Denise Dubie

Microsoft Wednesday unveiled the second platform preview of its Internet Explorer 9 browser, which isn't due to be released to market for another year. Industry watchers expect the iterative versions will help Microsoft keep developers interested in its technology as the browser market shares become ever more fragmented.

Microsoft seeks browser comeback with IE9

Security experts, industry analysts and even Microsoft recommend that IT departments upgrade Internet Explorer 6, yet new research shows that while there may have recently been a mock funeral for the aging browser, IE6 is still around and doing well, especially during standard business hours.

Microsoft seeks browser comeback with IE9

Artwork: Chip TaylorAlthough certifications have always been beneficial to IT job seekers, lately there's increased emphasis on vendor- and technology-specific training as the economy begins to recover and companies look to plug talent holes in their IT organizations.

"There are great opportunities in technology, but there is increased competition for jobs," says Ray Kelly, CEO of certification provider Certiport. "I have never seen a time like today where there is such a focus on certifications."

Microsoft wants the world to abandon Internet Explorer 6 and upgrade to IE7 or IE8 for security reasons, but the company says Web and application developers will want to upgrade to the next version of Microsoft's Web browser, IE9, for its optimized performance and HTML 5 support.

Microsoft seeking browser comeback with IE9

Following a heavy patch month in February, Microsoft Tuesday announced a lighter load of security bulletins for its users, but security experts say the potential impact is considerable if vulnerabilities aren't addressed.

Microsoft patches Excel, XP, Vista, W7, Virtual PC; leaves others holes alone

Microsoft is betting the cloud will deliver it and its customers the most opportunities for innovation and development. And according to CEO Steve Ballmer, five key reasons are driving the company's confidence in -- and technology strategy for -- cloud computing in the coming years.

Microsoft's 2010 task: Make the cloud clear

After Microsoft officially released Windows 7, interest in rapidly adopting the operating system increased for one in five IT pros from small and midsize companies, according to a survey by an IT management company.

Essential guide to Windows 7 management

Recent market share statistics deliver good and bad news for Microsoft. The company saw its Internet Explorer browser lose more ground, seemingly to Google Desktop and Chrome, while its Windows 7 operating system quickly gained market acceptance.

Beware the rogue Wi-Fi access points in Windows 7

IT professionals looking to find new employment or upgrade their current positions should investigate job opportunities that address growing demand for technologies such as virtualization, cloud, network security and social computing skills.

20 most useful career sites for IT professionals

Microsoft's release of Windows 7 could have many IT managers considering a move from existing installed systems to the newest release, while industry watchers suggest enterprise IT organizations weigh all the pros and cons before taking the plunge.

Seven tips to migrate and manage Windows 7

Pay for noncertified and certified skills continues to dip slightly as the recession wears on, but second quarter research from Foote Partners shows certain high-tech know-how yielded compensation increases.

Where the IT jobs are: 10 American cities

Artwork: Chip TaylorTelework advocates working with the Commonwealth of Virginia hope to encourage people across the country to work from home or another remote location on Monday, August 3, 2009, in an effort to support green efforts and take the strain off the transportation infrastructure.

[ Network World Report: Taking a look at telework }