Microsoft unveils Windows 10: ten things to know

Microsoft has pulled a U-turn on its reinvention of the PC, ditching Windows 8 and creating something that blends the old Windows with the new

• Samuel Gibbs
• theguardian.com, Wednesday 1 October 2014 20.34 BST
• Jump to comments (437)

Windows 10 is the next version of Microsoft’s Windows computer software for tablets, desktops, laptops and smartphones, which brings back the start menu. Photograph: Microsoft

Microsoft has unveiled its next version of the Windows software which presently powers about 1.5bn PCs in use on the planet. Windows 10 will aim to entice users put off by Windows 8, whose lack of a start menu (introduced in 1995 with Windows 95) was more suitable for touch interfaces than a keyboard and a mouse – even though keyboard-reliant users outnumbered touch users by millions to one.
Windows 8 was a radical departure from the tried and tested Windows interface introduced in Windows 95. Users were puzzled at best, and businesses were slower to update than usual. Microsoft hopes Windows 10 will bring users back and entice businesses to ditch the four-year-old Windows 7, seven-year-old Windows Vista and the now-discontinued 13-year-old Windows XP.

1 Start menu

The start menu is back, but it’s still got Microsoft’s live tiles from Windows 8 bolted on to the side. Photograph: screengrab

After complaints from users about its absence, the start menu is back. Clicking the start button brings up a menu, which – although isn’t exactly the same as Windows 7 or those before it – is more familiar than the full-screen tiled interface of Windows 8. This should be much more useful for desktop users, but the tiled interface from Windows 8 is tacked on to the side.

2 Continuum

When connecting or disconnecting a keyboard Windows 10 will switch between a touch-based interface and a mouse and keyboard-focused interface. Photograph: screengrab

Windows 10 attempts to blend the best of Windows 7 with Windows 8. One of the smartest things Microsoft has added is Continuum, which detects the state of the computer and presents the right interface depending on whether a keyboard and mouse is being used or the screen is being touched.
For machines like the Surface Pro (which has a detachable keyboard), when the keyboard is attached it behaves like a desktop machine; without it, Windows switches to a more touch-friendly interface with an on-screen back button and other touch elements to make things a bit easier with fingers on a screen.

3 One Windows for all devices

Microsoft is using Windows 10 to attempt to unify its various software platforms across different devices under one Windows brand and software. Photograph: screengrab

Microsoft has talked a lot about Windows being more than simply desktop computer software. Windows 10 is meant to unify desktop PCs, Windows tablets and Windows Phone smartphones with one interface, one way of operating and one account.
Apple has taken a similar route with its iCloud accounts and the upcoming Continuity feature between iPads, iPhones and Mac computers – although its iOS software on the iPhone and OS X on the desktop have been kept separate.

4 Universal apps

Microsoft promises that Windows universal apps will run on any Windows product, including smartphones, tablets and desktops.

Along with the “one Windows for all devices” idea, Microsoft is pushing what it calls “universal Windows apps”, which is the new name for apps downloaded from the Windows Store. The idea is that one app will be able to run on all Windows platforms, including Windows Phone. Microsoft has been talking about this for over a year.
How it will work is not yet clear, but it is likely that new Windows apps will have a condensed version for Windows Phone and full-size versions for tablets and computers. Apple’s universal apps do something similar between the iPhone and iPad, but are not the same as the desktop OS X apps.

5 No more full-screen; universal apps can be windowed

New Windows Store apps, which previously only operated in full-screen mode, can now be used in traditional windows on the desktop. Photograph: Microsoft

Bringing back the start menu has given the traditional Windows desktop more prominence again. To help merge the Windows 8-style “modern” apps from the Windows Store with the traditional desktop, Windows 10 can now run the newly renamed “universal apps” in windows on the desktop, as though they were any other desktop app.

6 Snap assist

The window Snap feature has been enhanced to size windows for better multi-window productivity. Photograph: Microsoft

The snapping feature, which automatically resizes windows on the desktop to fill part or all of the screen, has been enhanced, allowing tiling of windows, snapping side-by-side and an array of new layouts to including virtual multi-desktop modes to try to help computer and tablet users be more productive with both universal apps and traditional desktop Windows apps.

7 What will it run on? Is Windows RT dead?

Is Windows RT dead? Photograph: Alamy

Windows 10 will run on most things that Windows 8 can run on. That includes almost any new PC bought in the last couple of years, but will exclude some older PCs, as Windows 8 requires a 64-bit processor.
Processors supporting 64-bit operation have been on sale from Intel and AMD since 2004, so most PCs still in operation will support 64-bit software.
The fate of ARM-based Windows tablets (that is, not running x86 processors) is unclear. Windows RT powers the Microsoft Surface and Surface 2, Nokia Lumia 2520 and the Dell XPS 10, among others. Microsoft has yet to announce whether Windows RT, which only runs on tablets powered by smartphone-class ARM processors, will be upgraded to Windows 10. A question about RT’s future wasn’t answered at the introduction on Tuesday.

8 When will it be available, and what will it cost?

The technical preview of Windows 10 will be available soon, with but Windows 10 won’t be available to buy until 2015. Photograph: Screenshot

Microsoft showed off Windows 10 on Tuesday, but it won’t actually be available to users until 2015, after Microsoft’s developer conference in April called Build. Microsoft will be courting businesses before consumers, but Windows 10 is unlikely to appear in most businesses until the end of 2015 at the earliest.
Most consumers will buy Windows 10 with a new PC, but for those feeling adventurous and wanting to have a poke around Microsoft’s latest and greatest, the company is allowing users to sign up for early previews of the software still in testing.
It is recommended only for those that are happy to deal with and tech savvy enough to cope with buggy software and the potential for data loss, but those interested can check out the Windows Insider Program.
How much the final retail edition of Windows 10 will cost Microsoft hasn’t said. Windows 8.1 costs £100 from Microsoft, but a Windows 10 introductory discount is likely.

10 What’s in a number?

Terry Myerson and Joe Belfiore, Microsoft’s Operating Systems Group unveil Windows 10. Photograph: Microsoft

Yes, Microsoft did skip from Windows 8 (or 8.1 to be precise) straight to Windows 10.
What happened to Windows 9? Perhaps Microsoft has been using base 9, so 9 is 10. Or 10 just sounds better? The Xbox 360 (aka the Xbox 2) and its successor the Xbox One (aka the Xbox 3) are proof that Microsoft is happy to throw out conventional numbering when it feels like it.
• Microsoft unveils Windows 10: ‘It wouldn’t be right to call it Windows 9’
• Surface Pro 3 review: the most lappable tablet yet

Apocalypse: Microsoft has stopped to give Windows XP support.

Almost 14 years in service, today 8/4/2014, Microsoft has finally ended support for Microsoft Windows XP, but it is not the end of the world because Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, Safari 3 still run support to Windows XP for one year more.

The USA software company will end patching newly found security holes in Microsoft Windows XP code that hackers or crackers could exploit to slip into computers.

Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to finish "supporting" the nearly 14-year-old operating system, it still powers from 25 percent (1 out of 4) of Windows computers around the world, according to industry estimates.

For big institutions (Government, Non-government, Police departments, Fire department, Banks, legal offices and hotels and restaurants, etc)  with a lot of computers running XP the inertia has proved too much, and many - including the UK government - have caved, paying millions of sterling pounds to Microsoft to negotiate custom support deals. 
This does not mean that computers running the operating system stop to boot, but they will become drastically more susceptible to hackers or crackers, if the company’s stops issuing security updates and providing technical support.

Estimates vary but it’s thought that as many as a third of the world’s computers are still running the operating system and Microsoft themselves have said that infections for XP will rise 67 per cent after 8 April, 2014. The question is, if you’re still running Windows XP: What do you do?

In the long term you only have two new steps: buy a new computer or upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 or other Operating System. We will deal with these options in a minute, but if you are not ready to make a fast switch over then there is a couple of things you should do if you will still be on XP over the next couple of months.

First, make sure the software you have is as up to date as possible. That means grabbing any security fixes you may have missed from Microsoft’s website and making sure you have got some "best recommended" (non-Microsoft) antivirus software installed. (e.g. Bitdefender’s Total Security 2014, Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus 2014, Symantec’s Norton 360 (2014), Kaspersky Internet Security 2014, Avast! Premier 2014, McAfee Antivirus Plus, Norton Antivirus, F-Secure Anti-virus)

You should also switch from Internet Explorer or Bing to a different browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome. Google will be supporting their browser on Windows XP computers until April 2015 while Mozilla haven’t announced an end-date to support for Firefox, but still give support. Of course, if you want to keep really safe then you would be best advised just to stay off the web altogether, though for many users this will not even be an option.

Other option is to switch from using an Administrator Account to a Limited Account for tasks like checking your email (where you might accidently download that pesky malware). This means that if a hacker or cracker does start riding along on your computer at least they will not have administrator-level access.

However, we have to say that these steps are just temporary measures and are not enough to protect you in the following months. One way or the other you need to upgrade to a better Operating System and maybe a better hardware o computer.

Whether you’re buying a new computer (think in this: Do I stick with a desktop PC? or switch to something more portable), or simply upgrade my operating system. You will have to choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8, or Ubuntu 12.10 or 13.04 or 13.10.

Related Links:

Windows XP support ends: Your guide to surviving the XPocalypse and upgrading to pastures new

Firefox, Opera to support XP despite Microsoft cut off

  

Windows XP: Chronicle of a death foretold

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

---

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 (All day)

Features

[ESSENCE - (08-04-2014)]

Windows XP diehards to fend off hackers on their own
People clinging to Microsoft's aging Windows XP operating system will be left to fend off cyber criminals by themselves come Tuesday.
On April 8 (today), the US software colossus will stop patching newly found security holes in Windows XP code that hackers could exploit to slip into computers.
Despite Microsoft's long-heralded plan to stop "supporting" the nearly 13-year-old operating system, it still powers from 20 to 30 percent of Windows machines around the world, according to industry estimates.
"I am sure you have everything from police departments to banks to legal offices to restaurants," Trustwave director Christopher Pogue said while discussing the extent to which Windows XP is still used.
"Think of a business and they probably run XP; I would say everyone is in equal danger."
US-based Trustwave specializes in helping businesses fight cyber crime. Microsoft support entails regular security updates, but when it stops issuing patches to defend against freshly revealed hacker tactics aimed at XP, those using the operating system will need to enlist their own software wizards or live with mounting threats.
- Panic -
Hackers might already know of new ways to break into XP-powered computers but be waiting until after Tuesday to attack because Microsoft will no longer step in to thwart them, security experts say.
"You are talking literally millions of computers systems that will cease to receive regular security updates," Pogue said.
"That is obviously causing a panic because of new vulnerabilities that will be introduced."
Microsoft has released several generations of Windows since XP made its debut in 2001.
The most recent version is Windows 8, tailored for a world enamored of touch-screen computers and services hosted in the Internet "cloud."
Given the rapid evolution of computer hardware and the short lifespans of devices, newer computers bought by consumers are likely running newer versions of Windows.
Of concern, though, are small businesses that stuck with XP because they have grown accustomed to it and it gets the job done.
Sectors thought to be more prone to holding on to XP include those with relatively unsophisticated computing needs along with emerging markets or schools where money is tight.
Particular worry is being expressed for automated teller machines, many of which are reported to rely on Windows XP.
ATMs could become vulnerable to hacking, particularly independent machines in small shops or bars that aren't owned by banks which are more likely to invest in software security, according to Gartner analyst Michael Silver.
- Risky attitude -
"In a lot of cases, it is that Windows XP is good enough and people didn't see the business value to spending money to upgrade," Silver said of businesses hanging on to XP as new versions of Windows came and went.
"It is a risky attitude, given what issues they could have. These folks knew this was coming, too."
The pain of "migrating" to new operating systems includes making sure software programs depended on by businesses will continue to work. Computers running Windows XP cannot easily be upgraded to the newest Windows version, and that means the users would need to buy new machines.
While Microsoft stands to benefit through sales of new devices using Windows 8, organizations resigned to the aggravation of system changes could be open to considering what rivals such as Apple or Google have to offer.
"The risk for Microsoft is that people will migrate to somewhere else," said analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley.
"They should have never allowed it to get this bad."
The global estimate of the number of XP-powered computers may likely be skewed by the China market, where there is widespread use of pirated versions of the Microsoft software, according to a post by computer protection analyst Graham Cluley at WeLiveSecurity.com. Given that Windows software powers more than 90 percent of the world's computers, even a small percentage of machines running XP in any country could translate to high numbers.
Computers running XP will make the Internet a more dangerous place for everyone since hackers can launch cyber attacks from infected machines or valuable information about customers from businesses, Cluley argued. The good news, according to analysts, is that the latest version of Windows is far more capable and secure.
Yahoo News

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=features/essence-08-04-2014#sthash.LeaGAkSV.dpuf

Satya Nadella named Microsoft CEO as Bill Gates steps down as chairman

Veteran insider becomes only third boss in tech giant's history as co-founder Gates assumes new role on Microsoft's board

• Dominic Rushe in New York
• Follow @dominicruFollow @guardian
• theguardian.com, Tuesday 4 February 2014 17.05 GMT
• Jump to comments (244)

Satya Nadella. Photograph: Microsoft/Reuters

Microsoft settled on a veteran insider as its replacement for long-time CEO Steve Ballmer on Tuesday, ending a five-month search with a choice some analysts called a “safe pick” for the software behemoth.
India-born Satya Nadella, 46, head of the company's cloud computing division and enterprise business, was appointed after a team of headhunters concluded a five-month search that included some of the most world’s most famous executives.
Nadella is only the third person to lead Microsoft; since the company was founded 39 years ago, only co-founder Bill Gates and Ballmer have headed it. But in recent years the company has looked flat-footed as rivals Apple, Google and Facebook have dominated and innovated in hardware, online services and social media.
In a nod to Nadella's low profile outside the company, Microsoft introduced him with a sleek web page that was heavy on biographical details including the revelation that he relaxes by reading poetry.
Ballmer said he would step down last August amid mounting criticism of the company’s dependence on its Windows, Microsoft Office and workplace software, products that have generated massive profits for the company for decades but are being increasingly challenged by online alternatives. In a statement, Ballmer said Nadella was “the right leader at the right time” for Microsoft.
Some were less sure. In a note to investors, analysts at FBR Capital Markets said the appointment of Nadella was a "safe pick" compared to choosing an outsider. Microsoft was among the first to innovate in areas like smartphones, tablets and cloud services. But it has seen those ideas better executed by rivals including Apple and Amazon, the note said.
As part of the announcement, Gates said he would step down as chairman to assume a new role on the board as founder and technology adviser. John Thompson, the Microsoft board member who oversaw its search for a new chief executive, becomes chairman. “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella,” Gates said..
“Satya is a proven leader with hardcore engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth,” Gates said in his statement.
Nadella may be little known outside of Microsoft’s sprawling Redmond campus, but inside it he is a star. Before being named as CEO he ran one of Microsoft's fastest growing divisions, cloud services. Revenue at the division soared 107% compared to a year ago, the company said when it reported its fiscal second-quarter results on 23 January. Most of his experience is in serving corporate customers – the source of two-thirds of Microsoft profits.
He has also been unafraid to speak his mind on sensitive issues. In December, speaking at the Le Web conference in Paris, Nadella addressed the revelations of the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, saying they demonstrated that “the surveillance system has to be reformed”.
"Businesses and users are going to use technology only if they can trust it," said Nadella. "Clearly now it's the responsibility, I think, of governments – the US government included – to restore that trust. The only mechanisms that I think we have learned is that the respect for the liberties of people and the rule of law is the one way to have societies thrive."
Microsoft's decision to retain Gates worried some observers. Sydney Finkelstein, a leadership professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, said there were huge challenges ahead for Nadella. Finkelstein said making changes within a company as large as Microsoft was difficult for any CEO, and more so when the senior figures being replaced were, as in the case of Gates, still playing a part.
“The next CEO needs to instil a level of risk-taking and innovation,” said Finkelstein. He pointed to examples of insiders shaking up big companies after the resignation of a famous CEO – Bob Iger, for example, took over at Disney after Hollywood legend Michael Eisner was forced out amid criticism that the the media firm was losing its way to younger rivals. Iger went on to revitalise Disney, buying Pixar and Marvel.
“But that’s much harder to do if the people who used to run it are still breathing over your shoulder,” said Finkelstein.
Finkelstein also noted that before Nadella’s appointment, the top job at Microsoft had been linked to a number of leading executives outside the company, including Ford CEO Alan Mulally. “The fact that he is relatively unknown outside Microsoft is interesting, especially in the light of the big names that were associated with the job. It makes you wonder if he was the first choice,” Finkelstein said.
James Staten, an analyst with Forrester Research, was more positive. "Satya Nadella is a tough, number-driven leader. [His appointment] will be a great thing for the overall direction of the company," Staten said.
"Nadella is a visionary, is making it happen, and knows what it takes to drive change in the unique Microsoft culture. An outsider would have a hard time accomplishing this coming in fresh. And time is of the essence."

In a statement about his hiring, Nadella called Microsoft “one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionized the world through technology,” and said, “I couldn’t be more honoured to have been chosen to lead the company.
"The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly.”
Nadella joined the company in 1992 and as well as heading cloud services, he also held leadership roles in server software, internet search and business applications. Born in Hyderabad, he holds a master's degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin, and a master's in business administration from the University of Chicago.
Married for 22 years and with three children, he counts cricket and poetry among his hobbies. In an email to Microsoft employees on Tuesday morning, he wrote that he is “defined by my curiosity and thirst for learning.”
On the web page constructed for his announcement, Microsoft said:

Microsoft’s new CEO finds relaxation by reading poetry, in all forms and by poets who are both Indian and American. “It’s like code,” he says. “You’re trying to take something that can be described in many, many sentences and pages of prose, but you can convert it into a couple lines of poetry and you still get the essence, so it’s that compression.” Indeed, he says, the best code is poetry.

In a video interview, Nadella said he was “honoured, humbled, excited,” by his appointment. “We have tremendous opportunity and that’s exciting. And I’m also grounded on our challenges. In fact that is the adventure and the constraint that also creates, I think, the competitive zeal in me to be able to do great work,” he said.