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Windows Vista Launch Is a Huge Success

With all the excitement leading up to the General Availability launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System, how could it have been any different? Click here to watch some of the video posts added at the time of the launch. You'll be able to see a clip of Steve Ballmer visiting with shoppers at Best Buy, talking about Windows Vista and Office 2007. And if you want to take a look at the great new Windows Vista PCs, click here to go to the photo gallery of Vista-ready PCs.

If you'd like to share your own Wow moments, you can get your Wow on by entering the Show Us Your Wow online contest. Capture your own Wow moment digitally and enter to win big prizes at http://showusyourwow.msn.com.

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Visit the New Windows Vista Web Site

Be sure to visit the great new Windows Vista Web site (http://microsoft.com/windows) as well as the Windows Community site, now featured under Help and Support at http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/community/default.mspx.

The beautiful new Windows Vista site offers help on every conceivable Windows Vista topic and enables you to connect with other Vista users in the Windows Vista Community. You can find information on the latest products, get free downloads, shop for new Vista-compatible items (with discounts from partnering business such as Best Buy, Dell, and more).

On the Windows Vista Community page, you can search and read newsgroup discussions, get the latest articles, scour the blog posts, and much more. The Help and How-To page offers demos, articles, tips, and more on various features in the operating system. Go to Help and How-To by clicking here, and visit the Windows Community page by clicking this link.

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Vanishing Point Game Winner Announced

Microsoft and AMD announced the winner of the mysterious and challenging Vanishing Point game: Congratulations to William Temple, of Sacramento, California. So what does he win as the Grand Prize? Here's a clip from the Microsoft Press release: "Temple will visit space in the Rocketplane XP, a four-seat, fighter-sized vehicle fitted with a delta wing and a V-tail providing good flight characteristics both subsonically and supersonically. The vehicle is powered by turbojet engines and a rocket engine, allowing it to accelerate to speeds of more than 3,500 feet per second (2,386 miles per hour) and reach altitudes in excess of 330,000 feet (60 miles), providing the sensation of weightlessness for three to four minutes. Rocketplane Limited is a subsidiary of Rocketplane Kistler." Talk about a great Vista! Click here to read the full press release on the announcement.

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New Developments for Xbox 360

If you or someone you know owns an Xbox 360, you may be pleased to know you can now download and watch videos and your favorite television shows using the device. Click here to visit the new Xbox Live Marketplace and see what's available for download.

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Windows Home Server in Beta 2

At CES in Las Vegas this past January, Microsoft unveiled an exciting new product called Windows Home Server, which enables home users to easily connect and manage their Windows Vista PCs, devices, and printers. Microsoft has now released the second beta of the new server. If you'd like to participate in the Beta 2 program, sign up at http://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer. Windows Home Server will be made available to consumers through OEMs. Hewlett-Packard is expected to be the first manufacturer to include Windows Home Server on new systems, beginning later this year.

Microsoft also unveiled http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver , which will track the progress of the software's development. Additionally, Charlie Kinder, Microsoft general manager of Windows Home Server, also maintains a web site (http://kindel.com/blogs/charlie) with the latest posts on the product.

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Windows Mobile 6 Is Released

Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled Windows Mobile 6, the newest version of its mobile software platform. Enhancements in Windows Mobile 6 enable users to view e-mail in HTML format with live links; connect seamlessly with Web sites and SharePoint sites; incorporate Windows Live services; and easily integrate with Office 2007 applications. For more about Windows Mobile 6, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/6/default.mspx.

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ActiveSync 4.5 Is Now Available

Earlier this month, Microsoft released ActiveSync 4.5, the mobile-to-PC synchronization utility for Windows Mobile-powered devices. This version of ActiveSync is faster and offers additional security features. Note, however, that Outlook 2000 is no longer supported by this version; Outlook 2003 and later versions are recommended. Click here to go to the download page and find out more.

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A Look at Microsoft Expression

If you're still wondering how to create rich web sites with FrontPage, take a tour of Microsoft Expression. If you haven't yet taken a closer look at Microsoft Expression, now's the time to do it, while the free downloads are still in effect. Microsoft Expression is a collection of feature-rich applications that enable you to produce professional web sites, create stunning designs, and efficiently manage content. Microsoft Expression includes four programs: Expression Web, for creating standards-based web sites; Expression Blend, for designing compelling user experiences online; Expression Design, illustration and graphic design; and Expression Media, for asset management.

Click here to find the free trials of the Microsoft Expression products. And for extended learning, check out http://www.learnexpression.com/ for free video tutorials.

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Zune News

Connection has happened faster than you might think! The release of Windows Vista has unleashed the possibility of the truly connected world, the "always on" world of technology. The Zune is a big part of the excitement in that the small portable MP3 player, file sharing, and video device bring the best of photos, music, video, and social networking all together in one easy-to-tote little device that syncs naturally and easily with Windows Vista and Windows XP. Zune users have become passionate Zune lovers, after only a few weeks in release. If you're curious about the Zune, Zune users, or developments in the world of truly connected technology, visit http://www.zune.net.

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Windows Live OneCare Family Safety Beta

Did you know that Windows Live OneCare Family Safety helps you ensure protection for your children and grandchildren while they surf the Web? Family Safety works as a filtering mechanism; you can block and control sites, set permissions for varying age levels; get activity reports so you can easily see which sites are visited; and control permissions remotely from any Web-connected PC. Click here to learn more about Windows Live OneCare Family Safety beta.

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Microsoft Small Business Summit

On March 19, 2007, Microsoft opens the first day of the five-day Microsoft Small Business Summit, held on Microsoft's Redmond Campus or at one of six participating Regal Theatres. See and hear experts from a variety of businesses speak on topics relevant to owning, managing, and growing a small business. If you live close to Redmond, you can attend in person and be part of the live audience as Microsoft COO Kevin Turner delivers his keynote address and announces the winners of the Total Tech Makeover contest. If you aren't in this part of the country, you may be able to network with peers and see the summit by going to a participating Regal Theatre and watching a live broadcast of the Redmond event. Click here for more information.

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Resources for Leaders

100 Reasons Vista Leaves You Speechless
Here's an interesting site Microsoft has designed to count down the top 100 great things about Windows Vista. This might make good fodder for a group presentation or just be something to bat about in the coffeeshop.

Microsoft Products & Daylight Savings Time
Just a reminder we're carrying over from last month. Remember that Daylight Savings Time is arriving earlier than usual this year, on March 11, 2007. Be sure to take a look at the bulletin Microsoft posted about the change. Here's the link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/timezone/dst2007.mspx.

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Coming Next Month

Here are a few of the stories we're working to bring you next month. Be sure to write to us at mindshar@microsoft.com and let us know what topics you would like to share with your user groups!

. Windows Vista Tips and Tricks
. Windows Live
. Microsoft Office Publisher 2007
. A Look at MSN Soapbox
. SharePoint Designer 2007
. Your stories, events, and more!

Thanks, as always, for your participation in Mindshare. And happy Spring!

Until next time,

Sheri Sullivan
Mindshare Project Manager, Microsoft Corporation
mindshar@microsoft.com
www.microsoft.com/mindshare

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February 2007

In This Issue: