Ed Bott

You can set your Windows low-battery warning to wherever you want to allow you time to get to a charger before your laptop shuts down. Here’s how.

MSDN subscriptions offer on-premises tools plus an allowance for Azure usage–but the options are somewhat complicated. Ed Bott offers essential details to help you make the best choice.

Every month, Microsoft releases security updates on Patch Tuesday. To help you manage these releases more efficiently, Ed Bott tackles six key questions and provides the extra details all IT pros should know.

TechNet is gone, but it’s still possible to get low-cost versions of Microsoft operating systems, applications, and server software. Ed Bott breaks down the various TechNet alternatives.

Office 2010 Starter is a new option that replaces the old, time-bombed trial versions from earlier Office versions. This no-nonsense splash screen explains what’s available in the “reduced functionality” version and includes one of many Purchase buttons available throughout the program.

Microsoft Windows has been around for 25 years, and during that time its memory management features have changed dramatically. If you’re still using ten-year-old tools and techniques to measure performance in Windows, you’re doing it wrong. In this gallery and accompanying blog post, I explain how to use each of the three main memory monitoring tools in Windows 7, and what each one’s unique display really tells you.

For more details, see Windows 7 memory usage: What’s the best way to measure?.

When Microsoft launched Windows 7 on October 22, it also flipped the switch on a new Internet TV feature. Here’s what you’ll find.

In September 2009, Microsoft made a partial technical preview of its new Office Web Apps suite available for a select group of testers and partners. What can you do with these “streamlined” Office programs, and which features are missing? I take a closer look.

A brief look at some key features and hidden gems in Windows 7.

Microsoft has released a Technical Preview of its Office 2010 Professional suite. Here are some of the new and improved features you can expect to see in it.

In this gallery and the accompanying blog post, Ed Bott walks you through the main features in Windows 7 and explains the best ways for you to evaluate the changes.

Apple has a virtual monopoly in the digital music download business, thanks to its iTunes Music Store. But there’s plenty of competition. Here’s a closer look at six services trying to deliver your favorite MP3s for less than Apple charges.