Today Microsoft laid out claims as to the efficacy of its Internet Explorer product, versions 8 and 9, the most recent editions, in blocking malware and protecting users. Theblog post on the matterstates that between two and five million malware attacks are blocked every day by the two browsers. It’s enough to make you wonder how the Internet Explorer 7 users are faring, as they lack the main element that is keeping users of IE8 and 9 safe: SmartScreen Filter....

Be wary: the next time a website asks you to click on a link or download new software, think twice because there’s a pretty good chance that the program is infected. Microsoft claims that one out of every 14 programs downloaded by Windows users turns out to be malicious. Even though modern browsers have been packed with security features designed to steer users away from unknown and potentially untrustworthy software, about 5 percent of users ignore the warnings and download malicious Trojan horse programs anyway....

It’s jargon Wednesday here on TNWmicrosoft, so strap in your Googling (Binging?) skills and let’s talk about virtualization. Satya Nadella, the current head of Microsoft’s Server and Tools Business, which is usually shortened to STB, isquoted by Microsoftas saying that the technology industry is moving towards a “post-virtualization era.” What does that mean? It means that single machines, severs for example, are losing their sheen to grouped units that work together without such individuality....

While rumors of the next Xbox are beginning to swirl, the overall Xbox ecosystem (the 360 and LIVE) is performing surprisingly well given how long its current hardware has been in the market. According to Robin Burrowes, Head of Product Marketing for the Xbox in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, things are not only as good as they have ever been for LIVE, but they continue to get better:...

Windows 8 leaks come in waves. Some weeks we hear more than Microsoft would prefer, and other weeks we hear nothing at all. The company, as BUILD approaches and the market prepares to test a pre-beta edition of the coming OS, is working to stifle leaks. WinRumorshas reportedan internal email from Intel that outlines security changes to Windows 8, moves that will limit the ability of people to access the builds, thus cutting down on total revelations to the market....