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Microsoft to offer Vista upgrade coupons starting Oct. 26

Express Upgrade to Windows VistaAP reported yesterday that “people who buy certain Windows personal computers this holiday season will be offered free or heavily discounted coupons to upgrade to Microsoft Corp.’s new operating system, Windows Vista, under a program designed to spur sales despite Vista’s delay.”


Companies including HP, Compaq and Dell are quoted with more details on the upgrade offers for purchases starting Thursday, October 26th. (“Price, terms, and conditions may vary. Additional shipping, handling, and other fees may apply. See your PC manufacturer for availability and applicable offer details.”)


From the Microsoft Windows Vista web site: details on Express Upgrades to Windows Vista…



“If you’re in the market for a new computer this holiday season, be sure to ask your retailer about the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista, being offered by participating PC manufacturers. When you buy a qualifying Windows Vista Capable PC between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007, you may be eligible for an Express Upgrade to Windows Vista.


“Don’t wait to enjoy the benefits of owning a new PC. Buying a Premium Ready Windows Vista Capable PC means you can buy a great Windows XP computer today, with the confidence that it will easily upgrade to the Windows Vista edition of your choice. Express Upgrade to Windows Vista offers from participating PC manufacturers will ensure you can easily enjoy Windows XP today and Windows Vista when it’s available.”


More details on the program are on the Express Upgrade site.


As noted on AP’s web site, “the coupon program begins Thursday and runs through mid-March. Particulars of the deal will vary depending on the computer maker and retailer.”


PC manufacturers mentioned in the article include Hewlett-Packard (for certain HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario and HP Digital Entertainment Center computers equipped with Windows XP), Gateway (“free upgrades for people who buy Vista-capable computers directly from the company) and Dell (for “Vista-capable Dell computers running Windows XP Home Edition” will be able to upgrade to Windows Vista Home Basic; Dell’s rep said that “buyers of computers running Windows XP Media Center or Windows XP Professional will only have to pay shipping and handling to get a comparable Vista version.”)


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Mac or PC Security, it doesn’t matter: be prepared

In a comment I received to a recent blog posting on being careful when it comes to viruses, I wanted to mention something when it comes to computer security: whether you have a PC or a Mac, you will have to be concerned about security and protect yourself.


If you own a computer – PC or Mac (and we have both at home) – you should run AV software, have a firewall on your internet connection and practice “safe computing.”


But we have to be careful to reach broad-based conclusions. It’s better to anticipate an attack and be prepared and protected rather than hope that you won’t be the victim of an attack. As I said in a past post, see our Security at home site for more ideas on how to protect your computer. It has info on avoiding online scams with the Microsoft Phishing Filter, anti-virus, anti-spyware, security updates, Office and Windows update tools… well worth your time. Mac users can look here on Apple’s site for more info on protecting your Mac.


As USA Today reported earlier this year…



“Windows-based PCs have felt the brunt of attacks for years because those machines command more than 95% of the worldwide market. Macs mostly have escaped the attention of hackers. Until now.


“Unless they consider themselves very savvy, Mac users should run anti-virus software just like Windows users,” says Larry Seltzer, security center editor at news site eWeek.com. “Mac users need to start developing a sense of cynicism about content that comes unsolicited, even if it appears to come from a user they know.”


Of interest is eWeek’s Larry Seltzer’s article on “What Will Apple Do When the Malware Comes?”


As our COO Kevin Turner says, (paraphrased): don’t be a victim… be a participant in your own rescue.

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News & Link: T-Mobile Dash coming Oct. 25

As noted earlier in the week, the new T-Mobile Dash Smartphone is coming soon. This info is in the official Dash press release:



The T-Mobile Dash will be available exclusively to T-Mobile customers beginning Oct. 25 at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. Prior to retail availability, customers can learn more about the T-Mobile Dash at www.t-mobileregistration.com/dash.

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Just released: New T-Mobile Dash Smartphone

T-Mobile Dash SmartphoneMSNBC has a quick review quick review from Gary Krakow on T-Mobile’s new Dash phone, a slick smartphone Krakow calls a “slick, new design… best-of-breed for Windows Mobile devices.” It’s so new that the phone is not yet on the T-Mobile site or on their press page. (Update 101306: The T-Mobile Dash press release is now available here.)


Says Krakow:


“The phone performed every task I asked it to do without any problem — a big deal for today’s, feature-laden smartphones. I have yet to find a program that makes the Dash trip up or miss a beat.


“It has handled all my remote e-mail, Web browsing and even some photography and music-listening duty with aplomb. The Dash is one of the best smartphones I’ve tested to date and definitely the most enjoyable Windows Mobile phone I’ve used.


“But don’t take my word for it.  Over the course of the past two weeks every person who has seen me use the phone has asked if they could look, touch, feel and play with it. I have never seen a cell phone receive that kind of reaction before.”


Disclaimer: this is on my short list of new devices. My wife was looking at getting a new phone with a larger screen and a QWERTY keyboard over her current Smartphone, and this should fit the bill. Originally we were looking at upgrading to the Motorola Q, but that model isn’t compatible on on our network. 


More info:



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OneCare v1.5 Beta for Vista now available

Windows Live OneCare Beta 1.5 is available and supports Vista RC1 and greater, and can be downloaded and used free of charge, is available now on http://ideas.live.com.



From the FAQs:


What operating systems are supported?
Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista (build 5500 or greater; recommended build is 5600 aka RC1)

Can I use Windows Live OneCare with Windows XP or Vista x64 versions?
Not at this time.


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