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For many users, Microsoft Edge has cemented its position as a reliable and efficient web browser—outpacing many of its competitors. However, like a finely tuned sports car, even Edge can experience some drag. Slow load times, lagging performance, and a less smooth browsing experience can be the result of various factors, from cluttered cache to excess extensions. Fortunately, several optimizations can turn your browsing back into a sleek ride. Let’s dive into how you can speed up Microsoft...

In the ever-evolving world of laptops, choosing the right one can feel like picking a favorite child—almost impossible! Today, we delve into a comparison you didn't know you needed: the trusty Lenovo ThinkPad T460p, the sleek Microsoft Surface Pro 9, and the versatile HP 16-af0015TU. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, understanding what each of these machines brings to the table will help you make an informed decision. Specifications at a Glance Feature Lenovo ThinkPad...

In an exciting development for PC enthusiasts and security-conscious users alike, AMD has rolled out a new chipset driver for its Ryzen series, notably support for the 9000, 8000, 7000, 5000, and even 3000 series CPUs. This driver, version 6.10.17.152, is particularly significant as it introduces compatibility with Microsoft's latest Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET), enhancing the security posture of these systems running on Windows 10 and Windows 11. What’s New in the Update? The...

The much-anticipated Windows 11 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, has hit the market after an extensive beta testing phase. Despite the lengthy pre-release scrutiny, it appears that users are being met with an array of frustrating issues post-update. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what’s actually happening and what you can do about it. A Rocky Transition After years of hype and refinement, Windows 11 24H2 was finally launched to the eager public earlier this month...

As we dive into the evolving landscape of Windows on Arm, recent advancements spearheaded by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors are paving the way towards a more robust platform that is striving to rival traditional x86 systems. With its initial release just four months ago, we can already discern concrete progress marked by an ever-increasing library of native applications and enhanced performance without the need for cumbersome translation layers. A New Dawn with Native Applications...

In a recent announcement that has sparked excitement among the tech-savvy, Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27729, marking its latest release aimed at the Canary Channel. This channel is known for its bleeding-edge features and serves as a testing ground for enthusiastic Windows users who are keen to experience the most innovative updates before they reach broader audiences. Key Features and Improvements With this new build, users can look forward to several...

On October 1, 2024, Microsoft unveiled the Windows 11 24H2 update, which hastily garnered praise for its performance enhancements—especially on machines that aren't officially supported. But as with any major software overhaul, the promise of speed often comes with hidden pitfalls. If you’ve noticed your Office applications hiccuping or crashing—particularly Word and Excel—you’re definitely not alone. Let’s dive into the details, potential fixes, and what this all means for you as a Windows...

Active Directory (AD) serves as the backbone of identity management in many organizations, and a crucial part of its architecture lies in the Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles. These roles are essential for maintaining data integrity and preventing conflicts during replication. Understanding how to identify which domain controllers hold these roles is vital for any IT pro working within Windows Server infrastructures. Today, we'll explore multiple methods of checking FSMO...

If you've felt hesitant about updating your Windows system lately, you're not alone. Imagine the chaos when the U.S. government issues warnings to upgrade for security, only for that very upgrade—the Windows 11 24H2 update—to be blocked for a significant number of users shortly thereafter. It sounds like a tech thriller plot twist, but unfortunately, for many, it’s a reality. Third-Time's Not the Charm: The Government's Urging The situation escalates with the urgency from the Cybersecurity...

Are you gearing up to dive into the world of Windows 11? Excited to upgrade your seasoned PC or install a fresh copy of Microsoft’s latest operating system? You’re in the right place! This guide will detail everything you need to know about downloading the Windows 11 24H2 64-bit ISO file and highlight how to create a bootable USB drive to get your installation rolling smoothly. So, pre-heat your excitement, because here we go! What’s New in Windows 11? Before we dive into the download...

In a significant shift destined to impact IT administrators and security-savvy users across the globe, Microsoft has taken a bold step by officially deprecating two widely used Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols: the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). This announcement heralds a new chapter in the enterprise network landscape, encouraging a move towards more secure and modern alternatives. The Rationale Behind the Decision For over two...

In a dramatic escalation of cyber espionage tactics, the OilRig hacking group—known by various aliases such as Earth Simnavaz and APT34—has recently turned its focus to Microsoft Exchange servers, leveraging vulnerabilities to pilfer sensitive login credentials. This troubling development aligns with the group's historically suspicious ties to Iranian interests, mainly targeting critical sectors like energy and government. The Attack Landscape Recent research by cybersecurity firm Trend...

In a bittersweet farewell, Windows Embedded POSReady 7, the last surviving iteration of the iconic Windows 7, has officially reached its end of life. This marks a significant milestone in the history of Microsoft's operating systems, coming nearly five years after the mainstream desktop version bid adieu to support back on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 was beloved by many for its user-friendly interface and robust performance, and its legacy continues even as its final version clutches tightly...

As of October 17, 2024, Windows users are bracing for an upcoming tsunami of change in their software environment, with Microsoft officially signaling the end of support for several versions of its popular productivity suites and server applications, primarily focusing on Office and Exchange Server. This impending obsolescence underscores the need for users—both regular consumers and IT professionals—to prepare for the shift. With just less than a year until support is cut for Office 2016...

In a significant development for cloud computing, Microsoft has announced the general availability of its latest Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines (VMs), which are built on Azure's first fully custom Arm-based CPU, the Cobalt 100. This new generation of virtual machines marks a milestone in Microsoft's continuous efforts to optimize and enhance its cloud infrastructure. What Makes Cobalt 100 VMs Stand Out? These Azure VMs showcase a comprehensive approach to cloud infrastructure...

In an alarming development, it has been reported that an Iranian threat group known as APT34 is intensifying its espionage activities targeting Gulf state government entities, particularly those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This group, which has connections to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), has managed to infiltrate sensitive sectors by exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers. APT34's Rise in Espionage Activity APT34, also referred to by...

Have you ever wondered what to do with that dusty old Windows PC sitting in a corner, quietly judging your lack of storage organization? Well, it turns out that you can give it a second life as a powerful streaming server using Plex! Whether you're moving away from traditional cable or simply want an easy way to access your media library from anywhere, this guide provides a detailed overview of how to set up Plex on your old Windows machine. Getting Started: What You Need First things first...

As we race toward the end of October, Windows users are facing a red alert from the U.S. government, emphasizing the urgency of updating their systems—or the dire consequences of failing to do so. With over 14 billion users across Windows 10 and Windows 11, this latest warning has become a critical concern for many. The Latest Vulnerability: CVE-2024-43573 On October 21, we learned about a serious vulnerability found in the MSHTML component of Windows, cataloged as CVE-2024-43573. This...