Stories by Elizabeth Montalbano

Microsoft employee blasts 'fake' service pack

A Microsoft employee has warned against downloading an unauthorized version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) that has surfaced on a popular Web site that provides software patches.

Microsoft, RealNetworks settle for US$761 million

Microsoft and RealNetworks announced that they have settled their antitrust case and forged a partnership to promote digital music and games in three agreements worth US$761 million, the companies said.

Microsoft simplifies virtual Windows licensing

Microsoft is expected to simplify how it licenses Windows Server System, a move aimed at making it easier for customers to deploy software in networks where multiple virtual images of Windows are running, according to a company official.

Microsoft expects nine security fixes in October

After a quiet September, Microsoft is planning nine security fixes -- at least one of them rated as critical -- as part of October's release of security updates.

Macromedia releases low-cost Web development tool

Macromedia unveiled on Thursday a new, low-cost development environment that links the Eclipse open-source framework with the company's Flash multimedia technology.

Microsoft changes tune on Windows XP SP3

Microsoft on Thursday officially confirmed that there will be a third service pack for the current client version of the Windows OS, Windows XP.

Windows XP SP3 preview surfaces on Web

While Microsoft still will not confirm there will be a third service pack for its Windows XP operating system (OS), a preview version of the software update has been made available on the Web.

Microsoft woos hobbyist, child programmers

Microsoft is hoping to lure hobbyist programmers and young children to the Windows platform through a Web site and forthcoming version of Visual Studio aimed at making Windows development easy and fun, a company spokesman said.

Google, Sun to unveil multiproduct collaboration

Google and Sun Microsystems are expected to unveil a collaborative effort that will encompass multiple products from both companies, according to a Sun spokeswoman.

Microsoft adds native PDF support to Office 12

Microsoft is adding native support for PDF (portable document format) in the next version of its office productivity suite, code-named Office 12, which is expected to be available next year.

Eolas patent decision goes against Microsoft

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week endorsed a Web-browsing patent Microsoft is accused of infringing, dealing a setback to the software company.

StarOffice 8 includes Office compatibility enhancements

Sun Microsystems plans to release a new version of StarOffice that includes new features to address the software's compatibility with Microsoft Office, one of the chief areas of complaint among users of Sun's office productivity suite.

Microsoft at 30 turns to services, not software

The Windows operating system may have defined Microsoft since its inception, but it will be services, not software that give the world's largest software company its claim to fame in the future, according to analysts.

Microsoft reorganizes; Allchin to retire in 2006

Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled a major realignment of its company structure into three new divisions that each will have its own president.

Microsoft outlines new Longhorn features

Microsoft has made available two new preview releases of forthcoming technology, including the latest build of the next version of the Windows Server operating system (OS), code-named Longhorn.