Download Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) Beta 1 (Direct Microsoft Server Links)

Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) Beta 1 has been released for public free download on IE8 Readiness Toolkit page. Internet Explorer 8 can be installed on Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) (but not pre-release or beta version) , Windows Vista, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2). IE8 Beta 1 also does not work on checked (debug) version of Windows.

Here’s where you can download IE8 Beta 1, together with direct download link to get the setup installation executable file from Microsoft Download Center server.

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 (x86)
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=110325
Direct Download: IE8-WindowsVista-x86-ENU.exe

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Server 2008 x64 Edition
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=110328
Direct Download: IE8-WindowsVista-x64-ENU.exe

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Window XP SP2
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=110324
Direct Download: IE8-WindowsXP-x86-ENU.exe

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Server 2003 SP2 (x86)
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=110326
Direct Download: IE8-WindowsServer2003-x86-ENU.exe

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64 Edition and Windows XP SP2 Pro x64 Edition
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=110327
Direct Download: IE8-WindowsServer2003-x64-ENU.exe

IE 8 features improvements in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and layout, programming model, performance, reliability, usability and service integration. Other features include contextual services to quickly access a service from any webpage named Activities, WebSlices for content subscribing within webpage, Favorites Bar has replaced Links bar, Automatic Crash Recovery and improved Phishing Filter. Details can be read here.

The release note for Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 can be read here. Note that IE8 is still in beta stage, and the release is probably mainly meant for developers, webmasters, bloggers, website designers and publishers to test the compliance of their sites with IE8. Average users will likely see weird rendering of web pages in IE8.

For users who want to opt out of IE8, click here for instructions on how to uninstall IE8.

Motion Computing Announces F5 Tablet PC

The famous mobile computing and wireless communications leader, Motion Computing has released its new Motion F5, which the company claims as the first semi-rugged slate tablet PC designed specifically for highly mobile workforces, combining durability, mobility and integrated functionality with the benefits and convenience of tablet input.

Key Features Of New F5 Tablet PC:

• Intel® Centrino® processor technology with the Intel® Core Solo
• IP54 rated and designed to withstand exposure to dust and moisture
• Field-ready slate design that includes a magnesium frame, View Anywhere® outdoor display, built-in handle and easily cleaned protective covering
• Shock mounted hard drive and combined accelerometer designed to detect drops and shocks in order to reduce the possibility of data loss
• Optional SanDisk® 32GB solid state drive (SSD) providing further enhanced durability, reliability, higher performance and power efficiency
• Fully-integrated technologies to improve workflow and increase productivity: digital camera, RFID and optional barcode scanner
• Embedded wireless broadband for continuous data access away from the office
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition; Windows Vista® Business

“Motion is dedicated to providing solutions that combine innovative mobile products and customized applications from experienced software partners and services that are unique to each vertical market that we serve,” said Scott Eckert, CEO of Motion. “Our customers came to us with a need and we solved it with the F5. We’ve combined the mobility and ease-of-use benefits of a tablet PC with the increased durability of a rugged PC, without all of the costs associated with a fully rugged system.”

The new Motion F5 is now available with price ranges from $2699 - $4000, depending on the configurations.

Dell Unveils Latitude XFR D630 Fully Ruggedized Notebook

The leading global systems and services company, Dell has unveiled its first fully ruggedized notebook Latitude XFR D630, which designed for reliable performance in the harshest environments, claiming 23% better system performance than the Panasonic CF-30 (Toughbook).

According to the company, the new 14.1-inch Latitude XFR D630 laptop meets the MIL-STD 810F standards from the Department of Defense for products that operate in extreme temperatures, moisture and altitude.

“The Latitude XFR D630 represents a tectonic shift towards simplicity in the ruggedized laptop space,” said Brett McAnally, director, Dell Product Group. “We are taking a multi-dimensional approach that focuses on simplified deployment, service and durability without sacrificing performance. Major competitors focus their efforts on ‘rugged’ only.”

Cool Features Of Dell’s Latitude XFR D630:

• Five times more data durability of leading competitors with solid state drives
• Latitude ExpressCharge charges batteries at least 30 minutes faster than competitors
• Outdoor readable screen at 500 nits
• Integrated resistive touch technology to easily interface with the system
• Shock isolated mounting to help protect hard drive, LCD and core electronic elements
• Dual locking butterfly mechanisms for easy access to components
• Sealed keyboard designed to withstand driving rain and dust

The new Dell Latitude XFR D630 laptop is now available for a price starting from $3,899, depending on the configuration. Check more specifications of Latitude XFR D630 on its official site.

Use Outlook to Ship Packages with FedEx QuickShip

FedEx QuickShip is a freeware Microsoft Outlook toolbar that integrates your Outlook address book with FedEx shipments. That means creating a new shipment is as easy as clicking Ship, and choosing your contact’s name from your address book. You can also track packages, check shipping rates, schedule pickups, find FedEx locations, and more with the FedEx toolbar. If you do a lot of shipping at work, and Outlook is your go-to email client, the QuickShip toolbar is a must-have. Click here to download FedEx QuickShip.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 RC2 Download Links

Windows XP Service Pack 3 RC2 (Release Candidate 2) was released by Microsoft on February 6th, 2008. Windows XP SP3 RC 2 has the build version of 3300, and has increased the availability of localized languages editions. Instead of just 5 editions of different languages for earlier service pack betas, XP SP3 RC2 is released in 7 different languages - English, Japanese, German, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

The milestone RC2 version 3300 build release of XP SP3 (service pack) has the size of around 2,197.79 MB. The leaked version is the self-extracting executable that contains the update package for Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release Candidate 2. Unlike Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista, users may apply this package to previous pre-release editions of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (e.g., the Release Candidate Refresh). After installation, Windows XP will have build version of 5.1.2600.3300 (xpsp.080125-2028).

The following Windows XP SP3 RC2 v3300 standalone offline installation setup package files are available to download from Microsoft Connect website.

windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-deu.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-jpn.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-ara.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-ptb.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-esn.exe
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-chs.exe

For users who wants to try out XP SP3, the leaked version of the installer has been leaked to P2P sites and Internet. Here’s the direct download link via HTTP, to English version of Windows XP SP3 RC2 version 3300, windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe, or if you prefer, you can download it with Bit Torrent at Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3_Build_3300_RC2.4015627.TPB.torrent (alternative link).

NOTE: This is a release candidate, which means it may not be the final version. Download and use at your own risk.