Gizmodo: rc1

Windows 7: The Complete Guide

Wilson Rothman — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EDT

We've covered Windows 7 from rumor to golden master. Now—as we wait for its Oct. 22 arrival—it's enchilada time: Here's everything of value that we learned about Win 7, packed in a complete, easy-to-read guide.

Intro

What It All Means: Windows 7 Review
So much anticipation has led up to the arrival of Windows 7, aka The Redeemer. But does it live up to the hype? Here we pass judgment, and then, because we like you, we give you a super-quick tour of its best features and tips.

Chapter 1

The Real Cost of Upgrading to Windows 7
Now that prices are announced and it's time to think about upgrading, here are all the different considerations you'll have to make. It's as smart a Windows upgrade as there ever was, but do your homework!

Chapter 2

How To Use Windows 7, or Why The New UI Is So Great
Windows 7 is Microsoft's biggest user-interface overhaul since Windows 95. It's no surprise, then, that even Windows veterans could use a crash course on how to use it.

Chapter 3

Device Stage Hardware Fun, Plus More Productivity Tips
Device Stage, the instant recognition of cameras, printers and other peripherals, is candy for the gadget-addicted, but knowing what works and what doesn't definitely matters.

Chapter 4

Windows Media Player and Media File Compatibility
Music and movies—not only are they more important than they were when Vista came out, but they also come from more sources in more formats. Windows 7 attempts to master them all.

Chapter 5

Couch Tricks: New Features for Windows Media Center
Our favorite "10-foot" media software shows up in Windows 7 with loads of new features—if you haven't yet seen why Media Center makes even TiVo look dated, you better pay attention.

Chapter 6

Important Changes to Networking and Security
When it comes to life online, there's no way to underestimate advances in networking and security. Windows 7 is full of them, and it pays to know what they are and how to use them.

Chapter 7

Natural Interfaces: Pen, Touch and Multitouch
Windows 7 comes of age at a time when the keyboard and mouse are giving way to newer more instinctive controls—luckily, it's got many of those controls built right in. Bonus: Here's a first look at the fun Surface-like Windows 7 Touch Pack which may soon be available on all touch PCs.

Chapter 8

Got Troubles? Here's How To Shoot 'Em Down
Even a good operating system can be bad once in a while. During the Beta test, we had our share of issues. Here's a discussion of many of the problems that can be solved, and a few that can't.

Is there something missing, a discussion you were hoping to have but aren't seeing here? We want to be thorough, so let's have it. Go ahead and hit us up, either in direct emails or to our tips line, with the subject "Windows 7 Guide."

Microsoft Distributes Windows 7 Release Candidate 1, Testers Say

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:40:00 EST

According to some testers in Microsoft-centric forums, Windows 7 Build 7048 has been declared Release Candidate 1 ahead of the planned April 2009 launch date. For those racing through the torrent sites, it's build 6.1.7048.winmain_win7rc1.090211-1625.

This means win7rc1 was compiled at 4:25PM last Wednesday. Microsoft hasn't said anything official yet, so remember our first rule of rumors. If you find this in any Torrent tracker, proceed with caution: Only Build 7032 has been detected in the wild so far. [Softpedia]

Firefox 3 Release Candidate 1 Now Available

Jack Loftus — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Go kick the tires and light the fires of Firefox 3 Release Candidate 1, which is now available for download at the Mozilla Firefox site. The update delivers a few aesthetic changes, as well as what Mozilla is calling major security enhancements. Users should also expect increased performance and stability for applications like Google Mail. There's an exhaustive list of known bugs to squash too, but that's par for the course with any software. [
Firefox 3 RC1]

$55,000 Remote Control Has Gold Instead of Features

Adam Frucci — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:15:09 EST

This here is the world's most expensive remote control. You might expect a normally-frivolous accessory that has had its price jacked up to $55,000 to have all sorts of bells and whistles, like an LCD touchscreen and the ability to start your car. But the Gold RC1 doesn't have a screen at all. What it does have is gold, the favorite material of rich people and birds attracted to shiny objects. It's designed to control the entertainment systems in high-end yachts, which I assume doubles the price. The company also seems to think that the average price of a remote control in the US is $1,050, which seems to be missing a decimal point somewhere. Don't buy crap like this, people, even if you can afford it. It makes you look like an idiot. [Product Page via Born Rich]

Windows Vista RC1 Announced, Microsoft Inching Closer to Releasing This Behemoth

Jason Chen — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 21:00:34 EDT

If you're one of the Windows Vista testers, check your mailboxes because Windows Vista RC1 was just released today. Not much has changed, undoubtedly, since the Vista pre-RC1 (build 5536.16385) was released a week ago, but build RC1 (build 5600) should have some improvements. Since it's RC1, by definition it's supposed to be feature complete and almost bug free. If that's the case, Microsoft may be still on track to ship the OEM versions in November. – Jason Chen

Near-final Windows Vista version issued [CNET]

Microsoft Vista Preview-Release Candidate 1 In The Wild

Jason Chen — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:00:46 EDT

Microsoft's Vista PRC1 is out in the wild now. A select circle of testers gave it their thumbs up upon installing, saying it's "3x better so far" compared to the old betas. Driver support seems to be great as well. Do any readers have access to it and want to send in some screenshots to share with the rest of the class? – Jason Chen

Microsoft Delivers Vista 'Pre-RC1' To Testers [TechWeb]