Paul Thurrott

Three-quarters of the way through Windows 10’s first year, Microsoft is in danger of subverting its reputation, as well as the reputation of its flagship PC product.

Because Microsoft loves Linux and I feel weird, this edition of Short Takes focuses on some Microsoft/Linux musings, another PS 4 victory, Google’s self-driving car attacks a bus, a government filing and Apple backlash in encryption case, and a new F.C.C. privacy rule proposal.

While some are scrambling to explain why Microsoft’s decision to port SQL Server to Linux makes sense, a more pressing question emerges: Which other Microsoft solutions can or should head to Linux in the future?

According to a report, Microsoft considered buying the Slack collaboration service for an incredible $8 billion. But pushback from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and CEO Satya Nadella apparently ended the talks.

Because years of Call of Duty are finally paying off, this edition of Short Takes focuses on IDC’s comeuppance on Windows phone, misunderstandings about Microsoft’s Xbox strategy, HPE beats estimates, Oculus Rift CEO mocks high-end Macs, and more hand-wringing about the Apple iPhone case.

Microsoft is a adding a Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection service to Windows 10. Aimed at businesses with IT staff, this new service will expand the existing security controls in Windows 10 to address more advanced electronic attacks.

Because it’s been that kind of week, this edition of Short Takes focuses on Microsoft supporting Apple in the phone case, Brad Smith’s Carrot Top moment, why Microsoft bought Xamarin, how Skylake impacts Windows Embedded and Server, and I’m wondering when Xbox One will get Windows 10 apps. Microsoft supports Apple in iPhone controversy Microsoft…

Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith testified ahead of a U.S. Congressional hearing this week that conflicting and outdated international laws are hampering the tech industry’s ability to protect personal privacy and keep the public safe.

Despite a later and half-hearted expression of disappointment, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has indeed taken the side of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in its standoff with Apple.

has only a minimal presence at Mobile World Congress this week and will not make any formal announcements. Instead, it will let its Windows device partners do the talking this year.

Because I’m of an encrypted mind, this edition of Short Takes focuses on this week’s big tech controversy: A US governmental demand that Apple decrypt a terrorist’s iPhone.

Windows 10 has received its most notable endorsement yet, with the U.S. Department of Defense committing to upgrade 4 million seats to Microsoft’s latest OS. Even more impressive: the DOD will complete the migration with one year, an unprecedented speed for a government rollout.