Intel Mac users will like Snow Leopard's smartly designed interface enhancements, and its Exchange support is a must-have (especially with Outlook for Mac on the way). With a ton of technological improvements, Snow Leopard is worth the AU$39 upgrade fee.
Windows 7 looks like the operating system that we've all been waiting for. Despite its imperfections, it shows a lot of promise for the future while presenting a stable platform that can compete comfortably with OS X.
Windows Vista's less than stellar reputation and poor uptake are due in part to the heavy demands it makes on system hardware. But how does Windows 7 perform?
The R2 update for Windows Server 2003 was mostly about bug-fixes plus the odd feature tweak, but that's not the case with Windows Server 2008 R2.
Early releases of the Xen hypervisor showed promise but had lots of rough edges. Citrix's XenServer 5, however, is very much a production-class virtualisation solution with features that match, and in some cases exceed, what's available on rival platforms.
This is an impressive update to Microsoft's Small Business Server that packs a big punch. However, it may be overkill for a lot of companies and isn't quite as easy to manage as it first appears.
VMware Workstation is an excellent product, having the potential to save IT managers many hours of work. And at only AU$257.23 per seat, it is also good value for money.
The latest version of Mandriva is a competent and well-implemented desktop release with lots to commend it to those with some Linux know-how.
Hardy Heron is an incremental set of advances on earlier versions, but all the advances are in the right direction. Unfortunately, a known and unfixed bug means we can't currently recommend it for enterprise use.
Windows Server 2008 is easier to install and manage than previous versions, and has many new and improved features that should encourage organisations to upgrade.
A little more than one year after its release, Windows Vista will receive its first service pack update in March. Microsoft says the pack will offer better compatibility with third-party hardware, increased reliability, tighter security, and better performance. Our tests disagree.
The grace of Leopard's interface enhancements makes productivity more pleasurable with a Mac, as more than 300 functional and fun features top off this update.
Ubuntu is very user-friendly but not right for everyone. Oddly, both casual and advanced users will find this operating system wonderful, while day-to-day users may rail against Ubuntu's incompatibility with certain popular software applications.
Production-quality XenSource virtualisation is the main selling point here, with optional clustering and storage virtualisation to go with it. But there's a lot more besides, making the new Red Hat Enterprise Linux a compelling solution for businesses of all sizes.
After adding it back as an option for small businesses, Dell offers the older OS on consumer machines in response to demand in the US.
Microsoft released several patches for Windows Vista on Tuesday, including one designed to put the iPod and the new operating system back on speaking terms.
Though it doesn't offer earth-shattering new features and interface issues remain, Windows Mobile 6 brings a collection of noteworthy improvements that makes its mobile devices easier to use and equips mobile professionals with more robust productivity tools.
Windows Vista was officially launched at the The Museum of Contemporary Art of Sydney. It was also an unofficial handover of sorts from outgoing Microsoft Australia managing director Steve Vamos to Tracey Fellows, who starts her stint next week.
Windows Vista Ultimate is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Microsoft Office 2010 beta
The beta for Microsoft Office 2010 is here and we've had a chance to check out the latest version. Though the … Watch it now
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