The dawn of Vista
special coverage After more than five years of work, Microsoft is finally getting the Windows update out the door.
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
Vista Starter Edition set for developing countries
Gates to appear on 'The Daily Show' for Vista launch
Microsoft sales unharmed by Vista delays
South Koreans warned on Vista compatibility
Microsoft to launch Vista with human billboard
Vista success hinges on developers
Microsoft already planning Vista service pack
Retailers aim to get Vista boost
Microsoft tries to spread Vista far and wide
Security tools ready for Vista launch
Building Vista buzz with a puzzle
Report: Vista's business sales stronger than expected
British agency tells schools to avoid Vista
Symantec wants to lend a hand with Vista security
NSA offers Vista installation tips
'Double-booked' Gates to launch Vista in London
Yahoo optimizes Messenger for Vista
Vista testers get unexpected holiday gift: No TV
Microsoft shares draft of Vista security hooks
Microsoft makes Zune Vista-friendly
Microsoft tries to stop Vista piracy monster
Playing it safe with Windows Vista
Microsoft-backed study sees Vista creating U.S. jobs
10 things to consider before taking the Vista plunge
Microsoft reaches limit on Vista, Office giveaway
Most security tools not quite ready for Vista
FAQ: Getting a handle on Windows Vista
Symantec offers Vista security test drive
Study: No Vista for majority of European businesses
How quickly will businesses adopt Vista?
Ozzie: Vista, Office must adapt to Web era
Microsoft offers Windows Vista security guide
Microsoft backtracks on Vista transfer limits
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
Windows Vista available to developers
Microsoft: Vista is ready to roll
Vista enters the final mile
Microsoft sets date for Office, Vista business launch
Holiday PC buyers get Vista upgrade promise
Details trickle out about EC Vista probe
Microsoft changes Vista over antitrust concerns
Microsoft sets Vista prices, expands testing
Microsoft vows to play fair
Gates: 20 percent chance for another Vista delay
Microsoft primes PC buyers for Premium Vista
Microsoft: Set your systems for Vista
Vista debut gets delayed
Microsoft boxes up Vista
Allchin: Buy Vista for the security
Vista winds its way to market
Is Vista security a selling point?
Acer: Vista is an excuse for Microsoft price increases
Vista aims to be snappier with photos
Vista flexes its power
Security firms skeptical about Vista shift
Microsoft doesn't want Santa to ignore Vista
Microsoft to lock pirates out of Vista PCs
Microsoft reshuffles executives
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
Microsoft to refine Vista's PC rating tool
Common code base for Vista, Longhorn Server
Office 2007 launch delayed to meet Vista
On the hunt for Vista bugs
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
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