A side-by-side comparison of two files can be shown using Visual Studio by using the command line utility option devenv.exe /diff, or by running Tools.DiffFiles from the Command Window.
Major tech companies working on new smart home device standards
Apple, Google, and other tech companies have announced the formation of a new project to set up new common communication standards for smart home devices. Project Connected Home over IP will allow smart home devices from different manufacturers to communicate with one another using an open standard with built-in security.
Convenience store chain Wawa reports data breach
Convenience store chain Wawa has disclosed a data breach that occurred from March 2019 to December 2019. Malware was detected and then removed from its payment processing servers by their information security team. Payment information, including credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates, and cardholder names were included in this breach. Wawa is offering one year of identity theft protection for affected cardholders.
Ring states that its services have not been compromised by hackers
Video camera maker Ring released a statement specifying that its customer accounts have not been compromised by hackers. A small number of Ring customers had Ring home video cameras accessed by third parties using login credentials that were previously made available in data breaches from other companies and websites. Ring recommended setting up two-factor authentication, not reusing passwords for multiple websites, and other security measures to its customers.
SQL Server 2019 generally available on November 4th 2019
Microsoft announced the general availability of SQL Server 2019 on November 4th 2019 at its Ignite conference. There are four editions: Enterprise, Standard, Express, and Developer. Express and Developer editions are free and can be downloaded from microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-downloads.
A list of new features for SQL Server 2019 is also available.
More information is available at microsoft.com/sql-server/sql-server-2019.
QuickBooks company backup files do not include file attachments
QuickBooks desktop edition does not include file attachments when it makes a company backup data file. This will cause issues if the files need to be installed on a new computer or saved as part of normal data file backups.
The attached files are stored by QuickBooks in a folder named “Attach” with multiple subfolders.
The company file and Attach folder can be found by selecting Company > Documents > Repair Attached Documents Links.
Click the Open Company File Folder button to locate the Attach folder and company file. The Repair Links button will remove invalid attached document links. 
The company file can also be found by searching for a file with name format *.QBW.
Google Drive and Gmail free storage limited to 15 GB
Google accounts start with 15 GB of total storage spread across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. Once this limit is exceeded, users have the option of upgrading to a Google One plan.
You may check the total amount of storage currently used for your Google account at google.com/settings/storage. Google also provides instructions on how to free up additional storage.
iTunes replaced on Apple devices by Apple Music and TV apps
iTunes has been replaced by Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts on iOS and MacOS devices. Prior iTunes media library content can now be found in these new apps. Instructions on how to manage Apple Music and other subscriptions are available.
Yahoo data breach settlement
REAL ID compliant identification required to fly in US on October 1st 2020
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for all airline passengers who fly in the United States starting on October 1, 2020. More information from the TSA about REAL ID is available here.