Adding Linux Bash to Windows 10 Anniversary Update could be a huge security risk

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The arrival of Linux in Windows 10 caused ripples of excitement in certain circles. But as well as making it possible to run GUI Linux apps on the desktop, there are also concerns that there are security risks associated with having the Bash feature from Linux available in Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Speaking at the Black Hat USA security conference, Alex Ionescu from Crowdstrike said that he had reported some concerns to Microsoft during the testing period of Windows 10. While some of the issues he raised have been addressed, he says that the presence of Linux represents a "new potential attack surface" that users need to be aware of.

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Disable ads and tips on Windows 10 Anniversary Update's lock screen

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The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduced a lot of changes to the new OS, including several to the lock screen.

Cortana can be used there, and you may also see fun facts, tips, and advertisements before you log in. If you don’t want to see those, you can disable this new feature. Here’s what you need to do.

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Linux Kernel 4.8 will add Microsoft Surface 3 support

Surface 3

If you are a Windows user, and want a really great computer, you should consider Microsoft's Surface line. Not only do they serve as wonderful tablets, but with the keyboard attachment, they can be solid laptops too.

While many Linux users dislike Microsoft, some of them undoubtedly envy Windows hardware. While it is possible to run Linux distros on some Surface tablets (I've done it), not everything will work flawlessly. Today, release candidate 1 of Linux Kernel 4.8 is announced, and it seems a particularly interesting driver has been added -- the Surface 3 touchscreen controller. Will Microsoft's lower-priced (starting at $499) hybrid computer become the ultimate mobile Linux machine?

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Use Windows 10 Anniversary Update's Connect app to cast your Android phone to your PC

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If you have installed Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you now have an incredibly easy way to cast your Android phone to your PC. There's a new app built into Windows called, appropriately, Connect -- and this is all you need.

Casting from phone to desktop or laptop is a great way to watch videos or share content without the need to transfer files from one device to another. Here's what you need to do to get started.

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IFTTT gets integration with Microsoft Skype

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If This Then That has become pretty popular, working with countless devices and websites. You can program it to do many things, recipes as the company calls them. There are channels where you can find what you're looking for if you'd prefer something already pre-written by another user.

Now IFTTT is coming to Skype, the communications service purchased by Microsoft and one of the leaders in today's connected world.

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Apple's water gun vs. Microsoft's realistic pistol -- which emoji is right? Vote now!

GunQuestion

Regardless of your stance on guns, I think everyone can agree that firearms deserve to be treated with respect. Even staunch 2nd amendment proponents will tell you that the weapons are not toys. Proper training and understanding of their potential danger are key for safety.

Understandably, however, some parents don't want their children -- or themselves -- to have guns in their lives at all. Thanks to emoji, guns are sort of unavoidable nowadays. While parents can refuse to buy toy guns for their children, pistol symbols in communications are now a thing. Well, except on iOS 10 beta, that is. Apple has chosen to go against the tech world and Unicode consortium by using a water gun to represent the pistol emoji. Are Tim Cook and company right or wrong in this decision?

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Microsoft: What have you done to my Windows 10?

Angry PC user

Maybe it’s my age, but I’ve found that I just don’t have the time or patience to play with Windows betas anymore. The bugs. The instabilities. The bricked PCs. I simply can’t get excited about once again playing guinea pig for Microsoft.

In fact, aside from a minor dalliance with a "Redstone" pre-release build late last year, I have effectively sat-out the entire Anniversary Update testing cycle. I figured, "Windows 10 (RTM) was working great for me. Why muck it up by installing some buggy preview edition?"

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How to enable the dark theme in Windows 10 Anniversary Update

Windows 10 Anniversary Update Dark Theme Settings

Windows 10 Anniversary Update is officially available now, and it is chock full of new features and improvements to get excited about. One of the most-awaited additions to the operating system is a rather comprehensive and attractive dark theme.

The dark theme that Microsoft has introduced in Windows 10 Anniversary Update transforms the look of the user interface. It impacts many visual elements, including the appearance of the Start menu, app bar and colors, and even apps. And here is how you can enable it.

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Three ways you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free

Free

Windows 10 was free for an entire year, and Microsoft nagged users to upgrade to the new OS almost constantly during that period. Yet, despite this, it seems there are plenty of people looking for ways to get Windows 10 for free now it’s a paid product. Go figure.

As it happens, there are still ways to legally get Windows 10 without paying, so if you’ve decided you do want to upgrade after all, here are some methods to try.

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Microsoft uses data gathered from telemetry to reduce Windows 10 Anniversary Update rollback period

Windows 10

If you've upgraded to Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you only have 10 days in which to roll back to your previous operating system if you change your mind. This is a dramatic reduction from the 30 days Microsoft allowed users previously.

As noted by Richard Hay on WinSuperSite, the latest big update to Windows 10 slashes this period by two thirds. This is not just an arbitrary change, however. Microsoft says it is based on data gathered via telemetry.

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Warning: Windows 10 Anniversary Update might delete your Linux partitions

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Many people know that I am a Linux proponent. With that said, I am not a stereotypical Microsoft hater. While I regularly use operating systems like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Chrome OS, I also use Windows 10. Truth be told, I actually love the newest Microsoft desktop operating system -- Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Folks like me that use both Linux and Windows will often setup multiple partitions on a single drive or across multiple drives. This method allows you to easily choose between various operating systems at boot. Unfortunately, there are apparently reports that upgrading to Windows 10 Anniversary Update could delete all Linux partitions in the process. Scary!

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Microsoft SharePoint remains 'underused' in spite of improvements

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SharePoint continues to be an "underused" piece of software, despite Microsoft adding new features in hopes to increase the uptake.

These are the results of a new survey by independent information management analysts, AIIM.

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Microsoft to close free Windows 10 upgrade loophole

Win10 loophole closed

Free upgrades to Windows 10 officially came to an end on 29 July, but there are ways to continue upgrading without purchasing a license. The easiest method is to take advantage of a scheme that Microsoft has in place for users of assistive technologies.

As detailed here, Microsoft created a web page that allows users with accessibility needs to continue to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, but because it doesn’t require users to prove they use assistive technologies, anyone can take advantage of the free extension.

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How to stop receiving Insider Preview builds after upgrading to Windows 10 Anniversary Update

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Windows 10 users who are part of the Windows Insider program can choose to stop receiving new preview builds after installing the Anniversary Update. Microsoft is making it very easy to stick with stable releases going forward, either temporarily or for good, so, if you want to opt out, here is how you can do it and what it entails.

Microsoft is giving you a lot of leeway with regards to how you leverage the Windows Insider program. The devices that you have enrolled are treated separately, so you can switch to stable releases on a desktop, laptop or tablet and continue to receive Insider Preview builds on another.

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Starbucks app comes to Windows 10 Mobile -- maybe Microsoft's platform isn't dead

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Let's be honest, folks -- Windows 10 Mobile is not a popular phone operating system. Compared to Android and iOS, Microsoft's OS is largely insignificant. In fact, many people -- including my colleague Mihăiță Bamburic -- consider it a dead platform without a future.

Today, however, Windows 10 Mobile gets a significant app, showing that maybe it isn't dead after all -- Starbucks. While you may not view it as a big deal, many people depend on the coffee chain's app to pay for drinks and find locations. The fact that Starbucks put resources towards the app should make Microsoft fans very happy.

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