With the full launch of Vista fast approaching, it's crunch time for Microsoft at WinHEC, the annual conference where the company lets hardware makers know what's on its Windows agenda. What will it reveal about the upcoming update?
Microsoft bug-checking tools promise fewer crashes
Company delivers new versions of source code analysis tools that seek to eliminate common flaws in driver software.May 26, 2006
Microsoft to refine Vista's PC rating tool
Current version could be "misleading," is what hardware makers and others told Microsoft of the feature ultimately meant to help consumers when buying a PC.May 25, 2006
Microsoft shows off JPEG rival
New Windows Media Photo format promises images that offer better quality at half the size of JPEG files.May 24, 2006
Ballmer: Vista on track for January shipment
Operating system will ship as scheduled, says CEO, despite complexity of system and doubts by analysts.May 25, 2006
Tool helps programs befriend Vista
Microsoft aims to help other software makers make sure their products don't stumble on new security features in Windows Vista.May 24, 2006
News.com Poll
Microsoft primes PC buyers for Premium Vista
Forget Vista Basic. Microsoft's marketing campaign will pitch hard for people to choose the higher-end Windows update.May 24, 2006
Plans afoot for 'Vistagami' tablets
Successor to Origami will look like the Windows XP-based tablet PC, but run the Vista update and hopefully cost less.May 24, 2006
Allchin: Still worried about Vista
newsmaker Microsoft's Jim Allchin talks about the pressures of being "on super deadline" and about learning from mistakes.May 24, 2006
Common code base for Vista, Longhorn Server
Windows Vista and its server sibling are starting to go their separate ways. But come next year, the two will be reunited.May 23, 2006
AMD: Vista only a tiny step to convergence
PCs are still far from making it big in the living room, despite advances in hardware and software aimed to bring PC technology into the living room.May 23, 2006
Microsoft unveils new betas for Office, Vista
With the test releases, Redmond wants to demonstrate that it's on track after missing several deadlines.May 23, 2006
Vista sets up SideShow display all over
Microsoft's technology aims to put data in picture frames, keyboards, remote controls--any display linked to a PC running the Windows update.May 23, 2006
A new close-up for Vista
At this year's WinHEC confab, Microsoft puts the emphasis on its looming Windows releases, along with Office 2007.May 22, 2006
Previous coverage
Ballmer: Symantec suit won't delay Vista
Microsoft CEO says he anticipates the OS launch will unfold as planned, hedging by adding: "But that will go to the courts now."May 22, 2006
Microsoft moves deeper into virtualization
The company updates plans for server software, and acquires Softricity to enter a new market area.May 22, 2006
Microsoft pitches pay-as-you-go PCs
Trial program for emerging markets charges people for home computer use. Once they've coughed up enough, it's theirs.May 21, 2006
Keeping Microsoft in the frame
newsmaker Kevin Johnson has two huge tasks: Chase Google with Windows Live and get the operating system back on track.May 18, 2006
Piecing together Windows Vista
special coverage Aiming to re-create the excitement of Windows 95, Microsoft is trying to turn Vista into its next big win.May 18, 2006
Living with Vista Beta 2: Day 1
review blog Putting the test version of the Windows update through its paces, day by day.May 26, 2006
Windows Vista first take
review Microsoft releases the first public beta of its new Windows Vista operating system. CNET editors check it out.May 23, 2006
Office 2007 first take
review CNET editors look at the latest version, which reveals the ongoing renovations coming to Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.May 23, 2006
Videos
Preview Vista and Office 2007
Broader test versions of the software now ready.
May 24, 2006
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Broader test versions of the software now ready.
May 24, 2006
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Gates explores PC 'ecosystem'
Variety of PC-enabled devices makes it richer, he says.
May 23, 2006
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Variety of PC-enabled devices makes it richer, he says.
May 23, 2006
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Gates releases the betas
New Vista, Office 2007 and Longhorn Server versions.
May 23, 2006
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New Vista, Office 2007 and Longhorn Server versions.
May 23, 2006
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Images
Samsung hybrid hard drive
Electronics giant also shows solid-state hard drive.
May 24, 2006
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Electronics giant also shows solid-state hard drive.
May 24, 2006
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Paying off the PC by the hour
Microsoft's FlexGo plan aims to help people buy their own PC.
May 21, 2006
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Microsoft's FlexGo plan aims to help people buy their own PC.
May 21, 2006
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- Free USB Drive from Microsoft
- by bob3160 May 27, 2006 5:59 AM PDT
- Toward the beginning of the year, Microsoft offered a free USB drive. It was to contain information about valuable Windows Licensing info.<br />I like millions of others filled out their form and requested mine on March 2, 2006.<br />Yesterday I received an e-mail from Microsoft letting me know that I could stop waiting and not to expect my Free USB.<br />I wonder if any one really received anything except this dear John letter ???<br /><br />I sent them the following little love letter:<br /><br />Dear Microsoft:<br />You sure know how to make a Microsoft basher out of Microsoft lover.<br />On March 2, 2006 I applied for the free USB drive you offered.<br />At the time I applied for it, I was told it would take between 6-8 weeks <br />for delivery. I've been patient. <br />Today, almost 12 weeks since I've applied, you sent me a nice love letter<br />letting me know that the offer was only good for US residents.<br />Did you think that I forgot where I live or don't you know that<br />New Mexico is one of our 50 states even if I sometimes get mail with<br />extra postage attached......<br />I was also informed that the offer was only good for as long as supplies lasted.<br />Why does it take you 12 weeks to discover that something I should have received 4 weeks ago<br />is no longer available?<br /><br />Since in this case, your customer relations have antagonized literally thousand if not millions of your <br />loyal customer base, I suggest that you either find some more of those USB drives, or find something else<br />meaningful to pass on to all those of us who have waited patiently.<br /><br />Your "up to now" loyal customer.<br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Now I wonder if I'll ever get a reply ?
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