Orcas Beta 1 Released

Beta 1 of Orcas is available for download

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700831.aspx

Windows Splash Screens from 1.01 to Vista

Here is a link to show you all the Splash Screens Microsoft Windows have used from its 1st version 1.01 to Vista.

http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-61343-1.html

Pictorial History of Microsoft

I found a link which shows the progression of Microsoft from 1994 till date.

http://blogs.technet.com/seanearp/archive/2007/04/09/why-design-matters-a-pictorial-history-of-microsoft-com.aspx

In Defence of Books

I love reading books and I am a bibliophile (great lover of books). I have also noticed that many IT profesionals don't like reading books as they have someone who does all the work for them, and provides direct solutions, so they do not need to put long hours in reading and learning; thanks to Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooogle.com :(

But I am feeling that in order to grow someone has to learn constantly and books are the best medium to do so.

I came across a link which contains an article about "In Defence of Books" and this article is written by Douglas Reilly, he himself has shared his experience about books in the article.

This article talks about that why software professionals need books :)

http://www.simple-talk.com/sql/sql-training/sql-server-and-.net-training-and-career-development-part-3/