Alan Le

Install path for working with WPF

I want to get started working with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).  Good thing for me, Tim Sneath has compiled a complete list of links to the necessary installation files.  Perfect!

Also if you like the "How do I..." set of videos for ASP.NET 2.0 and Atlas, I found Fil Fortes screencast video demo on Channel 9 as the closest thing and an excellent, whirlwind demo of development for WPF.

Running Windows Vista

I've made the jump to Windows Vista RC1 (Build 5728) yesterday.  Two things I did off the bat.

Disable UAC

Why? After a fresh OS installation I will most likely spend the day installing the programs that I use regularly.  Standard User rights and UAC slows the process down.  I pretty sure I know what I'm doing and I take full responsibility for any unsecure actions I may make.  Overall, I'm still undecided about the benefits of UAC for power users; I might not re-enable this feature.

Here's how to disable UAC:
Windows Vista Secret #4: Disabling UAC

Fix the Power Button

The Power Button on Vista defaults to Sleep mode.  There are a few problems with this for me.

• Most likely when I hit the power button, I intend to Shutdown and not Sleep.  When I think of sleep mode, I think of closing the lid of my laptop.
• Vista takes it time to wake up from sleep mode.  The OS is awake but my mouse (Logitech MX1000) takes a minute to function.  My keyboard (MS Natural Keyboard) remain unresponsive after sleep mode.

Here's how to change the Power Button to Shutdown:
Vista: Start Menu Power Button

Besides these two changes, so far I'm really digging Windows Vista RC1 5728.