Microsoft has released Knowledge Base article 917607: Windows Help program (WinHelp32.exe) is no longer included with Windows.

This KB article talks about the decision to remove WinHelp as a component from Vista, and that third-party programs that include .hlp files are prohibited from redistributing winhelp32.exe. (Not much new here...)

HOWEVER:

"Users who want to view .hlp files must download the program from the Microsoft Download Center, and then install it on their computers. The download for Windows Help is still in development and will not be available for the release of Windows Vista Beta 2."

This information updates earlier announcements (including mine).

So what does this mean?

Well, there's been a slight change in the plans announced in April, because now a WinHelp32 engine will be available for download. This helps those who have hundreds of archived WinHelp files (most in maintenance mode) supporting their apps, as those .hlp files can still be distributed.

However, if you have WinHelp files, you should continue to think about converting them to HTML Help. WinHelp will not be supported forever.

One week ago yesterday (at 1 am!), I got back from the STC Conference in Las Vegas. I'm not really a big fan of Vegas, but considering I never went outside while I was there, I guess it didn't much matter! I stayed at Paris, which was a nice hotel, but those cobblestones! I wore my Crocs most of the time...the one day I wore dress shoes, I really regretted it :-)

This was my first conference as a board member, and the hardest part for me was the dress code ;-) I'm so much more comfortable in jeans or even dress pants and Polo shirts, and I'm just not used to dressing up any more. (I'm sitting here now in a T-shirt and sleep pants...bliss :-) )

The board started the conference with a workshop, which was great. Rob Moran, Interim Executive Director, ran the workshop. He is amazing and just what STC needed during this transition. This workshop gave the new board a chance to learn a bit more about each other and what our personal goals are for the upcoming year. We then had an all-day board meeting the next day, and we had a chance to meet our new Executive Director, Susan Burton. This is a great time to belong to STC...the changes made over the next few years will make this a much better, much stronger organization.

On Leadership Day, incoming President Paula Berger showed the Interim Strategic Plan and new organization chart. Check them out when you get a chance...these pieces describe The New World of STC.

The organization has new strategic objectives, based on a core block of three:

• Communicating effectively
• Supporting STC with leading-edge technology
• Cultivating a risk-taking global culture

These core objectives support:

• Telling our powerful story
• Implementing a strategic business model
• Growing relationships and choosing partners
• Making money
• Growing and supporting our leaders
• Improving practice through research and education

Everything the STC does going forward must support these core objectives. To get the work done, the org chart has been completely redone. Eight committees (Governance, Marketing, Membership, Communities, Communication, Professional Development, Education, and Finance) have been created, and each committee has been assigned one director and one staff person. Sub-committees will focus on specific areas within each committee.

So what can you do? Volunteer! Look at the org chart, and see if there's a sub-committee that interests you. Use your skills to help us meet the goals of the Interim Strategic Plan. Contact the appropriate director and help us strengthen The New World of STC.

I look forward to working with you :-)

The Annual Business Meeting is being held Monday night at 5:30 pm (I'm not sure where right now). The good news is that it's not being held at the same time sessions are going on.

The bad news, of course, is that there are other competing events (such as the TechWhirl Dinner).

This year, I'm required to be at the meeting. However, I would have attended even if I hadn't won the election. I think that it's important to attend this meeting as an STC member, and hopefully you will think the same.

See you in Las Vegas!