WinNews Vol. 2 #9, June 19, 1995
Microsoft(R) WinNews Electronic Newsletter
Vol. 2, #9, June 19, 1995
We are approximately two months from launch, and
you should start to hear plenty of information from
Microsoft and our partners regarding Windows 95. Here is
one important piece of news for all currently registered
users of the Windows 95 Preview Program (WPP). We will
be sending an updated version of the program to you for
you to continue your evaluations.
=
The WPP was designed to make it easier for
organizations to test and rollout Windows 95. The updated
version will allow you to test the latest beta versions of
products designed for Windows 95, and evaluate rolling out
Windows 95 in your organizations. Please note this is
still a test version - it is not final code. This updated
version will allow you to evaluate a version which is much
closer to the final product.
We apologize that we cannot send updated versions
to those of you were not a part of the WPP. These
updates are limited in quantity, and opening up the
program again would slow us in our ability to get the
final product out on time.
There are a lot of sources for information
available for Windows 95, and this issue has more places
for you to get these tools and support.
Included in this issue:
1. "HINTS AND TIPS" - This is a new regular feature
of WinNews. Each issue we will offer some of the
new abilities that Windows 95 offers.
2. "MUSIC INDUSTRY APPLAUDS MICROSOFT'S SUPPORT FOR ENHANCED
MUSIC CD FORMAT "- One of the multimedia
features being demoed for Windows 95 is CD Plus which
takes music CDs to a whole new level. The development
and benefits of this technology is discussed by music
companies, artists and Microsoft.
3. "MICROSOFT TECHNET TO PROVIDE 2600 PAGES OF TECHNICAL
INFORMATION ON WINDOWS 95 IN AUGUST SPECIAL ISSUE" -
Many of you are probably familiar The TechNet CD -
Microsoft's technical information which you can
subscribe for on CD. Here is a preview of the August
issue which will have a great deal of Windows 95
information. Information on how to subscribe is
also provided.
4. "NEW VENDORS ADDED TO POWERED-BY-WINDOWS 95 WUGNET(R)
THIRD PARTY CD SAMPLER FOR WINDOWS(R) 95"
The Powered-by-Windows 95 WUGNET group, which provides
support and services on Windows 95, is offering a CD
to all Preview users and beta testers. There is
also information on Windows 95 forums on Compuserve.
5. "THE WINDOWS 95 JOURNAL FROM IDG" - IDG, an independent
publisher, has a new newsletter which provides
information on Windows 95. Details on receiving a
sample issue are provided below.
6A. "THE WINDOWS 95 WORLD TOUR - ADDITIONAL CANADIAN CITIES"
6B. "REMAINING U.S. WORLD TOUR CITIES"
Several Canadian cities were added to the world tour.
The remaining dates for those cities and remaining
U.S. cities are provided.
7. "NEW POSTINGS TO WINDOWS 95 WINNEWS SERVERS" -
Our regular information of new postings to
various on-line servers - and how to
access the servers.
QUICK-NOTES
Many of you may have tried to send a note to the return
address from the last issue. There was a little mix-up
and the wrong e-mail address was given. I apologize for
the mistake, and the address above is now correct.
Jay Goldstein
WinNews Editor
***********************************************************
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WinNews is published twice a month, on the first and
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***********************************************************
1. HINTS AND TIPS
The following are a few useful hints and tips that will
result in a more productive work environment. These are
some of the most powerful features in Windows 95.
* Use CTRL+ALT+DEL to end a task that is no longer
responding to the system:
If your system "hangs", press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Close
Program dialog box appears allowing you to close the
hung application without rebooting the system.
* Right click on the desktop to change display
properties:
Right click anywhere on the desktop and choose
properties. The Display Properties dialog box appears,
and allows you to adjust the color scheme, fonts,
font and window sizes, screen saver, monitor resolution,
and monitor type for your computer.
* Use Quick View to view a file without opening it:
Right click on any document or spreadsheet icon and
choose quick view from the drop down menu. This
feature will allow you to view the item without
launching the application it is associated with.
Note: Quick View is an optional installable component
in Windows 95 accessories. If it was not
installed during the preliminary installation,
use control panel, and choose add/remove
programs to add it now.
***********************************************************
2. MUSIC INDUSTRY APPLAUDS MICROSOFT'S SUPPORT FOR
ENHANCED MUSIC CD FORMAT
Microsoft Continues Leadership Role with Conferences, Tools,
New Facility; Microsoft Windows 95 Offers Best Support for
Enhanced Music CD
REDMOND, Wash. - June 8, 1995 - Music industry artists and
executives today praised Microsoft Corp. for its leadership
in facilitating rapid completion of the new enhanced music
compact disc format (also referred to as CD Plus) for music
CDs, which now enables customers to view music videos,
photos, lyrics and liner notes when played on PCs that are
compatible with the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95 operating
system.
Microsoft has worked closely with the specification's
developers, Philips Electronics Corp. and Sony Corp., for
the past 12 months and is continuing its strong support of
the enhanced music CD format with new conferences, tools
and a new interactive music and multimedia facility
scheduled to open later this year. Microsoft's forthcoming
Windows 95 will be the first operating system with full,
integrated support for the enhanced music CD format.
"For more than a year, Microsoft has been working closely
with Philips and Sony to help ensure that these new
initiatives could be exploited by both the technological
and creative communities," said Rick Segal, manager of
multimedia evangelism, strategic relations at Microsoft.
"Microsoft is pleased that its tools and technologies are
being well-received by the music industry."
"Microsoft has helped us to develop the specification, to
test it, and to distribute it to the music industry," said
Harry Lakerveld, director of Philips Electronics. "We
appreciate its leadership role in helping us to bring
together the music and computer industries to make the
enhanced music CD format a reality."
"It's rare to finalize a specification of such breadth and
significance so quickly," said Katsuaki Tsurushima,
director of Sony. "Microsoft's support, in the form of
software expertise and enthusiasm, has been a clear
contributor."
Expanded Support Includes New Conference, Facility
and Tools
Microsoft's continuing support of the enhanced music CD
format includes an Interactive Media Conference that the
company is hosting in Long Beach, Calif., July 18-20.
Participants will learn how to develop for the enhanced
music CD format and other new interactive technologies
such as The Microsoft Network. Microsoft's planned
interactive music and multimedia facility will assist
recording companies that develop compact discs based on
the enhanced music CD format. The company also is
developing software tools for faster and more cost-
effective development of enhanced music CD discs.
Microsoft has held continuing consultations with Philips
and Sony, promoted the enhanced music CD format to the
music industry and solicited its feedback, and conducted
in-depth discussions of the enhanced music CD format with
CD-ROM vendors, OEMs and independent software developers.
The company distributed enhanced music CD test discs to
hardware manufacturers and provided testing support to
help validate that enhanced music CD discs will work with
computers and stereos already in the marketplace.
Microsoft conducted the first music industry training
session for the enhanced music CD format in November, 1994.
Features of Windows 95 Support Enhanced Music CD Format
Microsoft contributed its Windows 95 CD AutoPlay feature
to the enhanced music CD format, and the associated
AutoRun file (.INF) will be included on every enhanced
music CD disc. AutoPlay's AutoRun file contains the
information an enhanced music CD disc needs to be played
automatically when the user inserts it into a CD-ROM drive.
Third-party operating system and application software
companies that want to add extensions to the AutoRun file
- to support new platforms or new features - can do so by
registering those extensions with the Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA).
The enhanced music CD format makes optimal use of a range
of advances in Windows 95, including features providing
unprecedented ease of use for customers. In addition to
AutoPlay, the 32-bit multimedia subsystem and new CD file
system in Windows 95 will enable smoother, faster playback
of titles. Also, the Plug and Play support in Windows 95
will help make it simple for customers to install and use
Plug and Play-compatible CD-ROM drives and related
hardware. Windows 95 will also allow the link of enhanced
music CD discs to The Microsoft Network to give users the
best of both worlds (for example, the ability to get tour
dates of the bands online from within the enhanced music
CD title).
Music Industry Praises Enhanced Music CD Format,
Microsoft Role
"The enhanced CDs we can create with the enhanced music CD
format represent a major new opportunity for the music
industry, one that's likely to be at least as significant
as the introduction of audio CDs in the 1980s," said Nick
Turner at Firstars, which manages Sting, Squeeze, Belinda
Carlisle, Alannah Myles, Sky Cries Mary and others.
"Microsoft has been incredibly effective in promoting this
new technology to the music industry."
"The enhanced music CD format enables writers and
performers to express themselves in the most comprehensive
way imaginable," said Grammy award-winning recording
artist Randy Newman. "I never would have imagined what
this technology enables one to do. Microsoft has done a
tremendous service for those of us who create."
"Microsoft has worked with the music industry to surpass
the technical hurdles of this new format in order to offer
the best solution for music buyers," said Todd Fearn, CEO
of REV Entertainment. "Microsoft's support and
cooperation has made a big difference in enabling the
music industry to adopt the enhanced music CD format so
quickly and enthusiastically." REV Entertainment is
developing enhanced music CD titles for Warner Music Group,
which includes Warner Brothers, Atlantic and Elektra.
"The enhanced music CD format is a natural merging of two
different technologies," said Lars Murray, manager of
special projects at Rykodisc. "We are excited about the
enhanced music CD format and view this as the next logical
step to delivering music to a growing audience."
The new enhanced music CD format is based on multisession
technology, which solves the "track one" problem that has
prevented easy use of CD-ROMs in audio-CD players. Until
now, CD-ROM titles have used the first track of a compact
disc for data that produced static - and potential speaker
damage - when played on audio-CD players.
=
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the
worldwide leader in software for personal computers.
The company offers a wide range of products and services
for business and personal use, each designed with the
mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people
to take advantage of the full power of personal computing
every day.
#########
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries.
***********************************************************
3. MICROSOFT TECHNET TO PROVIDE 2600 PAGES OF TECHNICAL
INFORMATION ON WINDOWS 95 IN AUGUST SPECIAL ISSUE
The TechNet CD - Microsoft's technical information CD
subscription product has announced that it will focus on
Windows 95 for it's August issue.
TechNet is a monthly subscription product designed
specifically for technical professionals who administer
enterprise applications and networks, integrate products
and platforms, support and train users, or evaluate and
decide on new technology directions. The two TechNet CDs
contain the most up-to-date support, strategy, training,
and software information available from Microsoft.
Following is a sampling of information that will appear in
the August edition:
Windows 95 Resource Kit
The complete text and utilities for the Windows 95
Resource Kit in fully text searchable format. It includes
detailed technical information on Corporate Deployment,
Networking, Mobile Computing, Windows 95 Resources,
Installation, System Management, System Configuration,
and Communications.
Windows 95 Knowledge Base
Hundreds of Knowledge Base articles to help support,
configure, troubleshoot and get "how-to" information
on Windows 95.
Windows 95 Support for Novell
A 45 page guide to deploying Windows 95 on a Novell
Network. The paper is scripted from a Windows 95
Traincast program that aired in May. Covered topics
include Architecture and New Features, User Configuration
and Security, Accessing and Sharing Resources, and
Deploying Windows 95.
Windows 95 Training Materials
100 pages of end user training materials to help you
train new Windows 95 users. Training topics include:
using the new User Interface, learning the new productivity
features, device and applications support, improved
reliability features and Windows 95 features that increase
control of your desktop.
Windows 95 Remote Administration Features
A 40 page guide to deploying Windows 95 Remote
Administration features in your organization. Covered
topics include: New Features for Remote Connectivity,
detailed information on the Dial-Up Networking Client and
Dial-Up Networking Server, Windows 95 mail clients and a
look at the Microsoft Network.
Joe Belfiore: The TechNet Interview
Joe Belfiore is the Lead Program Manager in charge of the
Windows 95 user interface. He discusses the improvements
in the Windows 95 user interface and how to prepare users
for Windows 95. He also gave us some great Windows 95
"tips and tricks" and answered some TechNet customer
questions.
Microsoft TechEd 95 Conference Materials
The Windows 95 Training Materials from TechEd 95 will be
on the CD. These papers feature topics such as: Enabling
Technologies, Migration, Integration with various networks,
Mobile Computing, Configuration, System Management, TAPI,
and the new User Interface.
Windows 95 Tips and Tricks
Twenty pages of time saving "tips and tricks" in
Windows 95 developed by the Windows 95 product team.
Windows 95 Troubleshooting Setup Guide
Brought to you by the Product Support Team responsible for
the support of Windows 95 Setup Issues, this detailed
troubleshooting guide will take you step by step through
the Windows 95 installation process pointing out areas
where troubleshooting might be required.
Besides Windows 95, TechNet contains vital technical
information on important product areas such as Microsoft
Office, Microsoft BackOffice, and Microsoft Database
products.
Using TechNet to make informed decisions can save time and
money. In fact, Independent research conducted by Burke
Marketing Research shows:
=B7 Based on a $299 list price, the break-even point for
TechNet occurs in just 3.4 weeks
=B7 93% of TechNet users save $36/task using TechNet over
alternate methods
=B7 On average, TechNet users save 13 hours/month using
TechNet over alternate methods
=B7 On average, TechNet users save more than $12,000/year
using TechNet over alternate methods
=B7 TechNet users reduce their phone calls to Product
Support Services by more than 50%
=B7 Independent customer satisfaction research shows that
72% of TechNet subscribers are more likely to purchase
or recommend other Microsoft Products for their
organization as a result of using TechNet.
To order a year subscription of TechNet and ensure that
you receive the Windows 95 Special Issue, contact your
authorized reseller or call 1-800-344-2121, dept. 3121
by July 17.
***********************************************************
4. NEW VENDORS ADDED TO POWERED-BY-WINDOWS 95 WUGNET(R)
THIRD PARTY CD SAMPLER FOR WINDOWS(R) 95
Powered by Windows 95 Advisor OnLine Conferences
Windows 95 pre-release participants and beta testers can
get mission critical and trial editions of Windows 95
software from over 50 developers, all on one CD.
The Powered-by-Windows 95 WUGNET group will be have
their Third Party CD Sampler for Windows 95 available
in July. The deadline was extended until June 15 so
that several vendors preparing their Windows 95
applications would have the opportunity to be
included on this CD.
Windows 95 pre-release users requested that the CD
have a Windows 95 tape backup solution, a
Windows 95 fax solution and, a true 32 bit remote
control communications package and an Anti-Virus
Utility to test on the Windows 95 beta. These are
all included on the CD.
The CD includes Symantec's "PC Anywhere" 95
Pre-release Edition, "TapeDisk for Windows 95, and
Windows 95 versions of Zetafax and ThunderByte Anti-Virus.
Other rapid growth areas addressed include Windows 95
Internet software, both client and server applications,
graphics and system utilities.
To find out more about the Sampler, please go to
CD95FAQ.TXT on CompuServe's WINNEWS Forum, and the
WINNEWS distribution areas on AOL, GENIE, PRODIGY
and MSN. Or e-mail 76702.1356@CompuServe.com. You
can also obtain information or place an order by calling
1-800-WIN-USER (946-8737), or internationally, call
to the US 610-565-1861.
Powered by Windows 95 Advisor OnLine Conferences
Every Tuesday evening at 9 PM, the WUGNET Powered by
Windows 95 Advisors, host an interactive online discussion
on special Windows 95 topics. Last week's conference
included an active discussion and exchange on Windows 95
Internet technical issues, solutions and tips, featuring
the author of ROBODUN for Windows 95, co-author of the
WUGNET's new book Internet Gizmos for Windows, the OPS of
the #Windows 95 channel on IRC, and developers of
Windows 95 WinSock compatible client software. A complete
transcript of the event is available on the Windows 95
information server.
Because of the success of these conferences, WUGNET is
now scheduling live conferences with commercial Windows 95
software developers and their product managers to discuss
their Windows 95 product plans, including Stirling
Software (Install Shield for Windows 95), Symantec
(Norton Utilities, Norton Navigator for Windows 95),
American Megatrends (PC Care for Windows 95), and
Micrografx (Picture Publisher for Windows 95).
The schedule will be updated each month.
***********************************************************
5. THE WINDOWS 95 JOURNAL FROM IDG
In May, IDG Newsletters introduced Windows 95 Journal --
a monthly technical journal that will help you deploy,
support, and get the most from Windows 95 in your
enterprise.
Each issue of Windows 95 Journal has tips, techniques,
advice, and step-by-step directions to help make the
transition to Windows 95. In upcoming issues, Windows 95
Journal will feature expert advice on topics such as:
* Choosing the correct installation option
* Weaning your users away from Windows 3.1
* Installing Windows 95 on a NetWare network
* Running antiquated DOS applications
* Finding the latest device drivers and utilities
* Synchronizing files between desktop and laptop systems
To request a FREE ISSUE of Windows 95 Journal, send
your postal address to IDG_NEWSLETTERS@PCWORLD.COM, or
call 1-800-549-9494. There is no obligation to subscribe.
Windows 95 Journal is the latest in a growing family of
newsletters from IDG, independent publishers of books,
magazines and journals on computers and related products.
***********************************************************
6A. THE WINDOWS 95 WORLD TOUR - ADDITIONAL CANADIAN CITIES
Microsoft Canada has added several cities to its World
Tour schedule. The sessions will include a demonstration
of multimedia, user interface, plug and play, networking
and much more. There will also be a sneak preview of the
next version of Microsoft Office for Windows 95.
The first 100 registered attendees will receive a limited
edition World Tour T-shirt and everybody will have a chance
to win one of five Compaq computers. Seats are limited
so call and reserve your complimentary tickets.
To RSVP call RSVP 1-800-837-1077*.
The Canadian schedule is as follows:
DATE CITY
21-June Calgary
21-June Kingston
26-June Halifax
26-June North Bay
26-June* Vancouver*
28-June** Quebec**
28-June Sudbury
5-July** Montreal**
To RSVP call 1-800-837-1077
* For Vancouver call 1-800-685-0951
** Sessions will be conducted in French.
Windows 95 will not be available for sale at the
preview event.
Approximate regular market value of each prize is
$2399.00. Winners will be chosen by random draw on
July 14, 1995 from eligible entries received on or before
July 10, 1995, the contest closing date. The chances of
winning depend upon the number of entries received.
Winners will be required to correctly answer a
mathematical, time-limited, skill-testing question. To
obtain a copy of the contest rules and regulations, write
Microsoft Canada Inc., Windows 95 World tour Contest,
320 Matheson Boulevard W., Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 3R1.
***********************************************************
6B. REMAINING U.S. WORLD TOUR CITIES
Please call 1-800-685-0951 for more details
and to indicate your interest in attending. Space
for each event is limited.
DATE TIME CITY OEM SPONSOR
22-Jun 7:30pm Chicago NEC
29-Jun 7:30pm Pasadena Compaq
10-Jul 7:30pm Oklahoma City NEC
11-Jul 7:30pm St. Louis Compaq
12-Jul 7:30pm Atlanta NEC
17-Jul 7:30pm Philadelphia NEC
19-Jul 7:30pm San Francisco NEC
24-Jul 7:30pm San Antonio Compaq
***********************************************************
7. "NEW POSTINGS TO WINDOWS 95 WINNEWS SERVERS"
The new files are:
REGWIZ.ZIP Clarification: Microsoft's Windows 95
On-Line Registration Feature Preserves
User Privacy
MSNPR.ZIP Microsoft says MSN is Pro-Competitive:
Expands Consumer Choice, Lowers Prices
EXCHGE.ZIP Usability Enhancements for the Microsoft
Exchange Client in Windows 95
W95LIB.ZIP Windows 95 Library Opens on Ziffnet
NEWKEY.ZIP Updated Newkey file for key testing
software
HJPR.ZIP Microsoft Licenses OSM Technology from
Henter-Joyce
V2N7.TXT WinNews newsletter, Vol. 2, #7
V2N8.TXT WinNews newsletter, Vol. 2, #8
To access to these servers:
On the Internet -
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/PerOpSys/Win_News
(files above in "Docs" folder; past WinNews
issues in "Newsltter" folder)
On the World Wide Web http://www.microsoft.com
On The Microsoft Network: From Main Menu:
Categories\Computers and Software\Software\
Microsoft\Windows 95\WinNews
On CompuServe: GO WINNEWS.
On Prodigy: JUMP WINNEWS.
On America OnLine: Use keyword WINNEWS
On Genie: MOVE TO PAGE 95
***********************************************************
This document is provided for informational purposes
only. The information contained in this document
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation
on the issues discussed as of the date of publication.
Because Microsoft must respond to change in market
conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft and Microsoft
cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information
presented after the date of publication.
INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED
"AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
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accuracy and the use of this document. This
document may be copied and distributed subject to
the following conditions: 1) All text must be
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therein; and 3) This document may not be
distributed for profit.
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
FROM: INTERNET:WinNews@Microsoft.com, INTERNET:WinNews@Microsoft.com
DATE: 6/29/95 3:23 PM
Re: Special WinNews on the Windows 95 Preview Program Update
Sender: owner-winnews@microsoft.nwnet.com
__________________________________________
We are sending out this special issue of WinNews to make
some clarifications regarding the announcement of the
Windows 95 Preview Program (WPP) update that was made
in WinNews, and elsewhere, last week. Please note
we have general for all WPP users as well as specific news
for people outside North America and within North America.
Jay Goldstein
WinNews Editor
GENERAL WPP UPDATE NEWS
This pre-release version is only on CD. It replaces
your previous version and is subject to the same license
and usage limitations as described in the License
Agreement and "Open Me First" book included in the first
Preview Program.
A small number of CDs were shipped without a "CD key"
by accident. The CD key for all WPP updates
is 100-1208613. Please note this code is only for
this version of the WPP update. Other builds sent to
members of the regular beta program may have different
CD keys, and the final product will certainly have
a different CD key.
OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA
Many people outside North America will receive the new WPP
automatically, however this will vary by country (for
instance, all Australian WPP customers will receive a free
copy). Due to logistical issues, some countries will only
offer the updated WPP upon request. Please find the
phone number in your Windows 95 Preview Program Kit and
call your local Microsoft subsidiary for more information.
NORTH AMERICA
The updated WPP will be sent to all US and Canadian WPP
customers. All updates will be sent to the addresses
provided for the original WPP. If you cannot receive the
package at that address, please try to make arrangements
to have the kit forwarded to you. If this is not
possible, please contact 1-800-95 PREVIEW (1-800-957-7384)
to provide an updated address.
If you do not have a CD, you may call 1-800-95-PREVIEW
(1-800-957-7384) to order 3.5" disks - available in
English only.
Please note, if you received the original update from a
Microsoft Field Representative, Microsoft Solution
Provider, or reseller, the updated version will be
provided through the same source. Please note that these
will be sent to the original WPP address, and any
address changes will need to be done with who originally
sent you the WPP. Please do not call 1-800-95PREVIEW,
as they do not have records of the WPPs sent through
these channels.
We ask for your patience for receiving these updated
versions. All copies should be received by mid-to-late
July. Calls to Microsoft will not help to expedite them.
Thank you to everyone who has been using the Windows 95
Preview Program. We hope this updated version gives you
a greater appreciation of the capabilities of Windows 95.