Taking bets on the Windows Vista launch date
Will Windows Vista be released on August 24? If you look closely at the history of Microsoft Windows, you'd have to bet on that exact date.
The Ed Bott Report
Get outspoken insights and expert advice on the products and companies that define today's tech landscape, from a source who knows these technologies inside and out.
Ed Bott
Ed Bott is an award-winning technology writer with more than two decades' experience writing for mainstream media outlets and online publications.
Latest Posts
Vista versions not so confusing after all
When the rumors of Vista versions first began flying several months ago, some people complained of the potential for mass confusion among Windows consumers. Now that the official announcement is out, those fears seem overblown. In fact, the five major Vista versions might make upgrading easier than ever for retail users.
A painful Vista networking bug
Why is Windows Vista still not ready for its public beta? One reason is a nasty networking bug that disables Internet access on a slew of popular routers.
Office 2007 in October?
One recent report says Office 2007 is four to eight weeks behind schedule. That would put its release date in early October, much later than most people expect. Think you've got a better guess? Post it here.
For Office 2007 at home, Outlook is out, OneNote is in
Yesterday, Microsoft unveiled the name of its next Office package and some details about pricing and packaging. The new name - Office 2007 - isn't a surprise. Nor is the mix of applications that make up the business-oriented SKUs. But one of the bundles jumps off the list because it's just so different.
Whatever happened to Office subscriptions?
A long time ago, at a tradeshow that no longer exists, Microsoft made a Big Deal out of its announcement that the next version of Office would be available by subscription. They even put out a press release to mark the occasion. But that was the last sign of the concept. What happened?
This openness stuff isn't as easy as it looks
Microsoft is trying hard to be more open. The amount of inside information on Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 7, and other new technologies coming directly out of Microsoft is unprecedented and mostly free of traditional PR restraints, which is remarkable. But changing entrenched habits isn’t easy. Case in point: The recent brouhaha over confidentiality restrictions in the end user license agreement (EULA) for Office 12.
Is security software a protection racket?
Microsoft is offering its new Windows OneCare Live security service at an irresistible low price. So why isn't it free?
Getting settled in...
If you've never read my stuff before, here's what you can expect. (Hint: I try to stay away from OS food fights.)