The dawn of Vista
It's taken more than five years, but now Microsoft has finally declared Vista done. The update to the ubiquitous Windows operating system is scheduled to be delivered to big businesses and to computer makers by the end of November, and consumers should start getting their hands on it in January. Expect to see a trickle, then a flood, of Vista-related software and hardware news as the industry adjusts to the changing landscape. Check back for the latest CNET coverage, including reviews, video and more.
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Vista to give HD Photo format more exposure
Operating system's launch next week will put Microsoft's own photo format into consumers' hands. Could it be a nail in JPEG's coffin?
January 26, 2007
Vista Starter Edition set for developing countries
Designed to run on lower-end processors, this version of the OS offers extra tutorials for first-time computer users.
January 26, 2007
Gates to appear on 'The Daily Show' for Vista launch
blog Visit could be a particularly interesting: John Hodgman, a regular contributor, plays a "PC" on the Apple ads that poke fun at Windows.
January 25, 2007
Microsoft sales unharmed by Vista delays
Company reports quarterly earnings Thursday that top expectations and its own forecast.
January 25, 2007
South Koreans warned on Vista compatibility
Government officials warn consumers that Internet and e-commerce sites may lack full compatibility with the OS.
January 25, 2007
Microsoft to launch Vista with human billboard
Company will kick off its Windows Vista launch activities with a Cirque du Soleil-style performance in Manhattan.
January 24, 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 Vista service pack
Before it's even fully out the door, Redmond is already laying the groundwork for Vista's first service pack release of bug fixes and other enhancements.
January 23, 2007
Retailers aim to get Vista boost
With just a week till the big consumer launch, electronics stores are marshaling the freebies, add-ons and NFL stars.
January 22, 2007
Microsoft tries to spread Vista far and wide
In what is being billed as a limited time offer, Microsoft will let those who buy a boxed version of Vista Ultimate Edition purchase discounted licenses for up to two more PCs in their house.
January 17, 2007
Security tools ready for Vista launch
Microsoft is promoting Windows Vista as the most secure version of its operating system yet--but it's still recommending outside help to shield against common cyberthreats.
January 17, 2007
Building Vista buzz with a puzzle
It started with a cryptic ad on an official Internet Explorer blog, and it quickly led curious puzzle players to what may be one of the most ambitious interactive sweepstakes in history.
January 12, 2007
Report: Vista's business sales stronger than expected
Market researcher NPD says commercial sales far ahead of Windows 2000 in first month and just behind that of Windows XP.
January 11, 2007
British agency tells schools to avoid Vista
Government's schools computer unit warns that deploying the new OS carries too much risk and that its benefits are unclear.
January 11, 2007
Symantec wants to lend a hand with Vista security
When the OS asks for a green light to lift barriers to a PC's inner workings, Symantec technology would make decisions for you.
January 10, 2007
NSA offers Vista installation tips
Spy agency provided input for a Microsoft document with tips on how to use the operating system securely in larger organizations.
January 9, 2007
'Double-booked' Gates to launch Vista in London
Did Outlook let him down? The unexpected U.K. launch just happens to coincide with Gates' trip to a government confab in Scotland.
January 8, 2007
Yahoo optimizes Messenger for Vista
Loaded with new features, Yahoo Messenger for Vista is set to be released in second quarter of the year.
January 7, 2007
Vista testers get unexpected holiday gift: No TV
A test version of Media Center stopped working on Dec. 31 as a result of a licensing problem, Microsoft says.
January 4, 2007
Microsoft shares draft of Vista security hooks
Interfaces are meant to help security software makers create products that work with kernel protection features in Windows Vista.
December 20, 2006
Microsoft makes Zune Vista-friendly
After a few weeks of not speaking to one another, Microsoft's new operating system and its Zune digital-music player are getting along fine.
December 20, 2006
Microsoft tries to stop Vista piracy monster
The software maker releases an update to the operating system designed to thwart a workaround dubbed "frankenbuild."
December 14, 2006
Playing it safe with Windows Vista
Microsoft wants to sell Web sites and businesses on security checks of customer PCs. That may not go over so well.
December 11, 2006
Microsoft-backed study sees Vista creating U.S. jobs
The new operating system could generate 100,000 new U.S. tech jobs, IDC found in a study commissioned by the software giant.
December 10, 2006
10 things to consider before taking the Vista plunge
Some businesses have plans to aggressively move to Vista. Others are taking a far more wait-and-see approach. Here are some things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
December 4, 2006
Microsoft reaches limit on Vista, Office giveaway
It sounded like a scam: visit this Web site, watch a few videos and get a free copy of Windows Vista or Office 2007.
December 1, 2006
Most security tools not quite ready for Vista
Microsoft's Windows update for businesses is out, but only one of the major security providers has protection available for it.
November 30, 2006
FAQ: Getting a handle on Windows Vista
As the update becomes available to businesses, find out why Windows' chief says Vista is a "big deal."
November 29, 2006
Symantec offers Vista security test drive
Company releases public beta versions of Norton Internet Security 2007 and Norton AntiVirus 2007 for Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista.
November 28, 2006
Study: No Vista for majority of European businesses
More than half the European organizations surveyed by Forrester say they have no plans to upgrade to the new Windows.
November 14, 2006
How quickly will businesses adopt Vista?
While Microsoft predicts speedy adoption, most analysts agree that businesses will roll it out slowly.
November 13, 2006
Ozzie: Vista, Office must adapt to Web era
Microsoft Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie says with Office 2007 and Vista done, company is at an "interesting juncture."
November 8, 2006
Microsoft offers Windows Vista security guide
blog The online guide provides instructions for companies planning to use Vista in a domain with Microsoft's Active Directory service.
November 9, 2006
Microsoft backtracks on Vista transfer limits
Amid outcry from tech enthusiasts, Microsoft says it will allow retail Windows buyers unlimited license transfers to a different PC.
November 2, 2006
Microsoft takes wraps off of Vista for business
New versions of Office, Exchange, too. But are businesses ready to buy?
November 30, 2006
DOJ: Vista satisfies antitrust deal
U.S. prosecutors say Microsoft appears to have addressed all of the concerns raised about the new Windows and Internet Explorer 7.
November 21, 2006
Windows Vista available to developers
Members of MSDN and TechNet can download the final code of the new OS. Plus, some testers of Vista will get free copies.
November 17, 2006
Microsoft: Vista is ready to roll
The company says that it has finished Vista development, paving the way for the operating system's debut.
November 8, 2006
Vista enters the final mile
exclusive Behind the scenes at Redmond as the software titan gets ready to declare the code for the Windows update finished.
November 8, 2006
Microsoft sets date for Office, Vista business launch
Windows Vista and Office 2007 will be available to businesses beginning Nov. 30, while mainstream launch remains set for January.
November 1, 2006
Holiday PC buyers get Vista upgrade promise
Program lets people buy now, upgrade to Vista later, as Microsoft tries to persuade holdouts to spend during the peak shopping season.
October 24, 2006
Details trickle out about EC Vista probe
Top Microsoft exec says that regulators noted four aspects of the Windows update as raising potential anti-competition concerns.
October 24, 2006
Microsoft changes Vista over antitrust concerns
The company revises several features in Vista in response to concerns raised by antitrust officials.
October 13, 2006
Microsoft sets Vista prices, expands testing
Company says more than 5 million people will test a near-final version of the oft-delayed operating system.
September 5, 2006
Microsoft vows to play fair
Self-regulation for Vista and all future Windows versions will bolster competition and customer choice, it says. July 19, 2006
Gates: 20 percent chance for another Vista delay
blog Microsoft chairman raises the specter of another delay to the operating system update. July 11, 2006
Microsoft primes PC buyers for Premium Vista
Forget Vista Basic. Microsoft's marketing campaign will pitch hard for people to choose the higher-end Windows update. May 24, 2006
Microsoft: Set your systems for Vista
Spells out what's needed for PCs to run the Windows update and tells fans to get ready for the release. May 18, 2006
Vista debut gets delayed
Microsoft pushes back the release date, meaning PCs with the Windows update won't go on sale in time for the holidays. March 21, 2006
Microsoft boxes up Vista
Although it is still working to finish the code for Windows Vista, Microsoft reaches a decision on which versions of the operating system to offer. February 26, 2006
Allchin: Buy Vista for the security
If new features won't get you to upgrade to Vista, security enhancements should, Windows chief Jim Allchin urges. January 27, 2006
Vista winds its way to market
The release of the Windows update to computer makers is just the start of a long process to get it on shelves and in PCs.
November 10, 2006
Is Vista security a selling point?
Hoping this release will solve all your security headaches? Think again, say the experts.
November 20, 2006
Acer: Vista is an excuse for Microsoft price increases
Vista is tailored to increase license revenues by introducing a basic edition no user will want, PC maker says.
October 27, 2006
Vista aims to be snappier with photos
However, some of Redmond's ideas aren't clicking with digital photographers who want more control over their images.
October 24, 2006
Vista flexes its power
Large companies can save millions of dollars by using the new OS and letting their PCs go to sleep at night, Microsoft says.
October 16, 2006
Security firms skeptical about Vista shift
Rivals reserve judgment on Microsoft's promise of changes to allay competitive concerns over security features.
October 13, 2006
Microsoft doesn't want Santa to ignore Vista
Although they'll need to wait for the new Windows, holiday shoppers will find Vista-friendly hardware, software.
October 12, 2006
Microsoft to lock pirates out of Vista PCs
Antipiracy technology to shut people out of their PCs if the OS isn't activated within 30 days after installation.
October 4, 2006
Microsoft reshuffles executives
Restructures its Platform and Services Division, with top Windows engineer taking new role once Vista is released.
August 1, 2006
Office, Vista changed in wake of Adobe threat
Microsoft is tweaking its updates to Office and Windows in part to head off a legal challenge over use of PDF technology.
Microsoft, Adobe squabble over PDFJune 2, 2006
Vista beta sucks up battery juice
Laptops with the Windows update drain batteries faster than with XP--a potential problem for PC makers. June 2, 2006
Microsoft to refine Vista's PC rating tool
Current version could be "misleading," is what hardware makers and others told Microsoft of the feature ultimately meant to help consumers when buying a PC. May 25, 2006
Common code base for Vista, Longhorn Server
Windows Vista and its server sibling are starting to go their separate ways. But come next year, the two will be reunited. May 23, 2006
Office 2007 launch delayed to meet Vista
Following its push back of Windows Vista, Microsoft confirms the Office 2007 release will move to next year as well. March 23, 2006
On the hunt for Vista bugs
With the next Windows version under intense scrutiny, Microsoft is out to make its cleanest sweep ever. May 30, 2006
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
Vista's new file system
review The operating system stands to challenge how we think about files and file storage, allowing people to tag, organize, and search content in new ways.
November 22, 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
An inside look at Windows Vista
CNET's GameSpot takes an in-depth look at the new operating system from the perspective of a hard-core PC gamer. March 21, 2006
Images
Taking advantage of Vista
Developers are working on new ideas enabled by Vista. January 24, 2007
Signed by Bill
Amazon is selling copies of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition signed by Bill Gates. January 22, 2007
Vista's puzzling publicity push
Part alternate-reality game and part traditional sweepstakes, game is actually a marketing vehicle.January 12, 2007
Microsoft in the living room
Gates is using his CES keynote to showcase Vista-based products.January 7, 2007
Yahoo spruces up IM for Vista
Yahoo Messenger for Vista automatically creates items such as a contact list for subgroups.January 7, 2007
Vista's business debut
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer launches the Windows update in New York. November 30, 2006
Inside Windows Vista
Screenshots of the OS update that has been sent to manufacturers. November 9, 2006
Behind the scenes for Vista
Photos from Redmond, where Microsoft is working hard to get the Windows update out of the door. November 8, 2006
Vista gets the shutter bug
The photo-importing wizard in Windows Vista has raised concerns. October 24, 2006
Security tweaks in Vista
Release Candidate 2 version lets people turn off feature. October 13, 2006
Power plans in Vista
Managing the drain on your laptop battery.June 2, 2006
Vista's got game
Taking advantage of 3D graphics and other features.March 21, 2006
Looking inside Vista
A peek at the Windows Vista Sidebar feature.February 2, 2006
Videos
- Allchin and his Windows legacy
Jim Allchin's reputation will be forever linked to his stewardship over Windows' development. January 19, 2007 - Tricked-out OQO runs Vista
Device runs Vista also has a 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and costs just under $2,000. January 10, 2007 - Sling's new features for Vista
They include full remote control and moveable gadgets. January 9, 2007 - Never-seen-before Vista features
Flashy new features for the OS, including a moving desktop. January 8, 2007 - First Look: Windows Vista RTM
CNET's Robert Vamosi digs into the OS. November 8, 2006 - First Look: Windows Vista RC2
Vista still not ready for prime time. October 12, 2006 - A secure Vista
Windows' chief gives tour of antiphishing and parental-control tools. January 27, 2006 - Does Vista mean business?
A look at Vista's office functions, including publishing and information sharing. January 27, 2006 - A view of Vista
Windows' chief answers questions from News.com readers. January 27, 2006 - Vista coming your way
More answers from Allchin. January 27, 2006 - Vista for developers
A look at how Vista could be used as a basis for graphics and data presentation. January 26, 2006
Vista Views
News.com readers give their take on the latest events around the update.
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
Microsoft's license changes
Is Microsoft is being too stringent in restricting Vista transfers to one PC?
October 18, 2006
Putting PCs on hold over piracy
Is Microsoft going too far in locking people out of their PCs to counter use of pirated software?
October 6, 2006
Stalling the Net by default?
Should Microsoft change default IP settings, amid concerns that Vista's launch could overwhelm the Net?
September 8, 2006
What Vista can learn from Leopard
"Readers say what features from the Mac OS X update they'd like to see in the next version of Windows.
August 9, 2006
Time to delay Vista again?
Bloggers call for Microsoft to postpone the release and put out another beta.
August 2, 2006
Vista and the shadow of another delay
Readers respond to Bill Gates' comment regarding a 20 percent chance of another Vista delay
July 13, 2006
Commentary
At CES, Gates tells what a geek wants
newsmaker The Vegas extravaganza has a lot to offer even the world's richest man.
January 8, 2007
Gates on Vista, Linux and more
newsmaker Microsoft's chairman reveals his favorite feature in Vista.
November 17, 2006
Windows Vista--finally
perspective For all the new features in the Microsoft operating system, there's no real hurry for most businesses to deploy Windows Vista.
November 30, 2006
Why Microsoft is wrong on Vista security
perspective McAfee's chief scientist George Heron on protective features.
October 9, 2006
Is Windows still relevant?
perspective CNET News.com's Charles Cooper on whether Windows is a relic.
October 6, 2006
Allchin: Still worried about Vista
newsmaker Microsoft's platform's and services co-president Jim Allchin talks about learning from mistakes. May 24, 2006
Keeping Microsoft in the frame
newsmaker Windows chief Kevin Johnson on getting the OS back on track.May 18, 2006
Credits
Editor: Karen Said
Design: Andrew Ballagh
Production: Jessica Kashiwabara