Stories by Maria Korolov

In Pictures: 5 things we love about Fedora 18 / 5 things we hate

After being delayed for months due to reported problems with the new installer, Fedora 18 has arrived

Where's the beef? Fedora releases 'Spherical Cow'

After being delayed seven times due to reported problems with the new installer, Fedora 18 has arrived. On the plus side, Fedora 18 delivers new management functionality for IT administrators and offers improved Active Directory support. However, a complicated installation process and some issues with the user interface make it a less attractive option than desktop competitors like Ubuntu and Mint.

In Pictures: 3D virtual worlds for the enterprise

The first step is browser-based environments for online meetings

Army takes a flier on OpenSim

The U.S. Army is not new to using simulated virtual environments for training. In fact, almost all soldiers have used virtual simulations, according to Douglas Maxwell, the science and technology manager for virtual world strategic applications at the Army's Simulation & Training Technology Center in Orlando.

In Pictures: Microsoft Office Web Apps v. Google Docs

5 reasons why Google Docs is better/5 reasons why Web Apps is better

Review: Office Web Apps vs Google Docs

For years, folks looking for free online word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations have turned to Google Docs. However, Microsoft recently released an updated set of Office Web Apps, accessible to individual users from their SkyDrive accounts, and to business users through Office 365 and SharePoint.

IN PICTURES: Bye-bye, mouse. Hello, mind control

New interface methods will revolutionise how we interact with computers

Bye-bye, mouse. Hello, mind control

When workplace computers moved beyond command-line interfaces to the mouse-and-windows-based graphical user interface, that was a major advance in usability. And the command line itself was a big improvement over the punch cards and tape that came before.

Gamification of the enterprise

Can badges and scoreboards really make employees work harder, for no extra pay? Or will IT departments be stuck spending time and money "gamifying" work processes - only to have to undo everything once the fad has run its course?

Top 4 gamification apps

Companies should not attempt to jump into gamification all at once. Here are four specific applications that are excellent places to start your gamification program.

Farm Cash vs. Hard Cash

Which would you rather get as a reward for doing business with a particular company: frequent flyer miles, cash rewards, or two virtual cows on FarmVille?

Analysis: Why Linux is a desktop flop

It's free, easier to use than ever, IT staffers know it and love it, and it has fewer viruses and Trojans than Windows.

Hold the phone: retailers eye payments via smartphone

An emerging technology called Near Field Communication will soon give new meaning to the phrase "tapped out."

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In focus: Mac attack - the big switch is on

Over the years, Apple has earned a less-than-stellar reputation among purchasers of enterprise desktops. Macs were seen as overpriced to begin with. And Apple didn't offer huge discounts for bulk purchases, like the PC makers. Plus, Macs didn't come with the ecosystem of integrated productivity and management apps that are taken for granted in the Windows world.

Beware of the iCloud

ICloud, Apple's new cloud storage service, which officially launches this week, is an iPad/iPhone lover's dream and IT security professional's nightmare.