Stories by Tony Bradley

IE9 preview brings new features, impressive performance

Microsoft is progressing to the next phase of Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) development today with the launch of Platform Preview 3 (PP3) of the next generation Web browser. Developers can download the latest preview to get a sneak peek at what's in store with IE9 and what new functionality Microsoft is incorporating.

Flash launches on Android--now things get interesting

Adobe launched Flash Player for Android 10.1 today--the latest move in the Chess match between Adobe and Apple over the future of interactive mobile ads and video content. Now, the world can begin to experience firsthand whether Flash delivers as expected on smartphones, or if Steve Jobs made the right move in turning his back on the platform.

PC survey of SMBs indicates optimistic outlook

A survey conducted by The NPD Group projects that 77 percent of SMBs are planning to spend more, or at least the same, on new PC hardware in 2010 compared to 2009 PC spending. The SMB Technology Report suggests that the increased PC spending is a harbinger of a better economy--driven by new business and new hires.

Samsung Joins Tablet Frenzy with Android-Based Galaxy Tape

Samsung is second only to Nokia in global cell phone sales, and recently posted record earnings. However, like Nokia, Samsung has had little to offer in terms of next-generation mobile devices like cutting edge smartphones or tablets...until now. Samsung is jumping into the tablet fray with the Galaxy Tape, expanding the array of tablet devices for businesses to choose from.

Chrome OS to achieve Windows support via 'Chromoting'

Google is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the Chrome OS--expected to hit the streets as a netbook operating system before the holidays. A new feature dubbed "chromoting" hopes to bridge the divide between Chrome and Windows, but the sketchy details thus far don't make it sound all that compelling.

Clock winding down on Windows XP SP2

July 13, 2010. It is less than a month away, and it is the date that Microsoft will end support for Windows XP SP2. That means that Microsoft will no longer be testing newly discovered vulnerabilities to determine if Windows XP SP2 is affected, nor will it be developing any more patches or updates in support of Windows XP SP2. You have T-minus 29 days and counting to install SP3, or make the move to a newer OS, like Windows 7.

Box.net Keeps the Cloud in Sync with Your Desktop

Box.net, a privately-held company based in Palo Alto, is launching new functionality today with Box Sync. <a href="http://www.box.net/web_link/129250/vanity_name/44279344/boxsyncpress">Box Sync</a> provides businesses with the tools to automatically sync files from the local desktop to the cloud and vice versa to simplify content management and improve productivity.

Protect Windows XP from zero-day flaw in HCP protocol

Earlier this week was Microsoft's Patch Tuesday for June--a busy Patch Tuesday with ten new security bulletins fixing 34 different vulnerabilities. However, there is now a publicly disclosed vulnerability with potentially dire consequences that didn't make the list of patches this month. IT administrators need to understand the risks, and act now to mitigate the threat and protect Windows XP systems from the HCP protocol vulnerability.

The case for holding out for Windows Phone 7

Microsoft is coming fashionably late to the next-generation smartphone party. New cutting edge Android devices seem to come out monthly, and Apple just unveiled its big iPhone overhaul for 2010, but with Windows Phone 7 looming on the horizon, businesses may have reason to delay any decision until they can directly compare the benefits and drawbacks of all three platforms.

IOS4 v. Android 2.2: Which is better for business?

With the launch of IOS4--the rebranded iPhone OS 4--and the recent unveiling of Android 2.2, the leading edge smartphones have new OS platforms to build on. There are a lot of cool "bells and whistles" type features in both, but when it comes to deploying the smartphone as a business tool, which OS is better for business?

SP1 coming soon to a Windows 7 PC near you

While most of the attention of the tech world is focused today on the Steve Jobs keynote at Apple's WWDC event, Microsoft is hosting its own major event this week--TechEd. At TechEd, Microsoft revealed that it is working on service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 and expects to have a public beta version available in July.

Microsoft Windows Live refresh streamlines communication

Microsoft unveiled a major refresh of the Windows Live Essentials suite. The video overview focuses primarily on the improved photo editing, management, and sharing features - which do seem fairly impressive. But, small and medium business customers will be much more impressed with the expanded features and functionality of Windows Live Mail.

Five reasons iPad should fear an Android invasion

One of the prevailing themes at the Computex conference this week is the coming onslaught of Android-based tablets. The iPad is leading the tablet charge--selling more than two million units in less than two months since its initial launch, but some of the Android tablets could be formidable challengers to Apple's de facto tablet dominance.

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