Business

Microsoft has revealed that Windows 7 will include better mobile broadband connection, more and clearer fonts, and improved handwriting recognition. But most analysts are more interested in several updates which will contain absolutely nothing new. ... Starting on Tuesday, Microsoft is releasing up to five updates to the current beta edition of the system. The updates do not contain any new features or fix any problems: that won't come until the next test edition. These updates simply replace files with near-identical copies and are designed to ensure that the Windows Update delivery system is ... (view more)

Only further riling up anxious PC users who can't wait to get their hands on the new Windows 7 , Microsoft yesterday released a trial version of new file-sharing software intended for use with its upcoming and highly-anticipated operating system. ... The new software allows PC users to swap files with the computers of friends, family, and trusted colleagues along safe, secure channels. Dubbed "Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5," the beta connects the Windows Live IDs of individual users with a Windows 7 account, essentially building a secure link between data stored on a hard drive and ... (view more)

Several incidents this week have reawakened questions over Apple's policy of screening submissions to its iPhone App store -- including the recent rejection of a highly-anticipated South Park app. There have been repeated claims of inconsistency ... ever since the launch of the store, the only official way to distribute applications for use on the iPhone and iPod touch. An official South Park app, which would have featured streaming clips from the show, was first submitted for review in October. It was finally rejected this week because the content is "potentially offensive". Even if you agree ... (view more)

Rumors this week suggest that software giant Microsoft has acquired an Israeli virtual reality company. Although the acquisition could present any number of uses, insiders are speculating that the move has been made to improve the Redmond-based ... company's second-place position in the video game industry. While much of the technology world buzzes about its upcoming Windows 7 , Microsoft has made an important move in its attempt to halt Nintendo's steady advance in the gaming industry. As the Wii continues to run away with the gaming crown by employing motion-sensitive technology and accessible ... (view more)

According to reports, a Los Angeles woman is suing Microsoft because she was charged an extra $59.25 to downgrade the operating system of her new Lenovo laptop from Windows Vista Business to Windows XP. Emma Alvarado filed the lawsuit in U.S. ... District Court in Seattle. She reasons that Microsoft has used its market power to take advantage of consumer demand for the Windows XP, requiring consumers to purchase computers pre-installed with the Vista operating system and to pay additional sums to downgrade. (Source: nwsource.com ) The complaint goes on to say that most consumers prefer to ... (view more)

A reward of $250,000 has reportedly been offered by Microsoft to find who is behind the Downadup/Conficker virus. Since its inception last October, the Conficker worm has infected millions of computers worldwide. Microsoft is offering a cash reward ... because they view the Conficker as a criminal attack and believe the people responsible for writing it have to be held accountable. As noted by Sophos, Microsoft's reputation is badly shaken whenever a computer virus causes widespread problems for its users, so it's not surprising that they would offer a reward. (Source: sophos.co.uk ) George ... (view more)

Microsoft and Red Hat recently signed an interoperability deal designed to please both Windows and Linux users. Red Hat, the largest corporate contributor to open source development, is a powerful ally for Microsoft due to their position as "the ... most trusted" Linux distribution vendor. (Source: redhat.com ) The two-part deal will maximize the potential for virtualization via each company's "hypervisors" (software that gives users the ability to run multiple operating systems on the same computer at once). It will also ensure that both Windows and Red Hat (Linux) software will be compatible ... (view more)

Many users are planning to skip Windows Vista and move straight into the more promising Windows 7 next year. However, the move from Windows XP to Windows 7 might prove to be a daunting hassle. With Windows 7, Windows XP users won't be able to make ... an easy "in-place upgrade" which allows one operating system to overwrite an old one while maintaining already installed applications and settings. Rather, Windows XP users will have to jump through several additional hoops, including a "clean install" involving the backup of their old data, the deletion of everything XP, the installation of Windows ... (view more)

Microsoft is launching its own dedicated retail stores in hopes the move will allow them more scope for hands-on demonstrations of products. David Porter, a former executive from Wal-Mart and DreamWorks, has been hired to oversee the project. Porter ... will not only be in charge of the design and operation of stores, but must find suitable locations for the 'small number' of stores which Microsoft plans to open at first. The firm says "The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn firsthand about what they want and how they buy." (Source ... (view more)

What's the problem with introducing a new operating system? When it comes to Microsoft, the upgrade makes your last operating system pretty much obsolete, even if it took almost ten years to construct and a lot of hassle to promote. A recent survey ... from industry analysts Gartner found that about 30 per cent of large businesses were seriously considering skipping Windows Vista altogether, a significant blow to Microsoft which has spent the last year and a half trying to convince home and corporate users alike that the operating system is worth the software and training costs associated with ... (view more)