Microsoft stitches up net glitches
C|Net | at | by Mike
Microsoft has released a software update to correct connection problems with network gear it unveiled in mid-September. The fix could resolve problems in the company's 802.11b wireless, or Wi-Fi, and Ethernet hubs that either dropped connections with local computers or with Internet service providers. Users started reporting problems soon after the network gear appeared in stores around Oct. 1.
The glitches are a bit of a black eye for Microsoft, as they reflect upon the company's expansion into an important new hardware category--home-networking gear. Microsoft unveiled 10 wired and wireless networking products, including hubs and USB adapters, in mid-September. Rival Linksys has a commanding lead in the category, where analysts note that Microsoft's network gear is priced higher than competing products after mail-in rebates.