In the past, users had to purchase a CD to update Windows. However, with the new generation operating system, Microsoft has introduced an additional option called Windows Anytime Upgrade – an online upgrade mechanism.
“If you want to use the additional features of the operating system, you will need to upgrade to a new version. At that point, you can either purchase a CD from retail stores or use the Windows Anytime Upgrade system to buy the update online, then combine it with the Windows installation package to complete the process,” Microsoft explained. This is one of the latest efforts by the software giant to encourage customers to install their premium operating system.
Last week, Microsoft confirmed that Windows Vista will be launched with six main editions. This announcement has left many IT professionals “scratching their heads.” Six editions mean a significant workload for network administrators. “Microsoft’s policy makes me want to switch to Linux,” said Paul Lindo, Communications Director of the consulting firm FB2 (USA). “This could be a great opportunity for Novell Linux Desktop to advance.”
Also last week, Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s Chief Technical Officer, mentioned the Live Clipboard technology, which allows users to copy data online from one website to another, similar to how it works on desktop applications.
This new technology builds on the existing clipboard feature, enabling people to share and move information in a structured manner, such as profiles, RSS feeds, schedules, and more, with ease. It operates similarly to how users copy and paste text between applications on their computers.
Live Clipboard is compatible with multiple XML formats; for example, it can transfer a blogger’s profile from MSN Spaces to a third-party website like Facebook.com. Not only does it “paste” this information into Facebook, but Live Clipboard will also automatically update data about that blogger in real-time.
T.N.
