Microsoft previews update to Windows 8

Microsoft has previewed Windows 8.1 (Microsoft / May 30, 2013)

Microsoft is providing a first look at Windows 8.1, and among the new features in the update is the return of the Start button that was taken away in Windows 8.

Additionally, users will have more options for what they set as their Start Screen background. Users can select images with motion or select their desktop picture (a picture of their family, for example) as the background for the Start Screen. They'll also be able to further customize the Start Screen by arranging their apps using more tile size options.

Other improvements to the upcoming version of the Windows operating system include the ability to set the device lock screen as a photo slide show, improved built-in apps and a new search screen that will display results from the Web as well as local files.

Users will also have more options for multitasking. When users display two apps on their device screen at once, they'll be able to resize the view of the apps in more ways. Currently, one app takes up about two-thirds of the screen while the second app is relegated to what's left.

Heavy-duty users will also be happy to know that Microsoft plans to improve the settings in Windows 8.1 by putting all of the computer options on one page. Windows 8 settings are scattered throughout the device, with some options located in one settings application and the rest in the desktop settings menu.

Microsoft said it will keep blogging about upcoming features over the next few weeks. It plans to release a preview version of Windows 8.1 on June 26, timed to its developer conference, and roll out the update to Windows 8 to users later this year.

By Salvador Rodriguez

May 30, 2013, 9:45 a.m.

Recently, Microsoft Joined the List of Hacked Companies

Microsoft has disclosed that it recently fell victim to the same type of cyberattack that targeted Apple and Facebook.

"During our investigation, we found a small number of computers, including some in our Mac business unit, that were infected by malicious software using techniques similar to those documented by other organizations," the company said on its Security Response Center website Friday.

"We have no evidence of customer data being affected and our investigation is ongoing," it said.

Microsoft joins a list of companies that've recently reported being hacked, including Facebook,Apple, Twitter, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Apple and Facebook were both targeted via a vulnerability in Oracle's Java platform, and Microsoft said Friday it was hit by a similar attack.

"This type of cyberattack is no surprise to Microsoft and other companies that must grapple with determined and persistent adversaries," it said.

Windows 8 - A Single Platform

Microsoft’s new Operating System is aimed at working across all the three device platforms most people across the world use today—mobile phones, tablets and computers. Visually and functionally, Microsoft’s new offering will be a departure from what it has so far provided in computing.

Microsoft’s thinking is inspired by an obvious fact: in the age of Internet-driven mobility and cloud computing.

Windows 8 sports a new tile-based user interface, which works well on touch surfaces (tablets and touch-screen phones) and should integrate well on computers. “Microsoft has put a common kernel (in Windows 8) that will be part of the PC, tablet and phone.

Windows’ earlier software language wasn’t compatible with the others—only 10 per cent of applications developed for Apple and Android were available for Windows. The new version is written in a language similar to what both Apple and Google use. This will open up an entire universe of applications for Windows users.