Microsoft to Release IE10 Updates to Windows 7

Around half of all PC users run their machines on Windows 7. Hence, they are familiar with Microsoft’s web browser, the Internet Explorer. Microsoft had launched the Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) a few weeks back for their new generation operating system, Windows 8. Recently though, they decided to go ahead with giving Windows 7 users the chance to use the latest model of their browser. So, they released the IE10 for Windows 7. In light of this news, Microsoft is planning to release an IE10 update.

According to the company, they want IE10 to be their flagship browser from now on. Though same in design, feel and usability to the previous version, IE10 is definitely an improvement over it. Microsoft has decided to retire Internet Explorer 9 for good. Users who have been using IE9 regularly would be in for a surprise sometime soon when Microsoft decides to roll out the IE10 update. The browsers would be automatically updated and the users would get the new version.

However, users still have the option to continue using Internet Explorer 9. If you are used to the browser, you might not want to move on to an advanced version which would require you to spend some time learning how to use it. Microsoft is going to run a new Windows Update post which the IE10 would be installed in your PC. You have the option of preventing the update and thus keep using IE9 if you want to. It is advisable though that using IE10 is definitely the better option now.

The fact that Microsoft is rolling out IE10 through a Windows Update could be a great development for the browser. The other leading web browsers often receive tweaks and upgrades from time to time through updates. Now, Microsoft would be able to do the same for IE10. However, it would be too much to expect them to come up with regular changes to the browser. It is more likely that three or four updates in a year would be made. At present, it takes around two years for Microsoft to do so.

IE9 was definitely better than IE8 but it fell short of the mark expected by users. There are many features which have been introduced by the rival browsers like Chrome, Safari, Opera and Firefox which people have gotten used to. Their absence in IE9 meant that they had better alternatives to choose from which hurt the browser’s performance considerably. This would no longer be the case as IE10 is a definite improvement on all previous versions of the browser and in line with its rivals.

The decision by Microsoft to release an IE10 update virtually means it is the end of the role for IE9. It is quite likely that users are going to abandon the previous version of Internet Explorer and use the new one. Yet, the real battle is against the other browsers available to the Windows 7 users. Microsoft would have its hopes up given IE10’s upgraded design and features but whether or not it delivers on its promise is a different thing.

[Image via facebook/internetexplorer]

The post Microsoft to Release IE10 Updates to Windows 7 appeared first on TechBeat.

via TechBeat http://techbeat.com/2013/03/microsoft-to-release-ie10-updates-to-windows-7/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=microsoft-to-release-ie10-updates-to-windows-7

Xfire 1.155 Build 46139

Xfire is a free tool that automatically keeps track of when and where gamers are playing PC games online and lets their friends join them easily. It works regardless of game type, server browser, or gaming service that a player is using.

via FileHippo.com http://www.filehippo.com/download_xfire/ [[ We are also giving web service. Email:wasim.akh2@gmail.com]]

Microsoft teasers, tips and tidbits: 5 things to know now

Microsoft Continues With Hotfix Rollups for Windows 7

There have been incessant rumors that Microsoft has ceased producing Service Packs. It is widely believed that the Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, which was released half a decade back, is the only one for the previous generation of the Windows operating system. However, the company has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, which is adding fuel to the fire. Unless Microsoft makes an official statement, the rumors are going to grow and become more widespread.

Whatever the Windows’ watches and critics may believe, Microsoft is continuing to release Hotfix rollups for Windows 7 SP1. This has changed the perception of the industry insiders to a certain extent, making them comment that just because there aren’t new service packs being released doesn’t mean Microsoft wouldn’t provide an alternative. The Hotfix rollups perform virtually the same function, which is rectifying existing issues and errors on Windows 7 computers.

A recently released Hotfix rollup deals with no less than 90 different issues. According to the official statement, some of the issues have existed since the Service Pack was first released, back in 2008. The issues are present in the Windows Server 2008 R2 as well as the average Windows 7 devices. The users can thus use the Service Pack 1 in addition to the Hotfix rollups to deal with the problems they encounter while using their computers.

Given the fact that Windows 7 hasn’t suffered a dip in popularity even with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft has decided to ensure the existing Windows 7 users enjoy a better experience. Reports have shown that Windows 7 is a popular platform for PC users and Microsoft seems to have acknowledged that. The rollups will tune-up the performance of the computers and contain updated system files. The latest version of a majority of the system files was launched after SP1 was released.

This means that many of the issues which have existed since before the Service Pack 1 would now be taken care of. Users simply need to access the Microsoft Update Catalog to get the rollups and download them to their computers. The team which developed the rollups believes that the Hotfix rollups would help boot the computers quicker. However the same cannot be said for IT professionals as they would have to test all the 90 hotfixes included in the rollups to ensure they have been applied.

The official title for the rollups is the Slow Boot, Slow Login (SBSL) Hotfix rollup. Not only will the rollup improve the speed of the PCs but also make it more reliable and durable. Therefore, Windows 7 don’t need to think about getting a new computer any time in the near future. Improvements have been made to the offline folders and files, the Distributed File System Namespaces (DFSN) client and the SMB client. Also, Microsoft has enhanced the Group Policy on Windows 7 through this rollup.

There are many rumors regarding upcoming Microsoft products, including Windows Blue and the next generation operating system, the Windows 9.

[Image via hdwallpapers]

The post Microsoft Continues With Hotfix Rollups for Windows 7 appeared first on TechBeat.

via TechBeat http://techbeat.com/2013/03/microsoft-continues-with-hotfix-rollups-for-windows-7/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=microsoft-continues-with-hotfix-rollups-for-windows-7

Global Impact Awards’ hunt for U.K.’s most innovative social entrepreneurs starts today

From cracking the human genome to advancing medical research through computer games, British social entrepreneurs have a proud history of using technology to make the world a better place.



Last year, we launched the Global Impact Awards to support nonprofits using technology to tackle some of the world’s toughest problems. We gave $23 million to seven organizations working on projects ranging from aerial technology that protects wildlife to data algorithms that ensure more girls and minorities get placed in advanced math and science classes.



Today, as the next step in the Impact Awards, we’re kicking off our first Global Impact Challenge in the U.K., inviting British nonprofits to tell us how they would use technology to transform lives. Four nonprofits will each receive a £500,000 Global Impact Award, as well as Chromebooks and technical assistance from Googlers to help make their project a reality.



Applications open today, and registered British nonprofits are invited to apply online at g.co/impactchallenge. We’ll review applications and announce 10 finalists on May 22. At that point, people across the U.K. can learn more about the projects of the top 10 finalists, donate to the ones they like and cast a vote for fan favorite. On June 3, the top 10 finalists will pitch their concepts to a judging panel that includes us (Matt Brittin and Jacquelline Fuller), Sir Richard Branson, Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Jilly Forster. The three awardees and the fan favorite will be revealed at the event, which will take place at Google London.



Technology can help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges and we’re eager to back innovators who are finding new ways to make an impact. Today we’re starting the hunt in the U.K., but we also know that nonprofits all over the world are using techy approaches to develop new solutions in their sector. Who knows, the Global Impact Challenge might head your way next.



Posted by Jacquelline Fuller, director of Google Giving, and Matt Brittin, VP, sales and operations, Northern and Central Europe



via The Official Google Blog http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/global-impact-awards-hunt-for-uks-most.html

South Korean cyberattacks used hijacked patch management accounts

Blackstone proposes counterbid for Dell, reports say