PDC 2005 Resources for Non-Attendees
If you are like me, you didn't get the opportunity to go to the 2005 Professional Developers Conference (my own reason for missing the PDC was to save up for the upcoming MVP Summit in Redmond). Want to feel like you've been there? I've compiled a list of resources and downloads to satisfy everyone who missed out:
First, check out the PDC website for general information about the event. You can decorate your desktop with PDC wallpaper (Links: here and here). In fact, the DeveloperPowered website has plenty of bling: IM icons, flair and t-shirt transfers (with sayings such as I Love Code, BOF Bandit, <HOLLYWOOD> and my favorite, Developer Powers Activate (if you have no clue as to the meaning of the last reference, you obviously never watched the Wonder Twins). Grab this collateral before the site goes offline!
Wondering how it was like on the first day of PDC? Here are some pictures at Flikr. First, watch the "Change the World" video (shown before the keynote). You can then watch Bill Gates PDC Keynote (featuring Jim Allchin and Chris Capossela) and the hilarious Napoleon Dynamite parody that was edited out. There are more PDC 2005 videos online - check out this full PDC presentation by Raymond Chen (entitled "Five Things Every Win32 Programmer Needs to Know" - FUN412). Both Channel 9 and Paul Thurrott's 2005 PDC site has some good photos/video/podcast content. Also don't miss this cool XAML demo presentation by The North Face.
All attendees got a little foam Channel 9 guy - you can also get one by sending the Channel 9 team a postcard. What about Windows Vista ballcaps? You can sometimes find them on eBay. Want to buy stuff from the Microsoft Store (including the PDC 2005 DVD)? Check out the Microsoft eCompanyStore website (they appear only to ship to the US).
Next (and most importantly) is content. PDCBloggers.net has some solid information. Also check out the newly revamped Windows Vista website. What about slides? First, download the complete session guide in text format or Excel format. Then search for the presentation slides on Google (and of course, you can purchase my book "Professional WinFX Beta" *shameless plug alert* which sold out at the PDC).
What about the technology itself? You can download the PDC version of WinFX (and associated tools) from the Microsoft website. Want to get Windows Vista? You must currently be a Beta tester or a MSDN (or TechNet) Subscriber to get direct access to the bits. However, there are other channels. For example, the Toronto Windows Server User Group recently held a Windows Vista Install Fest where we gave away the Beta 1 bits to our members! We are looking at doing a second event for Windows Vista Beta 2 later this year. Look out for upcoming Microsoft TechNet and Developer events for other opportunities. Also download Microsoft Max (much cooler than Microsoft Bob).