Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
20254DEC02
Table of Contents / Source:
Don't throw away your old PC—it makes a better NAS than anything you can buy
A network attached storage device (NAS) is one of the most useful things you can add to your home network, but a specialized NAS can run you hundreds of dollars just for the shell, and that is before you even buy additional hard drives for storage. If you want a large, robust NAS, you'll be on the hook for even more.
That is why I built my own NAS for a fraction of the cost using components from an old PC and some used pieces I bought on the internet for half off.
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Dell confirms 2025 is not the year of Windows 11, as users just don’t want to dump Windows 10
Microsoft’s strategy to push Windows 11 is clearly not working out, and it could be because… the OS doesn’t have a good reputation. Or simply put, consumers just don’t want to dump their perfectly healthy Windows 10 PC. Dell now says that Windows 11’s transition is indeed slower than Windows 10, and PC sales are expected to remain flat.
Further reading:
- Windows 10 is out of support, but 1 billion PCs still haven’t upgraded - windowscentral.com
- Microsoft Shuts Down Windows 10 Effectively Bricking 400M PCs - ruckusfactory.com
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Your laptop has a built-in hardware test you’ve never run — here’s why you should
Even after using laptops for years, many users don’t even touch the most important tool: the built-in hardware diagnostics. These tests are preinstalled on every Windows laptop and Mac. Since they are tucked deep inside the startup menus or triggered with some key combinations, most users don’t even know that they exist.
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Understanding Computer Parts
Tutorial on the basic parts of a desktop computer.
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Microsoft Copilot Will Soon Search Your Gmail, Make Office Files
Microsoft is launching a new feature called Connectors to let Copilot interact with other tools, including its own OneDrive and Outlook. It will be able to interact with your Outlook Calendar, Contacts, and email.
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4 laptop brands with standout reliability
Shoppers who care about reliability are not just chasing specs, they are looking for laptops that keep working smoothly for years with minimal drama. Drawing on recent brand rankings, survey data, and long-term testing, I focus here on four laptop makers that consistently stand out for build quality, durability, and dependable performance, so readers can match their next purchase to a track record they can actually trust.
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Make Better Diagrams with Microsoft Visio Professional 2021, Now $10
Create org charts, flow diagrams, mind maps, SWOT analysis, and even floor plans with user-friendly controls and more than 250,000 preset templates.
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6 signs your phone was hacked
If your smartphone suddenly feels unfamiliar, it might not be your imagination. Security researchers consistently warn that subtle changes in performance and behavior can be early signs your phone was hacked, long before obvious damage appears. I will walk through six concrete red flags, drawn from recent reporting and expert guidance, that signal your device may be compromised and your data at risk.
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AWS and Google Team Up to Simplify Your Multi-Cloud Connectivity
AWS and Google Cloud are rolling out a jointly engineered multicloud network service that promises faster, more reliable cross-cloud connectivity.
Further reading:
- AWS and Google Cloud collaborate to simplify multicloud networking - cloud.google.com
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Why Spotify Keeps Pausing on PC and How to Fix It Fast
If Spotify keeps pausing on PC, the issue usually comes from network drops, background app conflicts, corrupted cache files, or power settings that restrict audio playback. This guide shows the fastest ways to stabilize Spotify and stop random pauses while you listen to music.
