The hackers behind the Conficker virus may also be responsible for a worm which takes advantage of Valentine’s Day. Speculation about the link comes as security experts continue to wonder when the Conficker creators will exploit the network of infected computers.

Microsoft may be forced to offer Windows users in Europe a choice of Internet browsers as soon as they install the operating system. Such action is a possible outcome after regulators ruled that, in principle at least, the firm gives an unfair advantage to its own Internet Explorer.

There are hundreds of Windows 7 reviews out there.  We hope this review might bring something slightly different to the table.  Windows 7 is impressive, very impressive.  Be advised that the public beta offering will be pulled on Feb. 10, 2009 so if you are interested, best to grab it now.

I’ve now been trying out Internet Explorer 8 for a couple of days. The browser offers plenty of new features which do just what they claim, but the improvements are hardly revolutionary.

A ‘finished’ version of Internet Explorer 8 is now available to download. While it adds usability features reminiscent of rival browsers, it offers security genuinely new security measures.

An IT consultancy is warning its clients that, whatever their misgivings about Vista, it’s time to start planning an exit strategy from Windows XP. It says application compatibility remains the biggest barrier to Vista upgrades.

Some people are finding that while testing Windows 7 the older security software used on XP or Vista do not function correctly in Windows 7.  Currently there isn’t much to choose from in the way of security software for Windows 7, but a few companies are providing beta versions of their security suites for Windows 7.

Demand for Windows 7 has been overwhelming.  Be it those who enjoy testing operating systems or those who just want to get rid of Vista but don’t want XP.  Microsoft has extended the public availability of the Windows 7 beta until Feb. 10.

Microsoft is taking financial hits from more than just the economy. Its latest financial reports show it stumped up $3.1 billion to settle a tax debt last year, while there are claims the ongoing ‘Vista Capable’ case could cost millions.

Most of the 5,000 layoffs announced by Microsoft yesterday will be for staff at its Redmond, Washington offices. It appears online services such as search and advertising will be hardest hit.

Microsoft has confirmed that it will cut 5,000 jobs after posting disappointing profit figures. While no comfort to those laid off, the figure is at least lower than had been rumored.

Vista’s second Service Pack will reportedly be released a month or two after its originally rumored release. The change appears to be down to an extra step in the development procedure.

Yesterday we reported on the news that the creators of the Conficker.B virus might have blundered in their coding of its havoc-wreaking capabilities. But the methods the virus uses to spread itself are looking increasingly creative.

The people behind the Conficker.B virus may have their heads in their hands today. While the virus has spread rapidly to millions of machines, it’s looking possible that its havoc-wreaking features don’t actually work.

If you or someone you know will be in the market for a computer soon and don’t want to get stuck with Vista or continue to use XP Microsoft may have a surprise for you.  Windows 7 may be ready in time for the back to school shopping season.