I wonder why M$ needs so many service packs for Office. Take Office 3003 for example, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that they have already released SP3 for Office 2003. So here we are already again, at the first SP1 for Office 2007.

A service pack is usually to correct bugs, bad code, broken features, exploits, etc, or in Micro$oft's case, it could also be to add more spyware, lockinware, wga features. While I have seen patches for other Office suites, they are very small, unlike the service packs from M$. Think SP1 for MS Office 2003 was appox 100mb in size compressed. That a lot of bugs, when you replace more than 10% of the code in the original version.

So the question has to be asked, "Why can't MS get it right the first time?" Ever. At best their released products are beta, if not alpa releases.

I am very happy with Office 2007, except that, in my experience, it crashes way more that Office 2003 did. I also have found that equations don't render right sometimes. Equation editing is also annoyingly slow sometimes. But it is a MUCH nicer equation editor than the one in Office 2003; so I won't complain much. I just hope the service pack fixes these issues.

Apple's Mac market share rise is good for consumers

http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9831586-17.html

Quote from the link:

"According to a recent study by research firm ChangeWave, Apple's Macintosh line of computers is well on its way to gaining a sizable portion of the computing market in the coming months.

Polling customers about their computer buying preferences over the next 90 days, ChangeWave Research found that 29 percent of respondents claimed they would be buying a Mac over that period, while 24 percent will buy HP desktops and 31 percent will buy Dell desktops."
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While I don't own or promote Mac's, as Linux is a fine free OS, I do think the reason that Mac is coming back so strong is the failure of MS to provide any competition. As in the train wreck that is Vi$ta.

Windows XP outshines Vista in benchmarking test

http://www.news.com/Windows-XP-outshines-Vista-in-benchmarking-test/2100-1016_3-6220201.html?tag=nefd.pulse

Quote from the link:

"New tests have revealed that Windows XP with the beta Service Pack 3 has twice the performance of Vista, even with its long-awaited Service Pack 1."
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The train wreck that is Vi$ta.

Dutch ODF Plan Could Sideline Microsoft

http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/12/10/2317232

Quotes from the link:

"Yeti7226 sends word of a discussion coming up Wednesday in the parliament of The Netherlands that could result in mandated use of Open Document Format at government agencies there. If the plan is enacted, public-sector organizations, as well as the government, would have to transition to using ODF by 2010. Microsoft Netherlands has lobbied hard against the provision."
----------------------------------------------------
Perhaps it time to just say no to M$ lockinware, and use OpenOffice or KOffice.

See the thing is...
for those that say that "why cant MS get it right the first time?" It's the same with every product any company releases...Microsoft's products are used more often than anything else, and because of this, they need to be adapted better for new environments, protected from a lot of security threats, and quite frankly, it is easier to report problems with their products and get them fixed with this. I think everyone overreacts at things like this, and this is no different. At least you know Microsoft isn't willing to just leave you hanging out to dry with an antiquated system...if they didn't update, you'd complain too...

What Are Viruses and Worms, and Why You May Be At Risk, Even If You Think You're Safe

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-Viruses-and-Worms,-and-Why-You-May-Be-At-Risk,-Even-If-You-Think-Youre-Safe&id=684776

Quote from the link:

"By some estimates, there are over 100,000 viruses which specifically infect Windows PCs. These specific viruses cannot infect Linux or Unix machines, or Macs. There is literally one virus (at the time I'm recording this) which can infect some Macs running OS X, but it is pretty much what they call a "concept virus" which isn't likely to spread "in the wild."

So if you use a Mac, you are a lot safer than your friends who use Windows. But just because there aren't any Mac viruses now, doesn't mean someone won't develop one in the future. It is harder to do this for a Mac than it is to do for a Windows machine, because of the way the Mac software is designed, but it's hardly impossible.

On the other hand, Symantec (who makes Norton Antivirus) estimates that 91% (yes, that's ninty-one percent) of Windows computers are infected with some malicious software. Although this estimate includes adware and spyware (which I cover in a different chapter of this report) that's still an incredibly high number."
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I like to think of this as the "extra" programs, that only Windows is capable of running. LOL

Microsoft Says Half Of Windows Computers Have Trojans

http://www.shupe.ca/it-news-clips/2223

Quote from the link:

"According to data collected by Microsoft’s Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool during the first half of 2006, nearly half of the PCs using the tool were infected with a backdoor Trojan, which allows a hacker to remotely manipulate the computer. Such “zombie” machines are used in distributed denial of service attacks, and, according to the company’s Security Intelligence Report, “Attackers … are clearly concentrating a significant amount of development focus on this category of malware.” The current estimate of almost 50 percent infection for backdoor Trojans represents a decrease from last year’s estimate of 68 percent, but Ross Brown, CEO of eEye Digital Security, said that most consumers remain unaware of the problem. Meanwhile, the incidence of infection by rootkits fell during the same six-month period by 50 percent, according to Microsoft’s data."
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Now this is just Trojans, not counting other types of infections.

I see almost everyday, another virus infected Windows computer coming in the door for cleaning. You would have thought by now, that M$ could have fixed this problem, with all their resources to do so. My guess, is they don't want to fix the problem, and they want to sell Onecare. Its always about money and greed with M$, not service or quality for the consumers.

Thatguy Says :
"See the thing is...
for those that say that "why cant MS get it right the first time?" It's the same with every product any company releases...

@Thatguy :
I can only count my lucky stars Microsoft don't make ABS brake systems.

Office 2007 SP1 Isn't a Gift

Beware of Geeks bearing gifts!

Phil Deets Says :
"I am very happy with Office 2007, except that, in my experience, it crashes way more that Office 2003 did. ..."

@Phil Deets :
Was that a typo, or you meant to say:
"I am very 'unhappy' with Office 2007,... crashes..."

In advance, thanks for the clarification.

hahahaah!!! 8 posts thus far - 6 from chips.

Chips, i tip my hat toward you sir!

Windows Live OneCare 2.0
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2228771,00.asp
When OneCare was released in 2006, I predicted it wouldn't survive without a major overhaul. Version 2.0 is not that overhaul.— There are some improvements, but for the most part, OneCare just adds a bunch of new features, most of which are flawed in some way. Microsoft can keep this product alive as long as it cares to, but I can't recommend that you install it. If you're savvy about computers, it will drive you crazy; you'd be better off with Norton Internet Security 2008. If you're not a tech wiz, consider an alternative like Norton 360.

Chips: What is your problem in life ? Every single comment section on Microsoft Watch is riddled with either your or maddogs ramblings. Most of your "opinion" pieces have no connection to the article on which you are "commenting".

I understand that you don't like Microsoft but there are millions of other people who use their software every day and it may be a surprise to you but are generally quite happy with it. Is their software perfect ? No. Is there any company or group of open source geeks who produce perfect software ?No

If you have a valid comment which is relevent to the article and might enlighten the reader then please post, other wise I would suggest Slashdot might be a much more appropriate forum.

"Microsoft Says Vista SP1 Won't Resolve Compatibility Issues"

"Microsoft says businesses needn't bother waiting for SP1's final release to test new applications on Vista, because the results won't change much".

Speaking of service packs ... I have a question ... How many different releases (Not updates according to Apple, but new versions) of "OSX" for Mac have there been ?? With the latest being called "Leopard" !
My reasoning is that when anyone else releases a new version it goes 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
How many Version 10's are there ??

Whatever
I think I now why Joe doesn't put the brakes on Chips, otherwise the comments would be pretty much smaller than they are, chips is always doing a link for this, that or the other. And most not on the subject either repugnant.

Repugnant
Why don't you ever tell that to chips ??? To stay on subject I mean.

blog reader Says :
"...there are millions of other people who use their software every day and it may be a surprise to you but are generally quite happy with it."

@blog reader :
"...millions ... happy..."?
Any proof?

Hi Neil,
As i've been rececently getting up to speed on OSX i feel qualified to answer your question. The OSX version number changes of say, 10.3 -> 10.4 are major new versions.

Much like Windows 95, 98, 98 SE and ME are all internally referenced as Windows 4.x or Windows 2000 and Windows xp are both NT5.x.

My guess would be that they do it to be able to market the brand-name OSX consistently and then calling out different new version-specific features under the pussycat name, like leopard.

Oh and i think you're right about the chips and i-man spam and Joe not doing anything about it. Plus it provides hours of entertainment for us, and keeps the spirit of un-authenticated commenting alive and well!... :)

Neil says,
I think I now why Joe doesn't put the brakes on Chips, otherwise the comments would be pretty much smaller than they are, chips is always doing a link for this, that or the other. And most not on the subject either repugnant.

Repugnant
Why don't you ever tell that to chips ??? To stay on subject I mean.

Neil, I don't intend to start a flame war with you, like you and chips. Its not my way. But I will answer you.

True, chips is not always on topic. But most of his links are about either, Microsoft, or the other competition. And, he provides links to interesting articles, sometimes. Even if you or I do not always agree with his viewpoint. Many of his topics inform, yours might if you back them up with links.

But Neil, please do not be offended by this, but your comments are out of place. Name calling is out of place. Sorry if I called you troll-like, but you do seem to post opinions without any links, or proof. And, telling people its their fault, not Microsoft's, is not going to go over good. As in the case of Lawrence, in another topic. Perhaps if you toned down the flames a bit, and used more logic and links with your points, your comments would be better recieved?

Hope you understand now. No hard feelings, ok?

Repugnant
I do understand and no hard feelings.
I say what I feel, I am not a pc professional like Chips I just a normal man in the street.
I have (I hope) buried the hatchet with Chips via Brian and I hope that Chips understands and can stop preaching to people to change to Linux. Let them use what they want to use, if they want to change over to something .... fine, it is their decision not influenced by anyone.
That's all I want.

Whatever
Fair enough mate !
My son (14 years old and pc nut, like all kids these days) recently went to Japan for 2 weeks with his school. He communicated with us here via an Apple Mac and I can tell you that he was happy to get back here onto his normal pc.
But "different horses for different courses" as my father used to say.
So long as you are happy using it, I'm happy for you !

False positives run amok in Vista anti-virus tests

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/03/64bitvista_av_tests/

quotes from the links:

"A false positive can cause as much disruption as a virus infection. False warnings often lead end-users to delete valid files in the belief that they are some form of attack and the resultant damage can be significant," he added.

Hawes blamed increased reliance on heuristic (generic) detection techniques for the rash of false alarms. "Anti-malware vendors must work hard to minimise false detections."

Other factors might also be in play.

Some anti-virus vendors complained of lack of access to the PatchGuard kernel protection system, as well as other security measures, included in the 64-bit version of Vista prior to its release."

"Trend Micro submitted three of its anti-virus products, all of which falsely identified a Microsoft development tool as spyware."
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I wouldn't be so sure that Trend was entirely wrong, as so much in Vi$ta and Xp has to phone home to Uncle Bill. LOL

Microsoft Says Vista SP1 Won't Resolve Compatibility Issues

http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=204801084

Quotes from the link:

"Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is warning customers that the soon-to-be released service pack for its Windows Vista operating system won't fix the application capability issues that have plagued the software since its release in January.

"Applications that have compatibility issues with Windows Vista today will most likely continue to have the same issues with Windows Vista with SP1," Microsoft warns in a new whitepaper on Vista Service Pack 1. "

Dude - get it right, Vista SP1 is Release Candidate 1 - not "no numerals", which means that Windows XP SP3 isn't any further nor behind than Vista SP1. Maybe the next time before you blog, check the facts. And please, stop complaining. When they don't release a service pack, you bloggers complain, now that they do, you complain too. Very disappointing.

Neil,

different horses for courses indeed; that statement couldn't be more appropriate for an OS discussion!

I too am always glad when i get back home to my normal PC as that means my work-day is over and i can get back to playing Oblivion or Bioshock... :)

Geez will you please fix your web page ? It looks terrible in Firefox. The entire page is shifted right, beyond the page border. It's been like this for weeks.