Paul Thurrott

Because Spring is in the air but snow is in the forecast, this edition of Short Takes focuses on how Microsoft uses malware techniques with Windows 10 upgrade push, Azure isn’t scalable enough for Apple, a big Lenovo reorg, Zuckerberg jogs in the China smog, and more.

Apple is still fighting a hotly-debated legal battle over law enforcement requests to bypass encryption on its iPhone handsets. But the consumer electronics giant is also reportedly working to strengthen the security of iCloud, which is currently the weak link in Apple’s arsenal.

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…

HP Inc.—the part of the newly split firm that sells PCs, printers and other hardware devices–reported financial results for its first quarter. And while the company met expectations, its PC business delivered 13 percent fewer units than the year before, well below the industry average.