A reader reached out asking us if the Zuku 5 Mbps internet package works well when using it to learn. We sometimes get direct questions like this or see them in the search terms of the website. So I’ll be sharing my personal experience on this subject in this post. You are welcome to also share your experiences in the comment section below.
To start off, I’ll say there are various factors that come to play in choosing a particular service. I remember I was warned against buying Zuku fiber and advised to get Safaricom home fiber instead. Because their experiences had been sour, I went ahead and got Zuku fiber and my experience has been great so far. Actually, two years on and it is still going great. Well except for a few downtimes, but nothing major to make me regret. Interestingly, the folks who warned me had issues with Safaricom a few months on.
Can Zuku 5 Mbps internet package enable learning? I believe your question is can you use the Zuku 5 Mbps package for your educational and learning needs without any lagging and buffering? The answer is simple, YES, and this is why I say yes.
The 5 Mbps package is for light work like email, file sharing, web browsing and streaming. This also includes video calls on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Google Duo or Google classroom, etc. Watch YouTube, Netflix, Showmax videos or stream any video content and you will be fine. This package will be able to handle all these very well so far as the number of users or devices aren’t more than 5 at a particular time. Zuku says customers may experience degraded performance the more the number of concurrent users.
Let me put it into a personal context. I use the 5 Mbps package and have children at home. At a go I can have one watching cartoons on YouTube on the TV, another watching YouTube on a Tab and yet another on a phone, whilst I go about my work on my PC. Once we exceed this and have about two other devices trying to stream, you’ll see the buffering and lagging start. So if you live alone or with a family of less than five then you should be fine. But it mostly has to do with the kind of applications using the internet. I bet you can have 20 devices doing chats and it will work seamlessly for all.
I have also used it for online learning on LinkedIn learning, Microsoft learn, Coursera and taken exams with Vue Pearson. It did meet the speed requirement for the certification exams on Vue Pearson so it works.
Zuku fiber is currently offering double speed internet to customers so if you purchased a J5 (5 Mbps) package you will be upgraded to 10 Mbps. This is at the same price of Kshs 2,499. I asked Zuku and they say it isn’t a promotion for a short period but a permanent upgrade. So technically you will have enough speed and data to take care of all your learning activities.
If your package is or was the 2 Mbps and it has been upgraded to 5 Mbps you should be fine and not have to worry. So long as the concurrent users aren’t so much to cause the lagging.
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MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro integrate Apple Silicon M1 processors, which may improve their battery life significantly. If you are using older MacBook versions and facing battery problems, then practicing these hacks may help you improve your MacBook’s battery health.
A little tweak in settings can extend your MacBook’s battery life, saving you from spending additional on buying a new battery. But let’s first discuss how you can check your MacBook’s battery health.
In addition, as for a student, typing “do my thesis” will also help you not to worry about your paper while improving MacBook’s battery life and, without any doubts, be more free while studying.
MacBook’s Battery Life Health Check Tips
Checking your battery health frequently could result in keeping track of the overall usage and optimizing it accordingly. Moreover, a consistent performance check will let you know when you need to replace your battery.
To perform a battery health check, go to the menu bar, click the battery icon, and select Battery Preferences. Select the Battery tab available on the left side of the window and click Battery Health. A window pops up to display the current state and the maximum capacity.
Regardless of Mac or Windows, keeping a consistent check on energy usage is vital to keep things aligned. Check your WindowServer CPU usage to ensure that it consumes less energy and RAM than the available capacity. Alternatively, go to the Energy Pane in the Activity Monitor and examine the overall energy use.
View Battery Consumption Limit
You can even check the battery consumption levels from the last 24 hours to 10 days. To view battery consumption history, go to the Apple menu, then System Preferences, and then click Usage History.
Select a usage period such as the Last 24 Hours or Last 10 Days. Take a look at Battery Level, Energy Usage, and Screen On Usage for a detailed overview of your battery consumption history.
Update your Mac with Latest Software
Apple usually releases macOS versions with some battery-related updates to keep it glitch-free. You should always keep your macOS up to date to circumvent similar issues. To check for updates from Apple, go to System Preferences, click Software Update, and then check if any updates are available. If yes, install them to ensure the optimal health of your Mac.
Enable Battery Health Management
This feature is not designed to save your Mac battery, but it can improve the overall lifespan of your battery. Since laptops or MacBook batteries, similar to all other rechargeable batteries, become less effective with time, reducing its peak capacity can expand its lifespan.
To enable the Battery Health Management option, go to System Preferences, click Energy Saver, and then click the Battery health management checkbox.
Enable Automatic Graphic Switching
Several MacBook Pro devices come with integrated or discrete Graphical Processing Units (GPU). Macs usually switch between these GPUs based on the complexity of the task at hand. Your MacBook typically relies on an integrated GPU for handling not-so-heavy operations.
While playing a game, your MacBook shifts to the dedicated GPU to give you a smooth user experience. Enabling the Automatic Graphic Switching feature will enable your MacBook to deliver the best performance and better battery life.
Disable Login Items From Auto Run
If you are using Cloud applications like Slack, Dropbox, Spotify, or OneDrive, they will run automatically whenever you start your MacBook. Though this is not a problem, the actual problem lies in the battery or resources that these apps are consuming on startup.
You can disable these apps from auto running through System Preferences. Go to Users & Groups, click Login Option, and then click the Login Items tab. Select the apps that you do not want to auto-run during login and press the – (minus) sign available in the lower section of the Users & Groups window.
Quit Unnecessary Applications or Programs
If you are using your MacBook for a long time, you must have accumulated unnecessary data. It’s common to save tons of data that we do not require ever. So dig into all your folders and remove the data that you do not need.
Moreover, while closing any app, when you hit the X mark, it does not close the application properly, leaving it active in the backend. To quit a running app in Mac, click Command + Q keys altogether.
Reduce Screen Motion on Mac to save battery life
Regardless of Mac or Windows operating system, controlling the visual effects will save your battery life and keep your system running for longer without charging. Keeping the visuals minimal will boost your battery performance to a great extent.
For example, you can reduce or control the movement of several elements to control battery consumption. Reducing screen movement on Mac will control the visuals while you open an app, switch from one app to another, or open/close Notification Center. Choose the Apple menu and go to System Preferences. Next, click Accessibility, select Display and then click Reduce Motion.
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Microsoft officially introduces Windows 11, its next-generation operating system (OS) to the public in a virtual event today. The company announces new features and products users can expect in the next version of Windows. These include a user interface overhaul, redesigned start menu, new app store with android apps and more. The OS is coming next week to Windows Insiders and will be officially available this holiday (October – November 2021) as a free upgrade.
I have to say, phew! There are a lot of goodies coming. Led by CEO, Satya Nadella and CVP, Panos Panay, it showcased more than what we saw in the leaked build. Here is a trailer of the Windows 11 OS from Microsoft. I must say it is breathtaking and best watched in 4K if you can, to get a better first impression of what is next and coming. I’ll share in-depth details on this down below. You can also watch the livestream event and relive the experience in full here.
Windows 11 – Redesigned OS, Refreshed look, More faster
Even though this is a new Windows, Microsoft has kept it familiar based on user feedback and from past experiences. It has taken Windows 10, tweaked and fined it and given it a refreshing look. One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is that Microsoft moved away from the sharp edges and pointy corners to softer, touchable and rounded edges. Microsoft also improved the typography and layering for eligibility and readability. There are new themes and desktop wallpapers with Bloom being popular among the lot. The OS design including icons looks modern, calm and clean. It comes with new tools, apps, and system sounds.
Microsoft CVP, Panos Panay, says Windows is faster. Waking your PC from sleep, Windows Hello, browsing on Edge or any browser is faster. He notes, Windows updates are 40% smaller and more efficient because they happen in the background. It uses less energy which translates to more battery life.
A new Start Menu
Microsoft says it has simplified the design and user experience of the start menu. The start menu and taskbar icons are now centred by default. But we know from the leaks you can change this to the left if you don’t want it centred. The search bar in the start menu allows you to search for things on your PC, OneDrive or the web. Microsoft says the start uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you all your recent files irrespective of the platform you used them on earlier. So you can see your recent iOS and Android files in the start menu. It has transitions and transparency to guide you from app to app. You can also choose between light and dark modes.
New Microsoft Store + install Android apps on Windows 11 OS
Microsoft says it rebuilt the Microsoft store from the ground up and is making sure every app you need is there. The big reveal is Android apps are coming to Windows. Yes, you can install android apps on your Windows 11 PC and integrated them into the start, taskbar, etc. You will be able to search for Android apps in the Microsoft Store and download them through the Amazon Appstore, also in the Microsoft store. This is possible through the Intel Bridge technology. With this technology, Microsoft could bring more stores in the future including Samsung. Google Play and Huawei app store.
If you are a developer, Microsoft wants you to bring any technology to the store. And if you bring your own commerce engine to the Windows store you keep 100% of the revenue. But if you use theirs the revenue share is 85/15.
The Microsoft Store has a redesigned entertainment tab that lets you now enjoy video content from various streaming services.
Windows Widgets
Another feature Microsoft introduced is Windows Widget, a personalized feed powered by AI to serve you personalized curated content. You get information from weather, stocks, calendar, photos, news, to do, and any app you add.
Multitasking – Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops
Microsoft is introducing new multitasking experiences with Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. Snap Layouts are layouts tailored to the size of your screen. It organizes your opened apps and optimizes the screen size to help you multitask easily. Snap Groups is a collection of apps you are using in a Snap Layout stored in the taskbar and Windows remembers them even after you switch to something else. You are now able to switch between apps and projects, Microsoft says. When you are using an extra monitor when you undock the windows minimize to your laptop and returns to the exact screen when you reconnect it. You will not have to reconfigure your layout. Desktops now let you display a different set of apps, and you can personalize each desktop with custom wallpapers.
More Features
Microsoft Teams is now directly integrated into Windows with one-touch. Microsoft says you can chat, voice and video call anyone on any device irrespective of platform. It works seamlessly across Windows, iOS, Android. It isn’t clear yet if Teams is replacing Skype with this announcement.
Gaming on Windows 11 is set to deliver superior graphics thanks to auto-HDR with no effort required from the player or developer. Auto HDR will automatically update the game’s lighting and colour to High Dynamic Range (HDR). But you need to have a Monitor that supports HDR for this to work. Thanks to breakthrough technology, Direct Storage API, games will load faster than ever in Windows 11. Microsoft is bringing hundreds of games to the PC by building Xbox game pass through the Xbox app on Windows 11. Xbox cloud gaming will also make it possible to play your console games on your PC through the Xbox app.
Microsoft shares you will see improvements and innovations in touch, pen, voice and keyboard making Windows adapt to you.
System Requirements for upgrade to Windows 11
The basic system hardware requirements for the Windows 11 OS are higher and different from Windows 10. This is because some of the new features require newer and specific hardware. You will need a processor with 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a 64 bit System on a Chip (SoC). 4 GB of RAM and at least 64 GB of storage size and a graphics card that is DirectX 12 compatible. Microsoft says if your device doesn’t meet them you will not be able to install Windows 11 and suggests purchasing a new one. You can use this PC health check app from Microsoft to check the compatibility of your device.
Get Windows 11
Microsoft Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs when it becomes available officially this holiday (October – November 2021). New PCs will come with Windows 11 installed.
Next week, Microsoft will release an early build with Windows Insiders. But there changes on how to receive Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. This is majorly due to the updated baseline hardware system requirements for Windows 11. If your device meets Windows 11 hardware requirements you can get access to all the insider channels. If your device doesn’t meet the requirements but meets the WIP’s, you will be eligible for the Dev Channel but with degraded experience and features. Release Preview Channel isn’t available either. When your device doesn’t meet the WIP’s hardware requirement you will not be eligible for Beta and Release preview Channels. There will be limited exceptions to the dev channel where PCs will be allowed updates only via flighting until general availability. Then PCs will need to take action to go back to Windows 10.
Microsoft will keep supporting Windows 10 through 14 October 2025.
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Microsoft is introducing the next generation of Windows at 3 PM GMT, 6 PM EAT, 5 PM SAT today. The company will for the first time reveal what it has secretly been working on. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella mentioned at Build 2021 he has been self-hosting its development over the past several months. Saying it is one of the most significant updates to the Windows operating system over the past decade.
We have seen the leaked Windows 11 build showing the new start menu and user interface changes. But we know that is an early build and there will be changes by the time Microsoft introduces it to the public. We expect to hear more about the store and how Microsoft will make it the most innovative new open platform to build, distribute and monetize applications.
At the event to introduce Windows 10, six years ago, Microsoft also introduced the HoloLens and Surface Hub. It also talked about Xbox on Windows 10 and I believe the company will do something similar this year. Talking about the whole ecosystem of products that rely on Windows.
The event is streaming on the Microsoft website and we will embed the video above when it starts. Microsoft is also hosting another event on what’s next for developers later in the day. We will also bring you updates on all the new features and developments as they get announced at the event. Stay tuned.
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Microsoft and Intel invite you to see how Azure partners and customers are becoming more productive and agile with hybrid and multicloud solutions. The free Azure Hybrid and Multicloud event will take place on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, from 9 AM to 11 AM PT. [4 PM GMT, 7 PM EAT, 5 PM BST, 5 PM WAT, 6 PM SAT]
The two-hour event will start with a short keynote and followed by deep dives into key topics and real companies’ experiences. Check out the sessions below.
Intel and Microsoft: Partnering to deliver scalable, secure, and flexible hybrid infrastructure to customers.
Run Azure data services anywhere with the latest developments in Azure Arc–enabled data services. See how SKF Group and Dell Technologies are getting the most out of the latest generation of hybrid data offerings.
Quickly build, deploy, and update apps anywhere with Azure Arc. Learn how to ensure governance, compliance, and security for all deployments.
Get consistent operations and security for hybrid and multicloud environments—and learn to automate systems to meet security, governance, and compliance standards.
Modernize your datacenter and use Azure Stack HCI hybrid capabilities to help improve availability and performance across environments.
Microsoft says you’ll get to ask questions and get answers to your hybrid questions. From product experts during the live chat and from Microsoft leaders during the live Q&A panel.
Speakers at the event include Corey Sanders, Microsoft Corporate Vice President (CVP), Solutions, Roanne Sones, Microsoft CVP Azure Edge + Platform. Others are Jeremy Winter, Microsoft VP, Azure Compute, Rose Schooler, Intel CVP and General Manager, Global Data center Sales.
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Infinix introduced the INBook X1 series laptop when it announced it was now in the laptop business. Releasing three variants of the X1 series; the i7 powered INBook Pro, i5 powered INBook X1 and the i3 powered INBook X1. The company mentioned the devices will be coming to markets in Nigeria, Egypt and Indonesia in June this year, starting at $530. Here are details on what is now available in Nigeria.
Missed the announcement? Watch everything announced and said about the new devices. Including special features that work if you also own an Infinix mobile device. Check below for the variants and price in Nigeria. Click here to read the device specifications in full.
These are the Infinix INBOOK X1 retail prices in Nigeria: – i3 10th Gen 8GB RAM 256GB SSD – N267,700 – i5 10th Gen 8GB RAM 256GB SSD – N321,200 – i5 10th Gen 8GB RAM 512GB SSD – N335,700 – i7 10th Gen 16GB RAM 512GB SSD – N406,700
Interestingly the least model which is the i3 starts at N267,700, about $640 instead of the announced $530. I hear it might have something to do with the exchange rate. The core i3 256GB/8GB Starfall Gray colour variant is available on Jumia at the moment.
I haven’t received an X1 device yet so I think it will be ideal to let someone who does tell you about it. Join Olatunde Shobajo of Valor Reviews and watch the Infinix INBOOK X1 laptop device unboxing and review below.
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