HelpWithWindows Newsletter

01. Microsoft Launches Windows Vista to Consumers

by Arie Slob

Hello Windows users,

The January 30 consumer launch of Windows Vista (and Office 2007) has been touted by Microsoft as "the most significant product launch in Microsoft Corp.'s history".

The launch event, held in New York, started at noon with a press luncheon, and continued later at the Nikon Theater in Times Square, were both Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer were on hand to guide events.

"Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will transform the way people work and play," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. "Personal computers have become a key part of the daily lives of almost a billion people worldwide. Millions of consumers had a hand in helping us design, test and create the most exciting versions of Windows and Office we've ever released. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 squarely address the needs and aspirations of people around the globe."

"These are the most amazing versions of Windows and Office ever," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "The visual effects are spectacular; the navigation is streamlined and intuitive. They make it much easier to protect your PC, yourself and your children online. And they work together to help you accomplish more throughout the day."

Both Windows Vista and Office 2007 will be available in more than 70 countries, in 19 languages (with 99 languages anticipated by the end of the year), and at more than 39,000 retail stores and online.

Consumers interested in acquiring Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, or Ultimate can now get the OS via new PC purchases, in packaged form at retailers, or even via direct downloads from Microsoft's Web sites.

02. Microsoft Offers Windows Vista Family Discount

For years many people have asked why Microsoft couldn't make a similar offer like Apple, who has been offering a "Family Pack" (a 5 user license for $199.00) of their Mac OS X for many years. In fact I found that I wrote about that subject as far back as in August, 2002.

Well, Microsoft finally did it! When you buy a retail boxed version of Windows Vista Ultimate (full version or upgrade), you can qualify for (up to) two copies of Windows Vista Home Premium for $49.95 ($59.99 CAD) each, offering a discount of over 60% off the estimated retail price.

The additional PC's you want to upgrade must be running licensed software that qualifies for the upgrade (Windows XP, Windows 2000 Professional or Windows Vista).

For more details and to order, visit Microsoft's Windows Vista Family Web site.

Right now this offer is only available for the USA and Canada, Microsoft will monitor its uptake, and decide later if it will make this offer available in other countries.

Give Your Comments.

03. Recent Support BBS Postings

Poll: What are your plans for Windows Vista?

You cannot use an upgrade key to perform a clean installation - Windows Vista
How to insert a Hub between modem and router? - Networking
Centrino vs. Core Duo? - Hardware
Best browser? Your opinions, please! - General Internet
Can't change read only access on a folder - Windows XP

04. Windows Vista

05. Recommended Book: Windows Vista Secrets

List: ~~$39.99~~
Our Price: $26.39
You Save: $13.60

A new book reveals hundreds of features of Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system that the authors say most people would never find on their own.

Featuring tips, tricks, and details not found anywhere else, this book reveals features of the new OS and is packed with little-known information that readers can put to use instantly
Page after page contains screen shots, tables, and illustrations and unveils unique information not available anywhere else
Bypasses the obvious and instead examines uncommon tips on fixing Windows desktop problems and how to prevent them entirely

To Order: USA | EU (GBP 17.15)

06. Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0

The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) version 5.0 contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Microsoft Windows Vista, a Windows Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment.

Supported OS: Windows 2000 SP4, Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2

Requires .NET Framework 1.1.

Download [10.7 MB]

07. Latest Microsoft & Windows News from around the Internet

Latest Microsoft & Windows News from around the Internet

08. Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP and Windows 2000

Download Windows Easy Transfer for your Windows XP or Windows 2000 based PC so you can automatically copy your files, photos, music, email, settings, and more to your new Windows Vista based PC. This software enables you to transfer data with Easy Transfer Cables (Windows 2000 not supported) or across a network, external drive, or CD/DVD.

32-bit (x86):
Download [US-7.9 MB]
Other Languages

64-bit (x64):
Download [US-9.6 MB]
Other Languages

09. Windows Live Messenger 8.1

Windows Live Messenger is the next-generation MSN Messenger. It has everything you already love about Messenger: your contact list, emoticons, and instant access to your friends via text, voice, and video. It also has new ways to connect and share photos and documents effortlessly.

Supported OS: Windows Vista; Windows XP

Download [US-18 MB]
Other Languages