Microsoft loses patent appeal against i4i

Microsoft has been in legal trouble from quite some time as it was found the some technology used by Office products for parsing XML content in its Office Open XML files (docx, xlsx, pptx etc.) infringed on i4i's copyrights.

The technology, which allows for manipulating the architecture and the presentation of a document separately is present in all Office application including Word, and Microsoft was supposed to stop sales of its products by January 11th. This technology has been present in Microsoft Word since it was introduced in Microsoft Office Word 2003.

Microsoft claims that the technology isn't present in the Office 2010 betas, and they will be moving fast to remove the offending features from their Office 2007 products to ensure that they can continue selling their products sans the custom-XML features after January 11th.

In any case the only person affected in this is Microsoft, as customers who have already own copy of Microsoft application with the infringing features can continue to use them. In return i4i will have to be remunerated with a sum of $290 million.

Why is my Internet connection so slow?

No matter how fast your Internet connection is, there are times when things will slow down to a crawl. This article will help you sort out what kinds of things can go wrong, learn what you can do about them, and discover how to get the most from your Internet connection.

Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically find and fix some common connection problems.

• Open the Internet Connections troubleshooter by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then clickTroubleshooting. Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.

The type of connection you have makes a difference

The type of Internet connection you use is the most important factor in determining your connection speed. The three most common ways to connect to the Internet from home are dial-up, DSL, and cable. If you have a choice, cable is usually the fastest, but both DSL and cable are faster than dial-up.

Many Internet providers also offer Fiber Optic Service (FiOS), which connects to the Internet using light over an optical network. In your home, you still connect your computer through copper wiring. The advantage of FiOS is that it can provide higher speeds than traditional copper wire connections such as DSL or cable. Some Internet providers offer multiple options, depending on the area you are in. More populated areas are more likely to have FiOS available. Check with your phone company or Internet provider for more information.

If you use a dial-up connection, there are a couple of good ways to optimize your Internet speed. First, use the fastest modem you can. The fastest modem you can use will send and receive information at a rate of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps). You won't get a full 56 Kbps speed most of the time, but with a good phone line, you should approach at least 45-50 Kbps.

Second, make sure that your phone line is in good condition. If the telephone wiring in your home or business is old or deteriorating, you might be picking up stray signals or cross talk from other phone lines. These problems will slow your Internet connection because the modem will have to send the same information over and over until it's transmitted without interruption. Check your telephone wires to be sure they aren't damaged, frayed, or twisted around power or other telephone cables. If you notice crackling in your phones, you might want to contact your phone provider to have them check the lines inside and outside your home to make sure they are in good condition.

Tips for wireless network users

When connecting to a wireless network (Wi‑Fi), your Internet connection speed can be affected by both where your computer is located and whether other wireless devices are in the same area. Wireless networks operate on frequencies that are similar to those used by other devices, such as microwave ovens or cordless phones. Operating a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) cordless phone next to your 2.4 GHz wireless laptop can cause interference, or completely block the wireless network connection. If you want to make phone calls while surfing the web, either use a wired telephone or a cordless phone that operates at a different frequency than your wireless network.

Proximity to the wireless access point or router, as well as physical obstructions, can affect the quality of your Internet connection. To improve your connection speed, move closer to the access point and make sure that there are no physical obstructions between the access point and your computer.

Computer woes: spyware, viruses, and other programs

The health of your computer can affect your Internet connection. Spyware and viruses can definitely cause problems, but your Internet connection speed can also be affected by add-on programs, the amount of memory the computer has, hard disk space and condition, and the programs that are running.

Two of the most frequent causes of poor Internet performance are spyware and viruses. Spyware can slow your system by interfering with your browser and monopolizing your Internet connection. Spyware monitors your Internet use and keystrokes, which adds delays. The problem is compounded when there are multiple spyware programs running at the same time. If the problem is severe enough, you can lose connectivity altogether. To get your Internet performance back, you should regularly run an antispyware program to clean out any spyware infestation. For more information, see Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Computer viruses can also cause poor Internet performance. When a virus infects a computer, it installs computer code which will attempt to propagate itself, usually by sending copies of itself through e‑mail. Some viruses can multiply at the rate of hundreds of e‑mail messages per minute, which leaves little computing power and Internet connection bandwidth for anything else. Viruses often don't give any obvious indication that they are running, so it's best to run your antivirus software at all times. For more information about dealing with viruses, see Viruses: frequently asked questions.

Browser add-ons also cause performance problems. Browser add-ons are programs, such as multimedia add-ons, search bars, or other programs that usually appear on your browser's toolbar. Many browser add-ons can add to a rich browsing experience, offering multimedia or specialized document viewing. However, some add-ons can slow your Internet connection. If you suspect that add-ons are causing slow performance, try starting Internet Explorer in Add-ons disabled mode. Add-ons are disabled only for the session, but if you find your performance improves, you can use the Add-on Manager to turn them off permanently. To access the Add-on Manager from Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons. For more information, see How do browser add-ons affect my computer?

Like all computer programs, Internet Explorer requires a certain amount of computing power, memory, and disk space to run efficiently. Every webpage you view is first downloaded to memory and then saved to temporary disk files. Running another program that is using lots of memory and computing power can compete with Internet Explorer and cause delays. If you find your Internet connection running slowly and you have other programs running, try closing them. If you want to run several programs, consider increasing the memory you have on your computer. Low disk space can also cause performance problems. You can increase your disk space by deleting Internet Explorer's temporary files. To learn how to delete temporary files, see Delete webpage history.

Occasionally, settings get changed in Internet Explorer that could possibly affect how Internet Explorer works. You can reset Internet Explorer to its default settings. For more information, see Reset Internet Explorer settings. Resetting Internet Explorer isn't reversible, so you should read the list of settings that are affected before resetting.

Outside factors that affect connection speeds

Unfortunately, there are events and conditions that are outside your control. Even with a fast connection, external factors, such as busy websites or spreading computer viruses, can slow the entire web. Popular websites can become overwhelmed with users. For example, when a television commercial mentions a website, many people might try to visit the site at the same time. If the website isn't prepared to handle the traffic, you might encounter delays.

During times of heavy computer virus outbreaks, the Internet can slow down. Many viruses spread by causing computers to send out hundreds or thousands of copies of the virus. This can slow the Internet by sheer volume. You can see what major outbreaks are currently happening by visiting your antivirus vendor's website, or the Security at Home website.

Local Internet congestion can also result in slower-than-normal connection speeds. These slowdowns occur when many people try to connect to the Internet at the same time, and they occur most often at peak activity times, such as after school hours when students get home and connect to the web.

If you're on a corporate network, general network and proxy server use can affect your Internet performance. Most network administrators monitor Internet use, and will try to keep people from doing things like downloading large files during peak hours. If you find that your Internet access is slow at times, you might discuss it with your network administrator.

source: microsoft

Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7

Overwiew

We highly recommend that you print this tutorial. Your computer will restart during theWindows 7 installation process, so having a printed copy will help you follow the steps if you can't return to this webpage.

The Upgrade option moves your files, settings, and programs from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

Introduction

Depending on your hardware and your current edition ofWindows Vista, you can use the Upgrade option duringWindows 7 installation to upgrade from Windows Vista to a corresponding or higher edition of Windows 7.

Upgrading is the most convenient way to get Windows 7on your computer, because it keeps your files, settings, and programs from Windows Vista in place.

If your current edition of Windows Vista can't be upgraded to the edition of Windows 7 that you want to use, you can still install Windows 7 by using the Custom installation option instead. However, the Custom option doesn't preserve your files, programs, or settings. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform a custom installation, see Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).

Make sure that your programs and devices will work with Windows 7

Since your computer is running Windows Vista, it meets the system requirements for Windows 7. We still recommend that you download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Windows 7Upgrade Advisor webpage on the Microsoft website. It helps find potential issues with your computer’s hardware, devices, or programs that might affect installing Windows 7, and gives recommendations on what to do.

Also, go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see what works with Windows 7 and find direct links to drivers, updates, and downloads.

Step 1: Which version of Windows 7 can I upgrade to?

The table below describes which editions of Windows Vista can be upgraded to Windows 7. The Upgrade option works with either an upgrade copy or the full product copy of Windows 7. This is described on the front of the Windows 7 retail box or on an online sales receipt.

If you can't use the Upgrade option to upgrade to the edition of Windows 7 that you want to use, you can still use the Custom option, but the Custom option doesn't preserve your files, programs, or settings.

If you're running:	Upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium	Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional	Upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Ultimate

What if I can't choose the Upgrade option?

Some versions of Windows can't be upgraded with the installation disc you're trying to use. For example, you can't upgrade a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version, or upgrade from a higher edition ofWindows, such as Windows Vista Ultimate, to a lower edition, such as Windows 7 Home Premium. If this is the case, you'll need to use the Custom option during installation.

However, unlike Upgrade, the Custom option does not preserve your files, settings, or programs. You'll need to back up your files and settings before installing Windows 7, restore them after installation is complete—and you'll also need to reinstall your programs using the original installation discs or files. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform a custom installation, see Upgrading from Windows Vista toWindows 7 (custom installation).

Notes

• To upgrade an earlier operating system than Windows XP (for example, Windows 95 or Windows 2000), you'll need to purchase a full version of Windows 7 and perform a custom installation.

• In the European Union (including Croatia and Switzerland) and Korea, Microsoft will release Windows 7 editions that don't include certain features such as Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center. Upgrading to these editions requires a custom installation.

• Upgrading Windows Vista in one language to Windows 7 in a different language requires a custom installation.

32-bit or 64-bit: Which version of Windows 7 to install?

If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only upgrade to a 32-bit version of Windows 7. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only upgrade to a 64-bit version ofWindows 7. Otherwise, you'll need to use the Custom option to install Windows 7.

Both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs are included in the Windows 7 package. 64-bit operating systems can handle large amounts of memory—typically 4 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM) or more—more efficiently than 32-bit operating systems. However, not all computers are 64-bit capable. For more information, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.

To find out which Windows 7 installation disc you can use, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clickingSystem and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.

2. Click View and print details.

3. Under System, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running next to System type, and, next to 64-bit capable, whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows.

   If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.

   Step 2: Installing Windows 7

   When you upgrade to Windows 7, you keep your files, settings, and programs from Windows Vista.

   The options for Windows 7 installation

   Before you begin

   • Be sure your computer is running either Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista. For more information, see the Windows Vista service packs webpage on the Microsoft website.

   • Connect your PC to the Internet so you can get installation updates during the installation process. (If you don’t have an Internet connection, you can still install Windows 7.)

   • Update your antivirus program, run it, and then turn it off. After you install Windows 7, remember to turn the antivirus program back on, or install new antivirus software that works with Windows 7.

   • Select either the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc, depending on whether you want to install a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7. If your computer is currently running a 64-bit version ofWindows Vista, you can use the 64-bit installation disc. For more information, see 32-bit and 64-bitWindows: frequently asked questions.

   • Find your 25-character Windows product key. You can find it on the installation disc holder inside theWindows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online.

   • If you use a fingerprint reader or other biometric device to log on to your computer, make sure you write down your password before upgrading. You must log on by typing your user name and password the first time that you use Windows after upgrading.

   

   Note

   Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, after you've finished installingWindows 7, you’ll need to install a new e‑mail program to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information aboutWindows Live Mail and instructions for importing your e‑mail, contacts, and calendar, see Importing your e‑mail, messages, contacts, and calendar into Windows Live Mail.

   Perform an Upgrade installation of Windows 7

   1. Turn on your PC.

   2. After Windows Vista has started, do one of the following:

      • If you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online, open the installation file. Purchasing and downloading Windows 7 online is the easiest way to install Windows 7 on a netbook. For more information, see Installing Windows 7 on a netbook.

      • If you have a Windows 7 installation disc, insert the disc into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button, click Computer, double-click your DVD drive to open the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-click setup.exe.

   3. On the Install Windows page, click Install now.

   4. On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation, and to help protect your computer against security threats. You computer will need to be connected to the Internet during Windows 7 installation to get these updates.

   5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

   6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Upgrade.

      You might see a compatibility report.

   7. Continue to follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7.

   Update drivers

   A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer—for example, a video card or a printer—won't work properly.

   In most cases, drivers come with Windows, or you can find them by using Windows Update and checking for updates. To do so, click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

   If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, which has direct links to driver downloads and manufacturer support pages. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.

   Share printers

   You'll need to re-share any Plug and Play printers that you'd shared in Windows Vista. To share a printer inWindows 7:

   1. Click the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers.

   2. Right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Printer properties.

   3. On the Sharing tab, select the Share this printer check box, and then click OK.

   If other computers on your network still can't access the printer, remove the printer from the other computers, and then add the printer again. For more information, see Share a printer.

Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061

If you receive error "0xC004F061" when trying to activate Windows 7, it means you're using a product key for an upgrade version of Windows 7 and a previous version ofWindows wasn't on your computer when Windows 7 was installed. To install an upgrade version of Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP must be installed on your computer. If you formatted the drive before starting the installation process, you won't be able to use the upgrade product key to activate Windows 7. To activate Windows 7, you'll need to install your previous version of Windows, and then reinstall Windows 7. For help with the activation process, go to the Microsoft Support website.

We recommend that you install Windows 7 with your current version of Windows running. If you want to format the hard drive, and you are using an upgrade version of Windows 7, you'll need to start your computer using the Windows 7 upgrade DVD, click Custom (advanced), and then click Drive options (advanced).

For more information about Windows 7 product key errors, see Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key.

Windows 7 activation error: invalid product key

If you receive an error indicating that your product key is not valid when installingWindows 7, it could be for the following reasons:

• You might have mistyped your product key. Try retyping it.

• You might be using a product key that doesn't match the version of Windows 7 that's installed on your computer. Check the product key to make sure it is for the version that you are trying to activate.

• The product key is for an upgrade version of Windows 7 and a previous version ofWindows wasn't on your computer when Windows 7 was installed. To install an upgrade version of Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP must be installed on your computer. If you formatted the drive before starting the installation process, you won't be able to use the upgrade product key to activate Windows 7. To activateWindows 7, you'll need to install your previous version of Windows, and then reinstallWindows 7. For help with the activation process, go to the Microsoft Support website.

  For more information about Windows 7 activation errors, see Windows 7 activation error: 0xC004F061.

We recommend that you install Windows 7 with your current version of Windows running. If you want to format the hard drive, and you are using an upgrade version of Windows 7, you'll need to start your computer using the Windows 7 upgrade DVD, click Custom (advanced), and then click Drive options (advanced).

To verify your product key, look for the product key sticker on your computer or inside the Windows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloadedWindows 7 online. Go to the Microsoft website to see examples of product key stickers.

If you still can't find your product key, you might need to buy a new one to activateWindows. You can purchase an additional copy of the same edition of Windows 7, which contains a product key that you can use. For more information, see Get a new Windows product key.

If you're unable to enter a product key without getting an error message, you can leave the box empty and click Next. This will allow you to finish setup, but your copy ofWindows 7 won't be activated. You must activate Windows within 30 days of installation. For information about activating Windows 7 after setup, see Activate Windows on this computer.

The product key won't be valid if you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows. For more information, see What is genuine Windows?