Business

Microsoft has unveiled what should be the final version of Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) before its official release to the public. The company says the latest round of changes take into account 17,000 different suggestions by beta users . The Internet ... Explorer 9 download currently available is in the Release Candidate (RC) stage. This is a stage forward from beta testing and represents the point at which Microsoft believes the current version of the program is (with a few exceptions) relatively bug-free, and good to go. At the Release Candidate stage, it usually means that there won't be any ... (view more)

A new zero-day security flaw has been found in Windows that could allow a hacker remote access to a PC. A security researcher recently disclosed the bug, which Microsoft is currently investigating. The programming code for the security flaw has been ... posted publically and is related to a Windows system file called "mrxsmb.sys". The file is related to Windows Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, used for network communications. Bug Rated Critical by Security Experts In short, the affected file is associated with file and printer sharing features within the Windows operating system (OS). ... (view more)

Apple appears to have loosened a policy that previously exempted iPods from warranty cover if they showed signs of water damage. But it's unclear if the change will apply to more expensive devices. iPod Hardware Contains Liquid Sensors Although it's ... a clearly-stated part of Apple's user guides and conditions of sale that the company disclaims any responsibility for damage caused by liquid, most people do not realize that doesn't simply apply to cases where the damage is very visible. Instead, all the company's portable devices have a tiny liquid contact indicator: in the iPod it's at the ... (view more)

Microsoft has finally set the official date for the release of its much-anticipated Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), due February 22nd, 2011. A service pack is a cumulative collection of bug fixes, patches, updates, and includes major changes to the ... operating system. In a recent announcement, Microsoft said Windows 7 Service Pack 1 was at the Release To Manufacturing (RTM) stage in its development, meaning the code is currently being shipped to PC and server makers. (Source: betanews.com ) Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Download For those who can't wait, Microsoft says subscribers to its TechNet ... (view more)

Google claims that Microsoft (via the Bing search engine) has been copying search results and presenting them as their own. The accusation comes after Google hosted a "sting" operation that caught Microsoft in the act of "borrowing" Google-hosted ... data. The covert plan saw the implementation of 100 obscure queries (that served as decoys) within Google search algorithms. For example, Google named one particular code "mbzrygiys" and linked it to smartphone maker Research in Motion (RIM). Interestingly enough, this same code (and a few others) appeared in Bing search results, proving that the ... (view more)

Both Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Lenovo have been forced to admit they unknowingly shipped laptops and desktops equipped with faulty Intel chipsets. Both companies are working on compensation for affected customers. Lenovo last Thursday told the media ... it had stopped shipping IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops equipped with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors using the Sandy Bridge chipset design. It's not yet clear how many faulty PCs were shipped up to this point, however, since the company has only noted that the affected units are "limited" in number. Free Replacement or Refund Offered ... (view more)

One of the world's most prominent PC makers has announced it will release a 10-inch Windows 7 tablet computer later this year. The company, which is currently ranked second in annual global PC shipments, said the device will be for consumers "who ... need greater mobility, as well as IT organizations that demand control, security, manageability, and integration with existing infrastructure investments." Dell's calling the device, which will use an Intel processor, the Windows 7 Business Tablet. The company says consumers should be able to pick one up sometime this summer, though a precise release ... (view more)

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, it appears Google is planning to make 2011 a very busy year for its Human Resources department. Rumors suggest the search giant will break previous hiring records in 2011 by signing on an ... estimated 6,200 new workers. The Associated Press report builds on recruiting-based blog posts made by Google on its web site. The search company is looking for talented people for a variety of different positions. Google Looking for "Top Talent" "We're looking for top talent -- across the board and around the globe -- and we'll hire as many ... (view more)

Just how did Microsoft fare last quarter? Pretty well, according to company chief financial officer Peter Klein, who recently indicated that strong consumer support for Kinect and Windows 7 resulted in better than expected earnings. Total quarterly ... revenue has been pegged at $19.95 billion with $6.63 billion in net income. Those numbers are based on surprising growth in a number of different areas, including the company's Business Division, which saw revenue grow 24 per cent over the same period in 2009. (Source: eweek.com ) Windows 7 Sales Surpass 300M Plateau Windows 7 has certainly proven ... (view more)

Microsoft plans to release fixes for twelve security bulletins tomorrow, three of which have been deemed "critical". Those who don't bother with the update could find themselves vulnerable to several remote code execution threats. Microsoft started ... the year quietly with a small set of patches for its January Patch Tuesday. That's changed this month, as the company now prepares to fix three "critical" and nine "important" bulletins. Flaws in Every Version of Windows Addressed Arguably, the most serious issue addressed on Tuesday will be a much-needed fix for Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) ... (view more)