by Arie Slob

Dear Windows-Help.NET Subscriber, Microsoft continues supplying new builds of the next version of Windows, currently named "Whistler". Last week build 2410 was supplied to a wide group of beta testers, and I've heard some interesting comments. This new build seems to include a feature popular called "anti-piracy code", Microsoft is calling it "Microsoft Product Activation for Windows" (WPA). The technology behind it seems basically the same as the new Office Activation Wizard, which is part of Office 2000 (SR-2). This technology will tie the Windows product key to a specific PC. This is done by sending data to a (Microsoft) license clearinghouse, which will most probably include the product key and a hardware identifier. This will prevent the product key from being used on a different PC. Also included in this build is Internet Explorer 6 (build 2411), it is expected that full scale beta testing of Internet Explorer 6 will start in the next few months. If you want to get a sneak peak, read my review of the Beta 1 (Build 2296). Microsoft Announces Availability of UltimateTV Service UltimateTV Is First and Only Service That Integrates DIRECTV Programming, Digital Video Recording, Live TV Controls, Interactive Television and Internet Access. Microsoft announced the availability of Microsoft® UltimateTV® service, the first and only service that integrates DIRECTV™ programming, digital video recording, live TV controls, interactive television and Internet access in one package. UltimateTV is the only service that utilizes two tuners, enabling viewers to watch two live shows simultaneously, watch one live show while recording another, or even record two live shows that are on at the same time. "UltimateTV offers consumers a whole new way to experience television," said Bruce Leak, president of Microsoft WebTV Networks, Inc. "Now you can live your life and still enjoy great TV, pick the best time to watch your favorite shows, pause live TV to answer the phone, and send an e-mail message with a picture of your kids to your in-laws during a commercial." More...

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Speed Up Your Computer and Improve Performance by Tweaking DeskTop Settings.

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Microsoft Brings In-Car Computing Technology to Consumers at CES

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Windows 98 Tip: Image Preview Problems

If you have problems previewing some images in Windows Explorer, try these two tips:

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