Microsoft Vista news stories on Newser

Windows 7 Drops: Microsoft Is Back

Jason Farago — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:41:44 CDT

At last, you can put your Vista woes behind you. Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, which drops today, takes what's good about its predecessor—especially security and good looks—and eliminates the parts that drove users bonkers. Windows 7 isn't just substantially faster and more compatible with users' machines,...

Windows 7: Finally an End to the Ordeal of Vista

Caroline Miller — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:51:34 CDT

PC users who've suffered the agonies of Vista are finally about to get a reprieve, Walt Mossberg says: Windows 7, to be released Oct. 22, is "a faster and much better operating system than the little-loved Windows Vista, which did a lot to harm both the company's reputation, and the...

Switchover to Windows 7 a Big Pain

Matt Cantor — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:56:13 CDT

The latest Windows incarnation beats Vista and XP, but don’t expect a smooth transition: upgrading from XP to Windows 7 is an ordeal, writes Walt Mossberg in the Wall Street Journal . “In fact, the process will be so painful that, for many XP users, the easiest solution may be to...

Google Launches Web-Based OS, Takes Aim at Windows

Jason Farago — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:46:00 CDT

Google has doubled down in its battle with Microsoft. The search giant announced it is bringing out an open-source operating system, named Google Chrome OS, that looks to go head-to-head with long-dominant Windows. Chrome OS is Google's biggest push yet onto traditional Microsoft turf, reports the Financial Times , following free...

'Gorgeous' Vaio P Frustrates

Jim O'Neill — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:28:01 CST

Sony’s new netbook, the Vaio P, is about the size of "one of those plastic folders waiters use to bring you the check at a restaurant," but the pricey gadget is "very slow and has poor battery life," writes Wall Street Journal tech maven Walter Mossberg. It draws envious glances...

Windows 7: Finally, an End to Vista Misery

Jason Farago — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:53:01 CST

Microsoft is rolling out a successor to Vista, its universally reviled operating system, with Windows 7 now available in a relatively bug-free beta download. Early users report that the new edition is a marked improvement. David Pogue, in the New York Times , says Windows 7 ends “a big part of...

Ballmer Opens Up Windows 7 Beta

Rob Quinn — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:25:28 CST

Windows 7 Beta will be launched to the public tomorrow, Steve Ballmer told the Consumer Electronics Show yesterday. The Microsoft chief, filling the keynote slot held by Bill Gates in the previous 11 years, told the audience that the operating system would be a return to the "special sauce" that...

Microsoft Offers Early Peek at Vista's Successor

John Johnson — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:25:51 CDT

Microsoft offered an early look today of its new operating system, designed to smooth out the kinks of the much-maligned Vista. The company gave programmers test software of Windows 7, which CEO Steve Ballmer is pushing to release next year, CNET reports. Those with an early look have generally praised...

6 Ways to Make Vista Suck Less

Kevin Spak — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:57:26 CDT

Windows Vista may be clunky, but Stephen Williams is sick of hearing complaints about it. He runs down six easy ways to make Vista more bearable in the New York Times : Turn off the user account control feature. Windows will finally stop asking your permission to do everything. Add memory....