-=PCTechTalk=- Whatever you do, don't blame M$.... (says M$)

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1415
<http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1415&tag=nl.e622> &tag=nl.e622


May 27th, 2008 


Microsoft <http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1415>  readies new 'don't
blame Windows' tool


Microsoft has begun privately beta testing a new tool, known as "Windows
Advisor," which is aimed at helping consumers better pinpoint why their
Windows machines might not be up to snuff.

Microsoft officials have been saying that Windows - and especially the
much-maligned Windows Vista - isn't to blame for all of users' PC problems.
Faulty <http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=447>  drivers and badly written apps
are often behind users' unhappiness with their new PCs, the Softies have
said. Microsoft is making sure that users will be able to place blame where
it belongs with Windows Advisor.

From a source with access to the private beta information Microsoft made
available to testers earlier this month:

"While in the past support was limited to a help desk, today the lines are
becoming blurred between the various technologies. When a user has a
sluggish Internet connection, is it due to a connectivity issue, spyware, a
virus, an outdated or poorly maintained computer, the router, a failing hard
drive, or simply the customer's impatience? To be effective in today's
environment, computer care and support services must be more comprehensive
and accurate. That's where we believe Windows Advisor comes in.

"Windows Advisor is an easy-to-use self-help tool that notifies users about
problems on their PCs and helps fix them. Windows Advisor scans users' PCs
continuously, notifies them about important issues, and, when possible,
suggests easy fix solutions. The program also provides users with self-help
solutions, including a 1-click checkup function that enables them to check
their PCs whenever they like; tips and tutorials that teach users how to
perform certain actions on their PCs; and a toolbox that concentrates the
important tools that are found in the operating system into one easy-to-find
location."

Windows Advisor currently supports Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 2 and
Windows Vista. The beta version is available in English only.

I asked Microsoft how long the company expected the Windows Advisor beta to
last and how many testers it had invited to participate in it, via its
private Connect test site. The only info the company would share, relayed by
a spokeswoman:

"Microsoft is continually developing tools to help customers get the most
out of their PC experience, and will keep you posted as we have more to
share."

Any Windows Advisor testers out there want to weigh in? What about PC
vendors and others who are incurring costs for Windows Vista support calls?
Do you think this tool will help Vista
<http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1372> 's continuing image problem?

Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 20 years. Don't miss a
single post. Subscribe via Email
<http://whitepapers.zdnet.com/alertform.aspx?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.zdnet.co
m%2Fmicrosoft%2Fwp-rss2.php&title=All+About+Microsoft&source=http%3A%2F%2Fbl
ogs.zdnet.com%2Fmicrosoft%2F>  or RSS
<http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/wp-rss2.php> . Got a tip? Send Mary Jo
<javascript:loadTips();>  your rants, rumors, tips and tattles. For
disclosure on Mary Jo's industry affiliations, click here
<http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?page_id=425> .

 



_______________________________________
No viruses found in this outgoing message
Scanned by iolo AntiVirus 1.5.3.5
http://www.iolo.com



---------------------------------------------------------------
Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and everything 
below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary.

To unsubscribe or change your email settings:
http://www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk

To access our Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/
http://www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/

To contact only the PCTT Mod Squad, write to:
pctechtalk-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
---------------------------------------------------------------

Other related posts: