Operating systems software

Competition among operating system (OS) suppliers is growing, with new OS products being developed for emerging platforms such as smartphones and netbooks. Microsoft Windows is still the most important product for businesses, but Linux, Mac OS and Unix offer important alternatives, along with device-specific OS such as Android and Chrome. We examine the operating system software choices facing IT managers.

News 08 Feb 2023
India launches homegrown BharOS

The homegrown Android-based mobile operating system could reduce India’s reliance on foreign software, but uncertainties around market adoption and software updates remain Continue Reading
E-Zine 16 Jan 2023
CW EMEA: Protecting the privacy of schoolchildren

In this month’s CW EMEA, we look at how schools in Germany have stopped using Microsoft Office 365 over lack of clarity over how data is collected, shared and used. We also delve into how former UK spy boss Richard Dearlove leaked names of MI6 secret agent recruiters in China to back an aggressive right-wing US campaign against tech company Huawei. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

News 26 Sep 2017

Mac OS passwords at risk of theft, researcher warns

Some Apple Mac users are at risk of password theft due to a zero-day vulnerability discovered in some versions of the operating system Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Aug 2017

The fields of Athenry – how Apple’s datacentre plans are causing turmoil in a small Irish town

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look into Apple’s controversial plans to build a huge datacentre in a small town in the west of Ireland, and hear the local arguments it has caused. We find out how the Met Office is managing the vast quantities of data it uses for weather forecasting. And we examine Google plans to bring artificial intelligence tools to the job recruitment market. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 26 Jul 2017

Adobe to kill off Flash Player by end of 2020

Adobe has announced it is to stop updating and distributing Flash Player in just over three years’ time Continue Reading
News 21 Jun 2017

Microsoft admits Windows 10 disables third-party security software

Microsoft has admitted Windows 10 disables some third-party security software, but claims this is purely because of compatibility issues Continue Reading
News 21 Jun 2017

Pirated software used to spread malware in APAC

A regional study by a Singapore university has found that counterfeit software distributed through discs and file-sharing networks is plagued by malware Continue Reading
News 20 Jun 2017

Web hosting firm agrees to pay $1m ransomware demand

South Korean hosting firm Nayana agrees to pay more than $1m to restore data that was encrypted by a ransomware attack on its Linux servers on 10 June 2017 Continue Reading
News 24 May 2017

SAP aligns with Saudi Arabia’s IT transformation agenda

Global software giant SAP sees an opportunity for its wide portfolio in Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern country transforms Continue Reading
News 27 Feb 2017

Santander bank to work with IBM developing mobile apps for staff

Santander bank wants to make its staff more productive through mobile apps, which it will create alongside IBM Continue Reading
News 13 Feb 2017

Autodata turns to big data to predict vehicle failures

Vehicle data company sees 30% jump in revenue after moving to open source software and opening its data to garages, insurers and parts companies Continue Reading
News 23 Jan 2017

Singapore and Indonesia stand out for IT spend in Apac banking sector

Singapore is the top spender on IT for banking of all developed economies in the Apac region, while Indonesia has the fastest growth rate in IT spending Continue Reading
News 05 Dec 2016

Top 10 ANZ enterprise IT stories of 2016

Here is a rundown of Computer Weekly’s most popular ANZ enterprise IT articles for 2016 Continue Reading
E-Zine 29 Nov 2016

Machine learning keeps customers happy at Ocado

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how data scientists at online grocer Ocado are using machine learning technology to deliver better customer service and improve warehouse efficiency. Manufacturing giant GE is making a play to become a top 10 software supplier – we look at the plans. And we examine the future of server operating systems as workloads move increasingly to the cloud. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Nov 2016

Future of the server operating system

We look at the evolution of the server operating system, and how the next generation is moving into the cloud Continue Reading
News 16 Nov 2016

UK almost bottom of OECD pile for ICT investment

The UK ranks low in terms of how much it invests in the ICT infrastructure as a proportion of GDP Continue Reading
E-Zine 15 Nov 2016

Counting the cost of financial cyber crime

In this week’s Computer Weekly, the cyber security of banks is under scrutiny after an attack on Tesco Bank leads to millions lost in fraudulent transactions. Our latest buyer’s guide, on server operating systems, looks at the new features in Windows Server 2016. And Coca-Cola explains how a move to the cloud is helping motivate staff. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
E-Zine 01 Nov 2016

The future of connected cars

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how software is reshaping the car industry, with internet-connected cars presenting challenges and opportunities for the sector. IT suppliers are putting up prices in the UK as the value of the pound falls – we look at the implications. And Eurostar’s digital chief talks about overhauling IT to meet demanding passenger expectations. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
E-Zine 25 Oct 2016

25 years of Linux

In this week’s Computer Weekly, 25 years after Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel, we look at how the open-source operating system has influenced modern-day IT. Our new buyer’s guide covers the fast growing technology of object storage. And we examine the rise of corporate wireless networking. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
Photo Story 13 Oct 2016

Windows Server 2016: A first look

Windows Server 2016 is a major release of Microsoft's server operating system, with more changes than in Windows Server 2012 R2 back in 2013 Continue Reading
News 11 Oct 2016

How Linux has influenced modern IT

On 25 August 1991, Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel. We look at how the open source operating system has evolved in the last quarter of a century Continue Reading
E-Zine 04 Oct 2016

How Microsoft aims to tackle information overload

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we hear from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about how the software giant wants to use cloud, machine learning and innovative datacentre technologies to open up access to information. Our new buyer’s guide looks at the emerging trend of network function virtualisation. And we examine the role of blockchain in cloud data security. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 22 Sep 2016

Which? calls for user compensation over Windows 10 upgrade issues

Consumer rights champion’s research shows 12% of Windows 10 users have downgraded to an older version of the software because of troublesome updates Continue Reading
E-Zine 22 Sep 2016

Computer Weekly 50th anniversary special

It’s been 50 years since Computer Weekly's launch on 22 September 1966. To mark this achievement, we have compiled a special edition of the magazine to reflect on how much the British technology industry has contributed over that time – and, of course, to celebrate our role in keeping IT professionals in touch with those developments – week-in, week-out, for half a century. Read this 100-page anniversary special now. Continue Reading
News 08 Sep 2016

Bank IT spending to hit $241bn across four major global regions

IT spending across four major economic regions will increase by around 4% in 2016, but Europe is the least certain Continue Reading
News 14 Jun 2016

GE unveils the industrial internet operating system

The GE Predix platform is now positioned as an operating system to run industrial machines more efficiently Continue Reading
News 01 Jun 2016

Microsoft sells 1,500 mobile patents to Xiaomi in licensing deal

Sale of mobile patent portfolio comes alongside software licensing agreement and may herald Xiaomi’s expansion into Europe and the US, say analysts Continue Reading
Feature 13 May 2016

[email protected]: How UK home brew gave computing to the masses

From batch processing to the graphical user interface, from desktop PCs to smartphones, from luggables to wearables, computing has come a long way since Computer Weekly was first published in 1966. We look at some of the personal computers that paved the way Continue Reading
News 20 Apr 2016

European Commission formally objects to Google’s Android dominance

Pre-installing Google Search and Play on devices is anti-competitive and limits consumer choice, claims EC Continue Reading
Feature 06 Apr 2016

[email protected]: From ICL to ITIL

Standardisation helps industries to grow. Here in the UK, a number of highly influential standards emerged that have become building blocks for the modern computer industry Continue Reading
News 24 Mar 2016

Businesses urged to update Apple software to dodge zero-day attacks

Security experts are urging Apple Mac, iPhone and iPad users to update their operating systems to avoid data-stealing attacks that exploit a new zero-day vulnerability Continue Reading
News 16 Mar 2016

Oracle Q3 2016: cloud revenue grows, US currency strength takes toll

SaaS and PaaS combined contributed $583m in third quarter, up 57% in US dollar terms, while IaaS was down 2% in dollars to $152m Continue Reading
News 14 Mar 2016

NHS England injects £55m to boost e-Referrals uptake

NHS England will use £55m to reward GPs and hospitals using digital referrals by 2018 to increase uptake of its e-Referrals programme Continue Reading
News 24 Feb 2016

Great Ormond Street NHS hunts for EPR and research platform worth up to £50m

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children is looking for an electronic patient record system and a clinical research platform worth £50m Continue Reading
News 05 Feb 2016

Azure’s role in Microsoft’s IoT vision

Microsoft has fleshed out its strategy to position its cloud service as a key part of the internet of things fabric with the availability of Azure IoT Hub Continue Reading
News 26 Jan 2016

Blue light services should share control rooms and IT, Home Office says

The Home Office plans to make emergency services collaboration mandatory and to join up back-office IT and control rooms Continue Reading
News 19 Jan 2016

Most Android devices running outdated versions

Nearly a third of Android devices in enterprises today are running version 4.0 or older of the operating system, leaving them highly susceptible to vulnerabilities, a study shows Continue Reading
News 08 Jan 2016

Blackpool becomes third NHS trust to get open-source EPR

Open-source electronic patient records continue to gain traction in the NHS as Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust signs up Continue Reading
News 03 Dec 2015

Home Office e-Borders programme costs to reach £1.1bn by 2019, says NAO report

The failed e-Borders programme has cost £830m to date, with a further £275m projected costs before the Home Office produces new systems in-house, due to go live in 2019 Continue Reading
News 27 Nov 2015

GDS aims for £3.5bn savings using its £450m budget

The Government Digital Service plans £3.5bn in efficiency savings on the back of its £450m budget, including a £1.3bn saving from its government-as-a-platform programme Continue Reading
News 30 Oct 2015

Law enforcement cracks down on DroidJack Android snooping malware users

A joint EU/US operation on the DroidJack malware is the latest example of international collaboration between law enforcement officers directed at cyber crime Continue Reading
E-Zine 12 Oct 2015

Europe's data privacy shake-up

In this week's Computer Weekly, after the European Court of Justice ruled the Safe Harbour agreement invalid, we assess the implications for transatlantic data protection. We find out why DVLA has brought its IT back in-house after a 13-year outsourcing deal. And we look at the role of IT in cutting costs in the NHS. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 07 Oct 2015

Microsoft launches Surface Book, its first own-brand laptop

Software giant Microsoft announces a range of new Windows 10 devices, including smartphones, a tablet – and Surface Book, the company's first laptop device Continue Reading
E-Zine 06 Oct 2015

What's on your desktop?

In this week's Computer Weekly, Microsoft has released Office 2016 and is urging customers to migrate to Windows 10 – but is a desktop upgrade worth the hassle? We report from the Dreamforce conference on the latest products from Salesforce.com. Continue Reading
News 11 Aug 2015

Use technology to improve NHS, say patients

Almost 70% of the population believes technology should be used in the NHS to improve patient outcomes and efficiency, says Trustmarque Continue Reading
News 31 Jul 2015

Commercial software more secure than open source, finds report

A study has found that commercial code is more compliant than open source code with security compliance standards, such as the Owasp top 10 and the CWE top 25 Continue Reading
E-Zine 28 Jul 2015

Taking a classic brand into the digital age

In this week's Computer Weekly, we find out how Hornby, the iconic model railway company that also owns Scalextric and Airfix, is moving these classic brands into the digital age. With the release of Windows 10, we ask if businesses should upgrade. And our buyer's guide looks at managing software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
E-Zine 07 Jul 2015

The IT behind Angry Birds

In this week's Computer Weekly, we talk to the CIO of Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the gaming phenomenon Angry Birds, about how he supports a global business with a five-person IT team. We assess your options for moving off Windows Server 2003 now support is ending. And our buyer's guide looks at log management. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 30 Jun 2015

Top suppliers as UK software and services market approaches £50bn

The top five software and IT services firms in the UK are Capita, HP, IBM, Capgemini and Accenture, according to the latest figures from TechMarketView Continue Reading
News 29 May 2015

Google announces security features for Android

Google announces better app permission controls and other Android security changes at its Google I/O developer conference Continue Reading
News 15 Apr 2015

NCR promises 40% annual savings with thin-client cash machines

NCR has developed smart thin client cash machines to replacing ageing Windows XP-based ATMs Continue Reading
News 18 Mar 2015

Ford drives connected car journey with Microsoft Azure

The Microsoft Azure cloud will be used to power Ford's new software delivery and vehicle monitoring service Continue Reading
Photo Story 06 Feb 2015

Universal apps in the enterprise

Windows 10 offers a new application platform, called universal apps. Should businesses consider using universal apps for new applications Continue Reading
Photo Story 21 Jan 2015

Windows 10: Microsoft gets serious on upgrades

Microsoft will offer users of Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Windows Phone a free upgrade to Windows 10. Plus there is a hologram version Continue Reading
News 06 Jan 2015

Google under fire over Windows zero-day disclosure

Google has come under fire for publishing a proof-of-concept attack exploiting a flaw in Windows 8.1 before Microsoft had released a security update Continue Reading
News 19 Nov 2014

Microsoft releases emergency security patch for Windows and Windows Server

Microsoft emergency patch fixes a Windows and Windows Server vulnerability hackers are exploiting to compromise networks Continue Reading
News 11 Nov 2014

Qantas puts Oracle ERP in the cloud with Tata Consultancy Services

Airline Qantas signs IT outsourcing services firm TCS to upgrade its Oracle ERP platform and move it into the cloud Continue Reading
E-Zine 10 Nov 2014

Migrating away from Windows Server 2003

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as Microsoft prepares to end support for the popular Windows Server 2013 operating system, we assess the risk for organisations that fail to migrate in time. We hear from IT leaders delivering benefits from enterprise social media use to improve staff collaboration. And we look at criticisms from Oracle users about the supplier’s software licensing practices. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 04 Nov 2014

Airbus interview: research, innovation and the future of aviation

IT plays a substantial role in creating the aircraft of the future, with research and innovation at the core of the Airbus business strategy Continue Reading
News 01 Oct 2014

Microsoft readies Windows 10 Technical Preview

Microsoft is today releasing a preview of Windows 10, the next version of the Windows desktop operating system Continue Reading
News 25 Sep 2014

Bash bug could be bigger threat than Heartbleed

A bug in the Bash command prompt software used by many Unix computers could be a greater threat than Heartbleed. Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2014

Tesco to reduce IT spend in a bid to cut costs

Supermarket giant Tesco has announced that it will be cutting costs from its IT budget to save money Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2014

Ocado’s technology under fire, causing share price to fall

Ocado’s IT has come under fire in a financial analyst's report that claims the market has over-valued the retailer's automation technology Continue Reading
News 21 Aug 2014

Load balancing supports Kent County Council's VDI project

Kent County Council picks Kemp Technologies load balancers to support a deployment of VMware Horizon View and Workspace across its estate Continue Reading
Photo Story 04 Aug 2014

Apple OS X Yosemite – How open beta will improve enterprise outlook

Apple recently submitted its most recent operating system, OS X Yosemite, for open beta. This move could signal greater opportunities for Apple in the enterprise. Continue Reading
News 18 Jul 2014

Microsoft ditches Android after four-month fling

Microsoft pulls the plug on its short-lived Nokia X Android devices as it prepares to make 18,000 employees redundant Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2014

Queen Mary University to offer networking crash course for ICT students

Queen Mary University of London to pilot a four-day network training and certification course Continue Reading
News 11 Apr 2014

Microsoft halts Windows 8.1 update for businesses due to bug

Microsoft has suspended the Windows 8.1 update for business users because of a bug. Continue Reading
News 31 Mar 2014

Ministry of Justice to invest up to £375m in court and tribunal technology reform

The Ministry of Justice has announced a five-year programme to update and replace technology used in courts and tribunals across the UK Continue Reading
News 04 Mar 2014

Airport IT Trends Survey

Airports are spending a larger slice of their revenues on technology as they look to improve the passenger experience, this major study from SITA reveals. Continue Reading
Photo Story 17 Feb 2014

UK IT spending will outpace rest of Europe in 2014

Computer Weekly research reveals the IT spending priorities for UK and European organisations in 2014. Continue Reading
News 07 Feb 2014

Met Police releases ‘Total Technology’ IT strategy

The Metropolitan Police Service has released a three to four-year plan on how to transform the use of technology in the organisation Continue Reading
News 28 Jan 2014

BBC failed to get "sufficient grip” over failed DMI project, says NAO

The National Audit Office has slammed the BBC over its failed Digital Media Initiative (DMI), project saying the broadcaster was “too optimistic” and the BBC executive “did not have sufficient grip of the programme" Continue Reading
E-Zine 06 Jan 2014

IT giants go north for cool datacentres

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at why IT giants like Microsoft and Google are building datacentres in the Nordic region, and what benefits a similar move could bring to corporate CIOs. Windows XP support ends in just three months’ time – our buyer’s guide examines what you need to do if you’re still using the operating system. And the CIO of Ikea talks about the challenges of international multichannel retail. Read the issue now Continue Reading
Photo Story 23 Dec 2013

IT at the WWF Living Planet Centre

WWF’s Living Planet Centre is one of the greenest buildings in the UK and aims to demonstrate to the public using technology how it is possible for people to live in harmony with nature Continue Reading
Opinion 19 Dec 2013

User acceptance testing needs real training, not just a short course

In spite of its importance, user acceptance testing (UAT) is often chaotic, problematic and ineffective Continue Reading
News 05 Dec 2013

700,000 benefit claimants miss out on Universal Credit deadline

The secretary for work and pensions has admitted the Universal Credit benefit scheme will miss its 2017 deadline Continue Reading
News 21 Oct 2013

Microsoft withdraws faulty Windows RT 8.1 update for Surface tablets

Microsoft has widthdrawn its Windows 8.1 update for Surface RT tablets after some users reported system crashes Continue Reading
News 27 Sep 2013

Software acquisition is risk acquisition, says industry panel

New software often means new security vulnerabilities, panel tells the (ISC)2 Security Congress 2013 Continue Reading
News 10 Sep 2013

CW Enterprise Software case studies

Brian McKenna presents 6 case studies on enterprise software drawn from the winners of Computer Weekly's European User Awards. Continue Reading
News 23 Aug 2013

The end of the Ballmer era for Microsoft

Microsoft’s eccentric CEO will step down from his role with12 months, so what does that mean for the future of the firm? Continue Reading
News 23 Jul 2013

Ubuntu crowd sources funding for PC smartphone hybrid

Ubuntu has invited early adopters to join crowd-funding ventures to launch Ubuntu Edge, a hybrid PC and mobile phone platform Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2013

Windows 8 Secrets

Download a step by step guide to installing Windows 8 from the book Windows 8 Secrets. Continue Reading
Photo Story 13 Jun 2013

Software Gallery opens at the National Museum of Computing

The National Museum of Computing has opened a new exhibit charting the history of software Continue Reading
Feature 13 May 2013

Workplace IT services in flux: wherever, whenever, whatever

Enterprise computing is in upheaval as the emphasis shifts towards automation and user-device provision. Continue Reading
News 07 May 2013

Windows 8 passes 100 million in sales

Microsoft says Windows 8 OS has sold more than 100 million copies, roughly matching Windows 7 in the six months after launch Continue Reading
News 19 Apr 2013

Microsoft reports strong quarterly results for all divisions

Microsoft reported profit of $6bn for the past quarter, up 17% from a year ago, despite a mixed response to Windows 8 and a decline in PC sales Continue Reading
Feature 11 Apr 2013

Windows XP end of support: What to do next

CIOs may not wish to carry on running a 12-year-old desktop OS, but thousands of incompatible applications leave many with no choice Continue Reading
Photo Story 04 Mar 2013

How to configure Mac OS X Server

How to secure Mac OS X Server using global password policies and data loss prevention Continue Reading
News 08 Jan 2013

Are software audits good for your health?

The Business Software Alliance's claim that 90% of all audit letters sent in 2012 were the result of tips from whistle-blowers is a wake-up call to CIOs Continue Reading
News 07 Jan 2013

Barclays' Linux programme not a snub to suppliers

Barclays says it is not snubbing any supplier by developing a private cloud infrastructure and using Linux to cut software development costs by 90%. Continue Reading
News 03 Jan 2013

Ubuntu Linux adapted for Android smartphones

The open source Ubuntu operating system, a distribution of Linux, has been adapted to run on smartphones Continue Reading
News 28 Dec 2012

Top 10 business software articles of 2012

The main thrust in enterprise software this year has been the introduction of a new Windows OS, programming model and user interface. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Dec 2012

How to secure Macs in the enterprise

Apple computers are becoming increasingly used in the enterprise - we look at how to securely introduce Macs in the corporate network Continue Reading
News 16 Oct 2012

Optimising Linux on System z

Linux on System z has opened up new opportunities for the mainframe say analysts Clive Longbottom and Rob Bamforth. Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2012

VMware demos Horizon for workspace aggregation

VMware has fleshed out its desktop virtualisation strategy with products designed to make desktop computing more manageable Continue Reading
Photo Story 20 Aug 2012

Open source review: Ubuntu OS 12.04 LTS

Adrian Bridgwater reviews Canonical's latest operating system for Linux and assesses its fitness for business users Continue Reading
News 18 Jul 2012

Microsoft faces substantial EC fine over browser rules breach

Microsoft faces a large fine for failing to offer Windows users a choice of web browser despite apologising to the European Commission (EC) Continue Reading
News 13 Jul 2012

The future of software development: Energized Work

Gus Power, CTO at Energized Work, gives his views on the future of software development, in this presentation for Computer Weekly's 500 Club. Continue Reading
News 13 Jul 2012

The future of software development: The FT's view.

Jagdeep Singh Bhambra, head of software development at the FT, gives his views on the future of software development, in this presentation for Computer Weekly's 500 Club for IT leaders. Continue Reading
News 09 Jul 2012

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 OS release in October

Microsoft's latest operating system (OS), Windows 8, will be released to manufacturing in August, with full release due three months later Continue Reading
News 29 Jun 2012

KPMG 2012 Global Technology Innovation Survey

China and the US are most likely to come up with disruptive technology breakthroughs over the next four years, but Europe lags behind Continue Reading