6. Microsoft mulling 'instant on' feature for Windows: Microsoft confirmed it is thinking about adding into its Windows client OS a function that would let users have limited access to the OS so that they could turn on their PCs quickly. The company surveyed users about that function and screenshots of the survey wound up on the Engadget blog. Microsoft won't yet offer specific comments about "instant on," but a good guess is that it is contemplating that addition for Windows 7, which is expected out late next year or early in 2010.

7. With eyes on Atom, AMD to detail netbook strategy next month: Advanced Micro Devices will provide its product roadmap for netbooks at an analyst meeting scheduled for Nov. 13. Netbooks are small, inexpensive laptops that have taken the market by storm, fueled by Intel's low-cost Atom processor. AMD hasn't been competitive with Intel in that area yet, but promises it soon will be.

8. Cybersecurity threats grow in sophistication, subtlety and power: Malware, botnets, cyber warfare, threats to VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) and mobile devices, along with an "evolving cybercrime economy" mean that online threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the Georgia Tech Information Security Center said in an annual threat report. Criminals have figured out ways to make such online threats more subtle and they continue to gain in ability to exploit changes on the Web, including increased use of social-network sites, the GTISC found.

9. First look: Macbook and Macbook Pro: As expected, Apple showed off updates to its laptop lines this week, with a new Macbook and Macbook Pro. Macworld has been checking out the new laptops and offers some thoughts on how they stack up.

10. Microsoft: 'No interest' in pursuing Yahoo deal: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stirred things up -- as he is prone to do -- when he reportedly said at a Gartner conference that it still makes economic sense for shareholders of both companies for Microsoft to buy Yahoo. His company responded by issuing a statement saying it has "no interest in acquiring Yahoo." Investors responded by giving Yahoo's share price a boost.