Microsoft Windows news stories on Newser

Why Windows XP Refuses to Die

Mark Russell — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:45:05 CDT

Despite upgrades like Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft's most popular operating system remains the clunky, security-plagued, 10-year-old Windows XP. But why? "I'm fascinated—and, in a peculiar way, inspired—by XP's astonishing longevity," writes McCracken in Time . Microsoft is mostly at fault, he says, because Vista was glitzy, "had an...

Look Out, iPad: Windows 8 a Contender

Evann Gastaldo — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:00:24 CDT

Microsoft has skirted the problem it ran into three years ago, when its preview of Windows 7 was leaked to the general public, by "leaking" Windows 8—which will ultimately power PCs and iPad-rivaling tablets—itself. The preview of the operating system, first aired at a conference yesterday, was posted...

Coming Soon: Windows 8

Evann Gastaldo — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:13:13 CDT

It seems like only yesterday that Microsoft released Windows 7—and indeed, most of us haven't gotten around to upgrading to that version—but already, Windows 8 is nearly upon us. Web forums were filled with news and rumors last week after PC manufacturers and equipment makers got "early beta"...

Double Rainbow Guy Gets Microsoft Gig

Slurge — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:01:59 CDT

Anyone who has seen the Internet viral video often titled "Double Rainbow Guy" knows that the cameraman involved is exceptionally impressed by rainbows. Especially double ones. The ecstatic laughing, sometimes crying video maker is Paul "Hungry Bear" Vasquez, and he has now been hired by Microsoft for a Windows Live...

Windows-to-Mac Software Should Scare Microsoft

Harry Kimball — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:36:46 CST

Conflicted about choosing sides in the apocalyptic showdown between Microsoft and Apple? No need to worry—in this brave new world, you can have your cake and eat it. Parallels is Mac software that allows users to seamlessly integrate Windows programs, even the entire desktop. So, for just $79.99—...

Nokia Challenges Apple With 3G Netbook

Harry Kimball — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:23:00 CDT

Nokia is charging into the mobile computing market with its first netbook, PC World reports. The phone company’s Booklet 3G features 3G connectivity for Internet access and packs a healthy 12 hours of battery life. The tiny laptop—10 inches—runs Windows and has Nokia’s Ovi mobile apps and communication...

Microsoft Move Won't Derail Antitrust Case

Sarah Quinn — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:33:01 CDT

The European Commission is moving forward with its antitrust case against Microsoft even after the company's promise to sell its Windows 7 operating system without Internet Explorer in Europe. The commission "notes with interest" Microsoft's announcement, CNET News reports, but adds that "Microsoft has apparently decided to supply retail consumers...

Guess Who's Taking On the Apple Store?

Jason Farago — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:25:02 CST

Microsoft has hired a former Wal-Mart exec to help the company open a chain of retail stores—a new strategy in its battle with Apple. The move is the latest sign of upheaval at Redmond, reports the Financial Times , and represents a change in approach. "To open their own stores...

High Traffic Delays Windows 7 Beta Rollout

Harry Kimball — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:09:37 CST

After promising the world Windows 7 Beta on Wednesday, Microsoft had to pull the plug on its download site due to cripplingly high traffic, CNET reports today. “We are adding some additional infrastructure support,” Microsoft said, “before we post the public beta.” Microsoft hopes to have millions of testers for...