Chromebook adds new features for 10 year anniversary

Google has added new features to celebrate 10 years of Chromebooks as part of Chrome OS 89. These include:

  • Phone Hub
  • Clipboard
  • Quick Answers
  • Tote file manager
  • Nearby Share
  • Select-to-speak enhancements
  • Screen Capture and media controls added to Quick Settings menu

Chrome OS is currently the second most popular operating system, according to Google.

A full list of Chromebook keyboard shortcuts may be found here.

Microsoft releases urgent Exchange Server security updates

Microsoft released several urgent security updates for Exchange Server based on cyber attacks believed to be from HAFNIUM and other groups starting March 2, 2021.    This includes Microsoft Exchange Server 2019, 2016, 2013 and 2010, but not Exchange Online.  Microsoft recommends installation of security updates and running tests to see if Exchange servers have already been compromised.

The U.S. Justice Department has also executed a court-authorized operation to copy and remove malicious web shells from hundreds of vulnerable computers in the United States in relation to this security issue.   The FBI will attempting to provide notice of the court-authorized operation to all owners or operators of these computers.

Hospital Price Transparency rule in effect on January 1st 2021

U.S. Hospitals must list the price they charge for at least 300 different services as of January 1, 2021 according to the new Hospital Price Transparency law.  The price lists must be in a consumer-friendly display format as well as downloadable data file formats on each hospital’s website.  More resources regarding this new rule can be found at www.cms.gov/hospital-price-transparency/resources.

The No Surprises Act of 2020 is a separate ruling that expands restrictions on charging health care plan holders out-of-network rates for certain services. This is set to go into effect in 2022.

Update: Three nationwide credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – announced changes to medical collection debt reporting in March 2022.  Effective July 1, 2022, paid medical collection debt will no longer be included on consumer credit reports. In addition, the time period before unpaid medical collection debt would appear on a consumer’s report will be increased from 6 months to one year.  These credit reporting agencies will also no longer include medical collection debt under $500 on their credit reports starting in the first half of 2023.