This and That

While I count the hours until the start of today's football championship games, I thought I might catch you up with a quick glance at some technology news that you may have missed.

Beyond Windows Vista

A couple of days ago, I told you about Microsoft's release plan for both the new Windows Vista and the next service pack release for Windows XP. But Microsoft's vision doesn't stop with Vista. It is already planning for the next Windows operating system after Vista, now code-named Windows Vienna.

No word on what will be in Vienna, other than it will contain some features that were not fully ready for Vista, most notably a new file storing mechanism known as WinFS. The Vista update promises to have better search, a new graphics engine and other improvements of existing features.

FYI, understanding the Microsoft code-naming procedures is curious. Vienna was originally code-named Blackcomb. Windows Vista was originally code-named Longhorn, while Windows XP was first called Whistler. Whistler and Blackcomb are Canadian ski resorts and Longhorn is a saloon that is halfway between the two ski resorts. My guess is that someone high up in Microsoft is really into skiing (Duh!).

WordPerfect's New Office Suite

Yes, WordPerfect is still around and is now owned by graphics company Corel. They have just released a new version of their office suite and it has received excellent reviews. If you would like to see what is in the new package, take a look at the review just done by PC Magazine.

If you are interested in using a non-Microsoft office suite, including the free StarOffice, you might want to read a very short blog by John Dickinson. He recommends you give them a try as you may be pleasantly surprised.

Quickies

The Cartwheel Galaxy - a newly discovered, very interesting galaxy. The photo combines three images from different space-based telescopes.

DeadBodyGuy.com - a web site created by a computer programmer who likes to photograph himself playing dead. Weird, to say the least.

Rubix Cube Competition - If you thought that the Rubix Cube belongs in the category of nostalgia, think again. It is alive and well.

My Owner is an Idiot - A collection of photos of dogs with overly affectionate owners. Cute! (Thanks, Paul)

Go Seahawks!! (Yes, even 49er fans can be gracious).