Global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, Kaspersky, is simplifying its consumer products into Standard, Plus, and Premium. The products will be available on a subscription basis and bring an enhanced user interface (UI) and experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The rebrand also introduces features covering security, privacy, performance, and identity.
Kaspersky Standard features security functionalities such as Real-time Protection, Safe Browsing, and Anti-Phishing. Against the latest digital threats and to provide defense from dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions. The Standard plan also offers users a Pre-Kaspersky virus removal tool that can find and remove viruses that may have found their way into users’ PCs before they installed Kaspersky. It includes a Firewall and Network Monitor which shows which apps are connected to the Internet. Additional performance tools, include Quick Startup, PC Speed-up, and Disk Space Cleanup tools. Game and Do Not Disturb mode.
Kaspersky Plus features more Privacy capabilities. It gives users access to everything in the Standard plan plus unlimited VPN and Premium Password Manager. Subscribers also get a Data Leak Checker which monitors the Internet and dark web, warning them of a compromise to their private data and gives remedy recommendations. In addition, the plan includes Password Safety Status and lets them see which devices are connected to the home network,
The Premium plan adds digital identity protection and premium technical support to the plus with priority phone calls, chat services, and remote expert installation.
Kaspersky’s new plan subscription price
Standard also dubbed essential provides security for one user account and up to ten devices. It starts at $24.99 for a device per year. The plus plan also known as the advanced plan starts at $35.99 per device per year and $39.99 for three devices per year for two user accounts. The premium plan which includes a one-year free Kaspersky Safe Kids is available to five accounts and starts at$54.99 per year for up to ten devices. Find out more about the plans here.
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Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop 5 with 12th generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors built on the new Intel Evo platform and runs Windows 11 at the October (Fall) event ahead of Ignite 2022. The company unveiled the device alongside the Surface Pro 9, Surface Studio 2+ and other Surface accessories.
Microsoft is attempting to meet the need of a changing modern workforce with the new laptop. Looking to deliver a portable high-performance device that allows you to easily collaborate and multitask. The company notes the Surface Laptop 5 will deliver sleek portability, lightning-fast performance and multitasking power. It is also designed with an enhanced camera for more engaging video calls.
Surface Laptop 5 will start selling from $999.99 for the 13.5″ i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD model. Whilst the 13.5″ highest-end model i7, 16GB, 512 GB will sell for $1,699.99. The 15″ variant starts from $1,299.99 with the i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD whilst the highest end sells at $2,399.99 for the i7 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD. You can pre-order them now and they will be available starting October 25th in Platinum, Matte Black, Sandstone and Sage colours.
Watch and check out the complete device specifications, design and features of the latest generation Surface Laptop device.
Surface Laptop 5 specification
Surface Laptop 5 13.5″
Surface Laptop 5 15″
Dimensions
308 x 223 x 14.5 mm
340 x 244 x 14.7 mm
Weight
1.297kg
1.56kg
OS
Windows 11 Home Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Home Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro
Display
13.5” PixelSense, 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio Dolby Vision IQ support 10-point multi-touch
15” PixelSense, 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio Dolby Vision IQ support 10-point multi-touch
CPU
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1235U 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1255U 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1245U 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1265U (Intel® EVO™) processor
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1255U 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1265U (Intel® EVO™) processor
Graphic
Intel® Iris® Xe graphics
Intel® Iris® Xe graphics
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11ax compatible, Bluetooth Wireless 5.1
Wi-Fi 802.11ax compatible, Bluetooth Wireless 5.1
Color
Platinum with Alcantara®, Sage, Matte Black, and Sandstone
Platinum and Matte Black
Memory
8GB, 16GB (LPDDR5)
8GB, 16GB, 32GB (LPDDR5)
Storage
256/512GB removable SSD
256/512GB/1TB removable SSD
Camera /Mic
720p HD front-facing camera / Dual far-field Studio Mics
720p HD front-facing camera / Dual far-field Studio Mics
Audio
Omnisonic® Speakers with Dolby® Atmos®6
Omnisonic® Speakers with Dolby® Atmos®6
Power supply
60W power supply with an additional 5W USB A charging Port
60W power supply with an additional 5W USB A charging Port
Authentication
Fingerprint on Power Key
Fingerprint on Power Key
Ports
1 x USB-C with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt™ 4 1 x USB-A 3.1 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port
1 x USB-C with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt™ 4 1 x USB-A 3.1 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port
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Microsoft is phasing out the resume assistant tool in Microsoft Word which gives people ideas for work experiences and skills. The company started by removing the CV assistant feature from the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) in September 2022. With plans to fully remove the feature from Word for Microsoft 365 and no longer support it by January 2023.
By January 2023, Microsoft will remove the resume assistant feature across Windows (Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel), Mac, and Word for the web. Microsoft recommends using a resume template in Word or the LinkedIn Resume Builder as a replacement.
The resume assistant tool is a feature powered by LinkedIn in Word for Microsoft 365 that helps resume/CV writers craft compelling resumes with personalized insights. They get real-world examples of work experiences and top skills related to a role or industry. It shows a CV writer examples of descriptions to use as inspiration to tailor theirs so recruiters and hiring managers can notice them.
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Microsoft has been at the vanguard of the technical revolution for a long time. And to celebrate the 15th anniversary of OneDrive, the cloud-based system will be given a massive revamp.
Over the coming months, there will be a new landing page – OneDrive Home – which will be the focal point of the app. It will contain a whole host of innovative features to simplify the file-sharing experience.
In many ways, OneDrive Home mimics the Office web app, where you can organize all the files you recently accessed, and this will be split into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF file types.
The OneDrive home experience will be more efficient, so you will be able to catch up on any work or tasks you have missed while you have been away on holiday.
There will also be an array of updated collaboration tools so that colleagues can work on active tasks remotely. This will include threaded comments, @mentions, real-time co-authoring, and highlighted changes. These features will all be available in the Activity tab, so you can see any updates in real-time.
To a certain extent, there are elements of OneDrive Home that will mirror Google Docs as you will be able to view any edits made and any issues can be resolved.
The new home page will act as the central hub, and the OneDrive home landing page will be rolled out to schools and offices.
But it’s not just the OneDrive home page that will be given a makeover. No, Microsoft is also expected to roll out a special photo story feature for the OneDrive mobile app, which will essentially replicate the stories section of Instagram. While this will be available to Australian users soon, US users won’t benefit from this service until later in the year.
Companies are always finding new and intuitive ways to make tweaks so that they can remain relevant and connect with their target audiences. This is prevalent with technology businesses, as software updates need to be carried out to ensure computers can run to optimal performance. The same could be said of the retail industry where shops want to tailor the experience for clients especially when buying products online.
However, the same can be said of digital casinos. Gamblers will want to play at the best sites that are user-friendly, have a good collection of titles, and rewards them for the time spent there. Many of the top operators will be well stocked with an array of casino promotions to tap into, such as no deposit bonuses as well as free spins to entice new players and retain the loyalty of existing players.
Microsoft’s plans for the OneDrive home are bold but exciting. If anything, it will enhance the user experience and make collaborating with colleagues easier.
If you have enjoyed what you have read, you should check out the OneDrive home page when it is finally released. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled on Microsoft for any further updates about the remodelled product.
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Acer is announcing the TravelMate B3 and TravelMate Spin B3 laptops for education that run Windows 11 SE or 11 Pro Education. The 11.6-inch laptops are able to survive the school day, with military-grade durability and 10-hour battery life. The laptops are to be available in the Middle East and Africa region in quarter 1 of 2022. The Acer TravelMate B3 (TMB311-32) will retail at EUR 359 whilst the TravelMate Spin B3 (TMB311R-32) at EUR 539. Acer says the devices are very customizable and is letting schools choose a model that suits their students’ unique needs.
The laptops are built to support the needs of K-12 schoolchildren featuring the latest Intel Pentium Silver and Celeron processors. They are MIL-STD 810H certified and feature shock-absorbent bumpers. This makes them tough enough to withstand up to 60 kg of downward force and drops from up to 4ft. A unique drainage design helps to protect internal components from moderate spills. A mechanically-anchored key design also provides a double benefit. One, administrators can easily replace the entire keyboard. Two, individual keys are well-secured so that they won’t be dislodged by restless fingers.
Acer TravelMate B3 and Acer TravelMate Spin B3
Durability aside, a number of thoughtful features help the laptops find their place within the classroom. Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology helps with connectivity in multi-user environments. An optional 4G LTE provides students with a connection when away from a router. A webcam makes the laptops suitable for taking classes from home. While a 10-hour battery life means that they can make it through the full school day, too. The battery indicator on the device’s front cover also lets teachers tell a student’s device needs a recharge.
The Acer TravelMate Spin B3 comes equipped with Acer Antimicrobial Design. It features not only an Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen, but also an antimicrobial (silver-ion) coating on commonly-used high-touch surfaces (including the keyboard, touchpad, and palm-rest surface) to protect these surfaces.
Users can further opt to include a dockable Wacom AES pen and 5 MP HDR world-facing camera, allowing schools to customize their laptops in order to suit their students’ specific needs.
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Here is how to upgrade to Windows 11 as it becomes officially available today.
The first thing you need to know and understand is that Microsoft is changing the minimum hardware requirements. This is largely due to the fact that Microsft wants to enable specific features within the operating system (OS). As well as keep pace with the latest computing needs and that of the future. So for you to also get the best and full user experience in Windows 11 you will need the latest hardware.
The new OS will need your device to be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to get the free upgrade. In terms of hardware specifications, the minimum RAM size is now 4GB and at least 64GB of storage space. Your device must have a processor with at least 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores. But Microsoft notes it must be running on either an Intel 8th generation, AMD Zen 2, Qualcomm 7 or 8 series processors or higher. It should also support TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and be compatible with DirectX 12. Click here to find out more about the Windows 11 specs, features and hardware requirements.
Upgrade to Windows 11 steps
Microsoft is using rolling out the upgrade in phases and expects all eligible Windows 10 devices to get the upgrade by mid-2022. Following the Windows Update route is ideal and best for everyone. However, if you are an advanced user or want to get the upgrade now you can use the Installation Assistant method.
Windows Update
Open Windows Update in settings – (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and
Select Check for updates
If your device is eligible and the upgrade is ready, the option to download and install will appear. If you are ready to install Windows 11, select Download and install. If not you can choose to do this at a later date or schedule it.
Installation Assistant
Click to go to the Microsoft Windows 11 software download page.
Click on the Download Now option under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Select Run. (You need to be an administrator to run this tool.)
Once the tool confirms the device hardware is compatible, you will be presented with the license terms. Select Accept and Install.
Once the tool is ready, click the Restart Now button to complete the installation on your computer.
It might take some time to install Windows 11, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.
Alternatively, you can choose to perform a clean install of Windows 11 by creating a new Installation Media. Or Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) and create a bootable installation media or virtual machine. To do this, click to go to the Microsoft Windows 11 software download page and select download under the other options.
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