Apparently I downloaded the 64-bit version of Vista at a good time. They have since removed it from the list in MSDN subscriber downloads. I wonder why they removed it?

Update 12/11/2006: I don't know exactly when they put it back up, but Vista x64 is back up on MSDN Downloads.

I guess this is one of the changes they made to always keep Windows running smoothly.

When Windows Vista is installed it automatically sets up a schedule to defragment your hard drives once a week. You no longer need to remember to defrag your hard drives once in awhile in order to keep your system running efficiently.

Now, this is a feature that I was a little surprised they didn't add in XP, but I'm glad it's here in Vista. One thing I always thought was a little interesting is if you check the "Disk Defragmenter" just after a fresh Windows XP install, it will always say you should defragment the drive.

I have the Vista x64 Realtek AC'97 audio drivers installed; so my sound works now. I think these are beta drivers so we'll see how they do. I'll have to check every once in a while for updated drivers.

I also have all my software installed and everything seems to be working perfectly.

The installation went really smooth. I just booted up the box with the Vista intallation DVD in the drive, and installed Vista on a newly created partition (not the partition WinXP is on). And, it setup dual boot automatically. It couldn't have been easier. Oh, yeah, and it only took 15-20 minutes for the install; that really beats the approximate 1 hour WinXP takes.

Vista runs extremely smooth and the overall experience feels smother than WinXP Pro on the same pc. The specs of my pc are:

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Processor
• 1GB DDR2 800Mhz RAM
• 300GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
• NVidia GeForce 6600 Video Card w/ 256MB DDR Video Ram 

I haven't had any major issues with running the 64-bit version of Vista yet. The only issue I've encountered is that my sound card doesn't work due to not having a device driver for it. I am however downloading one from the manufacturer.

I just recieved my Vista Ultimate product key from MSDN after many failed attempts earlier today. I don't know if it'll work for everyone now, but at least I wont be one of the many hammering the system. Also, my download of both the x86 and x64 ISO's have finished.

I have to say my over all experience of getting Vista (ISO image and product key) from MSDN was pretty good, especially since their server are being hammered so much by everyone with an MSDN Subscription wanting to download it at the same time.

And now all I have to do is burn the disc and install.

And, thanks to the MSDN Subscription I won at the Deeper in .NET event, I am lucky enough to get Windows Vista for Free. Yippee!!

As you probably know there is only one installation DVD to install all editions of Vista. Finally, only one disc to keep track of. But there are however seperate discs for both x86 and x64 editions. Both of which are up on MSDN right now.

Also on MSDN are the product keys for Visa Business, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate. When I requested the product keys, it granted me a key for the Business, Home Basic and Home Premium editions, but it gave me an error trying to grant me a key for Ultimate. An error on MSDN? Yeah, well I guess that's what happens when everyone in the world (at least with an MSDN subscription) is requesting the same key to be generated for them. Hopefully I'll be able to get the Ultimate key soon.

Oh and this reminds me, thanks for such an awesome prize! I know it's been how many months since I won it, but every time I install something from my MSDN subscription I get reminded of how awesome of a prize this was.

I have a brand new Athlon 64 X2 system that's waiting for Vista. It handles Vista Beta 2 (I don't have a disc with RC2 on it) great, so I can't wait to see how the RTM handles. I'll post an update on how the installation goes as soon as I get to installing it.

After the last Wisconsin .NET Users Group meeting (on Tuesday) I discussed with Scott and a couple others some potential ideas for enhancing the groups website. Hopefully in not too long, we will be working on a new website for the group.

A couple of the ideas we've come up with are adding Blogging and/or Forums functionality. These feature sets would allow members to contribute more easily and communicate with one another outside the meetings.

If you are a fellow WI-INETA member, please let us know your thoughts on the website.
Here are a couple ways you can speak your voice:

1. Comment to this post and I'll bring your ideas up
2. Or, use the Contact form on the WI-INETA website

I am just an average member doing what I can to contribute to an awesome community.

Larry Clarkin presented at tonight’s WI .NET Users Group meeting on the topic of "Overview of Web 2.0". He provided a very good description of what really is "Web 2.0"; and he had a whole 5 days to prepare. The reason he had only 5 days to prepare is because the presenter that was scheduled for tonight couldn't present. Well done Larry

You can view the presentation notes here: http://28thEssential.com

One of the items discussed was Google, Yahoo and MS Virtual Earth mapping. If you are interested in implementing mapping within your ASP.NET applications then you should check out my Open Source ASP.NET Virtual Earth mapping control.
PietschSoft.VE: http://www.codeplex.com/Wiki/View.aspx?ProjectName=PietschSoftVE3

On a related note, there was a disruptive and rude user group member in attendance tonight. I would like to apologize to all in attendance for the disruption, and I thank Larry, Scott, Gerry and anyone else involved in handling the situation. If the meeting tonight was your first; I must assure you that this is not a normal occurrence. I am actually a little embarrassed that a fellow community member would be disrespectful of a presenter and be so disruptive

The next meeting won’t be until January; there is no meeting in December because of the holidays. Also, there will be a new venue (to be determined) for future meetings; see the wi-ineta.org site for updates on where they will be.

I know this post is a bit delayed, but a couple days ago Microsoft released Virtual Earth v4. Basically this new version is v3 with some stuff added. The major addition is the 3D maps. Now this feature is cool.

I still have to check compatibility of my PietschSoft.VE3 control with the VE4 JavaScript library. I also think I may be spawning off a new PietschSoft.VE control for this new version.

Check it out: Virtual Earth v4 Interactive SDK

Microsoft announced yesterday that they will be releasing a new version of the Virtual Earth Map Control next week on Nov. 7. They are stating that existing sites using versions 2 and 3 will not be impacted and will continue to work. They also mention an upcoming marketing campaign surrounding this next release.

Could this new version be v4?
What cool new features will they be adding?

Service Notice: New Map Control - November 7, 2006