It turns out IE8 won't download Windows updates! The updater wants a newer version of IE to work. Interesting bug that.

Brilliant. You're aware IE8 is BETA 1 yes?

There is a link on MaximumPC's website with instructions to load IE8 using a virtualPC. Here is the link if you want to try it   - http://www.maximumpc.com/article/microsoft_makes_it_easy_to_give_ie8_beta_1_a_try

Well it is nice with IE 8 and Vista. Seems Vista does not update via IE and yes I got updates for Windows.
Interesting the way XP is slowly being phased out of the picture. "Bug" oh ya that's it...

SGT  

Yesterday, I installed a few updates that were just released. Are the ones that ID is refering to dated today or yesterday? I'm currently at work and am not able to check. Since Tuesday is when Microsoft's releases most updates, I'm wondering if they released something special today.

Did anybody install Microsoft Silverlight? Do you really need it? In plain English what is it?

Here's the description: Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. By using Silverlight's support for .NET, High Definition video, cost-effective advanced streaming, unparalleled high-resolution interactivity with Deep Zoom technology, and controls, businesses can reach out to new markets across the Web, desktop, and devices.

I've got the Silverlight beta ALMonty. All it really does is give you access to the software that MS is looking at, as well as beta releases. For example, I have the opportunity to dl the MS Update beta.

As far as IE8 beta 1, so far so good. It passes the Acid2 test with flying colors, but the Acid3 test fails miserably (though in MS's defence, Opera and FF don't score 100% either) at 7/100. I like the favorites toolbar. Allows me to add a link to my favorite sites right in the toolbar (WC is the only one I have on there so far...it is about the only site I regularly visit).

I'm not running it on a VM, but I backed up all my files and set a sys restore point before dl and installation of this beta. Better safe than sorry......

that's why it's tough on the bleeding edge (Kris). Still a bug though isn't it? I've uninstalled IE8 for now.

Thanks killajosh. I don't like to install anything that I don't need.

I got 7 items downloaded yesterday (automatic)...all but two installed successfully. One of the failed updates was the Vista mail spam update, the other was a security update.