Windows Vista: It's All About the Security
by Alex Woodie

After five years of development, two years of delays, and $7 billion in R&D from Microsoft, Windows Vista finally became available to the masses this week. When it all boils down, the new security features in Vista are what will separate it the most from previous versions of Windows. But will better security be enough to get users to bite? READ MORE >

Gates, Ballmer Wow NYC with Vista Windows, Office 2007 Shindig
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

The wait is finally over. After two years of waiting, hundreds of millions of consumers PC users worldwide will be able to pay Microsoft to get their copies of Windows Vista and Office 2007. These programs, which are the latest editions of the programs that are at the heart of Microsoft's revenues and profits, were unveiled in New York City at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square with the fanfare of loud music, free booze, and decent hors d'oeuvres. READ MORE >

Microsoft Profit Sinks 28 Percent in Vista's Shadow
by Alex Woodie

When Microsoft officials moved the opening ceremonies of Windows Vista up a day--from Tuesday to Monday--it didn't seem like that big a deal. Now we know why: Microsoft really, really wants to start selling the new operating system. The need became apparent lsat week when Microsoft reported a 28 percent decline in net income for the quarter ended December 31, driven by weak sales in its Windows division. Xbox360 and server software sales stood out as the bright spots. READ MORE >

AMD: Native Quad Core Opteron Will Best Intel Quasi Quads
by Timothy Prickett Morgan

The price war underway between rivals Intel and Advanced Micro Devices in the arena of server and workstation processors is also a technology arms race. Advances in technology are what, in fact, allow each side to continue to cut prices--often, as the past quarter has shown, to the detriment of the bottom line. But, war is war, and once you are in it, you have to be in it to win it. READ MORE >