Privacy: How to disable Timeline in Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Data security watch face

We've already written quite a bit about Windows 10 April 2018 Update, and there's a reasonable chance that you've taken the plunge and installed it. While there are new features to get excited about, some have people more concerned than excited -- such as Timeline.

In theory, the feature sounds great, making it possible to synchronize your activities between devices, but it's also something of a privacy nightmare. Timelime -- by design and because of its very nature -- gathers a huge amount of information about you and what you do within Windows 10. Thankfully, you can disable it.

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Linksys announces affordable Velop Dual-Band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System

If you have ever experienced spotty or weak Wi-Fi coverage in your home, you know just how frustrating it can be. Look, like it or not, we all crave to be connected to the internet at all times these days. When we can't connect, it can feel like pure misery (first-world problems, I know). Yeah, you can buy range extenders or run Ethernet cable, but that can be a pain in the butt.

Thankfully, mesh networking is here to save the day. If you aren't familiar, this is is where several access points are used simultaneously to blanket a home in Wi-Fi. Then, your devices will seamlessly connect to the closest/strongest access point automatically -- you don't have to manually select them when moving about. Linksys has its own such solution called "Velop," and today, it announces a new lower-cost dual-band variant which joins its existing tri-band offering.

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Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ get 128GB and 256GB capacity options

Thanks to 4K video recording, movie files are getting much larger. I recently bought an iPhone 8 Plus 64GB and was excited to use the 4K60 functionality. While it worked well, I very quickly ran out of available storage, making it an overall poor experience. While 4K is great, 64GB of storage just won't cut it.

Samsung has finally seen the light, and today, it announces that it will be selling both the Galaxy S9 and S9+ with 128GB and 256GB storage options. This will make 4K video recording a much better experience. Video aside, it will also allow more apps, music, games, and other file types. Best of all, micro SD expandability remains.

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How to upgrade your PC to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update now

The latest feature update for Windows 10 is available to users now. But while Microsoft might have started the process today, it will likely be quite a while before you’ll be offered it. Only newer PCs will get it at first, and it might take weeks, or months, before it reaches your system.

The good news is, if you’re willing to take a bit of risk, you can start the upgrade immediately.

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Windows 10 April 2018 Update rolling out now

After months of testing, and a bit of a delay due to the last minute discovery of a blocking bug, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now available to install. Microsoft is taking things slowly, with the global rollout out via Windows Update beginning on May 8.

There’s a good chance you won’t be offered the download immediately, but you will be able to manually update your system from now if you want.

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The impact of AI in the data center [Q&A]

data center

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and machine learning is changing the way IT professionals approach data center operations and management. And the possibilities are endless -- from lowering operational costs and reducing time to deploy new applications -- there’s no doubt that AI is transforming the data center.

We spoke with Hal Woods, chief technology officer of storage and data management specialist Datera, to learn more.

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81 percent of organizations see an increase in cyber security challenges

security threats

A new study from IT solutions provider US Signal reveals that businesses are seeing a greater number of security challenges.

The survey of security experts from a cross-section of organizations also shows 40 percent of respondents experienced at least one security incident in the last year, and 13 percent didn't know if they had.

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Six great hidden features in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update, which begins its rollout today, has a number of big new features, most notably Timeline, Focus Assist, and numerous Edge improvements.

But some of the lesser known features and changes found in the new feature update are arguably even more welcome. Here are six improvements you should know about.

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How to delay the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

The latest feature update for Windows 10 is about to start rolling out, although it may be months before it comes to your device.

While you might be keen to update your installation, the truth is it’s often best to wait. Big updates like this usually introduce bugs and problems alongside new features, and unless you’re desperate to screw up your copy of Windows 10, I’d recommend holding off for a while. If you’re not in a hurry to get the April 2018 Update you can delay it.

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T-Mobile and Sprint are merging to create a customer-focused 5G juggernaut

cash handshake

In the USA, there are four major cell service providers -- Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Of that group, two are considered by some to be low-quality -- Sprint and T-Mobile. While that is absolutely true of the former, the latter is actually very good, offering affordability, solid coverage, and fast speeds. I swear by it these days.

It has often been rumored that T-Mobile and Sprint were discussing mergers, potentially forming a company that won't just compete with Verizon and AT&T, but potentially leapfrog them -- especially with the impending roll-out of 5G. Today, the rumors become reality, as T-Mobile and Sprint are officially merging in an all-stock transaction -- pooling resources to establish a stronger overall company. The name Sprint will be dropped entirely -- a smart move as it is the weaker brand.

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Wikipedia now offers link previews -- but you can disable them

Wikipedia page

When you decide to look up anything on Wikipedia, you run the very serious risk of falling down a rabbit hole that will take you many hours to find your way back out of. To help avoid the problem of going off on too much of a tangent, the site recently introduced a new link preview feature.

It's a simple idea which means that it is possible to preview a page before you visit it, simply by hovering over the link. But it's not to everyone's taste. If you've noticed the new feature and want to kill it, you'll be pleased to hear that you can.

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Satechi launches USB Type-C Pro Hub with Ethernet for Apple MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is proving to be quite disastrous for many folks, with a too-delicate keyboard being a common complaint. It seems that dust can get under the keys, causing them to malfunction -- a frustrating experience to say the least. Yours truly has been dealing with a defective display -- a costly and annoying failure.

One of the biggest complaints about the MacBook Pro, however, is a lack of ports. Apple went all-in on ThunderBolt 3/USB-C, leaving no traditional USB Type-A ports, video out, or card reader. Luckily, this is easily remedied by purchasing dongles and docks. Today, Satechi launches a new USB-C "Pro" Hub for the newest MacBook Pro laptops -- both 13 and 15-inch. Not only does it add two USB Type-A ports, but Ethernet, HDMI, and a micro SD card reader too. And yes, it offers pass-through power delivery.

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Microsoft adds some last minute polish to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Having finally named the next big feature update for Windows 10, and come up with a release date for it too, Microsoft now has to actually get it ready for non-Insiders.

The RTM build, Build 17134, has already made its way through the Fast, Slow and Release Preview rings, and Microsoft has today pushed out an update which will tidy things up a little.

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Amazon now offers a smart home security installation service

Amazon Smart Home Security installation

Earlier today, we revealed that Amazon is bumping up the price of a Prime subscription by 20 percent, but this is not the only news coming from the online giant. A newly discovered and little-advertised portal on the Amazon site finds the company offering smart home security installation services.

Ranging in price from $240 to $840, the Smart Home Services packages include the cost of both hardware and installation. In all, there are five packages to choose from, covering everything from simple smart lighting, to full-home security systems.

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Office 2019 Preview is now available to download

Excel 2019

We already knew that Microsoft was planning to release previews of Office 2019 towards the middle of this year, and now the first one is here -- for some people, at least.

Microsoft has unveiled the Office 2019 Commercial Preview, and this is a chance for businesses to try out the latest version of the office suite. The PC version of the suite is a Windows 10 exclusive. Read on to find out how to get your hands on the software -- if, indeed, you can.

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