Featured content

Microsoft has once again stirred the productivity market by quietly launching a free, ad-supported version of its iconic Office apps for Windows. While the headline promises "free Office," this edition comes with a twist: significant limitations on functionality and persistent on-screen ads. Let’s dive into what this means for Windows users, explore the pros and cons, and consider the broader industry implications. What’s New in Microsoft’s Free Office? In a surprise move, Microsoft has...

In a surprising twist amid escalating AI investments, Microsoft has halted several key data center leases in the United States—a maneuver that signals a strategic recalibration of its infrastructure expansion plans. While the technology behemoth reaffirms its commitment to invest $80 billion in infrastructure in fiscal 2025, the decision to cancel leases totaling several hundred megawatts (MW) of capacity (and letting over 1 gigawatt (GW) of larger agreements lapse) has raised critical...

A recent intelligence report from cybersecurity researchers has revealed that a massive botnet is launching a sophisticated password spraying attack against Microsoft 365 accounts worldwide. As organizations continue migrating to cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, this new threat underscores the need for a reassessment of security practices—even for those confident in their multi-factor authentication (MFA) defenses. As previously reported at Massive Cyber Attack on Microsoft...

In a surprising twist to its classic business model, Microsoft has quietly rolled out a free version of its Office suite for Windows users—but don’t be fooled by the “free” tag. This edition, which comes with persistent ads and a number of functional limitations, is turning heads while raising questions about the future of productivity software. As previously reported on WindowsForum.com at Microsoft Launches Free, Ad-Supported Office Suite: What You Need to Know, this isn’t the first time...

As technology continues its relentless evolution, the role of a Solutions Architect has become more crucial than ever. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, these professionals act as the vital bridge between business objectives and technical innovations. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the evolving responsibilities, essential skills, and career pathways for solutions architects in 2025, drawing insights from industry thought leaders and real-world examples. 1. The...

Microsoft Trials Free Ad-Supported Office Apps Microsoft is shaking up the productivity market once again. In a bold new test, the tech giant is offering a free, ad-supported tier of its Microsoft 365 desktop apps—specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This experimental version, currently only available as a limited trial (and possibly only in select regions like India), promises basic functionality in exchange for enduring a constant presence of advertisements. Overview of the Testing...

In a bold forecast that’s capturing the attention of industry watchers, a prominent blogger recently predicted that Xiaomi Auto will deliver 100,000 vehicles in a single quarter as early as Q2 2025. While this projection comes from an influential voice in tech news (featured on Passionategeekz), it has sparked a spirited discussion about the implications for China’s burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) market—and the wider technology landscape. Below, we dive into the prediction’s key...

Recent reports from cybersecurity watchdogs reveal a staggering attack on Microsoft 365 accounts. A massive botnet—compromising over 130,000 devices—is launching coordinated password spraying attacks, putting organizations that depend on Microsoft’s cloud services squarely in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. Let's dive into the details and explore what this means for Windows users and IT administrators alike. A Closer Look at the Attack What Happened? On February 25, 2025, the intelligence...

Microsoft’s latest experiment in the productivity market has raised more than a few eyebrows. In a bold—and somewhat controversial—move, the tech giant has quietly rolled out a free, ad-supported version of its Office Suite for Windows. While the promise of no-cost access to familiar tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is enticing, this new offering comes with a catch that could change your workday. Unpacking the Free Office Rollout What’s on Offer? At first glance, the concept seems...

In a bold move that underscores the ongoing transformation in data protection, Veeam Software has announced an expanded partnership with Microsoft. This collaboration—bolstered by a strategic Microsoft equity investment in Veeam—aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to fundamentally reshape how businesses safeguard, recover, and extract value from their data. With cyber threats and the dynamic nature of cloud environments forcing enterprises to rethink disaster recovery strategies...

Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, and the latest intelligence from KnowBe4 reveals yet another level of sophistication in spear-phishing campaigns. In a detailed blog update from KnowBe4, Russian threat actors—including groups linked to the SVR’s notorious Cozy Bear—are leveraging a clever exploit against Microsoft 365 accounts using a feature known as Device Code Authentication. This article dives into the mechanics of the new attack vector, its broader implications for...

In a transformative move poised to reshape data protection for enterprises worldwide, Veeam Software has announced an expanded partnership with Microsoft that will integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into its industry-leading data resilience platform. With Microsoft making an equity investment in Veeam, both companies aim to arm organizations with advanced tools to protect, recover, and extract greater value from their data. This strategic collaboration comes at a time when cyber threats...

Windows 11 users know that sometimes, a safety net is the best kind of backup. System Restore is one of those built-in lifesavers that can roll back your system when things go awry. By default, Windows creates restore points only once every 24 hours—or when you install major updates or new programs. But what if you need a more robust layer of protection? Today, we’re diving into a quick registry tweak and some handy automation tips to boost your restore point frequency on Windows 11. Why...

In a surprising twist for users navigating the digital battleground between search engines, Microsoft is using an innovative—and controversial—marketing tactic to target Google’s user base. When searching for "Gemini" on Bing, users are greeted not with the expected search results, but with a Copilot banner ad and even a chat box, inviting them to test out Microsoft’s AI companion. This move, detailed in a Forbes article by Zak Doffman, underscores the increasingly blurred lines between...

In a world where computation is the cornerstone of innovation, quantum computing is emerging as the next frontier—a technological revolution with the potential to upend industries and redefine what’s possible. But amid the dazzling promise of mind-boggling speeds and revolutionary applications, a critical question remains: How do investors navigate this high-risk, high-reward landscape? In this article, we’ll delve into the transformative potential of quantum computing, shed light on key...

In an era when digital transformation is no longer optional, Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland is leading the charge in reimagining its business model. By partnering with Rackspace Technology®, the region’s leading pizza delivery service has reinvented its legacy systems into a nimble, scalable hybrid cloud environment—an evolution powered by Microsoft® Azure® and cutting-edge automation practices. This transformation not only supports a rapidly expanding store network but also ensures Domino’s...

In a significant move for enterprise procurement, Beroe has announced a cutting-edge integration of its AI-powered procurement assistant—Abi—with Microsoft Copilot. This development marks a pioneering step in embedding market intelligence directly into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, streamlining decision-making for procurement professionals by offering context-rich insights where they work the most. A New Era for Procurement Intelligence Procurement teams have long grappled with scattered...

Microsoft’s latest experiment could reshape how we think about Office productivity—but only if you’re willing to trade features (and uninterrupted focus) for free access. In a move that may sound like a bargain at first, Microsoft is testing an ad-supported version of its Office suite for Windows—a model that might help those put off by rising subscription prices. But as the details emerge, the “free” Office comes with strings attached. What’s the Deal? Microsoft has recently been pushed to...

Massive Botnet Drives Microsoft 365 Password Spray Attacks A new cybersecurity alert has emerged: a massive botnet, harnessing over 130,000 hacked devices, is now being used to conduct widespread password spray attacks against Microsoft 365 accounts. This sophisticated method not only bypasses multi-factor authentication (MFA) but also leaves organizations exposed by exploiting authentication monitoring blindspots. Unpacking the Attack Cybercriminals have increasingly turned to password...

Microsoft’s office suite just took a bold—and controversial—turn. With its new ad-supported version of Office exclusively for Windows 11, the tech giant is experimenting with a free productivity tool that comes with a significant catch: all documents can only be saved to OneDrive. This new offering aims to provide a no-cost alternative to paid Office subscriptions, yet it limits users by removing the option to save files locally. Let’s dive into what this means for Windows users and the...