For those of you who have plunked down the extra cash for
the version of Windows Vista that is at the top of the totem pole, there are a
couple of new Vista Ultimate Extras available for download right now. Last
night, right before the official
launch of Vista, Microsoft pushed out Windows
Texas Hold'em Poker and BitLocker and EFS Enhancements.
According
to Paul Thurrott, Windows Texas
Hold'em Poker requires a minimum Windows Experience Index of 1.0 to run and
2.0 to operate at optimum levels. Given that mostly enthusiasts will be gunning
for Windows Vista Ultimate, this shouldn't be a problem at all.
The "Bitlocker
and EFS Enhancements" are listed as follows:
- Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool - configures your hard drive so that you can use the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature of Windows Vista.
- Secure Online Key Backup - stores a backup copy of your BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System (EFS) recovery certificates in your digital locker, a secure Microsoft website.
Windows
DreamScene (aka Motion Desktop), a Vista Ultimate Extra that allows you to
use motion video as your desktop, is still AWOL. Microsoft wowed the audience
at CES 2007 with a demonstration of DreamScene during the Bill Gates keynote,
but it’s like a feature that will tire very quickly with users.
To get these latest updates, simply navigate to the Control
Panel and go to Windows Updates. You'll also find a number of security updates
waiting for you as well from the main Windows Update page.
