Microsoft is shrouded in a curtain of scandal with the their controversial performance at the Norwegian Developers Conference and their future privacy-violating, emotion-based ads.  But that’s not where matters end.  It’s just the beginning.

Microsoft patches vulnerabilities

Yesterday Microsoft issued a warning to their users stating that attackers are utilizing the vulnerability in their system to acquire user data.

“Microsoft is aware of active attacks that leverage a vulnerability in Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit such a website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or Instant Messenger message that takes them to the attacker’s website. The vulnerability affects all supported releases of Microsoft Windows, and all supported editions of Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2007.”

There are 26 vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer as well as other applications but security experts are urging Microsoft users to prioritize the Internet Explorer and Remote Desktop Protocol updates as they are the ones being exploited by the Flame virus.

Microsoft disabled their automatic updater and urged users to manually patch the vulnerabilities.  Click here to fix your Microsoft issues.

Microsoft charge developers for Windows 8 RT

Microsoft is going all out in in their marketing strategy to drive interest in Windows 8.  Mostly, when you want to push a product, you either cut the price or give away out for free, but Microsoft has a different strategy in mind – charge more to gain more.

At last week’s Computex, it was found out that tablet OEMs were quoted a price of $80-$90 for the Windows RT – the ARM-ready OS meant to be used in tablets.  Microsoft hasn’t commented on the matter yet, but it may not be the best strategy for Microsoft’s unknown OS  when developers have the option of using Android for free.

Windows 8 or 7?

As I’ve said, Microsoft is pushing Windows 8 even before it launches, but they are faced with the dilemma of having Windows 7 take the backseat.  At TechEd North America, speakers were clearly selling Windows 8 to attendees, but they were torn with the fact that they have to keep reminding people that they should upgrade to Windows 7 if they haven’t upgraded their OS yet.

The thing is, most Windows users aren’t Windows 7, so the fact that they’re saying Windows 8 would be coming out later this year and it’s way better than 7, if I’m using Windows XP or Vista, I’d rather wait for WIndows 8 to come out than upgrade to 7 now then upgrade to 8 when it comes out.  For many, it seems pointless and costly if you follow Microsoft’s “advice”.

“Windows 8 is a bold new bet, and it’s a generational change in Windows,” said Antoine Leblond, corporate vice president of Windows Web Services. “Windows 8 first and foremost is a better Windows than Windows 7.”

Windows 7 is for desktop PCs while Windows 8 aims to unify a person’s PC and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.  But the OS release schedules are something we’ll have to transition as mobile and other connected devices become more relevant.

ITC backs Microsoft in their Motorola battle

Motorola Mobility is trying to block the sales of Microsoft Xbox 360, stating that the gaming console infringed some of their patents.  Microsoft retaliated by filing a complaint stating that Google and Motorola priced their patents too high, which MoMo responded by stating that they’re willing to settle with Microsoft to end their dispute.

Now, US congressmen are backing Microsoft stating that a ban on their console could cost jobs in the US.  Representatives Lamar Smith, John Conyers, and Melvin. L. Watt stated that a ban on the gaming console simply means that the other party is not practicing the FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) agreement.  But members of the Illinois delegation stated that they are in favor of  injunctive and exclusionary actions for patent infringers, who will not enter a licensing agreement.