We wrote yesterday that Microsoft is slimming down Windows 7 to make it more suitable for netbooks than Vista. Further comments from a senior Microsoft boss suggest that will be an ongoing process across future editions of Windows.

Microsoft has shared some insights into the process which produces new features in Windows. It’s a reminder of the challenge facing all operating systems: to provide as much user customization as possible without incompatibilities.

The man in charge of Windows says Vista’s successor will run effectively on netbooks, the slimmed down laptops designed mainly for internet use. If that proves true, it could take advantage of a growing market where Apple doesn’t compete.

Microsoft has released more details about exactly what will be in Windows 7. As expected, it largely looks and feels the same as Vista but has some usability improvements.

Security experts say they’ve already figured out ways to exploit the bug for which Microsoft issued an emergency patch last week. One Trojan horse is already spreading faster thanks to the loophole, though it was already in existence before the patch was announced.

Yahoo has ceased availability and future upgrades for its Vista-only release of its Messenger IM software.  One of the first applications built specifically for and around Windows Vista is gone for good.

Microsoft has blamed disappointing Vista sales figures on the wrong type of computers. But revenues for Office continue to impress.

Microsoft has issued a rare emergency patch for Windows. It fixes a problem ranked as ‘critical’ in Windows 2000 and XP, though less risky in Vista.

A prominent question I’m always asked when something goes wrong with Vista is; Why are there so many instances of “svchost.exe” running, is that why it’s so slow?  While the answer most likely is yes, it’s important to understand what svchost.exe is and how it work with Vista.

McAfee’s security software has mistakenly identified part of Windows Vista as a Trojan virus. The blunder meant the firm’s anti-virus packages thought the component was actually an attempt to steal user information such as passwords.

Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer says Vista could be one of the company’s all-time most successful products. While his explanation of the claim makes sense, it’s another case of a Ballmer statement which won’t strike a chord with many analysts or computer users.

Apple has launched two new installments of its “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” campaign, this time attacking Microsoft’s handling of Vista’s difficulties. It’s a surprisingly strong attack, though one that doesn’t necessarily come off as very positive.

It’s looking to be a safe bet, that Vista will get a Service Pack 2 before the release of Windows 7. The timing may be an attempt to overcome the idea that it’s better to skip Vista altogether.

Microsoft lawyers have filed an official objection to a demand for the firm to use the Windows Update service to contact potential claimants in the ‘Vista Capable’ case. They’ve also outlined their arguments against the case itself.

Microsoft has released its monthly Windows security update, this time with 11 bulletins fixing 20 problems. It’s the first bulletin to rank problems both for their inherent security risk and the likelihood they’ll be exploited.