Microsoft

Microsoft will permit upgrades to Windows 8 Pro from any previous version of Windows for just $40. However, it's a limited-time offer and the price is good only for those downloading the new software from Microsoft's official site. Those who don't ... want to download the upgrade will be able to buy an upgrade DVD from stores for $69.99. There are only two versions of Windows 8 that can be bought outright: the basic Windows 8 and the more advanced Windows 8 Pro. Naturally, the 'Pro' version has features not found in the basic edition, including enhanced security. It's also better equipped for ... (view more)

According to a new report, users of Microsoft's three-year-old Windows 7 operating system (OS) are the only ones who will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 without losing files or custom settings. For users of an older Windows OS, such as Windows XP ... or Windows Vista, this news may make the upcoming debut of Windows 8 somewhat less attractive. In a report released late last week, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley showed off a Windows 8 upgrade guide which she says is based on information gleaned from sources within Microsoft. Full Upgrades Easy for Windows 7 Users Foley has learned that users of the home- ... (view more)

A European court has upheld a $1 billion fine on Microsoft, originally imposed four years ago. The penalty was punishment for Microsoft refusing to share vital information with rival software developers. Microsoft's financial problems with the ... European Union date back to 2004, when it was fined 497 million euros for abusing its market position. That case was based on the conflict of interests arising from Microsoft producing both an operating system (Windows) and individual applications (such as Word and other Office products). Microsoft Accused of Hiding Information At the time, officials ... (view more)

While the prospect of Microsoft manufacturing its own tablet computer will bring about a number of firsts for the software giant, one in particular will present an unusual dilemma: this will be the first time Microsoft competes against its very own ... hardware partners. Here's the issue: Microsoft will be trying to sell its Windows 8 operating system (OS) to hardware makers at the same time it will be trying to convince consumers to buy its Surface tablet computer, instead of PCs and slate devices made by those same hardware partners. As shown in a recent product unveiling, Surface will come in ... (view more)

A new Microsoft want ad indicates that the Redmond, Washington-based software giant is planning to bring Windows 8 and Kinect hands-free technology to the automotive market. In a recent job notice placed on Microsoft's web site, the company notes ... that "for the next generation of the Connected Car Platform, we plan to leverage the full power of the Microsoft ecosystem including Kinect, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Windows Live, Bing, Azure, and Tellme." (Source: cnet.com ) Systems Keep Drivers in Touch Behind the Wheel According to the job listing, Microsoft hopes to bring many of the features ... (view more)

Microsoft's much-hyped rival to the iPad, the Surface, may not be as attractive to consumers as it once appeared. Reports from reputable sources indicate the new device may have only WiFi capabilities, and not the ability to use cellphone networks ... to access the Internet. The Surface, officially unveiled last week , is similar in size and shape to the iPad. However, rather than forcing users to rely on a touchscreen, its case houses a built-in physical keyboard. Microsoft's new tablet computer also runs Windows 8, the company's newest operating system (set to launch this fall). Microsoft's ... (view more)

For months, PC makers Asus, Acer, and Dell have talked at length about their plans to build a tablet computer running Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system (OS). But while they talked, Microsoft acted. Now the software giant has unveiled its very ... own slate computer, which may pose the greatest threat yet to Apple's dominance of the lucrative tablet market. In a presentation on Monday, Microsoft formally unveiled what it calls "Surface". It's a tablet computer based on a special "RT" version of the company's upcoming Windows 8 OS. Surface is the first tablet computer directly designed and ... (view more)

An Australian retailer claims it will charge Internet visitors an extra 6.8 per cent tax if they buy from the vendor while browsing its site with Internet Explorer 7 (IE7). Not surprisingly, it appears users may not actually have to pay this fee. ... Visitors to Kogan.com who are using Internet Explorer 7 will see a special pop-up screen reading: "It appears you or your system administrator has been in a coma for over 5 years and you are still using IE7. To help make the Internet a better place, you will be charged a 6.8 percent tax on your purchase from Kogan.com. This is necessary due to ... (view more)

Microsoft has invited the media to an ultra-secret affair in Los Angeles for Monday, June 18, 2012. Insiders are fairly certain that the gala marks the official unveiling of a Microsoft-endorsed tablet computer, thus signifying the software giant ... feels ready to take on Apple's iPad. Officially, the company gave no hints as to what it planned for the occasion. The only information given out in advance to invitees simply mentioned a secretive event being held on that date in Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m. In fact, those invited were told they'd be kept in the dark as to the event's location until the ... (view more)

Microsoft is warning its customers that a newly discovered flaw in its Internet Explorer (IE) web browser could allow hackers to execute malicious code and take control of an unsuspecting user's computer. That would give a cyber-criminal the ability ... to use the computer and all its resources for unknown, possibly illegal, purposes. Microsoft has indicated that users of every recent version of the Windows operating system (OS), including Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, are vulnerable to such an attack. Beware Email Links from Suspicious Sources The Redmond, Washington-based software ... (view more)