Microsoft

After weeks of wreaking financial havoc on web users around the world, the dreaded Zeus Trojan is finally showing signs of weakness. Microsoft this week announced that their free malware cleaning tool has targeted the virus, going so far as to ... report the removal of Zeus from 275,000 Windows computers in less than 7 days. Zeus, also referred to as Zbot, is a devious collection of software (a " crimeware kit") that allows hackers to create customized malware that can be used to infect PCs. Zeus is most commonly programmed to target usernames, passwords and other information needed to ... (view more)

According to a recent report from Microsoft, the Redmond-based software company removed 6.5 million botnets from Windows machines during the first period of 2010 -- which is more than double the number eliminated by the firm over the same period in ... 2009. Botnets Used to Spam, Spread Malware, Steal Secrets In simple terms, a botnet (or "robot network") is a group of infected PCs that are under control of a few (or 1) individual. Typically, a PC becomes infected by visiting a malicious website, or by opening a malicious file or email. Once a computer is infected with botnet malware, ... (view more)

Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system (OS) has received great reviews since its October 22, 2009 launch, but many home users and businesses continue to employ older versions of Windows, particularly XP. According to a new report, however, the next ... twelve months could prove critical for Microsoft, with predictions that an enormous number of consumers will make the shift to Windows 7. Windows 7 Report Based on September 2010 Poll The report stems from a late September 2010 poll of 115 different IT clients by independent analyst firm Directions on Microsoft. It finds that currently only about ... (view more)

Microsoft yesterday announced that its next monthly security update due on October 12th, popularly referred to as " Patch Tuesday ," will include a record 16 Security Bulletins -- the most ever released at one time by the company. The bulletins ... address a total of nearly 50 vulnerabilities. Almost All Windows Versions Susceptible to Exploits Of the nearly 50 vulnerabilities to be addressed this next Patch Tuesday , four have been rated 'Critical,' Microsoft's most serious designation for security threats. Another ten are marked 'Important,' the second-highest rating, and two more are ... (view more)

When two million people download Microsoft's beta version of Internet Explorer 9 in only two days , many within the company started to believe the browser's declining market share was about to change. Now that the dust has settled, the results are ... beginning to look disappointing for the Redmond-based firm. Internet Explorer Browser Usage Declines Despite the fact that the Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) beta accounts for 0.25 per cent of the current global usage share during the second half of September, the overall share for Internet Explorer managed to slide by three-quarters of a percentage ... (view more)

Less than two months after retiring the Bing Cashback Rewards program on July 30th, 2010, Microsoft has reappeared on the radar with revamped offering. Dubbed "Bing Search Rewards", the scheme uses credits (instead of the previously-used cash ... rebates), as an incentive for those who conduct their online searches with their search engine, Microsoft Bing. Use Bing Search and Get Credits The idea of a rewards-based programs was always near and dear to the heart of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who often spoke on the idea of giving people a reason to use a particular search engine. The ... (view more)

Thus far, hardware makers have been a little slow in bringing out Windows 7-based tablet computers to rival Apple's very popular iPad. But Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that's about to change, and that several new devices should be on the market ... in time for the holiday season. "You'll see new slates with Windows on them," Ballmer told an audience at the London School of Economics on Tuesday. "You'll see them this Christmas." (Source: informationweek.com ) Big Box Retailer 'Target' to Carry iPad The iPad hit stores way back in April, and within two months Apple had sold approximately three ... (view more)

Update 2010/11/29: NOTE: Low stock is being reported on the Amazon website (approx 50 40 units are available). We expect this offer to end this weekend (Black Friday / Cyber Monday), so don't wait! The Windows 7 Discount Link is further down the ... page in a box similar to this one. You may continue reading the article to find out more about this offer, or click here to access the Windows 7 discount though Amazon.com now . Microsoft has officially re-introduced its Windows 7 Family Pack, a limited-time offer that drastically reduces the price of licenses for the new operating system (OS). For ... (view more)

It used to be that throwing the word 'free' in front of 'antivirus program' resulted in faces twisted with skepticism. But if you throw the name 'Microsoft' in there, too, apparently 30 million people will jump on board in just one year. Of course, ... we're talking about Microsoft Security Essentials, a surprisingly robust no-charge antivirus program. In 2009, Microsoft Security Essentials replaced the mildly popular "One Care" suite, which received mostly tepid reviews in comparison to more established security rivals from Kaspersky or AVG. Microsoft Security Essentials: 1 Year Later ... (view more)

According to Microsoft's annual board of directors review, company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steve Ballmer received a near six per cent salary increase over the fiscal year concluding June 30, 2010. The board's statement also revealed what they ... felt Ballmer had done well (and not so well) as Microsoft's top man. According to Microsoft's annual proxy statement revealed late last week, Ballmer made about $1.34 million over the course of the 2009 / 2010 fiscal year. That represents an increase of about 5.8 per cent from the previous period. For those not wowed by the numbers, keep in mind ... (view more)