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.”

doPDF — Freeware to Save Documents to PDF on Windows Vista is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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]

Free Support for Windows Vista SP1 Installation is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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.

Download Windows Vista SP1 is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

CNET UK: Windows Vista is the Top Terrible Tech Product is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

Windows 7, the Next Microsoft Operating System is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

Download Windows Vista SP1 Beta 1 in Mid-July is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

WordPress Gadget for Windows Vista is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

Windows Vista and Office 2007 Price List in Malaysia is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

Windows Vista Launch in Malaysia Coverage is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.

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

Photos: Vista Launch in Malaysia is an article from: LiewCF Tech Blog. For more updates, please follow @liewcf on Twitter, join Facebook page and subscribe free newsletter.