Microsoft preps Vista SP1 and Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 will be the first new version of Microsoft's server operating system since 2003.

Known by its Longhorn code name until last summer, Server 2008 will sport improved security and new features designed to improve stability.

"It is an exciting day for us and an exciting day for our partners and customers," wrote group programme manager Alex Hinrichs on Microsoft's Windows Server Division Blog.

"We have all been working towards this day for the past three years and over 5,000 people have contributed to this release."

Microsoft Volume Licensing costumers, or those with Microsoft Software Assurance or an Enterprise Agreement, will be able to download Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 in late February as part of a special event called Heroes Happen Here.

All other users will be able to purchase Server 2008 on 1 March.

Users will need to wait a bit longer for the first Windows Vista service pack, however, which is now slated for mid-March.

Windows Vista SP1 offers stability and compatibility updates, but some researchers have disputed Microsoft's claims of increased performance.

Users will be able to download Vista SP1 in mid-March. By April, most users will be able to get the service pack as an automatic update.

There is one group, however, which will not be able to install the new version of Vista.

Microsoft said that a small group of hardware drivers are still not compatible with the new software. Those users will be able to download the update as the drivers become available.

easier life with Windows Vista - at home

Ten updates for Windows Vista:

• KB941090: update to install to solve a problem of messages blocked (impossible suppression) in the box of sending of the customer email by defect under Vista, Windows Email.
• KB940646: update to install for the best dealt with (flow) of chart of data for wide area network without 3G wire.
• KB940105: update to install to solve possible problems with the addressing of the graphic memory for certain charts.
• KB939165: update to install to configure the program of improvement of the experiment Windows user in order to improve quality of information on the software sent to Microsoft (if wished by the user).
• KB939159: update to install to solve a problem relating to the service of intelligent transfer in background (BITS).
• KB938952: update to install to solve a problem of posting which occurs at the time of the installation of the linguistic module and of the access to the regional and linguistic options of the control panel.
• KB936710: update to install to solve a problem with a secondary graphics board during the operation of applications DirectX 10.
• KB936004: update to install to solve a problem of unexpected definition of a peripheral of telephony USB like the audio peripheral by defect.
• KB930194: update to install to solve a problem of recognition of engraver using a chip PATA Sil from Silicon Image.
• KB929547: update to install to solve a problem of temporary blocking (15 seconds) of certain applications and services after installation of the pilot of the Windows filtering platform (WFP).

Of dimensioned sound, Windows XP was not forgotten with two updates including one to improve management by the reader Windows Media 11 of the short cuts created by user (KB939683) and another to solve the same type of problem encountered with Vista in the definition owing to lack of a peripheral of telephony USB (KB935708).

All these updates are not of crucial importance and are to choose according to its needs and possibly encountered problems. That forecasts nevertheless of a first SP1 for Vista relatively charged in contents.

Your Windows Vista computer really can help you save money, live longer, work more efficiently, get fitter and have more fun. Don’t believe us? We’ve gathered together 50 of the best ways you can use your computer to improve your life at home and at work. Whether it’s using Microsoft Office 2007 to increase productivity or making new friends online, these are all things you can do right now. So why are you waiting? Switch your computer on now and start living!

We’re starting at home because that’s where the heart is. And the stress. And the clutter, the kids and the council tax. We show you how to save money, shape up and organise your household.

1. Get a cheaper mortgage

Whether you’re buying for the first time or switching your mortgage to release equity, your Windows Vista PC can help you out. First, do your own sums with the tools provided by building societies online. Halifax, Alliance & Leicester, Britannia and others provide loan calculators. There are independent online calculators, too. The best options are the tools available at The Motley Fool.

2. Save money - reclaim bank fees

Reclaim excessive banking fees using templates available at Money Saving Expert. Click on ‘Reclaim £1,000s’ and find the article on bank charges. The template is halfway down the page in Rich Text Format.

3. Monitor phone calls

Installing a simple stopwatch in your Windows Vista sidebar, so you can time phone calls to make sure you don’t exceed your free minutes, is a great way to hold on to your pennies. Visit the Gadget gallery at the Windows Gallery.

4. Replace your phone

With a broadband connection you can switch to Windows Live Messenger for voice calls as well as instant messaging. That means free PC-to-PC calls as well as PC-to-phone calling for a small fee.