Thursday, December 18, 2008

Download Now!!! Apple Releases Bonjour for Windows 1.0.6

Service discovery protocol

Bonjour, also known as zero-configuration networking, has been recently updated to version 1.0.6. Windows users looking to enable automatic discovery of computers, devices, and services on IP networks may download the free update today.

Apple notes that Bonjour uses industry standard IP protocols that makes it possible for devices to discover each other without the hassle of IP addresses or DNS server configuration. The latest version available, Apple says, is recommended for all users of Bonjour on Windows, as it contains “important stability improvements.” To install it, just download the package using the link below, double-click the Bonjour installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.

A summary of the package contents on Apple Support reveals that Bonjour for Windows includes a plugin to discover advertised HTTP servers using Internet Explorer. To enable Bonjour browsing, you must click the Bonjour icon in the Internet Explorer toolbar. Bonjour devices on your local network will appear in the list, should they have embedded HTTP (Web) servers.

The included Bonjour Printer Wizard allows Windows users to use Bonjour networked printers. These comprise USB shared printers connected to the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express Base Stations, Apple says.

“Since Apple first launched Bonjour in 2002, every major maker of network printers has adopted Bonjour,” a paragraph on the same support document reads. “With the Bonjour Printer Wizard, computers using Windows can also experience the benefits of effortlessly discovering and printing to these Bonjour printers.”

A few known issues are also listed. Apple reveals that a small number of Virtual Private Network (VPN) clients interfere with Bonjour. Users are advised to log out of VPN, should they find that they can no longer discover network services or print to Bonjour shared printers. Also note that, if Java is not present at the time of installation and you decide to install it at a later date, you will need to do a Repair install of Bonjour for Windows, in order to get the proper Java Bonjour libraries. More information can be found on Apple's Support section here.

Bonjour requires Windows 2000/2003, Windows XP, or Windows Vista, and the latest Service Pack installed for your computer using Windows Update.

Download Bonjour for Windows (Free)

NOTE: While Bonjour is freeware for clients, developers and software companies who want to include it in a software package may need a licensing agreement.