Operating Systems

Operating Systems Topic Center

Keep up with the latest operating systems news, reviews, advice and more, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Unix coverage

Microsoft wraps up ads aimed at Google with IE9 pitch

Microsoft on Friday wrapped up a three-day campaign against rival Google by claiming its newest browser, Internet Explorer 9, is superior in stopping users from being tracked by online advertisers.
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Apple updates Lion, patches 51 bugs in Mac OS X

Apple on Tuesday patched 51 vulnerabilities in Mac OS X, most of them critical, in 2012's first security update.

Kernel guru Greg Kroah-Hartman joins Linux Foundation

One of the principle maintainers of the Linux kernel, Greg Kroah-Hartman, has joined the Linux Foundation as a fellow, the same position held by Linux creator Linus Torvalds, the foundation announced.

Microsoft sets Office 15 public beta for summer 2012

Microsoft announced it has kicked off a 'technical preview' of the next version of its money-making Office suite and promised a public beta will ship this summer.

Drive-by-download attack exploits critical vulnerability in Windows Media Player

Security researchers from antivirus vendor Trend Micro have come across a Web-based attack that exploits a known vulnerability in Windows Media Player.

Linux Mint 13 gets back to desktop basics

Bucking the trend of increasingly experimental desktop interfaces, the developers behind the Linux Mint are adopting a simpler desktop for the next version of the open-source Linux distribution.

HP plans September open-source release for webOS

HP announced on Wednesday that it plans to release the code behind webOS in September under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

Apple crushes sales records, hits revenue 'home run'

Apple on Tuesday announced it had smashed sales records of the iPhone, iPad and Mac in the final quarter of 2011, the first reporting period after the death of former CEO Steve Jobs.

Apple shines in first full quarter under CEO Tim Cook

Apple more than doubled its profits last quarter thanks to brisk sales of its iPad and iPhones over the holiday season. The company reported a profit of $13.06 billion for the quarter ending Dec. 31.

Cinnamon 1.2 Linux desktop now officially stable

Late last month the Linux Mint developers announced that they were working on a brand-new desktop environment designed to offer an alternative to the controversial GNOME 3, and on Monday they officially released the first stable version of the software.

13 Windows 8 features worth knowing about

From a Windows app store to support for new wireless protocols, Windows 8 introduces a host of new features. Some will benefit consumers, some businesses -- and some, perhaps, nobody.

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.

Dig deep into Lion: The best overlooked, underrated features

Mission Control and other snazzy new Lion features may have gotten all the press, but columnist Ryan Faas has uncovered a slew of lesser-known features that every OS X Lion user should know about.

Connect Your Tuner-Equipped PC to Your HDTV

On Monday I told you how to turn your PC into a DVR by connecting an inexpensive, antenna-powered TV tuner. I also said I'd be back on Wednesday to explain how to connect that PC to your TV. Then I plumb forgot.

Ubuntu Linux's new 'HUD' interface to do away with menus

A new kind of interface is coming to Ubuntu 12.04 'Precise Pangolin' that will ultimately replace menus in Unity applications and recognize voice commands.

Image gallery: Ice Cream Sandwich on Android tablets

Image gallery: Ice Cream Sandwich on an Android tablet: A visual tour

First look: Windows 8 breaks new ground

Tests of the pre-beta code indicates that Windows 8 represents an aggressive effort by Microsoft to deliver a single OS that runs just about everywhere.

Apple's new vision of education

Apple made it clear this week that one of the industries it hopes to reinvent is education -- an area in which the company has a long history. Columnist Ryan Faas explains what Apple has in mind for schools.

Linux takes on a bigger role at CES

The annual Consumer Electronics Show event is always a fun place to learn about the latest new gadgets coming down the pike, but--aside from Google's ubiquitous Android platform--Linux has not typically played a starring role.

Desktop Linux gains market share in recent months

Linux's prospects as a desktop operating system have long been a topic of hot debate, with some arguing that it will never surpass 1% of the market while others -- including yours truly -- countering that it already has.