windows

Recently Google announced its Chrome operating system for netbooks, the mini laptops that have revolutionized computing in this pesky recession of ours. The slim, streamlined OS is intended to help the performance of these tiny systems, and it could ... solidify the search giant's place in the software universe. It's safe to say that netbooks are here to stay. Initially dismissed as PC-inspired toys that couldn't possibly replace more powerful 15.4" or 14" laptops, these systems, made by titanic hardware producers like Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Acer, have cemented their place in the tech world ... (view more)

Microsoft is reportedly in talks with the European Union to settle a dispute over the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows. It's a last ditch effort to stave off harsh disciplinary action from regulators. The talks are also said to involve ... complaints made in January 2008 that Microsoft hasn't shared enough technical details to allow rival firms to produce software compatible with Office components such as Word and Excel. (Source: bloomberg.com ) The discussion appears designed to not only find a negotiated resolution before the EU resorts to imposing penalties, but also to allow the ... (view more)

Microsoft has confirmed that thousands of legitimate web sites have been compromised by hackers and are now targeting innocent users through a critical unpatched vulnerability in Windows' DirectShow, part of DirectX . This is the second time in just ... six weeks that hackers have been exploiting the unpatched bug. This time, however, it appears as though Internet Explorer (IE) has been chosen as the weapon of choice when trapping innocent users. Browse and Get Owned Attacks: Drive-By Hackings The new wave of attacks is being referred to as "browse and get owned attacks" or "drive-by hackings". ... (view more)

As Microsoft nears the fall release date of its next operating system Windows 7, anticipation continues to mount. However, insiders warn that there are steep challenges ahead for an OS many hope will wipe the bitter memories of Windows Vista away ... for good. According to reports, pre-release sales of Windows 7 are, thus far, quite strong. The new operating system, which will be available after October 22, has been made available for reservation via online super-retailer Amazon.com, which is selling the upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium for just $49, less than half the suggested retail price. ... (view more)

The recent report of a security hole in Microsoft's Video ActiveX Control appears to have the Redmond-based company stumped. According to insiders, Microsoft is investigating a flaw that targets a component it didn't even realize was still being ... used. Security reports suggest that the vulnerability has already been exploited and that a solution must be produced by Microsoft as soon as possible. The company is investigating and promises to have a fix soon, but in the meantime has revealed that only select operating systems, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, are affected. Users of ... (view more)

It appears that Microsoft is inching closer to completing its much-anticipated operating system (OS), Windows 7. According to reports, the new OS should be headed to manufacturing in one week, on July 13th, just in time for the Worldwide Partner ... Conference (WPC09) in New Orleans. Tech blog Geeksmack has confirmed that Windows 7 will indeed be "Released to Manufacture," otherwise known as RTM, a week from today. However, the Redmond-based company plans to test the new operating system right up until the end, in an attempt to work out all of the kinks prior to July 13th. MS Seeks Redemption ... (view more)

Microsoft appears set to offer a discount for families wanting to run Windows 7 on multiple machines. The deal has not yet been officially unannounced, but has left some users wondering if they've jumped the gun by already placing their orders for ... individual copies. Blogger Kristian Kenney noticed a clause in the licensing agreement for the latest leaked version of Windows 7's Home Premium edition. It reads: "b. Family Pack. If you are a 'Qualified Family Pack User', you may install one copy of the software marked as "Family Pack" on three computers in your household for use by people who ... (view more)

Buyers of Vista's Ultimate Edition have long complained they were ripped off by unfulfilled promises for extra features and better performance. Now they're outraged by feelings that they've been left out of cheap deals for switching to Windows 7. ... Upon its release, one of the top-billed extra features in the Ultimate version of Vista was 'Ultimate Extras'. Buyers were told they would regularly receive updates containing "cutting-edge programs, innovative services and unique publications." In reality the extras came irregularly and were underwhelming to say the least. It's now more than nine ... (view more)

Microsoft is making it worthwhile for consumers to pick up a new Vista PC. Those who buy one can receive a guaranteed free copy of Windows 7 once it becomes available in October. The offer runs between June 26 and the end of January. The catch is ... that some PC makers may tack on an additional shipping and handling charge for the updates. Which PCs Qualify for Windows 7 Upgrade? PCs equipped with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate will qualify for the offer. Any reservations about your current system should be directed to a local computer retailer or tech service provider. A ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'katjh' writes: " Dear Dennis, I am running 2 Dell computers and they are connected by a router. The newer computer is windows Vista and I have been purchasing the Norton antivirus that came with the computer from Dell. The older ... computer is Windows 98 and I have been running Grisoft Avg (free antivirus) 7.5 for a long time -- however, it now says I can't update it to AVG 8.5 and my computer will not be protected from new viruses. Is there something else I can do, or do I have to worry about it? I really can't afford to spend any money on it. Thanks much. " My response: ... (view more)