Microsoft Talk

This update addresses issues with Media Center for Microsoft Vista.

This download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows. Click the Continue button in the Validation Required section above to begin the short validation process. Once validated, you will be returned to this page with specific instructions for obtaining the download.

Download Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista (KB941229)

Brief Description

Prima has you covered with guides for all your favorite Xbox® titles. The world’s leading publisher of official game guides and the exclusive guide publisher for Microsoft®, Prima continues to dominate the field it created in 1990 by providing the highest quality game guides available.

Overview

Lost in a particularly difficult level? Can’t figure out how to beat that one boss? Wish you knew how to unlock that last character? Prima has you covered with guides for all your favorite Xbox® titles. The world’s leading publisher of official game guides and the exclusive guide publisher for Microsoft®, Prima continues to dominate the field it created in 1990 by providing the highest quality game guides available. Get the best tips, maps, hints, and strategies from Prima’s experts, and take your gaming further than you ever thought possible.

Download  Xbox.com Prima Guides

Windows Mobile Owners Circle members are invited to celebrate the bewitching season with these fiendishly fun ringtones and wicked wallpapers!

Free Halloween Wallpapers

This Halloween, treat your phone to a little eye candy with these special Owners Circle seasonal wallpapers.

Castle

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Cat

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Ghosts

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Graveyard

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Owl

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Pumpkin and cat

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Tombstone

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Web

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Witch

• Download portrait
• Download landscape

Free Halloween Ringtones

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a dose of scary screams and spine-tingling tunes. Download these eerie ringtones today!

• Download Bats Ringtone
• Download Cackle Ringtone
• Download Creepy Ringtone
• Download Full Moon Ringtone
• Download Ghost Ringtone
• Download Howl Ringtone
• Download Owl Ringtone
• Download Pipe Organ Ringtone
• Download Vampire Ringtone

Download Instructions

Before you download

Do you have a touch screen or non-touch screen device? Not sure? Click here.

In order to choose the version of this application for your particular device, it’s necessary to know whether you have a touch screen or non-touch screen. If your device has a stylus and a touch sensitive screen, select the touch screen version of the application. If the screen is not touch sensitive, it is a non-touch screen, and you should select one of the non-touch screen versions.

You have a landscape non-touch screen smartphone if the screen on your mobile device is wider than it is tall. You have a portrait non-touch screen smartphone if the screen on your mobile device is taller than it is wide.

How to download and install ringtones

Select your computer’s operating system and follow the step-by-step instructions:

• I have Windows 2000 or XP
• I have Windows Vista

How to download and install wallpapers

• Touch screen (Pocket PC) devices
• Non-touch screen (smartphone) devices

Source 

Related Reading: Windows Media Codecs | New Webmaster Portal and Private Beta Invite

The newer version of Internet Explorer 7 will comes without WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) validation, means piated Windows will be able to download and install IE7. This decision was made to protect even the pirated Windows from being attacked.

The different languages of IE7 will be released base on the following schedule:

This version of IE7 contains the following new improvements:

Expanded availability to Windows PC users - removed WGA validation requirement The Menu bar will be turned on by default For first time users, the first-run experience includes a new, easily accessible overview For all users, the online Internet Explorer 7 tour has been updated to include how-to’s on great new features like tabbed browsing. Microsoft has also included a new MSI installer for enterprises that simplifies deployment for customers. IT Administrators can tailor to their organization’s needs by using the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK) and deploy the package to relevant units within their organization using e.g. Group Policies or Systems Management Server (SMS). If you need support for Internet Explorer 7, the support details are as following:

Free Consumer Installation phone support: IE support info @ 1-866-234-6020 http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/iefaq.mspx Peer to Peer newsgroup support at Microsoft discussion groups

Source

Recommended Microsoft Office Live Workspace | Vista: Unofficial SP1

Brief Description

This DVD5 ISO image file contains the security updates for Windows released on Windows Update on October 9th, 2007.

Overview

This DVD5 ISO image file contains the security updates for Windows released on Windows Update on October 9th, 2007. The image does not contain security updates for other Microsoft products. This DVD5 ISO image is intended for administrators that need to download multiple individual language versions of each security update and that do not use an automated solution such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). You can use this ISO image to download multiple updates in all languages at the same time.

Important   Be sure to check the individual security bulletins at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security prior to deployment of these updates to ensure that the files have not been updated at a later date.
This DVD5 image contains the following updates:
KB923810 / (MS07-055)

• Windows 2000 - 24 languages
• Windows Server 2003 - 18 languages
• Windows XP - 24 languages

KB941202 / (MS07-056)

• Windows 2000 - 24 languages
• Windows Server 2003 - 18 languages
• Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems - 4 languages
• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition - 11 languages
• Windows Vista - 36 languages
• Windows Vista for x64-based Systems - 36 languages
• Windows XP - 24 languages

KB939653 / (MS07-057)

• Windows 2000 - 24 languages
• Windows Server 2003 - 18 languages
• Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems - 4 languages
• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition - 11 languages
• Windows Vista - 36 languages
• Windows Vista for x64-based Systems - 36 languages
• Windows XP - 24 languages

KB933729 / (MS07-058)

• Windows 2000 - 24 languages
• Windows Server 2003 - 18 languages
• Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems - 4 languages
• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition - 11 languages
• Windows Vista - 36 languages
• Windows Vista for x64-based Systems - 36 languages
• Windows XP - 24 languages

Download Source

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Brief Description

This package can be used as an alternative to automatically downloading Windows Media Codecs, or to correct problems experienced with previously-downloaded codecs.

Overview

This package is for network administrators who want to deliver support for the latest Windows Media Audio and Video codecs for enterprise computers running Windows Media Player 7.1, Windows Media Player for Windows XP, Windows Media Player 9 Series, and Windows Media Player 10.

Note: If you do not have Windows Media Player 9 Series or later installed and cannot play content by using the Windows Media Video 9 or Windows Media Audio 9 Voice codecs from a Player embedded in a Web page, consider downloading the codec installation package for Windows Media Player 6.4 as well.

Instructions

This download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows. Click the Continue button in the Validation Required section above to begin the short validation process. Once validated, you will be returned to this page with specific instructions for obtaining the download.

Additional Information

Note: If you do not have Windows Media Player 9 Series or later installed and cannot play content by using the Windows Media Video 9 or Windows Media Audio 9 Voice codecs from a Player embedded in a Web page, consider downloading the codec installation package for Windows Media Player 6.4 as well.

This download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows. Please click the Continue button to begin Windows validation.

Windows Vista users must pass Microsoft Genuine validation requirements to enable certain product features and to obtain non-security updates and product support from Microsoft.

Download Source

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Brief Description

The Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility helps you determine if an MPEG-2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition.

Overview

The Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility helps you determine if an MPEG-2 video decoder (also called a DVD decoder) is installed on your Windows XP computer and whether or not the decoder is compatible with Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition.

An MPEG-2 decoder is software that allows you to play DVDs and files that contain video content that was encoded in the MPEG-2 format (such as DVR-MS files, MPG files, and some AVI files).

If you encounter a problem while using Windows Media Player 10 to synchronize (copy) recorded TV shows to a Portable Media Center or other device, use this utility to verify that you have a compatible MPEG-2 decoder installed on your computer.

Note: This utility only indicates whether an MPEG-2 decoder is compatible with the synchronization feature of Windows Media Player 10 or whether an MPEG-2 decoder is compatible with the recorded TV playback feature of Windows XP Media Center Edition.

This utility:

• Lists all the MPEG-2 video decoders that appear in your Windows registry (a database that contains information about the hardware and software installed in your computer).

• Indicates whether each decoder listed in the registry is marked as compatible with Windows XP Media Center Edition and whether any decoder listed in the registry is marked as the preferred video decoder.

• Indicates whether each decoder listed in the registry is marked as compatible with the synchronization feature of Windows Media Player 10.

• Lets you designate which installed decoder that you want Windows Media Player 10 to use when synchronizing DVR-MS files to a portable device. This is known as the preferred video decoder.

• Lets you undo any changes the utility makes to your Windows registry.

Download Source

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Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360^® console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price)*. Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), “Uno” (Carbonated Games), “Luxor 2” (MumboJumbo), “Boom Boom Rocket” (Electronic Arts Inc.) and “Feeding Frenzy” (Sprout Games).

“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing — and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”

Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us, added, “We are excited to offer this new gaming experience to our customers — children and families — who can now enjoy the fun of Xbox 360 together. Many of this holiday season’s hottest items provide Internet connectivity, and with the online entertainment options available through Xbox LIVE^®, Xbox 360 Arcade offers families a great mix of online content and traditional gaming in one console.”

The news of Xbox 360 Arcade comes as part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to bring the Xbox 360 experience to families everywhere. Microsoft also announced today that it is significantly expanding its catalog of high- and standard-definition family fun content that is available on demand direct to the consumer’s living room. This includes the addition of everyone’s favorite characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck from Warner Bros., which will be delivering the first ever “Looney Tunes” cartoons for download on Xbox 360, starting today. In addition, Nickelodeon is adding three new shows to its already large library of more than 300 episodes of TV shows on Xbox LIVE, Microsoft’s premier online gaming and entertainment service, with the inclusion of “Blue’s Clues,” “The Backyardigans” and “iCarly.” “SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam™” (THQ Inc.) and “SHREK-N-ROLL™” (Activision) games will also be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the place to download games for Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE, adding more fun for everyone in the family.

Microsoft’s commitment to family entertainment is complemented by the largest next-generation library of “E”- and “T”-rated games, more than 200 in all, available at retailers nationwide this holiday, including “BEE MOVIE™ GAME” (Activision), “Guitar Hero III^®: Legends of Rock” (Activision), “Naruto: Rise of a Ninja” (UbiSoft Entertainment), “Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action” and “Viva Piñata^®: Party Animals.”

Source

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Microsoft Corp. introduced software on Monday to manage advanced mobile phones much like personal computers, taking aim at a business dominated by Research in Motion’s BlackBerry.

Mobile devices are acquiring the computing firepower to become crucial productivity tools for business people and management nightmares for technology administrators.

"The IT (information technology) folks, the same as it was in the PC environment, don’t want to roll out 10,000 devices. They want roll out one device 10,000 times," said Michael Gartenberg, analyst at Jupiter Research. "Microsoft is hoping to replicate the success and the model of the PC."

The world’s largest software maker will unveil software dedicated to managing devices using its Windows Mobile platform during CEO Steve Ballmer’s keynote speech on Tuesday at the CTIA wireless conference in San Francisco.

The Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 will allow technology administrators to send applications to phones, control security and generally simplify management of devices which are becoming more and more complex.

This positions Windows Mobile devices, which have been sold mainly through retail shops, to appeal to organizations who buy phones in bulk to distribute to their workforce. It’s a market dominated by Research in Motion’s BlackBerry.

Rob Enderle, industry analyst at the Enderle Group, said the market for smart phones, advanced phones with many PC-like attributes, is still evolving and many companies like Microsoft and Apple Inc. are targeting RIM’s lead.

"The market for smart phones is still largely under penetrated," said Enderle, who provides advice and industry insight to Microsoft. "RIM has a number of reasons to be concerned, (and it’s) not just Microsoft."

Microsoft, which has declined to comment on persistent rumors that it is interested in acquiring RIM to tap into the company’s corporate customers, said reaching out to large organizations is a critical part of its goal to sell over 20 million Windows Mobile licenses in fiscal year 2008, which ends next June.

"This is a key part of accelerating our business," said Scott Horn, general manager of marketing at Microsoft’s Windows Mobile business. "You’re going to see (Mobile Device Manager) really ramp up in fiscal 2009 starting July 1."

News & Image Source

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Brief Description

Amazing Microsoft® Silverlight™ desktop wallpapers Silverlight wallpapers for download

Overview

Ue Microsoft® Silverlight™ wallpapers on widescreen and standard sized desktop and select from two enchanting designs.

Download Source

Windows Media® Components for QuickTime

Brief Description

With Windows Media® Components for QuickTime, by Flip4Mac™, you can play Windows Media files (.wma and .wmv) directly in QuickTime Player and view Windows Media content on the Internet using a Web browser.

Overview

With Windows Media® for QuickTime, by Flip4Mac™, you can play Windows Media files (.wma and .wmv) directly in QuickTime Player and view Windows Media content on the Internet using a Web browser.

Optimized for High-Definition Playback:

Windows Media® Components for QuickTime has been highly optimized for Power Mac G4 and G5 and Intel computers and supports playback of high-definition Windows Media video files.

Upgrade to Advanced Features:

Windows Media playback is provided for free. By upgrading, you can import Windows Media files for editing and create Windows Media files for distribution. To learn more about these advanced features, visit the Flip4Mac Web site.

System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems: Macintosh

• Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later

• QuickTime version 6.5 or later

Instructions

Before you install Windows Media® Components for QuickTime:

Important Make sure that your Mac OS X user account has read and write access. If your login account does not allow you to administer the computer you will be asked for an administrator name and password during the installation.

To install Windows Media Components for QuickTime

1. Print this page if you want to use it as a reference when you are offline.

2. Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements.

3. Click the Download button.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen to save the file to your hard disk.

If you are using Safari, the file is downloaded to the desktop unless you specified a different folder in the Preferences dialog box of Safari. (To check your preferences, on the Safari menu, click Preferences, and then click General.)

If you are using Internet Explorer, the Download Manager saves the file to the desktop unless you specified a different folder in the Preferences dialog box of Internet Explorer. (To check your preferences, on the Explorer menu, click Preferences, and then click Download Options in the left pane).

5. In most Web browsers, the file you downloaded expands automatically. If it does not, on your hard disk, double-click the file you downloaded in step 4 to mount the disk image and extract the compressed .mpkg file.

6. Click the .mpkg file to run the installer.

7. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish installation.

8. Restart all QuickTime-based applications.

Download Source

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FolderShareTM allows you to create a private peer-to-peer network that will help you to synchronize files across multiple devices and access or share files with colleagues and friends. You no longer need to send large files via email, burn them to CDs/DVDs and mail them, or upload them to a website. FolderShare allows you to share and sync important information instantly with anyone you invite, making it the perfect solution for personal or small business use.

How can I use it?

• Synchronize all your devices - Retrieve work files at home or access photos at work. With your devices in sync, you no longer have to be frustrated that your information is on another computer.
• Share files, photos, and home videos with your peers - Select the content you want to share, invite members, and they will be able to access the shared files directly from their device.
• Access your computer or device remotely - FolderShare mobile access allows you to access your computer from any web browser.

Any restrictions? We’ll let you decide…

• Share files up to 2 GB in size
• Unlimited file transfers - no limits on quantity or size of files transferred
• Any file type - files are synced and transferred in their original format

How much does it cost?

FolderShare is now free of charge - download the FolderShare Satellite now!

Download | Other Windows Live Products | Windows Live SkyDrive

Downloading Windows Vista Service Pack 1 from Windows Updates:

• Download Windows Vista Service Pack and unpack it to your system.
• Run SP1Beta_Hack.cmd with administrator privileges and Windows Updates afterwards. It should show KB935509 which you should download and restart afterwards.
• Run Windows Updates again, it should display KB937287. Download and restart your PC afterwards.
• Run Windows Updates for a third time. Download the now appearing KB938371, restart your computer.
• Finally, visit Windows Updates again and you should see the Service Pack 1 Beta for Microsoft Windows Vista available for download.

Removing the Evaluation Copy message:

• This is fairly easy to accomplish. Run watermark_fix.reg first
• Rename user32.dll.mui to user32.dll.mui.old in C:\Windows\System32\en-US\
• copy user32.dll.mui from the archive to that location
• Reboot Windows Vista

Several websites claim that this is the legal way to download Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Beta. I’m not a lawyer and can only use my judgment here but I really can’t see a huge difference between downloading the Service Pack from Torrent sites or the Microsoft website. Both are not really authorized downloads somehow.

Via GHacks

Related Reading: Vista Cursors for XP | Copy Files Faster

Download Fun Extras for Windows Media Player 11

Get skins, visualizations, plug-ins, and more.

Microsoft Update

Visit Microsoft Update for the latest updates to Windows, Office, and other Microsoft applications. Also, learn how to have automatic security updates delivered to your computer.

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

The latest update of this tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software and helps to remove it.

All recently published Windows downloads

Try Microsoft Office: It’s a New Day

See how the 2007 Microsoft Office system can help you create better work faster, then download the trial or buy it today.

Office Update

Scan your computer for updates that help improve the stability and security of the Office programs on your computer.

Windows Home Server Toolkit V1

The Windows Home Server Toolkit is a collection of tools that help you troubleshoot issues with Windows Home Server.

Office Communications Server 2007 Deployment Validation Tool

The Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Deployment Validation Tool simulates audio traffic so you can identify and resolve audio issues.

Office Communications Server 2007 VoIP Test Set

Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 VoIP Test Set enables you to simulate a SIP endpoint to test connectivity.

Microsoft Unified Communications Client API SDK

This SDK provides a powerful and flexible API for building client applications for Office Communications Server 2007.

Microsoft Unified Communications AJAX SDK

This SDK includes documentation and sample applications for cross-platform Unified Communications application development.

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 Construction Update

Download the latest construction data to keep your maps current.

All recently published Office and home downloads

Download the 90-Day Trial of System Center Essentials 2007

Try this IT management solution for companies with up to 500 PCs and 30 servers.

Microsoft Forefront Server Security Management Console Trial Version

Forefront Server Security Management Console allows administrators to easily manage Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint, and Microsoft Antigen.

Firewall Client for ISA Server

This download installs the Firewall Client software on 32-bit and 64-bit computers running supported Windows operating systems.

Extended Security Update Inventory Tool

The Extended Security Update Inventory Tool is used to detect security bulletins not covered by MBSA.

Windows Home Server Toolkit V1

The Windows Home Server Toolkit is a collection of tools that help you troubleshoot issues with Windows Home Server.

Office Communications Server 2007 Deployment Validation Tool

The Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Deployment Validation Tool simulates audio traffic so you can identify and resolve audio issues.

All recently published server application downloads

Download Security Tools

Assess vulnerabilities and strengthen security with these tools and technologies.

Extended Security Update Inventory Tool

The Extended Security Update Inventory Tool is used to detect security bulletins not covered by MBSA.

Virtual Machine Manager Configuration Analyzer

This diagnostic tool verifies configuration settings for your computer that are important to running Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager.

Toolkit to Disable Automatic Delivery of Internet Explorer 7

The Internet Explorer 7 Blocker Toolkit enables IT administrators to disable automatic delivery of Internet Explorer 7 as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates and the Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites.

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