Windows 8.1 proved that Microsoft can get about half an OS's user base onto the newest version in just seven months
Nearly 70% of current IE users must upgrade to a newer IE -- or switch browsers -- in the next 16 months
3% of all Macs -- about 2.6 million machines -- already run Yosemite, says analytics vendor
Windows 7 flat for first time in six months
Starts scrubbing the Windows Store after report last week identified widespread junk apps that tricked customers into paying for free software
Quick-release cadence and free upgrades may stretch out refresh cycles even further
Google promotes 64-bit browser to polished, 'Stable' channel; trumpets faster speed, better stability
Executive lays the blame on 'sloppy' habits, faster-tempo development
