So much of our Geeky attention was focused on WWDC today that the Windows announcement seemed to slip through the proverbial cracks. The team from Redmond told TechEd attendees that a public beta of Windows 7 SP1 should be available next month. The official release is expected later this year. IT administrators should be ready for the beta to arrive. This will give you the opportunity to check for compatibility and integration testing when getting ready to transition to the service pack.

According to the official press release, “SP1 will not contain any new features that are specific to Windows 7 itself. For Windows 7, SP1 will simply be the combination of updates already available through Windows Update and additional hotfixes based on feedback by our customers and partners. In other words, customers can feel confident about deploying Windows 7 now!”

Speculation is that Microsoft is pushing out the beta quickly in the hopes of attracting more enterprise customers. If the operating system is already this secure, why haven’t you upgraded your business yet? Thoughts?

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• Drink Coca-Cola and earn some pretty cool rewards.
• A major iTunes update will be released with iOS 4.
• How many of your WWDC predictions were correct?
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• Would you rather have an HTC Evo 4G or the new iPhone 4?
• The climate change is leading to major vegetation shifts around the world.
• Microsoft’s Channel 9 team recently spoke with WeatherBug about Silverlight, Bing Maps and Windows 7.
• Google Maps is being previewed within Gmail and Buzz.
• Would you go see a remake of the Three Stooges movie?
• What are your favorite games to play online?
• Windows Phone 7 demonstrates more Enterprise-level features.
• Do you need some Geeky how-to videos to help you assemble your home theater system?
• What site do you purchase airline tickets from?
• Does Steve Jobs imagine a future full of “post” PC devices?
• Are you happy with your Internet speeds?
• Dogs can play games on the iPad – and win!
• Do you feel trapped in your AT&T contract?
• Are Geeks in favor of gun control?
• Do you support Arizona’s immigration law? Cast your vote at MSNBC.
• What is the killer feature in the iPhone 4?

Be sure to stop by our downloads center to see what we have for you today.

Windows 7 SP1 is on the Horizon

If you are an Apple fan, nothing would be worse than hooking up with the “perfect” person – only to discover that they are a Windows user. That is likely the biggest deal-breaker of all. Thanks to new service Cupidtino, you’ll never have to worry about this again. The site promises to bring Apple fan-boys and girls together in a relationship nearly guaranteed to last:

Die-hard Mac & Apple fans often have a lot in common – personalities, creative professions, a similar sense of style and aesthetics, and of course a love for technology. We believe these are enough reasons for two people to meet and fall in love, and so we created the first Mac-inspired dating site to help you find other Machearts around you.

This may sound like some sort of weird scam, but it’s very real. The site is set to go live sometime in June, but you can sign up to beta-test it now. I’ve read a lot of commentary about this studly service today, but none of them sum it up better than Mike over at TechCrunch when he said that “Apple fans can be annoying when they’re on their own. The thought of them breeding and creating little Apple fans, a whole family of hard core hipster Apple lovers, is just not a good thing. On the other hand, making sure that Apple fans only date other Apple fans is a good way of stopping them from spreading their Apple fan genes to the general population, I guess. So maybe this site isn’t all bad.”

My only question now is: How soon will we see a Windows-only (and Linux-only) dating site? Which of you are going to step up and start it?

• Will the real terrorist on Facebook please stand up?
• ATM card skimming has grown by five times last year’s number.
• How stable is Windows 7?
• Brick Move for the iPhone reminds me of my favorite game of all time.
• Is Linux a religious experience?
• What software would you recommend to limit computer usage?
• The new IE 9 developer platform is available for review.
• What do you use to do web design on your Mac?
• Would you friend your parents on social networking sites?
• How can you be a healthy Geek?
• How do you recover your wireless network key?
• How do you scrape up the money to pay for all of your Geeky gadgets?
• Consumers still act like dummies online and share too much information.
• Exactly how does sunlight put a spring in your step?

Love of one platform or another is not required to grab some of the latest software and apps for your devices. We welcome all people!

Love is in the Air for Apple Fans

Santa Clara County out in California has announced that they will now regulate what kids meals are allowed to give away toys in the hopes that your children will become healthier. Any meal which has more than 485 calories, 600 milligrams of sodium will no longer be allowed to offer a toy along with dinner. Additionally, if the meal has more than 35 percent of calories from fat or more than 10 percent of calories from added sugar, the toy ban will be imposed.

County Supervisor Ken Yeager says that the new ordinance will “prevent restaurants from preying on children’s love of toys to peddle high-calorie, high-fat, high-sodium kids’ meals.” This, of course, rules out those super-awesome Happy Meal toys that every child crave. Can you imagine where the world would be right now if we had never had the Beanie Baby craze several years ago? I shudder to think about it, honestly.

While I applaud the fact that the county wants to promote healthy eating, I cannot help but think there has to be a better way. Why are you going to deprive children of something they love because of bad choices their parents make for them?

• Where do you go to get free software?
• How many nine year olds do you know who can hack their school computers?
• Should the TechCrunch hacker be prosecuted?
• What is your software choice for virtualization?
• What is the iPad, anyway?
• What photo-editing software do you swear by?
• Will the Facebook “Like” button replace Google?
• Is Steve Jobs playing with fire?
• How many social networking sites are you a member of?
• Google Street View is getting less local.
• Do “energy-saving” lightbulbs really save you any energy?
• What would the World be like without computers?
• Have you examined any netbooks lately?
• Quickly browse tasks in Windows 7 by using your keyboard.
• Facebook privacy is going down the tubes – again.
• Steam is arriving on the Mac on May 12th.

All of the software and applications we collect for you are 100% calorie-free!

No Kids Meal Toys in Fattening Fare

Today saw the death of two devices that we were actually looking forward to getting our hands on. Neither of these gadgets ever saw the light of day outside of their respective manufacturer’s offices. Both of them were going to be truly innovative in their own ways. Neither of them will get the chance to prove themselves in an ever-changing market. Both the HP Windows 7 Tablet device and the Microsoft Courier project are now dead in the water.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft never confirmed a single Courier rumor until the day it was put to rest. This is actually depressing news. The combination of both touch- and pen-based computing was compelling, and we waited with bated breath for news of its impending arrival. That arrival has been indefinitely delayed, and the wind has gone out of our sails.

The HP device announcement is a bit different. They are killing the idea of a tablet running Windows 7. But… they haven’t said much yet on the speculations surrounding what the company will do with their newly-acquired webOS. According to Nick Eaton, “iPad’s user interface is simple. It’s not a keyboard-less laptop with a touch screen, it’s its own type of device.” In order to begin to compete with it, HP and other companies are going to need to keep that in mind. Think about it. What if an HP tablet came out running a new version of webOS? Imagine the possibilities…

My mind boggles as I struggle to come up with the possibilities of what we may soon see. These companies know that they have to come up with something truly new, different and genius in order to begin to compete with what Apple has done. I know that the technology and the brains to put it to use are out there. I can’t wait to see what they come up with, can you?

The Death of Two Devices

Are you a Windows 7 user? Learn how people within the Microsoft and MVP organizations interact with the community by joining a public virtual meeting. The online live conversation with Microsoft Community Managers Matt Bernardy and Jake Grey will be held on May 4th, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. PMT. This is your opportunity to learn more about the Clubhouse, Microsoft Answers, the MVP Program, and to ask questions about all of the Windows community programs.

My assistant, Kat happens to be a Microsoft MVP in Consumer Security. She’s held this position for five years running, and has been asked by Jake to speak during this broadcast about her MVP experience.

To join the Live Meeting, follow these simple steps:

• Find out what time this Live Meeting is in your country/region.
• Download Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007. We recommend you download the program several hours in advance to avoid technical difficulties during the session.
• Enter the meeting and fill in your name.

This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have about how Microsoft works with you – the consumer – to make your experience a positive one. There are many new and exciting things going on, and you won’t want to miss out on this discussion.

Public Microsoft Live Meeting for Community Members

I think I am in the wrong line of business. I knew already that Facebook’s Farmville was a huge hit. Every time I log into the site, I see people harvesting their crops and begging me to fertilize them. I’ve also seen people cooking up delicious things in their restaurants on Cafe World. I’ve heard (and read) that you can use real money to advance yourself in these games. I had no idea, though, just how huge of a market this is until now.

The people behind World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment, struck gold this week – literally. In the past, they have occasionally offered limited-edition virtual pets for sale in their online store. Pay Blizz some real money, and you can have yourself a seriously cool pet on the toon of your choosing. This week, the geniuses introduced a new Celestial Steed, which allows you to “travel in style astride wings of pure elemental stardust.” I’ll admit that the steed is pretty cool looking. But I can’t see paying twenty-five real dollars for it if I was already paying fifteen every month just for the privilege of playing the game.

Apparently, one heck of a lot of people disagree with me, though. Blizz is reporting that in the first four hours that the mount was available they made an astonishing two MILLION dollars just off of that pet alone. That is over eight-thousand smackers per minute.

The mount doesn’t give a player any advantages in the game over other subscribers. It simply looks cool. Who knew that you could make a fortune in moments through a virtual game? I need to put my brain to work to come up with one of my own.

Photo courtesy of MMO Champion and Blizzard Entertainment.

• Have you thought about living your life with LeapFish?
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• Can you even pronounce the name of the volcano that erupted in Iceland?
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• Scammers have baited more than 40,000 Facebook users by tempting them with an IKEA gift card.
• What did you do to celebrate Earth Day?
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• We have not forgotten Windows 7 users!
• Mozilla is showing off their upcoming themes. Sadly, they all look familiar.
• Are you in need of a Windows 7 guide full of tips and tweaks?
• What ad-blocking software do you use for Safari?
• What is the next threat to national security?
• Have you ever been a part of a “fanboy” discussion gone wrong?
• Is our money getting a makeover?

You don’t have to play WoW or even join Facebook in order to see what’s new in our software center.

Blizzard Cashes in on Virtual Game Spending

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During live calls the other night, I had a guy ask me whether I felt that Macs are becoming more mainstream than Windows machines. He went on to say how he knew that in the past Macs weren’t very “user friendly,” and that he feels they are much more so now. The user interface on a Mac has certainly changed over the years, yes.

But you have to look at it like this: it’s still completely different than what Windows users are used to. Many long-time Windows power users give up when trying out a Mac. They feel they cannot find their way around. I’ve seen it happen many times. With that said, though, it all comes down to a matter of opinion and preference. I cannot possibly tell you which is better for you – or anyone else – to use. It depends what your likes and needs are.

I made a change to Mac as my primary system back when I was completely disgusted with Windows Vista. Vista had zero usability as far as I was concerned. The Mac operating system had what I needed, and works well for me. I don’t have a problem with Windows 7. In fact, I have a machine right in my office that runs it. For my needs, though, Apple builds a better system.

The only similarity between Microsoft and Apple is the fact that they both create an operating system. That’s where it begins – and where it ends. Apple makes a piece of hardware to go with that software and attempt to control it. Some people don’t like that. However, as consumers, we SHOULD like it. We know who manufactured each and every part inside of our Mac system. We know who to blame if it goes wrong. We know who to contact if things go awry.

Apple is pretty much the only company on the planet that controls everything from stem to stern… hardware, software and service. Don’t get all freaked out because you have to pay for Apple’s One Care. You have to pay for ANY extended warranty, right? It doesn’t fail me – ever. Every problem I’ve had was covered under the repair system. I don’t have to question “who is to blame for this problem?” It was all made by Apple, and it all goes back to Apple.

If I had to wager a guess, I’d say that HP will come the closest to being what Apple is as a company. Its problem, though, is that it currently has to support another company’s operating system.

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Which is More Usable – a Mac or Windows PC?

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Why would you want a theme on your computer, anyway? There are several reasons you might choose one… the most common, though, deals with the way things look. You want your colors and icons to look good to your eye. Themes will make sure that everything matches and scales well together and gives you an environment you can really work with.

This screencast was created by Joshua to help you learn how to unlock the extra themes found in Windows 7.

Open a Windows Explorer window, and click on the Organize tab at the top. From the drop-down menu, choose Folder and Search Options. In the View tab, make sure that “Show Hidden Files and Folders” is selected. Now you’re going to want to type this into the address bar at the top of the Explorer window: \Windows\globalization\MCT\.

This will open a window that has five different folders contained in it. Click the first folder open, then scroll down and open up the Theme folder, and you’ll see the theme in there. Each of those five folders have a theme inside.

If you still aren’t happy with any of the themes you’ve come across, maybe you should try your hand at creating your own. Once you’ve customized your new theme, you can share it with others. Save it in a .themepack file format and email it to others, or send it via social networks or on an external hard disk. There are also several other themes to look through on the Windows Personalization website.

These extra themes are simple to install to your themes directory, and they’re all gorgeous. Your computer will pop – your background will come alive. Okay, perhaps it won’t exactly come alive. But it will look better, I promise!

Thanks, Joshua, for this screencast. Well done!

Unlock Hidden Windows 7 Themes

In just a few months, Universal Music Group is dropping the prices on their CDs to between six and ten dollars each in an effort to boost sales. While the company does have its hand in the music download and streaming side of things, their profit margins are much better with physical disc sales. Up until now, however, it usually cost far more to buy a copy at the local WalMart than it did to purchase the entire album digitally.

In addition to the lower cost, UMG plans to add extra content to physical CDs that cannot be purchased online. Their hope is the combination of the lower cost packed with additional features will bring sales out of the serious slump they find themselves in. I personally love this idea, and will likely buy more compact discs than normal. I do buy music online, sure. But there’s just something about owning those sweet little silver discs that I am hopelessly addicted to. What about you? Will the lower cost cause you to go out and buy more music in hard copy form?

• The Microsoft team is showing of Windows 7 SP1. The results aren’t very newsworthy.
• Did you know that fast food slows you down?
• Changes to the XP Mode in Windows 7 SP1 eliminates hardware virtualization.
• A bridal scam shows just how vulnerable we truly are.
• Over 100 vehicles were disabled by a disgruntled former employee – and that’s not even the real story.
• Complete health insurance reform is just the beginning in trying to bring down expenses.
• How do you change things when change is so hard?
• If we could put any President from the past back into US office, who would you choose?
• The saying “build it and they will come” does not hold true when it comes to breaking into the social media scene.
• Blog your way to a six-figure income.
• What are must-have tools for a power Twitter user?

Don’t forget to stop by the software center and see what’s new today.

Are Compact Discs Dead?

Even though many people walked out during the SXSW keynote today, delivered by Evan Williams, there was a very interesting announcement made. The new platform will allow publishers to integrate Twitter deeper into their site and recreate the “open, engaging interactions” their readers expect from using Twitter “without sending them to the Twitter website itself.”

Using the new platform, users can identify and follow Twitter users on third-party sites without ever leaving that site. Some of the ones that will soon use this new service include Yahoo, Bing and Digg. This lets publishers make sure their audience is aware of their Twitter feed. The user can also elect to follow a site’s feed without ever leaving the actual site. This lets you get more followers, and allows Twitter to bring more users to their site, as well. According to Ev, Twitter is launching the service because it wants to make it easier on everyone to use Twitter. Given their growth has recently slowed, it makes sense to try to bring the service to the attention of more users.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe this new platform is a big step in the right direction for Twitter?

• BrightTALK is hosting a next-generation data center summit.
• It’s time for work. Leave your ego at the door. Kthxbai!
• Why is the boot device unavailable after replacing the motherboard?!
• What free Mac Apps are essential to have?
• I have an ulcer, and its name is Dell.
• How do you make the social media scene secure in a business environment?
• How do you create private folders within Microsoft Office?
• Motally is great to use for gaming analytics.
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• Have you had trouble with websites not loading since upgrading to Windows 7?
• How can a blind soldier read and see through his tongue?!
• Go ahead – put a Recycle Bin on the Windows 7 taskbar.
• Could Back to the Future movies destroy dreams?
• The Project for Excellence in Journalism reports that the majority of people won’t pay to read news online. Duh!
• How can you save money if there’s so little left over out of each paycheck?
• Why should you install Microsoft Security Essentials?
• Can our economic woes be tamed with high inflation? You decide.

Don’t forget to stop by the software center to see what’s new today!

Twitter Announces the @Anywhere Platform