Upgraded to the latest version 2.0.6 today.

We have a pretty important release available for everyone, it includes an important security fix and it’s recommended that everyone upgrade. This is the latest release in our stable 2.0 line, which we’ve committed to maintaining for several more years.

Here’s what’s new:

* The aforementioned security fixes.
* HTML quicktags now work in Safari browsers.
* Comments are filtered to prevent them from messing up your blog layout.
* Compatibility with PHP/FastCGI setups.

For developers, there’s a new anti-XSS function called attribute_escape(), and a new filter called “query” which allows you filter any SQL at runtime. (Which is pretty powerful.) Thanks to Mark Jaquith for handling this release and Stefan Esser for responsibly reporting the security issue.

As always, you can download the latest version of WordPress here.

As a side note, this is probably our last release before 2.1 is out, which will be our first major feature release in quite a while. 2.1 just entered beta stage, so if you’re interested in helping out with that process consider joining our beta group. As a reminder, if you’re a plugin or theme author you should check your code to make sure it’s compatible with 2.1 before the release.

Source

I visited Apple’s Website few days ago, noticed an AD. Apple’s minds are indeed creative and I am looking forward to experience their system & OS but I don’t know why do they always have to hit PC and in particular Microsoft. You cannot directly compare Windows and Apple’s OS [more on that later].

Ever since I heard that all versions of Vista will be available on the same DVD provided by Microsoft and that any version can be installed without a Serial Key for 30 days, I have been wondering why they added this option, the 30 days trial specially. Is it possible that Microsoft would offer Buying and Downloading Vista Online option? Just like hundreds of Softwares out there. You download the Demo/Trial/Shareware version, use it, if you like go to their website, pay online for it and receive a Serial Key by e-mail. May be offer it online, a 30 days trial just like they are offering a free 60 days downloadable trial of Office 2007!. I cannot confirm this bit as I am on a dial-up, but as of today it does say “a 60 days downloadable trial”.

I decided to look in this matter more. Checked out Windows Vista’s EULA [End User License Agreement] and I found the following bit in it,

4. MANDATORY ACTIVATION.
Activation associates the use of the software with a specific device. During activation, the software will send information about the software and the device to Microsoft. This information includes the version, language and product key of the software, the Internet protocol address of the device, and information derived from the hardware configuration of the device. For more information, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=69497. By using the software, you consent to the transmission of this information. Before you activate, you have the right to use the version of the software installed during the installation process. Your right to use the software after the time specified in the installation process is limited unless it is activated. This is to prevent its unlicensed use. You will not be able to continue using the software after that time if you do not activate it. If the device is connected to the Internet, the software may automatically connect to Microsoft for activation. You can also activate the software manually by Internet or telephone. If you do so, Internet and telephone service charges may apply. Some changes to your computer components or the software may require you to reactivate the software. The software will remind you to activate it until you do.

Notice the bold part? It says, “You have the right to use the version of the software installed during the installation process. Your right to use the software after the time specified in the installation process is limited unless it is activated”. Now, what about a person who downloads Vista off a torrent, installs Vista Ultimate for 30 days, buys a legal license of it and enters that Serial Key provided to him instead of waiting for the legal disk to arrive and then installing or re-installing from that very disk . . . You can call me a dumb when it comes to this, I am sorry if I sound awkward with this. If someone can clarify then please!

I e-mailed Microsoft Support about it and received a reply from them too. To put my question in simple words, “Is it legal of a person to get Vista through Pirated/Illegal means but install it without any Serial Key, getting a 30 days trial instead of using the Serial Key/Crack/Work around provided by Illegal means to active Windows Vista?” I received the following answer which to me is not exactly reply to what I asked them, instead the guy told reason for why Microsoft offers such an option, selecting any version of Vista for a 30 days period. May be it’s the answer, I don’t know.

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.

I understand from your message that you wish know why a customer is provided the right to use Vista software during installation period. I realize the importance of your concern.

Please be informed that, this facility is given to the customer, in order to provide a hands on feel and make them familiar with the new helpful features before they decide to purchase the full version.

The goal of Product Activation is to reduce a form of piracy known as “casual copying” or “softlifting.” Casual copying is a form of piracy characterized by the sharing of software between people in a way that infringes on the software`s end user license agreement (EULA).

Abul, if you come across any information on the sales of Microsoft Products which you believe is a pirated one, I recommend you to contact the piracy Hotline, which you can reach at 1-800-785-3448 or write to:
piracy@microsoft.com

If you would like to get more information about piracy, we do have a piracy support website that provides information about this serious issue. You can visit this web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx

I hope the above information is helpful.

Thank you for using Microsoft products and services.

Any one wants to clarify? I have contacted a few who have a lot knowledge of EULA’s than me. Looking forward to their answer.

Microsoft has updated their Windows Vista - Get Ready website with Official Computer/System Requirements for Windows Vista. It’s not simple as it was with the previous versions of Windows from Microsoft because of the fact that Vista comes in different flavors & in order to enjoy Windows Vista fully, you really have to use the Aero 3D effects in Vista for which you will require a capable graphics card.

A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

I have tested Windows Vista Ultimate on two systems. A desktop system with latest Intel Core 2 DUO processor and a laptop, 3 years old almost running a Desktop Intel Pentium 4 processor. Both have 512 MB of RAM, though there is difference between the performance of them. What I am wondering here is. It says, “A modern processor” then it says, “at least 800Mhz”. Now what I am wondering is that the “Modern processors” don’t start from 800 Mhz but in Ghz!!!

As I said, I have tested Vista on two systems mentioned above, which ofcourse are more than what is require for the system to be called Vista Capable PC BUT there was a huge difference in performance with both the systems. The Desktop with Intel Core 2 DUO processor and 512 MB RAM was far more faster than compared to the 2.8 Ghz Pentium 4 processor! How much of a difference? I can work without any slow down in Vista on the Desktop system but I could not use Windows Vista for more than a few minutes on the laptop because it was all hogged down!!! So I am wondering what they really mean . . .

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
* 1 GB of system memory.
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
* DVD-ROM Drive3.
* Audio output capability.
* Internet access capability.

As far as Aero is concerned. I already mentioned the Desktop system I have. Intel Core 2 DUO with 512 MB of RAM and NVidia 6200 Turbo Cache Graphics Card. The card supports Aero completely and with 512 MB of RAM, Vista works like a charm on the said system. 1 GB of RAM will be ofcourse sweet.

I have yet to see the performance of Windows Vista after installing my usual day to day softwares like NOD32 etc. so keep watching. I will tell in detail about it in coming days. How well Vista performs with 512MB of RAM. It will not be fair for every kind of RAM though. 512MB of DDR will work better than 512MB of PC333 RAM but slower than 512MB of DDR2… I am also looking ahead to test something on Windows Vista, if it will get effected by a very common virus for Windows XP, I have to face this virus alot. NOD32 finds it ofcourse. I want to see if Windows Vista can stop it with its default settings and no Anti-virus installed.

Bad news for Microsoft . . .

They are supposed to release it officially for general public in January 2007, the RTM version, final version of Windows Vista first leaked on Internet around 1-10th November 06, now even more bad. Vista is available in DVDs in the pirated markets, at least in Pakistan for 100 Rupees only, Vista Ultimate will cost 399$ I think and people are getting the version in less than 2$ here!!!

Guess they could not stop it. I wonder why can’t they stop the LEAKING of their products even before their official release. BAD employee? FIRE ‘em!