Microsoft

Microsoft's patch process for Windows 10 is going far from smoothly, with some PCs locked in a constant reboot. It's reawakened the debate about how the new Window 10 update system will work. With Windows 10 intended to be the final "brand new" ... edition of the operating system, Microsoft has ditched its traditional policy of a monthly 'Patch Tuesday' security update, including emergency patches in between when needed. Service Packs were also previously released once every year or so after gathering enough patches, along with offering a few new features. Instead the plan ... (view more)

Windows 10 is now available. While there's no immediate rush to get it (the upgrade is free for another year), here are some of the basics to know if you're thinking of trying out the new system. Can I get Windows 10 right away, or do I have to ... wait? Many users are still waiting for Windows 10 to download to their computer, even though they have reserved their free upgrade using the 'Get Windows 10' app via the tray bar. It is possible, however, to forcefully download Windows 10 directly from Microsoft's website as an in-place upgrade or as an .ISO, which is used to create a bootable ... (view more)

Software developed to hunt down bugs in programs for Windows has been adapted for stem cell research. Though the two tasks sound nothing alike, they both involve calculating the link between cause and effect. New Scientist reports that the software ... is known as the Reasoning Engine for Interaction Networks, or RE:IN. It's been made available through Microsoft's research unit to several scientists who specialize in stem cells. (Source: newscientist.com ) A stem cell is effectively the blank slate of cells in mammals. As well as dividing to produce more stem cells (meaning that the body ... (view more)

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users will be able to block or undo some updates to the system. It's a minor exception to the recently-instated policy that all updates are mandatory. In previous editions of Windows, users have always had the ... choice of whether or not to download a new feature or security update, including whether or not it was installed automatically, or manually. Last month Microsoft raised eyebrows when a page on its site revealed that users of the Home edition -- the one aimed at the general consumer market -- will have all updates downloaded automatically. The ... (view more)

Microsoft has confirmed it will support Windows 10 for at least ten years. The statement answers some questions, but raises other queries. The confirmation comes via a change to Microsoft's Windows lifecycle fact sheet . That's the page that ... explains exactly when it plans to stop offer support for each of its operating systems. The listed dates for Windows 10 are October 13, 2020 for the end of mainstream support and October 14, 2025 for the end of extended support. (Source: microsoft.com ) Although XP's support was extended several times (owing largely to the reluctance of many ... (view more)

The issue of exactly who gets a free copy of Windows 10 has continued to confuse the tech community. It now appears a couple of loopholes have been closed, restricting the pool of people getting the free upgrade. Windows 10 will bring us very close ... to the end of the era of having to pay to use the operating system. Not only will it be the last completely new edition of Windows (with future changes made through major incremental updates), but it will also be a free upgrade in the first year for those running Windows 7 or 8.1. In March, Microsoft also revealed that users in China will be able ... (view more)

Toshiba has announced that some of its forthcoming laptops will have a dedicated Cortana key. It's designed as an easier way to control the "digital assistant" feature in Windows 10. Cortana, which is already implemented in Windows Phone devices, is ... a similar idea to Apple's dedicated virtual assistant, Siri. While Cortana features spoken information and voice control, it also combines online searches with information on user devices or computers to increase relevancy. Some examples Microsoft gives include taking notes of ideas, delivering personalized news updates, or ... (view more)

Microsoft has confirmed Windows 10 will be available July 29, 2015. It's also advising those who wish to take the plunge to Windows 10 do some prep work before installing the new operating system. The date is a minor surprise as, more often than ... not, previous Windows editions came out in the fall. Fall release dates are usually meant to target people buying new PCs for the new academic year, or for the Christmas shopping season. That may be less relevant, however, as Windows 10 is a free upgrade. Windows 10 Upgrade Paths The upgrade process should be relatively simple, starting with the ... (view more)

Microsoft is to crack down on what it considers low-quality apps. It's likely an attempt to get its house in order before Windows 10 is officially released to consumers. The decision affects applications that can be downloaded and installed directly ... from the Windows Store. It doesn't affect applications which users get elsewhere and install manually, in the same way with all software in Windows 7 and earlier. Instead, Windows Store apps are displayed prominently in the Windows 8 and 10 user interface, and on Windows mobile devices. According to Microsoft, the crackdown isn't so ... (view more)

Candy Crush Saga will come pre-installed for Windows 10. It's not yet clear how in-game purchases will work in the Windows edition. The game will be one of four pre-installed games in Windows 10, alongside long-time classics Solitaire Hearts, and ... Minesweeper. Those three were all made optional downloads in Windows 8 after years of shipping as part of Windows systems, but have now returned as part of the main package. Candy Crush Saga was already a hit online through Facebook and in Apple and Android apps, with a reported 500 million downloads, before being added to Windows Phone last year ... (view more)