Microsoft has come out in defense of the much-anticipated Windows 7 operating system after a number of blogs and other sources flaunted a discovered bug as a potential “show-stopper”. Some had reported that a bug with the operating system’s CHKDSK utility could delay the planned rollout, which is being watched closely as hopes are high of Windows 7 providing a much needed jab in the arm for the PC industry.
Screenshots of the Windows Task Manager depicting the CHKDSK process eating up several gigabytes of memory (apparently leading to a BSOD in cases) have circulated around the blogosphere, but Microsoft is denying that the bug is in the Windows software. Instead, Microsoft is pointing at a chipset controller issue as the culprit and advising customers to update their chipset drivers to the latest versions providing by the motherboard manufacturer.
Microsoft’s Windows division President Steven Sinofsky said that the company has not reproduced the crash or experienced any crashes with CHKDSK in any measurable number. “While we appreciate the drama of ‘critical bug’ and then the pickup of ’showstopper’ that I’ve seen, we might take a step back and realize that this might not have that defcon level,” he said.
He continued: “Bugs that are so severe as to require immediate patches and attention would have to have no workarounds and would generally be such that a large set of people would run across them in the normal course of using their PC.” Sinofsky went on to say that this is not a big issue but that Microsoft will continue to pursue and investigate any issues with Windows 7 if/as they arise.
Result for: crash
According to a Dell press release, users can now purchase and download authorized Microsoft software through the company’s Download Store, marking the first time a non-Microsoft site has offered legal downloads of the popular products, which include most notably, Microsoft Office and all its components.
Dell claims to have cheaper prices as well, saying “For example, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007– one of the top-selling software titles in the is priced at $129.99 compared with the suggested retail price of $149.99.”
If you get a new computer or have a HDD crash, users keep a “digital locker” with Dell, that allows you to download any purchased software again at no extra charge as well as find your serial number if you forget it.
“With everyday savings plus on-demand access, the Dell Download Store addresses our customers’ two main concerns: price and immediacy. In addition, downloading is a more environmentally friendly way to purchase and distribute software because there’s no need for packaging material,” adds Geoff Surkamer, general manager, Dell Global Digital Distribution.
Result for: crash
Following recent blockbuster leaks such as that of Resident Evil 5, Electronic Arts’ Sims 3 game has been leaked to P2P, a full 15 days before its official release date.
The ISO file is 4.94 GB large and the game has had its Securom DRM cracked. The Sims 3 was set to be EA’s flagship game for 2009 but may have some sales hindered by piracy. This is not always true however as despite being leaked, Resident Evil 5 still set sales record for the series.
The game has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times already and is being called the “real deal” with little to no bugs or crashes.
EA has had a bad year so far in terms of piracy and leaks, especially with the debacle that came with the release of the hit game Spore which eventually led to a class action suit against the developer.
