Vista for the masses

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The software giant has run a massive marketing campaign to get a consumer's entire house running the ubiquitous operating system, and security makers and software makers alike are unleashing a torrent of Vista-related products. Check back for the latest CNET coverage, including reviews, video and more. Latest News | Reviews | TalkBack 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 Changes aim to address Google antitrust concerns. Also: Redmond talks for first time about when service pack will arrive.June 19, 2007 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 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 Company loosens reins on Vista licensing in effort to let businesses try out some new computing possibilities, including "diskless" PCs.April 2, 2007 #pollShell { width: 180px; border: 2px solid #666; padding: 5px; float: right; margin: 5px; } * html #pollShell h3 { height: 16px; he\ight: 0; } #pollShell h3 { height: 0; background: #FFF url(http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/ne/extra/poll_hed.gif) no-repeat 0 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 16px 0 0; margin: 0; } #pollBody { padding: 5px; border-top: 0; } function pollPop() { pollwin=window.open('','pollwin','width=400,height=220,status=no,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no'); document.forms["myForm"].submit(); } News.com Poll Vista: Now or never How soon do you plan to move to Microsoft's latest OS? I'm standing in line right now to buy it. Whenever I buy my next PC. Windows XP is going to last me a good, long time. I'm sticking with the Mac--or moving there soon. View results 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 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 A possible security vulnerability in Windows Mail could let attackers run applications on PCs running Vista.March 23, 2007 Company officially announces the PC portion of Live--called Games for Windows Live--and its release date. March 14, 2007 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 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 Vistablog 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 Although there have been no reports of major problems, some users have encountered obstacles in moving to the new Windows. February 7, 2007 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 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 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 reporter's notebook The day was filled with fanfare, but the late-night launch at CompUSA was anything but extraordinary. January 30, 2007 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 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 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 As Vista hits store shelves after a long five years, Microsoft veteran Jim Allchin heads for retirement. January 29, 2007 Company reports quarterly earnings Thursday that top expectations and its own forecast. January 25, 2007 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 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 VistaMicrosoft'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 VistaA host of new apps use technologies built in to the OS. January 24, 2007 Microsoft Office, then and nowCNET tracks down the must-have commands in the new Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2007. January 23, 2007 Signed by BillAmazon sells a limited edition version of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition signed by Gates. January 22, 2007 Vista's puzzling publicity pushConsumers compete to solve series of clues in Vanishing Point and win a trip into space. January 12, 2007 Vista's business debutMicrosoft 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. Does the average person need a server inside their house? Would you buy a Windows Home Server? January 9, 2007 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 chief research and strategy officer shares insights into where the company is placing its bets in the post-Gates era. May 17, 2007 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 CEO John Thompson warns against viewing Windows Vista as a solution to security woes. February 13, 2007 The Vegas extravaganza has a lot to offer even the world's richest man. January 8, 2007 Microsoft's chairman reveals his favorite feature in Vista. November 17, 2006 Credits Editor: Desiree Everts DeNunzio Design: Andrew Ballagh Production: Ryo Wong