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 *********************************************************** SUBSCRIPTIONS If you know someone who might be interested in WinNews, please instruct them to: 1. Send Internet e-mail to: ENEWS99@MICROSOFT.NWNET.COM 2. Send the message from the account that you wish to subscribe (some people use more than one e-mail account). 3. Subject line should be blank. 4. Body of message should ONLY have in the text: SUBSCRIBE WINNEWS You may also feel free to forward this document, provided you forward it in it's entirety, as per the copyright notice below. If you wish to stop receiving WinNews, send mail to enews@microsoft.nwnet.com with a blank subject line and the body of the message should only have in the text: UNSUBSCRIBE WINNEWS. WinNews is published twice a month, on the first and third Monday of each month. Special editions of WinNews may also be sent out occasionally. *********************************************************** 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: · Based on a $299 list price, the break-even point for TechNet occurs in just 3.4 weeks · 93% of TechNet users save $36/task using TechNet over alternate methods · On average, TechNet users save 13 hours/month using TechNet over alternate methods · On average, TechNet users save more than $12,000/year using TechNet over alternate methods · TechNet users reduce their phone calls to Product Support Services by more than 50% · 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 FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND FREEDOM FROM INFRINGEMENT. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. This document may be copied and distributed subject to the following conditions: 1) All text must be copied without modification and all pages must be included; 2) All copies must contain Microsoft's copyright notice and any other notices provided therein; and 3) This document may not be distributed for profit. Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.