Get 'Cybersecurity for Dummies' ($16.99 value) FREE for a limited time
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Cybersecurity is the protection against the unauthorized or criminal use of electronic data and the practice of ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information. Being "cyber-secure" means that a person or organization has both protected itself against attacks by cyber criminals and other online scoundrels, and ensured that it has the ability to recover if it is attacked.
If keeping your business or your family safe from cybersecurity threats is on your to-do list, Cybersecurity for Dummies will introduce you to the basics of becoming cyber-secure. You’ll learn what threats exist, and how to identify, protect against, detect, and respond to these threats, as well as how to recover if you have been breached.
Amazon's new Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers get a spherical design
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It’s that time of the year again when Amazon takes the wrap off its latest generation of hardware devices. As is to be expected, first up at 2020’s virtual event is the fourth generation of its Echo smart speaker, and this one looks very different indeed.
Switching from the usual cylindrical design to a spherical one, the new Echo promises better all round -- pun intended -- sound. The light ring, that shows you it’s working, listening, or has notifications for you, still exists, but is now at the bottom.
Get 'Values-Based Leadership For Dummies' ($17.99 value) FREE for a limited time
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Values-driven organizations are considered by some to be the most successful on the planet. They have high levels of engagement, generate higher earnings, and are more profitable by having an inclusive, multi-tiered strategy. It’s a win-win! In Values-Based Leadership For Dummies, you’ll get a fool-proof plan for putting the principles of values-based leadership in action -- which will inspire and motivate others to pursue what matters most.
With many Baby Boomers edging toward retirement, the largest generation in history, the Millennials, will be taking over the reins and stepping into leadership roles. They’ve suffered through the difficult economic times and corporate scandals of the early 2000s and they want things to be different.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 20221 with Meet Now, Skype's Zoom alternative
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Yesterday, Microsoft rolled out a patch to what will be the Windows 10 October 2020 Update (20H2). This is available to those Insiders on the Beta and Release Preview Channels.
Insiders on the Dev Channel shouldn’t feel left out however, as today they can install Build 20221, and this comes with Skype's Meet Now feature.
Microsoft releases new patch for Windows 10 October 2020 Update (20H2)
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Four days ago, Microsoft started to roll out what it thought would be the final release for Windows 10 20H2 (October 2020 Update as it’s also known) to Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels -- Build 19042.508 (KB4571756).
Today it updates that 'final' build to 19042.541, fixing a massive list of issues.
iOS 14: How to quickly perform various actions by tapping the back of your iPhone
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iOS 14 introduced a lot of useful new features to the iPhone and iPad. You’ll know about the main ones, but there’s a handy new way to quickly perform everyday tasks which you might not know about.
You can get your iPhone to open the App Switcher or Control Center, go to the Home or Lock screen, take a screenshot, mute your phone, open the Notification Center, control the volume, wake Siri, and more, just by drumming on the back of your device. You will need to spend a little time setting this up first.
Microsoft Edge on Linux will be available to download next month
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Microsoft’s new Chromium-based Edge browser is very good. It’s annoying that the company feels the need to force it on to Windows 10 users, but it’s a big step up from the old version.
We’ve known for a while that Microsoft was planning on bringing the browser to Linux, and now we know -- roughly -- when it’s going to arrive.
Pre-order Xbox Series X and Series S consoles from the following retailers
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If you’re interested in buying one of Microsoft’s new games consoles -- either the ultra-powerful Xbox Series X, or the diminutive, and more affordable Xbox Series S -- today is the day to get your pre-orders in to avoid disappointment.
There’s a lot of demand for both consoles right now, but persevere and you should be able to get one from the links below.
Get 'Linux Administration Cookbook' ($35.99 value) FREE for a limited time
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Linux is one of the most widely used operating systems among system administrators, and even modern application and server development is heavily reliant on the Linux platform.
The Linux Administration Cookbook is your go-to guide to get started on your Linux journey. It will help you understand what that strange little server is doing in the corner of your office, what the mysterious virtual machine languishing in Azure is crunching through, what that circuit-board-like thing is doing under your office TV, and why the LEDs on it are blinking rapidly.
Microsoft preparing the Windows 10 October 2020 Update for release -- with at least one known issue
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It won’t come as any surprise to most of you to hear that the next big feature update for Windows 10 is very nearly ready for release.
Microsoft believes that Build 19042.508 (KB4571756) is the final release for Windows 10 20H2 (October 2020 Update as it’s also known) and is going to begin rolling it out to those users on the Release Preview Channel from today.
Cloudflare and the Internet Archive are working together to help make the web more reliable
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Cloudflare’s Always Online service caches a static version of any sites that use it. Should a site’s server get taken offline for any reason, such as a DDoS attack, visitors will still be able to view a recent version of it.
Today Cloudflare announces it is joining forces with the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to make the web more reliable.
Oculus Quest 2 delivers the next generation of all-in-one VR
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If you’ve wanted to embrace VR but have yet to be convinced by the headsets on offer -- or just as importantly the price of the headsets on offer -- then the Facebook-owned Oculus hopes you’ll give its next generation Oculus Quest a look. And you really should.
There’s a lot to like about the new Oculus Quest 2, which takes what was good about the original and improves on it significantly, while giving it a much more affordable starting price -- just $299. That’s $100 cheaper than its predecessor.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 20215 with dark theme search results
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It’s that time of the week again when Microsoft rolls out a new Windows 10 build to Insiders on the Dev Channel.
Build 20215 introduces dark theme search results for insiders who have the system theme set to dark.
Apple reveals Watch Series 6 with new Blood Oxygen monitor, plus more affordable Watch SE
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Apple is hosting its big new hardware event today and has kicked things off by revealing the sixth generation of Apple Watch, as well as a more affordable SE variant and some new services.
The focus, as it has been in more recent generations, is on health once again, and the Apple Watch Series 6’s big new addition is the ability to measure your blood oxygen levels from your wrist using red and infrared light. This takes just 15 seconds and can even record background levels while you sleep.
TikTok says no to Microsoft, but what about Oracle? [Update]
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In a brief statement issued late last night, Microsoft revealed that it was out of the running to buy TikTok’s US operations.
US President Donald Trump claims that TikTok (and other Chinese apps) pose a threat to national security and his administration has set a September 15 deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to either sell US operations or shut them down.
Wayne's Bio
Wayne Williams is BetaNews' managing editor. He has been writing about computers, technology, and the web for over 20 years now. He’s written for most of the UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a fair few of them in his time also. If you like what you read, you can Buy Me a Coffee!
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