Halo Mythic Map Pack 2 Coming Soon

January 20, 2010 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

a0f05_halo2 Halo Mythic Map Pack 2 Coming Soon

The Mythic 2 Map Pack for Halo 3 is set to hit Xbox Live on February 2, 2010. The pack adds three multiplayer maps, which have previously only been available to those who purchased Halo: ODST. This will bring the total Halo 3 multiplayer maps to 24. That’s a lotta real estate! I am waiting for Halo: Reach myself. Read on for the official press info.
LONDON – 20 January 2010 - Mythic 2 Map Pack, a Game Add-on developed by Bungie for “Halo 3” consisting of three multiplayer maps available previously only on the “Halo 3: ODST” multiplayer disc, is set to arrive on Xbox LIVE on February 2, 2010.

The release of the Mythic 2 Map Pack brings the total number of “Halo 3” multiplayer maps to 24. The Game Add-on includes three action-packed maps: Heretic, Citadel and Longshore.

- Heretic brings players to familiar ground as the “Halo 2” arena Midship returns in “Halo 3.” The stark interior of the Pious Inquisitor might appear austere on first glance, but Heretic’s symmetrical spaces require players to execute complex strategies in order to outplay their opponents.

- Citadel may be a long abandoned Forerunner stronghold, but its small, symmetrical confines are far from secure. Two opposing bases offer little safety for players looking for solace. Instead, Citadel forces small squads to stay in constant communication, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to adjust combat tactics in close quarters.

- Longshore lacks the commercial ships that once made it a lucrative port for Old Mombasa, but it still bustles with activity. Designed for large-scale combat and well-suited for smaller affairs, Longshore’s multitude of industrial buildings, elevated walks, and open inlets conspire to create a complex battleground tailored for multiple combat scenarios.

Mythic 2 Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Mythic Map Pack 1 and 2 are also included in “Halo 3: ODST”, which includes the complete “Halo 3” multiplayer map collection, an all-new campaign and the incredibly popular cooperative experience, Firefight. “Halo 3: ODST” will act as a key to the upcoming “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta which goes live later this Spring.

Additionally, beginning today “Halo” fans can contribute to Bungie’s relief efforts for Haiti by participating in the “Be a Hero” campaign on Xbox LIVE. For every 1,000 people that wear a red heart emblem and play “Halo 3” or “Halo 3: ODST” online today or tomorrow, Bungie will donate $100 to Red Cross, up to $77,000. To find out more about the “Be a Hero” campaign, visit Bungie athttp://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BeAHero.

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Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

June 17, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.
 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

After Microsoft pulled the plug on it’s OneCare product line it announced that it would be re-releasing the antivirus product as a free product before the end of 2009. Microsoft already offers AntiMalware in the way of Windows Defender, considering the fact that even though sales of OneCare wasn’t that great, in many AV tests OneCare rated in the top 3 so the fact Microsoft is basically repackaging it and releasing it for free no strings attached should give Norton, McAfee and the other Antivirus makers that seem to just release more and more bloated software year after year a nice run for their money.

According to Janice Chaffin, president of Symantec’s Consumer Division, “Microsoft’s free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves. A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected.” which I find to be COMPLETE AND UTTER BULL.

As a computer technician, and network engineer let me just break it down for you. Microsoft already has a “Suite”.

Firewalls have been built in to XP and Vista, in fact Vista supports bi-directional filtering. But even when it comes down to this it doesn’t really matter to the average consumer sitting behind their linksys router NAT’d and firewall’d already so why do we need additional firewalling? Oh ya so that Norton can randomly screw up and blog mail and messenger and other oddities that I’ve seen over the past 3 years.

AntiPhishing… last I checked this was built into IE8

AntiMalware… Windows Defender in Vista and Windows 7

AntiSpam… Windows Mail / Outlook already have spam filters and their constantly getting better.

and now Microsoft is moving Morro to be a free Antivirus to complete the security “Suite” as the Norton and Mcaffee schills continue to sound their “we’re better because you pay for us” Bulls*it. The fact of the matter is in the modern day and age if you do your windows updates, and run a basic free antivirus your pretty much as safe as you ever will be, What Norton and the big Antivirus manufaturers want is to scare consumers into thinking they need their bloated slow and useless software when the simple fact is.

Ok i’ve rambled for long enough, on to the goodies care of neowin for the leak. Remember Morro will apparently be releasing for free before the end of 2009 to work side by side with Windows Defender (hence the similar look).

Windows Morro Screenshot Microsoft Morro Screenshot Microsoft Windows Morro Screenshot 3

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 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

June 17, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.
 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

After Microsoft pulled the plug on it’s OneCare product line it announced that it would be re-releasing the antivirus product as a free product before the end of 2009. Microsoft already offers AntiMalware in the way of Windows Defender, considering the fact that even though sales of OneCare wasn’t that great, in many AV tests OneCare rated in the top 3 so the fact Microsoft is basically repackaging it and releasing it for free no strings attached should give Norton, McAfee and the other Antivirus makers that seem to just release more and more bloated software year after year a nice run for their money.

According to Janice Chaffin, president of Symantec’s Consumer Division, “Microsoft’s free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves. A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected.” which I find to be COMPLETE AND UTTER BULL.

As a computer technician, and network engineer let me just break it down for you. Microsoft already has a “Suite”.

Firewalls have been built in to XP and Vista, in fact Vista supports bi-directional filtering. But even when it comes down to this it doesn’t really matter to the average consumer sitting behind their linksys router NAT’d and firewall’d already so why do we need additional firewalling? Oh ya so that Norton can randomly screw up and blog mail and messenger and other oddities that I’ve seen over the past 3 years.

AntiPhishing… last I checked this was built into IE8

AntiMalware… Windows Defender in Vista and Windows 7

AntiSpam… Windows Mail / Outlook already have spam filters and their constantly getting better.

and now Microsoft is moving Morro to be a free Antivirus to complete the security “Suite” as the Norton and Mcaffee schills continue to sound their “we’re better because you pay for us” Bulls*it. The fact of the matter is in the modern day and age if you do your windows updates, and run a basic free antivirus your pretty much as safe as you ever will be, What Norton and the big Antivirus manufaturers want is to scare consumers into thinking they need their bloated slow and useless software when the simple fact is.

Ok i’ve rambled for long enough, on to the goodies care of neowin for the leak. Remember Morro will apparently be releasing for free before the end of 2009 to work side by side with Windows Defender (hence the similar look).

Windows Morro Screenshot Microsoft Morro Screenshot Microsoft Windows Morro Screenshot 3

Related Posts:

 Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.  Microsoft Morro Antivirus screenshots leaked.

Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

April 24, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

Ok as I said I would do I am reposting the basic features already acknoledged by Microsoft to have been changed and posted by Gizmodo this list actually combines the main lists from Microsoft and some small things that Gizmodo noticed changed. I hope Giz won’t mind me borrowing it if they do they can always shoot me a note, as always thats why I source my info :) Anyways here’s the list fellow visitors :) For those of you who haven’t already torrented it and found most of the changes already LOL. (Yes 7100 is on bittorrent and just about every nzb site.)

Desktop and User Interface:

Gadget view options
In the Windows 7 beta it was impossible to separate desktop icons from gadgets under the View setting available by right-clicking on the desktop. Now there is the option to hide just your gadgets or just your desktop icons.

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Windows Flip (ALT + TAB) with Aero Peek
Aero Peek is now enabled for Windows Flip (or more commonly known as ALT + TAB).

Improved Windows Logo + # keyboard shortcut
Pressing Windows Logo + # (where # corresponds to an item’s order in the taskbar) in the beta would only launch the program in Windows 7. In the release candidate, it can both launch and switch between Windows. For example, if IE wasn’t running and the second item on the taskbar, Windows Logo + 2 will launch the program. If IE is running with a single window, the same shortcut will now switch to the program. When IE is running with several windows or tabs, holding down the Windows Logo and tapping the 2 key repeatedly will actually cycle through the open IE items off the taskbar (with Aero Peek). Letting go simply switches to the corresponding window. It works really similarly to the ALT +TAB shortcut.

Multitouch:

Aero Peek for touch
First, the taskbar’s thumbnails now support a gesture so you can drag your finger across the taskbar and it will trigger Aero Peek. The Show Desktop button is improved so a press-and-hold will allow the customer to peek at the desktop. A regular tap still allows you to switch over.

Windows Explorer
Multi-touch zoom is now enabled for Windows Explorer.

Power Options:

Faster access to High Performance power plan
Clicking on the battery icon in the taskbar notification area offers two different power plans: Balanced and Power saver. Windows 7 laptops are configured to use the Balanced by default. Now in the popout menu, you can see all three options.

Taskbar:

Increased taskbar space
There is even more increased space on the taskbar now. The release candidate will feature 24-39% more icons before the taskbar scrolls (depending upon resolution, icon size and the default notification area).

Increased flexibility and changes to Jump Lists
When there are too many things pinned to Jump Lists, it defeats the whole purpose of easy access. Jump Lists now only automatically suggest the first 10 items (there is still the option to customize the length of the list).

Now you can also pin files and folders to programs that are not handle that file type. Pinning the item in most cases will create a new registration so that launching it from the Jump List will always open the file with that specific program (ex. a pinned HTML file to Notepad will always open the file in Notepad).

The Control Panel jump list will now list your most recent items.

Newly installed programs
When a program is installed, it automatically and temporarily surfaces at the bottom of the Start Menu. It lets the user see it, giving them the option to launch it or drag it to the taskbar.

User Account Control:

Increased security
There will be two changes to the release candidate to UAC settings. The first change is that the UAC control panel will run in a “high integrity” process (thus requiring elevation). The second change will now prompt for a confirmation when you are changing the level of UAC.

Source: Gizmodo

 Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

April 24, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

Ok as I said I would do I am reposting the basic features already acknoledged by Microsoft to have been changed and posted by Gizmodo this list actually combines the main lists from Microsoft and some small things that Gizmodo noticed changed. I hope Giz won’t mind me borrowing it if they do they can always shoot me a note, as always thats why I source my info :) Anyways here’s the list fellow visitors :) For those of you who haven’t already torrented it and found most of the changes already LOL. (Yes 7100 is on bittorrent and just about every nzb site.)

Desktop and User Interface:

Gadget view options
In the Windows 7 beta it was impossible to separate desktop icons from gadgets under the View setting available by right-clicking on the desktop. Now there is the option to hide just your gadgets or just your desktop icons.

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Windows Flip (ALT + TAB) with Aero Peek
Aero Peek is now enabled for Windows Flip (or more commonly known as ALT + TAB).

Improved Windows Logo + # keyboard shortcut
Pressing Windows Logo + # (where # corresponds to an item’s order in the taskbar) in the beta would only launch the program in Windows 7. In the release candidate, it can both launch and switch between Windows. For example, if IE wasn’t running and the second item on the taskbar, Windows Logo + 2 will launch the program. If IE is running with a single window, the same shortcut will now switch to the program. When IE is running with several windows or tabs, holding down the Windows Logo and tapping the 2 key repeatedly will actually cycle through the open IE items off the taskbar (with Aero Peek). Letting go simply switches to the corresponding window. It works really similarly to the ALT +TAB shortcut.

Multitouch:

Aero Peek for touch
First, the taskbar’s thumbnails now support a gesture so you can drag your finger across the taskbar and it will trigger Aero Peek. The Show Desktop button is improved so a press-and-hold will allow the customer to peek at the desktop. A regular tap still allows you to switch over.

Windows Explorer
Multi-touch zoom is now enabled for Windows Explorer.

Power Options:

Faster access to High Performance power plan
Clicking on the battery icon in the taskbar notification area offers two different power plans: Balanced and Power saver. Windows 7 laptops are configured to use the Balanced by default. Now in the popout menu, you can see all three options.

Taskbar:

Increased taskbar space
There is even more increased space on the taskbar now. The release candidate will feature 24-39% more icons before the taskbar scrolls (depending upon resolution, icon size and the default notification area).

Increased flexibility and changes to Jump Lists
When there are too many things pinned to Jump Lists, it defeats the whole purpose of easy access. Jump Lists now only automatically suggest the first 10 items (there is still the option to customize the length of the list).

Now you can also pin files and folders to programs that are not handle that file type. Pinning the item in most cases will create a new registration so that launching it from the Jump List will always open the file with that specific program (ex. a pinned HTML file to Notepad will always open the file in Notepad).

The Control Panel jump list will now list your most recent items.

Newly installed programs
When a program is installed, it automatically and temporarily surfaces at the bottom of the Start Menu. It lets the user see it, giving them the option to launch it or drag it to the taskbar.

User Account Control:

Increased security
There will be two changes to the release candidate to UAC settings. The first change is that the UAC control panel will run in a “high integrity” process (thus requiring elevation). The second change will now prompt for a confirmation when you are changing the level of UAC.

Source: Gizmodo

 Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1  Microsoft’s list of “changes” in Windows 7 RC1

Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

April 24, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

Windows 7 gests new background

Well the day is hear, ok it’s not RTM but Microsoft’s RC1 of Windows 7 has released and oh boy theirs some goodies inside. Personally I wasn’t expecting anything new for the Release Candidate of Windows 7 but apparently Microsoft didn’t want us to be disappointed with just a few bug fixes and included some odd yet awesome enhancements. No the “Windows 7 new user interface” wasn’t included that has been rumored to be coming, then again most people agree if that does make it into Windows 7 (any significant Windows UI changes) they will hold it off until the last moment with internal testing and finally RTM.

One quick new feature as Gizmodo pointed out earlier is the awesome new backgrounds that are both odd yet entertaining especially coming from Microsoft who’s normally very well… stuckup, but then again maybe their background choice group is being entertaining I mean first the “Beta” fish and now we have wacky backgrounds in our first Release Candidate.

Windows 7 WMP gains internet sharing

Windows 7 Release Candidate.

1’s other noticeable feature is the fact that you can now stream your Media Library to other computers. It’s all covered via Windows Media Player’s Remote Media Sharing. It allows you to stream your media over the Internet via your Windows Live ID that you associate with your Windows 7 user account via a small downloadable file (wow Microsoft really isn’t including anything excess to protect from those antitrust buzzards aren’t they). But as other tech junkies have pointed out this should also allow them to leave the possibility of it being extended later to cover signings via OpenID or other services. Both your Main PC and your other PCs that your trying to share the library with need the same version of Windows Media Player, but once that’s done and both are using the same Live ID or your on a Live ID that you’ve shared your library with (yes you can share it). The library will be accessible via the “Other Libraries” right below your own local library on that computer and can be browsed and used just like the standard library. Definitely a big bitch slap to the iTunes lovers that think their bonafide text list is nice (Sorry guys I’m a zune marketplace lover).

Windows 7 XP Compatibility Mode

If that wasn’t an awesome enough feature apparently Microsoft decided that sneaking in a nice home user feature wasn’t fare without also adding a secretish feature for the Workstation crew and to make all those business users that shunned Vista happy. A full Windows XP Mode is included with Windows 7 for those stubborn business apps that just refuse to get updated to work with the latest operating systems and API’s. It basically takes your app and runs it inside of a complete Windows XP virtual environment so that it has 100% windows xp compatability. The downside I suppose you could call is that that like the above sharing mode that WMP got, theirs a small download required to activate this feature, a small price to pay for full compatability. Personally I hope both items are included on the final RTM dvd, as their both pretty solid ideas with great potential for making lots of people happy.

Customization seems to be the other thing they decided to take a tap at and as you can see below, courtesy of Gizmodo there’s some pretty wicked and well trippy backgrounds that I truely pray aren’t a joke and do indeed make their way into RTM along with hopefully more, as I know I love the second one and people in my office and home have already picked their favorite Wacky Desktops. I suppose the only features that seems to still not be present that has me a bit upset that fits into this category, is the Desktop RSS feed editable via a decent builtin control panel page, and the ability to also easily set the logon ui without third party tools or having to edit the registry :( But hey we still probably have RC2 and RTM to go :)

window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds

That’s just the latest features to be discovered lets not forget the extensive list of previously mentioned updated features in RC1, as well as the tweaks to aeropeek, and general improvements and bug swashes that took place since the last beta. I’ll repost the list on a post soon of all the other features that Microsoft says they adjusted since the last beta into RC1.

 Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

April 24, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

Windows 7 gests new background

Well the day is hear, ok it’s not RTM but Microsoft’s RC1 of Windows 7 has released and oh boy theirs some goodies inside. Personally I wasn’t expecting anything new for the Release Candidate of Windows 7 but apparently Microsoft didn’t want us to be disappointed with just a few bug fixes and included some odd yet awesome enhancements. No the “Windows 7 new user interface” wasn’t included that has been rumored to be coming, then again most people agree if that does make it into Windows 7 (any significant Windows UI changes) they will hold it off until the last moment with internal testing and finally RTM.

One quick new feature as Gizmodo pointed out earlier is the awesome new backgrounds that are both odd yet entertaining especially coming from Microsoft who’s normally very well… stuckup, but then again maybe their background choice group is being entertaining I mean first the “Beta” fish and now we have wacky backgrounds in our first Release Candidate.

Windows 7 WMP gains internet sharing

Windows 7 Release Candidate.

1’s other noticeable feature is the fact that you can now stream your Media Library to other computers. It’s all covered via Windows Media Player’s Remote Media Sharing. It allows you to stream your media over the Internet via your Windows Live ID that you associate with your Windows 7 user account via a small downloadable file (wow Microsoft really isn’t including anything excess to protect from those antitrust buzzards aren’t they). But as other tech junkies have pointed out this should also allow them to leave the possibility of it being extended later to cover signings via OpenID or other services. Both your Main PC and your other PCs that your trying to share the library with need the same version of Windows Media Player, but once that’s done and both are using the same Live ID or your on a Live ID that you’ve shared your library with (yes you can share it). The library will be accessible via the “Other Libraries” right below your own local library on that computer and can be browsed and used just like the standard library. Definitely a big bitch slap to the iTunes lovers that think their bonafide text list is nice (Sorry guys I’m a zune marketplace lover).

Windows 7 XP Compatibility Mode

If that wasn’t an awesome enough feature apparently Microsoft decided that sneaking in a nice home user feature wasn’t fare without also adding a secretish feature for the Workstation crew and to make all those business users that shunned Vista happy. A full Windows XP Mode is included with Windows 7 for those stubborn business apps that just refuse to get updated to work with the latest operating systems and API’s. It basically takes your app and runs it inside of a complete Windows XP virtual environment so that it has 100% windows xp compatability. The downside I suppose you could call is that that like the above sharing mode that WMP got, theirs a small download required to activate this feature, a small price to pay for full compatability. Personally I hope both items are included on the final RTM dvd, as their both pretty solid ideas with great potential for making lots of people happy.

Customization seems to be the other thing they decided to take a tap at and as you can see below, courtesy of Gizmodo there’s some pretty wicked and well trippy backgrounds that I truely pray aren’t a joke and do indeed make their way into RTM along with hopefully more, as I know I love the second one and people in my office and home have already picked their favorite Wacky Desktops. I suppose the only features that seems to still not be present that has me a bit upset that fits into this category, is the Desktop RSS feed editable via a decent builtin control panel page, and the ability to also easily set the logon ui without third party tools or having to edit the registry :( But hey we still probably have RC2 and RTM to go :)

window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds window 7 backgrounds

That’s just the latest features to be discovered lets not forget the extensive list of previously mentioned updated features in RC1, as well as the tweaks to aeropeek, and general improvements and bug swashes that took place since the last beta. I’ll repost the list on a post soon of all the other features that Microsoft says they adjusted since the last beta into RC1.

 Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!  Windows 7 RC1 Gets surprise new features!

Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

March 16, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

As you probably know, Windows 7 build 7057, a build recently leaked to the public, sports a new (yet ugly) login UI background. Delivering on the “more customizable” promise, Windows 7 now supports the ability to load images into the background of the login screen without the use of third-party software or manual hacks. Ok it’s still sort of a hack considering you have to go into the registry to enable the usage (why exactly this isn’t included by default in the theme UI is beyond me, most likely to try to keep it a OEM specialty but you can be sure more than OEM’s will be utilizing it :)

Before Logon UI Customization After Logon UI Customization
Figure 1 – Logon UI background image before and after customization.

Although this functionality was designed for OEMs in mind, it is pretty easy to turn on and off using regedit and some images lying around your hard drive.

First, a check is made to determine if the customization functionality is enabled or not. More precisely, a DWORD value named OEMBackground in the HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background key is checked. Its data, of Boolean type, defines whether or not this behavior is turned on, i.e. 1 for enabled, 0 for disabled. This value may not exist by default, depending on your system.

Next as this is an OEM feature images are derived from %windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds. Like the registry value, this folder may not exist by default. The following files (sorted by width-to-height ratio) are supported in this folder:

 

  • backgroundDefault.jpg
  • background768×1280.jpg  (0.6)
  • background900×1440.jpg  (0.625)
  • background960×1280.jpg  (0.75)
  • background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
  • background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
  • background1024×768.jpg  (1.33-)
  • background1280×960.jpg  (1.33-)
  • background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
  • background1440×900.jpg  (1.6)
  • background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
  • background1280×768.jpg  (1.66-)
  • background1360×768.jpg  (1.770833-)

NOTE: Images must be less than 256kb in size.

The backgroundDefault.jpg image is loaded and stretched-to-fit when a resolution/ratio-specific background cannot be found. The other resolution/ratio-specific files are self-explanatory. If the background cannot be loaded (e.g. image physically too large, incorrect ratio, etc.), the default SKU-based image is loaded from imagesres.dll. You’ll see a Windows Server-themed grayish background in there, too, suggesting this functionality is not specific to client SKUs.

The tutorial above is thanks to our friends over at WithinWindows!

 

 

Related Posts:

 Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

March 16, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

 Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

As you probably know, Windows 7 build 7057, a build recently leaked to the public, sports a new (yet ugly) login UI background. Delivering on the “more customizable” promise, Windows 7 now supports the ability to load images into the background of the login screen without the use of third-party software or manual hacks. Ok it’s still sort of a hack considering you have to go into the registry to enable the usage (why exactly this isn’t included by default in the theme UI is beyond me, most likely to try to keep it a OEM specialty but you can be sure more than OEM’s will be utilizing it :)

Before Logon UI Customization After Logon UI Customization
Figure 1 – Logon UI background image before and after customization.

Although this functionality was designed for OEMs in mind, it is pretty easy to turn on and off using regedit and some images lying around your hard drive.

First, a check is made to determine if the customization functionality is enabled or not. More precisely, a DWORD value named OEMBackground in the HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background key is checked. Its data, of Boolean type, defines whether or not this behavior is turned on, i.e. 1 for enabled, 0 for disabled. This value may not exist by default, depending on your system.

Next as this is an OEM feature images are derived from %windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds. Like the registry value, this folder may not exist by default. The following files (sorted by width-to-height ratio) are supported in this folder:

 

  • backgroundDefault.jpg
  • background768×1280.jpg  (0.6)
  • background900×1440.jpg  (0.625)
  • background960×1280.jpg  (0.75)
  • background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
  • background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
  • background1024×768.jpg  (1.33-)
  • background1280×960.jpg  (1.33-)
  • background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
  • background1440×900.jpg  (1.6)
  • background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
  • background1280×768.jpg  (1.66-)
  • background1360×768.jpg  (1.770833-)

NOTE: Images must be less than 256kb in size.

The backgroundDefault.jpg image is loaded and stretched-to-fit when a resolution/ratio-specific background cannot be found. The other resolution/ratio-specific files are self-explanatory. If the background cannot be loaded (e.g. image physically too large, incorrect ratio, etc.), the default SKU-based image is loaded from imagesres.dll. You’ll see a Windows Server-themed grayish background in there, too, suggesting this functionality is not specific to client SKUs.

The tutorial above is thanks to our friends over at WithinWindows!

 

 

Related Posts:

 Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!  Windows 7 logon UI customization… officially!

10 Reasons Why You Should Choose Xbox 360

February 4, 2009 by admin · Comment
Filed under: Xbox360 News 

Many people don’t fancy the Xbox 360 simply because it’s from the jaws of Microsoft, however, before you turn to the dark side and buy a Playstation 3, check out these reasons why you should choose the Xbox.

1) The Xbox 360 is the cheapest next-gen console available. At only £130 for the Arcade package, it’s the cheapest next-gen console on the market.

2) Play online with another 13 million other people on the amazing Xbox Live and see if you can beat the rest of the world. You can play your favorite games online, chat with your mates, or even download new content for those games you love.

3) New Xbox Live Experience, make your own avatar with the great new Xbox Live experience, you can also play community games with other Xbox Live players.

4) High Definition Gaming - Play some of the best titles available on the Xbox 360 in crisp high definition picture.

5) Halo series – Exclusive to the Xbox 360, the Halo series allows you to finish the fight the legendary Halo 3. There are also other exclusive games in the Halo Series, like the upcoming game, Halo Wars.

6) Amazing range of exclusive content including amazing titles like: Gears of War 1 & 2, Fable 2, Rock Band 2, Too Human, Ninja Gaiden 2, Banjo-Kazooie 3, Left 4 Dead and many more coming in the future including Alan Wake and Splinter Cell: Conviction.

7) Turn your Xbox 360 into a media centre – Connect your Xbox 360 either wired or wirelessly to your Window PC and play music and videos from your PC.

8) Customise your Xbox 360 – You can customise your Xbox 360 with different colour controllers and special Xbox 360 face plates, letting you get your Xbox 360 just the way you love it.

9) Xbox Achievements – earn achievement points from the games you play and show off your score to all your buddies.

10) Xbox 360 accessories – Pimp up your Xbox 360 and get some of the must buy accessories like the Messenger Kit, Wireless Headset, Xbox Live Vision Camera, Xbox Live Official Steering Wheel and many more.

Get the latest video game reviews and video game news from ScroobyOnline, the video game blog.

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