Some users of Microsoft's new Surface tablet are complaining about connectivity issues that are preventing them from getting on the Internet, according to posts on Microsoft's Surface support forum.

Microsoft started shipping the tablet on Oct. 25 and the first complaints appeared two days later. The thread is now 16 pages long, with users saying Wi-Fi issues are causing disruptions to movie streams, file downloads and Web applications.

"My connection to the wifi network frequently and repeatedly goes 'limited'. If I reset the connection by turning on and off airplane mode it works again, but only for a short amount of time ... before I have to repeat the process again," wrote one user who goes by the name kjkeys88.

In a farewell email to Microsoft employees, former Windows president Steven Sinofsky details why he is leaving the company.

Under the subject heading “RE: Windows Leadership Changes,” Sinofsky says he wanted to “seek new opportunities” to build on his 23 years of experience developing Microsoft products.

“My passion for building products is as strong as ever and I look forward to focusing my energy and creativity along similar lines.”

Sinofsky also dismisses rumors about his surprise departure, which Microsoft announced Monday.

“Some might notice a bit of chatter speculating about this decision or timing. I can assure you that none could be true as this was a personal and private choice that in no way reflects any speculation or theories one might read — about me, opportunity, the company or its leadership,” he says.

In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for a whopping $8.5 billion – but at the time, many analysts and tech journalists were puzzled as to why. Today, the acquisition now makes a little more sense, as the Verge is reporting that Microsoft is poised to announce (possibly as soon as this week) that it will be killing off Windows Live Messenger to replace it with the Skype platform.

According to the Verge, which cites inside sources, contacts from Messenger will just be moved to the Skype – and much of the backend transition has already been happening, as around 80 percent of all IMs sent on Skype are being handled by Messenger.

Microsoft's emphasis on the mobile nature of Windows 8 and its bold touch-friendly user interface may lead some to fear the software giant has taken its foot off the pedal in terms of security.

However there are plenty of changes under the bonnet to merit an examination of the new operating system's defences.

Judging by the buzz among security researchers and IT dept bods, the most interesting changes are: the built-in tool Windows Defender now tackles all kinds malware rather than just spyware; the use of digital certificates to ensure the machine doesn't boot up a compromised or tampered Windows installation; and the new Early Launch Anti Malware (ELAM) system that scans the operating system for malware and ensures antivirus software is the first thing to run on a freshly booted computer.