Operating Systems

• Operating Systems: You Do Have Choice

  In the wake of negative feedback about Microsoft Vista, we look at alternatives. Is this an opening for desktop Windows-like versions of Linux, such as Xandros or Linspire, or other programs?
  Bill Pfleging

• Tech Talk: Tour Firm Boosts Bookings and Data Safety

  An Oahu-based excursions company finds that upgrading from paper to computers not only increases business but helps provide another layer of security for customer data, such as credit card numbers.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• The AAAs of Social CRM

  Social customer relationship management is about joining the ongoing conversations in which your customers and prospects are already engaged.
  Brent Leary

• Software to Help Immigration Compliance

  A growing number of Web-based software vendors is making it easier for small businesses to process mandatory federal I-9 forms that prove new employees are legally eligible to work.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• The Software License Police

  Think once you've paid for your software that you can do whatever you want with it? Think again. Your business also needs to be compliant with warranties and licenses from manufacturers -- or else.
  Alice Osborn

• 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