Operating systems

Lion gets its first update with OS X 10.7.1

Less than a month after releasing Lion, Apple's rolled out its first update.

In a software update that went out this afternoon, the company released OS X 10.7.1, a download that fixes a handful of bugs left by the initial release. The full list includes:

• Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive when playing a video in Safari • Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI or optical audio out • Improve the reliability of Wi-Fi connections • Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and … Read more

How to back up your Windows 7 computer

Almost all of us know someone who's lost data--or have lost it ourselves--yet far too many of us keep putting off our next (or first) backup. Given how easy it is, especially for Windows 7 machines, there's just no good excuse for it any more. Here's how to get started and get back in good habits: 

Before you get started, take time to think about your important files. Most of it likely lives in the standard folders (documents, e-mail, etc.), but if you've stashed anything away in a folder you created, note it down for … Read more

Windows 8 prerelease launching in coming months

Windows 8 is set to hit the prerelease stage over the coming months, according to a blog posted yesterday by Microsoft President Steven Sinofsky.

Though the term prerelease version is a bit vague, Sinofsky is likely referring to the beta of Windows 8 since he said that the company wants to "begin an open dialogue with those of you who will be trying out the prerelease version over the coming months."

Aiming the new blog series, "Building Windows 8," at customers, developers, and users in general, Sinofsky used the post to provide tidbits of information but … Read more

3 handy, built-in Windows tools

Microsoft hasn't released any substantial updates since Windows 7 in 2009, but its operating system is never short on built-in unadvertised features. While we patiently wait for Windows 8 to debut, here are three very useful tools you might have missed.

1. Windows Mobility Center Press the Windows-X to call up a dashboard that gives you quick access to settings like volume, Wi-Fi, power management, and more. Click the icons for advanced options. There's also "presentation mode," which disables all Windows notifications while you give a presentation (i.e. PowerPoint).

2. Magnifying glass Press Windows-+ to … Read more

Apple sued over speedy Mac OS X startup

Apple has been sued for the Mac OS X startup process.

Operating Systems Solutions, a Florida company, recently sued Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging that the Mac maker's desktop operating system violates a patent it owns for quickly booting an OS. The patent was originally issued to LG Electronics in 2002.

The patent reads, "a method for fast booting a computer system, comprising the steps of: A. performing a power on self test (POST) of basic input output system (BIOS) when the system is powered on or reset is … Read more

Security insider discusses Vista's level of security

LAS VEGAS--It's easy now to look back at Microsoft's Windows Vista and berate the company for the operating system's shortcomings, but the truth is far more complex, according to one security researcher. At the second day of the annual Black Hat conference here, Chris Paget, chief hacker at the security company Recursion Ventures, discussed her independent contracting work for Microsoft on Vista prior to its release for the first time. Before Recursion took on the contract, all members of the team that worked on Vista were made to sign non-disclosure agreements that took five years to expire. … Read more

When hacking Chrome, it's all about your data

LAS VEGAS--Google touts the Chrome OS as being free from traditional security concerns like malware, but it's still vulnerable to entirely different kinds of attacks, two researchers from the firm WhiteHat Security told Black Hat attendees here today.

The Chrome OS is unlike any other desktop system currently available, said Matt Johansen, WhiteHat Security's team lead. "It's more similar to mobile devices and apps, where to get more out of the device you're going to need to install extensions," he said. "Mobile bugs are being sold for 20 to 30 percent more than … Read more

Mac OS X Lion review: A worthy upgrade for the price

When Apple showed off Mac OS X Lion at the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote speech earlier this year, it was clear the company had paid attention to its successes with the popular iOS devices, and was now beginning to include successful iOS features in its flagship OS.

Also, with Apple laptops and tablets now far outpacing desktop sales, Apple has moved from a primarily desktop computer company to embrace mobile computing. This release of Mac OS X seems to be a reflection of Apple's successes in those categories.

With this eighth major release of the big-cat OS, Apple is … Read more

Chrome OS has security flaws, claims researcher

Google may see its Chrome operating system as more secure than traditional alternatives, but one security researcher believes the cloud-based OS is vulnerable, according to a Reuters story published yesterday.

WhiteHat Security researcher Matt Johansen said he found a flaw in a Chrome OS application that he was able to exploit to gain control of a Google e-mail account. Though Google fixed the flaw after it was reported, Johansen claims to have discovered other applications with the same flaw, Reuters said.

In citing the security holes in Chrome OS, Johansen specifically pointed to the ability of hackers who can steal … Read more