Declutter Microsoft Windows -- remove Copilot, Widgets, and News and Interests from the taskbar
Microsoft has introduced features like “News and Interests” and the “Copilot” AI assistant to its operating systems. The aim is to provide quick access to information and productivity tools, but not everyone appreciates those tools and plenty of people would prefer a cleaner taskbar, like we had with the likes of Windows 7.
Disabling these features can streamline the desktop interface and potentially improve system performance. This guide will show you how to remove News and Interests on Windows 10 and disable Copilot and the Widgets feature on Windows 11.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-sixteen 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 released Windows 11, version 24H2 and ended support for version 22H2 on this patch day. Upgrades to the latest version are available. If you run Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, check out this guide on installing the latest version.
Public sector and infrastructure come under attack as malicious web requests rise
The number of malicious web requests rose by 53.2 percent in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period last year according to a new study.
The report from German cybersecurity company Myra finds that for the first quarter of 2024, the number of malicious requests on websites, online portals and web APIs increased by 29.8 percent compared to 2023. In the second quarter, the growth was even more pronounced at 80 percent.
Uncovering GenAI's unsung heroes [Q&A]
There's no doubt that AI is seen as flavor of the month across many sectors at the moment. But how much of this is hype and how much genuine value?
We spoke to Martin Hawksey, collaboration engineer at Qodea, to discuss GenAI and the areas where GenAI is making a real difference, some of which you may not be aware of.
The latest version of Ubuntu Linux is here -- don’t delay, dump Windows 11 today!
While Microsoft’s newest operating system continues to frustrate users with its limitations and updates, Ubuntu has been quietly improving. The latest release, Ubuntu 24.10 “Oracular Oriole”, is the best version yet, giving users a new Linux alternative to Windows 11 that combines cutting-edge technology with enhanced security features. Ubuntu 24.10 (download here), brings the latest Linux kernel, GNOME 47 desktop environment, and improved security tools, making it a serious contender for those considering a shift away from Microsoft’s ecosystem.
This release includes Linux kernel 6.11, which supports the latest hardware and allows for smoother integration with future updates. By adopting this newer kernel, Canonical aims to stay ahead in supporting a wide range of hardware configurations, ensuring compatibility and performance for both desktop and server users. For those running systems on Dell’s Ubuntu-powered PCs, the move promises quicker updates and better support, which is especially beneficial for enterprise deployments.
Save $43.99! Get 'Modern Python Cookbook, Third Edition' for FREE
Python is the go-to language for developers, engineers, data scientists, and hobbyists worldwide. Known for its versatility, Python can efficiently power applications, offering remarkable speed, safety, and scalability.
Modern Python Cookbook distills Python into a collection of straightforward recipes, providing insights into specific language features within various contexts, making it an indispensable resource for mastering Python and using it to handle real-world use cases.
Rolling Square launches inCharge XS: The ultra-portable charging cable for every device
Rolling Square has launched the inCharge XS, a compact and versatile 4-in-1 charging cable designed to simplify the charging experience for users on the go. The inCharge XS is an update to its previous model, the inCharge X, and aims to offer a more portable and functional solution for users dealing with tangled cables and compatibility issues.
The inCharge XS provides four different combinations -- USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-A to Lightning -- ensuring it works with various devices, including iPhones, AirPods, and laptops. This multi-functional cable is intended to be a single accessory that offers quick access to power while traveling, commuting, or during emergencies.
TUXEDO Stellaris 16 (Gen6) laptop brings high performance to Linux users
The TUXEDO Stellaris 16 (Gen6) is a high-performance Linux laptop designed for users seeking powerful hardware. With a thickness of 2.6 cm and a weight of 2.5 kg, it balances portability with the cooling capacity needed for high-performance components. It’s built with an all-aluminum chassis that aims to combine rigidity with an understated design, making it suitable for gaming and professional environments.
The Stellaris 16 features Intel’s Core i9-14900HX processor, offering 24 cores and 32 threads. Buyers can choose between several NVIDIA graphics options, ranging from the RTX 4060 to the high-end RTX 4090. The laptop’s design supports these GPUs at their maximum power limits, thanks to its efficient cooling system, which includes six heat pipes and dual 12 mm fans, allowing it to handle up to 225 watts of thermal load. For users looking for additional cooling, TUXEDO offers the Aquaris liquid cooling docking station.
Severity of ransomware attacks increases by 68 percent
A new report from insurance provider Coalition finds that that ransomware claims severity spiked by 68 percent in the first half of 2024 to an average loss of $353,000.
While high ransomware demands have come back into vogue, funds transfer fraud (FTF) has also seen a notable decrease in both frequency (two percent) and severity (15 percent).
Qualys launches cloud-based risk operations center
Organizations are facing an ever-growing volume of risk alerts spread across multiple, disconnected top-10 dashboards. This fragmented view can result in conflicting analyses, duplicate work, missed threats, and strategies that fail to fully protect the organization.
Cloud-based security firm Qualys is addressing this with the launch of a new Risk Operations Center (ROC) with Enterprise TruRisk Management (ETM) that enables CISOs and business leaders to manage cybersecurity risks in real time, transforming fragmented, siloed data into actionable insights that align cyber risk operations with business priorities.
Is Opera's new AI-powered tab management feature really necessary or just more AI fluff?
Opera’s latest addition, Tab Commands, promises to revolutionize tab management using its AI assistant, Aria. With commands like “group work tabs” or “close social media tabs,” users can interact with their browser in a way that’s meant to simplify multitasking. But is this new feature really essential, or is it just another example of adding AI for the sake of it?
The concept of managing browser tabs with AI might sound innovative, but it raises the question: do users actually need this level of automation? While the feature offers convenience by grouping, pinning, or saving tabs with a simple command, most browsers already have built-in ways to manage tabs with minimal effort. Shortcuts and extensions that help manage tab overload already exist, and many people have developed their own methods for keeping tabs organized without AI assistance.
Is the IT enterprise helpdesk an endangered species?
The IT helpdesk could be extinct by 2027 according to a new survey of 1,000 global IT workers which finds that 79 percent believe the current service desk model will be unrecognizable within three years, with 77 percent saying new technologies will render it 'redundant' by 2027.
The study by digital employee experience company Nexthink shows 87 percent of IT workers also report that, with digital transformation having greatly expanded the size and complexity of enterprise IT environments, incident response is 'economically unsustainable' unless helpdesks have significant proactive capabilities.
Google launches new initiative for sharing scam details
Google has announced a new partnership with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and the DNS Research Federation (DNS RF) to launch Global Signal Exchange (GSE), a new project with the ambition to be a global clearinghouse for online scams and fraud bad actor signals.
This collaboration combines the strengths of each partner: GASA's extensive network of stakeholders, the DNS Research Federation's robust data platform with already over 40 million signals, and Google's experience in combating scams and fraud.
The Internet Archive suffers massive data breach affecting tens of millions of users
The Wayback Machine has suffered a colossal security incident after the Internet Archive fell victim to a huge data breach.
Data breach notification service Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) says that a 6.4GB SQL file containing registered users’ authentication information has been shared. In all, 31 million email addresses have been found to be part of the database, and tests have shown the the data is genuine.
HexGaming launches PHANTOM Gaming Pro controller for PS5
HexGaming has launched the PHANTOM Gaming Pro Controller for PS5, aimed at serious eSports gamers who prioritize precision and customization. Designed for intense competitive play, this controller combines advanced technology with ergonomic features, providing players with an edge in high-pressure gaming scenarios.
The PHANTOM Controller delivers professional-grade features, including 4 remappable buttons, 6 customizable profiles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and adjustable triggers. It accommodates a wide range of playstyles and is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
Most Commented Stories
© 1998-2024 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.