Latest Stories  Aged Windows XP costs 5x more to manage than Windows 7
Microsoft has added ammunition to its aggressive battle to get users off Windows XP by citing a company-sponsored report that claims annual support costs for the older OS are more than five times that of Windows 7. Microsoft clarifies Ballmer's claims of massive Windows 8 adoption
Reports earlier this week that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer predicted unprecedented sales of Windows 8 were wrong on multiple counts, Microsoft and independent analysts agreed. Windows 8 puts end to endless reboots
Microsoft yesterday promised that a feature it's added to Windows 8 will put a stop to endless reboots. Windows Vista infection rates climb, says Microsoft
Microsoft said that a skew toward more exploits on Windows Vista can be attributed to the demise of support for the operating system's first service pack. No price cuts for Windows 8 upgrades, says analyst
Microsoft will not reduce the price of Windows 8 upgrades, as it did three years ago before the roll-out of Windows 7, a retail sales analyst said today. Microsoft to charge $15 for Windows 8 upgrade deal
Microsoft plans to charge users who buy a new Windows 7 PC $14.99 for an upgrade to Windows 8. The upgrade program is expected to kick off alongside the delivery of Windows 8 Release Preview in June. Microsoft preps Windows 8 upgrade deal for early June debut, says report
Microsoft will reportedly kick off a Windows 8 upgrade program for buyers of Windows 7 PCs in early June. Adobe's security chief praises Apple for Flash-crippling move
Adobe's head of security is applauding Apple's move to block outdated versions of his company's Flash Player. Bloggers plead for Windows Live Writer's life
A Windows developer, upset at the likely demise of Windows Live Writer as part of Microsoft's move to retire the Live brand, has launched an online petition drive to save the tool. IE 'silent' upgrade helps put newest browser on Windows
Microsoft's decision late last year to switch on 'silent' upgrades for Internet Explorer (IE) has moved some Windows users to newer versions, but has had little, if any, impact on the oldest editions, IE6 and IE7, according to usage statistics. German court grants Motorola an injunction against Windows 7 and Xbox
Motorola Mobility won an injunction on Wednesday preventing distribution of Microsoft products including Windows 7 and the Xbox in Germany, but it can't enforce the injunction yet. Microsoft will appeal the case and is confident it can keep doing business in Germany, the company said. Slow uptake of Windows 8 preview hints at lack of interest
Windows users appear half as interested in trying out the new Windows 8 as they did three years ago when they jumped at the chance to test drive Windows 7, data shows. Mozilla delivers silent updating with Firefox 12 release
Mozilla today released Firefox 12, patching 14 security bugs in the browser and moving it one step closer to matching rival Chrome in silent updating. Microsoft slates Windows 8 'release preview' for early June
Microsoft's top Windows executive today said that the company will ship an almost-complete version of Windows 8 the first week of June. Diskeeper 12 adds TRIM, new interface and faster boot-ups
Condusiv today announced a new version of its disk defragmentation software, Diskeeper, which now includes TRIM commands to reclaim SSD space marked for deletion, as well as new monitoring tools and fast system boot-up features. Windows sales defy predictions, grow 4%
Stronger-than-expected sales of Windows helped Microsoft post a 6% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2012, the company said yesterday. Microsoft touts corporate tools in Windows 8 Enterprise
Microsoft yesterday laid out the exclusive features of Windows 8 Enterprise, one of three editions of the upcoming OS and the only one limited to corporate customers. Microsoft remains mum on Windows 8 upgrades from Vista, XP
Microsoft today declined to confirm whether users of Windows XP and Vista will be able to upgrade their PCs to Windows 8 when the latter launches later this year. Microsoft names Windows Server 2012, commits to launch this year
Microsoft today gave its newest server software a name -- Windows Server 2012 -- and said it would release the operating system this year. Microsoft pares Windows 8 to three editions for Intel
Microsoft said it will sell just three Windows 8 editions for Intel PCs, half as many as the company pushed in 2009 for Windows 7. Update: Microsoft retires Vista from mainstream support this week
Microsoft is shifting Windows Vista into what it calls extended support. Microsoft starts XP retirement countdown
Microsoft yesterday kicked off what it called a 'two-year countdown' to the death of Windows XP and Office 2003. Microsoft slates critical Windows, Office, IE patches next week, including 'head-scratcher'
Microsoft said it would issue six security updates next week, four of them critical, to patch 11 bugs in Windows, Internet Explorer, Office, SQL Server and its virtual private networking platform. IE's browser share recovers, Chrome down for third straight month
Internet Explorer posted another major gain in share last month, the second in the first quarter of the year, perhaps signaling a turnaround in Microsoft's fortunes, a Web metrics company said Sunday. Late May claim for Windows 8 RC jibes with expected timetable
Microsoft will launch the "release candidate" of Windows 8 in late May or early June, according to a Saturday report by a Dutch blog. SugarSync revamps data backup, sync service for iPad
SugarSync today introduced a completely redesigned app re-written from the ground up to be optimized for the iPad. Microsoft to launch Windows 8 in October, report says
Microsoft will wrap up Windows 8 this summer, according to a report by Bloomberg on Monday. Microsoft pitches IE9 as the browser for reaching 'a few sites'
Microsoft has kicked off a new marketing campaign for Internet Explorer 9 that urges users of rival browsers to run it, even if only sparingly for 'a few sites that you go to every day.' tuCloud criticizes Microsoft, OnLive for virtual desktop licensing debacle
Less than a week after Microsoft put its foot down on OnLive's virtual desktop solution for allegedly violating its licensing standards, tuCloud capitalized by releasing its own product, taking a few jabs at both OnLive and Microsoft in the process. Showdown: Remote Control Tech Support Services, Tested
At some point, calling your tech-savvy friends and relatives for help gets old. Or rather, they stop answering the phone, and you're left on your own to figure out why your Wi-Fi doesn't work. Experts sound worm alarm for critical Windows bug
Microsoft today released six security updates that patched seven vulnerabilities, including a critical Windows bug that hackers will certainly try to exploit with a network worm, according to researchers. Microsoft to patch Windows bug called 'Holy Grail' by one researcher
Microsoft on Thursday said it would ship six security updates next week, only one critical, to patch seven vulnerabilities in Windows and a pair of for-developers-only programs. French team brings down IE9 at Pwn2Own hacking contest
A team from a French security firm hacked Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 yesterday at 'Pwn2Own,' making it two browsers busted in two days at the annual contest. Two Windows 7 tablets: HP Slate 2 vs. Samsung Series 7 Slate
Two very different Windows-7-based tablets from HP and Samsung offer a variety of features for business and personal use. Insider (registration required) Google's Chrome drops share for second straight month
The browser battle returned to a kind of normalcy last month as Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which had posted its largest-ever share increase in January, declined slightly in February OnLive Desktop Brings Office and Windows 7 to Android
After launching OnLive Desktop for iPad users last week, cloud gaming service OnLive released on Thursday its free Windows desktop virtualization app for Android tablets. Now Android users can run Microsoft Office apps and even stream videos and games to the tablet. Windows 8 preview breaks 1M download mark in first 24 hours
Microsoft on Thursday announced that customers had downloaded more than 1 million copies of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview in its first day of availability. Windows XP slide continues; Mac OS X posts record gain
On the heels of yesterday's launch of Windows 8's preview, new statistics show that Microsoft's decade-old Windows XP again plummeted in usage share and will be surpassed by Windows 7 in June. Windows 8: What you need to get started
You have questions about the Consumer Preview for Windows 8? We have answers. Some of them, anyway. OnLive Desktop brings you one step closer to ditching your notebook for the iPad
The OnLive Dekstop is an app for your iPad that gives you a virtual Windows 7 desktop environment, as well as Office 2010 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Reader and other basic Windows apps (Calculator, Notepad, Wordpad, Paint, Sticky Notes). Microsoft ships Windows 8 Consumer Preview
Microsoft launched the Windows 8 Consumer Preview today at 9:30 a.m. ET, opening the gates to users who want to try the desktop edition of the company's upcoming upgrade. Free tool silently updates most Windows software
Danish security company Secunia today released a beta version of its PSI 3.0 utility that automatically downloads updates for Windows programs and plug-ins created by thousands of third-party vendors. Microsoft doubles support lifespan for consumer Windows 7, Vista
Microsoft has quietly extended support for the consumer versions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista by five years, syncing them with the lifespan of enterprise editions. Microsoft quashes 21 bugs, blocks drive-by attacks
Microsoft today issued nine security updates that patched 21 vulnerabilities in Windows, IE, Office, .Net, Silverlight and SharePoint Server, including several critical bugs that can be exploited with drive-by attacks. Microsoft to issue more critical patches next week for Win7 than XP
Microsoft today said it would deliver nine security updates next week, four of them critical, to patch 21 vulnerabilities in Windows, Internet Explorer (IE), Office, .Net and Silverlight. Microsoft fixes Windows 8 Consumer Preview launch event for Feb. 29
Microsoft said it will host a launch event for the Windows 8 beta on Feb. 29 in Barcelona, the site of the Mobile World Congress. Adobe sets IE as next target in Flash security work
Adobe next plans to tackle Microsoft's Internet Explorer in its ongoing work to "sandbox" its popular Flash Player within browsers, Adobe's head of security said today. OnLive's train wreck: Office on the iPad
The OnLive Desktop service shows just how wrong desktop virtualization can be Best Way to Upgrade Vista to Windows 7
Wlpncp plans to upgrade his wife's PC from Vista to Windows 7. He asked the Laptops forum for advice. Windows' cut of Microsoft revenue drops to two-year low
Windows' contribution last quarter to Microsoft's revenue hit its lowest point since Vista's swan song more than two years earlier, according to figures released by the company Thursday. At CES, Microsoft sets stage for lower Windows revenue
Microsoft executives this week hinted at lowered expectations for Windows revenues in the fourth quarter of 2011, citing data from research firms that point to a stall in PC shipments at the end of 2011. Microsoft patches critical Windows drive-by bug
Microsoft today shipped seven security updates that patched eight vulnerabilities in Windows and a code library used to protect Web applications from cross-site scripting attacks. Microsoft plans big January Patch Tuesday
Microsoft today said it would deliver seven security updates next week -- tying the record for January -- to patch eight vulnerabilities in Windows and its developer tools. Users desert Windows XP in near-record numbers
Microsoft's Windows XP lost a big chunk of usage share last month as users continued to desert the aging operating system for Windows 7. Chrome nears 20% share, IE resumes slide
After a one-month pause, Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) resumed its usage share slide in December, dropping to a new low and setting the stage for a fall below 50% as early as March. FAQ: Microsoft's new IE auto-upgrade scheme explained
We've assembled some of the most pressing questions -- and answers -- about Microsoft's new auto-upgrade plan for the Internet Explorer 8 browser. Microsoft gets silent upgrade religion, will push IE auto-updates
Microsoft will silently upgrade Internet Explorer starting next month, arguing that taking the responsibility out of the hands of users will keep the Web safer. Top tech stories of 2011: From Jobs to Android, Anonymous to Egypt
In 2011, the increasingly mobile and socially networked world of technology became more intertwined than ever with politics and the law. Patent wars shaped competition in tablets and smartphones, hacktivists attacked a widening array of political and corporate targets, repressive regimes unplugged citizens from the Internet, and the U.S. government moved to block the giant merger of AT&T and T-Mobile USA. With the passing of Steve Jobs, the world lost a technology icon who redefined the computer, entertainment and consumer electronics industries. These are the IDG News Service's picks for the top 10 technology stories of the year: How to Stream Digital Media From Your Windows 7 PC
With the immense popularity of digital cameras, smartphones, and tablets for taking pictures and capturing video, and the wide availability of affordable digital music and movies, many people have amassed enormous collections of digital media. Much of that media typically finds its way onto a PC or mass-storage device of some sort--and, unfortunately, it can sometimes go unused for ages. Flipping through pictures or videos and relaxing with some good tunes is always appealing, but sitting in front of a PC isn't the ideal way to enjoy such content. Microsoft slates Windows 8 beta for late February 2012
Microsoft yesterday confirmed that it will release a public beta of Windows 8 -- and open its Windows Store to the public -- in late February. Fix Your Windows 7 Network
Setting up and maintaining your home PC network is easier than ever before with Windows 7--but that's not saying much. Many networking issues still aren't easily fixed from Windows 7's control panels. That's why we've compiled a list of common networking problems and their quick fixes. Windows 8 will be 'largely irrelevant' on PCs, predicts IDC
Microsoft faces a tough sell with Windows 8, IDC said, because it tries to 'offer the best of both worlds' with a single OS suitable for both desktops and tablets. RSA security lapse led to March hack, says researcher
The attack that hacked RSA Security's network earlier this year succeeded because the company failed to take a basic security precaution, a researcher said today. Microsoft slashes upgrade times for Windows 8
Microsoft claimed yesterday that users will be able to complete a Windows 8 upgrade much faster, in some cases in one-tenth the time it took similar-configured PCs to upgrade to Windows 7. Mozilla makes progress on Firefox silent updates
Mozilla is making progress on adding a silent update mechanism to Firefox, with plans to integrate the new service in Firefox 10 early next year. Fixes for Outlook General Failure Error, Unwanted Windows Reboots
Back in July I promised to help track down a solution to the "General failure" error that appears in Microsoft Outlook when you click a link embedded in an e-mail. Judging from the number of pleas for help I continue to get from readers, this problem hasn't gone away. And it appears to affect users of all browsers, not just Firefox or Internet Explorer. Microsoft to streamline Windows 8's patch process
Microsoft will reduce the number of distracting restarts for updates to Windows 8, part of its plan to simplify how people interact with the upcoming OS, a company manager said today. Microsoft patches critical Windows 7 bug, downplays exploit threat
Microsoft today delivered four security updates that patched four vulnerabilities in Windows, most of them affecting the newer editions of Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft: Switch to IE9, get free stuff
Microsoft on Friday launched a promotion to convince more Windows 7 users to adopt Internet Explorer 9. How to Repair a Corrupt Windows 7 Installation
Every operating system needs an occasional repair job, and Windows 7 is no exception. Whether the source of the problem is corrupt data, a particularly brutal piece of malware, or some other serious issue, you'll occasionally have to reinstall your copy of Windows. Microsoft to patch critical Windows 7 bug in 'upside down' update next week
Microsoft today said it will issue four security updates next week to patch four vulnerabilities in Windows. Windows XP loses record share as decline quickens
Windows XP's decline has accelerated and the decade-old operating system shed its largest ever chunk of market share in October, according to data from a Web measurement company. Microsoft's IE posts biggest share drop in three years
Microsoft's Internet Explorer last month lost the largest amount of browser usage share in three years, according to data from Net Applications. Windows 7 is on a (slow) roll
The economy has done a number on enterprises' Windows 7 deployment plans. If you're behind, take heart -- you're not alone. Survey results: Economy delays Windows 7 implementation
The uncertain economy has put a ding in many corporate Windows 7 implementation plans, although a good number of shops plan to keep running XP even after the support deadline passes. Here are our most recent survey results. Windows Intune 2.0: Four New Features
An update of Microsoft's Windows Intune offers a batch of new features meant to simplify how administrators track and manage company-owned PCs and software. Microsoft slates IE bug fix for next week
Microsoft today said it will ship eight security updates next week to patch 23 vulnerabilities in Windows, Internet Explorer (IE) and several other products in its portfolio. OS X Lion sells 6M copies, grabs 22% share of Mac market
Apple has sold more than six million copies of Mac OS X 10.7, better known as Lion, since its debut in late July, CEO Tim Cook said today. Mozilla aims to add silent updating to Firefox 10
A year after it pulled the plug on silent updates in Firefox 4, Mozilla said it will debut most of the behind-the-scenes feature by early next year. Windows XP usage share falls by record amount
Microsoft's Windows XP lost an unprecedented amount of online usage share last month, according to Web metrics firm Net Applications. Microsoft's IE9-first strategy fails to stem browser slide
Microsoft's Internet Explorer last month continued to shed users, losing the largest chunk of market share since December 2010, Web measurement firm Net Applications said. Microsoft promises patch to block BEAST attacks
Microsoft today said it will issue a Windows security update to plug a long-known hole in the protocol that secures websites. A week with the ViewSonic ViewPad 10pro Windows/Android tablet
The ViewSonic ViewPad 10pro tablet offers a dual Windows 7/Android environment for travelers who need both operating systems. Microsoft plans 15 patches for Windows, Office next week
Microsoft today said it will dispense five security updates next week to patch 15 vulnerabilities in Windows, Excel, SharePoint Server and Groove. Microsoft flips 'kill switch' on all DigiNotar certificates
Microsoft today updated Windows to permanently block all digital certificates issued by a Dutch company that was hacked months ago. Six Big Windows 8 Features for Small Business
With Microsoft's big BUILD conference right around the corner on September 12, people are buzzing about the Windows 8 news that's sure to come, and for the last couple of weeks, Microsoft has been parceling out information. So far, the features we’ve seen look colorful, fast, flashy, and flexible—but how much of a difference will they make for small business users? Microsoft: Stolen SSL certs can't be used to install malware via Windows Update
Microsoft said that a digital certificate stolen from a Dutch company could not be used to force-feed customers malware through its Windows Update service. Microsoft's IE will drop under 50% share by mid-2012
Microsoft's Internet Explorer will lose its place as the majority browser next summer, according to Web metrics company Net Applications. Microsoft 'ribbonizes' Windows 8 file manager
Microsoft on Monday said it will "ribbonize" the file manager in next year's Windows 8, adding Explorer to the short list of integrated applications that already sport the interface in Windows 7. New Windows worm spreads by attacking weak passwords
A new Windows worm is working its way through company networks by taking advantage of weak passwords, security researchers said over the weekend. Windows XP turns 10
Windows XP quietly turned 10 years old Wednesday, a milestone for the still-popular operating system that powers nearly half the world's PCs. Qualcomm should buy WebOS, analyst says
Hewlett-Packard's WebOS is not dead yet, and that could be a good thing for chip maker Qualcomm. Inspector Gadgets: 13 Windows 7 gadgets for monitoring your PC
These free desktop gadgets help you keep an eye on system resources, networking, component status, battery level and more in an at-a-glance format. Windows 7 rollouts without the pain
Migrating to the next version of Windows can be a painful exercise for enterprise IT departments. That said, with support for Windows XP ending and with hardware refresh cycles kicking in, the move to Win 7 is unavoidable for most enterprises. Microsoft patches final Pwn2Own IE bug
Microsoft on Tuesday patched the last vulnerability in IE that was used by a researcher in March to win $15,000 at the annual Pwn2Own hacking contest. Windows 7 to crack 40% share by year's end
Windows 7 will be on 42% of the world's computers by the end of this year, a Gartner analyst predicted today Malware turns off Windows' UAC, warns Microsoft
Microsoft this week urged users to keep an oft-criticized Windows security feature turned on, even as it said that more malware is disabling the tool. Microsoft slates 22 patches for Windows, IE next week
Microsoft today said it will ship 13 security updates next week to patch 22 vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer, Windows, Visio and Visual Studio. Tweak Your Favorite Tools
There's a lot to love about Gmail, but its built-in task manager is pretty weak. In fact, it's little more than a glorified checklist. OS X Lion requires Windows 7 for Boot Camp
Boot Camp, the Mac OS X utility that lets Mac owners run Windows in a separate partition, now requires Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 7.
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