The successor to Windows 98 focuses on four main areas, according to a Microsoft spokesperson: digital media, online experience, PC health and home networking.

CNN: Microsoft offers a peek at new operating systems

But she says the company now should be able to growing more in line with the markets, after pruning low-margin PCs and shifting focus to corporate PC upgrades and adding Wyse, while also acquiring companies in storage, networking, software and services.

FORBES: Dell: Morgan Stanley Ups To Equal Weight; Ups Estimates

Smartphone devices, which have PC-like functions and links to social networking sites, have reawakened consumers' appetite for gadgets.

BBC: Sony Ericsson profits get boost from smartphones

While server and PC vendors have been experiencing flagging sales since the beginning of the year, Cisco Systems, which sells networking equipment like routers and switches, has only felt a fraction of their pain.

FORBES: Magazine Article

As PC sales stumbled, Dell acquired companies in higher-margin industries like data-storage, security and networking.

FORBES: No End in Sight For Dell's Lost Decade

While PC growth has slowed down, DRAM bit shipments in networking were up 20% compared to Q1 2013 and we estimate the proportion to rise in the future.

FORBES: Micron Earnings Confirm Improving Memory Market