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Windows XP SP3 now available

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Internet, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,

A few days ago we told you that Windows XP SP3 would be released April 29. Well, that just happens to be today, so we felt it was our duty to remind you. This long-awaited update to Windows XP is the last, but seriously, we are expecting this to pretty much be the best currently-available version of Windows out there, so get to downloading. If you aren’t seeing it in Windows Update yet, then just go here to grab it manually.

Windows XP SP3 to be released on April 29th

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Internet, Microsoft, Software,

Man, April is just shaping up to bring us all sorts of goodness - Mario Kart Wii, Grand Theft Auto IV, and now Windows XP SP3. Don’t get me wrong, I sure as hell am not saying that XP SP3 will be anywhere near as enjoyable as two of the biggest console game releases of the year, but seriously, if those rumors about a 10 percent speed increase hold true, that is just one more reason to stick with XP over Vista. Look for WIndows XP SP3 in the Microsoft Download Center, as well as Microsoft Update, on April 29th.

Audible audiobooks coming to Zune

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

Hey, if the Amazon Kindle news from earlier didn’t suit your fancy because you just aren’t into e-books, then maybe you prefer your books in audio form. If you do, you’re in luck if you are a Zune owner. Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite got word from Zune support that Audible compatibility is coming by the end of the year:

While we do not have an exact date as to when the device will be officially AudibleReady, we expect to make the Zune compatible before years end. Our Device Center on our website will be updated upon the Zune becoming compatible, so please be sure to check there periodically.

Not too bad. With this, plus games coming soon as well, the Zune is shaping up quite nicely when compared to the iPod, wouldn’t you say?

IE 3 and 4 Blocked by Paypal

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Internet, Microsoft,

Paypal logo We got rather spooked after reading PayPal and Unsafe in the same headline. Having used the service for several years, we always wonder if it is really secure. The company says that those who use Internet Explorer 3 and 4 are the ones at risk because they don’t have enough security features to prevent phishing. If you use one of these you will be warned on the site and expect to be possibly blocked if you try to get in anyway.

The newest version supports EV SSL certificates. The comments were made in a paper written by the site’s Security Officer Michael Barrett and Risk Management Director Dan Levy. Our best advice? Head on over to IE and update to 7.0 or switch to Firefox.

Unboxing Live 033: Microsoft Zune 80 and Zune 8

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Microsoft, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Videocasts,

In this episode of Unboxing Live, we open up the Microsoft Zune 80 and Zune 8. These are both from the Zune 2 line, which features the Zune Pad - a touch-sensitive pad that also functions as a button.

The Zune 80 features an 80GB internal hard drive, matching it up with the current entry-level iPod classic at $249 USD, while the Zune 8 has 8GB of flash storage available in its smaller frame, which sells for $199 USD. Of course, you can find both products for less than their MSRP if you do a little looking around. We also give you a look at the included accessories with each in this episode.

Help Save XP Petition

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft,

Those of us who are still PC users but don’t want to give up our XP for Vista were very unhappy to realize that it will cease and desist by June, and that support will eventually end, too. We can blog about it all we want but we are not sure that will convince Microsoft to change its mind, although they did extend the deadline once. Galen Gruman began a petition that you can sign to voice your displeasure, but so far the company doesn’t seem interested. Still, it can’t hurt to join the over 100,000 signatures already obtained. And if that fails, there is always Linux or Mac.

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 in Color

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,

MS Mouse 3000 Microsoft will be releasing a special edition of Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 in colors, no doubt in an attempt to get in on the fru-fru crowd. Choose between pomegranate, dragon fruit, aloe, creme brulee, and milk chocolate. Like its duller brother, the mouse features its MS Intelligent Tracking System and a compact shape with rubber side grips and finger grooves. Look for the 3000 next month at Best Buy and other retailers in June for $29.95.

MS Notebook Mouse Multitasks

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Microsoft, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,

MS Notebook Mouse Microsoft has come up with a Notebook Mouse that does more than a singular function. It will also put on slide presentations up to a distance of 30 feet, and act as a laser pointer and media remote. With 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity, it has 4-way scrolling, instant-view, 5 customizable buttons, and magnification capability. At a size of 3.68 x 2.22-inches, it features an on/off switch to save some energy and a battery status LED. The multi-talented mouse is available for $79.95.

Windows Vista SP1 goes public tomorrow

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,

Word on the street is that Microsoft plans on finally releasing the first service pack for Windows Vista - that’s right, the long-awaited Windows Vista SP1 will be yours for the downloading in 24 hours. You’ll have to download it manually.

In a month’s time, on April 18, Vista SP1 will be added to the automatic update system. So the more casual bunch who rely on Windows Update for all their security needs will all come in under a second wave of installations. Here’s hoping for less crashing, better performance, and all that other good stuff. We’ve been waiting for this for over a year.

Speaking of which, those Vista price drops will also be going into effect this week. If you go ahead and install SP1, hit us up and let us know how it went in the comments.

i-Buddy Enlivens MSN Messaging

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft, Misc. Tech, Toys, USB,

ibuddy Pay attention, MSN IM addicts. The i-Buddy, who looks darn close to the icon, hooks up to your USB port and responds to incoming MSN messages with his glowing head and wings. The 3-inch figure does more. He will respond to emoticons within the messages and can even be programmed to alert you to one specific bud. How kewl is that? Pre-order for $24.94 from Firebox for a March 28 ship date.

(Thanks, Jen)

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