I continue to roam the halls with my trusty digital audio recorder, finding interesting folks to talk with about Windows 7.  My latest “volunteer” is Brian Yee, a senior product manager on the Windows team.  Brian’s responsibility spans all the major consumer features for Windows 7 so he has a big job and yet he was kind enough to spend some time with me.

We talked about so many topics, we’re going to split this podcast into two parts.  In this first part, we cover the visual changes to Windows 7 – the user interface or UI in geek speak – including things like jumplists and the new taskbar.  We also spend some time going over the performance enhancements in Windows 7 that make it efficient in using system resources.  And finally we talk about finding and searching for things using libraries on one PC or that span multiple PCs.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• More Details on Windows 7, part 1 (WMA format)
• More Details on Windows 7, part 1 (MP3 Format)

Or subscribe to the whole podcast series using these RSS links:

• Windows Community Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Community Podcast Series (MP3 format)

Thanks again to Brian for doing such a great job discussing these additional details about Windows 7.  But this is just part one of our podcast, so be sure and check back next week for part 2 where we talk about system requirements, device compatibility, and get Brian’s advice on upgrading and migrating to Windows 7.

- Marcus, Windows Community Manager

At a recent Social Media Club Seattle event, I met up with Mark Simonds who has a cool project called Twitter Road Trip (@route140 on Twitter).  He asked me to do a quick interview about the stuff we do on the Windows Social Media Team and I was happy to oblige:

It will be fun to watch Mark make his cross-country Twitter trek and hear from all the people he meets.

Thank you to everyone in our Windows community for giving me the chance to have such a fun job where I can talk with you and learn from you every day!

- Marcus

It looks like Windows Live SkyDrive has now started to more dynamically render the file URLs for anything stored there.  As such, my podcasting RSS feeds are experiencing technical difficulties.  Podcasting relies on RSS enclosures (I did a post on this last year, click here).  I’m investigating other options but would welcome any suggestions from all of you – please feel free to leave a comment below.

Thanks,

Marcus, Windows Community Manager

I started this podcast series mostly around Windows Live topics, and now it seems I’ve come full circle.  But this time, I’m looking at Windows Live from the perspective of how it relates and complements Windows 7.  Joining me in the discussion is Mark Croft, a Director on the Windows Product Management team.

Mark and I spent some time talking about how Windows Live and Windows 7 fit together and why certain features and functions are in one product versus the other.  We also discussed how customers can get Windows Live and what the future might hold for the two products.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Windows 7 and Windows Live (WMA format)
• Windows 7 and Windows Live (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to the whole podcast series using these RSS links:

• Windows Community Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Community Podcast Series (MP3 format)

It was great to have the chance to talk with Mark and get his perspective.  What are your thoughts about Windows 7 + Windows Live?  What do they add up to for you?  Please let me know by leaving a comment below.

- Marcus, Windows Community Manager

There are some really cool media features and scenarios being enabled by Windows 7.  One of the best parts of my job is that I get to talk to some of the Microsoft employees that make these things possible.  Adam Anderson is just such a person, truly passionate about media and what’s coming up in Windows 7.

You can download this specific podcast in the format you prefer using the links below:

• Windows 7 Media Overview (WMA format)
• Windows 7 Media Overview (MP3 format)

Or subscribe to the whole podcast series using these RSS links:

• Windows Community Podcast Series (WMA format)
• Windows Community Podcast Series (MP3 format)

I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I enjoyed recording it with Adam.  What would you like to see in future podcasts?  Please just let me know by leaving a comment below.

- Marcus, Windows Community Manager