Xbox New’s Esp-1

Asus Expressgate Splashtop at CES 2009

Tech Update Ep18

New text alerts will warn TTC riders of delays

he Toronto Transit Commission will start sending text messages to commuters warning of delays in the city’s subway service. (J.P. Moczulski/Canadian Press)

The TTC has unveiled a plan to send its customers emails and text messages alerting them to delays on the subway system.

The new electronic service will help customers avoid long waits and allow them to make other arrangements if service is disrupted.

All riders have to do is register their email address at TTC.ca.

TTC rider Chris Carter said he will use his BlackBerry to take advantage of the new service.

So does Ryerson student John James Willson. He said the new TTC alerts will help him get to class on time.

“I’ll get here, you know, and something will happen and I’ll end up waiting here 20 minutes. So if they message me, then I don’t have to worry,” he said.

Right now, the alerts are limited to delays of 15 minutes or longer on the subway only. But later this year, the TTC hopes to expand the alerts to buses and streetcars.

TTC chair Adam Giambrone said riders will soon be able to customize alerts according to the route they take.

“By the fall, we will have the SMS [short message service] text message available. When you text to a stop you will be able to find out in real time when the next couple of streetcars or buses are coming,” Giambrone said Wednesday.

The TTC advises customers to check with their service provider to see if they will be charged extra for getting the messages.

Get your Copy of windows 7 today from Us

Download the Windows 7 Beta

New to beta testing? Here’s what you need to know:

• You’ll need some technical skills, like knowing how to:

  • Burn an ISO file to make an install DVD (A good example of what we mean by “technical”)
  • Install Windows (of course)
  • Backup and restore your PC (There’s a chance of losing files, so it’s a good idea to do a backup of anything you want to save.)
  • Set up a network

  It can be glitchy—so don’t use a PC you need every day.

• Minimum recommended specs call for:

  • 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • 16 GB of available disk space
  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
  • DVD-R/W Drive
  • Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)

  And yes, like anything tech-related, these specs could change.

• Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of “touch,” may require advanced or additional hardware.
• You’ll need a system recovery disk (and know how to use it).
• You’re [almost] flying solo: you’ll need to troubleshoot problems yourself and call on other Beta testers for their know-how.
• It’s a two-way thing—Beta testing is about feedback so our developers can fix bugs and hear what appeals to the people who use our products daily. Please tell us what you think.
• Watch the calendar. The Beta expires on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. (See installation instructions.)

To learn more about the Windows 7 Beta, see Frequently Asked Questions.

Keep up with the news

The best way to keep up with what’s happening is to follow the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers in the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.

Get the download

The 32-bit version of Windows 7 Beta is available in five languages: English, German, Japanese, Hindi, and Arabic. The 64-bit version is available in English, German, Japanese, and Arabic. Windows 7 Beta is available for a limited time, to the first 2.5 million people who download the software. Just choose the version that fits the system you’ll be using for the test, pick your language and click go to register for and download the Beta.

Downloading the Windows 7 Beta could take a few hours. The exact time will depend on your provider, bandwidth and traffic. The good news is that once you start the download, you won’t have to answer any more questions – you can walk away while it finishes. If it gets interrupted, it’ll restart where it left off. See this FAQ for details.

And here the Link to the 32 bit verson

Windows 7 32 bit

Windows 7 64 Bit

And Now you can take your poll at

http://emailforhelp.wordpress.com/polls/