Microsoft is set to release the desktop version of Office 2021 as well as Windows 11 on October 5, 2021. The list of new features includes new Excel functions and support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3 (file extensions .odt, .ods, and .odp).
Category Archives: Windows
Windows 365 Cloud PC now available from Microsoft
Microsoft released Windows 365, a cloud-based PC service that runs Windows 10 or Windows 11, on August 2, 2021. This new service is based on Azure Virtual Desktop. More information is available at these links:
- Windows 365 Home page
- Windows 365 FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
- Wndows 365 Pricing
- Windows 365 User Dashboard
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Windows 365 Configuration
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center Documentation and Setup
- #Windows365
CISA announces Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) with tech companies
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the standup of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). This will be a cyber defense collaboration with major technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Verizon, etc. More information is available at www.cisa.gov/jcdc.
PrintNightmare security issue resolved with latest Microsoft Windows update
PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-34527 and CVE-2021-36947) is a security vulnerability connected with the Print Spooler service in Windows 10 and Windows Server. This should be corrected by installing the currently available July 2021 Windows Update.
Microsoft announces upcoming release of Windows 11
Microsoft announced the upcoming release of Windows 11 on June 24, 2021. Windows 11 is set to be released on October 5, 2021.
Some of the changes include changes to the Microsoft Store and apps, as well as a new partnership with Amazon to bring their catalog of Android apps and games to Windows users.
Windows 11 will be available as an update to existing Windows 10 devices that meet its specifications. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip. Processor requirements for Windows 11 and other versions may be found here. These requirements apply to physical PCs and Virtual Machines (VMs). Users can run a PC Health Check app to see if their current PC is compatible to run Windows 11.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 Home and Pro on October 14, 2025.
More information can be found at microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11.
Developer online conferences in May and June 2021
Major technology companies will hold their annual developer conferences in the summer of 2021:
- Google I/O: May 18 – 20
- Microsoft Build: May 25 – 27
- Microsoft Virtual Training Days: Ongoing
- Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC): June 7 – 11
Microsoft Edge browser becomes Chromium compatible
Microsoft now has made their Edge browser Chromium compatible with its latest release on January 15, 2020. New Edge browser extensions are also available.
The new Microsoft Edge will replace Microsoft Edge Legacy with the Windows 10 Update on on April 13, 2021. Other changes include vertical tabs and new privacy settings.
Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge is available to view older websites that do not run as intended using modern web browsers.
Adobe recommends uninstalling Flash Player
Adobe no longer supports Flash Player as of January 1, 2021, and recommends that all users immediately uninstall Flash Player to help protect their systems. They stated that developers should move Flash Player content to newer platforms such as HTML5 in a prior post.
Microsoft Windows update KB4577586 will also permanently remove Flash Player. This update will be installed automatically as part of regular Windows updates.
Microsoft Office Lens scanner app
Microsoft Office Lens is an app you can use to digitize notes from whiteboards or blackboards. The app then allows you to convert images to PDF, Word and PowerPoint files and save to OneNote or OneDrive.
Microsoft Office Lens is available for iPhone and iPad, Android, and Windows 10.
Foxit free PDF Reader app
Foxit, a maker of document and imaging software, has a free lightweight PDF Reader app for Windows, Mac, and Linux as well as mobile apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. A list of free and paid Foxit products can be found at www.foxitsoftware.com/downloads.