Bringing it back? Let's face it, Microsoft has never really been the considered leader in OS aesthetics, or what I like to call: "The S Factors". They have hardly been accused of being the leader in what is sleek, stylish, snazzy and sexy; Apple has. With Vista, they produced a more visually sound experience, yet, gripes about other issues tended to overshadow its updated eye-candy. With Windows 7, Microsoft is obviously making a big effort to address the issues and concerns people have generally had with Vista, while making it not only a slightly superior visual experience, but making the interface more user-friendly.Feel free to have a deeper look at the early development of the new Windows.

A deep dive into Windows 7 (build 6801)

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 sends some PCs into an endless series of reboots, according to posts to a Microsoft support forum.

XP SP3 cripples some PCs with endless reboots

As mobs of Yahoo! shareholders everywhere grabbed their pitchforks and torches, shortly after they picked their mandibles up off of the ground, Jerry Yang, Yahoo!'s CEO, tried to explain the inexplicable. Yahoo!'s main man turned down a seemingly exceptional offer from Microsoft for $33 a share. His reason for not accepting the offer? He felt that Yahoo! is worth something in the realm of $38 a share. Oh really?
Let's put that into perspective: after Microsoft decided to stop playing economic ping pong with Yahoo!, Yahoo!'s stock dropped about 18% to about $23. That is still about 20 percent higher than it was before Microsoft made its initial offer.

Sounds to me like daddy thinks a bit more highly of his baby than logic would warrant. Still, it seems that shareholders are continuing to hope for a deal as Yahoo!'s stock went up to $26 a share. Or maybe, they actually believe that Yahoo! can come through with something brilliant. After all, Jerry Yang may just be hedging his bet on Yahoo!'s next big thing.

Yang betting on Y!Open to save Yahoo!

Microsoft said on Thursday that it will continue to allow Windows XP Home edition to be sold for a class of computers it calls "ultra-low-cost PCs." It's a category that covers machines with slower processors, smaller screens, and in many cases flash memory for storage, rather than a traditional hard drive.

Microsoft will extend life of Windows XP–again | Beyond Binary - A blog by Ina Fried - CNET News.com

Microsoft Corp. will cut the price of some versions of Windows Vista, the software maker said late Thursday.

Wired News - AP News

Microsoft today acknowledged a problem that is preventing Hotmail users from accessing their accounts.
PC World - Microsoft Fixing Hotmail Outage

The problem with a huge Inbox, besides the fact that you can't find anything, is a size limit to Outlook Express and once Outlook Express gets to the size limit, well, goodbye to your email!

Don't Let Outlook Express Get Too Big!

Some people find themselves unhappy with the Vista operating system. If you are one of them, good news! You can downgrade, and best of all, for free! If you find yourself needing to do this, but are uncomfortable with the steps, please feel free to contact us here at Help with A Smile.
Ditching Vista: How To Downgrade To Windows XP - Yahoo! News

Microsoft Corp. has started placing advertisements on the U.S. version of MSN Mobile, a Web portal for cellphone browsers that connects users with Hotmail, instant messaging, search, news and other content.

Microsoft Sells Banner Ads on MSN Mobile - New York Times

Microsoft Corp. amped up its antipiracy campaign today, adding a program that targets large customers that need to "get legal" after being fingered for using counterfeit or illegally-applied volume licenses.

Microsoft launches enterprise 'get legal' program