Microsoft Unveils Windows Home Server
by Alex Woodie

In his keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates revealed plans to build Windows Home Server, a new version of Windows designed to make it easier for people to collect, store, and share their photographs, songs, and other electronic content. At first glance, it looks like a great idea. The big question is: Can Microsoft make it work? READ MORE >

Patch Tuesday Yields Four Patches for 10 Vulnerabilities
by Alex Woodie

Microsoft's security team yesterday picked up where it left off in 2006 when it issued four patches covering 10 vulnerabilities, including three fixes for critical zero-day vulnerabilities in Windows and Office. The number of patches would have been twice as high had Microsoft not pulled four patches at the last minute, raising the likelihood of an out-of-band release of fixes by Microsoft later this month, according to a security expert. READ MORE >

Microsoft Refreshes 'Longhorn,' Delivers First 'Centro' Beta and 'Cougar' CTP
by Alex Woodie

Late last month, Microsoft delivered a new build of Windows Server "Longhorn," the new version of Windows Server due to ship later this year. The software juggernaut also delivered the first bits for "Cougar" and "Centro," the codenames for the Longhorn-era versions of Small Business Server and its new mid size counterpart. READ MORE >

As I See It: Predictions and Poetry
by Victor Rozek

It's that time of the year when pundits predict the coming sunrise and other longshots. Let's face it though, whether the guesswork is educated or not, it's still guesswork; and if you're in the prediction business, it's best to have a short memory. Or hope that your readers do. Unlike picking stocks, however, which dart-throwing monkeys do as well as stock brokers, IT offers even the most obtuse prognosticator the opportunity not just to get lucky, but to get it right. So here goes. Drum roll please. . . . I predict computer components will become smaller and faster and will provide more function for less money. Da-da! READ MORE >