More details on Microsoft’s next major version of Windows, codenamed Threshold, have come our way today. With an expected release date of September 30th for the technical preview, Microsoft is quickly putting together some final pieces before they release the OS for testing by those outside the walls of Microsoft.
One feature that many suspected would be coming to the OS, seeing that it is now on Windows Phone, is a notification center. In fact, that feature is indeed coming to Windows Threshold and we have some details to share with you.
In the later builds of Threshold, a new notification center is now present that works exactly like you would expect; a central area of the OS that highlights notifications.
The current functionality has the notification center launching from the system tray and much like Windows Phone, notifications are sorted by the app that triggers the event. There is also a button that allows you to quickly clear all of your notifications or you can remove them one by one.
The notification center, unlike Windows Phone, does not take over the entire screen but lives in a small window in the bottom right corner of the desktop. The size of the window right now is fixed and if you have a long list of notifications, you can scroll up and down; the current background of the window is white and has a very clean look to it.
The current iteration is quite basic and doesn’t offer any advanced functionality like Windows Phone where there are shortcuts to feature settings. More features will likely be added as the feature matures but right now, it is quite basic.
That about sums it up for the notification feature for Threshold but when you bundle this one in with all of the other updates that will be included, this is a very significant update for Windows and one that consumers will likely adore.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-thre ... ion-center
Old Posted News
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Whatacrock
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Windows Update Fails with Error 80246002 on Windows 7
Windows Update Fails with Error 80246002 on Windows 7
We’re very close to getting another set of updates as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday rollout, but the bulletins that Microsoft shipped in August 2014 are still giving headaches to lots of Windows 7 users out there.
Many have reported that, when trying to download and install August patches via Windows Update, the process fails with error code 80246002, no matter if they reboot the systems and reset network connections.
The error was first reported in late August, but some are still seeing it, as Microsoft is yet to provide a workaround and explain what goes wrong with Windows Update.
What causes it?
Here’s the message posted by a user who was running Windows 7 Ultimate:
“I manually ran Windows Update and starting today it fails and provides an error ‘Code 80246002’ I have seen (in here) recommendations to check for prior failed updates to resolve this... I have no prior failed updates. I've run both the Windows Update 'fixit' and 'WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab'. The fixit says it fixed several items, but failed to fix what it calls a windows update error, with this error code: 0x80070490.”
It appears that it’s all being caused by DNS settings, so there are two simple ways that could help you fix the problems right now without the need for a fix coming from Microsoft.
How to fix it
The first thing you should try is launching a Command Prompt window with administrator privileges and run the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
Wait for a few moments and then try to update the computer once more time. A reboot could also help in case you’re not seeing any differences.
If this doesn’t work, changing DNS settings is basically your only left option. Google’s public DNS comes in handy this time and simply configure network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as your DNS servers to solve all problems.
This change does not require too advanced computer skills, as you need to access your network adapter’s settings, go to “Properties,” click on the “Networking” tab and double-click the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option. Click “Advanced” and select the DNS tab. Enable the “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input the following for IPv4:
8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
For IPv6, you need to use the following:
2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844
Restart the connection or reboot the computer and that should be it.
In some cases, it appears that these two tricks do not make any difference, but after this point, it’s only up to Microsoft to come up with a fix and lend its users a hand.
With a new Patch Tuesday rollout quickly approaching, it’s very clear that Microsoft needs to act quickly to help those whose computers cannot be updated, so a fix could be released anytime soon.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows- ... 7867.shtml
We’re very close to getting another set of updates as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday rollout, but the bulletins that Microsoft shipped in August 2014 are still giving headaches to lots of Windows 7 users out there.
Many have reported that, when trying to download and install August patches via Windows Update, the process fails with error code 80246002, no matter if they reboot the systems and reset network connections.
The error was first reported in late August, but some are still seeing it, as Microsoft is yet to provide a workaround and explain what goes wrong with Windows Update.
What causes it?
Here’s the message posted by a user who was running Windows 7 Ultimate:
“I manually ran Windows Update and starting today it fails and provides an error ‘Code 80246002’ I have seen (in here) recommendations to check for prior failed updates to resolve this... I have no prior failed updates. I've run both the Windows Update 'fixit' and 'WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab'. The fixit says it fixed several items, but failed to fix what it calls a windows update error, with this error code: 0x80070490.”
It appears that it’s all being caused by DNS settings, so there are two simple ways that could help you fix the problems right now without the need for a fix coming from Microsoft.
How to fix it
The first thing you should try is launching a Command Prompt window with administrator privileges and run the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
Wait for a few moments and then try to update the computer once more time. A reboot could also help in case you’re not seeing any differences.
If this doesn’t work, changing DNS settings is basically your only left option. Google’s public DNS comes in handy this time and simply configure network settings to use the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as your DNS servers to solve all problems.
This change does not require too advanced computer skills, as you need to access your network adapter’s settings, go to “Properties,” click on the “Networking” tab and double-click the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option. Click “Advanced” and select the DNS tab. Enable the “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input the following for IPv4:
8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
For IPv6, you need to use the following:
2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844
Restart the connection or reboot the computer and that should be it.
In some cases, it appears that these two tricks do not make any difference, but after this point, it’s only up to Microsoft to come up with a fix and lend its users a hand.
With a new Patch Tuesday rollout quickly approaching, it’s very clear that Microsoft needs to act quickly to help those whose computers cannot be updated, so a fix could be released anytime soon.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows- ... 7867.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
[Fix] 0x800F0906 and 0x800F081F Error Messages While Install
You might be aware of the fact that Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems don't come with Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 installed. But there are many 3rd party software programs which require .NET Framework 3.5 in your system. In such cases you need to install the .NET Framework 3.5 version in Windows 8/8.1 manually.
There are 2 ways to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1:
Online Install
Offline Install
In Online Install method, you install .NET Framework 3.5 using Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off option. In this method, Windows first downloads the setup files of .NET Framework 3.5 from Internet and then installs it in your computer system.
In Offline Install method, you use a built-in command to install .NET Framework 3.5 directly using Windows setup disc without requiring Internet connection. You can also use Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer to automatically install .NET Framework 3.5 offline in Windows 8/8.1.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
Recently we have received many comments and emails from our readers regarding a few error messages while installing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1. Whenever users try to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1, they receive following error messages:
Error: 0x800F081F
The source files could not be found.
OR
Error: 0x800F0906
The source files could not be downloaded.
OR
Windows couldn't connect to the Internet to download necessary files. Make sure that you're connected to the Internet and click "Retry" to try again.
It doesn't matter whether they try online method or offline method, the same error messages and codes are shown by Windows.
PROBLEM REASON:
Actually these error messages are coming due to following 2 updates recently released by Microsoft for .NET Framework 3.5:
KB2966826
KB2966828
Above mentioned updates are security updates for .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. Both of these updates are applied via Windows Update regardless of whether you have .NET Framework 3.5 enabled or not. If these updates are installed in your system and you try to install .NET Framework 3.5, you'll receive 0x800F0906 and 0x800F081F error messages.
PROBLEM SOLUTION:
To fix this problem, you just need to uninstall both of these security updates from your system and then install .NET Framework 3.5. After successfully installing Framework version, you can reinstall the security updates without any problem.
So if you are also facing this problem, just follow these simple steps to fix the issue:
1. Open Control Panel, click on Programs and Features icon and then click on View installed updates link present in the left sidebar.
2. Now scroll down a little and look for following 2 updates:
KB2966826
KB2966828
3. Once you find the updates, right-click on each update and select Uninstall option. Alternatively, you can double-click on the updates to directly uninstall them or click on Uninstall button present in the toolbar.
Fix_Error_Message_NET_Framework_Installation_Windows_8.png
4. After uninstalling the updates, try to install .NET Framework 3.5 again using any method and this time it should install without any problem.
After installing NET Framework 3.5, you can reinstall the security updates using Windows Update.
http://www.askvg.com/fix-0x800f0906-and ... windows-8/
There are 2 ways to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1:
Online Install
Offline Install
In Online Install method, you install .NET Framework 3.5 using Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off option. In this method, Windows first downloads the setup files of .NET Framework 3.5 from Internet and then installs it in your computer system.
In Offline Install method, you use a built-in command to install .NET Framework 3.5 directly using Windows setup disc without requiring Internet connection. You can also use Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Offline Installer to automatically install .NET Framework 3.5 offline in Windows 8/8.1.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
Recently we have received many comments and emails from our readers regarding a few error messages while installing .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1. Whenever users try to install .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8/8.1, they receive following error messages:
Error: 0x800F081F
The source files could not be found.
OR
Error: 0x800F0906
The source files could not be downloaded.
OR
Windows couldn't connect to the Internet to download necessary files. Make sure that you're connected to the Internet and click "Retry" to try again.
It doesn't matter whether they try online method or offline method, the same error messages and codes are shown by Windows.
PROBLEM REASON:
Actually these error messages are coming due to following 2 updates recently released by Microsoft for .NET Framework 3.5:
KB2966826
KB2966828
Above mentioned updates are security updates for .NET Framework 3.5 in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. Both of these updates are applied via Windows Update regardless of whether you have .NET Framework 3.5 enabled or not. If these updates are installed in your system and you try to install .NET Framework 3.5, you'll receive 0x800F0906 and 0x800F081F error messages.
PROBLEM SOLUTION:
To fix this problem, you just need to uninstall both of these security updates from your system and then install .NET Framework 3.5. After successfully installing Framework version, you can reinstall the security updates without any problem.
So if you are also facing this problem, just follow these simple steps to fix the issue:
1. Open Control Panel, click on Programs and Features icon and then click on View installed updates link present in the left sidebar.
2. Now scroll down a little and look for following 2 updates:
KB2966826
KB2966828
3. Once you find the updates, right-click on each update and select Uninstall option. Alternatively, you can double-click on the updates to directly uninstall them or click on Uninstall button present in the toolbar.
Fix_Error_Message_NET_Framework_Installation_Windows_8.png
4. After uninstalling the updates, try to install .NET Framework 3.5 again using any method and this time it should install without any problem.
After installing NET Framework 3.5, you can reinstall the security updates using Windows Update.
http://www.askvg.com/fix-0x800f0906-and ... windows-8/
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Whatacrock
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Windows 9 to Put an End to “Big Mammoth Updates”
Windows 9 to Put an End to “Big Mammoth Updates”
Windows 9 is definitely going to bring quite a lot of changes to users worldwide, but one of the biggest modifications that Microsoft is expected to make to its operating system is a different approach in terms of updates and new features delivered to computers running it.
Basically, Windows 9 might be the very latest Microsoft operating system using the numbering scheme for its name, so instead of rolling out new stand-alone versions of the product every once in a while, Redmond might just improve a single one with regular updates.
Windows 9 could thus become the latest stand-alone release for the Windows lineup, with people close to the matter indicating that the company could roll it as just “Windows.” Internally, however, Microsoft is expected to continue using the same numbering system in order to better keep track of releases.
Windows 9 to borrow the update system from Office 365
The idea is indeed really helpful for users who do not have to wait for new releases every once in a while, and as far as analysts are concerned, the new update mechanism could be very close to what we’re seeing in Office 365 these days.
Gartner analyst Stephen Kleynhans believes that future Windows builds could get new features whenever they’re ready, just like it’s happening with Office 365.
“I think what they’re working toward is something more like what you see in Office 365. Office 365 doesn’t get ‘updates’ in the same way [as the traditional operating system updates]. It gets a stream of updates that enter the product when it’s ready,” Kleynhans explained.
No large updates after Windows 9
Probably the best thing about such updates for Windows 9 is the fact that users won’t have to wait for a couple of years to get new features. In some of the cases where users were provided with large OS updates, installation caused several issues, few of which actually led to critical errors and BSODs.
“I’m not sure they can get into that continual trickle updates for an operating system and I’m not even sure that’s appropriate. But I think the trajectory of what they're doing is to move toward a more regular pace of updates so we’re not faced with these big mammoth updates that tear our world apart every few years,” the analyst added.
There’s no doubt that Windows 9 is going to bring quite a lot of changes in terms of features and updates for users, but Microsoft does not afford to break this system down. Windows 9 is supposed to help regain users’ lost trust, so bringing them features that really work as expected should really be a priority for the company.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows- ... 8033.shtml
Windows 9 is definitely going to bring quite a lot of changes to users worldwide, but one of the biggest modifications that Microsoft is expected to make to its operating system is a different approach in terms of updates and new features delivered to computers running it.
Basically, Windows 9 might be the very latest Microsoft operating system using the numbering scheme for its name, so instead of rolling out new stand-alone versions of the product every once in a while, Redmond might just improve a single one with regular updates.
Windows 9 could thus become the latest stand-alone release for the Windows lineup, with people close to the matter indicating that the company could roll it as just “Windows.” Internally, however, Microsoft is expected to continue using the same numbering system in order to better keep track of releases.
Windows 9 to borrow the update system from Office 365
The idea is indeed really helpful for users who do not have to wait for new releases every once in a while, and as far as analysts are concerned, the new update mechanism could be very close to what we’re seeing in Office 365 these days.
Gartner analyst Stephen Kleynhans believes that future Windows builds could get new features whenever they’re ready, just like it’s happening with Office 365.
“I think what they’re working toward is something more like what you see in Office 365. Office 365 doesn’t get ‘updates’ in the same way [as the traditional operating system updates]. It gets a stream of updates that enter the product when it’s ready,” Kleynhans explained.
No large updates after Windows 9
Probably the best thing about such updates for Windows 9 is the fact that users won’t have to wait for a couple of years to get new features. In some of the cases where users were provided with large OS updates, installation caused several issues, few of which actually led to critical errors and BSODs.
“I’m not sure they can get into that continual trickle updates for an operating system and I’m not even sure that’s appropriate. But I think the trajectory of what they're doing is to move toward a more regular pace of updates so we’re not faced with these big mammoth updates that tear our world apart every few years,” the analyst added.
There’s no doubt that Windows 9 is going to bring quite a lot of changes in terms of features and updates for users, but Microsoft does not afford to break this system down. Windows 9 is supposed to help regain users’ lost trust, so bringing them features that really work as expected should really be a priority for the company.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows- ... 8033.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
- Release Maintainer
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- Contact:
Microsoft Releases Patch Tuesday Updates
Microsoft Releases Patch Tuesday Updates to Fix 42 Security Flaws
Even though all eyes have been on Apple’s iPhone 6 launch in the last 24 hours, something very important also happened for Microsoft users, as the company started to roll out this month’s security updates for customers running software such as Windows and Internet Explorer.
The company thus attempted to address a total of 42 common vulnerabilities and exposures in Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, and Lync Server, which means that all those running these applications on their PCs should deploy the updates as fast as possible.
As usual, patches are being delivered via Windows Update, so you have nothing more to do than to keep your computer connected to the Internet and wait for everything to be downloaded and installed.
Microsoft’s rollout included a total of 4 different bulletins, one of which was rated as critical and was developed to address security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer.
A little bit of something for everyone
Internet Explorer received the only critical update this month, as Microsoft attempted to repair one publicly disclosed and thirty-six privately reported vulnerabilities in the browser.
The company says that these flaws could allow an attacker to get the same privileges as the logged-in user with the help of a malicious website hosting malware designed to exploit the vulnerabilities.
“The most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the current user. Customers whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights,” the company explains.
This patch is aimed at absolutely all Internet Explorer versions on the market, including Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6), Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7), Internet Explorer 8 (IE 8), Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9), Internet Explorer 10 (IE 10), and Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11).
No reports on botched updates so far
As you might know from our previous coverage on Patch Tuesday, Microsoft’s updates often caused trouble to users because they broke down essential Windows files, which in the end led to errors or BSODs on a large number of computers.
This time, however, there’s no report regarding a possible botched update, but keep in mind that this month’s Patch Tuesday fixes are only now being delivered to computers across the world.
As usual, it’s better to create a backup or a system restore point before anything else to make sure that your computer is perfectly fine, but we’ll keep you up to date with any problems that users might encounter after installing this month’s updates as well.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsof ... 8295.shtml
Even though all eyes have been on Apple’s iPhone 6 launch in the last 24 hours, something very important also happened for Microsoft users, as the company started to roll out this month’s security updates for customers running software such as Windows and Internet Explorer.
The company thus attempted to address a total of 42 common vulnerabilities and exposures in Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, and Lync Server, which means that all those running these applications on their PCs should deploy the updates as fast as possible.
As usual, patches are being delivered via Windows Update, so you have nothing more to do than to keep your computer connected to the Internet and wait for everything to be downloaded and installed.
Microsoft’s rollout included a total of 4 different bulletins, one of which was rated as critical and was developed to address security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer.
A little bit of something for everyone
Internet Explorer received the only critical update this month, as Microsoft attempted to repair one publicly disclosed and thirty-six privately reported vulnerabilities in the browser.
The company says that these flaws could allow an attacker to get the same privileges as the logged-in user with the help of a malicious website hosting malware designed to exploit the vulnerabilities.
“The most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the current user. Customers whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights,” the company explains.
This patch is aimed at absolutely all Internet Explorer versions on the market, including Internet Explorer 6 (IE 6), Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7), Internet Explorer 8 (IE 8), Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9), Internet Explorer 10 (IE 10), and Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11).
No reports on botched updates so far
As you might know from our previous coverage on Patch Tuesday, Microsoft’s updates often caused trouble to users because they broke down essential Windows files, which in the end led to errors or BSODs on a large number of computers.
This time, however, there’s no report regarding a possible botched update, but keep in mind that this month’s Patch Tuesday fixes are only now being delivered to computers across the world.
As usual, it’s better to create a backup or a system restore point before anything else to make sure that your computer is perfectly fine, but we’ll keep you up to date with any problems that users might encounter after installing this month’s updates as well.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsof ... 8295.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
- Release Maintainer
- Posts: 1967
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:47 am
- Location: Australia
- Contact:
Users Should Start Preparing for Windows Server 2003
Users Should Start Preparing for Windows Server 2003’s Deadline, Experts Warn
Windows Server 2003 will officially go dark on July 14, 2015, and Microsoft is preparing for another Windows XP moment, as most of the companies running it might actually delay the transition to a newer platform more than recommended.
That’s why experts across the world have already started recommending customers to step away from Windows Server 2003, explaining that the transition to a newer platform usually takes more than 200 days.
"Many companies are unaware of the workload, let alone the deadline," reseller ITC Infotech was quoted as saying by ChannelWeb. "Once support ends next year, there will be no further patches or security updates, exposing companies to major security and compliance issues."
Obviously, expect Microsoft itself to step up its game and start issuing upgrade warnings in order to make more users aware that Windows Server 2003 support is coming to an end.
"The end of Windows 2003 is a great opportunity for enterprises looking at optimising and driving efficiencies. They should see it as the chance to tighten the slack that has crept in over the years, and end sunset services and applications that are no longer required," the reseller added.
Windows Server 2003 is the Windows XP of server platforms, and it’s currently one of the top software solutions in its own category. Of course, Microsoft again hopes that everyone will switch to Windows Server 2012, but it remains to be seen how many are actually willing to upgrade their hardware configurations and invest in a totally new platform.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Users-Sh ... 8410.shtml
Please Note: Windows XP x64, which is based on Windows Server 2003 codebase, will go dark also
Windows Server 2003 will officially go dark on July 14, 2015, and Microsoft is preparing for another Windows XP moment, as most of the companies running it might actually delay the transition to a newer platform more than recommended.
That’s why experts across the world have already started recommending customers to step away from Windows Server 2003, explaining that the transition to a newer platform usually takes more than 200 days.
"Many companies are unaware of the workload, let alone the deadline," reseller ITC Infotech was quoted as saying by ChannelWeb. "Once support ends next year, there will be no further patches or security updates, exposing companies to major security and compliance issues."
Obviously, expect Microsoft itself to step up its game and start issuing upgrade warnings in order to make more users aware that Windows Server 2003 support is coming to an end.
"The end of Windows 2003 is a great opportunity for enterprises looking at optimising and driving efficiencies. They should see it as the chance to tighten the slack that has crept in over the years, and end sunset services and applications that are no longer required," the reseller added.
Windows Server 2003 is the Windows XP of server platforms, and it’s currently one of the top software solutions in its own category. Of course, Microsoft again hopes that everyone will switch to Windows Server 2012, but it remains to be seen how many are actually willing to upgrade their hardware configurations and invest in a totally new platform.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Users-Sh ... 8410.shtml
Please Note: Windows XP x64, which is based on Windows Server 2003 codebase, will go dark also
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
- Release Maintainer
- Posts: 1967
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:47 am
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- Contact:
Internet Explorer 12 to Feature New Flat Look, Extensions –
Internet Explorer 12 to Feature New Flat Look, Extensions – Report
Microsoft was very close to renaming Internet Explorer to fight the negative perception, but even though this decision hasn’t received the board’s approval, the company still wants to make users love its browser more in one way or another.
Internet Explorer 12 is thus expected to bring quite a lot of improvements, and according to a new report, the browser could become a really powerful rival for Firefox and Chrome.
Neowin writes, via unconfirmed sources, that Internet Explorer 12 could debut in Windows 9, which is expected to see daylight in April 2015. At this point, it’s not yet clear whether a preview version of the browser could be part of the testing build of Windows 9 due this month, but some leaked screenshots that reached the web today suggest that this is very unlikely.
Microsoft, however, is already working on a new version of Internet Explorer, and the team focusing on the project has confirmed in a recent AMA session on Reddit that some big improvements are indeed on the table.
A completely new user interface
One of the most significant changes that will be part of the new Internet Explorer 12 is the refined interface, which will better get in line with Microsoft’s modern design cues.
The source writes that Internet Explorer will embrace a new flat appearance with rectangular tabs at the top of the screen.
This means that Microsoft is also likely to adjust the layout, as in Internet Explorer 11, the tab bar is by default placed at the right of the address bar. Users can indeed change this and place the tab bar below the address bar, but Microsoft apparently wants to do this on its own in the next version of the browser.
Internet Explorer 12 is thus expected to look a lot like Google Chrome, obviously with some visual tweaks in Microsoft’s style. Back, forward, and refresh buttons placed next to the address bar are also available.
Google Chrome-like extension support
In addition to visual improvements, Internet Explorer 12 could also receive support for extensions, thus getting even closer to rival Google Chrome.
At this point, Internet Explorer already supports add-ons and plug-ins, but their number is very small right now, so Microsoft is looking to change that with the next release of the browser. An Internet Explorer add-on store is also possible in order to provide users with a quick way to expand the functionality of the browser.
At this point, it’s not yet clear whether Microsoft could in the end pick a different name for Internet Explorer, but this scenario is not out of discussion completely.
Microsoft clearly needs to find a way to avoid criticism for Internet Explorer, so a revamped feature lineup with a fresh look and a new name could actually do the trick.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Internet ... 8573.shtml
Microsoft was very close to renaming Internet Explorer to fight the negative perception, but even though this decision hasn’t received the board’s approval, the company still wants to make users love its browser more in one way or another.
Internet Explorer 12 is thus expected to bring quite a lot of improvements, and according to a new report, the browser could become a really powerful rival for Firefox and Chrome.
Neowin writes, via unconfirmed sources, that Internet Explorer 12 could debut in Windows 9, which is expected to see daylight in April 2015. At this point, it’s not yet clear whether a preview version of the browser could be part of the testing build of Windows 9 due this month, but some leaked screenshots that reached the web today suggest that this is very unlikely.
Microsoft, however, is already working on a new version of Internet Explorer, and the team focusing on the project has confirmed in a recent AMA session on Reddit that some big improvements are indeed on the table.
A completely new user interface
One of the most significant changes that will be part of the new Internet Explorer 12 is the refined interface, which will better get in line with Microsoft’s modern design cues.
The source writes that Internet Explorer will embrace a new flat appearance with rectangular tabs at the top of the screen.
This means that Microsoft is also likely to adjust the layout, as in Internet Explorer 11, the tab bar is by default placed at the right of the address bar. Users can indeed change this and place the tab bar below the address bar, but Microsoft apparently wants to do this on its own in the next version of the browser.
Internet Explorer 12 is thus expected to look a lot like Google Chrome, obviously with some visual tweaks in Microsoft’s style. Back, forward, and refresh buttons placed next to the address bar are also available.
Google Chrome-like extension support
In addition to visual improvements, Internet Explorer 12 could also receive support for extensions, thus getting even closer to rival Google Chrome.
At this point, Internet Explorer already supports add-ons and plug-ins, but their number is very small right now, so Microsoft is looking to change that with the next release of the browser. An Internet Explorer add-on store is also possible in order to provide users with a quick way to expand the functionality of the browser.
At this point, it’s not yet clear whether Microsoft could in the end pick a different name for Internet Explorer, but this scenario is not out of discussion completely.
Microsoft clearly needs to find a way to avoid criticism for Internet Explorer, so a revamped feature lineup with a fresh look and a new name could actually do the trick.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Internet ... 8573.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
- Release Maintainer
- Posts: 1967
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- Location: Australia
- Contact:
Microsoft Removes Download Links of Another Botched Update
Microsoft Removes Download Links of Another Botched Update
Microsoft’s botched update saga continues, this time with a new bulletin that wasn’t shipped to users as a security update, but as a feature pack aimed at OneDrive for Business.
KB2889866 was launched on Microsoft’s Update Tuesday earlier this week, but many users reportedly received it on Wednesday, approximately one day after the rollout started.
Developed to fix syncing on new libraries, the update was actually causing more harm than good, so the company in the end decided to remove it completely from both Windows Update and its download center.
“We are investigating an issue that is affecting the September 2014 update for Microsoft OneDrive for Business. Therefore, we have removed the update from availability for now. We apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause,” the company said in a statement, explaining that a fix should be provided soon.
Problems confirmed by Microsoft
The botched update was causing two different problems to OneDrive for Business customers, and Microsoft has already confirmed them in a statement released today.
Here are all details provided by Microsoft after pulling the patch from Windows Update and the download center:
“Assume that you use OneDrive for Business to synchronize a library. When you try to synchronize another user's library by clicking the Sync to a new library button, you receive the following error message: We couldn't sync this library.”
“We couldn't set up this library for you because of a server or list configuration problem. If this keeps happening, please contact your administrator. Once this issue has been resolved you can try setup again.”
“Assume that you move the location of the Favorites (Links) folder to a network share. When you synchronize a new library by using OneDrive for Business, the OneDrive for Business link is not added to the network share, and the link does not appear in the Favorites list in the Windows Explorer navigation pane.”
What should you do?
Even though Microsoft removed the patch to stop it from reaching more computers, it’s not yet clear whether those who have already installed it should manually delete it or simply wait for a fix.
If you’re indeed experiencing issues due to this update, go over to Control Panel, click on “Programs,” and select the “View installed updates” option.
Search for the KB2889866 bulletin in the long list of installed update and hit uninstall. A reboot might be required to see any changes coming into effect. Your computer might get the same update after rebooting, so make sure you don’t install it once again.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsof ... 8642.shtml
Microsoft’s botched update saga continues, this time with a new bulletin that wasn’t shipped to users as a security update, but as a feature pack aimed at OneDrive for Business.
KB2889866 was launched on Microsoft’s Update Tuesday earlier this week, but many users reportedly received it on Wednesday, approximately one day after the rollout started.
Developed to fix syncing on new libraries, the update was actually causing more harm than good, so the company in the end decided to remove it completely from both Windows Update and its download center.
“We are investigating an issue that is affecting the September 2014 update for Microsoft OneDrive for Business. Therefore, we have removed the update from availability for now. We apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause,” the company said in a statement, explaining that a fix should be provided soon.
Problems confirmed by Microsoft
The botched update was causing two different problems to OneDrive for Business customers, and Microsoft has already confirmed them in a statement released today.
Here are all details provided by Microsoft after pulling the patch from Windows Update and the download center:
“Assume that you use OneDrive for Business to synchronize a library. When you try to synchronize another user's library by clicking the Sync to a new library button, you receive the following error message: We couldn't sync this library.”
“We couldn't set up this library for you because of a server or list configuration problem. If this keeps happening, please contact your administrator. Once this issue has been resolved you can try setup again.”
“Assume that you move the location of the Favorites (Links) folder to a network share. When you synchronize a new library by using OneDrive for Business, the OneDrive for Business link is not added to the network share, and the link does not appear in the Favorites list in the Windows Explorer navigation pane.”
What should you do?
Even though Microsoft removed the patch to stop it from reaching more computers, it’s not yet clear whether those who have already installed it should manually delete it or simply wait for a fix.
If you’re indeed experiencing issues due to this update, go over to Control Panel, click on “Programs,” and select the “View installed updates” option.
Search for the KB2889866 bulletin in the long list of installed update and hit uninstall. A reboot might be required to see any changes coming into effect. Your computer might get the same update after rebooting, so make sure you don’t install it once again.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsof ... 8642.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
Watch a video of Windows 9 in action -- See the new Start me
Want a proper look at the next version of Windows? WinFuture.de, the website behind the recent batch of leaked screenshots, has recorded a video showing Windows 9 Technical Preview (build 9834) in action.
The video focuses on the Start menu, and we get to see how well it all works. The tiled section on the right is unobtrusive, resizable, and disappears when not required. Microsoft has done a superb job of making a Start menu that functions as you’d expect, but which is modern and beautifully presented. The video also shows Modern UI apps running on the desktop, and more.
The top of the Start menu shows the user name and clicking on it will let you change your account picture, lock the computer or sign out. A power button to the right lets you put your PC to sleep, shut it down or restart. The menu uses a folder system so you can get quick access to things like individual system tools, which is great. Apps, which are accessed through an All Apps section, can be opened, uninstalled, or pinned to Start and/or the taskbar directly from the Start menu.
You can customize the tiled portion of the menu in the same way that you can customize the Start screen. Apps can be rearranged, unpinned from Start, pinned to the taskbar, uninstalled and resized.
The best thing about the menu is it resizes intelligently. So the more apps you add to Start the larger the tiled area becomes.
The video shows the Windows calculator app in use and it looks much better running windowed on the desktop (it doesn’t fill the screen), but a native desktop version still looks much better. But that's just my personal preference. Later on we see how easy it is to switch apps between full screen and windowed modes.
Interestingly, we also get a look at the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties screen in action and it turns out there’s an option there to use either the Start menu or the Start screen. So users will in fact be able to switch between the two UIs after all.
The Start screen itself looks the same as it does in Windows 8.1, although that might change in future builds.
Overall I think it looks great -- it’s exactly what I would have hoped to see. Screenshots are all well and good but they only tell part of the story. Watch the video below and let me know what you think in the comments.
http://betanews.com/2014/09/12/watch-a- ... nd-more-2/
The video focuses on the Start menu, and we get to see how well it all works. The tiled section on the right is unobtrusive, resizable, and disappears when not required. Microsoft has done a superb job of making a Start menu that functions as you’d expect, but which is modern and beautifully presented. The video also shows Modern UI apps running on the desktop, and more.
The top of the Start menu shows the user name and clicking on it will let you change your account picture, lock the computer or sign out. A power button to the right lets you put your PC to sleep, shut it down or restart. The menu uses a folder system so you can get quick access to things like individual system tools, which is great. Apps, which are accessed through an All Apps section, can be opened, uninstalled, or pinned to Start and/or the taskbar directly from the Start menu.
You can customize the tiled portion of the menu in the same way that you can customize the Start screen. Apps can be rearranged, unpinned from Start, pinned to the taskbar, uninstalled and resized.
The best thing about the menu is it resizes intelligently. So the more apps you add to Start the larger the tiled area becomes.
The video shows the Windows calculator app in use and it looks much better running windowed on the desktop (it doesn’t fill the screen), but a native desktop version still looks much better. But that's just my personal preference. Later on we see how easy it is to switch apps between full screen and windowed modes.
Interestingly, we also get a look at the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties screen in action and it turns out there’s an option there to use either the Start menu or the Start screen. So users will in fact be able to switch between the two UIs after all.
The Start screen itself looks the same as it does in Windows 8.1, although that might change in future builds.
Overall I think it looks great -- it’s exactly what I would have hoped to see. Screenshots are all well and good but they only tell part of the story. Watch the video below and let me know what you think in the comments.
http://betanews.com/2014/09/12/watch-a- ... nd-more-2/
Leaked Windows 9 Technical Preview screens show big changes
Microsoft is, according to several reliable sources, planning to announce its next operating system on September 30, with a developer preview arriving on the day or shortly after, and the finished OS expected to appear in spring next year.
We already have a good idea of what the next operating system will look like, and the changes we can expect to see (you can get up to speed on Windows 9 here) but new screens from build 9834, which was created just a couple of days ago, have surfaced on the web that reveal the new Start menu, Modern UI apps running on the desktop, notifications center, virtual desktops and more. Plus something interesting regarding the Start screen.
It appears that if you’re using the desktop, you won’t have access to the Start screen -- at all. Haters of the Modern UI will likely rejoice at this news, and if you’re using a keyboard and mouse and the new Start menu then you probably won’t miss the tiled UI, but some users will lament the fact that it’s being taken away in its entirety.
If you’re working in the desktop, the options to do anything with the Start screen will be totally grayed out in the Taskbar and Start Properties window.
We know that Windows 9 is being designed to adapt to the hardware it’s running on, but this gives us a better idea of how it will work -- traditional PCs will have the desktop and no Start screen, while tablets will have the Start screen and no desktop. (Quite how hybrids fit into this picture is anyone’s guess at the moment).
Update: A newly leaked video of Windows 9 in action shows an option to switch between Start menu and Start screen.
The screenshots also show virtual desktops in action, which is a long overdue feature I’m looking forward to.
Further details, and additional screens can be found on the WinFuture site.
What’s your view on how Windows 9 is shaping up? Excited for the new OS yet?
http://betanews.com/2014/09/11/leaked-w ... ges-ahead/
We already have a good idea of what the next operating system will look like, and the changes we can expect to see (you can get up to speed on Windows 9 here) but new screens from build 9834, which was created just a couple of days ago, have surfaced on the web that reveal the new Start menu, Modern UI apps running on the desktop, notifications center, virtual desktops and more. Plus something interesting regarding the Start screen.
It appears that if you’re using the desktop, you won’t have access to the Start screen -- at all. Haters of the Modern UI will likely rejoice at this news, and if you’re using a keyboard and mouse and the new Start menu then you probably won’t miss the tiled UI, but some users will lament the fact that it’s being taken away in its entirety.
If you’re working in the desktop, the options to do anything with the Start screen will be totally grayed out in the Taskbar and Start Properties window.
We know that Windows 9 is being designed to adapt to the hardware it’s running on, but this gives us a better idea of how it will work -- traditional PCs will have the desktop and no Start screen, while tablets will have the Start screen and no desktop. (Quite how hybrids fit into this picture is anyone’s guess at the moment).
Update: A newly leaked video of Windows 9 in action shows an option to switch between Start menu and Start screen.
The screenshots also show virtual desktops in action, which is a long overdue feature I’m looking forward to.
Further details, and additional screens can be found on the WinFuture site.
What’s your view on how Windows 9 is shaping up? Excited for the new OS yet?
http://betanews.com/2014/09/11/leaked-w ... ges-ahead/