Internet Explorer 8 Screenshots

As promised in our last post, we have some screenshots of Windows Internet Explorer 8 for those of you anxious to see where the latest iteration of Microsoft’s browser. While there are a couple of changes that stand out, most of the visual improvements are subtle and take some keen observation to notice.

The screenshots: http://neosmart.net/gallery/album/view/apps/Internet+Explorer/IE8/

We’re still working on an in-depth review and analysis of what IE8 brings to the proverbial web browser table.

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 Download Links

Microsoft has just made Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 available to the public. The official site is currently not fully completed, so here are the links for those of you interested (each is approximately 11 MiB in size):

We’re working on screenshots and an early review, but in the meantime: Happy bug hunting!

Nobody cares what platform you use. Period.

One of the most common things you’ll see on any technology based internet forum (I could name many, but why bother, I’m sure you all have your dungeons, caves, hiding spots, and water coolers that you hang out at), is a mammoth an ugly behemoth-sized cult that’s following reality distortion field religion behind every platform on the face of the planet. Who really knows why?

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Looks like some people have new computer fever…

I’ve been doing some thinking as of late, there has been a lot on my mind and I figured I’d toss this out there.

Have you ever heard the voice nagging in the back of your head–you know, the one that’s always saying “you need a new computer…”–in some sort of off-tone zombie voice that resembles that of a dying cat robotic drone.

We’ve all heard it. But why must one always live on the bleeding edge? Let’s take a look further…

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Windows Vista SP1 Pre-Slipstreamed DVD Images Available

Following the recent RTM of Microsoft’s long-awaited Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista, Microsoft has created (for limited release) pre-slipstreamed installation media intended for the distribution of PCs with newly-installed copies of Windows Vista.

With Windows Vista, the process of slipstreaming a service pack is no longer as simple as it once was as a result of the new WinPE/WIM based installation procedure. Since the installation media is packaged as a filesystem image, it’s no longer as trivial of a matter to unpack, update, and repack the setup files and ensure they’d still work. With Windows Vista, the only way to create a slipstreamed installation DVD is to install Vista RTM, apply the service pack, then create an image from the newly-installed OS.

This new procedure has multiple drawbacks, including the fact that it can lead to huge installation media sizes, unnecessary bloat, and has been known to create compatibility issues – unless, of course, it’s Microsoft that’s making the image in the first place.

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How to Repair the Windows Vista Bootloader

There’s a section of the EasyBCD documentation/user manual/wiki that contains more than just information on how to use the program. If you’ve corrupted your bootloader, run into one or more bootmgr-related errors, installed Windows XP or Linux after installing Vista, or otherwise managed to fry, crack, melt, or break the Vista bootloader, then here’s how you fix it.

We’ve compiled information from over twos-years’ worth of experience with fixing broken bootloaders into a single guide, broken up into subsections for varying levels of damage to the bootloader. If you can get into Windows, we advise that you download & install EasyBCD, then follow the instructions in this section of the guide to repair the Vista bootloader from within Windows.

If your bootloader is so damaged that you cannot get into a Windows operating system, then get your Windows Vista DVD out and boot from it. If you don’t have a Windows Vista DVD, grab a copy of our Windows Vista Recovery DVD instead, stick it in your CD-ROM drive, and prepare to boot from it.

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Hotlinking of Vista Recovery Disc Disabled

The Windows Vista Recovery Disc ISO image that we published a couple of days ago has been a hugely-popular success – thank you all for your interest and your links. Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of people (*cough* Chinese download sites *cough*) hotlinking the image directly, and as a result we’ve been forced to take certain measures.

The Windows Vista Recovery Disc is a 120 MiB download, and our bandwidth has jumped quite drastically since making it publicly available. Effective immediately, all hotlinked requests to the ISO image are being redirected to the download page, we ask you (quite humbly) to refrain from linking directly to the image file.

We haven’t done anything evil like disabling the usage of download managers or any other such nefarious actions that would bring the wrath of our beloved readers upon us though; so no worries :)

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Windows Vista Recovery Disk and Repair Disc Download

Download our recovery and repair disk for Microsoft Windows Vista (also available for Windows 7, 8, XP, 10, 11 or Windows Server editions) that can be used to access system recovery tools, giving you options of using an antivirus, System Restore, document and picture backup and recovery, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

Download recovery disk for Windows Vista

Looking for recovery disks for other Windows versions?

Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows Vista

Easy Recovery Essentials (or EasyRE) is a 55 to 135 MiB download image ready to be burned directly to a CD, DVD or a USB stick.

Features of Easy Recovery Essentials include:

  • Automatically find and fix errors
  • Works even when you can’t get into Windows
  • Recover from virus infections
  • Restore your PC to a working state
  • Access and back up your important data
  • Use your PC even when it doesn’t work
  • Advanced tools for IT experts

Disk for recovery & repair

If you’re like most PC users, you probably got Windows Vista with a new PC or laptop. And if you’re like 99% of the population, you get your new machines from one of the major manufacturers.

Dell, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, they all have one thing in common: they don’t give you a real Windows Vista installation disk with your purchase.

Instead, they bundle what they call a “recovery disk” (that’s if you’re lucky – otherwise you’ll have a recovery partition instead) with your machine and leave it at that.

It doesn’t matter that you just paid a thousand dollars for a machine that comes with a valid Windows Vista license – your computer manufacturer just don’t want to spend the money (or perhaps take on the responsibility) of giving you a Windows Vista installation DVD to accompany your expensive purchase.

The problem is, with Windows Vista, the installation media serves more than one purpose. It’s not just a way to get Windows installed, it’s also the only way of recovering a borked installation.

The DVD has a “recovery center” that provides you with the option of recovering your system via automated recovery (searches for problems and attempts to fix them automatically), rolling-back to a system restore point, recovering a full PC backup, or accessing a command-line recovery console for advanced recovery purposes.

Download recovery disk for Windows Vista

Windows Vista Logo Easy Recovery Essentials repair process is non-destructive, recovering PCs without formatting or reinstalling Windows.

The powerful repair process can fix many issues that Microsoft’s own Startup Repair cannot. In addition to the industry-leading automated repair features, this disk will give you access to the following:

  • System Restore
  • Web Browser
  • Partition Editor
  • Antivirus Scanner
  • Data/File Backup and Recovery
  • Commandline/Terminal Access

Later update: Please note that this download is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

Download Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows Vista

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Windows Vista versions, including 32-bit and 64-bit editions:

  • Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Starter (32-bit edition)

And all Service Packs:

  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

This disk is a 120 MiB download in standard ISO format that you’ll need to burn to a CD or DVD before you can use it as a bootable recovery medium. You can also burn it on a USB stick.

You cannot use a recovery or repair disk to install or reinstall Windows Vista.

Burn to CDs, DVDs or USB sticks

NeoSmart Technologies has published a guide on how to burn an ISO image to CD or DVD with your favorite burning program, which you can read if you need more information or help on this topic. You can burnt it with ImgBurn, Alcohol 120% or ActiveISO:

You can also burn it on a USB stick if you don’t want to use CDs or DVDs. We published a guide on making a EasyRE recovery USB.

Compatible with PC manufacturers

This recovery and repair disk is compatible with desktops, workstations, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks and servers from major PC manufacturers, like Dell, HP, Asus, Acer or Lenovo plus more.

Dell, HP, Asus, Acer

Dell

The disk is compatible with all Dell laptops and desktop computers, including all its manufactured series like Adamo, Inspiron, Studio, Vostro, XPS, Latitude.

Do you have a Dell computer running Windows Vista? Read our Dell recovery and restore guide.

HP

The disk is compatible with HP computers: ENVY, EliteBook, Essential Home, Pavilion and x2 for laptops and ENVY, Essential Home and Pavilion for desktops and All-in-One Desktop PCs.

Do you have a HP computer running Windows Vista? Read our HP recovery and restore guide.

Asus

It’s compatible with notebooks, ultrabooks, laptops and desktops from ASUS.

It works for any computer that was manufactured by ASUS, if it runs Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or any of the following Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008, 2012.

Do you have an Asus computer running Windows Vista? Read our Asus recovery and restore guide.

Acer

It’s compatible with any Acer computer that has Windows installed, including these manufactured series:

  • Aspire R, Aspire V3 and Aspire E for notebooks
  • Aspire S7, Aspire S5, Aspire S3, Aspire P, Aspire M, Aspire V7, Aspire V5 for ultra-thin computers
  • Aspire One for netbooks
  • Aspire M and T, Aspire X and Predator G for desktops

Do you have an Acer computer running Windows Vista? Read our Acer recovery and restore guide.

Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung

Lenovo

You can download the repair disk for any Lenovo computers, such as:

  • ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Essential series for laptops
  • Thinkcentre, Ideacentre and Essentials series for desktop PCs

Do you have a Lenovo computer running Windows Vista? Read our Lenovo recovery and restore guide.

Toshiba

It’s compatible with any Toshiba computers running Windows:

  • Satellite, Qosmio, Portege, Tecra, Kira family series
  • All-in-One desktop series

Do you have a Toshiba computer running Windows Vista? Read our Toshiba recovery and restore guide.

Samsung

The disk is compatible with Samsung line of laptops and desktops, including:

  • ATIV Book, Gaming and Business PC series for laptops
  • ATIV One for All-in-One desktops

IBM, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines

IBM

IBM personal computer business division was acquired by Lenovo in 2005.

This disk supports IBM desktop and laptop models, most notably the ThinkPad line.

Compaq

Compaq was acquired by HP in 2002, but some of its famous PC line series are still used by our customers.

Our disk works with Compaq notebooks and desktops PCs, including Compaq Presario series.

Gateway

Gateway Computer was acquired by Acer in 2007.

Our disk is compatible with Gateway Computers netbooks, notebooks and desktops PCs, such as:

  • Series SX, DX and One ZX for desktop systems
  • NE and NV series for notebooks
  • LT series for netbooks

Do you have a Gateway computer running Windows Vista? Read our Gateway recovery and restore guide.

eMachines

eMachines PCs were manufactured up until 2004 when Gateway Computers brought the company. Gateway Computers was later acquired by Acer in 2007, but the eMachines PC brand was used until 2012.

If you own a computer from this computer brand, our disk is compatible with eMachines PCs.

Disk for Windows 7, 8, XP or Server editions

Windows 7

You can get our recovery disk for Windows 7. It supports all versions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Download for Windows 7.

Windows 8

You can also get the recovery disk for Windows 8.

Download for Windows 8.

Windows XP

Easy Recovery Essentials is available for Windows XP users and it supports all Service Packs: Service Pack 1 (SP1), Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012

Easy Recovery Essentials supports Microsoft Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008 and 2012.

Support

Our disk supports all Windows service packs (Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012 R2.

Please don’t ask for help below, it’ll get real cluttered real soon! Open a support thread at https://neosmart.net/forums/ and we’ll help you resolve your problem ASAP.

15 Years to Pick an OS

For the last 15 years, I have been a Windows user and developer. I’ve owned several different computers, all running one version of Windows or another, and sometimes I’d even do a little bit of dabbling in Linux, but for the most part I’ve always felt that Windows could be better. The user interface lacks consistency, and personally I feel that with Windows Vista, things are going down hill.

I was set to build a new computer for myself at the end of February, but I realized soon after I had finished finalizing the specification that I would need to run Windows Vista 64-bit on it in order to take full advantage of my hardware. I’m not much of a fan of Windows Vista 64-bit, due to all of the issues between 32-bit and 64-bit executables and the headaches of 32-bit vs. 64-bit Internet Explorer. After considering many things, like what I plan on doing with my computer, I changed my mind on building that system, in fact I’ve completely crossed it off of my list.

Let me tell you, I never thought I’d see the day where I actually managed to pull this one off…

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Things to Think About When Switching to a Mac

If you are a die-hard Windows user and are considering jumping over to the other side of the fence (don’t worry, many of us have had this feeling at one point or another), you may be wondering, “are there any good reasons for me to switch?” or “what software can I use on the Mac to replace the software that I use on my PC?”

Fear no more. I’ve written this article with the potential Mac “switcher” in mind. I’ve been a long-time Windows-user myself, and have only recently made the switch to what, in my personal opinion, is a better overall platform.

First and foremost, Apple computers are not the cheapest on the planet, but you definitely get what you pay for. You’re probably wondering, “is it really worth spending so much on a computer?” This is really up to personal preference and budget, however I do feel that it is a great investment, as a Mac will last you several years, not to mention that Macs have a very high resale value. You could turn around in 2 years and sell your Mac for close to what you paid for it then and buy a new one. You just can’t do that with a traditional or OEM PC, because they lose value from the day you purchase it.

When you consider making an investment such as this, make sure that you pick out a Mac that’s right for you. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a computer that you’re not going to be satisfied with. First, you need to decide if you are going to be doing any traveling or moving around with your Mac. If you are, you’d most likely want to look at getting a portable Mac, but if all your computing is done from the comfort of your home office (or bedroom), then a desktop Mac will be fine.

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