Update1 - Okay, so it seems to have some troubles with certain buttons on my site, as well as with Gmail chat. From what I can tell, Gmail is set to the “Older Version” mode, with no way to change back. Also, no javascript buttons/rollovers seem to work for me. Interesting.
Update 2 - It appears to have to do with Javascript, although I don’t know what yet (I’ll have a post when I do). I’m currently on the latest version (JRE 1.6.0_05-b13) and it says it’s enabled. Oddly when using the “Emulate IE7″ mode, it causes everything rendered in IE8 to work again, although Gmail looks a bit funky now (see image below). Very odd…
Update 3 - Installed on my Vista system and the problem remains. I’ve now decided that it’s not a problem with Javascript, but perhaps just an issue in how Internet Explorer 8 renders certain code (other sites with issues don’t use Javascript). Now, the weird thing… my new updated design passes both the “Valid CSS” check and the “Valid XHTML 1.1 Strict” test… and it is completely broken in IE8. I’m going to hope that there is just a problem with the program, and not something perhaps worse (web designers having to re-design sites for IE6 and IE7 know what I mean). Screenshots below. Let’s hope my next IE post is good news!
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Under :
Science, Health & Technology, Site Updates (Boring Stuff)
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Tags: beta, Gmail, IE8, Internet, internet explorer 8, screenshot, valid css, Vista, web designers, xhtml
Get it while it’s hot, folks (this was just released today!):
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/ie8/readiness/Install.htm
The beta comes in the following flavors:
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Server 2008 x64 Edition
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Window XP SP2
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Server 2003 SP2
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64 Edition and Windows XP SP2 Pro x64 Edition
Links are all currently active, so go have fun! For those wanting some info, here is a link to all the new goodies you get:
Internet Explorer 8 - New Features
EDIT - Installed (Windows XP SP3):
Updates soon!
I didn’t get an e-mail and it’s not on the Connect front page, but for those who were busy (like myself), Windows Vista SP1 RTM (Release to Manufacturing) has been released to testers! The build is version 6001.18000.080118-1840 and is able to be downloaded for both x86 and x64. This has been available since 02/06/08 and will be available to consumers in March. 
Once I get a chance to upgrade my home system (probably tonight) I’ll write up my experiences and any performance changes I see.
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EDIT (10:21 PM) - It’s officially installed. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that after the install (which took about 35 minutes) is that it made me re-activate my PC once it came back online. Very strange. More updates as they come!
The Problem: You have a client that is computer illiterate and you need to help them configure settings and programs on their PC without spending any money. They are running Windows Vista Home Basic, so they do not have Remote Desktop, nor will most VNC programs (such as TightVNC or UltraVNC) work without major configuring of services and other settings.
The Solution: Have you and your client download and install CrossLoop. CrossLoop is completely free and built off of VNC, but it works on every version of Windows 98 through Vista. Once downloaded and installed, just run the program (make sure you are in the “Join” tab) and have your client click the “Host” tab. Type in the numbers they read off to you and hit “Connect”. They will then be prompted to allow you access to the PC. That’s it. Once they let you in, TightVNC launches through CrossLoop and you are free to help out. Check out the screenshot:
For those wondering, this solution came to me through much searching after being on the phone for 4 hours last night trying to help my Aunt and Uncle with their first ever PC. It’s just good to know for the future.
Quick Rant…
As someone in the IT field, I’m sick of consumers who don’t understand what they buy. If you go into a store and purchase a new laptop with Windows Vista on it, I don’t want to hear you keep asking “Where is my XP? Why did I get this Vista thing?” Seriously. I don’t know why it’s still acceptable for people to not know anything about technology. I’m not asking that everyone be a technophile, but really, have a little basic knowlege. 
Above is a quick example… this is a scan of an actual note I got with a laptop yesterday (the color was added by me, it was a black & white scan). Sure, I’ll look into “Delete Vista” for you. *sigh* 
