Prepare images for use with the Deep Zoom feature in Silverlight 2
Deep Zoom Composer, a tool to allow the preparation of images for use with the Deep Zoom feature currently being previewed in Silverlight 2. The new Deep Zoom technology in Silverlight allows users to see images on the Web like they never have before. The smooth in-place zooming and panning that Deep Zoom allows is a true advancement and raises the bar on what image viewing should be. High resolution images need to be prepared for use with Deep Zoom and this tool allows the user to create Deep Zoom composition files that control the zooming experience and then export all the necessary files for deployment with Silverlight 2.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2
Download: Deep Zoom Composer 0.9.000.8
With IntelliPoint software, you can customize the unique features of your Microsoft? mouse to fit your needs. Each mouse button — including the wheel button — can be reassigned to perform a command or keyboard shortcut such as Print, Close, or an application-specific function. You can also modify mouse settings, such as pointer speed and horizontal scrolling.
With IntelliType Pro software, you can customize the unique features of your Microsoft keyboard to fit your needs. Many keys can be reassigned to open a program, file or Web page, or to perform commands such as Find, Show Desktop, or other application-specific functions. You can also disable keys you sometimes press accidentally, such as CAPS LOCK, and modify keyboard settings, such as updated horizontal scrolling and zoom functionality. IntelliType Pro software even offers extended application support, as well as biometrics support for advanced identity management.
The keyboard software (IntelliType Pro) and mouse software (IntelliPoint) are available for the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista. The Fingerprint Reader software is available for the 32-bit edition of Windows Vista.
Download: Microsoft IntelliPoint and IntelliType Pro 7.0
With IntelliPoint software, you can customize the unique features of your Microsoft mouse to fit your needs. Each mouse button including the wheel button can be reassigned to perform a command or keyboard shortcut such as Print, Close, or an application-specific function. You can also modify mouse settings, such as pointer speed and horizontal scrolling.
IntelliPoint even offers biometrics support for advanced identity management. If you have a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard, you will need to have Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.
The mouse software (IntelliPoint) is also available for the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista.
Download: IntelliPoint 7.0 Mouse Software for Windows
Microsoft Security Essentials (Morro) works like traditional antivirus products in which client software monitors programs on a PC. When something changes on the computer, such as files being downloaded or copied or software trying to modify files, the system checks against a set of malware signatures in the client program to see if the code matches the signature for known malware. If so, it blocks it from getting downloaded.
If no signature match is found, the system will ping the server-based Dynamic Signature Service to see if any new signatures are available and, if so, it removes the malware. If it appears to be new malware, the Dynamic Signature Service may request a sample of the code in order to create a new signature.
The service updates its anti-malware database constantly and publishes new antivirus signatures to Microsoft Update three times a day.
Runs on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Note: This beta is available only to customers in the United States, Israel (English only), People’s Republic of China (Simplified Chinese only) and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese only).
Download: Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.1407.00 Beta
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom – and helps remove any infection found. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.
This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product.
System Requirements
· Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP
Download: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 2.11
Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 makes it easier than ever to create great video games for Windows-based PCs, Xbox 360 consoles (with an active premium XNA Creators Club subscription), and Zune digital media players.
XNA Game Studio 3.1 enables hobbyists, academics, and independent game developers to easily create video games for Windows, Xbox 360, and the Zune digital media player by using optimized cross-platform gaming libraries based on the .NET Framework in the C# programming language.
This release is incremental to XNA Game Studio 3.0 and contains many new features, including avatars, Xbox LIVE Party support, and video as well as enhancements to existing features.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 3
Hardware requirements are identical to those for Visual Studio 2008, plus a graphics card that supports DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 1.1 (Shader Model 2.0 is recommended and required for some Starter Kits). Zune development requires the Zune 3.0 firmware.
Download: Microsoft XNA Game Studio 2.0 | Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1
The XNA Framework Redistributable download provides game developers with the XNA Framework run-time libraries they can include with their product for redistribution on Windows XP and Windows Vista.
The XNA Framework Redistributable provides the necessary runtime components to execute a game on Windows that was developed using Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1. This release contains improved functionality along with new features. Installation of this runtime is not necessary on systems that already have Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 installed.
The End User License Agreement (EULA) for Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 covers the terms under which developers may use the Redistributable.
Download: Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable 2.0 | Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable 3.1
The Microsoft .NET Framework 4 provides the following new features and improvements:
• The .NET Framework 4 works side by side with the Framework version 3.5 SP1. Applications that are based on earlier versions of the Framework will continue to run on that version. Just a subset of functionality is shared by all versions of the Framework.
• Innovations in the Visual Basic and C# languages, for example statement lambdas, implicit line continuations, dynamic dispatch, and named/optional parameters.
• The ADO.NET Entity Framework, which simplifies how developers program against relational databases by raising the level of abstraction, has many new features. These includes persistence ignorance and POCO support, lazy loading, test-driven development support, functions in model, and new LINQ operators.
• Enhancements to ASP.NET:
· New JavaScript UI Templates and databinding capabilities for AJAX.
· New ASP.NET chart control.
• Improvements in WPF:
· Added support in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for Windows 7 multi-touch, ribbon controls, and taskbar extensibility features.
· Added support in WPF for Surface 2.0 SDK.
· New line-of-business controls including charting control, smart edit, data grid, and others that improve the experience for developers who build data centric applications.
· Improvements in performance and scalability.
· Visual improvements in text clarity, layout pixel snapping, localization, and interoperability.
• Improvements to Windows Workflow (WF) that let developers to better host and interact with workflows. These include an improved activity programming model, an improved designer experience, a new flowchart modeling style, an expanded activity palette, workflow-rules integration, and new message correlation features. The .NET Framework also offers significant performance gains for WF-based workflows.
• Improvements to Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) such as support for WCF Workflow Services enabling workflow programs with messaging activities, correlation support, durable two-way communication and rich hosting capabilities. Additionally, .NET Framework 4 provides new WCF features such as service discovery, router service, simplified configuration and a number of improvements to queuing, REST support, diagnostics, and performance.
• Innovative new parallel programming features such as parallel loop support, Task Parallel Library (TPL), Parallel LINQ (PLINQ), and coordination data structures which let developers harness the power of multi-core processors.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows XP
More details:
· Windows XP SP3
· Windows Server 2003 SP2
· Windows Vista SP1 or later
· Windows Server 2008 or later (not supported in Server Core Role)
· Windows 7 RC
· Windows Server 2008 R2 RC (not supported in Server Core Role)
Architecture:
· x86
· x64
· ia64 (some features are supported in ia64 for example, WPF)
Download: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Beta 1
Microsoft My Phone syncs information between your mobile phone and the web, enabling you to:
• Back up and restore your phone’s information to a password-protected web site
• Access and update your contacts and appointments through your web account
• Share photos on your phone with family and friends
Install Microsoft My Phone on your phone.
After you install My Phone and synchronize, you can view information from your phone – such as contacts, calendar appointments, music, photos, and videos – on your My Phone page.
Microsoft code name “Geneva” is an open platform for simplified user access based on claims. This release consists of three components:
· Geneva Framework for .NET developers,
· Geneva Server for IT Pros, and
· Windows CardSpace Geneva for users.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista
“Geneva” Server
Windows Server 2008
Internet Information Services (IIS) 7
.NET Framework 3.5
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition or SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition or
SQL Server 2008 Express Edition or SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition
“Geneva” Framework
Microsoft® Windows Vista SP1 or Microsoft® Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Microsoft® Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0
Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5
Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008
CardSpace “Geneva”
Microsoft® Windows Vista SP1 or
Microsoft® Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit) or
Microsoft® Windows 7
Download: Microsoft Code Name Geneva Beta 2
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 will be the next version of the Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. Building on the features and capabilities of the current Windows Server 2008 release version, Windows Server 2008 R2 allows you to create solutions organization that are easier to plan, deploy, and manage than previous versions of Windows Server.
Developing upon the increased security, reliability, and performance provided by Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 extends connectivity and control to local and remote resources. This means your organizations can benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiencies gained through enhanced management and control over resources across the enterprise.
Windows Server 2008 R2 includes many improvements that make this release the most robust Windows Server application platform yet. These improvements comprise new features in IIS 7.0, as well as other areas of Windows Server 2008 R2, to help applications run faster while using fewer system resources. The improved features also combine to help reduce the effort to administer and support Windows Server–based applications as well as improve availability, reliability, and scalability.
Improvements to IIS and the Windows Web platform which are included in Windows Server 2008 R2 include: reduced effort to administer and support Web-based applications, enhanced security for Web-based applications, improved file-transfer services, the ability to extend the functionality and features for Web-based applications, and improved availability and performance for Web-based applications and services.
Download: Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate
Add realistic 3D capabilities to your online Live Search Maps.
Virtual Earth 3D brings you another step closer to knowing “what it is like out there”. You can search, browse, and organize local information viewed in three dimensions, just the way it exists in the real world. This enables you to more effectively find the data that is relevant to you, making Live Maps more useful than ever. Even better — it’s just plain fun!
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Vista; Windows XP
Download: Microsoft Virtual Earth 3D 4.0 Beta
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 provides a simplified, reliable, and optimized virtualization solution, enabling improved server utilization and reduced costs. Since Hyper-V Server is a dedicated stand-alone product, which contains only the Windows Hypervisor, Windows Server driver model and virtualization components, it provides a small footprint and minimal overhead. It easily plugs into customers’ existing IT environments, leveraging their existing patching, provisioning, management, support tools, processes, and skills.
IT Pros can easily to leverage their existing knowledge and skills with Microsoft virtualization products, as well as the collective knowledge of the community, minimizing any learning curve. In addition, with Microsoft providing comprehensive support for Microsoft applications and heterogeneous guest operating systems, customers can virtualize with confidence and peace of mind.
Download: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 RC
Download: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Windows 7 is the next version of the Windows Client operating system. Designed based on your feedback, it will make everyday tasks faster and easier, make your PC work the way you want it to, and make new things possible.
Windows 7 is faster, more reliable, and makes it easier to do what you want. Both the everyday things and the killer “is that really possible?” things.
Here’s what you need to have:
· Internet access (to download Windows 7 RC and get updates)
· A PC with these system requirements:
· 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
· 1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
· 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
· DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use.
Download: Windows 7 Release Candidate | Mirror
The Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1: RC provides the documentation, samples, header files, libraries, and tools (including C++ compilers) that you need to develop applications to run on Windows 7 RC and the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. To build and run .NET Framework applications, you must have the corresponding version of the .NET Framework installed. This SDK is compatible with Visual Studio® 2008, including Visual Studio Express Editions, which are available free of charge.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7
Windows 7 RC; Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows XP Hard disk space – choose a disk drive with a minimum of 2.5 GB of free space. We highly recommend that you have your machine fully patched through Microsoft Update before beginning setup. The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 tools and samples contained in this SDK require installation of the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 which is available with Visual Studio 2008 or a standalone install of the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.
Download: Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1: RC (ISO)
Download: Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1: Beta
The 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides customers with the latest updates to the 2007 Office suite (the products that are affected by this update are listed below). This download includes two types of fixes:
• Previously unreleased fixes that were made specifically for this service pack.
• In addition to general product fixes, this includes improvements in stability, performance, and security.
• You can find out more information in Knowledge Base Article 953195, where product-specific changes are described.
• All of the Public Updates, Security Updates, Cumulative Updates, and Hotfixes released through February 2009.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 3
Service Pack 2 will update the following:
Microsoft® Office Basic 2007
Microsoft® Office Enterprise 2007
Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007
Microsoft® Office Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Professional Plus 2007
Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007
Microsoft® Office Small Business Management 2007
Microsoft® Office Standard 2007
Microsoft® Office Ultimate 2007
Microsoft® Office Access® 2007
Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007
Microsoft® Office InfoPath® 2007
Microsoft® Office Outlook® 2007
Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® 2007
Microsoft® Office Publisher® 2007
Microsoft® Office Word 2007
Microsoft® Office OneNote® 2007
Microsoft® Office Groove® 2007
Download: The 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2 (SP2)
An integrated security system that is easier to manage and control
Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” is an integrated security system that delivers comprehensive, coordinated protection across endpoints, messaging and collaboration servers and the network edge that is easier to manage and control.
By delivering simplified management and providing critical visibility into threats, vulnerabilities, and configuration risks, Forefront codename “Stirling” helps reduce costs and achieve greater insight into the enterprise security state.
System Requirements
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2
Download: Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” Beta 2
Network Monitor (more commonly known as NetMon) is a protocol analyzer.
It allows you to capture network traffic, view and analyze it.
Supported Operating Systems:
• Windows 7; Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2003 Itanium-based editions; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition; Windows XP; Windows XP 64-bit
Download: Microsoft Network Monitor 3.3
First there was the snapshot, and then came video. Now there is Photosynth, a new service available at photosynth.com that will change the way you experience and share photos.
You can share or relive a vacation destination or explore a distant museum or landmark. With a nothing more than digital camera and some inspiration, you can use Photosynth to transform regular digital photos into a three-dimensional, 360-degree experience. Anybody who sees your synth is put right in your shoes, sharing in your experience, with detail, clarity and scope impossible to achieve in conventional photos or videos.
Synths constitute an entirely new visual medium. Photosynth analyzes each photo for similarities to the others, and uses that data to build a model of where the photos were taken. It then re-creates the environment and uses that as a canvas on which to display the photos.
Operating System: Only Windows XP (SP2 or SP3) and Windows Vista are supported at this time. Running Windows on a Mac? Photosynth runs under Boot Camp only. Parallels and other VM software cannot run the viewer.
Download: Microsoft Photosynth 2.0109.0415.1554
