Business

Windows users have received a patch meant to fix a potentially serious security loophole in PowerPoint. However, Microsoft has earned criticism for not simultaneously issuing a patch for the Mac edition. Microsoft has been aware of the problem for ... weeks. The issue could let hackers trick users into opening an infected PowerPoint file, and would then be able to take control of a system. Microsoft figured out a solution for Windows, but hasn't yet done so for the Mac edition. This left the firm in an unenviable dilemma about whether to wait until it had a Mac patch ready or issue the Windows ... (view more)

The European Union (EU) has finally laid down its much-anticipated antitrust fine against microprocessor firm Intel. Almost a decade after rival Advanced Micro Devices first complained about Intel's business practices, the EU has slapped the latter ... with a massive 1.06 billion euro fine. The complaint was first lodged in 2001. The gist: eight years ago AMD claimed that competitor Intel had violated antitrust laws by pressuring retailers to push its own microprocessors over those of its rivals through retroactive rebates. Such practices made buying a processor cost-effective for everyone but ... (view more)

Microsoft says it's working with 10,000 software and hardware manufacturers to maximize the compatibility of Windows 7, in an attempt to avoid one of the most critical issues with Windows Vista. Bill Veghte, the Microsoft executive who oversees ... Windows development, says the work of 10,000 firms towards optimum compatibility is evidence that his company is serious about making the Windows 7 experience a convenient, easy, and enjoyable one. Veghte went on to say that the current efforts are unprecedented for the release candidate stage and Microsoft normally doesn't get to the 10,000 firm ... (view more)

As Windows 7 slowly creeps towards its holiday season release date , consumers will undoubtedly be wondering if the upgrade is worth it. In this article we'll briefly discuss some of the key features in Windows 7 that you won't find in Vista or XP. ... Let's start with the features new to Windows 7 -- particularly those that will be most appealing to consumers interested in making an early upgrade, or buying a new PC with Windows 7 loaded. Customization and Power Saving Options Perhaps the best part of Windows 7 is its customization options. To say the least, this is the most configurable ... (view more)

When Microsoft released Windows Vista "Ultimate Edition" a while back, many users purchased the special version because of the promised "extras" not available to standard Vista users. Imagine the disappointment when Microsoft failed to live up to ... the hype. (Source: cnet.com ) Now, a group of dejected consumers are urging Microsoft to give all Vista Ultimate owners a free upgrade to Windows 7 as compensation for their trouble. Vista Ultimate Disappointment In 2007, amidst the anticipation and fanfare over the upcoming "Ultimate" version release of Vista, Microsoft began touting all ... (view more)

In the tech world, Christmas time is key to successful sales. Failing to release Windows Vista by December 25, 2006 was a large setback for Microsoft, which afterwards watched in vain as consumers opted for the older XP instead. It's not clear if a ... Christmas release would have changed that for the likes of Vista, but holiday sales may have helped cement it as a 'must-have' for consumers. That said, Microsoft will likely not make that same mistake again. The Redmond-based company has confirmed that Windows 7 will in fact be released in time for the holidays, and the move could help drive up ... (view more)

Chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices' (AMD) complaint to the European Commission (EC) about its competitor's practice of encouraging retailers to sell their own processors has ended with a significant fine against defendant Intel. The ruling is expected ... later this week. Back in 2001, AMD filed complaint against Intel, claiming that its rival in the x86 microprocessor market had violated antitrust law by pushing retailers to sell its own hardware over AMD-based computers. Intel did so through retroactive rebates that ultimately saved retailers and customers cash -- but according to AMD, it came at ... (view more)

According to popular blog TechCrunch, Apple is in the process of finalizing a sales pitch for Twitter that would see them acquire the microblogging platform for an estimated $700 million. The report comes off the heels of a different rumor ... suggesting that Apple is also in the process of securing the popular computer-game maker Electronic Arts. Rising Popularity to Explain Apple's Interest Oprah and Ashton Kutcher are not the only ones using Twitter. The social networking haven has attracted new users by the hundreds each day since its inception back in 2006. While Apple declined to comment on ... (view more)

A couple of improvements to Windows 7 features have emerged. File transfers from computer-to-computer should be easier, while Internet Explorer will give more detail about websites (especially ones that are suspect) in an attempt to increase online ... security and keep users safe online. Windows Easy Transfer: Distinct Profiles The first set of changes is to Windows Easy Transfer, an application designed to make it easier to select and organize the files you want to copy from one computer to another, particularly when switching to a new machine. Rather than presenting users with a list of all ... (view more)

Microsoft has revealed that it will go forward with previous plans to cut a significant portion of its staff. The company has now terminated 5,000 employees since the beginning of the year. Back in January, Microsoft announced plans to shave off ... about seventeen per cent of its global workforce. It immediately slashed 1,400 jobs that month, and planned to spread the remaining 3,600 or so over the next 18 months. However, with the recent announcement Microsoft also revealed it had already reached the 5,000 mark -- far ahead of schedule. No Security for MS Workers "As we move forward, we will ... (view more)