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Microsoft Musings is a CIO's take on all things Microsoft. Have an idea you'd like to run by Scott for a future post? Want to comment on something that's been written, but don't want to make it public? Email Scott directly at itworldfeedback@slowe.com. Scott is the CIO for Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He has written over 500 technology-related articles and two books - Home Networking: The Missing Manual, and the Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Administrator’s Companion (co authored with Walter Glenn and Joshua Maher).

by Scott Lowe

Windows 7's XP Mode is CYA at its best

Posted Apr 27, 2009 - 10:48 pm

Microsoft has been lambasted in the media for Windows Vista and is doing everything possible to make sure that Windows 7 doesn't meet a similar fate. With application compatibility remaining an area of weakness for Vista, Microsoft has taken the step of announcing their development of a virtual XP Mode that will run in Windows 7 and host Windows XP-compatible software. While XP Mode presents some challenges for IT staff, it also present a terrific opportunity for Microsoft.
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- Operating Systems, Mac, Microsoft
Don't worry, Microsoft. 2009 won't be the year of the Linux desktop... nor will 2010, 2011, etc.

Posted Apr 22, 2009 - 08:30 pm

For years, pundits have written about the demise of Windows and the rise of Linux on the desktop. For years, Windows has avoided being pounded into oblivion by the open source movement. Although Windows has lost a little market share in recent years, it's far from a has-been and, I predict, will continue to dominate for years to come... I also predict that Linux at the desktop level will not gain the major traction that many would like to see.
- 21 comments
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- Operating Systems, Linux, Microsoft
Microsoft will/won't provide a public beta for Office 2010

Posted Apr 16, 2009 - 08:41 pm

In a span of two days, Microsoft officials reported that Office 2010 will and will not receive public beta treatment during which a wide variety of testers would be able to give the code a go. Which one is the real answer?
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- Development, Beta, Microsoft
Is a Microsoft/Yahoo deal back on?

Posted Apr 14, 2009 - 06:30 am

Is Microhoo back? Nah. But Microsoft and Yahoo are talking about a broad deal that would cover search and advertising. There are a lot of reasons that this space is important to Microsoft and Yahoo. Read on.
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- Internet, Yahoo, advertising
The economy takes its toll on Microsoft’s Live Labs group

Posted Apr 13, 2009 - 06:30 am

Microsoft's Live Labs was originally formed to showcase the software giant's innoation and Internet-prowess. Now, the company has shrunk the Live Labs group in half, scattered the staff to other groups and shuttered some projects.
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- Internet, Live Labs, Live Mail
Microsoft on Windows 7: They did it right this time

Posted Apr 10, 2009 - 06:30 am

When it comes time to Monday morning quarterback Microsoft's work on Windows Vista, it's evident where the company made mistakes along the way. From overpromising and underdelivering to scrapping the code to being late to relatively poor betas, Windows Vista's development cycle was less than ideal. With Windows 7, Microsoft appears to have learned its lesson and, this time, they got it right.
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- Windows, Microsoft, Vista
Windows XP support ends next week; Windows 7 to allow downgrade to Windows XP; what?

Posted Apr 08, 2009 - 07:15 pm

Mainstream support for Windows XP ends next week. At the same time, Microsoft has announced that it will provide downgrade rights from Windows 7 to both Windows XP and Windows Vista. So you get to choose between sticking with Windows 7, running the lambasted Windows Vista, or downgrading to an unsupported OS. Read on.
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- Windows, Microsoft, Windows
Go green by conserving power with the System Tamer

Posted Mar 15, 2009 - 06:25 pm

Go green. Save electricity, save the planet. Conserve power and save the budget. No matter how you cut it, there is no downside to conserving electricity whenever possible. How often, though, does forgetfulness or inconvenience get it the way of your noble efforts to go green? One device, the System Tamer, aims to cure these ailments and help you in your planet-saving endeavors.
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- Green IT, go green, going green
Hate Microsoft Outlook Mail? Try Windows Live Mail instead.

Posted Mar 09, 2009 - 03:01 am

Although Microsoft Outlook is a great product in the enterprise where it's safely tethered to the ubiquitous Exchange Server, the product leaves a lot to be desired in the non-Exchange world. From PST corruption to outright weirdness, I don't want to spend more time managing my mail client than I spend managing my actual mail. In the hunt for a new client for home, I found and fell in love with Windows Live Mail.
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- Personal Tech, live, Microsoft
Macs rarely belong in the enterprise

Posted Feb 19, 2009 - 12:28 am

For years, Apple fans have told us that Macs are easier to use, result in less tech support, are more stable and have fewer virus issues than their Windows counterparts. As such, some people believe, Macs should be the logical first choice when it comes to an enterprise deployment, especially since they can easily run Windows software. I'm here to commit a cardinal sin by dispelling this idea.
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- Hardware, Apple, macintosh

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Open Source Month

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