Microsoft acknowledges Windows 7 activation leak

 

Friendly Computers found out that there has been a leak of Windows 7 product key on the internet. This means that computers that were installed using this key will not be a genuine copy of Windows and may be more susceptible to hackers and viruses. Read the article below for more details:

 

Alex Kochis, Microsoft's director of Genuine Windows, posted a blog late Thursday addressing the "leak of a special product key" of Windows 7 RTM (release to manufacturers). This confirmed the rumor on Tuesday that an ISO file of Windows 7 RTM sent to Lenovo that contains a master key--a number used to verify the authenticity of the software--was leaked to the Internet.

According to the blog, "The key is for use with Windows 7 Ultimate RTM product that is meant to be preinstalled by the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) on new PCs to be shipped later this year. As such, the use of this key requires having a PC from the manufacturer it was issued to. We've worked with that manufacturer so that customers who purchase genuine copies of Windows 7 from this manufacturer will experience no issues validating their copy of Windows 7. At the same time we will seek to alert customers who are using the leaked key that they are running a non-genuine copy of Windows. It's important to note that no PCs will be sold that will use this key."

This means the hacked key will still work, though it will likely be identified, presumably when the computer with this version of the hacked Windows 7 OS installed connects to download updates from Microsoft.

Kochis said Windows 7 includes an improved capability to detect activation exploits and it should be able to alert the customer when the leaked version or other hacks are used to install Windows 7 on a PC.

He added, "Our primary goal is to protect users from becoming unknowing victims, because customers who use pirated software are at greater risk of being exposed to malware as well as identity theft. Someone asked me recently--and I think it's worth noting here--whether we treat all exploits equally in responding to new ones we see. Our objective isn't to stop every "mad scientist" that's out there from dabbling; our aim is to protect our customers from commercialized counterfeit software that impacts our customers' confidence in knowing they got what they paid for."

Personally, I don't see what Microsoft can do now that the key and the ISO is out in the wild, other than wait for a system installed with that copy of Windows 7 to connect to its update servers. In the meantime, it can issue another key to OEMs to make sure they don't use they leaked key and hope that consumers will buy its genuine product and, of course, pay the full price for it.

It's safe to say that we probably have to wait for a service pack of the operating system to be sure that this leak is fully addressed. In the meantime, this leaked key could still pose a big problem if the hackers are able to alter the ISO and sell it as counterfeit retailed package of the OS. In this case, customers will only find out that they don't have an genuine copy, if they ever do, when it's too late.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10300857-75.html?tag=mncol;title

Listen to Your MP3 Player Through Your Windows 7 PC’s Speakers

Windows 7 introduces a useful new feature that allows you to listen to your MP3 player or other audio device through your computer’s speakers without installing any additional software. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Windows expert Ed Bott finds a useful feature in Windows 7: you can play an external audio device through your computer's speakers without any extra software using a simple configuration setting.

To activate the setting, you'll need to plug the device into the Line In or microphone jacks, head to the Sounds panel, and then find the new Listen tab under the input jack. You'll be able to direct the input from your iPod or other device to play directly from your speakers, an extremely useful feature if you've got a nice set of speakers connected to your PC.

Readers will note that you can always play your iPod's music using iTunes, but this method works even if you connect a friend's iPod or any other sound input you would like to use—and this method doesn't require using any software.

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5326409/play-your-ipod-through-your-windows-7-pcs-speakers

Can my PC run Windows 7?

Although Windows 7 will not be released for three months, Microsoft has already released its Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor so you can start planning ahead. Friendly Computers has more information below…

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you're not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there's a quick way to do a simple check.

Just download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta. You'll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues. If an issue can be resolved, you'll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it may let you know that you need an updated driver for your printer and where to get it.

Note: Information about your PC will be sent back to Microsoft; however, no information will be used to identify or contact you. For more information, read our privacy statement.

Before you begin

Before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating.

Important: The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta is a pre-release version and is available in U.S. English only. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it's not the finished product.

Next steps

When the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scan ends, it'll display your options for upgrading a PC you already have or recommend that you just go buy a new PC for the best Windows 7 experience.

In general, if you are running a PC with Windows Vista and the Windows Upgrade Advisor says you can upgrade it, the transition to Windows 7 should be pretty smooth, although you may first need to update your Windows Vista system to the latest service pack. If you do decide to upgrade your PC, Windows 7 will be available for purchase October 22.

On the other hand, if you're running Windows XP, or any other operating system for that matter, we recommend that you experience Windows 7 on a new PC. The Laptop Scout can help you find a great PC fit for you, or you can browse through these featured PCs that can run Windows 7.

...And while we don't recommend it, should you choose to upgrade your current PC from Windows XP or another operating system to Windows 7, we recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider. You'll need to back up your current files and settings, perform a custom (clean) installation, and then reinstall your files, settings, and programs.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

They're soup: Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 released to manufacturing

Last night Windows 7 was released to manufacturing. This means that after months and months of testing, Windows 7 is officially finished. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Windows 7 has been a tightly controlled product from its first days on the drawing board. The last milestone is proving to be no exception: On July 22, at precisely 4:40 p.m. ET, Microsoft announced it had released to manufacturing Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

(What’s up with the weird hand-off time? It seems to be designed to coincide with CEO Steve Ballmer’s keynote address for Microsoft’s 13,000 or so field sales folks who are in Atlanta this week for the MGX conference. Unfortunately, the MGX folks are running late and Ballmer wasn’t yet speaking at 4:40… oh well.)

The Windows builds that are being released to manufacturing today were compiled over a week ago, on Monday July 13, company officials confirmed. Specifically, it’s build 7600.16385 that is the RTM version of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

There’s not much new left to say about either product. Very little has changed between the Release Candidate builds that went to the public in May and the RTM versions, testers who’ve been dabbling with leaked copies of the 16835 build say.

While Microsoft did a bunch of tuning and final testing in the last month-plus, the final Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 products won’t be very different from the last build testers saw, officials said. Microsoft’s intention was to keep the code base stable so that partners and customers could start testing on it months before the products went to manufacturing, officials said. While some testers welcomed that dependability, others were less-enamored of going to the trouble of testing with the feeling their input was going to make little difference.

PC makers will get the official bits from Microsoft by the end of this week, as Microsoft officials said yesterday. Those who want to download the official builds from Microsoft won’t be able to do so for another week plus (depending on whether you have an MSDN/TechNet, volume-license agreement or some other way of getting the bits earlier than the general availability date of October 22).

Speaking of October 22, that is the date Microsoft is considering to be its worldwide consumer launch of Windows 7. There will be a bunch of new hardware that has yet to be seen from a variety of manufacturers that will be preloaded with Windows 7 available on that date, said Mike Angiulo, General Manager of Microsoft’s Planning and PC Ecosystem team. (No word still on whether Microsoft will hold a single big launch, like it did with Vista in New York; I hear company officials are leaning away from going that route.)

The “business launch” of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is slated for November 9, officials said. (Actually, it’s going to be a triple-play launch of Win7/Win Server 2008 R2 and Exchange 2010, as Microsoft told its partners attending the Worldwide Partner Conference last week.) It sounds as if there will be a number of business launch events starting on that date and continuing for the next couple of months.

“This will be our first ever launch of Windows client and server together,” said Angiulo. (Microsoft came close a couple of times, but there was always some gap between the two.) And Microsoft is planning to emphasize the “better together” theme in its upcoming marketing and sales collateral.

This is also the first time “we haven’t doubled systems requirements for a new Windows release,” Angiulo said. ” We kept them the same, if not even a little better,” in terms of power, graphics, hard drive and other requirements, he said.

Angiulo characterized Windows 7 as a “learning release” for Microsoft, in terms of working more closely with its hardware and software partners. He gave the Windows team high marks for its processes with the newly minted client and server releases.

“We set rigorous engineering milestones and hit them. we did what we said we were going to do,” he said.

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=3445&tag=nl.e539

Microsoft Details Windows 7 RTM Plans: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has released details about the RTM release of Windows 7, and what the means for everyone from consumers to developers. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Microsoft still hasn't officially announced that Windows 7 has been "released to manufacturing" (RTM) for production and packaging in preparation for its October 22 release to consumers. But the company did share more fascinating details yesterday on its pending RTM schedule on the Windows 7 Team Blog.

The company said it's still right on target to deliver the RTM as promised in the second half of this month. Well, that's got to mean we're pretty darn close -- today is July 22, leaving only nine more days this month for RTM to happen. Let the guesswork begin!

Meanwhile, while Microsoft is picking a date for RTM, let's look at what it will mean for you every step of the way.

*For beta testers and other enthusiasts: The biggest news so far is Microsoft's confirmation that they will indeed offer a "family pack" for Windows 7, which will be a specially-priced copy that can legally be installed on up to three PCs.

That's great news for all of us who maintain multiple PCs and want to be able to afford to move them all to Windows 7 without having to take out a second mortgage. "We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs," wrote Microsoft's Windows Communications Manager Brandon LeBlanc in the blog post. "I'm happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs. As I've said before, stay tuned to our blog for more information on this and any other potential offers."

Also notable for beta testers and enthusiasts: Following the move to RTM, Microsoft will be releasing an evaluation of Windows 7 Professional for IT Professionals via its TechNet Springboard Series, LeBlanc wrote. "Over 40 percent of beta testers are IT Professionals and this will allow them to quickly access the RTM code and plan for deployments," he said. That should provide lots of needed information that can be used to evaluate and plan the move for corporate users.

Beta testers won't automatically get a free copy of Windows 7, LeBlanc reiterated, but will be able to continue to use their Release Candidate test versions through its expiration on June 1, 2010. Microsoft TechNet subscribers will be able to download and install the RTM version when it is ready, LeBlanc said.

*For general consumers, there are no other major new details to report today, except for the good news about the pending family pack: Windows 7 will be available for sale starting October 22 in retail stores and on new PCs, according to Microsoft.

*For partners and OEMs: Windows 7 RTM downloads will be available to Independent Software Vendors (ISV) and Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) partners starting on Aug. 6 from Microsoft Connect or MSDN, the blog said. "If you are a partner who has been working on Windows 7 for a while, now is the time to complete your testing with final version of Windows 7," LeBlanc wrote. "For partners that haven't gotten started yet with Windows 7, now is the time to get involved. You can also visit www.readyset7.com to learn more about getting ready for Windows 7."

Downloads in English will be available starting August 16 for Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal, LeBlanc wrote. Other language versions will be ready by October 1.

"OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images beginning approximately 2 days after we officially RTM, as a little time is required to release and distribute these images," LeBlanc wrote. "This will allow them to begin preparing images for new PCs to ship with Windows 7 on them. We know our OEMs are excited for Windows 7 and we can't wait to hand them the final RTM bits!"

*For business customers: Downloads of Windows 7 RTM in English will be available starting August 7 if you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license, according to Microsoft. Other languages will be available later using the same Volume License Service Center (VLSC) portal for downloads. Volume License customers who don't have an SA license will have to wait until September 1 to purchase Windows 7 through Volume Licensing.

*For IT professionals: If you have a TechNet subscription, you'll be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 6, with other languages available by October 1. The Microsoft Springboard Series Web pages provide lots more information to help with successful deployments and with finding answers to problems, the company said.

*For developers: If you have an MSDN subscription, you'll be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 6, with other languages available by October 1. Several helpful information resources are being touted by Microsoft to help you with application development for Windows 7, including the Windows 7 for Developers Blog, the Windows 7 Developers Guide on MSDN and a series of helpful videos on Channel 9.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/news.html

Windows 7 Almost Here

Friendly Computers has been testing the latest build of Windows 7 and we are very happy with the product. We are very excited to hear it finally made it’s way to RTM (Release to Manufacturing). More info below.

Microsoft gave an update on Windows 7 this week, outlining a timeline for the release of the upcoming operating system to manufacturers. The company noted that you shouldn't "believe everything you read on the Internet" and proceeded to set the record straight.

Microsoft's Windows Communications Manager Brandon LeBlanc yesterday took to the official Windows 7 blog, in an attempt to quell rumors that the company has already sent off the finished Windows 7 code to its manufacturing team.

Release to Manufacturing, or RTM, means that the code is oh-so-close to being finished for product release and moves on to the next step -- which includes testing and building images for new PCs, according to LeBlanc. "RTM is essentially the final ‘stage' of engineering for Windows 7 before it hits the market at General Availability (GA)," he wrote.

While RTM hasn't happened yet, Microsoft is getting very close to manufacturing and packing millions of its highly anticipated Windows 7 disks for shipment to stores near you, where it will land on October 22.

Read the full article here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/168371/windows_7_not_done_yet_but_close.html

Businesses can get Windows 7 in September

 

Friendly Computers read that Microsoft plans to make Windows 7 available to businesses before the release to the general public. Check it out:

While most of the attention on Day 1 of Microsoft's partner conference was on the Office side of things, Microsoft did announce two notable pieces of Windows 7 news on Monday.

The company said that business customers will be able to get Windows 7 ahead of its October 22 retail launch, though they won't be able to get it immediately after the code is finalized. The software maker said that businesses will be able to order Windows 7 from volume licensing partners as of September 1.

Microsoft also said it will have a limited-time, six-month promotion whereby businesses can get the Windows 7 Professional upgrade at a price discounted 15 percent or more from what Microsoft was charging for Vista upgrades.

The news comes as Microsoft prepares to finalize the operating system later this month.

However, a new survey suggests that although many businesses have yet to move to Vista, they may not jump to Windows 7 either. In a survey with more than 1,000 IT administrators sharing their plans, Quest Software's ScriptLogic found that nearly six in 10 have no current plans to move to Windows 7.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/microsoft-news/?tag=hdr;snav