Looking for a word processor? In this one-minute podcast, I’ll share four free programs that can get you writing in no time.
Update your PC! Microsoft releases 14 patches for Windows 10
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Not all software updates are bad news. Sometimes, it’s just a bit of maintenance that enhances your experience.
That’s the case with the latest Windows 10 update from Microsoft. Even though the update is optional, you should still install it as it corrects 14 issues. There are no security updates in this patch.
Read on to see what the update fixes and how you can get it.
Here’s the backstory
Microsoft pushed out the KB5019275 Preview cumulative update for Windows 10 20H2, Windows 10 21H1, and Windows 10 21H2 devices. Although it is optional, it fixes 14 problems that users have been battling for some time.
This update also allows new additions and upgraded functions to be tested in preparation for Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday next month. The update brings Windows 10 to version 9042.2546, 19044.2546 or 19045.2546, depending on your build.
According to Microsoft, the update addresses an issue that might affect news and interests as it may flicker on the taskbar, and File Explorer could stop responding.
There is also a note that after March 2023, there are no more optional, non-security preview releases for the supported editions of Windows 10. The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will also be permanently turned off as part of the February 2023 Windows security update.
What you can do about it
It’s always best to update your operating system when it is available. Since this update is optional, you must manually download and install it, as it won’t happen automatically.
Here’s how to update Windows 10:
- Click the Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Then select Check for updates. If an update is available, select Download and install now.
If you bought one of these defective laptops, Apple might owe you money
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Consumer products and vehicles get recalled often, but it’s rare to get anything of value in return. When a car has a defective component, manufacturers usually repair it for free. Tap or click here for details on 160K vehicles recently recalled.
4 free alternatives to Microsoft Word
Hackers are hiding malware in PNG files - Here's what to watch for
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More people are wising up to how malware is distributed, leading hackers to try different methods to infect your devices. Popular ways of compromising devices have been through malicious attachments such as Word documents or PDF files.
How to save images from a Word doc or PDF
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When you want to send a document as is, a PDF is the way to go. Adobe created the Portable Document Format to allow you to share manuals, forms, resumes, contracts, scanned material, pages from a book, eBooks and more to any device without changing its look or ruining the format.
Google trick: Shortcuts to quickly open Docs, Sheets and your calendar
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Most everyone knows some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, Alt + F4 to close an application or other active item and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.
Update Windows now to protect against this dangerous exploit
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Keeping your devices and software up to date is among your first defense against security breaches.
We’ve recently seen an uptick in critical Chrome, Windows, iOS, Firefox and Zoom updates. The fixes address zero-day vulnerabilities and security flaws that hackers can exploit to launch attacks. Tap or click here for detailed instructions on updating your systems.
The best free templates for Microsoft Word and LibreOffice
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When Microsoft Word came out in 1983, it was a game-changer for college students and business professionals alike. They could say goodbye to typewriters and use a straightforward word processor to get the best results.
Tech smarts: 5 silly ways you’re flushing money down the toilet
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For a columnist and national radio show host focused on technology, you might be surprised how often I’m asked about money.
It makes sense. We spend a ton of money on gadgets, and there’s always something new and shiny. Before you spring for a new phone, give yours this deep clean. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.
Here's how to fix the most annoying problem using copy and paste on Mac
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Among the many improvements that came with computers, typing was a big one. Tap or click for five pro tips to get more out of your Mac. Gone were the days of Wite-Out and retyping an entire document. Programs like Microsoft Word allowed you to modify, delete, and edit any needed document easily.
Update your PC! Patch Tuesday fixes nearly 50 software issues
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If you don’t know by now, the second Tuesday of every month has officially become known as Patch Tuesday. Most software developers chose this day to release security patches and firmware updates. Tap or click here for seven free alternatives to Microsoft Word.
7 free alternatives to Microsoft Word
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Google’s search engine has become so popular over the last decade that the company’s name has become a verb. Looking for something online, you’ll often hear people say, Google it. There are few other instances where this applies as well.
5 sites for checking your grammar
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There is nothing worse than sending off a business email or posting a blog entry, only to realize later that you have typos or poor grammar. How did that happen? After all, you use Microsoft Word, which has a built-in spell-checking feature. Unfortunately, this type of spell checker is basic, nothing fancy.
Windows alert: Fake Office updates trick you into downloading malware
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It’s rare for malware threats to stay the same. In fact, the more time that passes without addressing a threat, the more dangerous it becomes. That’s why early detection, patches and education are critical to protecting people from cyberattacks.
Windows 10 has a handful of new features that change the game
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Microsoft is on a roll as of late, and it’s taking full advantage of its newfound spotlight. Between the success of Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the launch of the company’s upcoming Surface Duo smartphone, there’s no shortage of interesting news coming from the makers of Windows.
Think twice before you download a Word doc - warning signs it's hiding malware
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There’s a gigantic storm of malware on the web that’s been brewing for some time now. Once it gets a hold of your email account, it will bombard you with deceptive messages that include malicious attachments. Open one and your system becomes part of its army of zombie computers that work to continue the spread.
Microsoft adds a new feature to Word that beats Google Docs and all the rest
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There are many software options to help you write documents, few are as instantly recognizable as Microsoft Word. Although Google Docs has given the long-lived software a run for its money in recent years, new subscription options and a range of new features continue to make it a popular option for PC owners.
This powerful free office program can replace Microsoft Office
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Students use Microsoft Word for their essays and accountants use Excel to crunch numbers. Business executives rely on PowerPoint to pitch new products. It’s expensive, but since it’s the gold standard of productivity software, few people think to replace Microsoft Office.
All the ways you can get Microsoft Office for free
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Microsoft Office Suite — Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access and Publisher — is the standard when it comes to digital office software. It set the precedent of what organization and presentation software should be and continues to be the software set you need most for basic computer and work tasks.
Microsoft wants to fix your crappy writing
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Do you struggle at the keyboard? Do you cringe when you need to write a school assignment, work email, or other documents all because you don’t excel at spelling or grammar?
Relax, even those tasked with checking for writing errors have experienced the embarrassment of a misplaced apostrophe or misspelled word. Thankfully, with grammar and spell checkers, your writing errors don’t have to make the front page.