How to unlock hidden Windows 10 features -- including the brand new Start menu
Two weeks ago, Microsoft began rolling out a refreshed Start menu and personalized taskbar for Windows 10 Insiders on the Dev Channel. The new menu, which removes the solid color backplates behind the logos and adds a translucent background to tiles, comes as part of Build 20161 but isn’t available to everyone. We’ve already shown you one way to force Windows 10 to display this menu, but if you're feeling adventurous we have a second, more powerful method for you to follow.
Microsoft uses a system called Feature Control to hide new and unfinished features from users -- including the new Start menu -- but it’s possible to find and enable these, giving you the chance to test them out before anyone else.
Microsoft is dropping an important feature from OneDrive
While OneDrive is primarily used for cloud file storage, it also includes a handy feature that lets you remotely access any of the files stored on your PC. Or at least this is the case for the next couple of weeks.
When the end of July rolls around, Microsoft is killing off the ability to "fetch files" from a connected computer. Instead, users will have to explicitly specify which files and folders they want to synchronize and be able to access.
Productivity is key to profits but most companies can't measure it
AI-powered productivity company enaible has released a new survey looking at executive viewpoints on workforce productivity in light of the economic and remote working impact of COVID-19.
It finds that 83 percent of respondents are relying on productivity to improve both margins and profitability, and 83 percent believe that worker productivity will be critical in their companies' ability to recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Email impersonation attacks target dispersed workforces
With increased numbers of people working remotely, a new report reveals that cybercriminals are using email impersonation to prey on the sense of urgency of an increasingly distracted and dispersed workforce.
Email security company GreatHorn has collected data from over 640 security, IT and C-suite professionals to gain a better understanding of new threat vectors and attack strategies. It found almost half of respondents (48.7 percent) report seeing impersonations of people such as colleagues, customers or vendors.
More than half of cybersecurity professionals suffer overwork or burnout
New research from the UK's Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) shows that overwork and burnout remain major problems for the IT security sector.
The study of almost 450 cybersecurity professionals shows that 54 percent of respondents have either left a job due to overwork or burnout, or have worked with someone who has.
How to file a compensation claim against Apple for iPhone slowdown
Having reduced the performance of some iPhones with a new version of iOS, Apple agreed to pay compensation to those affected by the "batterygate" fiasco -- although the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by the company.
There is a pot of up to $500,000,000 set aside for owners of qualifying devices affected by the throttling issue, and you'll have to file a claim if you want to get your hands on your share. Before you get too excited, individual payments are unlikely to be large, but here's how to claim what you're entitled to.
Microsoft Flight Simulator landing on Windows 10 very shortly
Fans of Microsoft’s famous Flight Sim won’t have long to wait until the latest incarnation arrives. This promises to be the most detailed and authentic version to date, with incredibly accurate landscapes that are ever-changing, coupled with highly detailed aircraft, covering everything from light planes to commercial jets.
Microsoft Flight Simulator has been around since 1982 -- feeling old yet? -- and the new version will be available in three editions -- Standard ($59.99), Deluxe ($89.99) and Premium Deluxe ($119.99).
New platform combines application and infrastructure risk management
Vulnerability management specialist RiskSense is launching a new version of its platform that harmonizes threat analysis, prioritization and risk scoring across both network-based assets and applications.
RiskSense aggregates and normalizes outputs from multiple data sources including SAST, DAST, open source software, containers, pen testing and bug bounty programs. This approach enables organizations to easily pinpoint and fix vulnerabilities in their attack surface regardless of where they arise.
Meeting the challenges of digital transformation [Q&A]
More and more enterprises are looking to implement digital transformation projects. But often they underestimate the complexity of the task and the degree of change that it requires across the organization.
So what are the major challenges that these projects face and what can businesses do to overcome them? We spoke to Andreas Prins, VP of platform strategy at digital transformation platform Digital.ai to find out.
HyperX Predator and Fury DDR4 RAM kits get updated -- the former includes capacities up to 256GB and speeds up to 4800MHz
Nowadays, 8GB of RAM is pretty much the bare minimum that should come with any decent computer. Sure, maybe some light users can get by fine with 4GB, but with memory prices so low, there is really no excuse for anything less than 8GB. Hell, I would recommend all consumers target 16GB -- if their budget allows it, of course.
With all of that said, there are some hardcore computer users -- primarily designers and creators -- that can benefit from much more than 8GB or 16GB. Just how much? It isn't crazy for some folks to need 32GB, 64GB, or even more. Today, HyperX unveils that its popular Predator and Fury lines DDR4 RGB RAM are getting some new kits. Believe it or not, you can now get Predator kits featuring capacities up to 256GB or with speeds up to 4800MHz! And yes, there are RGB variants of both Predator and Fury too.
Silicon Power PC60 USB-C SSD [Review]
Backing up data is an essential part of computing responsibility. Just like regularly changing your car's oil, you should regularly back up your computer's files. The sad reality is, many people don't think about their important files until they are lost forever. How sad would it be if you lost your entire music library, your work projects, or worst of all, your family photos?
Nowadays, the cloud makes data backup easy, but you should not trust that solution exclusively. What if there is a situation where you don't have internet access, or even worse, the cloud provider goes out of business? You should also backup your files locally -- redundancy is key. Depending on how much data you have, a portable solid state drive often makes a lot of sense, as they offer very fast speeds and no moving parts. Not only does an external drive allow you to move data between multiple computers, but you can easily lock it in a safe or fireproof box if needed.
Microsoft is dropping PHP support from Windows
PHP 8.0 is due for release in November, but when this major new version appears Windows will not support it.
The company says that bug fixes and security patches will continue to be released for the lifecycles of PHP versions 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4. But when the latest version is released later this year, Microsoft will "not [...] be supporting PHP for Windows in any capacity for version 8.0 and beyond".
Do you put tape over your webcam so hackers can't spy on you? Apple says not to!
We are in the middle of a pandemic, and lots of us are working from home these days. It is because of technological advances, such as the computer and internet, that so many can work remotely. Let us not forget the mighty webcam which allows our coworkers, friends, and family members to video chat with us. Hell, even doctors are seeing patients using video chat nowadays.
You know who else loves webcams? Hackers! Yes, it is possible for nefarious people to hack into your computer and access your webcam. Any hardware connected to the net can be hacked. And no, you cannot trust an activity light -- hackers can turn them off too. Look, no one wants to be watched by a stranger -- especially when naked or in some other embarrassing situation. Thankfully, something as simple as placing a piece of tape or a privacy shutter (such as this) over the webcam can thwart the bad guys in this regard (the microphone is another story). Unfortunately for those that own Apple laptops, the company is warning users against covering their webcam.
Klipsch launches smaller, better fitting wireless earphones with an F1 collaboration
The trouble with in-ear-style wireless earphones is they can be bulky and hard to keep in place or -- we're looking at you Apple -- have those little antennas that make you look like you've stuck cigarette ends in your ears.
Klipsch is changing all that with its new T5 II range. They are around 25 percent smaller than the earlier T5s and more closely mimic the shape of the ear for maximum comfort. They also come with six sets of ear tips to ensure more people can get a good fit.
Best Windows 10 apps this week
Three-hundred-and-ninety-four in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 on the Microsoft Store in the past seven days.
Microsoft unveiled a redesigned Start Menu in the latest Windows Insider build. Check out Mark's article on enabling the Start Menu in that particular version.
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