More Operating Systems News

Linux 3.4 released quickly, after smooth development cycle

Just over two months after its last major release, Linus Torvalds has posted the newest version of the open source Linux kernel, which supports new graphics processors from Nvidia and Intel, improves file system functionality and comes with a new security module.

Mozilla readies Firefox for Mountain Lion's Gatekeeper

Mozilla is scrambling to craft a code-signed version of Firefox for the Mac in case Apple launches OS X 10.8, or Mountain Lion, early.

Microsoft dumps 'Aero' UI in Windows 8, 'Metro-izes' desktop

Microsoft is abandoning the 'Aero' user interface with Windows 8, calling the UI that debuted in Vista and continued in Windows 7, 'cheesy' and 'dated.'

A tiny PC that runs Linux and Android 4.0 -- and costs just $74

Over the past few months there have been no fewer than three tiny, cheap Linux PCs making headlines, and now there's a fourth to add to the list.

Microsoft reprises free Xbox back-to-school PC promo

Microsoft will repeat last year's back-to-school promotion, kicking off the deal Sunday with an offer of a free Xbox 360 game console to eligible U.S. students who buy a new Windows 7 PC.

Mac-based Flashback click fraud campaign was a bust

The hackers in charge of the Flashback botnet managed to generate $14,000 from their click fraud campaign, but have not been paid, Symantec said today.

Mozilla product director says Firefox on Window RT 'probably not worth it'

Unless Microsoft allows other browser makers to call important APIs in Windows RT, it's "probably not worth it to even bother" building a version of Firefox for the new OS, a Mozilla product director said.

Microsoft anti-bloatware service to apply to Windows 8 PCs, too

A Microsoft in-store program that scrubs "bloatware" from Windows PCs will also be offered when Windows 8 machines reach the market later this year, a company representative said.

Red Hat preps Enterprise Linux 7 for late 2013

The next major release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux , version 7, is targeted for release in the second half of 2013, Red Hat said on Tuesday, as it also celebrated the tenth anniversary of its enterprise OS.

Avira antivirus upgrade wreaks 'catastrophic' havoc on Windows PCs

German security firm Avira yesterday issued a service pack for its antivirus software that crippled an unknown number of Windows machines, with one customer calling the gaffe "catastrophic" to his company.

Mac clone maker Psystar saga ends as Supreme Court denies appeal

The four-year-old saga of Psystar, a Florida Mac clone maker that was crushed by Apple, ended Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear its appeal of a lower court decision.

Microsoft to charge $15 for Windows 8 upgrade deal

Microsoft plans to charge users who buy a new Windows 7 PC $14.99 for an upgrade to Windows 8. The upgrade program is expected to kick off alongside the delivery of Windows 8 Release Preview in June.

Consumer love for mobile sparks discontent with Microsoft's software

Satisfaction with Microsoft's software slipped last year, part of an industrywide downturn driven by U.S. consumer discontent with traditional PC programs, a national survey said today.

Lenovo working with Intel on ThinkPad Windows 8 tablet

Lenovo is working with chip maker Intel on a future ThinkPad tablet based on Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, a Lenovo executive said.

Apple ships first Leopard security update in nearly a year

Apple on Monday issued its first security-related update for OS X 10.5, or Leopard, in nearly a year, to disable long-outdated versions of Adobe's Flash Player.

EU-Microsoft browser deal requires ballot screen in Windows 8

Microsoft declined to comment when asked whether it believed it's required to offer a ballot screen in Windows 8 to European users for selecting rival browsers in the new operating system's desktop mode.

Senate to look at Mozilla's browser competition allegations

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee plans to look into accusations by Mozilla that Microsoft is restricting access to important programming tools for browsers that will run in Windows RT.

Microsoft preps Windows 8 upgrade deal for early June debut, says report

Microsoft will reportedly kick off a Windows 8 upgrade program for buyers of Windows 7 PCs in early June.

Mozilla on new browser brouhaha: Microsoft, Apple different cases

Two wrongs don't make a right, Mozilla's chief counsel said Thursday when asked why his company hasn't lambasted Apple, as it did Microsoft, for blocking rival browsers from its mobile operating system.

Adobe's security chief praises Apple for Flash-crippling move

Adobe's head of security is applauding Apple's move to block outdated versions of his company's Flash Player.