NEW YORK - Microsoft gives away a security firewall with its latest operating system. Many high-speed Internet service providers offer free anti-virus protection for subscribers. And several Web sites distribute free toolbars to warn of Web scams.
AOL even recently made a package of basic security tools — anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall programs — available for free to anyone, not just paying subscribers.
SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. has released a near-final version of its new Windows Vista operating system to a select group of technical experts who are testing the software.
It marks a major milestone in Microsoft’s efforts to get the much-delayed system out the door.
In a note posted on its Windows Vista blog Friday, the Redmond-based company said it planned to distribute the test version, called release candidate 1, more broadly to other testers next week.
The world’s largest software company also is expected to release more details about the system.
Microsoft will decide whether to release another test version of Vista after getting feedback on this iteration.
Microsoft has said that it plans to deliver Vista to big business clients in November and to consumers in January. But the company has also said that it wouldn’t hesitate to delay the software again if major problems crop up.
Vista will be the first new version of the Windows operating system in five years.
Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/
SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is considering discounts or other promotions during the holidays to entice consumers to upgrade their PCs with Windows Vista, even though the new operating system isn’t due to hit store shelves until January at the earliest.
Any end-of-the-year effort to spur PC purchases would likely please many retailers and computer manufacturers, who fear disappointing sales during the crucial holiday as consumers wait for the highly anticipated and long-delayed software.
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