microsoft

Following in the footsteps of other Linux distributors, Mandriva is publicly rejecting Microsoft's advances for a patent protection deal. In the past, Microsoft has signed agreements with Linux firms like Novell, Xandros, and Linspire. The Windows ... developer claims that open-source applications violate many of its patents. However, with these treaties, Microsoft promises (in writing) not to sue the companies for patent infringement. Wait a sec...who's Mandriva? Mandriva is an open source company associated with Linux. Its headquarters are in Paris, where it acts as a founding member of the ... (view more)

...continued from Part 1 and Part 2 . Every year Microsoft introduces the "latest technology", bent on revolutionizing computers or their software. Anyone who's familiar with Microsoft is naturally suspicious when "new" technology is introduced -- ... and for good reason. Web TV, Microsoft TV and WinCE smartphones, Xbox, various versions of Media Center PCs, Watches, Media2go, Xbox 360, and the Zune (to name a few) are all products that either went away rapidly or lost billions of dollars. This year it's Windows Vista, Longhorn Server and a new Computer Table called "Surface" with a hefty price ... (view more)

... continued from Part 1 (of 3). Recently, I laid out some of the reasons why Microsoft's marketing offensive for Windows Vista has overextended the supply lines of reality. Although it looks great and might have potential, there are only a handful ... of reasons to upgrade now. So, what are those flashy features being pushed by Microsoft? Let's take a look at some of the new tools that the company believes make purchasing Vista worthwhile. BitLocker BitLocker is a security enhancement and works by encrypting the data on your hard drive using a hardware key and pass phrase -- but is only ... (view more)

According to reports, "Leading names of Linux, the world's biggest grassroots software phenomenon, are spending three days debating whether an increasingly commercial open source community should fight or ignore the world's largest software maker." ... Below the surface, it appears the Linux group must now deal with internal divisions that could cause massive fractures in its future growth. (Source: neowin.net ) Microsoft, a recent threat to Linux, contrasts open source in many ways. Linux's software is freely used by the public, whereas Microsoft charges for software. As well, Linux suppliers ... (view more)

A few days ago, I reported on the face-off between Microsoft and Google. Although hockey season's long over, it seems the two were ready to duke it out over the future of desktop searches within operating systems like Vista. At the heart of the ... matter is Google's complaint that Microsoft's Windows Vista breaks antitrust law by making it exceptionally difficult to install secondary desktop search programs, like Google Desktop. Although Microsoft admits these programs run a bit slow, they still run, and thus, break no antitrust laws. (Source: zdnet.com ) When we reported on the rising ... (view more)

Microsoft Network Monitor 3 Network Protocol Analyzer is a tool to allow capturing and protocol analysis of network traffic. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads Sim Wiz SimWiz defines, validates, communicates and runs simulation models. Its ... accompanying tutorial is sufficient to guide the novice in numerous representative applications of simulation, including traffic, call centers, factory floor, maintenance, inventory, hospital. http://my.jce.ac.il/bani/ (view more)

Microsoft has admitted that many customers are reluctant to switch to Windows Vista because of its sub par reputation, and the company is now trying to convince customers that there is no need to worry. In a newsletter, Microsoft said, "some ... customers may be waiting to adopt Windows Vista because they've heard rumors about device or application compatibility issues, or because they think they should wait for a service pack release." Although Microsoft will be releasing a Service Pack later this year, the company is anxious for users to adopt the new operating system now. (Source: slashdot.org ... (view more)

So far this year, the Nintendo Wii is kicking some serious butt. If you were to deconstruct the not-so-secret ingredients to the Nintendo Wii's success, two compounds would bubble to the top: unique, motion sensitive controls and a considerably low ... price tag. Although it lags behind both Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 in graphics and media features, the Wii is both innovative and cheap. While Microsoft's console may not have fancy "Wiimote" controllers, recent rumors have suggested the company is considering a significant price drop of the Xbox 360. The first such report on the ... (view more)

While it's heating up outside across North America, it seems there's nothing hotter than the battle being waged between Google and Microsoft. In recent weeks, months, and in some respects years, both companies have been forced to defend themselves ... for their impressive places within the search and software spheres. Now the two are at each other's throats, with Google alleging that Microsoft's Windows Vista is hurting competition and should be adjusted for antitrust purposes. (Source: washingtonpost.com ) So, what's got Google so hot under the collar? Google is upset over the way Vista runs ... (view more)

Music buffs unite! Microsoft has just launched Ignition, a new music initiative aimed at giving new recording artists exposure via various Microsoft channels. The Ignition program will utilize Zune, Xbox and MSN to offer exposure to new artists for ... over a month. Zune Marketplace and Zune.net will offer free downloads and features, Xbox LIVE Marketplace will feature video downloads, and MSN Video and MSN Music will provide promotional video and music streams. (Source: tech2.com ) As Microsoft's director of music marketing Christina Callo explains, "the Ignition program is designed to help ... (view more)