Microsoft delivered the first update to Internet Explorer 7 in approximately a year since the version of the browser was initially made available for Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003. Along with some minor tweaks to the graphical user interface and a revamped first-run experience and overview, on top of a redesigned online tour and updated how-tos, the new version of Internet Explorer 7 brings a major modification to the table. Both the download and the installation of IE7 build 7.0.5730.13 are no longer connected in any way to the Windows Genuine Advantage mechanism.

Prior to the update, users that wanted to access IE7 from Windows XP had to go through two stages of WGA validation. Once their operating system was labeled as genuine beyond any doubt, the users could enjoy Internet Explorer 7. And because IE7 is essentially designed as a replacement of IE6, Windows XP users had to go through the hassles of the WGA mechanism every time they wanted to deploy and install the browser, even though their operating system had already been validated and re-validated as genuine. (more…)

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The default installation of Windows Vista weighs in at approximately 8 GB. In fact, Microsoft’s latest operating system won’t even install with less than 15 GB of space available on the hard drive. This is valid for both the low-end and the high-end editions of the platform. A full Vista installation will take up no less than 40 times more hard disk space compared to Windows 95’s 200 MB and five times more than Windows XP’s 1.5 GB. Part of the reason why Vista hugs so much hard disk real estate space is the fact that the operating system brings to the table a plethora of built-in administrative tools that ship by default with the platform.

In this context, the term hidden, is not entirely accurate. Advanced users and system administrators have no problems tracking down and using the administrative tools in Vista. But at the same time, an average user could pass right by them, just because of their low footprint in the operating system’s fabric, as they simply have a way to go by virtually undocumented and unnoticed. But this does not mean that the tools are not there, it just requires a bit of digging under the surface. And you will be surprised of how many long-time Windows users have failed to take a deeper look under the hood of the operating system, even if it would make their life so much easier. (more…)

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What if you were downloading something late night, but you are feeling sleepy? Most probably, you’ll leave your PC turned on all night and spend more on your power bill. Fortunately, Firefox has a nifty add-on which automatically turns off your PC when you finish downloading, saving both power bill and environment.

The extension adds a checkbox to the download manger and an icon to the status bar. Clicking on the icon or checkbox will turn the auto turn off feature. It doesn’t turn off as soon as all downloads are completed, but instead it has a one minute countdown. However, some dialogues and windows which prompt unsaved document might prevent your PC from turning off. (more…)

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