Is Windows 7 in the Family Way?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:56:45 GMT

Some "casually" left text in a post-release candidate beta of Windows 7 suggest a family pack is on the way.

Windows 7 not looking hot to the IT crowd

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:26:52 GMT

While the consumer market seems keen on jumping on the Windows 7 bandwagon, the people with the big money are sticking to XP

Beta the devil you know: Windows 7 needs a patch

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:22:08 GMT

Windows 7 RC users may have tracked down the missing Movie Maker, but a quick update is needed to keep using it.

Looks like Windows 7 will shift a few copies

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:14:54 GMT

Looking around online stores, Windows 7 is rocketing to the top of the sales charts as users pre-order their copies while its going cheap

You know where you can stick your Windows 7?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:49:28 GMT

DVDs are so last century and downloads, well we don't all have great broadband, so how can Microsoft get Windows 7 to the netbooking masses? Could a cute little stick do the trick?

Windows 7 is free, well kind of

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:21:25 GMT

Windows 7 pricing details are out and its a mix of the good, bad and indifferent for the world's Windows-using PC owners

Windows 7: now easier to open!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:23:57 GMT

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 19:52:37 GMT

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

Cheap netbook gets power from AA batteries

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:47:21 GMT

Netbook gets all the power it needs from eight AA batteries.

Windows 7 pricing, the haggling begins

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:09:23 GMT

At every level of retail, the knives are out as customers look for their pound of flesh from Microsoft in the new era of OS pricing

Windows 7 won't come with web browser in Europe

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:44:50 GMT

Due to the constant badgering, massive fines and threatening noises coming out the European Union, no browser will be installed when the new OS launches in October.

Windows 7 takes a final leak

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:08:28 GMT

For the last time, until Windows 8 comes along, we bring news about a new leaked version of the Windows 7 code.

Microsoft preps public beta of free ‘Morro’ security software for Windows 7

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:19:20 GMT

Free software will protect against malware such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans, but won’t be bundled with the OS.

Netbook running dual Windows and Android spotted at Computex

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:35:34 GMT

COMPUTEX | An unnamed netbook that runs both Android and Windows with detachable screen and dual CPUs has been spotted.

Dell axes its Mini 12 netbook, preps 'thin and light' Mini 11 ULV?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:22:11 GMT

The super-sized netbook has disappeared from several Dell sites around the world. Is the rumoured Mini 11 ‘thin and light’ ULV notebook waiting in the wings?

Microsoft blames economic crash on search engines. WTF?!

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:07:26 GMT

Microsoft has launched its first ad in a $100 million campaign for its newly rebranded search engine, Bing.

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

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:01:22 GMT

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...

Selling Windows 7, this could do it!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:35:44 GMT

Windows 7 needs something to spark the imagination of the buying public to help it shift... perhaps this for instance.

HOW TO: skin Windows 7 and share with your friends

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:18:34 GMT

Windows 7 looks pretty smart and comes with some great looking themes, but they'll last five minutes when you see what can be created by modding fans, friends or yourself.

Intel’s second-gen Atom “not validated” for Windows 7 Home Premium or higher

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:26:39 GMT

Windows 7 Home Premium is not “the right solution” for netbooks, says Intel, so its forthcoming Pineview processors will be tested only for Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic.

Microsoft says “Goodbye netbook, hello LCSN-PC”

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:20:16 GMT

“Low cost small notebook PC” is Microsoft’s laughable new tag for what everyone else calls netbooks. Whatever they’re smoking, keep it away from us.

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

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:59:11 GMT

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

Microsoft hardware to get Windows 7 exclusive features

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:30:34 GMT

What would be the point of a new OS if you couldn't flog all-new versions of your old hardware with some new bells and whistles?

Skyfire mobile browser released for Windows Mobile and Symbian phones

Sat, 30 May 2009 21:22:01 GMT

Finally out of beta, the fresh-baked Skyfire promises to bring desktop-class browsing – with full support for Flash and AJAX – to Windows Mobile and Nokia Symbian S60.3 phones.

Dell axes the Mini 9 netbook, the Mini 12 soon to follow?

Sat, 30 May 2009 17:06:53 GMT

It seems that Dell is dropping its first-gen Mini 9 netbook from the line-up, with the Mini 12 also for the chop due to Microsoft’s netbook restrictions for Windows 7...

Windows 7 Starter drops three-app limit

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:18:41 GMT

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.

ASUS: Only 5% of Eee PCs use Linux

Fri, 29 May 2009 15:20:08 GMT

The original Eee PC might have promised to bring Linux to the masses, but these days it looks like ASUS is running away from open source and towards Redmond at breathtaking speed.

Windows 7 "Touch" Pack Revealed

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:13:03 GMT

Windows 7's big - but so far invisible - feature is Touch, lovingly demonstrated in all those Apple adverts. Now Microsoft is starting to ramp up the hype for the tactile OS.

HP refreshes netbook line with new Mini 110 and 1101

Wed, 27 May 2009 21:30:02 GMT

Two new models based on the popular Mini 1000 see the return of the VGA port and bigger hard drives, plus optional HD graphics and 3G.

Microsoft releases Vista Service Pack 2 for download

Wed, 27 May 2009 01:30:35 GMT

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.

Acer releases cute’n’compact Windows Home Server

Mon, 25 May 2009 23:28:43 GMT

The Atom-powered four-drive system looks set to be the second major WHS system that we can’t get here. Surprise, surprise...

Lenovo releases ULV notebook, 12 inch netbook and 20 inch all-in-one Atom desktop

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:34:05 GMT

Lenovo’s up-sized IdeaPad S12 netbook offers optional Nvidia Ion graphics, while the all-in-one IdeaCentre C300 desktop is a slim budget version of the A600 with an Atom CPU.

Windows 7 spin kicks in as Beta 1 shuts down

Mon, 25 May 2009 21:53:01 GMT

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 00:01:47 GMT

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

Microsoft revises ‘netbook’ hardware spec for Windows 7

Sat, 23 May 2009 19:14:04 GMT

Netbooks eligible to for the low-cost Windows 7 Starter edition can’t exceed a 10.2 inch screen or 1GB of RAM, although larger drives and faster processors are allowed.

Intel’s next-gen Atom platform gets HD decoder chip

Sat, 23 May 2009 23:09:51 GMT

Unable to bake its own HD-capable silicon into the forthcoming Pinetrail two-chip netbook platform, Intel taps Broadcom for an optional HD graphics decoder chip.

Sophos releases ‘Klingon Anti-Virus’ software

Sat, 23 May 2009 20:55:15 GMT

This is what happens when you let software developers off their leash: Star Trek-themed malware scanner. Raise shields and scan for intruders, Mr Worf..!

Samsung’s four-way netbook play

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:34:00 GMT

The Korean powerhouse returns to the Australian PC market with a bang, unleashing four netbooks including a 12.1 inch mini-note and a 3G model.

Acer's slim Timeline ULV notebooks are dressed (and priced) to impress

Wed, 20 May 2009 23:22:58 GMT

Less than an inch thick, boasting an eight hour battery life and starting at $1,299, the Aspire Timeline series is the slim shape of ultra-portable notebooks to come..

Acer upsizes its Aspire One netbook to 11.6 inches

Wed, 20 May 2009 22:37:02 GMT

The best-selling netbook gets a big brother with an 11.6 inch HD display, eight hour battery life and $899 price tag.

Dell launches $700 Ubuntu Linux netbook onto Australian market

Tue, 19 May 2009 21:03:04 GMT

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...

Now you can run OS X widgets on Windows

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:52:32 GMT

Widgets are now a feature of every operating system and even browsers. However, mix and match isn't an option, until now, as you can add Mac-based widgets to your PC

Microsoft moves Windows Mobile My Phone online backup service into open beta

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:15:42 GMT

The cloud-based My Phone service stores text messages, contacts, photos and video clips from Windows Mobile phones on the Web.

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

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:21:05 GMT

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 13:16:19 GMT

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

First Look: Toshiba NB200 netbook

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:55:23 GMT

We get hands-on with all three models in Toshiba’s second-gen NB200 netbook family, which go on sale next week starting at $699 after cashback rebate.

Google closes the gap on Microsoft Exchange

Thu, 14 May 2009 23:48:19 GMT

With a new Apps Connector software to push Gmail, Google Calendar and Contacts direct to a BlackBerry Google takes another step towards becoming a complete alternative to Exchange.

Microsoft opens ‘technical preview’ beta program for Office 2010

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:36:24 GMT

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.

Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 ‘Snow Leopard’ set for a showdown

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:57:25 GMT

Things are looking surprisingly neck-and-neck as Apple and Microsoft race towards the OS finish line, but it might not even matter who gets there first...

Dell unveils budget-priced Mini 10v netbook

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:47:52 GMT

As tipped last month the new Mini 10v shaves the sticker price on the popular 10.1 inch netbook. Now let’s see how much cheaper it is in Australia...

Samsung brings its netbooks to Australia

Wed, 13 May 2009 23:06:59 GMT

Enthusiasts may no longer need to privately import Samsung netbooks once the Korean colossus begins local sales of its 10.1 inch and 12.1 inch models.

New Windows 7 logo revealed?

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:53:52 GMT

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

Internet Explorer to drop below 50% browser share by 2011?

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:10:25 GMT

Steady uptake of Firefox, Safari and Chrome sees Microsoft’s browser slip to 66% of share – and the slide will continue until it tumbles below 50%, says one analyst.

Microsoft ditches ‘Windows Genuine Advantage’ in Windows 7

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:24:47 GMT

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 22:48:54 GMT

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 22:16:01 GMT

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 fires blanks at Windows 7 users

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:54:50 GMT

Today sees a fire-drill test of the Microsoft Windows Update system for Windows 7 RC users: there will be downloads but Windows Update will actually be firing blanks.

Windows 7 flaws start to show

Fri, 08 May 2009 07:52:06 GMT

Tossed like a clay target into the air, everyone is now taking potshots at the Windows 7 Release Candidate

Microsoft releases Vista Service Pack 2

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:42:58 GMT

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).

Why Dell’s rumoured Android netbook makes sense

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:49:55 GMT

Adding Google’s Android smartphone OS to its entry-level netbook could be part of Dell’s revamp for its entire Mini family.

Windows 7 chokes interweb tubes

Thu, 07 May 2009 16:22:10 GMT

The release of the Windows 7 Release Candidate saw a huge spike in Aussie IP traffic, showing that the mass interest in Windows 7 is not just MS hot air.

First Windows 7 RC feature gets pulled

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:00:02 GMT

The Windows 7 release candidate has been live for just 24 hours, but Microsoft has already pulled one feature amidst fears it could make the new OS unsuitable for netbooks.

Will you swing on Microsoft's Vine?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:12:59 GMT

Banish those dirty thoughts! It's a new Twitter-competitor from Microsoft.

Four small but cool features of Windows 7

Wed, 06 May 2009 09:20:32 GMT

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...

Tue, 05 May 2009 20:48:47 GMT

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 01:19:38 GMT

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

Dick Smith to sell Dell PCs

Sat, 02 May 2009 20:58:10 GMT

Prospective buyers of Dell desktops and laptops will now be able to get hands-on with selected models at a Dick Smith store.

Beyond Windows 7: Geneva, Hawaii and Dublin

Sat, 02 May 2009 21:10:25 GMT

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

Nvidia releases GeForce drivers for Windows 7 RC1

Sun, 03 May 2009 16:01:24 GMT

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

Windows 7 Release Candidate blocks upgrade from pre-RC builds

Mon, 04 May 2009 11:30:34 GMT

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 18:53:03 GMT

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 00:46:51 GMT

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 23:09:06 GMT

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

Microsoft releases Office 2007 Service Pack 2

Sat, 02 May 2009 22:20:36 GMT

A faster and more stable Outlook, better charting in Excel plus inbuilt support for OpenDoc ODF file formats are all part of Microsoft’s Office 2007 refit.

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

Sat, 02 May 2009 20:29:01 GMT

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

Microsoft Australia aims blowtorch at Apple

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:23:15 GMT

Microsoft is no longer shy about openly attacking Apple: it says PCs are cheaper and has the stats to prove it.

Smart Installer Pack: download Windows apps automatically

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:04:04 GMT

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

Are you compatible with Windows 7?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:06:57 GMT

Actually, we mean your applications, but it does help if you're compatible too. If Windows 7 launches in October, a mutual understanding of Librans will be a plus.

No plans for ‘7Lite’ reveals vLite creator

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:08:41 GMT

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.

Microsoft dumps Auto Play due to Conficker

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:48:33 GMT

The Conficker virus has prompted a rethink in Redmond, and Auto Play in Windows will be largely disabled in Windows 7 as a result.

Use Safari (and Firefox) to read newsstand magazines on your PC

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:02:12 GMT

Read free copies of popular US tech magazines, motoring magazines and (ahem) men’s magazines by telling your browser to pretend it’s running on an iPhone...

USB 3.0 cables now on sale, but hubs still a year away...

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:21:16 GMT

An online store is now selling USB 3.0 ‘SuperSpeed’ cables which bend the needle at up to 5Gbit/s – provided you can conjure up some USB 3.0 hardware.

Firefox 3.5 hits final beta

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:04:47 GMT

The fourth beta of Firefox 3.5, released overnight, will be the last before the browser’s code is locked for an expected mid-year debut.

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

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:54:31 GMT

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 15:02:12 GMT

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 11:31:24 GMT

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

Hands-on: Installing Windows 7 on an old laptop

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:22:50 GMT

A common question is "will I be able to install Windows 7 on my old PC?" We find out by digging out an old laptop and trying for ourselves.

How about a snack of Windows 7?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:56:38 GMT

Microsoft is making learning your way around Windows 7 easy with some bite-size Silverlight videos using a natty snack player

Lenovo preps touchscreen ThinkPads for Windows 7

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:33:52 GMT

New ThinkPads will support Windows 7 multi-touch gestures and allow users to add their own customised gestures to the OS.

What would you add to Windows 8?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:11 GMT

With Windows 7 not even have hit the streets yet, but Microsoft is looking for new blood to lead the development of Windows 8, do you fit the bill?

Microsoft names Windows 7 RC release date

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:33:41 GMT

Microsoft is monkeying around with its various websites again, suggesting the release date of the final-ish version of Windows 7 is close.

Around the world with Windows 7 wallpapers

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:43:23 GMT

Install the beta of Windows 7 for different countries and you now get a cool set of individual wallpapers -- so who's got the best scenery?

Microsoft now focused on "real world" Windows 7 install testing

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:11:10 GMT

Future upgrades to the release candidate version of Windows 7 are going to get more complicated as Microsoft looks for real-world feedback.

Microsoft to offer XP downgrades from Windows 7

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:38:40 GMT

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

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:03:44 GMT

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.

Don't get hopeful about Windows 7 on your work PC

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:45:25 GMT

Despite the love-in for Windows 7's stability and compatibility, businesses are still cool on taking the plunge of upgrading from XP.

Experts to Microsoft: set your Windows patches free!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:10:15 GMT

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 14:15:27 GMT

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.

Further Windows 7 features revealed

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:12:07 GMT

More information emerges from Microsoft about compatibility issues and features of the forthcoming Windows 7, in the form of answers to user's questions.

Microsoft launches Windows 7 developer blog

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:19:31 GMT

Last week Microsoft added a new blog to its army of sites offering Windows 7 information, this one is aimed at those developing software for the OS.