Tag Archives: microsoft

Facebook, WhatsApp outage shows danger of relying on one company for messaging

Facebook’s worldwide outage this week of its key services, including Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, was annoying for some — and a cause for celebration for others — but it represented a breakdown in a critical line of communication.  WhatsApp, with more than 2 billion users on its service, serves as a primary form of communication, …

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Windows 11: How to set Google as your default search engine instead of Bing

More than 93% of US web searches are done with Google, but Windows 11 is set to Microsoft’s Bing search engine by default. If you prefer the results you get from Google’s search engine, it’s easy enough to make Google search the default. We’ll show you how. Windows 11 doesn’t let you set a default search engine systemwide across all …

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Microsoft launches a 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox controller

Microsoft today opened a new 20th anniversary Xbox controller for preorder, to celebrate the two decades since the original Xbox system was released. The controller costs $70. The controller’s design, with its neon green highlights, translucent plastic shell and original Xbox logo, evokes the original system launched in 2001 — the American computer company’s first foray into console gaming, against …

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Google signs up 150 million people for two

Google, in observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, plans to auto-enroll 150 million users in two-step verification and require two million YouTube creators to turn the security feature on by the end of 2021. Having a second form of authentication when you login to your accounts dramatically decreases the likelihood of an attacker gaining access to your personal information, the search …

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The Steve Jobs deal with Michael Dell that could have changed Apple and tech history

In the decade since Steve Jobs passed away, on Oct. 5, 2011, the iPhone, Mac and iPad have helped turn Apple into one of the most valuable companies on the planet, with over a billion people now making Apple’s technology part of their daily lives.  It’s a big change from 1997 when, after returning as interim CEO to an Apple …

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Windows 11: How to use Microsoft Teams after upgrading to the new OS

Windows 11, Microsoft’s next major software update, started rolling out today with a load of free upgrades. Windows 11 will sport new features like integrated Android apps, a more Mac-like interface, widgets, multitasking features, an improved gaming experience using Xbox technology and more.  But with many companies navigating hybrid workforces, Windows 11’s updates to Microsoft Teams are poised to be some …

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Windows 11 release: Android apps won’t be available today

Windows 11 starts rolling out today, but since it’s a staggered rollout, you might not get it just yet. Either way, you can look forward to the ability to use Android apps on Windows devices. Microsoft plans to bring Android apps to its app store, but even if you get Windows 11 today, Android apps won’t be available yet. The date …

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio review: The screen is all

Microsoft goes for sleeker and more sensible rather than ground-breaking with the 14-inch Surface Laptop Studio, replacing the dated docked-tablet of its Surface Book 3 and its 2015-era design. Still targeted at creators and gamers, the Laptop Studio’s distinguishing feature is its three-position 120Hz display: In addition to a standard clamshell, typing-oriented position, you can pull it out to angle …

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Download the latest Windows ISO: How to create a Windows 11 install USB drive

Windows 11 will start rolling out to eligible devices today, but not everyone will get it right away. The free update brings plenty of new features, complete with a new start menu, widgets and a refreshed interface. Even the Microsoft Store is getting a big update (though don’t expect to see Android apps right away). Now playing: Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be …

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Acer Aspire Vero laptop review: Recycled plastic never looked so good

The 15.6-inch Aspire Vero is one of Acer’s first laptops to ship with Windows 11 alongside updated versions of its ultraportable Swift 5 and entry-level Nitro 5 gaming laptops. The Vero is entirely new, though. Well, not entirely new, as it’s Acer’s first laptop made from post-consumer recycled plastics, and it ships in packaging made from recycled materials that are also 100% recyclable.  …

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