Businesses get preview of new Windows
REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. is giving businesses a preview of Vista, the next version of its flagship Windows operating system.
Microsoft has invested heavily in adding features that will make it easier and less expensive for companies to keep their computer networks secure and working smoothly, said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows product management.
In a conference call Wednesday, Goldberg said the new operating system would allow people to log onto their office’s system remotely without needing to connect through a virtual private network, or VPN, which some users find cumbersome.
Other improvements he noted include:
• Safer Web browsing with the inclusion of Internet Explorer version 7.
• Easier installation of software fixes, known as patches, to protect computers from attacks.
• Improved user account control to let more workers do things like install printer drivers without being set up for administrator access, thereby limiting such access to those who truly need the higher-level functions.
Goldberg said the test is being made available to about 500,000 select customers, and the company plans to release the preview to a broader consumer test audience in its next fiscal quarter, which begins in April.
•The U.S. patent office on Wednesday issued its first of several anticipated final rejections of patents held by NTP Inc. related to Research in Motion’s BlackBerry device, two days before a judge will hear arguments on an injunction on the wireless e-mail service.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is expected to finally reject four other patents at the heart of the court case, but it’s unclear when those actions could come.
•Federal regulators have told H&R Block Inc. they need another month to review the company’s request to start its own bank.
The U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision was supposed to decide on the Kansas City-based company’s application by Feb. 17. Instead, the agency said it would extend the deadline for 30 days to further consider the matter, company spokeswoman Linda McDougall said Wednesday.
H&R Block, the nation’s largest tax preparer, said it wants a bank charter to provide a cheap banking alternative for tax clients and other customers who don’t typically use mainstream banks.