we need a good and simple program as dictionary in windows. Seriously get inspired not so much by leopard's dictionary but by gnome's (in linux). because the program is dead simple and also not just a program to get stuff from online, nooo a standalone proper dictionary that can update it's word list once in a while but works OFFLIne PLEASE PLEASE second please make this work I know underlying it are lots of changes that have to be made, but we need a better way of getting preferences so we don't have to do it every time we set up windows. and if linux and mac can do it we can't ????? (windows that is). I mean get rid of registry is that a possibility. make a change that will make lives easier and just set up a folder or two for preferences third is a better sound RECORDER we need A BETTER ONE with more capabilities not crazy advanced but just more output options and choices thats all for now thank you

A dictionary... Hmm.. Somehow I don't see that one happening anytime soon. Microsoft just announced that Encarta is going bye bye by the end of the year - and most of that was hosted online anyhow... Secondly... The companies that produce CD ROM based dictionaries might get a bit upset at Microsoft taking away their business. The last thing Microsoft needs or wants right about now is yet another hassle with the EC. Most Windowspreferences and such are located in the Control Panel. Many items on the control panel can be also accessed directly by right-clicking (stuff like the screen settings, screen saver, etc...)A better sound recorder would be a good thing. The one in Windows 7 seems to be overly simplified compared to the one found in XP and previous versions of Windows going back to 3.0. That one had a few really good features the new one is lacking. You might consider posting your requests to the "Have Comments About Windows 7 Beta (Part 2)". The posts there are routinely collected and forwarded to the development team.

You missed the point on #2, Wolfie. After being applied in the Control Panel these settings are then saved to either the registry, AppData, or somethe program's folder. AppData really is the per-user centralized location for these things though.

The best sound recorder that I have found is Polderbits. Not free, but also includes editing tools. Roger

Greetings,#1 - As others are saying, MS may face some competency issues if they include a built-in dictionary. Anyway, I'm sure you will be able to find out a free one.#3 - A few years ago I found out this little freeware utility called Audacity. Easy to use and I'm pretty sure it will fulfill your needs.Regards.W7 Beta running on an AMD Semprom 3200+ (1800Mhz) with 2 Gbs of RAM and a built-in Nvidia 6100 VGA, and mate, it runs like a charm! And now on my VAIO FE31M Laptop.

#1 - A built-in would be a good one. All applications (even notepad) could simply point to that for spell check. This will save plenty asat the momentit is required to be added/installed on individual aplications.Competency issues - Nothing wrong if we leave it in background and let applications refer to it only if required. If one can't fit in... they make their own.