When you work in IT, you’re usually not just just dealing with data files. I need to work with application files, system files, profile files, etc. every day. By default, Vista, like XP before it, hides many of those files. One of the first things I do when I setup a machine that I’ll be working on is ‘unhide’ all of the files (and the extensions on the filenames). (more…)

In an earlier article I showed how to install the free Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK). Now, we get to start using it. The first thing we’ll do with it is build a Windows Preinstallation Environment 2.0 boot disc. Microsoft says Windows PE is a “…bootable tool that provides operating system features for installation, troubleshooting, and recovery”. For many of us, it will take the place of DOS boot discs (and for some of you will be an alternative to BartPE, a free alternative to WinPE 1.0 which had limited availability). Here’s how to build a very basic WinPE boot disc that you can start using now, and can include in your Vista deployment plans. Future articles will discuss how to build on this to add more functionality. (more…)

So it not only will have security holes in the new code, but will share the holes still not found in the old code. How nice… (more…)

• DOSing Windows Vista
  An interesting post about how a new feature of Vista which allows MS to turn off compromised drivers could become a target of Denial of Service attacks.
• Report: More flaws found in Microsoft Vista operating system
  Not surprising, more flaws have been found.

Not surprising, more flaws have been found. (more…)

An interesting post about how a new feature of Vista which allows MS to turn off compromised drivers could become a target of Denial of Service attacks. (more…)

• How do I turn on Aero in Vista?
  A good overview of what’s involved in running Aero in Vista.

A good overview of what’s involved in running Aero in Vista. (more…)

It’s unclear if they are releasing Vista on the 29th, or just celebrating the release on the 29th. (more…)

• Windows Vista Activation Grace Period and 5 License States Explained
  An excellent overview of the many states your Vista license can be in.
• Pre-order Windows Vista? Microsoft would rather you didn’t
  Why Microsoft would prefer you go to the store instead of click from your couch.
• 25 Shortcomings of Microsoft Vista OS – A good reason to choose GNU/Linux …
  An obvious religious post from a Linux supporter. Many of the points are weak, but there are certainly some good points raised.
• Wow Starts January 29: Microsoft Sets Vista Consumer Launch
  It’s unclear if they are releasing Vista on the 29th, or just celebrating the release on the 29th.