Learn all about window treatments during the Windows — the Eyes of the Room workshop noon Oct. 6, Ethan Allen, 3465 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. released an emergency security patch Tuesday to plug a hole in several versions of Windows - including Vista, which the software maker has touted as its most secure operating system ever.

The newest thing in window tint is a lightly colored film that, thanks to nano-technology, shuts out as much heat and UV rays as its George Hamilton-hued counterparts. “It blocks all the infrared rays, which cause heat, so it does not have to be dark,” says Leslie Ewing, co-owner of Made in the Shade in Mesa.

Microsoft is known for its vast network of developers -- independent, third-party creators of applications and programs that run on its Windows platform.

The next version of Windows is being billed as a radical reinvention of Microsoft's flagship operating system -- the most extensive overhaul since Windows 95.

Q: I'm still using Windows XP and keep hearing about it no longer being available and no longer being supported by Microsoft updates? Is it time for me to stop using Windows XP? - Marcus

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp.'s operating systems run most personal computers around the globe and are a cash cow for the world's largest software maker. But you'd never confuse a Windows user with the passionate fans of Mac OS X or even the free Linux operating system. Unless it's someone running Windows XP, a version Microsoft wants to retire.

NEW YORK - Windows Vista, the new computer operating system that Microsoft Corp. is touting as its most secure ever, contains a programming flaw that might let hackers gain full control of vulnerable computers.

SEATTLE - Computer geeks who were hoping to find a PC featuring Microsoft Corp.'s brand-new operating system under the tree this December are going to be out of luck.

REDMOND, Wash. - The most common consumer version of Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows operating system will include tools for things like recording and watching television, along with other functions aimed at using the PC for entertainment purposes.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday it will license its Windows source code to comply with a European Union antitrust ruling.

Responding to pressure from computer users, Microsoft Corp. issued an official fix Thursday for a major vulnerability that potentially allowed attackers to take control of personal computers connected to the Internet.

LAS VEGAS - Rival Google Inc. may be nipping at its heels, but Microsoft Corp. wasn't flashing any defeatist signs Wednesday as it showcased its latest plans to help make living in the digital world safer, easier and more fun.

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. says it will be at least a week before it issues a fix to a recently discovered vulnerability that could let an attacker take control of an Internet-connected computer.

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced online enhancements to its Windows operating system and other popular software programs, hoping to defuse a growing threat from Google Inc. and other fast-moving challengers.

LOS ANGELES - Someday the phrase "Coming soon to a theater near you" could be replaced with "Coming soon to a Wal-Mart near you."

REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. released the first major test version of the Windows Vista operating system on Wednesday, giving a limited number of programmers and technology professionals the opportunity to test drive the highly awaited - and much delayed - program.

SAN FRANCISCO - Several new variants of a computer worm emerged Wednesday to attack corporate networks running the Windows 2000 operating system, just a week after Microsoft Corp. warned of the security flaw.

REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. dropped the code name Longhorn on Friday, announcing the next version of its flagship Windows operating system will be called Windows Vista.

Wrought iron bars over house windows may keep burglars out. But add fire, and they can turn a safe house into a deathtrap.

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. said Friday that the next version of its Windows operating system will have built-in support for Internet data feeds, an increasingly popular way to get news and other information channeled straight to a computer.