Operating Systems

• 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

• What's the Update: When to Get New Software

  New versions come out all the time, like Microsoft's new Vista operating system, raising questions about whether and when to upgrade. Here's how to decide.
  Anne Stuart

• Virtual Machines for Small Business

  Virtualization software can help a small business operate more efficiently by allowing one server to run multiple operating systems and applications.
  Jennifer Zaino

• Life after QuickBooks

  At some point the requirements of a business expand and additional features and performance may be necessary from your accounting system. Here's what to consider.
  Lisa Metcalfe

• Everything You Need to Know About Buying Software

  A primer on smart software buying, including whether to buy software as a service and how to negotiate advantageous licensing deals.
  Jennifer Zaino

• How to Choose Office Productivity Software

  Microsoft Office is the best known productivity suite, but there are other choices out there. Here's how to pick the best product for your business.
  Caroline Waxler

• What is Linux?

  The basics on the open-source operating system and how it can be used by small and mid-size businesses.
  Peter Suciu

• The Hidden Costs of Open Source

  When switching your business to open source software, you lose the licensing fees but may pick up other costs.
  Courtney Macavinta