Ed Bott's Microsoft Report

Why I'm letting someone else run my Exchange 2010 server

Ed Bott — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:22:18 +0000

Microsoft officially released Exchange Server 2010 today. I could go download the code from my MSDN or TechNet account and install it in-house. Instead, I'm planning to let someone else handle the heavy lifting for me, and I suspect I have a lot of company. The biggest objection to a complex but powerful server product like Exchange is the hassle of managing it locally. Using a third-party hosting company eliminates those hassles and adds benefits like redundant data storage and simplified administration.

Seven perfectly legal ways to get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)

Ed Bott — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:21:09 +0000

Only suckers pay retail. You don't have to pay full price for Windows 7. Most people have much better options available, if you just know where to look. I've researched deals in three separate categories: upgrade offers available to anyone, special deals just for students, and subscriptions intended for technical professionals and developers. Want to save 58%, 70%, 85%, or even get Windows 7 free? Keep reading.

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing

Ed Bott — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:41:30 +0000

If you're not a lawyer, the subject of Windows licensing can be overwhelmingly confusing. Over many years of studying this stuff, I have learned that Microsoft has buried much of this information in long, dry license agreements and on sites that are available only to partners. Microsoft hasn't assembled this information in one convenient place, so I decided to do the job myself, gathering details from public and private sources.

Clean install with Windows 7 upgrade media? Get the facts!

Ed Bott — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:13:24 +0000

If you purchase a discounted upgrade edition of Windows 7, can you use it to perform a clean installation of the operating system on a PC that doesn't currently have Windows installed? The answer, it turns out, is really quite simple. I've broken down the license agreement and have specific answers for upgraders. If you own a Mac or plan to dual-boot, I've got the answers you need.

Internet TV goes live on Windows 7 Media Center

Ed Bott — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:37:15 +0000

One fascinating detail almost got lost in the shuffle of last week's Windows 7 launch. Microsoft flipped the switch on some partner deals that turned its ho-hum Internet TV feature into something worth watching. I've got the details and a gallery of images to show what you get..

Dear Microsoft: What's the deal with Windows 7 upgrades?

Ed Bott — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:55:30 +0000

Did you just get a retail upgrade copy of Windows 7? Do you have questions about how it works? Sorry, I probably don't know the answers. And I can't point you to anyone who does know how this product works. Why is Microsoft refusing to publish or even discuss this subject?

Finally, some answers to Windows 7 upgrade questions

Ed Bott — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:00:37 +0000

Every day for the past few months, I have received at least one question from readers wanting to know how the Windows 7 upgrade process will work. And in every case, my answer has been consistent: I didn't know. So when I got home from the Windows 7 launch event and found four Windows 7 upgrade boxes waiting in my office, I got right to work. Here, at long last, are the answers you've been looking for.

Windows 7: An impressive upgrade

Ed Bott — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:35 +0000

Windows 7 is officially available to the public tomorrow, after nearly a year of testing. I've covered its features and capabilities in detail over the past few months. Today, on the eve of the official launch, I look at Microsoft's new operating system and answer the big question: Who should upgrade?

Windows XP Mode Q and A

Ed Bott — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:52:16 +0000

In comments and private e-mails, I've received a surprising number of questions about Windows XP Mode, a new feature in Windows 7 that I demoed in today's screencast. How much does it cost? How do you install it? Does it require antivirus software? Get the answers to these questions and more.

Windows 7 in action: a closer look at Windows XP Mode

Ed Bott — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:55:34 +0000

For any sort of upgrade, software or hardware, compatibility issues can be true deal-breakers. If a mission-critical program originally written for Windows XP won't run under Windows 7, you're stuck. And the economics can get ugly if an expensive or hard-to-replace peripheral doesn't have Windows 7 drivers. In this week's screencast, I demonstrate a new feature called Windows XP Mode, which is Microsoft's way of handling compatibility problems.