Operating systems

Detecting and removing the Flashback malware in OS X

Recently a new variant of the Imuler/Revir Trojan malware for OS X was found being distributed disguised as erotic images that, if installed on a Mac system, would attempt to steal personal information then upload them to remote servers. The malware's initial variants included offensive political material, but in its recent iteration has been distributed disguised among a collection of cover girl images in an obvious attempt to trick people into opening the application.

While these attempts are relatively easy to avoid, security company F-Secure has been monitoring a more serious threat from the Flashback malware for OS … Read more

Windows 8 reportedly set for October debut

Microsoft reportedly will finish work on Windows 8 by summer, setting the stage to release the next version of its flagship operating system sometime around October.

Bloomberg, citing "people with knowledge of the schedule," also reports that there will be fewer than five devices running the ARM system-on-a-chip architecture at launch. Those ARM chips allow for thinner, lighter tablet devices, something that Microsoft hopes will help it cut into Apple's iPad's huge lead in the tablet market. The Cupertino rival just disclosed that it sold more than 3 million of its latest iPad since the third-generation … Read more

Microsoft's Metro: Does it need iTunes to thrive?

To make Windows 8 a success on tablets, Microsoft may well need help from the one company least likely to give it: Apple.

As Microsoft prepares Windows 8 for a launch that analysts expect later this year, it's busily encouraging developers to create applications that work with its new touch-friendly, tile-based Metro interface. That's important, because the thinnest, lightest Windows 8 tablets will be running a Metro-only version of the operating system specifically created for ARM system-on-a-chip devices. Without popular apps, Microsoft's tablet partners will have a much harder time selling their devices.

Apple's iTunes is … Read more

Anonymous OS: Worth the risk?

The hacking group Anonymous may or may not have launched its very own operating system.

Dubbed Anonymous OS Live, the operating system, which is available as a free download on Sourceforge, is based on the Ubuntu version of Linux. According to a description on the Sourceforge page, the operating system is designed for "educational purposes" and can also be used to check "the security of Web pages."

The people behind the software have set up a Tumblr page providing news and updates on the software. Those folks yesterday announced that the OS had been downloaded over … Read more

How to easily install Windows software on Linux machines

Linux is great: it's cheap, it's stable, and it's secure. It can also be somewhat frustrating for those of us who want to install Windows software (especially games), as the Wine interface is still tough for beginners and some intermediate users. PlayOnLinux streamlines Wine installation and makes it much easier. Here's how to use it:

Install PlayOnLinux by searching for it in the Software Center for your distribution, checking here or typing this into a terminal window: sudo apt-get install playonlinux Run PlayOnLinux. It is likely in the Games section of your software … Read more

How to create a custom refresh image in Windows 8

Updated, October 22, 2012: Replaced Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots with those from the final version of Windows 8.

We recently showed you how to use the new Windows 8 refresh feature to reinstall Windows, while keeping your settings and data files intact. One drawback to refreshing your system is that you have to reinstall any programs you installed on your own (non-Microsoft Store apps).

Using a custom refresh image will allow you recover Windows 8 with the programs you want, so you won't have to reinstall them after a refresh. You can create as many custom images as … Read more

What to expect in iOS 6

The Apple event to allegedly announce the iPad 3 is tomorrow and this is as good a time as any to talk about what's in store for the OS that will eventually run on it. iOS 5 brought us notifications, Twitter integration, and more cloud support, among other things, but what's next for Apple's mobile OS?

There are many rumors to what will be available in iOS 6, but I have a few on my wish list that hopefully will make it into the next major update.

True multitasking Earlier versions of iOS didn't have any … Read more

Parallels update brings Windows 8 and Mountain Lion support

With two new desktop operating systems on the horizon from the big hitters, you might be wondering how best to check them out. Microsoft's Windows 8 was just made available as a public preview, and Apple has released its own developer preview of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion to a select group of testers.

Unfortunately, as with any prerelease software, these previews are likely to be fraught with bugs and other details that must be tested and ironed out, so even if you have the option of installing these operating systems, you might not want to do so … Read more

How to use the new refresh and reset features in Windows 8

Updated, October 22, 2012: Updated to reflect the changes in the final version of Windows 8.

Since the days of Windows 95, users have had to deal with the inevitability of having to reinstall Windows to regain system stability and performance. This often entailed spending hours in front of the PC -- reinstalling Windows, applying patches, reinstalling programs, and setting personal preferences.

In Windows 8, Microsoft added two new features called Refresh and Reset, which simplify the entire reinstall process and reduces the amount of time required sitting in front of the PC.

Refresh

The Refresh option reinstalls Windows, but … Read more

Apple releases supplemental OS X 10.7.3 update

Apple has released a supplemental update to OS X 10.7.3 that addresses problems some people have had when trying to use Time Machine to restore their Macs.

The update is a 24.55MB download that is available via Software Update, but can also be downloaded at the update's Web page and manually installed.

The update requires OS X 10.7.3 to install, so if you are running prior versions and are thinking about updating, you'll need to first update and then check Software Update again or manually apply this patch to ensure your system is … Read more