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Windows 7 retail sales up 234% on Vista
NPD Group reveals initial sales stats for boxed units 6 November 2009 10:29 GMT
Retail sales of Windows 7 were well over 200% higher than Vista's in the two operating system's first days of being on sale in the States, the NPD Group has revealed.

But although Windows 7 software unit sales were 234% higher than Vista's, it seems revenue...
Five best pre-production code-names in tech
What's in a (code) name? 5 June 2009 17:54 GMT
In 2 year's time it's unlikely that the majority of the population will remember that "Project Natal" was the original name for Microsoft's body controller system, as by then it will have launched as the Xbox "Binky", or some such final product name.

This little...
Windows Vista SP2 released
"SP2 for Windows Vista represents Microsoft’s continuing commitment to quality" 27 May 2009 15:28 GMT
Microsoft has released Windows Vista Service Pack 2, and it's now available to download, as is Windows Server 2008 SP2.

As well as fixing a whopping 700 bugs and security updates - some of which may have been delivered via updates - SP2 offers updated support...
Microsoft says ditch Vista for Windows 7 RC
Exec urges business to switch deployment to new OS 19 May 2009 12:14 GMT
Microsoft has urged businesses to ditch Vista deployment plans in favour of Windows 7, its next operating system.

Bill Veghte, the Microsoft senior vice president in charge of Windows said at a keynote speech in the States: "If you're just starting your testing...
Vista SP2 hits Release Candidiate
Second quarter launch planned for the masses 26 February 2009 13:27 GMT
Microsoft has announced that the Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has hit what the company calls an "important milestone" in its development: Release Candidate.

The Release Candidate of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 will...
Microsoft Vista capable case loses class action status
"This ruling makes no comment on the merits" 20 February 2009 11:15 GMT
The ongoing lawsuit that accuses Microsoft of deliberately misleading consumers over "Vista capable" claims has taken an interesting turn in the States.

The US federal court has denied class action status to the lawsuit, as the plaintiffs could not be seen to...
Nvidia ION platform gets Microsoft Vista certification
DirectX 10-enabled, 1080p Vista netbooks and nettops from $299 incoming 11 February 2009 16:15 GMT
Nvidia's ION platform has been certified for Windows Vista Home Premium.

A combination of Intel's Atom processor and Nvidia's GeForce 9400M GPU on a single Pico-ITXe motherboard, Nvidia claims ION delivers "an outstanding computing experience on small, low...
Five best technology quotes from 2008
They said what? 31 December 2008 16:00 GMT
2008 has seen some bon mots - and some not so bon mots - pour forth from the mouths of execs in the tech industry. Here is our top five of what we think are the most memorable quotes of the year, but five is a short list, so feel free to add any that have stuck in your head...
Microsoft grants Windows XP another extension
Further reprieve for popular operating system 22 December 2008 13:26 GMT
Despite a high profile, multi-billion dollar advertising campaign and protestations that Vista is doing well, Microsoft has given Windows XP yet another official reprieve.

The software giant has extended the deadline for PC markers to buy licences for the old...
Microsoft says 90% Vista users satisfied
Nine out of 10 happy 9 December 2008 17:31 GMT
Microsoft has boasted that a high percentage of Vista users are mostly satisfied with the company's latest operating system.

UK Windows product manager Laurence Painell told Silicon.com: "We're now seeing that nine out of 10 customers that are using Vista are...
Stephen Fry blasts Vista and Vaios
"I hate Vista so much I want to cry" 8 December 2008 9:45 GMT
Stephen Fry has let rip another tech-related tirade on Twitter, this time with PCs on the receiving end of the Mac-loving entertainer's bile.

Following his recent attack of the BlackBerry Storm, it seems Fry has struggled to get to grips with Vista, and a high-end...
Free security software from Microsoft
Protects machines running XP, Vista, and Windows 7 19 November 2008 15:10 GMT
Microsoft is to stop selling its all-in-one security and management package OneCare, but is launching a new software suite to keep machines protected.

The free security and anti-virus software is designed to protect PCs running XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Microsoft puts PC kiosks outside Apple store
Battle of the brands 3 November 2008 12:35 GMT
Microsoft is said to be using "guerilla tactics" in its marketing attempts to boost Vista after Apple's recent bashing of the brand.

Microsoft is apparently placing its PC "kiosks", complete with staffers, outside Apple stores, as this image from AppleInsider...
VIDEO: Spoof Microsoft ad attacks Leopard
"A beachball free zone" 27 October 2008 11:26 GMT
Arguably better than Microsoft's current, celeb-endorsed, multi-million dollar efforts, this ad points a finger at Leopard's "spinning beach ball of death."
VIDEO: New Apple ad sees PC having a bake sale
Advertising attack continues 22 October 2008 12:52 GMT
Apple continues the Microsoft-spending-millions-on-advertising theme with this latest Mac vs. PC instalment that sees PC trying to raise money with cupcakes. Mmmmm, cupcakes.
Apple credits Vista with Mac success
"Given us a door in" 14 October 2008 18:20 GMT
At the Apple launch event for the company's new line of notebooks, credit for recent sales success of Macs - particularly in the US market - has been given in part to Microsoft's Vista operating system.

Chief operating officer Tim Cook gave some facts and figures...
Windows 7 more attractive than Vista
30% businesses considering next OS rather than Vista 2 October 2008 16:04 GMT
It does not seem as if Microsoft's multimillion Vista ad campaign(s) are doing the company many favours - at least not in the business arena.

A new report shows that XP is still the favourite operating system for many businesses, and, even more worrying for...
Microsoft provides three more Vista Ultimate "Extras"
Stop, you're spoiling us 25 September 2008 12:17 GMT
Microsoft has unveiled three new "Extras" add-ons for Windows Vista Ultimate users, the first time new content has been provided in 5 months.

"Extras" were once angled as one of the main selling points for consumer to cough up extra for the "Ultimate" edition...
PC remote controller mark II available
Designed like a TV remote but works like a mouse 24 September 2008 11:27 GMT
This is a nifty gadget for people who use their PCs a lot for entertainment or even business presentations.

The PC Remote Controller II has keys for accessing applications on your PC fast, but also A, B, C and D Hotkeys, which can be set to open specified software.
33% of Vista PC buyers "downgrading" to XP
Microsoft defiance rife 20 August 2008 10:00 GMT
HP admitted at the beginning of this month, that thanks to a loophole, it is selling more copies of the XP operating system than Vista.

And the very same loophole is allowing all of the computer manufacturers - including Dell - to continue to sell the now supposedly...
Windows promises "feature pack for storage"
Includes Image Mastering API for Blu-ray media 18 August 2008 12:11 GMT
Apparently Microsoft is prepping a new Windows add-on called Feature Pack for Storage.

The online reports suggest that it will contain modules for portable drive recognition and restriction, ICCD and CCID Smartcard drivers, but also an image mastering API for...
Microsoft delivers 12 fixes
It's Patch Tuesday! 12 August 2008 12:47 GMT
Microsoft has issues 12 fixes today (yup - it's Patch Tuesday), including seven, which have been classified as critical.

The critical vulnerabilities affect Internet Explorer and Media Player on all contemporary operating systems so Windows 2000, XP and Vista,...
Lenovo ThinkPad W700 with built-in "digitiser"
Built for demanding designers 12 August 2008 10:27 GMT
Lenovo is targeting designers who need a large, accurate screen, and will also benefit from an in-built graphics tablet, with its latest laptop.

The ThinkPad W700 has a whooping 17 inch screen and, perfect for designers who use CAD and photography editing packages,...
XP still outselling Vista
HP says loophole helping businesses avoid new OS 8 August 2008 11:50 GMT
HP has said that it is selling more copies of Windows XP than Vista even though the new operating system even though they are supposedly not allowed to.

According to APC Magazine, Jane Bradburn, market development manager of commercial notebooks for HP Australia...
Megawhat News - Lenovo takes on the Asus Eee PC
What's hit the headlines - in a neat little vid 6 August 2008 9:18 GMT
Didn't get a chance to read all of yesterday's top stories, well, do not panic, get comfy and press play!

In today's headlines: Lenovo launches the dinky IdeaPad; Steve Jobs admits MobileMe was flawed; MySpace and The Cloud offering free Wi-Fi; iPhone software...