Tag Archives: Operating Systems

Operating Systems, Windows

Microsoft announces upcoming release of Windows 11

Microsoft announced the upcoming release of Windows 11 on June 24, 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.  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.

Chromebook, Google, Operating Systems

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.

Chromebook, Google, Hardware, Operating Systems

Chrome OS automatic updates may not be available for older devices

Google’s Chrome OS is a secure choice for an operating system, but older devices may no longer be supported.  When a Chrome device reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, automatic updates from Google will no longer be provided.

IFixit has instructions on how to convert a working Chromebook past its expiration date to use CloudReady.

Microsoft Office, Operating Systems, Smartphones, Web Browsers, Windows

End of support for Windows 7 and other Microsoft products

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 7 after January 14th 2020 and will no longer provide security updates.  For volume license customers, Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will be available for a fee through January 2023. A future option may be Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) for Windows 7, which was announced in 2018 but not yet available in Preview mode.

Update: paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will be available for businesses of all sizes through January 2023.

Office 2010 will no longer be supported as of October 13th 2020.   Microsoft is also ending support for Windows 10 Mobile OS for smartphones on December 10th 2019 and recommends that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device.

Internet Explorer 11 will be the last release, and Microsoft has released more information at its Internet Explorer FAQ page.

Support life cycle dates for Microsoft products can be found at support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search.

Apps and Utilities, Cloud, Operating Systems, Windows

Windows Sandbox allows you to run programs in isolation without a VM

Microsoft announced the upcoming release of Windows SandBox, which allows you to run untrusted programs in a new isolated temporary desktop environment without setting up a virtual machine.  Windows Sandbox builds upon Windows Containers and is currently only available as part of Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise Insider Preview Build 18305.