windows

Insider Secrets: Run Windows on a Mac

Watch the video on CNET TV, then come back here for the written recap.

We've shown you how to run Windows on a Mac using BootCamp under Tiger. But Boot Camp is included in OS X Leopard. And it's a little smoother.

First gather the things you need. One Mac with OS X Leopard installed. One copy of your OS X Leopard disk. And a copy of Windows XP or Vista, which you have legally purchased.

If you're not on a laptop, make sure you have a USB keyboard. And then: Back up your data!!

Good--now you'… Read more

Is Vista prettier in pink?

Sometimes, internationalizing Microsoft's products just means translating the same, boring packaging into another language.

Every now and then, though, one of Microsoft's subsidiaries goes out on a limb. Such is the case with a new bundle Microsoft has in Japan that combines Windows Vista Home Premium with Windows Live OneCare in one eye-popping hot pink box. (Kudos to Long Zheng for spotting this one.)

I'm not sure how much adding hot pink will add to the software's appeal (though it has made Hello Kitty's career), but it is interesting to see Microsoft thinking of new … Read more

Fix for XP sessions that don't close properly

Earlier this week, I described some Registry tweaks that force Windows to shut down faster. Another weapon in the fight against interminable shutdowns in XP is Microsoft's User Profile Hive Cleanup service, a free download written by Robin Caron.

Some programs and services don't release their connections to Registry keys when a user logs off. This can cause problems when the person tries to log onto another PC connected to the same company network, but mainly it just adds to the time it takes XP to shut down.

Before you can download the program, you have to let … Read more

Microsoft updates Windows desktop search

Desktop search is one of those really great things for people who have a lot of files and tend to forget where they all are.

From my experience, such engines can also be prone to glitches and slow performance. Microsoft is hoping to change some of those perceptions with an updated version of its desktop search product. Microsoft says Windows Search 4.0, of which a preview version was made public on Thursday, can speed query response time by a third as compared with the version of the search tool included in the initial release of Vista.

The software maker also said … Read more

A long wait for Skyfire's cell phone browser

There's nothing fun about being on a wait list, especially when you're told the wait just got longer.

Skyfire (video), a new cell phone browser demoed in February, hit such demand in its closed beta program, the company split participation into two rounds. According to a Skyfire statement, those lucky ducks who signed up before March 1 made the cut for Beta 1 and will receive the golden invitation to join the testing in phases from now until the end of April.

This first phalanx of users will also be invited to continue their testing as the second … Read more

Safari for Windows: Only for 'Apple-labeled' computers?

Apple, it seems, hasn't totally gotten used to making browsers for this Windows thing.

The license terms for the company's Safari Web browser on Windows include a curious restriction: "The software allows you to install and use one copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time."

The Register, which was tipped off by legal eagles at the Italian site settleB.IT, calls the terms a "mockery of end user agreements."

Apple last week caught a lot of flak from users and from Mozilla, which makes the rival Firefox browser, … Read more

Figure out why an application hangs

Last December, it was Word 2007. Two weeks later, it was Outlook 2003. Out of the blue, a program that worked just fine yesterday freezes up today.

A few days ago, I described how to force Windows to close hung applications faster at shutdown. That fix might get you out the door quicker, but it doesn't address the source of the problem.

Unfortunately, determining the source of a hung application usually requires quite a bit of detective work. If the problem is widespread, chances are Microsoft and any other hardware or software vendors affected will do their best to … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 689: Mousetronauts

Please, someone, make a Mousetronauts show. We're begging you. In other news, cell phones on airplanes appear to be coming to European airspace near you. Comcast and Time Warner are lining up behind WiMax, and South Park is coming online -- for free! Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 689

Approval for mobiles on aircraft http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7314362.stm

TiVo's take: It's a Comcast mistake http://cultureofownership.org/?p=24

Comcast and Time Warner to bankroll WiMax joint venture http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9903411-7.html

Motorola to split into two, … Read more

Golf.com app finds links for Windows phones

When it comes to mobile applications, simple can be good. Golf.com's new one for select Windows Mobile 5 and 6 phones makes it easy for links-lovers to find all the course location and details they could want while on the move--except for directions and hours of operation. They also won't be able to add personal course ratings or send a new favorite link to a friend from the application.

But never mind all that. Golf.com's free Course Finder beta, which heavily promotes its partnership with Microsoft, does what it needs to by providing a golf-themed … Read more