Vista for the masses
special coverage After long delays, Microsoft is finally releasing the Windows update to consumers. See all of News.com's stories and more.
The dawn of Vista
Mystery surrounds Microsoft's virtualization flip-flop
news analysis Plans to ease licensing restrictions would have won company plenty of fans, so why did it reverse course at the last minute?
June 20, 2007
Microsoft agrees to change Vista desktop search
Changes aim to address Google antitrust concerns. Also: Redmond talks for first time about when service pack will arrive.
June 19, 2007
Is Vista helping boost PC sales?
news analysis It's tough to get a handle on whether Microsoft's OS is spurring people to buy, or if they'd be buying anyway.
May 23, 2007
Cursor flaw gives Vista security a black eye
Software giant breaks with its monthly patch cycle to fix a bug that cybercrooks had been using since last week to attack Windows PCs, including those running Vista.
April 4, 2007
Microsoft licenses Vista for 'diskless' PCs
Company loosens reins on Vista licensing in effort to let businesses try out some new computing possibilities, including "diskless" PCs.
April 2, 2007
News.com Poll
Copying Vista? It'll be a monster task
With Windows XP, antipiracy measures were a bit of an afterthought. But with Windows Vista, Microsoft had pirates in its sights from the get-go.
March 30, 2007
Microsoft trying to make Vista iPod-friendly
Company releases several patches for Windows Vista, including one designed to put the iPod and the new operating system back on speaking terms.
March 27, 2007
Windows Mail bug may expose Vista users
A possible security vulnerability in Windows Mail could let attackers run applications on PCs running Vista.
March 23, 2007
Vista gets Live-wired for PC games in May
Company officially announces the PC portion of Live--called Games for Windows Live--and its release date.
March 14, 2007
Is Windows getting more expensive?
The short answer is easy: neither. Roughly speaking, the Microsoft product sells for the same price it has had for years. The full answer is more complicated.
February 27, 2007
Limited choices for Windows XP holdouts
Despite words of caution from some in the tech industry that it's too early to switch to Vista, many PC shoppers have no choice.
February 22, 2007
Microsoft: We're not ready to talk beyond Vista
blog Microsoft would prefer that the press spend more time focusing on Windows Vista and less time writing about what will come next.
February 13, 2007
Some bumps in the road to Vista
Although there have been no reports of major problems, some users have encountered obstacles in moving to the new Windows.
February 7, 2007
Bill Gates' to-do list
newsmaker It's still a year before Bill Gates shifts to Microsoft part-timer. That's good, because there's plenty he still wants to achieve.
January 31, 2007
Vista steals the show
reporter's notebook Gates tries to sell The Daily Show's Jon Stewart on the new operating system, as Office takes a backseat.
January 30, 2007
Experts: Don't buy Vista for the security
New Microsoft operating system is a leap forward in security, but few people familiar with it say the advances justify an upgrade.
January 30, 2007
Vista's actual launch? Think whisper, not bang
reporter's notebook The day was filled with fanfare, but the late-night launch at CompUSA was anything but extraordinary.
January 30, 2007
PC makers climb onboard with Vista
As expected, the PC industry is ready with new Vista computers after years of delays. But the immediate impact on the PC market could be muted.
January 29, 2007
With Vista, seeing is believing, says Gates
newsmaker On the eve of Vista's consumer launch, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says that a short demo is all that's needed to convince doubters.
January 29, 2007
Buying Vista? Get a guarantee
It's hard to know if your PC is truly Vista-compatible, experts say. But some retailers are trying to cut the confusion.
January 29, 2007
Debut and departure for Windows chief
As Vista hits store shelves after a long five years, Microsoft veteran Jim Allchin heads for retirement.
January 29, 2007
Microsoft sales unharmed by Vista delays
Company reports quarterly earnings Thursday that top expectations and its own forecast.
January 25, 2007
Vista success hinges on developers
The OS offers a fair bit of eye candy, but the real benefits will surface when programmers take advantage of the technology under the hood.
January 24, 2007
Microsoft already planning service pack
Redmond preps its first service pack release of bug fixes for Vista with the new OS not even fully out the door.
January 23, 2007
Windows Vista: Warmed-over XP
review If you're happy with XP SP2, CNET sees no compelling reason to upgrade. But it's stable enough if you're buying a new PC.
January 23, 2007
CNET's Vista Readiness Advisor
Service from CNET and System Requirements Lab looks at whether your PC's hardware and system software are robust enough to adequately run Vista.
December 15, 2006
Windows Vista RTM
review Microsoft has released its new OS to hardware manufacturers. Everything's not perfect, but the glitches are expected to be under control for the January release.
November 8, 2006
Windows Vista RC2
review CNET editors think the overall quality of this $399 Windows Vista Ultimate edition is not deserving of final release candidate status.
October 11, 2006
Five things you'll love--and hate--about Windows Vista
review CNET Editor Robert Vamosi helps home and small-business users make the decision whether to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista once it becomes available.
June 12, 2006
Images
Vista 'madness' in S.F.
Those wanting a first crack at Vista queue up.
January 30, 2007
What's in the swag bag?
Attendees at the launch event get Vista Ultimate, Office 2007 and more.
January 30, 2007
At CompUSA, 'Vista can wait'
Late-night shoppers snap up bargains, shun the OS.
January 30, 2007
An aerial dance for Vista
Microsoft's launch includes an unusual twist.
January 29, 2007
Handing out the Vista 'goods'
A collection of Vista DVDs, from Longhorn to the present.
January 29, 2007
Developers draw on Vista
A host of new apps use technologies built in to the OS.
January 24, 2007
Microsoft Office, then and now
CNET tracks down the must-have commands in the new Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2007.
January 23, 2007
Signed by Bill
Amazon sells a limited edition version of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition signed by Gates.
January 22, 2007
Vista's puzzling publicity push
Consumers compete to solve series of clues in Vanishing Point and win a trip into space.
January 12, 2007
Vista's business debut
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer launches the Windows update in New York.
November 30, 2006
Videos
Hacking a Vista PC
Security experts how a Vista PC can be compromised.April 4, 2007
Symantec dings Vista security
CEO John Thompson is in no rush to upgrade to the OS.February 13, 2007
Vista's San Francisco release
CNET News.com visits CompUSA for the midnight release.January 30, 2007
Gates on the Vista launch
Chairman talks up the importance of Microsoft's new OS.January 29, 2007
Allchin and his Windows legacy
Jim Allchin's reputation will be forever linked to his stewardship over Windows' development. January 19, 2007
Sling's new features for Vista
They include full remote control and moveable gadgets. January 9, 2007
Never-seen-before Vista features
More Vista components displayed at CES 2007.January 8, 2007
Vista Views
News.com readers give their take on Vista.
Who'd give Windows Home Server a home?
Does the average person need a server inside their house? Would you buy a Windows Home Server?
January 9, 2007
Final version's cool features
The code is done and shipped to PC makers, and the reviews are in. Now CNET News.com readers tell us what they like about the Windows update.
November 10, 2006
Newsmakers
Microsoft's Mundie looks beyond Gates
Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer shares insights into where the company is placing its bets in the post-Gates era.
May 17, 2007
Explaining a Vista ban
The prestigious National Institute of Standards and Technology puts a ban on Windows Vista--but its CIO says that's standard procedure.
March 22, 2007
Symantec CEO says no Vista for me
CEO John Thompson warns against viewing Windows Vista as a solution to security woes.
February 13, 2007
At CES, Gates tells what a geek wants
The Vegas extravaganza has a lot to offer even the world's richest man.
January 8, 2007
Gates on Vista, Linux and more
Microsoft's chairman reveals his favorite feature in Vista.
November 17, 2006
Credits
Editor: Desiree Everts DeNunzio
Design: Andrew Ballagh
Production: Ryo Wong
The dawn of Vista
Mystery surrounds Microsoft's virtualization flip-flop
news analysis Plans to ease licensing restrictions would have won company plenty of fans, so why did it reverse course at the last minute?
June 20, 2007
Microsoft agrees to change Vista desktop search
Changes aim to address Google antitrust concerns. Also: Redmond talks for first time about when service pack will arrive.
June 19, 2007
Is Vista helping boost PC sales?
news analysis It's tough to get a handle on whether Microsoft's OS is spurring people to buy, or if they'd be buying anyway.
May 23, 2007
Cursor flaw gives Vista security a black eye
Software giant breaks with its monthly patch cycle to fix a bug that cybercrooks had been using since last week to attack Windows PCs, including those running Vista.
April 4, 2007
Microsoft licenses Vista for 'diskless' PCs
Company loosens reins on Vista licensing in effort to let businesses try out some new computing possibilities, including "diskless" PCs.
April 2, 2007
Copying Vista? It'll be a monster task
With Windows XP, antipiracy measures were a bit of an afterthought. But with Windows Vista, Microsoft had pirates in its sights from the get-go.
March 30, 2007
Microsoft trying to make Vista iPod-friendly
Company releases several patches for Windows Vista, including one designed to put the iPod and the new operating system back on speaking terms.
March 27, 2007
Windows Mail bug may expose Vista users
A possible security vulnerability in Windows Mail could let attackers run applications on PCs running Vista.
March 23, 2007
Vista gets Live-wired for PC games in May
Company officially announces the PC portion of Live--called Games for Windows Live--and its release date.
March 14, 2007
Is Windows getting more expensive?
The short answer is easy: neither. Roughly speaking, the Microsoft product sells for the same price it has had for years. The full answer is more complicated.
February 27, 2007
Limited choices for Windows XP holdouts
Despite words of caution from some in the tech industry that it's too early to switch to Vista, many PC shoppers have no choice.
February 22, 2007
Microsoft: We're not ready to talk beyond Vista
blog Microsoft would prefer that the press spend more time focusing on Windows Vista and less time writing about what will come next.
February 13, 2007
Some bumps in the road to Vista
Although there have been no reports of major problems, some users have encountered obstacles in moving to the new Windows.
February 7, 2007
Bill Gates' to-do list
newsmaker It's still a year before Bill Gates shifts to Microsoft part-timer. That's good, because there's plenty he still wants to achieve.
January 31, 2007
Vista steals the show
reporter's notebook Gates tries to sell The Daily Show's Jon Stewart on the new operating system, as Office takes a backseat.
January 30, 2007
Experts: Don't buy Vista for the security
New Microsoft operating system is a leap forward in security, but few people familiar with it say the advances justify an upgrade.
January 30, 2007
Vista's actual launch? Think whisper, not bang
reporter's notebook The day was filled with fanfare, but the late-night launch at CompUSA was anything but extraordinary.
January 30, 2007
PC makers climb onboard with Vista
As expected, the PC industry is ready with new Vista computers after years of delays. But the immediate impact on the PC market could be muted.
January 29, 2007
With Vista, seeing is believing, says Gates
newsmaker On the eve of Vista's consumer launch, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says that a short demo is all that's needed to convince doubters.
January 29, 2007
Buying Vista? Get a guarantee
It's hard to know if your PC is truly Vista-compatible, experts say. But some retailers are trying to cut the confusion.
January 29, 2007
Debut and departure for Windows chief
As Vista hits store shelves after a long five years, Microsoft veteran Jim Allchin heads for retirement.
January 29, 2007
Microsoft sales unharmed by Vista delays
Company reports quarterly earnings Thursday that top expectations and its own forecast.
January 25, 2007
Vista success hinges on developers
The OS offers a fair bit of eye candy, but the real benefits will surface when programmers take advantage of the technology under the hood.
January 24, 2007
Microsoft already planning service pack
Redmond preps its first service pack release of bug fixes for Vista with the new OS not even fully out the door.
January 23, 2007
Windows Vista: Warmed-over XP
review If you're happy with XP SP2, CNET sees no compelling reason to upgrade. But it's stable enough if you're buying a new PC.
January 23, 2007
CNET's Vista Readiness Advisor
Service from CNET and System Requirements Lab looks at whether your PC's hardware and system software are robust enough to adequately run Vista.
December 15, 2006
Windows Vista RTM
review Microsoft has released its new OS to hardware manufacturers. Everything's not perfect, but the glitches are expected to be under control for the January release.
November 8, 2006
Windows Vista RC2
review CNET editors think the overall quality of this $399 Windows Vista Ultimate edition is not deserving of final release candidate status.
October 11, 2006
Five things you'll love--and hate--about Windows Vista
review CNET Editor Robert Vamosi helps home and small-business users make the decision whether to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista once it becomes available.
June 12, 2006
Images
Vista 'madness' in S.F.
Those wanting a first crack at Vista queue up.
January 30, 2007
What's in the swag bag?
Attendees at the launch event get Vista Ultimate, Office 2007 and more.
January 30, 2007
At CompUSA, 'Vista can wait'
Late-night shoppers snap up bargains, shun the OS.
January 30, 2007
An aerial dance for Vista
Microsoft's launch includes an unusual twist.
January 29, 2007
Handing out the Vista 'goods'
A collection of Vista DVDs, from Longhorn to the present.
January 29, 2007
Developers draw on Vista
A host of new apps use technologies built in to the OS.
January 24, 2007
Microsoft Office, then and now
CNET tracks down the must-have commands in the new Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2007.
January 23, 2007
Signed by Bill
Amazon sells a limited edition version of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition signed by Gates.
January 22, 2007
Vista's puzzling publicity push
Consumers compete to solve series of clues in Vanishing Point and win a trip into space.
January 12, 2007
Vista's business debut
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer launches the Windows update in New York.
November 30, 2006
Videos
- Hacking a Vista PC
Security experts how a Vista PC can be compromised.April 4, 2007 - Symantec dings Vista security
CEO John Thompson is in no rush to upgrade to the OS.February 13, 2007 - Vista's San Francisco release
CNET News.com visits CompUSA for the midnight release.January 30, 2007 - Gates on the Vista launch
Chairman talks up the importance of Microsoft's new OS.January 29, 2007 - Allchin and his Windows legacy
Jim Allchin's reputation will be forever linked to his stewardship over Windows' development. January 19, 2007 - Sling's new features for Vista
They include full remote control and moveable gadgets. January 9, 2007 - Never-seen-before Vista features
More Vista components displayed at CES 2007.January 8, 2007
Vista Views
News.com readers give their take on Vista.
Who'd give Windows Home Server a home?
Does the average person need a server inside their house? Would you buy a Windows Home Server?
January 9, 2007
Final version's cool features
The code is done and shipped to PC makers, and the reviews are in. Now CNET News.com readers tell us what they like about the Windows update.
November 10, 2006
Newsmakers
Microsoft's Mundie looks beyond Gates
Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer shares insights into where the company is placing its bets in the post-Gates era.
May 17, 2007
Explaining a Vista ban
The prestigious National Institute of Standards and Technology puts a ban on Windows Vista--but its CIO says that's standard procedure.
March 22, 2007
Symantec CEO says no Vista for me
CEO John Thompson warns against viewing Windows Vista as a solution to security woes.
February 13, 2007
At CES, Gates tells what a geek wants
The Vegas extravaganza has a lot to offer even the world's richest man.
January 8, 2007
Gates on Vista, Linux and more
Microsoft's chairman reveals his favorite feature in Vista.
November 17, 2006
Credits
Editor: Desiree Everts DeNunzio
Design: Andrew Ballagh
Production: Ryo Wong