Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Now available – EXCLUSIVELY ON XBOX 360 & XBOX LIVE!

Grand Theft Auto IV:  The Lose and Damned features a new main character, Johnny Klebitz, and a plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV.  New missions offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, and additional music.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/g/grandtheftautoiv/lostanddamned/

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Johnny is a veteran member of The Lost, a notorious biker gang. Johnny has been creating business opportunities for The Lost in Liberty City, but his first loyalty must be to the patch he wears on his back and to Billy Grey, the club’s President. However, when Billy returns from rehab hell-bent on bloodshed and debauchery, Johnny finds himself in the middle of a vicious turf war with rival gangs for control of a city torn apart by violence and corruption. Can the brotherhood survive?

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto IV™ The Lost and Damned™ features a new main character, Johnny Klebitz, and plot that intersects with the storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV; new missions that offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles; and a diverse soundtrack with additional music—all with the incredible production values that are the trademarks of Grand Theft Auto.

The Lost and Damned is available now for download, exclusively from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. You can check out the screenshots from the new expansion above.

DOWNLOAD: 
http://marketplace.xbox.com/games/offers/0ccf0001-0000-4000-8000-0000545407f2

I’ve noticed that many customers and even some people at Microsoft don’t realize you can program your Microsoft Wireless Mouse to remotely change the slides within the LiveMeeting client just as you might with Powerpoint… just like a wireless Powerpoint clicker.

1. Install Intellimouse software from: 
   http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/
   download.aspx?category=MK
2. Run Programs –> Microsoft Mouse –> Microsoft Mouse.  This will open the "Mouse Properties" dialog.
3. Click the "Buttons" tab furthest left.
4. Enable the Checkbox labeled, "Enable program-specific settings"
5. Click "Settings…" button.  This will open a dialog box called "Program – Specific Settings".
6. Press "Add…" button. 
   Depending on what version of the Mouse software you have, this will either:
   a) open a dialog box labeled "Add Program…" 
       If this is the case, proceed to the next step.
   b) open a dialog box labeled "Add Program or Game"
       If this is the case, click the link labelled, "Mannual add a program…".  
       A dialog box labeled "Add Program…" will appear.
7. Enter the name of the LiveMeeting executable in the "File name" field.  This will depend on what Edition of Windows you are running – 32-bit of 64-bit.
1. If you are running 32-bit Windows (most likely), in the "File name" field, type:
       C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeLive Meeting 8ConsolePWConsole.exe
   …then press the "Open" button.  This will return you to the "Program – Specific Settings" window.
2. If you are running 64-bit Windows (x64), in the "File name" field type, type:
       C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeLive Meeting 8ConsolePWConsole.exe
   …then press the "Open" button.  This will return you to the "Program – Specific Settings" window. 
8. Click & highlight the new Program called, "Microsoft Office Live Meeting".
9. Click the drop down list for "Left side button" and select, "Keystroke…".  The "Keystroke Assignment" dialog will appear.
10. Click into the Key Combination text field, and press the following keys on your keyboard at the same time:
       CTRL DOWNARROW
    The words "Ctrl + Down" will appear in the "Key Combination" field.
11. Click "Ok" button to leave the "Keystroke Assignment" dialog.
12. Click "Ok" button to return to the “Program – Specific Settings” dialog.
13. Click the drop down list for "Right side button" and select, "Keystroke…"
14. Click into the Key Combination text field, and press the following keys on your keyboard at the same time:
    CTRL UPARROW
    The words "Ctrl + Up" will appear in the "Key Combination" field.
15. Click "Ok" button to leave the "Keystroke Assignment" dialog.
16. Click "Ok" button to leave the "Program – Specific Settings" dialog.
17. Click "Ok" button to leave the "Mouse Properties" dialog.

The next time you run LiveMeeting as a Presenter, you’ll be able to use the secondary left & right side buttons to change slides forward and back.

(NOTE:  This was written specifically for the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 8000 however it could be applied to virtually any Microsoft Mouse, by remapping ‘other’ buttons on the mouse – including the traditional LEFT and RIGHT mouse buttons – using the Intellimouse software.)

Well, along with a new version of Windows Live Messenger, apparently, we’ve released a new version of Windows Live Writer 2009 as well.

Only difference is that I haven’t the slightest idea what’s new about this version.  I believe the previous release was build 14.0.8050.1202.

For questions & comments, visit the forums for Windows Live Writer at:

• http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/writerbeta/threads/

With relatively little fanfare we announced the official release of Windows Live Messenger 2009(14.0.8064.0206)  This has been in beta form for a very long time and appears to be finally released.  The previous version was Windows Live Messenger 8.5.

• Support for handwriting from Tablet PCs or those with digitizers
• Personalization of the interface, including changing the background & color of the chat window, modifying the fonts used and transmitted to other parties
• PC-to-PC video & audio calls
• PC-to-phone/traditional telephone lines
• Photo sharing
• Web-based Messenger
• Facebook Integration http://apps.facebook.com/
  windowslivemessenger
• Minimal advertising

DOWNLOAD:
http://download.live.com/messenger/

ANNOUNCEMENT:
http://messengersays.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!5B410F7FD930829E!60258.entry

Read it for yourself:
http://i.gizmodo.com/5154385/windows-mobile-65-hands-on-the-new-interface-rockshttp://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3240086&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1
Windows Mobile 6.5 Running on HTC from Jesus Diaz on Vimeo.

Deep dive into Windows Embedded CE Tools and Standard Tools with Randy Rockinson, Douglas Boling, and others

TechEd 2009 Pre-conference Seminars
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Los Angeles Convention Center

Attend a full-day seminar of 300- and 400-level technical training on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 or Windows Embedded Standard 2009 and take home an ICOP board and SPARK Kit (value of $1300)—on us. The seminars are open to all—you do not need to be a TechEd attendee to register for the pre-conference days.

• Who should attend: Experienced embedded developers; ideally with hands-on experience with CE 6.0/Standard 2009, or previous versions of these Windows Embedded products.

• About the content: Choose from a full-day seminar about CE 6.0 or Standard 2009; each will have six modules led by Randy Rockinson, Douglas Boling and other Windows Embedded technical experts for the Windows Embedded technical team. During the day we’ll answer practical question and work through advanced scenarios. There are no labs as part of the pre-cons. Visit the TechEd site to read the abstracts.

• Cost and Registration: US$400 for registered TechEd attendees; US$500 for non-TechEd attendees. Register via the TechEd site.

LINK: http://www.msteched.com/teched/seminars.aspx

———————–

“SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION” OFFER:
If you are an Embedded Systems hobbyist or you’d like to become one, sign up for the Windows Embedded “Spark Your Imagination” offer!  SPARK is a Windows Embedded offering for hobbyists:

• We provide a full version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2.
• A full version of Visual Studio Pro 2005.
• You buy a SPARK-selected board from any of our 5 hardware partners.
• You get the software and the hardware for the price of the board.

There’s no catch.  Just get your gear and go. No markup on the board. Be free. The only requirement is that any work you produce be strictly non-commercial. It wouldn’t be much of a hobbyist program otherwise.

LINK: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/products/spark/default.mspx

Gemalto and Oxford Computer Group invite you to a free 2-day training seminar and hands-on-lab on Microsoft’s Identity Lifecycle Manager (ILM) “2”.

Come and learn how ILM “2” can help you by delivering simplicity, agility and efficiency while increasing security and compliance within your enterprise identity infrastructure.

The curriculum for this training is modular, which will allow users with different technical levels to attend. 

Day 1 Agenda:

• ILM “2” Overview Presentation and Demo
• ILM “2” Managing Users and Groups Hands-on Lab
• ILM “2” and ILM 2007 Comparison
• Certificate Basics Presentation
• Certificate Demo and Basic Use Cases
• CLM Hands-on Lab

Day 2 Agenda:

• ILM “2” Codeless Synchronization Presentation and Demo
• ILM “2” Hands-on Lab
• ILM “2” Policy Management Presentation and Demo
• ILM “2” Hands-on Lab
• Making It All Work Together – Demo: ILM, CLM, ADFS, MOSS, RMS, and IAG

LOCATION/DATE:
Irvine, CA – April 2 – 3

REGISTRATION:
If you’re one of my customers, please contact me and I will provide you with registration information.  No unregistered attendees will be permitted in the event.

Published on February 2nd, 2009, Ben Gray for Forrester Research shows that Enterprise deployment of Windows Vista is steadily moving forward throughout North America & Europe.  More interestingly, the report also clearly demonstrates that neither MacOS or Linux is making bigger in-roads with shares of 3% & 2% each in the Enterprise. 

A few bulleted highlights from the report:

• Windows Vista is “finally starting its much anticipated ramp-up in the enterprise”
  • 31% of ITDMs have already begun migration to Windows Vista
  • Nearly 10% of all PCs in enterprises run Windows Vista
  • There is considerable interest in Windows 7
• Window XP still powers 71% of enterprise PCs but will likely be replaced by Windows Vista during natural PC refresh cycle
• Windows 2000 is “fading fast” from enterprise landscape
• Mac OS X maintains its niche business status but there is more interest
  • 3% Mac OS X foothold in enterprise environments
  • Forrester anticipates that IT department interest in allowing employees to bring Mac-products  into the office (mainly iPhones) will “increasingly evolve to actual pilots later this year and beyond.”
• Linux adoption is flat at 2%, largely driven by Red Hat and Novell.

Some press coverages of the report:

• Vista to Make Enterprise Gains, Finally? 
  By Joe Wilcox/Microsoft Watch 
  http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/vista/vista_to_make_enterprise_gains_finally.html
• Gamers, enterprises saying yes to Windows Vista
  By Eric Lai/Computerworld
  http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyId=89&articleId=9127154&intsrc=hm_topic

Convergence is the premier Microsoft Dynamics event, bringing customers, partners, team members and industry experts together in an environment created for you to discuss solutions, address business needs and establish a true community that can be leveraged throughout the year.

In 2009, Convergence will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana March 10 – 13. This is your opportunity to participate in an exceptional program including a variety of speakers, detailed product demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions. You will learn how to enhance your Microsoft investment now and in the future, and gain a stronger sense of community through interacting with industry leaders, Microsoft team members, partners and other customers.

Convergence 2009 will help you:

• Build skills across all Microsoft platforms and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge you need to optimize your business solution.
• Interact with peers, partners, Microsoft team members and top industry experts in both structured and informal settings.
• Hear the vision and strategy of key Microsoft executive leaders and gain insight on the future of the company, product direction and investments so you can align your business and take advantage of the benefits.

Why Management Should Let You Attend

In today’s difficult economic environment, there has never been more value in attending Convergence. This year is geared toward helping attendees leverage their Microsoft Dynamics solutions to increase visibility into operations and maximize efficiencies.

Convergence attendees will get exposure to new technologies, will better understand their current business management software, and will have the insights they need to unleash their solution’s full capabilities.

Here are the six reasons for you to attend:

1. Learn how to more effectively use Microsoft Dynamics solutions to easily analyze financial data and respond to changing business conditions.
2. Gain clearer understanding of reporting and process automation capabilities to more effectively forecast and manage cash flow and compliance.
3. Learn how Microsoft Dynamics solutions can give their advisors and representatives access to comprehensive client information and insight.
4. Discover new ways Microsoft Dynamics can help improve fiscal responsibility and the delivery of public services.
5. Use accurate financial tracking and reporting to boost efficiencies and improve accountability.
6. Take advantage of the Convergence Attendee Sales Offer! Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP, NAV and SL customers who attend Convergence 2009 are eligible to receive up to a 20% discount. Terms & Conditions available here.
   View the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online sales offer for Convergence attendees here.

Register now by visiting the Convergence 2009 New Orleans registration site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/convergence/neworleans09

Tina from Channel 10 is publishing a video series of the History of Microsoft.

Welcome to The History of Microsoft.  A video series that gives you a rare glimpse into the story behind the software giant.  Using rare footage and never-before-seen photos we break down Microsoft’s history by year. Every Thursday we will air a brand new episode beginning with 1975 where The History of Microsoft begins when the ALTAIR 8800 appeared on the cover of Popular Electronics inspiring two young men Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop BASIC language software for it.  Tune in.

So far, years 1975 & 1976 are published with more anticipated:

• http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/History/