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Operating Systems
Security, Speed and the Trouble With Transparency
November 08, 2009
The key selling point for Windows 7, as emphasized in a concerted advertising campaign that stretches across both TV and the Web, is that it's leaner, simpler and faster. It doesn't have to complete the phrase "faster than ..." because we all know how to complete that phrase. Microsoft's bet for Windows 7 is that users smart enough to complete that phrase, care.
Windows 7 Flies Off the Shelves
November 06, 2009
Sales of Microsoft's Windows 7 boxed software over the first three days of its release have vastly surpassed those of its predecessor, Vista, for the same time period, according new figures from the NPD Group. Specifically, NPD's weekly tracking service is reporting that Windows 7 software sales in the U.S. were 234 percent higher for those three days, compared with Vista's sales.

Does Wine Make Linux Too Loose?
November 05, 2009
Following the Karmic Koala's joyful reception last week, sentiments toward the FOSSy marsupial have become distinctly less enthusiastic in recent days -- at least for some. "Early adopters bloodied by Ubuntu's Karmic Koala" was the headline on a piece that ran in The Register on Tuesday, which chronicled multiple cases of frustration among some users upgrading to the new version.
Sony Ericsson Starts Some Early Buzz for a Late Android
November 03, 2009
Handset maker Sony Ericsson on Tuesday announced the new Xperia X10 smartphone. It will run on the Android 1.6 mobile operating system, also known as "Donut." The Xperia X10 will begin shipping to select markets next year. In announcing the Xperia X10, Sony Ericsson named the handset as the flagship device of a family of phones coming to market during the first half of 2010.

Mac OS X May Split With Atom
November 03, 2009
An update from Apple for its OS X 10.6 operating system could cause a lot of grief for tinkerers who have installed Snow Leopard on low-cost netbook computers. The update may cause Snow Leopard to no longer run on Intel's Atom processors. Withdrawing Atom support would prevent device hackers from creating so-called hackintosh netbooks.
Early Projections Suggest Smooth Sailing for Windows 7
November 02, 2009
Though it's officially less than two weeks out of the gate, Microsoft's Windows 7 already owns a 3 percent share of the market for personal computer operating systems, according to Net Applications. When Windows 7 was generally released on Oct. 22, it already had a 1.99 percent share of the market, the firm reported. That figure rose to 3.67 percent by the end of last week.

Windows 7 Takes Back Mac Switchers and Other Reasons for Hope
November 02, 2009
Last month was fascinating for me. Not only was Windows 7 launched, but it appeared last week that because so many Mac users were installing Windows 7, some huge enterprise servers crashed. In addition, I got a chance to see Yahoo's new CEO Carol Bartz in action, and was both impressed with her and a little disappointed in the event.
Can the Karmic Koala Take on Win 7?
November 02, 2009
Well the Karmic Koala finally climbed down from its eucalyptus tree last week, and the general result was feverish excitement across the Linux blogs. Reviews of the new release seem highly favorable, on the whole, as does the download process via release mirrors and torrents. However, not everyone is convinced Linux is ready for the mainstream.

A Taste of Android's Freshly Baked Eclair
October 30, 2009
When the Verizon Droid from Motorola arrives next month, it will include a new version of the Android Operating system. Android 2.0, also known as "Eclair," will no doubt show up in lots of other new smartphones over the coming months. Android 2.0 ushers in a host of new features. Perhaps the one that sparks the most interest is its native support for Microsoft Exchange.
Windows 7 Is a Snooze
October 29, 2009
Windows 7 is on my wish list. I wish Microsoft didn't raise the equipment ante required to run its new operating system. I wish Microsoft built in an easy upgrade path from Windows XP. I wish Microsoft provided Windows 7 with some kind of Wow Factor that gave me a compelling reason to change my computing strategy. Instead, all I got in my experience with Microsoft's latest OS release is a yawn.

Ubuntu Karmic Koala Climbs Into the Ring
October 28, 2009
Canonical, the commercial developer of the open source operating system Ubuntu, will release on Thursday Ubuntu 9.10 Server Edition and Ubuntu 9.10 Desktop Edition. The two latest releases come on the heals of last week's release of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. The latest Ubuntu releases could raise the ante in the competitive field of computer operating systems.
Windows 7 Gets Rid of the Gimmicks
October 26, 2009
Is it damning with faint praise to say that Windows 7 is definitely not Windows Vista? Probably. After the misfire that was Microsoft's previous operating system, those words alone may be enough to push consumers off the computer-buying fence -- when you couple them with the bargain-basement deals that await PC shoppers over the next few weeks.

Microsoft Launches a Revolution, Apple Launches a Mouse
October 26, 2009
I really was anticipating a battle royal between Microsoft and Apple and thought both companies would come to the mat with their best stuff. It felt like Apple was so focused on maintaining high margins last quarter that it gave up a huge chance to grow share, and its stealth launch of a couple of PCs and a multitouch mouse just seemed lame next to the massive rollout of Windows boxes.
Windows 7 Draws New PC Designs Out of the Woodwork
October 25, 2009
Although no one waits in long lines for a new edition of Windows anymore, the debut of Microsoft's latest software that runs PCs is part of why buying a computer is starting to feel fun for the first time in years. Windows 7 is expected to work better than its predecessor, Vista. At the same time, Microsoft's marketing has gotten savvier, and PC makers have followed Apple's lead by improving hardware design.

Weighing Windows 7's Wallop
October 23, 2009
So how's your head after that wild Windows 7 launch party with the Stepford crew? Still got the spins? OK, if you really did throw or attend an official Windows 7 launch party, then that's ... interesting. I sincerely hope you had a good time. For the rest of us, the official introduction of Windows 7 was a pretty austere affair.
Microsoft Stock Hits 52-Week High
October 23, 2009
Microsoft said Friday its net income fell 18 percent in the last quarter, largely because it deferred revenue when it let summertime PC buyers get free upgrades to Windows 7, which was released this week. Investors looked past that accounting decision, noting that if it had counted its deferred Windows revenue, Microsoft's earnings would have increased 8 percent from last year.

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