Microsoft plans to make a key Internet Explorer default change to thwart attackers trying to hack into its Web browser. The software maker will enable DEP/NX by default in IE 8 when the browser is running on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, a major tweak aimed at mitigating browser-based vulnerabilities. DEP/NX (Data Execution Prevention/No Execute) is already available in IE 7, but it's turned off by default because of compatibility issues.   via osnews.com

via > engadget

After months of development Windows Vista SP1 is finally available for download     Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone (KB936330)     File Name: Windows6.0-KB936330-X86-wave0.exe Version: 936330 Knowledge Base (KB) Articles: KB936330 Date Published: 3/18/2008 Language: English Download Size: 434.5 MB

Microsoft has admitted that SP1 for its Ultimate edition of Windows Vista will not be made available to everyone in mid-March as originally planned, because of a delay with 31 of its language packs. Vista product manager Nick White said in a blog post yesterday that Microsoft will now ship Vista Ultimate SP1 in two 'waves', with the second one coming 'later in 2008'. Customers running the 'premium' version of the operating system on their computers in English, French, German, Japanese and Spanis

Microsoft has released the first beta release of Internet Explorer 8 just a few moments ago. "Download Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 and put the web at your service for you and your customers. This beta is aimed at web developers and designers to help them take advantage of new features in Internet Explorer 8 that will enhance their websites. Download the beta version of Internet Explorer 8. Internet Explorer 8 is currently available in English and will soon be available in German and Simplified Ch

Microsoft has sent an e-mail to a select number of its previous beta testers regarding the upcoming release of IE8 beta 1. "We are nearing the launch of Windows Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 and we will be making it available for the general public to download and test. IE8 Beta 1 is focused on the developer community, with the goal of gaining valuable feedback to improve Internet Explorer 8 during the development process."     linked via osnews.com

Japan's Toshiba Corp (6502.T: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it would stop promoting its HD DVD format for the next-generation DVD after losing the support of key studios and retailers to the Blu-ray technology backed by Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research).   full story > http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyN...B00294420080219

Jason Perlow takes a look at Microsoft's Hyper-V, and concludes: "Even though Hyper-V is still pre-1.0 code, I think Microsoft has done a bang-up job with its hypervisor, and it may just turn this Linux freak into a Windows 2008 junkie for running his own personal virtualization needs. While VMWare's ESX is still superior on a number of fronts, including its aforementioned VMotion technology and its more powerful cluster management tools, Microsoft has certainly sent a major warning shot across