So the other day I had one of those windows updates that kept trying to install and failing to install. Asking for a reboot and failing. Then it would keep reminding me to update. It drove me a little crazy.
Crazy enough to install SP1.
I went to Microsoft and downloaded the full SP1 install (almost 500 MB) and then with reckless abandon I ran the SP1 install.
I waited, and waited, then doubted my wisdom, waited some more and watched as the machine rebooted and informed me what stage it was at, 1 of 3, 2, of 3, as well as the precentage 25%, 34% 99%…
Then the fateful stage 3 of 100% came. Now I was worried. This is where others had encountered the reboots of death. (Constant reboots and never finishing the install)… Very happy to report that it rebooted and finished the update with out any issues. Here is a Yeah for Microsoft!
So after the upgrade I am happy, here is a couple of things I do like:
- The Remote Desktop Stopped complaining about the systems I was connecting to were not the same version. OK Minor issue but it drove me crazy.
- File transfers. Faster. I am a network admin and I move files all the time. What ever they did increased the transfer of files. I am happy with it.
- Overall system–seems more responsive (3 days into the experience).
Windows Vista SP1 worked and has made life better for me, life is better.
ThisIsRidiculo.us
Today I check for updates on Windows Updates for my Vista machine. There was one Critical.
Only one??? So i read.
This update enables Windows Vista to detect activation exploits that bypass product activation and that interfere with usual Windows operation. An exploit is a form of software that replaces or modifies authentic Windows components. When exploits are present on a system, it indicates that a software or hardware vendor may have tampered with genuine Windows to enable the sale of counterfeit software. Therefore, the security and the privacy of the computer are put at risk. After this update is installed, you will know if exploits are present on the system.
To obtain this update, visit the following Microsoft Web site, or enable the Automatic Update feature to install the latest updates:
http://www.update.microsoft.com (http://www.update.microsoft.com)
Note Installing this update does not affect the functionality of your operating system.
It does not affect functionality??? But it is checking to make sure you are not running a cracked copy….Sounds Ridiculous to me….
I have to agree 
From CNN
Story Highlights
- Microsoft ad researchers will teach computers to select promo timing, position
- Software would find time for a logo to appear when it would be most noticeable
- A voice recognition program would pair ads based on words spoken in the commercial
So Microsoft is bidding on a search engine, and working to make a bigger better version of the online ad. It makes sense. They are looking to maximize profit. But I’d worry a little. Once the ad becomes too intrusive it will cause people to block it or at least start to hate the site that has them.
Think of the sites with big splash pages before you get to the content. Those annoy me. When they pop up the only thing I am looking for is the Skip. So Microsoft good luck building a better mouse trap but just remember if the old one still works you might not need the new one.