Operating Systems

• Just What Is a 'Vista Capable' Computer?

  Over the past year, many businesses have tried to upgrade their operating systems to Windows Vista, only to find it to be a bad experience. Here's how to make sure your machines are capable of functioning with Microsoft's latest OS.
  Bill Pfleging

• The Truth about OS Security and Patches

  Many system administrators at small and mid-sized businesses believe that the more secure they think their operating system is, the less likely they need to install a patch. Are they wrong?
  Joel Keller

• Bye Bye Vista

  Some business computer users who hate Microsoft Vista are uninstalling the Windows operating system software and switching back to XP.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• Software that Sends the Alert

  Notification software can let you know when inventory levels are low, or tell your customers when it’s time to buy.
  Minda Zetlin

• Test the Waters: Migrate to Open Source

  A growing number of small businesses, disappointed with licensing software, are sticking a toe in the open source waters, by migrating some employees over to Linux or some functions.
  Bill Pfleging

• Leopard Has Landed: Assessing Mac's New OS

  Computer users gave the latest operating system upgrade from Microsoft, Vista, a thumb's down. And business users have been slow to adopt. But now it's Apple Computer's turn. After delaying its release, the new Mac OS has hit the market.
  Marc Saltzman

• MS Office 2007: Worth the Investment?

  Microsoft's latest office productivity suite has great new tools and menus so you can create better and faster documents. But will the design changes zap your office productivity while employees climb the learning curve?
  Marc Saltzman

• When Open Source Goes to Open Court

  Monsoon Multimedia became the first test case for an open source software lawsuit. The fact is, few companies know exactly what source code or open-source software their IT people might be using. Here's how to avoid trouble.
  Minda Zetlin

• Getting In-house Software Shops Back on Track

  Too often, when businesses operate their own software development teams, projects can go awry. Here's how to get your software team to do what it was supposed to – on budget and on schedule.
  Renee Oricchio

• The Open Source Security Primer

  Open source software has permeated many corners of the business world, but is it safe? Here are some guidelines for how to deploy open source solutions without taking on additional risks.
  Renee Oricchio

• Ease Your Microsoft Vista Migration Headaches

  Many businesses will eventually upgrade their desktop and laptop operating systems to Microsoft Vista in conjunction with Office 2007. Here is the low-down on the horror stories, the benefits, and how businesses should make the move.
  Patricia Brown

• Do You Need Utility Software for Your Business?

  Operating systems offer basic utilities, but are they enough for the security of your business or do you need to spring for protection against viruses, spyware, spam and the like?
  Mary O. Foley