Latest Stories  Cure an Insomniac PC and Other Tips
As you probably know by now, I just love a good keyboard shortcut. This week I've got a few new ones for you--but first I'll solve The Case of the Mysterious Waking Laptop. Users dispute Microsoft's explanation of Windows 7 battery problems
Windows 7 does not ruin notebook batteries or issue premature warnings that the power is exhausted, Microsoft's head of Windows said in response to customer complaints. Image gallery: 3 encryption apps keep your data safe
If you carry your laptop anywhere, it could be lost or stolen — along with your private data. These 3 encryption apps keep your info safe and secret. Review: 3 encryption apps keep your data safe
If you carry your laptop anywhere, it could be lost or stolen — along with your private data. These 3 encryption apps keep your info safe and secret. Windows 7 stability update makes PCs unstable, users report
Some Windows 7 users say their PCs started to freeze or randomly display the infamous "Blue screen of death" after applying a January update Microsoft billed as a stability and reliability fix. Microsoft warns of lapsing Windows support
Just days after warning Windows 7 users of an impending shutdown of the free release candidate, Microsoft reminded customers running Windows 2000, XP and Vista of approaching support deadlines for those editions. Office 2010 free upgrade deal leaks to Web
Details of an impending free upgrade to Office 2010 leaked to the Web on Wednesday before Microsoft yanked a post on its partner community site. Microsoft slates colossal Windows patch next week
Microsoft will deliver a record-tying 13 security updates on Tuesday to patch more than two dozen vulnerabilities in Windows and Office. Turn Off Windows 7 'Compatibility Mode' for iTunes
Back in December I told you about Windows 7's little-known application-compatibility troubleshooter, which I'd used to try to resolve a problem with iTunes. Linux, Windows or both? Doesn't matter to virtual desktop vendor Ulteo
Ulteo is poised to offer commercial support for its free virtual desktop infrastructure software, which the open-source start-up says will cost companies a fraction of established offerings from Citrix, Microsoft and VMware. Microsoft probes Windows 7 battery problems
Microsoft is looking into battery problems apparently affecting Windows 7 notebooks amid complaints from some users that the OS has crippled their batteries. Windows 7 adoption swells, as XP suffers record drop
Microsoft's Windows 7 took just three months to reach a penetration benchmark that Vista needed almost a year to make, Web measurement firm NetApplications.com said today. Windows 7 RC nears auto-shutdown deadline, Microsoft warns
Last year's free preview of Windows 7 will start nagging users to pay for the operating system in two weeks, and begin automatically shutting down PCs in one month, Microsoft reminded customers today. EnhanceMySe7en Pro
If you're looking to tweak Windows 7 in just about any way possible--as well as gather important system information--you'll do well to try out EnhanceMySe7en Pro ($30, 15-day free trial). It's a combination system customizer, diagnostics tool, and maintenance tool rolled into one. Google patches 13 Chrome bugs, adds extensions to Windows
Google today added support for extensions and bookmark synchronization to the production version of Chrome for Windows. Control the User Account Control
Simplify File Organization With Windows 7 Libraries
One of the most useful new features in Windows 7 is Libraries, a simple yet powerful tool for streamlining the management of all the files on your PC. It's useful when organizing local data, and even more powerful when used to organize data across a network. Microsoft confirms 17-year-old Windows bug
Microsoft warns that a bug in the kernel of a 32-bit windows versions could allow hackers to hijack PCs. The company said the bug is 17-years old. Judge nixes class-actions in Microsoft WGA lawsuit
A federal judge has killed class-action allegations in a lawsuit that accused Microsoft of misleading consumers when it fed them anti-piracy software under the auspices of a critical security update, according to court documents. After missing '09 deadline, Apple updates Boot Camp
Apple yesterday updated its Boot Camp software to officially support Windows 7, Microsoft's newest operating system. Windows 7's Built-in Backup
Robert wants to know if Windows 7's built-in backup program is worth using. Microsoft confirms IE zero-day behind Google attack
Microsoft issued a security advisory today that warned users of a critical and unpatched vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE), and acknowledged that it had been used to hack several companies' networks. FAQ: What renting Microsoft Windows, Office means to you
Microsoft's announcement that it would begin renting Windows and Office 2007 left many initially euphoric, but later disappointed when it became clear it was no panacea. Here is the real deal on Microsoft's Rental Rights. Add Network Folders to Windows 7 Libraries
I'm a big fan of Windows 7's Libraries feature, which makes it easy to find the documents, music, pictures, and videos scattered across various locations on your hard drive. Microsoft's Ballmer touts Windows 7's big holiday
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer bragged up Windows 7 success last night in his keynote speech at CES. And he wasn't exaggerating, according to NPD Group. Microsoft won't fix Windows 7 crash bug next week
Microsoft today said it will deliver a single security update on Tuesday to patch just one vulnerability in Windows. CES: Ballmer shows off Windows 7 slate PCs, but he's coy about Courier
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer showed off three Windows 7-based touch screen computers but didn't demonstrate the company's new Courier e-reader-type machine as was expected. Project Natal hitting Xbox 360 this year
Microsoft's full-body game control system Project Natal will be launched in time for the holidays this year, in what promises to be a big year for Xbox 360 users. CES: HP bets more on touch computing
Hewlett-Packard may be the biggest champion of touch computing, but even HP is not ready to embrace the hype and ship a full-fledged tablet computer. Make Your New PC Hassle-Free, Part 3: Keep It Secure
Did you find a new PC under the tree (or menorah) last month? If so, there are steps you should take to make it as hassle-free as possible Microsoft preps Windows 7 for SP1 testing
Microsoft has already prepped Windows 7 with code to let users eventually download the new operating system's first service pack, a prominent blogger reported. 2010 Outlook: Better than 2009 and moderately wild
Gibbs's editor asked him to get out his crystal ball and ponder the New Year. Cross his palm with silver and maybe he'll reveal the future … Windows market share slide resumes
Microsoft's Windows resumed its usual losing form last month as the operating system's overall usage share dropped even as Windows 7 posted a second straight month of gains, Net Applications said. Apple misses Boot Camp update deadline
Apple has less than 24 hours to meet a self-imposed deadline to produce a version of its Boot Camp software that supports Windows 7. Set Up Your Home Network, Windows 7 Edition
With Windows 7, you can more easily share files and printers across a network via the new HomeGroups feature. HomeGroups lets you connect to files and printers with a group password--if all the PCs have Windows 7. But I'll show you how to get your Windows 7 PC to play nicely on a network that also has Macs and XP/Vista PCs. Top 10 IT stories of 2009
Top 15 Tech Events of the Decade
For the ten-year span that started in 2000, turbulence was the name of the game in high tech. Fortunes were made and lost, everyday users took control of the reins, and technology-watching became a spectator sport. It was a chaotic time, but it was seldom dull. Here, then, is a look at the decade that was: the highlights and lowlights, the booms and busts, the fizzles and sizzles. Make Your PC Hassle-Free, Part 1: System-Repair Disc
Did Santa (or perhaps Chanu-klaus) bring you a new PC this year? That's great! You must have been a good little user. The Greatest Windows Tips of All Time
Whether you're a grizzled Windows vet or a relative newcomer, you can always use a trick or two for making things go faster. We've compiled our 26 favorite time-saving tips for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. Print out this story and keep it on your desk, under your pillow, or anywhere else. Essential Windows Tricks
The verdict is in: Windows 7 is Microsoft's best operating system ever. It's stocked with genuinely handy interface upgrades (hello, Aero Snap), long-overdue networking improvements (we love you, homegroups), touchscreen support (long live tablet PCs), and the best Windows Media Center experience yet (ClearQAM support at last). High Windows 7 satisfaction spurs corporate IT spending
After just two months on the market, Windows 7 is accelerating the pace of corporate computer buying, market research firm ChangeWave said. The 5 essential patches of 2009
A panel of security experts helps Computerworld come up with the top five patches that users should have deployed over the past 12 months -- or should deploy as soon as possible. Mozilla unveils new Firefox interface ideas for 2010
Mozilla said its planned overhaul of Firefox's interface will be pushed back to Firefox 4.0, the major release now slated to ship before the end of 2010. Microsoft's 'whitelist' helps hackers, says Trend Micro
By recommending that users exclude some file extensions and folders from antivirus scans, Microsoft may put users at risk, a security company said today. Remove Windows 7 from a Dual Boot
Following my advice in Dual-Boot with Windows 7, Dale Bevan set up a dual boot with Windows 7. He now wants to remove the new OS and stick with the old one. I've already explained how to remove the old version of Windows, but Dale wants to keep that and remove the new one. FAQ: How the IE ballot screen works
After an 11-month legal fight, Microsoft and European antitrust officials on Wednesday signed off on the ballot screen concept that will give Windows users a chance to download rivals' browsers. Desktop virtualization: Will Windows 7 change the game?
Desktop virtualization vendors like Citrix, VMware and Microsoft are addressing issues from performance to the lack of personalization. Still, most IT managers won't want to tackle another massive project at the same time they're implementing Windows 7. Goldman Sachs: Windows 7 upgrades to fuel IT spending in 2010
A Goldman Sachs report on IT spending for the next year and beyond indicates industry growth, with help from storage gear, server and PC refreshes as well as Windows 7 upgrades. Rather than patch, Microsoft blocks buggy code
Microsoft this week disclosed that it disable buggy code in older versions of Windows rather than issue a fix, an unusual move for the firm. Microsoft in 2010: Four challenges that lie ahead
For Microsoft, 2010 will be a critical rebuilding year where the software giant must maintain Windows 7 and Bing momentum, resuscitate Windows Mobile and prevent businesses from "Going Google." Repentant Microsoft re-issues Windows 7 tool as open-source
Microsoft has re-released a Windows 7 installation tool that it admitted included open-source code, and has posted the utility's source code to its own open-source site. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Aero Snapping
A couple weeks ago I mentioned using Windows 7's cool Aero Snap feature to simplify file management. Basically, you open two instances of Windows Explorer, then place them side by side by dragging the windows to opposite edges of the screen. Top 10 technology stories of 2009
The Great Recession cast a shadow on all sectors of the economy in 2009. IT fared better than most, however, and the slump did not curb the dynamic nature of the industry. Here is the IDG News Service's pick of the top 10 technology stories of 2009. Microsoft downplays Windows BitLocker attack threat
Microsoft dismissed recently-disclosed threats to its BitLocker disk-encryption technology as "relatively low risk," noting that attackers not only need physical access to a targeted PC but they must also manipulate it twice. No application compatibility woes for Windows 7 -- yet
Microsoft's attempts to ensure better application compatibility for Windows 7 at launch appear to have worked. Microsoft kills $150 Windows 7 Family Pack deal
Microsoft yanked its $150 Windows 7 Family Pack from the U.S. market last week, saying that the limited time offer had expired. Where Sticky Notes are Stored
Isabel Berney needs to know where Windows stores the Sticky Notes she creates, so she can make sure they're backed up. Microsoft tweaks browser ballot as EU antitrust deal nears
Microsoft has revamped the browser ballot screen demanded by European Union antitrust regulators and may get final approval as early as Dec. 15, a source familiar with the case said. Microsoft to patch IE zero-day bug next week
Microsoft today said it will deliver six security updates on Tuesday, including one that will patch a vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE) the company admitted only last week. Windows 7 Starter includes hidden wireless feature, says sleuth
Microsoft may have buried a wireless networking feature in Windows 7 Starter, the edition installed on most netbooks, but it did not actually disable the ad hoc wireless feature, as the firm's marketing materials claim, a noted Windows blogger said today. MJ, Facebook top Google, Yahoo, AOL search lists
Michael Jackson topped the list of 2009 online search terms on Google, AOL and Yahoo. Security review: Good riddance to 2009
Looking back at 2009, I'm sure I will not be alone in celebrating the end of the year with gusto. 2009 was a difficult year for most, with a slow recovery and challenging business conditions. Let's see how I did predicting security trends in 2009. Paragon System Upgrade Utilities
Upgrading to Windows 7 is normally a painless process, but if you want a bit more granular control over the process you might like Paragon's System Upgrade Utilities 2010 ($30, buy-only). The package leverages the company's imaging, partitioning, and boot manager software in a way that allows you to backup your old system, create a separate partition for the OS if you so desire, and run both your old OS and the new Windows 7 from the same drive. Fix the Most Common Windows 7 Upgrade Problems
Experienced PC users know that not every operating-system upgrade goes smoothly--but that bit of understanding does little to offset the annoyance we feel when we're faced with seemingly unresolvable installation problems. Windows 7 has presented some users with a few serious upgrade bugs of its own. Don't worry: We'll explain how to exterminate them. Windows 7 steals biggest chunk of share from XP
Microsoft's Windows ran to stay in place last month as Window 7's market share gains made up for the largest-ever declines in Windows XP and Vista, data released today by Web metrics firm Net Applications showed. Microsoft investigates Windows 'black screen of death'
Microsoft today confirmed that it is looking into reports that November's security updates have triggered a black screen on some Windows users' PCs. Early adopters give Windows 7 high marks, says survey
Users who have moved to Windows 7 gave the new operating system a big thumbs up in a just-released survey, although people upgrading from XP were less enthusiastic than those migrating from Vista. Remove a Windows 7 Dual Boot, Part I
Don and Gladys followed my directions from Dual-Boot with Windows 7. Now they want to remove the older version and just use Windows 7. What Should I Do With Windows.old
L. Stewart Peirce has upgraded to Windows 7. Can he safely move Windows.old to another drive? Microsoft delays open-sourcing of Windows 7 tool
Microsoft has delayed re-releasing a Windows 7 installation tool that it has admitted included open-source code, saying that it's still testing the revamped utility. Troubleshoot Windows Remotely Over the Net
Whether you're an IT pro or the go-to geek in your social circle, often the biggest hassle in fixing a computer problem is simply getting to the PC that needs help. Fortunately, Microsoft offers a few good Internet-based options that simplify the task of connecting to a troubled system. Windows 7 passes Mac OS X in market share race
Windows 7 passed the 5% market share milestone last weekend, which put it, if only temporarily, above the total market share of all versions of Apple's Mac OS X, Net Applications said today. Image gallery: Microsoft Management Console in Windows 7
Screen shots accompanying our article on how to configure the Windows 7 MMC. Jolicloud aims to steal Chrome OS's netbook thunder
Jolicloud, an upcoming Web-centric operating system for netbooks, will be prettier and more flexible than Google Inc.'s Web-only Chrome OS, the company's CEO says. PC market crash averted, says Gartner
Reversing earlier projections, Gartner today said it expects ever-increasing sales of netbook computers to lead the way to growth in PC unit shipments in 2009. Control iTunes from the Windows 7 Taskbar
One of my favorite Windows 7 amenities is thumbnail previews, which appear when you mouse over any running program in the taskbar. Microsoft launches beta tests of free Office 2010, 'streaming' delivery
Microsoft has launched new betas for its free Office suite and for the "streaming" technology it will use to deliver some paid versions of Office 2010 next year. Ballmer: Windows 7 Sales 'Fantastic'
Excitable Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer actually had something to be excited about at yesterday's shareholder meeting, where he announced that Windows 7 sales are "fantastic." Windows 7 sparked surge in business demand for PCs
Dell is bullish about a recovery in PC demand from businesses, saying the Oct. 22 release of Windows 7 sparked a surge in PC sales. Microsoft, other rivals slam Google Chrome OS
Microsoft was, predictably, not all that impressed by Google's demonstration of its upcoming Chrome OS today, but neither were potential rivals who make Linux and instant-on operating systems. Microsoft denies it built 'backdoor' in Windows 7
Microsoft today denied that it has built a backdoor into Windows 7, a concern that surfaced on Wednesday after a senior National Security Agency (NSA) official testified before Congress that the agency had worked on the operating system. FAQ: All you need to try out the Office 2010 Beta
Microsoft yesterday launched the first, and likely only, public beta of Office 2010.Where is it, how do you install it, what do you need to run it, and how do you get rid of it if it's a can of worms? We've got answers. Ballmer: Windows 7 sells twice as fast as past operating systems
Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer said Windows 7 has sold twice as many units as any other Microsoft operating system in the same time period. Developers slowly rising to Microsoft's Surface
Microsoft remains optimistic that the Surface touch screen computer launched last year will generate interest among an increasing number of software developers. Remove Internet TV from Windows Media Center
As a longtime fan of Windows Media Center, I was excited to see what new features the Windows 7 version would bring to the table. NSA helped with Windows 7 development
The National Security Agency (NSA) worked with Microsoft on the development of Windows 7, an agency official acknowledged yesterday during testimony before Congress. Migrating to Windows 7: Final Touches
For the past month or so, I've been leisurely migrating to Windows 7--at my own pace. If you've been following along, thus far we've partitioned the hard drive and installed Windows 7 on a new partition, and then used a couple free programs to install favorite apps and copy over Firefox bookmarks. This week I'll show you how to finish up the process by migrating your Apple iTunes library and copying over your data. 64-bit Windows safer, claims Microsoft
Windows users running 64-bit versions of the operating system are less likely to get infected by attack code, Microsoft's security team said yesterday. Create Sticky Notes in Windows 7
Forget pasting analog sticky-notes to the sides of your monitor. They look terrible there, and they always fall off anyway. Instead, paste digital stickies to your Windows desktop. If you're a Windows 7 user, it's a snap: Just run the new Sticky Notes app. Force Windows Explorer to Launch The Folder You Want
Much as I'm pleased to see Windows Explorer finally getting a prominent spot on the taskbar in Windows 7, I'm a little disappointed that it opens to the Libraries folders by default. That's rarely the area I'm after when I open Explorer. Hackers outwit Windows 7 activation
Hackers have figured out how to sidestep Windows 7's activation process, continuing a long-running battle with Microsoft, which has blocked such tactics in the past. Dual-Boot with Windows 7
Thomas Wensel wants to install Windows 7 while keeping his older version. Hard Times Aren't Slowing GM's New CIO
GM's new CIO, Terry Kline, looks to continue the progressive IT strategies of his predecessor, Ralph Szygenda, by exploring the use of consumer technologies used by new-car buyers, as well as cloud computing platforms and so-called PCs on a stick. Microsoft confirms first Windows 7 zero-day bug
Microsoft late on Friday confirmed that an unpatched vulnerability exists in Windows 7, but downplayed the problem, saying most users would be protected from attack by blocking two ports on their firewall. Office 2010 public beta leaks to Internet
Office 2010's public beta has leaked to the Web, days ahead of its anticipated roll-out next week, searches of file-sharing sites showed today. Microsoft sells Windows 7 desktop to advertisers
Microsoft today announced that it would sell Windows 7 desktop real estate to advertisers and launched a pilot program that includes Coke, Infiniti and Porsche. Protect Your PCs from Windows 7's Zero-Day Exploit
It was a notable accomplishment when Windows 7 was not impacted in any way by the vulnerabilities addressed in the six Security Bulletins released by Microsoft for the November Patch Tuesday. It would be even more impressive if Windows 7 proved invulnerable to the zero-day exploit that hit the next day. iPhone Sync Problems? Try This
I spent the better part of yesterday trying to resolve a problem with my iPhone: After migrating iTunes to Windows 7, it wouldn't sync properly. Microsoft rebukes exec for Mac inspiration comment
Microsoft disowned a company executive who said his company's Windows 7 was inspired by Apple's Mac operating system, calling his comments "uninformed" and "inaccurate." Unpatched SMB bug crashes Windows 7, researcher says
A security researcher unveiled a new unpatched bug in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 that, when exploited, locks up the system, requiring a total shutdown to regain control.
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