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!
Windows Server 2008, build v6001-18000-080118-1840 has been released as the official RTM (Release to Manufacturing) build! I’m glad to have been a part of this beta test, and I’m excited to start using this new server OS in my organization! Good work to everyone who participated in this!! 
Windows Live Messenger 9 was released to a limited number of testers… check it out:
Neat, huh? Now, don’t ask me for a copy, Microsoft was very specific about not spreading this build. If you’d like some more information, check out Neowin’s post on this:Windows Live Messenger 9 Info
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.
This post is being made from my desktop using the new Windows Live Writer Beta! I thought I’d give it a whirl and see how it works.
So far it seems like a pretty good program… there is a little bit of a lag on it, but I don’t know if that’s the program, or my PC (it’s currently running a few other apps).
Now let’s try adding a picture:
Nice! The picture options on this program are quite like Microsoft Word 2007, in that you can add drop shadows and even a watermark! This should come in handy for photographers, I’d think!
This should be a block quote!
Well, all in all I think I’d probably use this tool daily to update my blog, it’s much more convenient than logging in through a browser (the spell-check is a nice plus, as well!). If you’d like to test out the tool for yourself, the download link is below! Enjoy!
Download: Windows Live Writer Beta
