News

• Optimize your PC, security apps 101, find folders fast

  Want to clean and optimize your PC? You've probably heard of CCleaner, arguably the world's most popular tool for doing the job. Developer Piriform just released CCleaner 3.0. The big news in this update? A native 64-bit version for use with like editions of Windows.

• In-depth look at Boonana Malware

  Last week a malware threat emerged that impacted both Windows and Mac OS X systems. To be fair, the attack is more social engineering than PC exploit, but it impacts Mac OS X users just the same. ESET's David Harley has written a more detailed analysis of the Boonana threat, and identified some elements that are contrary to initial reports.

• IT pros still spooked by Office's ribbon interface

  Four years after its debut, the "ribbon" interface in Microsoft's Office suite still gives businesses the shudders, a research firm said today.

• Restore a Windows XP Backup in Windows 7

  Reader Tom is dealing with this major hassle:

• Microsoft Subnet, Webucator give away SharePoint training and and iPad

  We're tickled to announce a new alliance between Network World and online training provider Webucator. Network World has teamed up with Webucator, a provider of SharePoint2010 training, to give away SharePoint classes for up to three people. If you're looking for other SharePoint classes, check out all of Webucator's SharePoint 2010 options.

• Windows Phone 7 takes Office, SharePoint to new level on mobile

  Microsoft officials are exuding excitement over their prospects in the smartphone industry with the launch of Windows Phone 7. That's partly because the company knows exactly what previous versions of their mobile operating system did wrong.

• Microsoft quarterly results boosted by Windows, Xbox, Office

  Healthy sales of Windows 7, Office 2010 and Xbox 360 consoles propelled Microsoft to US$5.41 billion in net income for its first fiscal quarter of 2011, a 51 percent increase from the same period a year before.

• Koobface worm targets Mac users on Facebook, Twitter

  A new variant of the Koobface worm that targets Mac OS X and Linux as well as Windows is spreading through Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, security researchers warned today.

• Firefox Trojan targets older versions of Windows

  A new Firefox vulnerability reported on Tuesday affects primarily users of the browser on older versions of Windows, security firm Trend Micro has determined.

• What Microsoft should do with Windows 8

  Microsoft is at work on its new operating system, Windows 8, which will reportedly be released in 2012. Leaks continue to focus on the project, including that it will be a 128-bit version of Windows with facial recognition software.

• Microsoft may face resistance to Windows 8

  Enterprises now in the midst of migrating to Windows 7 are unlikely to repeat that same work in just two years with Windows 8, an analyst said today.

• Work smarter in Windows: 55 great productivity tricks

  With an ever-growing number of distractions that are fighting for your attention throughout the day, it’s more important than ever to be as productive as possible when you’re actually on the job. With that in mind, we’ve dug up the best Windows tricks in our arsenal and talked to some of the best minds in productivity to find 55 tips sure to help you get more work done with your PC in less time.

• Microsoft Server 2008 gets virtualisation boost

  Microsoft is updating the server version of its Windows operating system to give the OS more virtualisation capabilities.

• Must-have Windows 7 downloads

  It's hard to believe, but Windows 7 is just turning one year old. And what an impressive first year the operating system enjoyed, receiving almost universal praise from critics and users alike. Of course, even the most nimble, secure, and versatile OS has room for improvement. That's why we're following up our popular "Best Windows 7 Downloads" with another assortment of essential apps and utilities, all designed to help you make your 7-powered PC even better. And believe it or not, they're all free.

• Windows 8 coming in 2012?

  Just as you were getting comfortable with Windows 7, it looks like Windows 8 is coming in the next two years. In a post celebrating the one-year anniversary of Windows 7 -- the fastest selling OS in history -- Microsoft's Dutch Web site briefly mentioned the construction and release of its successor: