Windows 7 marks the shift of desktop virtualization programs from a tool for IT pros to a standard program on every desktop.  Virtualization software enables users to run additional operating systems, such as XP or Ubuntu, as a program right inside their standard desktop, which enables users to test new programs or run legacy programs in a separate OS.  Microsoft has offered a free desktop virtualization solution for Windows 2000 and...

Microsoft’s stated goal of introducing the Ribbon interface in Office 2007 was to “make it easier for people to find and use the full range of features these applications provide.”  As more features were added to Microsoft Office over the years, fewer users noticed the new features because they were hidden in numerous menus, toolbars, and side panes.  The Office product team tried to combat this problem by designing a user...

After installing the Windows 7 x64 RC (and the Beta as well) on my computer, I immediately noticed that it did not automatically have audio enabled.  In fact, the speaker icon in the notification area only showed that I had digital audio.  That didn’t help me very much, since I’m using normal speakers (and of course want to use earphones also!).  I quickly checked Windows Update, but it didn’t have anything to offer.  So, I headed...

Are you going to be upgrading to Windows 7 x64, or have you recently purchased a new computer running a 64 bit version of Windows?  Most computers sold a couple years ago shipped with 32 versions of Windows, but many newer computers ship with 64 bit versions to take advantage of additional memory and speed.  If you are sharing a printer from a computer running one architecture of Windows with one running a different architecture, this...

Although Microsoft has announced which versions they intend to ship Windows 7 in, they have not said anything officially about pricing yet. Part of the anouncement that was suprising was that they said that they will ship Windows 7 Starter edition globally. Starter edition dates back to XP, and it was the edition intended for cheap computers in emerging markets. A stripped-down and low cost version, starter edition only allows 3 programs to...