Windows

Private app stores and tablets: Notes from an early adopter

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:08:41 +0000

Mobile devices and apps are everywhere -- including the workplace. But while users reap benefits, IT departments struggle with risks. Cisco's AppHQ running on its Cius tablet promises a controlled environment. One of the first to test the private app store is tech reseller and consulting company CDW.

Microsoft quashes 21 bugs, blocks drive-by attacks

IDGNS staff — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:59:52 +0000

Microsoft today issued nine security updates that patched 21 vulnerabilities in Windows, IE, Office, .Net, Silverlight and SharePoint Server, including several critical bugs that can be exploited with drive-by attacks.

Mozilla commits to Metro version of Firefox on Windows 8

IDGNS staff — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:49:24 +0000

Mozilla plans to build a 'proof-of-concept' version of Firefox for Windows 8's Metro touch-first interface next quarter, then follow that with more functional editions later in the year.

Five ways Windows 8 will make apps more power-friendly

IDGNS staff — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:12:11 +0000

The Windows 8 beta will be available by the end of February, and Microsoft has given much thought into optimizing it to run well not just on desktops and laptops, but also on tablets and even smartphones. Part of making an operating system friendly for mobile devices is making it power-conscious, able to do everything you want while using as little power as possible.

A sneak peek raises unknowns about Microsoft Office 15

IDGNS staff — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:34:13 +0000

Much buzz around the next major release of Windows has centered around the controversial ribbon interface for Windows Explorer. However, no ribbon appeared in a sneak preview of Office 15--World, Excel, PowerPoint--that Microsoft gave this week in a video about developing Windows On ARM (WOA).

Windows 8 on tablets: What we know so far

IDGNS staff — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:15:31 +0000

Microsoft is ready to lift the lid on Windows 8 at a preview event at the end of the month. The new OS will be available later this year, not only for PCs, but also for tablets, as Microsoft prepares to take on the iPad. Here’s what we know so far about Windows 8 tablets.

FAQ: Windows 8 on ARM explained

IDGNS staff — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:04:24 +0000

In an 8,600-word epistle, Microsoft's top Windows executive pulled aside the curtain on the first version of the company's iconic OS that targets tablets. We dig into the details for you.

Surprise! Windows 8 for ARM will come with 'Office 15' apps

IDGNS staff — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:18:06 +0000

Since Microsoft shared the first obscure hints of expanding the architecture horizon to include running Windows 8 on ARM processors, there has been rampant speculation and anticipation of what that will really mean when the OS finally launches. Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky is providing some more clarity about Windows 8 on ARM (WOA), including the fact that it will have Metro-styled "Office 15" apps.

Windows 8 on ARM, dubbed WOA, to include Office apps for tablets

IDGNS staff — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:23:25 +0000

Windows 8 on ARM, dubbed WOA by Microsoft, could offer a big 'Whoa!' moment for workers wanting to run Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other Office apps on a touchscreen tablet.

Microsoft to issue more critical patches next week for Win7 than XP

IDGNS staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:40:23 +0000

Microsoft today said it would deliver nine security updates next week, four of them critical, to patch 21 vulnerabilities in Windows, Internet Explorer (IE), Office, .Net and Silverlight.

Microsoft details Windows 8 for ARM devices

IDGNS staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:13:10 +0000

Microsoft has released technical design details about the new version of Windows for devices that use ARM chips, outlining in a lengthy blog post different ways in which this OS, called WOA and still in the works, will be alike and different from existing versions of Windows.

Eight features Windows 8 borrowed from Linux

abennett — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:24:12 +0000

Microsoft has always been accused of stealing left and right from the open source community. Is this holding true today?

Windows 8: Assessing IT risks of a consumer-driven wave

IDGNS staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:51:24 +0000

Microsoft is betting big on Windows 8. But will the immense promotional efforts the software giant is putting behind the latest Windows OS pay off? CIO.com's Rob Enderle handicaps the high-stakes game Redmond is playing.

Windows 8 strives for optimal battery life

IDGNS staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:10:24 +0000

Windows 8 is stingy doling out power to applications, particularly what Microsoft calls Metro-style applications written specifically for the operating system, all in an effort to prolong battery life.

Microsoft fixes Windows 8 Consumer Preview launch event for Feb. 29

IDGNS staff — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:45:23 +0000

Microsoft Wednesday said it will host a launch event for the Windows 8 beta on Feb. 29 in Barcelona, the site of the Mobile World Congress.