How to get the Windows 10 May 2019 Update now

As part of efforts to avoid repeating the sort of mess we saw with the October 2018 Update, Microsoft last week announced that its next big Windows 10 feature update would first be pushed out to the Release Preview ring, where it will spend an extended time in testing.

If you’re interested in installing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (Build 18362.30) you can do so now. Here’s how to get it.

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Microsoft Edge Insider Addons website launched

Microsoft Edge Insider Addons website

The first official builds of Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge are now available to download, and Microsoft has also launched the Microsoft Edge Insider Addons website.

Anyone using the standard, non-Insider version of the browser is probably familiar with the addons and extensions that are available from the Microsoft Store for Edge. But with the new Chromium version of Edge, the new website gives an easy way to extend the capabilities of the Dev and Canary builds.

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Twitter slashes the number of users you can follow each day

Twitter on landscape mobile phone

In an attempt to cut down on bots and spam activity, Twitter is dramatically reducing the number of accounts it is possible to follow each day.

The previous limit meant users could follow up to 1,000 new accounts on a daily basis, but this has been abused by spammers and bots to quickly grow their networks. The new limit is less than half of this -- just 400 -- and is an update to Twitter's policies against "aggressive following or follower churn" and "bulk or aggressive activity".

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Mozilla is launching curated Recommended Extensions program this summer

However much you love your chosen web browser, you have probably enhanced its capabilities through the use of add-ons. Finding decent, reliable add-ons can be tricky, and this is why Mozilla is launching the Recommended Extensions program.

This editor-curated program will surface the very best vetted extensions for Firefox, and it is due to roll out in stages later this summer.

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AMD unveils second generation Ryzen PRO and Athlon PRO mobile processors

AMD has shown that slow and steady can truly win the race. It lagged Intel for a while, but these days, AMD seems to be the true innovator and pusher of boundaries. Its Ryzen and Ryzen Threadripper processors aren't just powerful, but affordable too. AMD chips are often a great value.

Today, AMD unveils its latest enterprise-focused mobile processors -- second generation Ryzen PRO and Athlon PRO. These 12mm chips have Vega graphics and are ready to power new business-class laptops from companies such as Lenovo and HP.

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First official builds of Microsoft's Chromium-based Edge browser now available to test

Four months ago, Microsoft announced that it planned to switch to the open source Chromium for its Edge browser, and two weeks ago we got a sneak glimpse at it.

Today, the software giant unveils official previews for the Chromium-based Edge browser, and you can download Dev and Canary builds of it now.

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Viber users in the US, UK and Canada can now buy a Viber Local Number for calls and texts

Viber

Viber has launched a new option called Viber Local Number which lets users in the US, UK and Canada buy a local phone number to associate with their account and use it to receive calls and texts with non-Viber users.

Viber Local Number (VLN) has been in closed beta testing for a little while, but it is now available to anyone from the supported countries that is interested. It is a similar system to that found in Skype, and will cost subscribers $4.99 per month.

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Credential stuffing attacks target media streaming services

PC film

The entertainment industry and in particular streaming services is among the biggest targets of credential stuffing attacks according to a new report.

The study from digital delivery platform Akamai, unveiled at the NAB Cybersecurity and Content Protection Summit in Las Vegas this week, focuses on credential abuse attacks against online video and music streaming services.

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Fastly takes Azure closer to the edge

Edge computing

As businesses grow to serve complex user experiences, cooperation between network providers is vital. Enterprises want pain-free portability of application stacks and services optimized for their needs between multiple providers.

Edge cloud platform Fastly is announcing that it’s connecting its edge network with Microsoft Azure.

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Logitech Zone Wireless headset is designed for the modern open office

I've had the pleasure of working in several call centers in my lifetime. To be honest, I rather like customer service -- it is a great job to truly make a difference in someone's life. Look, sometimes when you call a company for help, the person on the other end of the line can be quite... unhelpful. And so, I enjoy "wowing" the customer with top-notch service.

There are many different types of call centers and work environments. Cubicles used to be all the rage, but nowadays, the "open office" concept is most fashionable. If you aren't familiar, it is all about taking down walls and opening up communication and collaboration. The problem? For those that work on a phone, this can lead to a noisier environment, causing the representative to struggle to hear.

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Huawei's 'shoddy' security could mean it is banned from sensitive parts of the UK's 5G network

Huawei store

Concerns about Huawei's "very, very shoddy" security could mean that the Chinese company's technology is barred from key parts of the UK's 5G mobile network.

A UK watchdog has already said that Huawei poses a national security risk, but a statement from the technical director of GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre has stepped things up. Dr Ian Levy says that "the security in Huawei is like nothing else -- it's engineering like it's back in the year 2000 -- it's very, very shoddy".

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GDPR rules could be used by the UK to fine tech firms for 'harmful content'

GDPR logo

The UK is looking at hitting technology companies with financial penalties if they fail to do enough to counter "harmful content" on their platforms.

Jeremy Wright, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) secretary, says that tech firms need to be made to "sit up and take notice" when it comes to dealing with problematic content. While clearly aimed more at social media companies, the proposals would encompass other technology firms as well. The plans also suggest that search engines should remove links to offending websites, and that some sites could even be blocked completely.

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Emsisoft Decrypter for Planetary gets your ransomware-riddled files back for free

Hacker

Emsisoft has released a free decrypter tool for anyone who has been struck by the Planetary Ransomware, eliminating the need to pay a fee to the attackers.

Before using the tool you are advised to ensure that you have removed the malware from your computer -- something you can do with the free version of Emsisoft Anti-Malware. You also need to ensure that you don't delete the ransom note ("!!!READ_IT!!!.txt") or the decrypter won't work.

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/r/Piracy is going on a massive deletion spree to avoid a Reddit ban

Reddit piracy

Reddit has never been much of a stranger to controversy, and the site has faced mounting pressure from copyright-holders to do something about piracy.

Moderators have been fighting a losing battle to keep illegal content in check, but with complaints still flooding in, the /r/piracy subreddit is taking drastic action. Having spoken to the community about initiating "The Nuclear Option", the decision was taken to delete nearly a decade's worth of content.

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SuperTuxKart 0.10 RC1 is here -- download the free open source Mario Kart clone now!

Nintendo is the king of the "Kart Racing" genre. While there are many imitators -- some of which are very good -- Mario Kart remains the best. And no, it is not just about mascots, although it does help having Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong and such. Actually, the real magic is the gameplay -- solid controls and well-designed levels. The Mario Kart franchise is consistently excellent.

The problem? Mario Kart costs money and, emulators aside, only works on Nintendo consoles. If you want to get your kart racing on, but you don't want to open your wallet, you are in luck! SuperTuxKart is an excellent clone of Nintendo's game, featuring popular open source mascots. Best of all, the open source game is not only cross-platform, but totally free! The upcoming SuperTuxKart 0.10 will even introduce network multiplayer play, and now that version has reached Release Candidate status. And yes, you can download and play SuperTuxKart 0.10 RC1 now!

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