Help Test Net Framework 4 Beta 2 with Windows Update
I follow Scott Hanselman’s blog and he is a Microsoft fundi, he works for them and he posts regularly about the goings on at Microsoft. One of his posts recently caught my eye and I was glad to see it.
The .Net framework team are allowing people to test the latest Beta release of the .Net 4 client profile via the windows update. The update will be a recommended update when it is officially released about 6-8 weeks after the release of .Net Framework 4.
Below is comparison of the 4 client profile and 3 client profile.
| .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Client Profile | .NET Framework 4 Client Profile |
| Web Install | Local Package & Web Install |
| Only Windows XP SP2 or SP3 and x86 architecture. | All platforms and CPU architectures supported by the full .NET Framework 4 Beta 2 except IA64. |
| Separate from the framework. | Part of the full .NET Framework. The .NET Framework is made up of the Client Profile and Extended components that exist separately in Add or Remove Programs. |
| Windows Update will upgrade it to the full .NET Framework. |
Independent component.
|
if you want to test the Beta, then here is how you go about it:
if you have no dot net 4 bits on your machine, Just make a text file with some meaningful name and make sure the file extension is .reg, and put the following text in it:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4B2WU]"OptIn"=dword:00000001
then save and close it, and double click on the file and it will insert the registry key and you will be able to install the client profile from windows update.
You can do it from an administrator command prompt if you want:
reg.exe add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4B2WU" /v OptIn /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
I have heard that if you have any .net 4 components installed already, that the client profile will not install.
When they release the client profile it will install over the beta install and will upgrade it.
If you experience any problems, just remember it can be uninstalled, but do report any issues you have at The .Net Framework 4 Setup & deployment support forum.
Amazon Kindle II – Road Test
So, as you may know, I bought an Amazon Kindle II last month/Year, and the reason that I bought it is finally here, I am off to Cape Town tomorrow, 3:00 am to be exact. I have already read one book on it and was really impressed but with such a long drive ahead to C.T., this will be the big test for me since it is over 12 hours in a car, and when I am not driving I plan to be reading to pass the time, and this is where the kindle comes in.
I have lots of books on it so I will not run out of material to read, so I will let you know what I think of it after the trip. But here are my thoughts on it so far:
Pros:
- It takes up hardly any space, it just a little bigger than a normal paper back, width and height size, and no thicker than my IPhone.
- According to Amazon, it can hold over 1000 books, and from what I have seen this claim is going to be pretty accurate.
- It is really easy on the eyes. I have read for a whole day on it and my eyes didn’t get sore.
- The screen/ E-Ink is just a pleasure and very clear.
- The automatic delivery of books you purchase in the Amazon store, be it on your computer or from the Kindle is very quick, I have not waited longer than 20 seconds.
- The automatic push down of firmware updates is seamless and you don’t notice it until it lets you know that it needs to restart.
Cons:
- THE PRICE !!!!!!!!
- The screen is not back lit. So you have to buy a separate reading light. I am not actually sure if it is possible to provide back lighting, and if you could, it would diminish the battery life by a lot.
- The web browser is still in it’s testing phase so it is a bit weird.
- The amount of margin around the screen between the screen and buttons is huge, they could have added another inch to the screen on all sides.
- The annoying habit of reaching to turn the page only to realise you are not holding a book
So I will let you know what I think when I get back.
Catch you on the flip side.
about me
I am a C#, Silverlight, K2 workflow and Sharepoint Consultant, living and working in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have a passion for teaching people anything I can in order to spread the knowledge and skills I have. You can follow me on twitter at @MrThirsty. You can view my full profile at about.me
