News (70)

  • XP a quietly official alternative to Vista

    Despite its big push for Vista, Microsoft is quietly allowing PC makers to offer an option that lets users "downgrade" to Windows XP, allowing customers to purchase new PCs but stick with the older operating system.

  • XP receives kiss of death, long live Vista

    Monday was the last day on which Windows XP will be sold as a boxed product or licensed to PC manufacturers.

  • Numbers game: Macs safe but not so secure

    The scalp of Mac OS X has been waved trophy-like after being hacked in controlled environments, yet security researchers are hard pressed remembering the last time a Mac was compromised in the wild.

  • Microsoft ready for Vista patch threesome

    Microsoft plans to release a trio of updates for Windows Vista this week, a move -- the company said -- which should help ease some of the complaints levelled against the OS.

  • Microsoft suspends XP's death sentence

    Bowing to pressure from customers and computer makers, Microsoft plans to keep Windows XP around a little longer.

Blogs (3)

  • Read the blog post - Ella Morton

    Reporter's notebook: Vista midnight launch

    Time to reflect on the good, the bad, and the nonsensical that comprised the late-night launches along the eastern seaboard of Australia.

  • Read the blog post - Ella Morton

    Who'll be on the Vista at midnight?

    The first copy of Windows Vista will be sold as the clock ticks over to midnight on Monday. So who's rocking up to the late-night launch?

  • Read the blog post - Munir Kotadia

    Six different Vistas, same old view

    As we slowly creep closer to the launch of Windows Vista, it seems that the six different versions of Microsoft's new operating system are for the benefit of the company's PR machine rather than its customers.

Features and Case Studies (21)

  • What's new in Windows Vista?

    Don't want to take Windows Vista for a test drive until you know what it has to offer? Join Windows expert Deb Shinder for a visual tour of Beta 2 as she points out some of the more dramatic changes and shares her impressions of the new OS.

  • 10 ways to secure borderless networks

    Traditional security models are dependent on "border patrol" via firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention system and other perimeter protection methods. In new, borderless networks, the focus shifts to protection of the data itself. Here are 10 technologies you should be looking at to help secure your borderless network.

  • Aussie enterprises will embrace Win7

    There appears to be no doubt that Windows 7 will be significantly more popular in Australia than Vista was, a reality that will help Microsoft entrench its wider software portfolio even further into the enterprise.

  • 10 things to do before installing Vista

    Windows Vista's enhanced functionality and snazzy Aero Glass visual effects will demand steeper hardware requirements for the machines you support. Check this list to make sure you cover all the bases before deciding what Vista versions those machines will be able to run.

  • Tips to boost Vista performance

    Vista can be a performance hog, but there are many ways you can tweak the OS components to speed it up. See what actions you can take to remove bottlenecks and optimise Vista.

Reviews (24)

  • What's new in Windows Vista?

    Don't want to take Windows Vista for a test drive until you know what it has to offer? Join Windows expert Deb Shinder for a visual tour of Beta 2 as she points out some of the more dramatic changes and shares her impressions of the new OS.

  • Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional)

    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 Ultimate

    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.

  • Microsoft Windows Vista SP1

    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.

  • Windows Vista Home Premium

    Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. 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 Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.

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