Wednesday, November 22, 2006 12:00 AM PST
You've got to love the geniuses at Microsoft. In an effort to combat software piracy, Microsoft's adding a special "reduced functionality mode" to Vista. It's enhanced, as a press release explains: "Reduced functionality is already a part of the Windows XP activation process, but Windows Vista will have a reduced functionality mode that is enhanced."
George Orwell would be proud.
In other news, it looks as if Vista's going to be released to corporate users as soon as the end of November--even small businesses can get in on the fun. The rest of us should be able to get a copy in late January.
Not surprisingly, Microsoft wants us to buy in to the whole package--Windows Vista and Office 2007. The pundits are skeptical we'll take the bait.
Dig This: When was the last time your exercised? Seriously, I worry about your cardiovascular health. You know what I mean. You spend way too many hours pushing your Fortran+ and Cobol++ code to the limits, drinking soda, and scarfing up pizza. About the only way you get your heart rate up is when your PC kicks up a BSOD. I have a solution. Slimgeek's Geek-a-Cycle ($400) gives you a way to pedal while you debug your code.
Dig This, Too: Braindots will keep you busy just long enough to get behind on any project. My average reaction time was 4.73 and I'm sure you can do better. Have more time on your hands? Try out the rests of the tests at Cognitive Labs.
Get Up to Speed on WGA
I've been getting some questions about Windows Genuine Advantage, and I'm surprised by how of you aren't aware of the WGA fiasco. Basically, Windows XP detects whether you're using a legit copy and phones Redmond with a report. Andy Brandt's "Windows Genuine Annoyance" covers the topic.
If you're having problems, you might want to consider RemoveWGA, a freebie that does a number on WGA. We've got a copy of it in our software library. Take a look at what users have to say about the program, and download it if you're intrigued.
While you're spending time fretting over Windows, take a minute to read Scott Dunn's "Don't Let a Windows Update Bring You Down."
Dig This: I'm sure you knew the Federal Bureau of Investigation has files on Al Capone and the American Communist Party. But I was surprised by the jackets on the U.S. Supreme Court, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, J.F.K., and George Orwell. Browse the list of files released under the Freedom of Information Act and be amazed.
Dig This, Too: Ever wonder how much money your neighbors earn, or maybe how long it takes most of them to commute to work? Neighboroo shows you the demographics for practically anywhere in the U.S., and it makes for fascinating reading.
Free: Microsoft Office Accounting Express
Lest you think I have it out for Microsoft, here's something good the company's doing for us: It's giving away a free copy of its Office Accounting Express 2007 software. You can download a copy of the 208MB file, or order a free CD.
Quick Update: I've been mouthing off about spam being up, Up, UP for the last few days. Read IDG News' recent "Spam Levels Up by 80 Percent" for details and an explanation.
Dig This: It could have been a low overpass, or maybe a backhoe sitting too high on a flatbed trailer. Either way, "An Engineer's Story Problem" made for some amazing pictures.
Dig This, Too: A buddy sent me an amazing video of a tire's path along a race track. Chances are good you'll be as impressed as I was. BTW, no tires or auto were harmed in this video.
Steve Bass writes PC World's monthly "Hassle-Free PC" column and is the author of PC Annoyances, 2nd Edition: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer, available from O'Reilly. He also writes PC World's daily Tips & Tweaks blog. Sign up to have Steve's newsletter e-mailed to you each week. Comments or questions? Send Steve e-mail.