the DOS / Windows 3.1 era, but not much else. 64-Bit copies of Windows implement a technology called WOW64 (Windows-on-Windows) to enable backward compatibility with 32-bit applications that been emerging since the mainstream adoption of Windows 95 more then a decade ago. WOW64 creates a 32-bit environment that allows older applications to run unmodified in a 64-bit OS. Backwards compatibility with 8 & 16-bit applications isn’t impossible under Vista 64, but it requires a bit of creativity. An excellent choice for working with very old applications is Microsoft’s free Virtual PC 2007. This utility allows you to install a virtual copy of any Microsoft operating system including Windows 95, 98, or even MSDOS. You can then run it in parallel just like any other application.

To make life even simpler, If DOS compatibility is your only concern, DOSBox is an excellent free 32-bit alternative that will have you chasing Vorticons as Commander Keen in no time flat. Here is another important tip for 64-bit gamers. The Games for Windows brand might not add up to a lot, but for x64 users it signifies that the game was tested for compatibility in both 32 & 64-bit environments. Some games even ship with a native 64-bit executable, such as Crysis, and Devil May Cry 4 which in my case, greatly improved CPU efficiency. Many popular mainstream applications have gone 64-bit as well including, Adobe Lightroom, ESET NOD 32, and even Apple iTunes. Veteran Photoshop users can also look forward to 64-bit version that will substantially benefit from the additional RAM capacity.

Vista 64 Bit Hardware Compatibility

Working around software incompatibilities can be challenging, but at least workarounds exist for almost any scenario. Drivers on the other hand are a different story. 32-bit drivers are not compatible at all, and for the most part security improvements which will be detailed in the next section are to blame. While it safe to assume in advance that your 10 year old parallel port scanner won’t work, how will you know if your 2 year old USB printer is compatible? For that Microsoft has launched the Vista Compatibility Center. Simply browse the categories, click the 64-bit system filter and learn what hardware is, and is not compatible before you take the plunge.

Here is another Microsoft specific tip. When seeking out new hardware look for the “Works with Windows Vista” or “Certified for Windows Vista” logo’s. Hardware devices baring these badges have undergone testing in both 32 & 64-bit OS’s. Only a small number of devices bother to file for this certification however, so in most cases the Compatibility Center or the manufacturers website will be your best bet. Drivers have come a long way in the past year and I have yet to run into a device I couldn’t get working, though I must admit, I don’t tend to keep hardware for more the a few years. Nvidia, ATI, and even Creative Labs all have mature and stable x64 drivers at this point as well.

Vista 64 Bit Security Improvements

Oddly enough, one of the biggest improvements in Vista x64 bit is actually the enhanced security features that go far beyond what is offered by Vista 32. Microsoft has been able to utilize the lesser used 64-bit editions as a way of putting software developers on notice. They are attempting to encourage less destructive software/operating system interactions. Initiatives such as Kernel Patch Protection were implemented to help keep the Windows core operating system safe from threats that come from both Malware, and sloppy applications that like to plant their roots deep in the OS. It prevents kernel-mode drivers and 3^rd party software from interfering with critical Windows services, a defiantly plus. Sadly, this feature is no longer enforced post SP1, but many developers were forced to find workarounds during the delay and Microsoft isn’t making it easy.

Additionally, new security features such as Address Space Layout Randomizer and Data Execution Protection both help thwart hacking attempts to which 32-bit OS’s are still somewhat vulnerable. Other stipulations such as the requirement for signed drivers has also been dropped, but Microsoft is clearly using the OS as a way of previewing security features that make life difficult for programmers, but will benefit users in the long run.

Is Vista 64 Ready For Prime Time?

Ultimately, the decision will be up to you. Some compatibility sacrifices may need to be made, but the price of transitioning to 64-bit Vista today is much less painful then it was a year ago. It probably isn’t a good solution for casual users who only want to surf the web and watch Youtube on 5 year old hardware. But it is the future of operating systems, and it is finally stable enough to give a reliable user experience with most modern hardware. Microsoft has publically stated that Windows 7 will be the last 32-bit operating system, and if memory prices continue to crash, 32-bit Windows 7 may not even be a popular choice. OEM Vista 64-bit machines are also finally beginning to appear at retail, and within a few years it is not hard to image even mainstream users wanting 4GB of RAM or more. A new chapter in PC history is about to begin.

Useful Links

- Nvidia Graphics Card 64-Bit GeForce Drivers

- ATI Graphics Card 64-Bit Catalyst™ Drivers

- Creative Labs X-Fi 64-Bit Sound Card Drivers

- Microsoft 32/64-Bit Compatibility Center

- Microsoft On The Differences Between 32 & 64 Bit Versions Of Vista

- Order 64-Bit Media From Microsoft For Owners Of Vista 32-Bit

Windows Vista SP1 - Ready to Download (at Last!)

Mark 'Marcus_Soperus' Soper — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:37:38 -0500

Vista SP1 Download Links

Windows Vista SP1 standalone installers are now available for download from the Microsoft Download Center: the five-language x86 (32-bit) version is available here; the five-language x64 (64-bit) version is available here.

Help File Updates

US-based Vista SP1 users who are installing the standalone packs listed above and don't have always on Internet connections will also want to download updated help files on key topics (updated help is not available in the standalone installers).Get the 32-bit x86 version. Get the 64-bit (x64) version. Non-US customers should check the Microsoft download center for localized versions of these files.

Fix Install Problems with CheckSUR

Installation problems with current and future Vista updates can be solved with CheckSUR. Read KB947821 for details. Download it: 32-bit x86 version; 64-bit x64 version.

Enjoy!

Still have questions about Vista SP1? See our comprehensive coverage. And, before you install, be sure to check your system readiness with our checklists for Vista RTM and Windows XP users.

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Get up to speed on Vista's new, improved (and just plain different) features with Mark's book Maximum PC Microsoft Windows Vista Exposed. It's available at Amazon.com and other fine bookstores.

Windows Vista SP1 RC Refresh - Now Available via Windows Update (with a little help from you)!

Mark 'Marcus Soperus' Soper — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:07:46 -0600

Today, Microsoft announced it is making the Vista SP1 RC Refresh available to the public. Vista RC1 Refresh is an improved version of the Vista SP1 RC it made available in December. Unlike Vista SP1 RC, the Refresh version is being distributed only via Windows Update.

Here's How to Order!

To download the script needed to get Windows Update started, go to Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC Refresh Public Availability Program page and click Download. A 356KB self-extracting .exe archive will be downloaded to your system. Open the file and the extractor starts. By default, it will store the files in a subfolder of your AppData (a hidden folder). Change the path to an easier-to-locate folder, such as the folder you saved the archive to.

What's Inside?

After you extract the contents of the archive, you will find three files:

A script file called RCRefreshSP1betaprogramsRK.cmd Use this script to start the Windows update process
Two versions of the SP1RCRefresh_WUReleaseMessage, one in MS Word .doc format, the other in .xps format (viewable in IE7).

Follow the instructions in this document to get the SP1 RC Refresh on your system. You will need to uninstall Vista SP1 RC before you can install the Refresh version. So, even if you skipped the original Vista SP1 RC, you can try this one.

Enjoy!

[edited title on 1-12-08]

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Let Mark Soper be your tour guide through the exciting new features in Windows Vista. Get Mark's new book Maximum PC Microsoft Windows Vista Exposed. It's now available at Amazon.com and other fine bookstores.

Malware Pushers Have No Respect for the Dead (and the Best of the Best Windows Blog Posts of 2007)

Mark Soper — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:13:04 -0600

Computerworld reported over the weekend that malware pushers are using the assassination of Pakistani leader Benezir Bhutto to spread variants of the ZLOB Trojan, a notorious backdoor gateway to lots of assorted malware. Here's how it works:

When users find a link to a purported video of the assassination and attempt to play it, the website pops up a message that you need to download a new video codec to play the video. The 'codec', complete with an authentic-looking EULA, is actually the ZLOB Trojan.

The TrendMicro blog's article, The ZLOB Show: Trojan Poses as Fake Video Codec, Loads More Threats, provides an illustrated guide to how ZLOB works and some of its variants.

The Icrontic website provides a five-step tutorial to help you stop ZLOB in its tracks.

Keep in mind that the safest places these days to view breaking news video are at established news websites such as Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, and CBS.

And, now, stay tuned for the top three Windows blog stories of the year at MaximumPC.com on page 2.

Number 3 in our 'ten best' of 2007 coverage is our story on the release of Windows Vista SP1 RC. It provided an easy-to-understand and concise guide to where to get Vista SP1 RC, what to do first, and what to expect. Users gave it 8 diggs and provided plenty of feedback on their experiences.

Number 2 is What We Should Learn from "Bad Tech August". This review and analysis of August 2007's tech woes (including Skype's meltdown, Sony's USB-fingerprint reader rootkit fiasco, the data-theft attack on Monster.com users, and Google's shutdown of Google Video and its DRM authentication servers) garnered 29 diggs and plenty of discussion about copy protection, lost product keys, and other hassles.

And (the envelope please), number 1 is our October story on Vista Activation Strikes Again - Time to Fight Back, which discussed numerous examples of how Windows Vista's activation servers turned out to be legitimate users' worst enemies. It picked up 13 diggs and plenty of comments from disgusted users. Page 2 of the comments tells users how to complain to Microsoft and its PR firm - and maybe your complaints did some good.

One of the many new features coming in Windows Vista SP1 is that users who have unactivated systems will now see nags onscreen, instead of having their systems go into the dreaded 'Reduced Functionality Mode' (aka a time-limited Internet Explorer browser window). If you're already using Vista SP1 RC (or plan to give it a try), keep in mind that this change won't happen until the final Vista SP1 release is installed. Sometimes, it pays to complain!

And, an honorable mention goes to the December stories on how to fix the MS07-069 Security Update glitches. In our December 19 story, Bedeviled by IE Browser Crashes? Try These Fixes, we suggested recycling a fix Microsoft had used for similar problems after an earlier 'Patch Tuesday' security update. In our December 20 followup, MS07-069 Windows XP Woes Solved (and We Suggested It First!), we reported that Microsoft was now recommending the exact same Registry fix we suggested first. Between them, these posts garnered 7 diggs, as well as a few comments from users wondering why we just didn't recommend using Firefox (think Windows Update).

Catch part 1 and part 2 of our 'ten best of 2007' series.

Thanks again for stopping by frequently in 2007. We'll be back with much more news, analysis, and interesting stuff in 2008! Happy New Year (and remember, don't drink and drive - or, for that matter, don't drink and mouse!).

What Else is New in Windows Vista SP1?

Mark Soper — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:24:16 -0600

The big news about Windows Vista SP1, whose Release Candidate became public a couple of days ago, is its improved performance and reliability, thanks to over 400 hotfixes and updates. However, that's only part of the story.

New Hardware Support

Windows Vista SP1 includes

Support for GPUs supporting DirectX 10.1, which improves 3D rendering
A new exFAT file system supports large file storage in flash memory and consumer devices
SD Advanced DMA transfer for faster transfer between SD cards and the PC
Better support for Blu-Ray and HD DVD Drives
Support for new types of Media Center Extenders
Better support for Digital Cable Tuner hardware on Media Center systems

More Reliable Networking

With virtually every PC a part of some sort of network, Vista SP1's network features have also been beefed up:

Better IPSec VPN connections
Systems won't go to sleep until all packets are received or discarded
Better ad-hoc wireless networking
Better peer-to-peer connections for Windows Meeting Space or Remote Assistance, even behind firewalls
Network Diagnostics can now fix file sharing problems

Better Data Security

Vista SP1 works harder to keep your data safe with features such as:

Preventing data loss when NTFS-formatted removable media is ejected
File backup now backs up files encrypted with EFS
The Startup Repair Tool can now fix a wider range of problems
BitLocker (available in Enterprise and Ultimate editions) can now encrypt drives other than the system driv
Standard users can now run Complete PC Backup by providing administrator credentials

To learn more about these and many other improvements for both individual users and corporate types, see "Notable Changes in Windows Vista SP1 Release Candidate" at the Windows Vista SP1 Guides for IT Professionals website.

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Know a Windows Vista newbie? Help a new Vista user get up to speed with Mark's book Maximum PC Microsoft Windows Vista Exposed. It's a great introduction to what's new and different in Windows Vista, and it's available from Amazon.com and other fine bookstores.

Vista SP1 RC's Here - Grab It Now

Mark Soper — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:58:15 -0600

Microsoft has now rolled out the public release of Windows Vista SP1 RC. Follow the appropriate link:

Be patient, especially if you're going after one of the full install packages (which are over 500MB each).

Tried the Beta? Read This First

If you installed a beta of Windows Vista SP1 RC, uninstall it first and wait at least one hour before continuing (you might get cramps in your CPU otherwise). Read Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB936330 for details.

Before SP1, You Also Need...

When you install Windows Vista SP1 using the full install download, the system checks to see if updates discussed in KB937287 (updates servicing stack to permit the service pack to be successfully installed), KB938371 (updates installer and permits service pack to be uninstalled before the final SP1 is installed), and KB937287 (updates BitLocker support on Windows Vista Ultimate and Enterprise editions) have been installed. They've been released separately via Windows Update, but if you don't have them yet, they must be installed first. (update 12-12-07 - Don't worry, the SP1 RC installer program will install them as needed).

If you use Windows Update to get Vista SP1 RC, you must install these updates before you will see Windows Vista SP1 offered as an update and they are displayed only after you install the update for Windows Update referenced earlier.

Stay Tuned for More

I'm downloading Vista SP1 RC right now, and I'll be back later with my first impressions. In the meantime, read the Windows Vista SP1 Guides for IT Professionals to get up to speed on the goodies awaiting you.

Vista SP1 By the Numbers - Performance Numbers, That Is

Marcus Soperus — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:42:29 -0600

1, 18, 25, 45, 50

No, those aren't the numbers for today's "pick 5" lottery drawing, but Microsoft is hoping they'll add up to good luck for its controversial desktop operating system - Vista. Those numbers refer to performance and usability improvements reportedly coming in Vista SP1, whose release candidate (RC) is now being tested.

Although some recent user reports have suggested that Vista SP1's mainly about reliability, Mary Jo Foley's All About Microsoft blog at ZDNet is reporting that Microsoft is internally touting some impressive improvements in performance and usability with SP1:

One UAC prompt, instead of four, when creating or renaming a folder in a protected location (such as the \Windows folder)
18% faster recovery from standby for some USB hubs
25% faster local file copying from location to location on the same disk
45% faster remote file copying from a non-Windows Vista system to an SP1 system
50% faster remote file copying from SP1 to SP1 systems
50% faster read time for large images
fixes for common crash and hang problems caused by Windows Calendar, Windows Media Player, and drivers included with Vista
better compatibility with third-party diagnostic tools
a password hint during initial setup of SP1

Comparing SP1 to Vista? Which Vista?

It sounds good, but one big question - what are the performance comparisons being made to? As our own David Murphy reported in August, Vista has already received performance fixes for file copying in its 938979 'Performance and Reliability' update.

It's not clear whether Microsoft is comparing Vista SP1 (which will contain all publically-available fixes made to Vista since release plus additional improvements) to the original (and slow) early 2007 release of Vista, or whether SP1 will contain additional file copying zoom (call it "Vitamin Z") over the current state of Vista.

I'm hoping for the latter - but I'm prepared to be disappointed.

The Clock Ticks...

In any event, it won't be long until we can all try a near-final version of SP1. According to Foley, the release candidate (RC) for Vista SP1 will be an early Christmas present for Vista users, with public availability set for the second week of December.

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