APC - Tagged Articles - Windows Vista

Windows Live Messenger 2010 gets social, runs on iPhone but not XP

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:44:20 +1000

The next version of Microsoft’s instant messaging app, part of ‘Wave 4’ of the Windows Live services, evolves into “a companion for your social networks” but unfriends XP.

Microsoft offers free Fix-It on XP, Vista

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:55:00 +1000

The self-healing power of Windows 7 is now available for those with older Microsoft operating systems

Microsoft winding down support for Vista

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:47:58 +1000

It’s the beginning of the end for Windows Vista, as Microsoft closes down support for the original non-service pack edition of the beleaguered OS.

The OS that just won't die: retailers struggle to clear Vista

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:17:31 +1000

Windows 7 has been available for purchase in Australia since October last year. But has Microsoft’s previous operating system, Windows Vista, passed away yet? Not quite.

Australia gets Windows 7 Family Pack for $249

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:19:18 +1000

The Windows 7 Family Pack, containing three licences for Windows 7 Home Premium, will go on sale in Australia tomorrow for $249.

Windows 7 hits 4% penetration rate in PC market

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +1000

Windows 7 is removing the bad taste Vista left in the mouths of consumers.

Vista: goodbye and good riddance!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:46:53 +1000

Almost three years to the day of its debut, Windows Vista is shunted off the stage to make way for Windows 7. What won’t you miss about the much-maligned OS?

Apple makes a play for Windows 7 upgraders

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:54:49 +1000

Boot Camp update to deliver full Windows 7 compatibility, while new TV ads target Windows XP users as potential switchers.

Firefox designer slams ‘pick your browser’ option in Windows 7

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:22:04 +1000

Microsoft’s ‘browser ballot’ for European editions of Windows 7 ranks Safari and Chrome before Firefox on the menu. Apple and Google seem happy, but not Mozilla...

Microsoft: “No Windows 7 Family Pack for Australia”

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:11:50 +1000

Windows 7 launches next week, but don’t go looking for the three-licence Family Pack edition – Microsoft has confirmed this won’t be offered to its Australian customers.

Windows 7 launch to have “minimal impact on PC growth”

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:25:49 +1000

Tech analyst firm Gartner predicts no mistletoe delight for Microsoft this Christmas, but forecasts a rapid take-up of Windows 7 next year.

From today, anti-virus is free, says Microsoft

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:58:46 +1000

The free anti-malware shield for Windows XP, Vista and 7 goes live today, replacing OneCare (and Windows Defender) as a simplified and streamlined solution.

New Seagate NAS boxes kick off at $1,400 for 2TB

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:30:00 +1000

The aptly-named BlackArmour systems have landed on the local market, with the four-bay boxes offering 2TB through 6TB of off-the-shelf storage.

First Look: HP’s Mini 5101 ‘business class’ netbook

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:11:15 +1000

HP amps up the netbook recipe with a larger keyboard, bigger (and faster) hard drive and optional SSD, high-res HD display and inbuilt 3G modem.

OffiSync makes Microsoft Office and Google Docs play nice

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:15:00 +1000

Free plug-in for Microsoft Office goes beyond file syncing between your hard drive and the Google Docs cloud, with tricks like support for collaboration and Google Image Search.

Windows 7 is ready to roll as code gets RTM sign-off

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:08 +1000

Microsoft overnight blessed the latest build of Windows 7 for ‘release to manufacture’, reaching a milestone in its efforts to push the memory of Vista far behind.

Sneak Peak: New Firefox UI for Windows

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:59:12 +1000

The Firefox team is tinkering with the browser’s Windows UI ahead of next year’s 5.7 update. These screenshots give you a first look at their ideas for the redesign...

Microsoft to open retail stores this year

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:38:19 +1000

The first Microsoft store will open in time for the Windows 7 launch this October – with some located “right next door to Apple stores”, the company promises.

Will Windows 7 be a hit or a miss?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:51:41 +1000

Two new reports contain starkly contrasting forecasts for Windows 7. They can’t both be right...

Microsoft set to release Windows 7 this month

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:17:40 +1000

With Windows 7 set to be finalised this week, business customers will get the fresh-baked OS by the end of this month – almost three months before its public debut.

Windows 7: now easier to open!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:33:46 +1000

Microsoft has added another bullet point its brag list of Great Things in Windows 7 – the redesigned box containing the OS can be opened without needing an instruction sheet!

Microsoft releases free beta of Security Essentials software

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:04:43 +1000

Now in public beta phase, Microsoft Security Essentials will not only replace the OneCare security suite but also deep-six Windows Defender.

Apple mauls Microsoft with ‘Snow Leopard’ OS X upgrade pricing

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:13:53 +1000

Stepping up to Apple’s OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard will cost you half as much as Microsoft will charge for Windows 7 Home Premium, and you get you a full-featured OS too...

It's official: Windows 7 to launch October 22nd

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:06:18 +1000

Microsoft has confirmed a late October lift-off for Windows 7, confirming the date leaked last month by a loose-lipped Acer executive.

Windows 7 Starter drops three-app limit

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:33:32 +1000

Microsoft confirms that the ‘netbook edition’ of Windows 7 will now be able to run more than three apps simultaneously, although other limits remain in place.

Microsoft releases Vista Service Pack 2 for download

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:00 +1000

Vista SP2 has gone live to the masses, but if you’ve used vLite to streamline Vista you could be facing a total reinstall of the OS from scratch.

Windows 7 spin kicks in as Beta 1 shuts down

Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:00 +1000

A leaked PowerPoint deck reveals part of Microsoft’s marketing playbook as it gears up for Windows 7. Plus: Beta 1 installs will go into ‘two-hour shutdown mode’ from this Monday.

Free upgrades from Vista to Windows 7 begin June 26th

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:10:55 +1000

From next month Microsoft will offer a free copy of Windows 7 to buyers of new PCs running Vista, and in some cases XP.

Dell launches $700 Ubuntu Linux netbook onto Australian market

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 +1000

Dell’s innovative new Latitude 2100 netbook is the company’s first Aussie PC with Linux factory-installed – and while it’s intended for school students, anyone can buy it...

Windows 7 to be “more expensive” than Vista, XP

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:31:26 +1000

Dell has seen Microsoft’s price list for Windows 7 and the PC manufacturer isn’t happy, warning that over-pricing will cruel consumer demand for OS upgrades and new PCs.

Office 2010 ‘technical preview’ beta leaks onto BitTorrent

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:29:39 +1000

Microsoft hasn’t officially opened its preview program for Office 2010 but the beta test build has already hit the Web via BitTorrent...

Microsoft opens ‘technical preview’ beta program for Office 2010

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:45:42 +1000

Want to get your hands on the next-gen Office suite? Microsoft is now accepting public registrations for its invitation-only preview of Office 2010.

New Windows 7 logo revealed?

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:17:52 +1000

Leaked box shots and a closed Microsoft-only FaceBook group reveal what appears to be the new look of Windows 7.

Microsoft ditches ‘Windows Genuine Advantage’ in Windows 7

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:36:10 +1000

But you can put away that celebratory bottle of bubbly... the widely criticised anti-piracy system is just having its name changed to Windows Activation.

Give XP a fast and free Windows 7 make-over

Tue, 12 May 2009 22:59:42 +1000

The Windows 7 Transformation Pack gives XP a top-to-tail interfacelift with a fresh yet familiar result...

Windows 7 to skip RC2, go straight to RTM in August

Tue, 12 May 2009 22:30:19 +1000

Microsoft will skip a second Release Candidate for Windows 7 as it steams towards an RTM date in August ahead of an October launch.

Microsoft releases Vista Service Pack 2

Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:00 +1000

This week isn’t all about Windows 7. Microsoft has released Vista SP2 to the members-only MSDN network. Next stop: public release (if it's not on BitTorrent beforehand).

Four small but cool features of Windows 7

Wed, 06 May 2009 09:35:14 +1000

Besides the big-ticket features in Windows 7 Release Candidate there are plenty of small but welcome touches that makes real sense in everyday use.

Microsoft to offer XP upgrades to Windows 7, kinda sorta...

Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 +1000

Users of XP will quality for a free or low-cost upgrade to Windows 7, but they won’t be able to install 7 without first nuking XP from their hard drive.

Got Windows 7? Get to know these new keyboard shortcuts!

Wed, 06 May 2009 07:00:00 +1000

Microsoft has added a dozen handy hotkeys and keystroke combos to Windows 7.

Nvidia releases GeForce drivers for Windows 7 RC1

Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:00 +1000

Just in time for this week’s downloadfest, Nvidia has posted updated Windows 7 Release Candidate drivers for its GeForce graphics cards.

Beyond Windows 7: Geneva, Hawaii and Dublin

Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:00 +1000

Microsoft may have dumped Vienna as the codename for Windows 7 but there’s still plenty of virtual globetrotting in Redmond’s beta labs.

Windows 7 Release Candidate blocks upgrade from pre-RC builds

Mon, 04 May 2009 11:45:27 +1000

Microsoft has rigged the new Windows 7 Release Candidate to prevent upgrades on top of the pre-RC Beta 1 build, but there’s a work-around to save you from doing the Vista shuffle.

Inside Windows 7’s virtual ‘XP Mode’

Sun, 03 May 2009 19:04:24 +1000

Microsoft won’t be bundling its virtualised XP Mode with this week’s Windows 7 Release Candidate, but here’s how to get it and what you need to know...

Windows 7 to launch October 23rd?

Sun, 03 May 2009 00:56:17 +1000

A senior exec from Acer leaks the launch date for Windows 7 as being October 23rd...

Download Windows 7 RC and keep it for a year, free

Sat, 02 May 2009 23:25:26 +1000

Microsoft will let users run the fresh-baked Windows 7 Release Candidate for a full year – through to June 2010, to be precise!

XP to remain on netbooks for one year after Windows 7 launches

Sat, 02 May 2009 20:42:03 +1000

Netbook manufacturers will be allowed to continue licensing and loading Windows XP until the end of 2010 – 12 months after Windows 7 arrives.

Smart Installer Pack: download Windows apps automatically

Fri, 01 May 2009 20:29:00 +1000

Just bought a new PC? What... you're dreading downloading and installing all your favorite software?

No plans for ‘7Lite’ reveals vLite creator

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:32:56 +1000

The author of the popular nLite and vLite programs for trimming Windows XP and Vista down to size says he currently has no plans to release a similar tool for Windows 7.

Windows 7 to include ‘Virtual XP’ for 100% XP compatibility

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:11:51 +1000

Premium editions of Windows 7 will include an ‘XP mode’ for running the aged OS or individual apps directly from a Virtual PC session.

Next-gen netbooks to run best under Windows 7

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:17:33 +1000

Netbooks with Intel’s Atom GN40 graphics, solid state drives and 2GB of RAM will be the big winners under Windows 7.

Windows 7 Release Candidate leaked to BitTorrent

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:37:55 +1000

Ahead of this week’s expected debut for the Windows 7 ‘release candidate’, it seems that the RC1 edition – labelled Build 7100 – has already hit the BitTorrent network

Microsoft to offer XP downgrades from Windows 7

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +1000

Microsoft to offer downgrades from Windows 7 to Vista or even XP, will they stop at nothing to keep users in the Microsoft fold?

Microsoft's five big revelations

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:45:00 +1000

When one of Microsoft's head honchos speaks, its usually well worth a listen. Kevin Turner, Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer lists five epiphanies the company has had.

Experts to Microsoft: set your Windows patches free!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:32:53 +1000

There’s a growing call for Microsoft to drop its Windows Genuine Activation process so that every Windows user can keep their PC completely up to date.

Acer debuts Nvidia ‘Ion’ platform with new mini desktop

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:38:23 +1000

Take an Intel Atom processor, pump up the graphics with an Nvidia GPU and you’ve got the new Ion platform for mini desktops and maybe even netbooks.

Dell preps Mini 11 netbook plus ‘budget’ Mini 10 model

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:24:24 +1000

A leaked copy of Dell’s netbook roadmap reveals a low-cost version of the Mini 10 due next month, with an 11.6 inch netbook codenamed ‘Argos’ slated for mid-year.

Microsoft releases Power Pack 2 update for Windows Home Server

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:08:42 +1000

The souped-up server OS now streams content to Windows Media Centres and Extenders, streamlines Remote Access and squashes the ‘81% backup freeze’ gremlin.

Win 7 to be sexier-than-Vista for business

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Much of the talk about Windows 7 has been about features for home users. However, since much of Microsoft's money comes from millions of business upgrades, what's in it for them?

Vista Service Pack 2 RC out to test

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:30:00 +1000

After our recent flood of Windows 7 news, it is easy to forget that a lot of Vista users are still grinding away, in need of help! The latest service pack offers some assistance.

Is Windows 7 beta better than Vista?

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Some reader comments on our Windows 7 articles suggest that the OS is not as big a boost as Microsoft would have us believe. We took to Twitter to see what other people think.

Hands-on with Windows 7: the desktop

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:30:00 +1000

The latest beta build of Windows 7 includes improvements that Microsoft is making over Vista. We've take a user's look at what's on offer on the desktop.

How to dual-boot Vista with Linux (with Linux installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:00:00 +1000

So you want to install Linux and Vista on the same drive? This UPDATED dual booting tutorial shows you how to do it even if Vista SP1 scorches your bootloader.

How to dual-boot Vista with Linux (Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:00:00 +1000

Here's how to install Vista and Linux (with Vista installed first). Step-by-step instructions that assume no knowledge of Linux. (Now updated for Ubuntu 9.04).

Microsoft paints Windows 7 versions as simpler than Vista

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:38:04 +1000

Microsoft will focus on selling just two versions of Windows 7 to customers, but don't be deceived -- four other versions are still lurking in the shadows to confuse you.

HOW TO: Install IE6 on Vista/Windows 7

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Does your workplace require you to keep running IE6 despite the fact that you, um, accidentally upgraded to IE7? Here's how to install IE6 on Vista (or Windows 2000/XP) and run it alongside IE7.

How to dual boot Windows Vista and Windows 7 (Vista installed first)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +1000

Got your hands on the Windows 7 beta and want to dual boot it alongside Windows Vista? Here's our step-by-step tutorial to get you up and running with Microsoft's latest OS.

Take Windows 7 for a free test drive Saturday!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +1000

Here's how to get the official Beta 1 of Windows 7, free of charge and legally!

First Look: HP Mini 2140 netbook

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:40:50 +1000

HP’s update to its 2133 Mini-note keeps the best traits of the original model and upgrades the rest – including a bigger screen, better processor and six cell battery.

Windows 7 Beta 1 busts loose onto BitTorrent!

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +1000

Ahead of an expected preview at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, the fresh-baked beta edition of Windows 7 has already broken cover and hit the Web.

How to virtualize Vista on Mac OS X

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:12:22 +1000

How to run Windows Vista inside Mac OS X, without paying for VMware or Parallels. Our step-by-step tutorial will give you all the information you need!

How to virtualize Ubuntu on Vista

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +1000

Want to virtualize Ubuntu on top of Windows Vista for free? Check out our step-by-step tutorial!

How to virtualize Vista on Ubuntu

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +1000

Want to get Vista up and running on your Ubuntu system? Find out how with our step-by-step tutorial.

How to virtualize Vista on XP

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +1000

Want to check out Vista without migrating off XP? Virtualization is the key and our step-by-step tutorial is the answer.

How to virtualize XP on Vista

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +1000

Need to keep XP running on your Vista system? Virtualization is the key and our step-by-step tutorial will get you there.

Grammar check optional for Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:39:18 +1000

Hey, it looks I'm trying to write a letter that's going to come out later in a lawsuit. Should I use some grammar in that?

WORLD FIRST review of Inspiron Mini 12: Dell’s super-slim netbook!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 +1000

Handed to us by Michael Dell himself, APC has the world’s first Inspiron Mini 12 netbook, so sit back and enjoy as we serve up the spy shots and dig deep into the tech.

15 reasons Macs are still better than Windows PCs

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:19:14 +1000

With Windows 7 coming up, it's time to yet again ponder on whether Microsoft has the upper hand in operating systems. Here's 15 reasons it doesn't.

Can Windows 7 overcome Vista driver woes?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:03:18 +1000

Microsoft has revealed some staggering figures showing how often driver installations fail in Vista. Ouch.

Windows 7 hits torrent sites

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:35:38 +1000

You don’t have to wait until next year to try Windows 7 – Microsoft’s successor to Vista is on the Net right now and ready for you to illegally download!

Microsoft begs hardware makers: don't screw Windows 7 like Vista

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:09:40 +1000

Microsoft confirms Windows 7 public beta and begs hardware companies to take driver support seriously this time.

Windows 7 Netbook edition?

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:00:00 +1000

Microsoft puts netbooks on the Windows 7 menu and mulls plans for a cut-down ‘Netbook Edition’ of the OS

Dell: many users will skip Vista, “go straight from XP to Windows 7”

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:50:00 +1000

Michael Dell says he’s working closely with Microsoft on Windows 7 and likes the way the OS is shaping up, but can understand why many people will skip Vista entirely.

Dell's 12 inch Vista netbook will cost $999

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +1000

The Inspiron Mini 12 packs a big screen (and Windows Vista) into a thin and light chassis, but Dell says the upcoming 3G broadband card is why Linux remains missing from the menu.

Microsoft dumps dinky Windows names: it's Windows 7

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:49:00 +1000

Microsoft hopes 7 will be its lucky number as it sidesteps convention for the Vista follow-up by adopting its codename and version number as the real deal.

Microsoft extends Windows XP to mid-2009

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:04:51 +1000

Continued popularity of XP over Vista sees Microsoft give the never-say-die OS an unprecedented third stay of execution – this time to July 31 next year.

Windows 7 promises fixes for Vista taskbar screw-ups

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:27:45 +1000

Microsoft has promised that Windows 7 will fix two minor but highly annoying features of Vista: the near-invisible 'shut down' menu and the overcrowded taskbar.

Windows 7: is it Vista SE or Windows 2010?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:48:31 +1000

As Windows 7 moves towards Beta 1, with an end-of-2009 target for final release, Microsoft will puzzle over how to position the next-gen OS.

Windows 7 won't break ties with Vista, goes public in November

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:27:33 +1000

Microsoft's plans for Windows 7 remain ambitious, with 100% backward compatibility for Vista applications one of the features it hopes to have ready for public display in November.

Vista and XP get Linux-like multiple desktops

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:34:27 +1000

Microsoft has quietly released a utility that allows you to create multiple desktops on Vista or XP.

Microsoft's new Seinfeld ad: one word - WTF?

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:51:59 +1000

Microsoft provides proof that even $300 million and Jerry Seinfeld can't revive the fortunes of the sickened Vista OS.

Microsoft releases IE8 beta 2: MS porn mode included

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:47:52 +1000

The second beta of Internet Explorer 8 looks a lot better than the first one — but frankly, a lot of that is due to features copied from Firefox 3.

Microsoft releases faster Desktop Search 4.0

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:25:31 +1000

If you've wondered how exactly Vista's sluggish desktop search saves you time, you might be pleasantly surprised by the updated version.

Microsoft goes into Speed Launch mode

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:06:50 +1000

No, we're not talking about the launch of Windows 7, unfortunately. Speed Launch is a cool, free app launcher from Microsoft.

Windows 7 nearly ready for public debut

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +1000

With Vista roundly declared a dog in the marktplace, Microsoft is gearing up to reveal the next-gen Windows and has started the countdown towards a Beta 1 release.

DirectX 11 announced: too much too soon?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:00:00 +1000

Considering that the vast majority of users still run DirectX 9, is Microsoft making a Vista-sized mistake with its latest multimedia API?

HOW TO: slipstream Vista SP1 into your Vista install DVD

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:21:14 +1000

You can't use the old trusty method of slipstreaming service packs into your Windows install CD with Vista. But we've figured out how to do it anyway.

Asus laptops get ‘instant-on Linux’

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:30:00 +1000

Embedded ‘Splashtop’ OS loads in seconds to deliver Web browsing, Skype and online gaming

Imagine Cup’s surprise winners a boon for drought-stricken farmers

Sat, 24 May 2008 17:45:05 +1000

Four technology students mounted a commando-style operation to snatch this year’s Imagine Cup from under the noses of the big schools. APC was a judge, so here's the inside story.

Ballmer realises Hungarian student wasn't saying 'egg hunt' to him

Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:00 +1000

Bluescreen | What a week. Microsoft's CEO got egged, Vista gave users a bum steer, and Google, well it just wants to know about your bum.

Microsoft admits some PCs won't be offered Vista SP1

Tue, 20 May 2008 21:59:31 +1000

Microsoft has admitted that some users may not get Vista SP1 offered to them through Windows Update. Why? Read on...

Microsoft to re-release "every OS" to market

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 +1000

Ambitious scheme to further extend Windows OS lifespan. Every Windows OS lifespan, in fact.

Vista less secure than 2000: researchers

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:00:00 +1000

Machines running the beleaguered operating system are more likely to suffer from malware attacks than either Windows 2000 and Windows 2003, new research suggests.

Mac OS X still trails Vista by a long way

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:09:36 +1000

The Apple fanboy community is rejoicing at news that sales for Macs have grown 51% in the last quarter, but still nowhere near catching up to Microsoft's dismal failure, Vista.

Vista SP1 won't install on dual-boot systems: Microsoft

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:24:38 +1000

Are you currently running Windows and Linux in a dual-boot setup? You're going to have major headaches with Vista SP1, Microsoft has admitted.

Has Vista lost all credibility?

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:20:18 +1000

Even internally, Microsoft couldn't agree on what the base requirements to run Vista were, but that didn't stop it from inaccurately promoting the OS as running on some hardware.

Microsoft pulls Vista SP1 prerequisite update: reboot loops, data corruption

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:26:47 +1000

Amidst accusations that a prerequisite patch for Vista SP1 has caused machines to fail and data loss, Microsoft is playing it safe and has pulled the package from Windows Update.

Copy files 86% faster with Vista SP1

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:58:31 +1000

Is Vista SP1 really the shot in the arm your Vista system needs? We spent hours strapped to our benchmarking system, and uncovered some very interesting data...

Microsoft battles Vista perception issues with $15,000 prize

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:11:02 +1000

Are you ready to feel like a dirty marketing pawn for Microsoft?

Vista SP1 available for download now

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:46:11 +1000

Officially, the long awaited Vista SP1 won't be available to consumers until March. But here's a little secret: you can download it anyway from Microsoft's own web servers.

Pirates release Server 2008 and Vista SP1

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:13:48 +1000

Arrrrr maties....it be no more than an hour two after ye olde RTM announcement, that Server 2008 hit the scurvy pirate boards, with Vista SP1 not far astern. Avast!

Intel shows off new ultra low-power Silverthorne chip

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:26 +1000

Intel has unveiled a new CPU that needs only a tenth of the power of current models. Ultramobile computing is about to get interesting.

Microsoft replaces Vista kernel in SP1

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:20:50 +1000

So what happened to the fabled kernel upgrade which was supposed to be a fundamental feature of Windows Vista SP1? Well, turns out that it is there, with some rather interesting twists...

Microsoft announces Vista SP1 RTM

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:37:11 +1000

The long-anticipated Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista has been released to manufacturing (RTM) so we should be seeing it hitting our machines in the not-too-distant future. But will SP1 overcome the negative perceptions which have plagued Vista since its release? Microsoft certainly hope it will.

"Your software must crash": Microsoft

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:45:13 +1000

Software can only be certified for Windows Vista by Microsoft if it will crash, according to anti-spyware manufacturer Spybot.

Vista successor, Windows 7 to be released next year?

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:00:20 +1000

You won't have to wait as long for the next version of Windows as previously imagined, with Microsoft bringing forward the expected release of the successor to Vista, Windows 7.

Microsoft announces Power Pack 1 for Windows Home Server

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:20:21 +1000

Microsoft has announced a major update for Windows Home Server - Power Pack 1 - which comes loaded with lots of new features and enhancements.

HOW TO: fix video smearing, blurring and ghosting on ATI video cards

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:52:54 +1000

If you're running an ATI video card in your machine, you might have noticed image ghosting, blurring and smearing when playing back DVDs and videos. Here's how to fix it.

Vista SP1 refresh made public

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:16:46 +1000

A refresh build of Vista SP1 beta was released recently to a private testing group, but now it's available to everyone. Read on to find out what's new.

Vista SP1 needs new hardware

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:53:16 +1000

Vista Service Pack 1 comes with an important update for gamers - DirectX 10.1. The catch? You need brand new hardware to support it, and NVIDIA enthusiasts are left totally out in the cold.

Waiting for Vista

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:40:19 +1000

Many businesses wait for a major service pack before deploying a new operating system, but with Vista there's an even more compelling reason to hold off before taking the plunge.

XP SP3 beta available to all, but is it a secret strategy to boost Vista?

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:33:22 +1000

All Microsoft wants for Christmas is your download limit. The long-awaited first service pack for Vista -- a whole freakin' gigabyte of it -- is due to arrive early next year, but patch junkies can give themselves an early injection of bug-fixing with a general pre-release of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:00:00 +1000

UPDATED | Got a Vista PC and want to install XP so you can dual-boot between them? Here's how to do it, in an easy, step-by-step format.

Inside Windows 7 -- what we know so far

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:00:44 +1000

As Vista celebrates its first birthday, the countdown clock slowly ticks away on Windows 7. We join the dots on the very earliest signs of what Microsoft hopes will be Windows' lucky number.

Microsoft releases Vista SP1 RC

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:14:36 +1000

Hanging out for the dot one release of Vista? The release candidate of Vista SP1 will be available for public download within days.

Microsoft moves against software pirates

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:55:41 +1000

Updates to Windows Genuine Advantage shipping with Vista SP1 look set to leave software pirates in the lurch. Has Microsoft finally won the war on piracy?

Beat those bluescreen blues: what a Windows bluescreen actually means

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:55:57 +1000

The Windows Blue Screen of Death is hated and maligned, but it's really just trying to help. Read on to find out what it's trying to tell you.

WINDOWS SLOWDOWN: Microsoft forces install of Windows Desktop Search

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:13:05 +1000

Has your PC suddenly started running slowly for no obvious reason? You can thank Microsoft for that.

OEM - when licensing meets quantum theory

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 03:17:35 +1000

OEM licensing can be a difficult beast, especially when it's time to upgrade. An APC reader enlisted our help to find out just how many hoops he'd have to jump through to get the latest version of Office.

Microsoft agrees: Windows is a "really large bloated operating system"

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:03:22 +1000

Yes, they really did say that! The reason? Redmond is finally sending Windows to Jenny Craig, and will build the next generation of Windows around a stripped-back 'microkernel' named MinWin with a 25MB footprint.

'Vixta' Linux distro mimics Vista's look and feel

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:43:41 +1000

Vixta is a Linux distro which copies Vista's UI. Some commentators hate it. Here's why I think they are wrong.

HOW TO: improve the performance of Vista Media Center

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 03:52:22 +1000

Vista Media Center has its problems like any other app, but here's a list of tips and tricks to keep it purring.

Can IE's architect explain why it's so bloated?

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:59:08 +1000

Microsoft's platform architect for Internet Explorer, Chris Wilson, admits Microsoft has done both good and bad things in IE over the last 14 years.

Vista: The 'wow' starts ... later

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 04:41:35 +1000

Despite Microsoft's best efforts to promote its Vista operating system, the company is bowing to customer pressure and offering free downgrades to XP (as well as extending XP's retail shelf life.)

How to fix Vista's network bottlenecks

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:12:30 +1000

Is your Vista machine lumbering around on the network, overtaken by zippier XP-based systems? You're not alone, but luckily there's an easy way to fix it.

Microsoft announces Vista SP1 Beta

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:00:57 +1000

This week Microsoft announced what we already knew - Vista SP1 Beta is imminent, and the improvements are many.

Microsoft: the authentic smell of failure

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:45:06 +1000

What is the Microsoft WindowsGenuine Advantage, exactly? Over the past weekend, some owners of legitimate copies of Windows had their copies of Windows invalidated by Microsoft, while users of pirated copies were unaffected.

LEAKED: Vista SP1 analysed in-depth

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:13:14 +1000

EXCLUSIVE |We've gone under the hood of the leaked beta of Vista SP1 to find out exactly what it will do for you. One thing we can say right now:huge performance increase.

We've got the lowdown on Microsoft SoftGrid

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:14:28 +1000

TECH.ED |If you run a Windows network, you really need to read this: the nitty gritty of SoftGrid. We've spoken to Microsoft Australia's Windows technology expert, John Pritchard.

Microsoft jacks into the Softgrid

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:25:07 +1000

TECH.ED |Look ma, no virtualisation window: Microsoft showed a cool new virtualisation technology for desktop PCs today.

How to: take control of Vista Startup

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:16:25 +1000

Finding out what Windows is loading on startup can be critical when troubleshooting problems. Here's a free utility which gives all the information you'll ever need.

How to: trim some Vista fat

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 06:36:09 +1000

By default, Vista will install lots of things you don't need. Here's how to claw back some system space.

How to: Tweak the Windows Vista Explorer

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:05:59 +1000

Is Vista's new Explorer interface slowing you down? Here are some tips to make it dance to your tune.

New user interface for ‘Windows 7'?

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:29:05 +1000

Microsoft has named the date for the next version of Windows, and the woman behind the Office 2007 interface is in charge of an all bets are off UI refresh for Windows too.

HOW TO: Tweak Vista's shortcut arrows

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 15:08:32 +1000

Vista's shortcut icon arrows are large enough to almost totally obscure the icon itself. Here's a nifty tool to improve the look.

How to: transfer your Windows apps, settings and docs to a new PC using only free tools

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:37:36 +1000

Customising Windows from scratch can be infinitely time-consuming and tedious. Here's a way to not only streamline the whole process, but to keep user accounts on different PCs in complete sync.

Telstra still selling non-Vista devices

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:47:27 +1000

Six months after Vista's consumer launch, Telstra is still pushing incompatible wireless modems through its stores, and has admitted some of its satellite services will never be Vista compatible.

Boost Vista performance on the motherboard

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:05:40 +1000

Plugging a USB flash drive into your PC is one way to improve Vista's performance, but there is now a cheap alternative...

End of the PC era? Don't make me laugh.

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:55:40 +1000

Mac users just don't get it. Microsoft is an innovation powerhouse and its decline is a fantastical pipe dream.

Vista: 150 problems, 0 solutions

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:31:47 +1000

Your problem is important to us, please continue to hold...

ReadyBoost for Linux?

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:27:55 +1000

Say what you will about Microsoft but ReadyBoost is a clever use of cheap-as-chips USB memory keys. Now there's a sort-of version for Linux too.

CA distributing software on 2GB flash

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:50:15 +1000

Forget CDs and DVDs: CA is offering its new Internet Security Suite 2007 on a tiny 2GB flash drive which also doubles as a Vista speed-booster using ReadyBoost.

The trials of upgrading to 64-bit Vista

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:04:17 +1000

It was a bit of a bold move, I must admit. I took the plunge today and upgraded my machine to 64-bit Vista. Here's why.

How to: get direct access to network adaptors in Vista

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:51:31 +1000

Vista's Network and Sharing Center might be nifty, but it makes it hard for advanced users to get where they want to go easily. Here's a way to shortcut straight to the networking backend.

How to: tweak Vista with Vispa

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:09:04 +1000

Want to tweak Vista quickly and easily? Vispa gets you under the OS hood with no fuss with lots of options to safeguard privacy and give you more control over security.

How to: play ripped DVDs on Vista Media Center

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:14:43 +1000

Vista won't find your ripped DVDs unless you give it a helping hand. Here's how to point it in the right direction... forcefully.

Don't wait for Vista SP1, pleads Microsoft

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:20:48 +1000

Some customers may be waiting to adopt Windows Vista because they've heard rumors about device or application compatibility issues, or because they think they should wait for a service pack release, admits Microsoft.

Vista tweak: resize your desktop icons with the scroll of a mousewheel

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:07:36 +1000

Adjusting to the consumerist society in which we live, Vista's icons have been upsized. But if you don't need so many pixels searing your retinas, read on.

Vista tweak - Aero Glass performance

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:26:24 +1000

Aero Glass might be nice, but you can get sick of some of its features. Here's how to disable the annoying bits without fully dropping back to Aero Basic.

How to dual-boot Vista with XP (with XP installed first) - step-by-step guide with screenshots

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:19:00 +1000

Want to install Vista on your PC but don't want to get rid of XP just yet? Here's how to install it so you can dual-boot between them, in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide.

Visual treats for your Vista desktop

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:17:09 +1000

We've unearthed two desktop apps that put the WOW into NOW (since Microsoft apparently forgot to). Go on, you owe it to yourself to give Vista a visual overhaul.

Parallels 3.0 for Mac: 3D GPU emulation confirmed (with screenshots)

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 01:41:32 +1000

Popular virtualisation company Parallels has announced version 3.0 of Parallels Workstation for Mac with long-anticipated GPU acceleration and several other tasty features.

Reinstalling Windows drivers a lot less painful with Driver Magician

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:56:33 +1000

The grim cycle of rebooting that accompanies all driver installs is painful, painful, painful. Driver Magician might just be the magic potion you've been looking for.

The Windows we never got: users get to work programming "Longhorn Reloaded"

Tue, 29 May 2007 09:04:02 +1000

Was the beta better? The team behind the radical 'Longhorn Reloaded' OS think so, casting the release version of Vista aside in order to rebuild Longhorn from its original 2004 codebase. Yes, WinFS is in there.

Windows Vista Update: tell Bill who's boss

Fri, 25 May 2007 02:10:41 +1000

When Vista applies an update, it often requires a reboot, which means if you walk away from your machine for an hour and come back, it will start pestering you to reboot incessantly. Here's how to tell Vista who's boss.

Lenovo rails against discreet graphics in notebooks: too power hungry

Wed, 23 May 2007 11:17:31 +1000

Battery technology can't keep up with the ever-increasing power demands of laptops, and Lenovo reckons that discreet graphics processors such as those from ATI and Nvidia are partly to blame.

Vista will be the last version of Windows for Pentium 4 and Core Duo owners

Thu, 17 May 2007 13:43:45 +1000

Microsoft has sounded the death knell for 32-bit operating systems, meaning Vista's the last version of Windows that will boot on Pentium 4 and Intel Core Duo. Perhaps AMD had a point after all with its early introduction of 64-bit...UPDATE |Microsoft has clarified its position.

Windows can solve world health: Microsoft

Thu, 17 May 2007 08:27:29 +1000

How do you solve the health problems plaguing billions of people in the third world? Easy! Give 'em a Windows Mobile-based smart phone.

Windows wants to run your life

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:40:02 +1000

Not content with controlling most desktops and elbowing its way into family lounge rooms, Microsoft now has plans to dominate your entire house.

"Vista passed Mac OS X in 15 weeks": Gates

Tue, 15 May 2007 23:48:29 +1000

While everyone's been focused on driver problems and annoying security prompts, Windows Vista's installed base has taken just 15 weeks to race past that of Apple, according to chairman Bill Gates.

Microsoft can't afford to support OEM Vista?

Mon, 14 May 2007 14:15:10 +1000

Microsoft might have $US7.6 billion in spare cash in the bank, but when it comes to supporting users who purchase Vista on a new machine, the software giant is all too ready to cry poor.

Only 15,000 people buy Office 2007 for $75

Wed, 09 May 2007 00:38:17 +1000

A mere 15,000 people have taken up Microsoft Australia's offer to get Office Ultimate 2007 for just $75, possibly disproving the argument that if Microsoft dropped the price of software, people who might otherwise pirate it would buy it.

Windows Home Server: the inbuilt web server

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:29:03 +1000

Part 8 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server beta 2

Windows Home Server: system requirements and SDK

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:27:34 +1000

Part 7 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server beta 2

Windows Home Server: adding hard drives using WHS' RAID-like disk spanning feature

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:24:31 +1000

Part 6 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server Preview

Windows Home Server: network backup

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:21:58 +1000

Part 5 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server beta 2

Windows Home Server: administering remotely

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:20:28 +1000

Part 4 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server beta 2

Windows Home Server: managing users

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:18:38 +1000

Part 3 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server Beta 2

Windows Home Server: logging on

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:17:05 +1000

Part 2 of GALLERY: Windows Home Server beta 2

Microsoft: Vista upgrades for everybody!

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:28:43 +1000

Microsoft is offering just about anyone 'special' upgrade pricing for Vista now. Hasanyoneactually paid the full ticket price for Vista?

Windows XP to be phased out by year's end despite customer demand

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:08:16 +1000

Computer makers have been told they'll no longer be able to get Windows XP OEM by the end of this year, despite consumer resistance to Vista and its compatibility problems.

Free anti-virus and anti-spyware compared: Google Pack vs AVG Free

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:14:09 +1000

Google quietly added new Vista-compatible antivirus and spyware protection to its neat Google Pack software, but is it good enough to become the free alternative to the AVG Free suite of apps? Which should you choose to protect your system?

Vista sings the DivX blues

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:23:18 +1000

Users are reporting ongoing frustration with Vista compatibility problems. The latest is difficulty playing back DivX movies, even with the latest DivX release installed.

It's official: Pirates crack Vista at last

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 23:04:24 +1000

A genuine crack for Windows Vista which allows a pirated, non-activated installation of Vista (Home Basic/Premium and Ultimate) to be properly activated and made fully-operational has just been released by a pirate group.

Office 2007 Ultimate $75 for Aussie students

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 04:09:32 +1000

It's not cheating, according to Microsoft Australia, to buy Office 2007 Ultimate for 95% off its normal price, at just $A75 ($US59).

Vista-friendly apps finally line up

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 22:30:41 +1000

Looking to ease your incompatibility blues? Microsoft has finally caved to public pressure and created a list of software designed to work with Vista.

Intel Viiv + Vista: what a mess!

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:02:40 +1000

Is your shiny Viiv system ready for Vista? Probably, but getting it there won't be a walk in the park. Vista drivers? Not tonight, dear, I have a headache.

Office 2007 holds hands with Palm

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:20:26 +1000

Palm has updated its desktop software to allow PalmOS smartphones and PDAs to sync with Outlook 2007.

Is your mobile Vista compatible?

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 06:19:44 +1000

Inexplicably, virtually all the major phone manufacturers have been caught with their pants down over Vista compatibility.

Why Vista is defective by design

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:12:58 +1000

Vista's DRM features have been drawing ever more criticism, but it's just the latest step among many that takes liberties out of the hands of users and into the media megacorps. So what are you going to do about it?

BigPond and Optus broadband slip on Vista

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:56:59 +1000

More driver woes for Vista users: this time it's lack of support for USB modems. BigPond is simply refusing to connect anyone using Vista to ADSL or Cable, and Optus admits it hasn't completed the work to fully support Vista yet.

Does your copy of Vista keep flipping out of Aero Glass into Aero Basic?

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:58:52 +1000

Are you being plagued with alerts from Vista stating The colour scheme has been changed to Windows Vista Basic? Here's why.

Vista finally gets that syncing feeling

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:57:35 +1000

You can stop banging your head against the wall. Vista can now talk to Windows Mobile-powered PDAs and smartphones, thanks to the oven-fresh Windows Mobile Device Centre.

Logitech, Creative, NVIDIA driver disgrace

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 01:22:01 +1000

Thinking of upgrading to Vista? Be prepared for the rude shock that a triumverate of the most common hardware manufacturersstilldon't have final-release Vista drivers available.

Vista Upgrade DVD can be tricked into installing as a full install -- whoops!

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:44:54 +1000

Microsoft implemented a clean-install lock down on its Vista upgrades. So, uh... we can only assume it was not supposed to do this...

Vista launches: behind the hooplah

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:04:13 +1000

So it's finally here. After six years in development Microsoft today pushed Vista out the door and onto centre stage with some added sweeteners. More info here about HD Photo, and whether you'll be bothering with the Sanity Live! music service.

Microsoft launches digital photos service, Apple doesn't

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 04:55:32 +1000

It's not every day that Microsoft can do something that Apple can't. In fact it hardly every happens. But today it has.

What went wrong at the launch of Vista

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 02:18:54 +1000

The projector didn't work, Rogue Traders appeared by accident, and apparently all the best bits of Vista are actually Windows Ultimate Extras. Oh, and Microsoft is partnering with Sanity for the world's most overpriced subscription music service.

30 things you need to know about Vista

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 02:00:53 +1000

The WOW might be starting NOW, but don't let that fool you into thinking Vista's some sort of panacea of computing nirvana. Here's 30 key issues we've covered in recent weeks.

ATI releases final Catalyst drivers for Vista

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:52:05 +1000

No sooner is Vista released than ATI has its first official Vista driver ready to go. Read on to discover what ATI has in store for Vista users.

How to get a cheap copy of Windows Vista

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:13:57 +1000

Microsoft's official upgrade price for Vista Home Premium is $299, but there are plenty of ways to shave that cost down (even if you're not a student). We've done the price hunting for you.

Creative puts EAX back into Vista

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:31:36 +1000

Microsoft rips out a fundamental audio feature from Windows and Creative hits back with a workaround.

No problem with Australian company "Vista Windows", says Microsoft

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 05:03:02 +1000

If Microsoft wants to make a deal with us to put information about their new operating system up on the site, we'd love to speak to them, says Vista Windows' Paul Imola.

Build a custom Vista install DVD with vLite

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:29:58 +1000

You don't need to be a desktop admin to get the benefits of Vista's flexible installation format. vLite lets any user create their own customised install. Now you can finally strip out the Sidebar!

Australians locked out of Vista discounts

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:25:54 +1000

There will be no Vista family discount, no Vista downloads and no Vista Anytime Upgrade for Australians, Microsoft has confirmed. The official reason they're not available in Australia? Because they're not available in Australia. Oh,that'swhy...

Vista Service Pack 1 is coming

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:17:46 +1000

The new uber-OS hasn't even been officially launched to the mass market but Microsoft admits it has high impact issues and has already started work on Vista SP1, which is now due in the second half of this year.

In response to '10 reasons not to get Vista'

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:54:38 +1000

My colleague Dan Warne and OSNews Managing Editor Thom Holwerda responded to my '10 reasons not to get Vista' piece. There's nothing like the charged poles of passionate debate to wake you up in the morning. Or afternoon, if you're like me. Read on to see what I say...

10 reasons you should get Vista

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:25:55 +1000

Microsoft says Vista offers a richer experience and that you should be getting ready for a new day? Cut the crap! Here are 10goodreasons you should get Vista.

Is Vista's Australian pricing a rip-off?

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:02:57 +1000

You could save between $54 and $217 by mail-ordering Vista from the US rather than buying it here.

10 reasons not to get Vista

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:52:00 +1000

It's all too easy to get caught up in the million dollar marketing engine as we approach the consumer release of Windows Vista, so lets not forget that it isn't the second coming, and by all counts is an upgrade you can do without.

Why Vista's such a pain to dual-boot

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 12:34:27 +1000

Vista may not play friendly with other operating systems, but regardless, youcanforce it to play ball with your favourite Linux distro.

Microsoft offers family discount for Vista

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:06:25 +1000

As the release of Vista draws near, Microsoft is piling on the upgrade incentives. In a bid to get families to buy more than one Vista upgrade, Microsoft is offering heavy discounts for the second and third copy.

Microsoft to offer Vista DVD as a download

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:00:53 +1000

It's a milestone in computing history: for the first time, you don't have to operate your legs (tm) and bother with connecting sneakers-to-pavement in order to get a copy of Windows. Vista will be 100% available as a download.

Symantec offers free upgrades to Vista-compatible Norton security apps

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:01:41 +1000

Symantec has announced Vista compatible versions of its security software, with free upgrades for owners of the 2006 or 2007 products.

Installing Vista: How to do an image-based backup

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:10:49 +1000

If you're planning on installing Vista or dual-booting it with XP or Linux, it's now time to start preparing by backing up an image of your existing drive. Here's how to do it without having to buy Symantec's Ghost.

McDonald's and the End Of The World

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:19:54 +1000

In a McDonald's in Melbourne this morning, the world stopped. Will it stop for you too?

Vista Business released on pirate boards

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 07:05:25 +1000

With the full public release of Vista just weeks away, pirates have just released the Vista Business Upgrade DVD.

Sigmatel audio chip lacks Vista drivers

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 05:43:38 +1000

One of the most common audio chips found in garden variety PCs -- Sigmatel -- doesn't have a Vista driver. Who me? What audio chip? seems to be the response from Sigmatel.UPDATE Sunday 6.45PM |We've found a workaround that will work for some people.

Vista Home Basic's half-baked bits

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:37:18 +1000

It's not what's been left out that's the problem with Vista Home Basic: it's what has been left in. Some of the features are horribly watered-down.

Wait, bloggers can keep the free laptops after all: Microsoft

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:03:21 +1000

It's like playing peek-a-boo with a child: now Microsoft wants to give you a laptop. Now it doesn't. Now it does.

We don't need Vista after all?

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 06:42:50 +1000

Now that we're close to the public launch of Vista, a weird thing is happening in the blogosphere: people are starting to say that we don't really need it after all.

Microsoft sends Ferraris to bloggers

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 06:15:16 +1000

Microsoft has been caught out sending top-of-the-line laptops preloaded with Vista Ultimate to bloggers who have been covering Vista. The company says it's not a bribe because if bloggers wish they can choose to send the laptops back.

Can you run Vista?

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:11:07 +1000

Microsoft has spilled the beans on Vista's minimum 'Capable' specs. Curious to see where you sit on the Vista-ready scale?

Microsoft fights Gmail in the workplace

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:28:00 +1000

Resist the temptation to dump your skimpy work Outlook mailbox for Gmail -- Microsoft is promising multi-gig mailboxes in Exchange 2007.

Tough luck: MS on Aussie Vista

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:10:58 +1000

Why does Media Center suck so much, particularly for the Australian audience? We asked Microsoft and were graced with an anonymous spokesperson response.

Vista beta haunts Microsoft helpdesk

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:42:59 +1000

Microsoft may have finished the gold-master version of Vista, but tech support for the beta versions is just beginning... through gritted teeth.

Adobe CS3 public beta this weekend: major new 'live filters' capability

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 04:37:43 +1000

Clear your commitments this weekend and boot up your download manager: Adobe is set to unleash a public beta of its CS3 supersuite in the next few days.

No compatibility list for Vista

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:21:50 +1000

Microsoft has finally spilled the beans on whether it will release an application compatibility list for Windows Vista. It basically doesn't exist and probably never will.

OS X Leopard will create no new jobs

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:59:09 +1000

Shock research shows that Apple's new operating system, Leopard, will create no new jobs when it is launched early next year.

Vista, Linux and OS X benchmarking

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 12:35:08 +1000

I chatted with the lead developer behind the popular 3DMark and PCMark benchmarking utilities to find out about their latest Vista-compatible speed testing suites.

Pirates crack Vista Activation Server

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:55:58 +1000

In the latest battle of Pirates vs Microsoft, the pirates have snuck one past the goalkeeper, with the release of a cracked Activation Server called MelindaGates.

Symantec releases betas for Vista

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:32:44 +1000

Now that Vista is done, get ready for a barrage of Vista-compatible apps -- starting with betas of Symantec's Norton 2007 range.

Windows Vista crack is actually a trojan

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 03:20:18 +1000

A new 'crack' for Vista has started circulating, but the file ain't what it seems...

Is Windows Vista uncrackable?

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 04:22:26 +1000

Never say never, but Windows Vista final code has been out for three weeks now and is standing firm against pirates so far. Has Microsoft come up with an uncrackable product protection?

Vista, Office and Exchange launch with a pop

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 05:49:02 +1000

There were no catastrophic failures, no blue screens, in fact nothing remarkable at all at Microsoft Australia's official launch of Vista, Office and Exchange 2007. We'd heard it all before.

Free copies of Vista and Office 2007

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:23:44 +1000

Microsoft is so keen for early adopters and tech influencers to learn about the benefits of Vista and Office 2007 that it is giving full copies of it away.

Vista to exorcise SATA DVD demons?

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 05:07:07 +1000

Taiwan manufacturers are banging out more noise about their unpopular SATA optical drives, labeling Windows Vista as their ultimate saviour. But why, exactly, will Vista help them?

Nero runs under Vista (at last!)

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:43:33 +1000

Got Vista but need Nero? A fresh-baked update finally makes the popular CD/DVD burning suite compatible with Vista's RTM edition.

Work PCs to miss out on key Vista features

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:44:16 +1000

Vista Premium and Ultimate have some nice features, but Microsoft's most profitable customers -- organisations with hundreds of Windows licences -- will miss out on some of the best bits.

Lots missing in Vista's Media Center

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:58:14 +1000

Vista has gone gold, technically, but I'd describe the Media Centre features as being a particular shade of brown. Here's are the top 5 features you won't be getting.

Hold your horses: Creative has Vista drivers coming... some time next year

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:35:53 +1000

The giant awakes and we finally received a response from Creative regarding its largely lacking driver support for its sound cards on Windows Vista.

Vista RTM cracked by pirates before release

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 01:19:20 +1000

It hasn't been released toanyoneoutside Microsoft, and Vista RTM has already hit the pirate boards, along with an activation hack.

Microsoft closes piracy loophole: mandatory activation for volume licenced Vista

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:46:58 +1000

That's right, every single damn PC system admins roll out with Vista will need individual activation. In the industry's worst spin-doctoring of all time, Microsoft says it has made this change to improve the volume customer experience.

Vista goes gold: the frenzy begins

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 02:46:24 +1000

Vista's final code has been signed off by Microsoft execs early this morning. It's good to go - or as good as it is going to be until the first round of patching begins.

Tough new rules on Vista "OEM"

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 04:51:56 +1000

Another bastard clause of the Vista EULA has hit the spotlight. Microsoft has significantly tightened the restrictions on the sale of OEM copies of Vista -- say goodbye to the days of I'd like to buy a hard drive and an OEM copy of Windows, thanks.

Every Vista PC to get a domain name

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 06:48:03 +1000

Microsoft has built a Dynamic DNS type system into Vista, making it easy to connect to your PC from anywhere in the world without having to know its IP address. However, there's a catch (isn't there always?)

Cut-price Office 2007 starts at $249

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 04:03:34 +1000

Microsoft has finally recognised that home users are never going to pay the full price for Office and made available a cut price home and student version.

HOW TO: Wrangle Boot Camp 1.1.2 drivers into Windows Vista RC2

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:15:26 +1000

The release of Apple'sBoot Camp 1.1.2brings some substantial driver improvements for running Windows on Macs, but if you've moved on from XP to Vista already, it's not at all easy to install the new drivers. Here's how to do it.

How to beat the scam of security software

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 07:27:00 +1000

Buying security software is a necessary evil, but it needn't cost you a fortune. Here's how to get the best deals on internet security packages.

Vista gets official release dates

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 03:52:06 +1000

EXCLUSIVE |Microsoft has set November 30 as the release date for Vista (and Office 2007) to business customers and January 30, 2007 as the date for the official launch to consumers and The World At Large.

Media Player 11 for XP released

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 02:50:14 +1000

Hot on the heels of the final release of IE7, Media Player 11 was released to Windows XP users this week.

Vista Upgrade Pricing Announced

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:40:51 +1000

Microsoft has announced Windows Vista upgrade pricing for Australian consumers. Read on to see if you'll be able to afford to buy Vista while still eating three meals a day...

Creative mute on Vista Soundblaster drivers

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:05:30 +1000

Judging by Creative's almost total lack of Vista drivers, it seems the next-gen OS has crept up on Creative and taken it by surprise. That is, in itself, surprising, since the company was at the recent WinHEC conference in Seattle spouting off about how great its commitment to Vista was.

Windows Vista's retail boxes revealed

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 16:15:56 +1000

A shiny new OS deserves a shiny new box to sit in. Well, five of them -- one for each Vista version. Here's the story behind the new retail guise of Windows.

Could Vista actually slow down networks?

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:27:22 +1000

Network admins won't be happy: in its default state, Vista uses up to three times more network bandwidth than XP thanks to its many new networking features. On networks with many PCs, that could be a big problem.

Psst! Wanna buy Vista for $27?

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 04:58:58 +1000

Okay, so there's a catch: in order to score a super-cheap copy of Vista or Office 2007, you'll have to buy a new PC with XP on it within the next few months.

Vista desktop search: Google flukes, Yahoo fails

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 03:21:56 +1000

Aside from Vista's inbuilt desktop search engine, there are other third party applications out there. The challenge, it seems, is in finding one that supports Vista.

Desktop search is rotten in Vista

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:30:00 +1000

Since installing Vista on my work PC, I'm beginning to know what the end of the world would feel like. It's an apocalyptic wasteland strewn with poorly organised files; I'm the feral pig foraging haplessly through folders.

Media Sharing Made Easy With Vista

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 11:08:09 +1000

UPnP media streaming is becoming a household phenomenon. Windows Vista comes to the UPnP Party, but brought it own drinks...and you'd better like them.

HOW TO: Install Vista RC2 on an Intel Mac with Boot Camp

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:30:00 +1000

Dan Warne, chief honcho at APC's web site, asked if I would do a post on installing the new Windows Vista RC2 release on an Intel Mac using the recent update to Boot Camp. Sure, I said, no worries; should be easy. I was wrong.

Microsoft releases Windows Vista RC2: final test build

Sat, 07 Oct 2006 10:51:02 +1000

Microsoft has released Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 for public download.

HOW TO: Install Nero 7 on Vista

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 01:03:12 +1000

With Vista lacking decent optical burning abilities, it's in dire need of a third-party application. Unfortunately, if Nero is your app of choice, it refuses to run. Until now...

New Vista build 5728 temporary available

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 05:22:29 +1000

Microsoft is making a new build of Vista with post-RC1 fixes available for a short time only. Grab it while you can!

HOW TO: download Office 2007 beta 2 "technical refresh" from Australia

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 03:19:43 +1000

Officially, Aussies are still blocked from downloading the Office 2007 beta, but we've found a direct download link that will let you get the technical refresh -- the final beta before Office 2007 goes to manufacturing.

The Vista taskbar: it's worse than XP's

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 10:22:23 +1000

It's a dark day for taskbar tweakers (you know who you are). Microsoft has actuallycutVista's taskbar functionality from what was in XP, ignoring years of calls for improvement.

HOW TO: install iTunes 7 on Vista RC1

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 06:58:25 +1000

If you've had problems installing the new iTunes 7 on Windows Vista RC1 today, here's how to work around the problem.

End-of-year Vista release: business versions only

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 04:11:46 +1000

Microsoft will push ahead with release of Vista to volume-licence customers before the end of the year, but it will only release the business-specific versions, Microsoft Australia's Windows Chief said yesterday.

Up to $670 for Vista in Australia?

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 03:02:23 +1000

Microsoft today confirmed its US pricing for Windows Vista. Based on the previous price difference between Windows XP in the US and Australia, we could end paying as much as $670 for Vista when it hits.

Windows Vista RC1 (build 5600) released!

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 05:02:05 +1000

Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 has gone gold, with an initial release to formal beta testers today and a wider release next week, according to Windows Chief Jim Allchin.

We were wrong about HD playback in Vista: Microsoft

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 01:18:43 +1000

Microsoft has clarified its statement that playback of protected high-definition content wouldn't be possible in Windows Vista 32bit. It now says its Senior Program Manager Steve Riley didn't quite get it right, though it's hard to see how the clarification isn't more of the same in different words.

Microsoft cuts ANOTHER feature: full HD playback in 32bit Vista goes

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:25:15 +1000

TECH.ED 2006 |Microsoft has bent to pressure from movie studios to limit playback of protected HD movies to 64-bit computers only. That means owners of most Pentium 4s and Core Duos can kiss goodbye to dreams of studio-release BluRay and HD-DVD movies playing on a 30 LCD monitor...

Unlock work internet or risk losing staff: Microsoft

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 05:29:16 +1000

TECH.ED 2006 |People don't want to work for employers who limit their internet access at work, a senior Microsoft exec said today at the opening of the software giant's annual developer conference, Tech.Ed 2006.

Windows PE 2.0: a tiny version of Windows for system maintenance

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 04:28:06 +1000

Few people know it, but when you boot off the Vista install DVD, you're booting into a different version of Windows altogether: Windows PE 2.0. Stripped away from the Vista installer, it's a remarkably powerful, compact OS.