[The articles below were posted between Dec. 24, 2001 and Jan. 21, 2002 and appear in the February 2002 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Operating Systems

Gates Puts Focus on Trustworthy Computing

A Gates memo to employees kicking off a new companywidesecurity-related initiative may prove to be a major step toward addressing security, product reliability, and privacy woes

IPSec Enhances Windows Virtual Private Network Security

IPSec offers a new way to improve network security and provide users and offices with remote access via the Internet, but the technology is complex and has limitations

"Corona" Aims to Improve Streaming Media

The next version of Windows Media Technologies will offer quicker and more reliable streams, the ability to insert content midstream, and a more flexible programming model

Release of XPe Shows Value of OS Components

Windows XP Embedded's database of OS components and their dependencies hints at ways Microsoft could make future Windows versions easier to install and maintain on PCs

Digital Rights Management OS Patent

A patent issued to Microsoft Research in Dec. 2001 hints at how future Windows operating systems might significantly improve protection of copyrighted content

Development Tools & Programs

Free .NET Framework SDK Posted

The SDK gives developers an inexpensive way to work with Microsoft's new software development platform, which aims to simplify development and make apps more reliable and secure

New MSDN Subscription Levels

The Microsoft Developer Network now offers five subscription levels rather than three, giving developers more choice regarding the product code and information they receive

Desktop Applications

Office XP SP1 Released

The service pack rolls up several previous updates and provides stability and performance improvements, particularly for Office XP running on Windows XP

Appliances & Emerging Networks

New Products Demonstrate PC as Home Hub

Forthcoming products code-named Freestyle and Mira highlight Microsoft's strategy for the home

Commercial & Consumer Services

New Offerings Cater to Financial Services Companies

A portal hosting service and a private-label version of Money are part of a new effort to move into the financial services market without trampling on powerful toes

Sales & Support

MCS, Partner Roles Clarified

To minimize conflicts with consulting partners, Microsoft will limit Microsoft Consulting Services to strategic accounts and projects

Windows XP License Aids Standardization

Microsoft has relaxed restrictions on OEM licenses for Windows XP, allowing it to be downgraded by users, reimaged to other PCs over a network, and offered on rental computers

Academic Training Program Changed

Microsoft increased fees and added faculty training to a program that assists universities, colleges, and high schools

Exam Prices Rise

Prices for Microsoft certification exams have been increased approximately 25% in all country markets

Corporate News

Q2 Record Sales Offset by Higher Costs

Earnings for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2001 showed the effects of strong Xbox sales and more enterprises signing long-term volume licensing agreements

January Brings Legal Setbacks

One judge rejects a plan to settle private antitrust lawsuits with donations to school districts; another rejects a request to delay hearings in the federal antitrust case

Investment Update

Microsoft plays behind-the-scenes role in Comcast's acquisition of AT&T Broadband; US$500 million invested in South Korean telephone company; Expedia sale delayed

Bank One Signs Alliance Agreement

The deal gives Microsoft a major advertiser for MSN and a new marketing channel for its bCentral and .NET Alerts services