Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2024AUG13
Table of Contents / Source:
You can upgrade your old PC to Windows 11 - even if Microsoft says it's 'incompatible'. Here's how
You don't have to throw away a perfectly good PC just because it doesn't meet Microsoft's strict Windows 11 compatibility standards. Here's how you can work around the restrictions and safely upgrade a Windows 10 PC.
Further reading:
- What to Do If Your PC Can't Upgrade to Windows 11 - howtogeek.com
- Installing Windows 11 on devices that don't meet minimum system requirements - support.microsoft.com
- Windows 10 has a ‘best by’ date. Here’s what you can do when support ends. - washingtonpost.com
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How to Completely Remove Norton or McAfee From Windows
Removing Norton and McAfee's products tends to leave a lot of crap behind, even if you go through the proper channels offered in your control panel. Both companies acknowledge this and offer removal tools for the complete uninstallation. If you're looking to learn how to remove Norton or McAfee and replace them with something free and effective, you've found the right article.
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Should you splurge on a Copilot+ AI PC?
Every company (and their mother) seems to be slapping “AI” on their product marketing and charging you a boatload. Microsoft and its new line of Copilot+ PCs are no exception.
Let me give it to you straight: Microsoft is pushing these laptops hard, but in this case, what they sell isn’t exactly what you get. If you’re considering buying one, read this first.
Further reading:
- 3 reasons you shouldn't buy an AI PC just to get the latest Copilot+ features - xdadevelopers.com
- Best AI PC in 2024: Intel, AMD, and Snapdragon laptops with CPU, GPU, and NPU for tasks powered by artificial intelligence - windowscentral.com
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Microsoft kicks the bucket with Paint 3D, will deprecate the app later this year
- Microsoft will remove the Paint 3D app from the Microsoft Store later this year.
- Users will no longer be able to download the app starting November 4.
- The company says it will no longer provide Paint 3D app updates from that date.
Microsoft kicks the bucket with Paint 3D, will deprecate the app later this year (msn.com)
Further reading:
- Microsoft to retire Paint 3D, plans to remove the app from Store across Windows devices - xdadevelopers.com
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Think TikTok or Temu are safe? Cybersecurity expert says think again, delete them now
The U.S. government doesn’t have a say in what you download unless you use a government device. Starting Aug. 15, U.S. House of Representatives staffers are banned from using all ByteDance apps on government devices.
Further reading:
Microsoft finally releases the new Outlook for everyone to use: here's what's new
If you're a big fan of Outlook, there's a good chance that you either heard about a new version on the horizon, or you managed to get your hands on it and give it a spin. If you haven't seen it yet, Microsoft has some good news for you; it's now available for general release. So, if you've yet to be acquainted with the new Outlook, let's check out everything Microsoft announced on its blog.
Further reading:
- Recall or Replace a Sent Email in Outlook - microsoft.com
- Create an Email Signature in Outlook - microsoft.com
- Outlook training - microsoft.com
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10 cool projects you can do with just Microsoft Excel
The spreadsheet software goes far beyond mundane data entry and endless rows of numbers. Microsoft’s software holds a hidden world of creative possibilities, too. From creating unique event timelines to photo family trees and interactive games, Excel’s flexibility might just surprise you.
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Mozilla wants you to love Firefox again
Last month, Mozilla made a quiet change in Firefox that caused some diehard users to revolt.
Deep in the browser’s privacy settings, Firefox introduced an experimental “privacy-preserving ad measurement” toggle, enabling it by default without explanation or disclosure.
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Codes to Check If Your Phone Is Tapped
With the right access and know-how, anyone could intercept your calls, but certain codes can help determine if someone is spying on you.
Further reading:
- How to Tell if Your Phone Is Being Tapped (and What to Do About It) - pcmag.com
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Tech trick: How to tell who’s calling when you don’t recognize the phone number
Ever received a text message from a number you don’t recognize? I get a lot of texts from numbers that I have no idea who that person is. Instead of replying with “Ahem, who dis?” there’s a hack you’re going to use time and time again.
