microsoft

Fujitsu may not be the first brand name one thinks of when asked about prominent PC makers, but that could change with the announcement of its upcoming Stylistic Q550, which will be one of the very first Windows 7 tablet computers to hit retail ... stores. In a marketplace currently gobbling up tablet devices (to the tune of 4.5 million units during the last financial quarter), Fujitsu has a real opportunity to one-up big name competitors like Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Toshiba. Fujitsu Q550: Functional, Business-Savvy Hardware According to Fujitsu, the Q550 -- which is reportedly being built for a ... (view more)

For the most part, Microsoft has kept a tight lid on its plans for Windows 8. It's not surprising, since the Redmond-based firm remains committed to its current operating system (OS), Windows 7. But recent rumors suggest that could change in June, ... when Microsoft will reportedly unveil a special Windows 8 tablet OS. The report comes from Business Insider, which says its evidence is based on a source within Microsoft. According to Business Insider, "Microsoft is taking a more Apple-like approach to interface design this time around, and will also be using concepts from the 'Metro' interface ... (view more)

A new feature in Internet Explorer is a major boost for Microsoft's web browser "Tracking Protection" system. The feature, which will debut in Internet Explorer 9 , is a response to calls by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for Internet to make it ... easier for users to opt out of being tracked online . The FTC doesn't want sites to ditch all tracking activities, but rather desires site visitors to have the power to prevent their details being passed on to third parties. This is most relevant with advertising; for example, if a company wants to display an advertisement based around the ... (view more)

As of February 22nd, 2011, Microsoft is officially in the process of rolling out Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to all Windows 7 users via the Windows Update (automatic) feature, as well as through Microsoft's website. Why a Windows Service Pack is ... Imperative In general, a Windows Service Pack is a method of bringing together multiple changes to the operating system. Windows 7 Service Pack 1 ("SP1") is a single download (also available on DVD) that includes all major and minor security and bug fixes since the original release of Windows 7, up to the last software update made available ... (view more)

Despite only a having a marginal impact on the data storage market in the past, Microsoft has revealed their desire to help improve flash memory. Current plans call for the creation of software that uses solid-state storage (such as a solid state ... drive, or "SSD") in conjunction with RAM and hard disk, while eliminating random writes and other wasteful operations. Calling the program "FlashStore," Microsoft will be able to use flash storage as a bridge between RAM (primary storage) and hard drives (secondary storage). The current software would essentially fit between a hard drive ... (view more)

Back in late November 2010, Dell released a dual tablet/netbook computer called the Inspiron Duo. Netbook Similar to Apple iPad, but Runs Windows 7 The Inspiron Duo features a vertically rotating screen that switches between two independent modes: ... one that runs Windows 7 and the other a proprietary tablet mode which operates Dell software. At the time of release, the device raised lots of eyebrows -- but its $550 asking price was a bit steep for many. That is, perhaps, until Microsoft recently slashed that cost dramatically on its Microsoft Store website. Inspiron Duo Features Dual Core ... (view more)

Microsoft says it's unlikely that hackers will successfully exploit a recently discovered security bug in Windows. The company says that if the bug is abused, it would likely result in a denial of service attack instead. As noted on Wednesday, the ... problem involves system files related to Windows network file and printer sharing. Hackers are often particularly interested in exploiting such system files as they are a potential entry point between a networked computer and the outside world (via the Internet). Denial of Service Risk to Windows In this case, the Windows exploit appears to have two ... (view more)

When Microsoft first announced it had discovered a third party was responsible for mysterious data use on some Windows Phone 7 handsets, it didn't confirm rumors that Yahoo was to blame. Now, it's firmly pointing the finger at Yahoo -- which is in ... turn passing the blame back to Microsoft. The problem emerged last month when some users noticed particularly high levels of data use even when their phones weren't being used. That led to complaints that some users risked unintentionally going over monthly data limits and facing blocks or excess use fees. Microsoft later said that the problem ... (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)

Microsoft has finally put the brakes on a feature in Windows XP and Vista designed to automatically run applications (and virus infections) on a USB drive. The feature had been open to abuse by virus creators and was blamed for helping the wide ... spread of the Conficker virus, which wreaked havoc PCs back in January of 2009. Back then, it was estimated 9 million PCs were infected with Conficker, which was first discovered only 3 months prior . Automated Virus Infection as Easy as 1-2-3 The exploit involves two separate technologies: Windows AutoRun, which automatically runs a setup program as ... (view more)