Microsoft and its security rivals are feuding over a key piece of Windows Vista real estate.

Windows Vista hasn't shipped yet, but Microsoft and the European Union are already caught up in a tussle over the antitrust impact of security technology in the operating system.

Despite the delays and uncertainties about exactly when it's going to happen, there's one thing we know for sure: Vista is coming. Organisations are already making plans, especially those that pride themselves on being early adopters. But there are some things you need to consider before taking the plunge. If you're starting to plan for a Vista rollout -- or trying to decide whether you actually should start to plan for it -- you'll need to evaluate factors such as hardware needs, licensing options, application compatibility, and user and staff preparation.

An "extremely critical flaw" in Microsoft Word 2000 is currently being exploited by malicious attackers, which could lead to remote execution of code on a user's system, security researcher Secunia advised Tuesday.

Several security experts are warning of increased cyberattacks targeting Windows PCs, but Microsoft says all is calm on the attack front.

Fake Windows security patches and rogue iPod invoices have been making the rounds this week as spammers continue trying to fool people into installing Trojans on their PC.

In a third and final report on Windows Vista, Symantec examined the security of the operating system core and found some vulnerabilities.

Microsoft's own antivirus software, Live OneCare, is unable to fully protect Vista users against viruses, and one of security firm McAfee's antivirus software packages also fails to protect users, according to independent research released Friday.

Windows Vista is a leap forward in terms of security, but few people who know the operating system say the advances are enough to justify an upgrade.

Symantec is thinking up ways to take the pain out of a security feature in Windows Vista. The US-based company has plans to create a technology that makes security decisions for Vista owners dealing with User Account Control.