4MLinux 45.0 now available for download
The 4MLinux project has announced the stable release of its 45.0 series (download here), delivering a ton of updates and new features. This lightweight Linux distribution continues to offer a quality experience for both desktop and server environments.
In this latest release, users can edit documents with the updated LibreOffice 24.2.1 and GNOME Office suite, including AbiWord 3.0.5, GIMP 2.10.36, and Gnumeric 1.12.56. Web browsing is covered with the latest versions of Firefox 123.0.1 and Chrome 122.0.6261.128, while Thunderbird 115.8.1 caters to email needs.
Is synthetic data the solution to data privacy challenges?
Synthetic data is artificial material that was not generated by natural life events. As such, it can be created by computer programs and AI tools that use different techniques, with generative adversarial networks and diffusion models being among the most popular and effective today. Synthetic data may come in many forms, but images and textual information are currently the most feasible options.
If you are interested in AI and ML developments, you have probably heard the term already -- “sanitized” synthetic data is a recent hype in the AI training field that, it is believed, might solve pressing data privacy and ownership challenges posed by real data. However, it all sounds like sunshine and rainbows only until you stop and consider the fact that AI algorithms used to generate synthetic data still need to be trained on real data -- the very obstacle they offer to remove.
Why human risk management is key to data protection
Personal data is constantly being processed and transferred in numerous ways -- whether in healthcare applications, store loyalty programs, during purchases or while browsing online. With such a vast amount of personal data in circulation, the likelihood of errors occurring is heightened.
It feels like almost every day we hear a story of another company being breached -- with data being stolen by cybercriminals looking to steal an individual’s identity, access accounts or commit fraud. Things are also getting easier for cybercriminals, thanks to technology advancements like generative AI assisting with more convincing phishing emails and deepfake content.
PDF Shaper 14.0 updates UI and built-in PDF viewer, adds new paid-for features
Burnaware has released PDF Shaper 14.0, a major new release of its freemium PDF toolkit for Windows PCs. In addition to changing the Professional edition title to Ultimate edition, PDF Shaper 14.0 adds a couple of new features to its paid-for tiers.
The big change in PDF Shaper Free 14.0 -- replicated across the suite -- is the updated user interface and translations. There’s also new preview mode added to the built-in PDF viewer.
Microsoft Office 2024 will be available without subscription
Microsoft has announced that the next subscription-free version of its Office suite will launch later this year. A commercial preview of Office LTSC 2024 will be available from next month, with a full launch scheduled for later in the year.
The Office Long-Term Servicing Channel is supported for five years, and it holds great appeal for the many businesses that are not keen on the idea of software subscriptions. There will also be a consumer-focused version of the suite, Office 2024, available via a traditional "one-time purchase" model.
Workplace communications: The role of artificial intelligence and audio-visual solutions
Technology is reshaping the way we work and the convergence of Audio Visual (AV) solutions with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not only redefining how we communicate but it is also playing a pivotal role in digitizing workspaces and helping organizations achieve their sustainability objectives.
Research from technology analyst Valoir reveals that AI has the potential to automate 40 percent of the average working day, allowing business leaders to increase productivity levels like never before. This trend is expected to continue with the global market size anticipated to see an annual growth rate of over 15 percent between 2024 and 2030.
Get 'DearMob iPhone Manager' for Windows and macOS (worth $79.95) for FREE
Over time, our devices tend to get cluttered with unnecessary data, eating up valuable storage. DearMob iPhone Manager, for Windows and macOS, lets you effortlessly declutter your iPhone, freeing up space and improving the overall performance of your Apple device.
With its user-friendly interface, you can easily secure all your precious memories and important documents, safeguarding them from the risk of permanent loss.
Windows 12 'first look' will make you want the future OS right now
Microsoft is preparing to discontinue support for Windows 10 in the near future, giving users the option to either upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated successor, Windows 12.
We’re not expecting to see the arrival of the next-gen operating system this year -- Microsoft is focused on adding more AI functionality to Windows 11 at the moment -- but we do have an idea of what Windows 12 could look like.
Walmart begins selling Apple MacBook Air with M1 chip at a crazy low price
Guess what? Walmart has begun selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip! This is significant, as it is the first time customers can purchase a Mac directly from that retail giant.
The MacBook Air with the M1 chip, known for its exceptional performance and long battery life, will be available on Walmart.com and soon in select Walmart stores for only $699. This price point is particularly noteworthy, as it brings a high-quality Apple product within reach of a broader audience.
Considering a switch from Microsoft Windows 11? Check out SparkyLinux 7.3
For those of you considering a switch from Windows 11, the latest update from SparkyLinux might just be the ticket. Sparky 7.3 "Orion Belt," the third quarterly update of Sparky 7, has been released, and it's packed with features that make it an attractive alternative to Microsoft's offering.
Based on Debian 12 "Bookworm," Sparky 7.3 offers compatibility and stability. The update brings all packages up to date with the Debian and Sparky stable repositories as of March 13, 2024. It includes the Linux kernel PC 6.1.67 LTS, with other versions like 6.8.0, 6.6.21-LTS, and 5.15.151-LTS available in the Sparky repositories.
Dark web election posts up almost 400 percent
The number of new posts on dark web forums about elections surged by 394 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, research released this week by cybersecurity firm NordVPN reveals. And in the first two months of 2024 alone, users have already published almost half as many posts.
With more than 60 countries holding national elections in 2024, representing over half of the world's population, this is a significant year in history for global democracy so it's unsurprising that there's an increase in interest.
Get 'Multi-Cloud Strategy for Cloud Architects -- Second Edition' (worth $43.99) for FREE
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your enterprise with the transformative power of multi-cloud adoption?
As a cloud architect, you understand the challenges of navigating the vast array of cloud services and moving data and applications to public clouds. But with Multi-Cloud Strategy for Cloud Architects, Second Edition, you'll gain the confidence to tackle these complexities head-on.
Logs, metrics and traces -- unlocking observability [Q&A]
Ensuring observability has always involved three pillars: logs, metrics and traces. However, the reality is that most organizations simply store this information in silos which are incapable of communicating with one another.
Jeremy Burton, CEO of Observe, believes organizations need to go beyond the three pillars of past failed solutions and instead view observability as purely a data problem. We talked to him to learn more.
Best Windows apps this week
Five-hundred-and-eighty-six in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft is rolling out improved versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 to users in the European Economic Area. These give users more customization options, such as the ability to remove Microsoft Edge or Bing Web Search entirely from the operating system.
To get to AGI, we must first solve the AI challenges of today, not tomorrow
If the World Economic Forum in Davos was any indication, AI safety and security will be this year’s top priority for AI developers and enterprises alike. But first, we must overcome hype-driven distractions that siphon attention, research, and investment away from today’s most pressing AI challenges.
In Davos, leaders from across the technology industry gathered, previewing innovations, and prophesying what’s to come. The excitement was impossible to ignore, and whether it is deserved or not, the annual meeting has built a reputation for exacerbating technology hype cycles and serving as an echo chamber for technology optimists.
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