On Mac OS X, you can easily save any document as PDF format. It is a built-in feature. We do not have the useful feature on Windows Vista (or any other versions of Windows) but it can be done with external software. I recommend doPDF to save your documents to PDF format on Windows.

doPDF is a FREE PDF converter that allows you to create PDF files by selecting the “Print” command from virtually any application. With one click you can convert your Microsoft Excel, Word or PowerPoint documents or your emails and favourite web sites to PDF files.

After installing doPDF, you will get a virtual printer named “doPDF”. Simply select the printer from the “Print” menu and it will convert and save your document to PDF format. No nag, no watermark and it’s free!

The following video is the demo of creating PDF file with doPDF:

Some features of doPDF:

• FREE for both commercial and personal use
• Support 64-bits Windows
• Small setup file, do not require 3rd party program (GhostScript) to create PDF
• Customisable resolution – you can choose any resolution from 72 to 2400 dpi
• Predefined/custom page sizes – choose a default page size or enter your own custom page size.
• Searchable PDFs — you can search for text within the created PDF file

Download doPDF (1.42MB)

My two cents

I installed doPDF on my Vista box and it works great! The setup file is extremely small compared to other PDF creator such as CutePDF or PDFCreator. CutePDF requires PS2PDF converter such as Ghostscript (over 10MB) in order to work. PDFCreator has big size setup file (15MB).

If doPDF can do the same (or better) job at its smaller size (1.42MB), I see no reason why we want to install the other big size PDF convertor.

By the way, saving documents to PDF format means consuming less papers. Quote from doPDF: “save paper. save trees. save planet.”

For those who encounter problems when upgrade to Windows Vista SP1, here is a good news for you. Microsoft is giving away free support for Windows Vista SP1 issues. The unlimited installation and compatibility support is available at no charge until March 18. 2009.

There are 3 support options: Email, Online Chat and Phone. Currently, email support response time is 1 business day. Online chat waiting time is over 60 minutes(!). The phone support is only available for users who have software assurance agreement, TechNet/MSDN subscrition, or Microsoft Partner Program.

Oh, the free support is for U.S. users only. (duh!)

[via News.com]

Now you can download Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) via Windows Update or Microsoft Download Center. Windows Vista SP1 is an update to Windows Vista that addresses specific reliability and performance issues, supports new types of hardware, and adds support for several emerging standards.

How to install Windows Vista SP1?

You can manually check Windows Update on your Windows Vista for Windows Vista SP1. If Windows Vista SP1 is not listed, there could be several reasons. Here are the most common reasons:

• You have not yet installed all the prerequisite packages you need for Windows Vista SP1. Click “check for updates” on Windows Update control panel to install them, before you can install Windows Vista SP1.
• You have a pre-released version of SP1. You need to uninstall it before installing the final release of SP1.
• You already have Windows Vista SP1.
• Windows Vista SP1 released in 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese). If you have ANY other language installed, SP1 will not yet be offered to you.
• Windows Update detected drivers that may be problematic when updating to SP1 and will not offer the service pack until an update has been installed.

“Windows Vista: The Missing Manual”

Download standalone Windows Vista SP1

Beside getting Windows Vista SP1 via Windows Update. You may also download the Standalone version of the service pack. The standalone version of Windows Vista SP1 is a big size (434.5MB) executable file named “Windows6.0-KB936330-X86-wave0.exe”.

The standalone version is useful when you need to install Windows Vista SP1 on several computers (save total download time on each computers). If you are only install Vista SP1 on just one computer, you should get a smaller size download (~65MB) on Windows Update.

What’s new in Windows Vista SP1?

Basically, Windows Vista SP1 adds hardware support, improve reliability, performance, power consumption, security, supports new standards, etc. Here are some notable changes:

• Adds support for Direct3D 10.1
• Adds support for exFAT
• Adds support for creating DVD disc that boots on PC
• Addresses many of the most common causes of crashes and hangs in Windows Vista
• Improves reliability by preventing data-lose while ejecting NTFS-formatted removable-media.
• Improves wireless ad-hoc connection success rate.
• Addresses the problem of the Video chipset not allowing the system to stay asleep.
• Improves the speed of adding and extracting files to and from a compressed (zipped) folder.
• Improves speed of moving and copying folders and files.
• Improves the time to read large images by ~50%
• Improves the effectiveness of a Windows ReadyBoost device in reducing the time to resume from standby and hibernate.
• Improves overall media performance by reducing many glitches.
• Adds full support for the latest IEEE draft of 802.11n wireless networking.
• Enhances Windows Firewall and IPsec to use the new cryptographic algorithms that are Suite B compliant.
• Updated drivers are delivered primarily via Windows Update and directly from hardware vendors, not as part of a service pack.
• Allows users and administrators to control which volumes the disk defragmenter runs on.
• Enables support for hotpatching, a reboot-reduction servicing technology designed to maximize uptime.
• Improves overall install time for updates by optimizing the query for installed OS updates.
• With SP1, Windows Vista will report the amount of system memory installed rather than report the amount of system memory available to the OS.
• Upon scanning a photo with the Vista scanning experience, SP1 will open Explorer rather than opening Windows Photo Gallery.
• Users are now required to enter a password hint during the initial setup of Windows Vista SP1.

You can get a full list of notable changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 at Windows Vista TechCenter.

It has been 9 months since Windows Vista launched in Malaysia. Are you a Vista user yet?

There are many complaints about Windows Vista, the Microsoft’s latest operating system. Last week, CNET UK listed Top 10 terrible tech products and Windows Vista is listed!

Its (Windows Vista) incompatibility with hardware, its obsessive requirement of human interaction to clear security dialogue box warnings and its abusive use of hated DRM, not to mention its general pointlessness as an upgrade, are just some examples of why this expensive operating system earns the final place in our terrible tech list.

[via Crave at CNET.co.uk]

I am not sure if it is author’s bias or the truth. My younger brother loves my Vista Box and has no complaint about it.

Are you a Vista user? What do you think?

microsoft, vista, windows

Just a few months after the launch of Windows Vista, CNET News.com has learned that Microsoft is planning for next version of Windows called “Windows 7” around 2010.

Windows 7 was previously known by the code name Vienna. Windows 7 is the internal code name. Like Windows Vista, It will be shipped in consumer and business versions, and in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Microsoft hasn’t revealed much information about the features of the next operating system.

Why “7″?

According to Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows, “Since Windows Vista is really Windows 6.0, Vienna will presumably be version 7.0.”

My two cents

Although Windows Vista is still new to most users, but most of us should be using Vista by 2010. I am curious about the features of next Microsoft operating system.

By the way, there are increasing number of users thinking to get a Apple Mac computer. Apple will release its next generation of operating system named “Leopard” in October 2007.

operating system, microsoft, windows, windows7

Microsoft will deliver the Beta 1 of Vista SP1, the first service pack for Windows Vista, in mid-July 2007.

The news source claimed that Microsoft will release Beta 1 version of Vista SP1 at around July 16, 2007. The final version of Vista SP1 will be released in November 2007. Note that Windows Server 2008 is also scheduled to release in November 2007.

What’s new in Vista SP1?

Vista SP1 will include alterations to Windows Vista desktop search and the following features:

• Performance tweaks for faster files copying and windows shut down
• Improve transfer performance and decrease CPU utilization
• Support for ExFat, Windows file format for flash memory storage
• Improvements to BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Ability to boot EFI on an x64 machine
• Improved success rate for firewalled MeetingSpace and Remote Assistance connections.

[via ZDNet.com]

My two cents

As far as I know, many new adopters of Windows Vista are not satisfied by the Vista performance. Hopefully the Vista SP1 will “greatly” improve Windows Vista performance. Let’s see…

download, microsoft, Vista SP1, windows vista

WordPress Gadget for Windows Vista gives you easy access to your blog directly from Windows Vista sidebar. [via weblog tools collection]

Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 have been launched in Malaysia. Are you tempting to get them? Here are the different Windows Vista and Office 2007 price lists I collected in Malaysia.

Windows Vista and Office 2007 Full Version

I got the price list from the official Microsoft outlet at Low Yat Plaza. It is correct to the date I got them.

Windows Vista and Office 2007 OEM Full Version

Here is the price list I got from a computer shop in Low Yat Plaza for OEM version of Windows Vista and Office 2007. OEM version software is only available with new computer purchase.

*Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student edition is limited to home users and schools. Each license can be installed on up to three (3) computers.

Should I buy original full version or OEM version?

I am sure you have noticed the big price (over 50%) different between the original full version (FPP) and OEM. Which one should we choose, OEM or FPP? Let’s take a look of the differences between licenses (they have NO difference in software wise).

From the table, we know that although OEM is cheaper but it is only available with a NEW PC, CANNOT be transfered to another PC, and NO technical support from Microsoft.

My two cents

Overall, the prices of Windows Vista and Office 2007 (OEM version) are lower than I expected. I am delighted by MS Office 2007 Home and Student edition that can be installed on 3 PC with one license (Anyone please confirm?).

If you gonna get a new PC, I recommend cheap OEM version. The money saved is enough get you a big LCD monitor! Afterall, how often do you transfer license to another PC and call Microsoft for support?

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium FULL VERSION [DVD]

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

FPP, malaysia, microsoft, OEM, office 2007, windows vista

I went to Vista Launch in Malaysia at February 3rd with my younger brother in the evening. It was not crowded but many Vista Hunt athletes rushing around.

The agenda changed the official launch ceremony from 8:30pm to 8:00pm. Luckily I didn’t miss it.

Image: Windows Vista and Office 2007

Aero everywhere

There were booths showing Windows Vista demo PCs(pic). Almost all PCs are showing Windows Vista Aero user interface with overlaid windows, and windows widgets. Afterall, these are the most significant new Windows Vista features.

AMD girl

After the private booths, in front the big yellow camp, AMD was having small golf game. I won a “handheld CPU cooler”(read: fan). I was targeting an AMD CPU! Too bad! Anyway, I took a pic with the cute AMD girl.

Windows Media Center

Entering the yellow camp, a big screen media center PC running Windows Vista was at the center. It is the combination of TV and PC. The demonstrator showed the demo of viewing, recording, pausing, reversing a live Astro TV programs with Windows Media Center. “You don’t need to buy the AstroMax (cost RM549)!”, said the demonstrator. Oh, Astro won’t be happy to know that!

Malaysia Windows Vista Widgets

Then, we watched a demo of Vista widgets, the small applications sit on the side of Vista desktop. Some local websites such as AirAsia and TheStar are Vista widget ready(pic).

Windows Meeting Space

Next, we had the Windows Meeting Space demo. The demonstrator showed how do we exchange files when there is no network connection with other party, use Ad-Hoc connection(wireless) via Windows Meeting Space. This is a handy feature we already have but it is easier to setup on Windows Vista. Of course, both parties need to run Windows Vista.

Vista Games

How about games on Windows Vista? One of the PCs in the camp was showing the trailer of games that will be launching soon. The demonstrator also showed the rendering power of DirectX10, which only available on Windows Vista. The graphic was stunning. I doubt how truth it is on real gaming, since it was only a screenshot.

Microsoft redesigned many classic Windows games and added a few. The games are now mostly 3D and more interactive. My brother played the classic Mines using XBox 360 controller with vibration feedback.

Until now, I didn’t get a chance to touch a Vista PC…

“No, you cannot use this PC”

At the Low Yat Plaza ground floor concourse, there were many Windows Vista PCs with seats. We thought they were there for us to experience Windows Vista but we were wrong.

A girl came to us and told us that those PCs were for game competition in an unfriendly tone. But I don’t see any notice about the competition and I saw Vista Hunt athletes were playing the PCs (ian experienced the same). I felt disappointed regarding the differentness.

Vista Launch ceremony

After 8:00pm, the Vista Hunt athletes gathered in front the stage and ready for Vista Launch ceremony. Frankly, without the athletes, only a few persons were there (including my brother and I). The ceremony began by a dragon dance, followed by one minute speech of Yasmin Mahmood, the managing director of Microsoft Malaysia. Then, continued with a short Windows Vista demo.

I took a short video of Vista Launch. Watch the video.

K-town Clan

The K-town Clan was on the stage to give performance after the short Vista demo. I didn’t know them and I dislike hard-beat rock songs. The big speakers were bombing the stage but the crowd(read: Vista Hunt athletes) didn’t take it, except the Microsoft crews at the back, they were very high.

No response to the performance in front.

But, the Microsoft crews were very high!

My brother and I left shortly after.

Microsoft Shop in Low Yat Plaza

We went in the Microsoft shop in Low Yat Plaza. There were stacks of Windows Vista and Office 2007 packages. I am not sure if they were closing, the guys there seems tired and didn’t like to entertain any visitors. But they changed after I took out my notebook(paper) and camera. *sigh*

My two cents

It was a good experience to join Vista Launch Malaysia. But I feel disappointed for not having a chance to experience Windows Vista in detail. The negative attitudes of some crews might chased away some potential customers. Take note, Microsoft.

View the photos I taken on Vista Launch.

P.S. Where is the hot, sexy, stunning showgirls?!
P.P.S I didn’t see anyone buying Windows Vista or Office 2007. Waiting for pirated softwares, huh?
P.P.P.S The pirated software shops in Low Yat Plaza were not open. Power of Microsoft?

malaysia, microsoft, office 2007, vista, windows

I took some photos during Vista Launch at LowYat Plaza, Kuala Lumpur. Here is the Flickr photoset:

P.S. NO showgirl there…

lowyat, microsoft, office, office 2007, operating system, OS, software, vista, windows, windows vista

The Vista Launch opening ceremony video taken during Vista Launch at Low Yat, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The video showed highlighted features of Windows Vista.

lowyat, malaysia, microsoft, office 2007, video, windows, windows vista

Windows Vista is in the town. You might not like the new look of Vista and want to keep XP look and feel. CNET TV shows you how to make Windows Vista look like XP in the following video tip:

Video: Make Windows Vista Look Like XP

Another advantage of XP look in Vista is that you can save a lot of resources by turning off the fancy user interface of Vista.

Note that eventhough your computer can install Windows Vista, it might not give you the fancy user interface you expected. Watch this video to know why.

operating system, tips, windows vista

Microsoft will be launching Windows Vista and Office 2007 in Malaysia at Low Yat Plaza on February 3rd and 4th, 2007. The event is open to public and there will be activities, games and contests.

Date: Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 February 2007
Venue: Low Yat Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.
Time: 10:00am to 9:30pm(Saturday), 10:00am to 6:00pm(Sunday)

Activities Highlights

• Windows Vista launch ceremony at 8pm on 3 Feb.
• Amazing Vista Walk Hunt, and win a limited edition of Windows Vista signed by Bill Gates.
• Evolutionary Pearl discovery Showcase
• Experience Vista Ready computers

Read more details at Vista Launch.

My two cents

I think I will be there. I will bring along my camera and hopefully will take some good shots of pretty girls *ahem* …of Windows Vista. Who wanna join me?

lowyat, malaysia, microsoft, office 2007, vista, windows vista

Now you can get FREE Upgrade to Windows Vista or Office 2007, by purchasing Windows XP or Office 2003 today.

This is a Microsoft promotion for Malaysians before the official launch of Windows Vista and Office 2007. This is a limited time offer.

Free upgrade options

• Buy Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE), Get Windows Vista Home Premium
• Buy Windows XP Professional, Get Windows Vista Business
• Buy Office Basic Edition 2003, Get Office Basic 2007
• Buy Office Small Business Edition 2003, Get Office Small Business 2007
• Buy Office Professional Edition 2003, Get Office Professional 2007

The free upgrades only available when purchased through OEM or as a Full Packaged Product (FPP) via Microsoft resellers. Visit Promotions Microsoft Malaysia for details.

[Update] My two cents

I am not sure if the “old” Windows and MS Office are currently cheaper than the “new” Windows Vista and Office 2007. If the prices are about the same, I recommend you straightly get the full version of new softwares, which will be launched in Malaysia at Feb 2007. I am the believer of “Clean install is more stable than Upgrade install” for Windows platform.

malaysia, office, office 2007, vista, windows vista

As previously mentioned, Amazon.com is taking pre-orders of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007. Amazon.com has created a Microsoft Vista Resource Center for the products, which will be released on January 30, 2007.

Windows Vista

Basically, there are four different versions of Windows Vista: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate. The official price is ranging from $199.95 to $399.95 (check Amazon.com for offer)

You can compare each Vista version using the Quick-Pick Chart. For home users, Home Premium is the one to get. Forget about Home Basic because it has limited new features and without the fancy Aero desktop. Windows Vista Ultimate has ALL the features but it is too expensive…

Read detail Windows Vista descriptions.

Microsoft Office 2007

Amazon.com listed five different version of Microsoft Office 2007: Home and Student, Ultimate, Professional, Small Business, and Standard. Priced from $351.99 to $679.95. Compare all eight versions of Microsoft Office 2007 versions.

If I would buy Microsoft Office 2007, I will buy the Microsoft Office Standard 2007 with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook. The Home and Student version does not have Outlook 2007 but OneNote 2007(for taking notes).

Books for Windows Vista

Windows Vista is a new generation of Microsoft operating system. It has been redesigned and included a lot of new features. Get these books to help you start using Windows Vista: Windows Vista Secrets and Windows Vista: The Missing Manual, and more…

Visit Microsoft Vista Resource Center

2007, microsoft, office, vista, windows

CNET published a quick guide to the new file system of Windows Vista.

In the article, it introduces the new features of Windows Vista file system such as system wide file search, new Windows Explorer, file organization, file tagging, and virtual folders.

Overall, the new features are very powerful. But existing Windows XP uses might need to take some times to learn how to utilize the new features. I won’t be surprised if a user do not know where to find his/her files.

P.S. Apple’s Mac OS X has similar features years ago and it is simpler to use.

cnet, microsoft, vista, windows

CNET reported that “Under changes to Microsoft’s licensing terms, buyers of retail copies of Vista will be able to transfer their software to a new machine only once. If they want to move their software a second time, they will have to buy a new copy of the operating system.”

What does it mean to you?

Let’s say you buy a retial copy of Windows Vista and install it on your current PC(Computer A).

Some days later, you want to change to a new computer(Computer B), you CAN uninstall/delete Windows Vista on Computer A and then install Windows Vista on Computer B. No problem.

However, if later the Computer B break down(or you buy a new PC again), you CANNOT install the Windows Vista on the new PC(Computer C). You need to buy a NEW Windows Vista license for Computer C.

My two cents

In short, Windows Vista is tied with your computer. You probably need to buy more Vista licenses if you often(yearly?) change/upgrade computer. Remember, Windows Vista is expensive.

license, microsoft, vista, windows

According to Amazon.com, Microsoft Windows Vista will be released on January 30, 2007 and you can pre-order now! (well, only in U.S.) Windows Vista full version is starting from USD$199 (Home Basic), and upgrade version is starting from USD$99.95 (Home Basic).

Various version of Microsoft Windows Vista at Amazon.com

Now, have you confused by the different versions of Windows Vista? For a home user, you need a Windows Vista Home Premium edition to fully enjoy new features of the operating system. If you have Windows XP, then save a few bucks and get the Home Premium Upgrade edition.

My two cents

A Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium DVD-ROM cost $239(RM878.80). Is it the most expensive consumer operating system software?

What’s your take on the Windows Vista? Would you upgrade?

amazon, microsoft, operating system, OS, software, vista, windows, windows vista

Skip the following nonsense, grab your copy of Microsoft Windows Vista (Beta 2) now! It’s FREE!

Microsoft is providing a limited number of copies of Windows Vista Beta 2, either by online download or DVD. Anyone can get a copy of Windows Vista Beta 2 by visiting the Microsoft Beta Experience website.

Please note that Microsoft will withdraw the offer very soon. Grab your copy NOW!

I am downloading Windows Vista Beta 2 now. It is a 3.2GB ISO disk image file. I also got a Windows Vista product key, which is needed to validate my copy of Windows Vista later.

Since it is a Beta release, the Windows Vista Beta 2 will be expired on July 1st, 2007.

Is your computer capable of running Windows Vista? Check it here.

My two cents

Well, I am sure that you will get more working copies of Windows Vista in the pirated software market. These are BETA release, that will be expired in 2007.

[via Ian Moulster's blog]

beta, microsoft, operating system, OS, vista, windows, windows vista

Microsoft released Windows Vista Beta 2 for beta testers. It is not available for public download. The following are the Windows Vista Beta 2 screenshots by PC Magazine.

PC Magazine had a chance to review Windows Vista Beta 2 and noted that “One of the significant differences in Beta 2 is that the implementation of UAC (user account control) privilege elevation is much more intrusive—objectionably so, in our experience so far. UAC’s fundamental purpose is laudable: It aims to enable most users to spend most of their time running with limited-privilege accounts, constraining the ability of malicious software to inflict damage.”

Windows Vista is Microsoft’s next generation operating system. It is expected to be available in year 2007. However, Windows Vista’s hardware requirements is high.

microsoft, screenshot, software, vista, windows