System76 Ubuntu Linux-powered 'Gazelle' laptop reborn! Gets 9th Gen Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GTX 16-series graphics

System76 is a computer maker and seller that has long been selling laptops, desktops, and servers running a Linux-based operating system. For years, it only offered Ubuntu, but more recently, it began also offering its own Ubuntu-based operating system called "Pop!_OS." This distribution has proven to be quite popular in the Linux community, as it builds upon the greatness of Ubuntu while also making it better. As great as Pop!_OS is, today, System76 makes a big announcement regarding hardware rather than software. To the delight of many consumers, the company is refreshing its popular "Gazelle" laptop. To be honest, calling… [Continue Reading]

ADATA unveils XPG SPECTRIX S40G RGB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 SSD for gamers

RGB lighting makes everything better. Is it tacky? Yeah, I suppose, but more importantly, it is fun. Life is short, y'all -- just sit back and enjoy the light show! Solid state drives with RGB lighting are hardly new, but they are still fairly rare. ADATA's latest SSD, called "XPG SPECTRIX S40G," is extremely pretty thanks to its RGB heatsink. And no, this drive isn't fashion over function -- it is an NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 SSD with very impressive read and write speeds. ALSO READ: ADATA unveils 'Ultimate' SU750 SATA SSD "The S40G supports the NVMe standard and utilizes the… [Continue Reading]

Undetectable HiddenWasp backdoor malware hits Linux users, allowing for full control of infected systems

Using code from the famous Mirai worm and the Azazel rootkit, HiddenWasp is a newly discovered malware strain targeting Linux systems. HiddenWasp is slightly unusual in having Linux in its sights, and the targeted remote control tool is able to avoid detection by all major antivirus software. The malware is described as "sophisticated" as it comprises a deployment script, a trojan and a rootkit. This an  advanced backdoor attack tool that allows for complete remote control of a system. See also: openSUSE Leap 15.1 Windows Subsystem for Linux distro lands in the Microsoft Store Quake II RTX is coming to… [Continue Reading]

Still running Fedora 28 Linux distro? Well, you shouldn't be...

Fedora is my personal favorite desktop operating system. I love it because it is fast, stable, and focuses on open source ideology. Not to mention, it uses the best desktop environment, GNOME, by default. Overall it is a great experience that I recommend to all. While I update to the newest version of Fedora as soon as it is available, obviously, some people do not. You know what? That's OK. Even if you are a version behind, as long as it is still supported, you are safe and sound. Once the version of Fedora you are running is listed as… [Continue Reading]

Best Windows 10 apps this week

Three-hundred-and-thirty-seven in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 on the Microsoft Store in the past seven days. The May 2019 Update for Windows 10 is available for select configurations but it is likely that it won't change the operating system's fragmentation. Latest Adguard stats suggest that most Windows 10 devices are still on the April 2018 version of the operating system. As always, if I've missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below… [Continue Reading]

Why digital transformation must be optimized for speed and success [Q&A]

Companies worldwide across all industries are enacting digital transformation (DX) initiatives -- and for good reason. If completed successfully, modern technology implementation drives competitive advantage and makes business operations much more real-time. However, the journey to the DX finish line is unfortunately sometimes much more of sprint than a marathon, as speed is the currency for organizations to complete the process. This begs the question, how can business leaders implement a swift digital transformation while reaping the success and benefits that these initiatives promise? We spoke with Jamshid Rezaei, CIO of business communications specialist Mitel, to get the answer to… [Continue Reading]

Leaked: take a look at Cloudflare's free VPN, Warp

Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS switching tool has proved very popular with iOS and Android users looking to take control of their internet connections, and there was much excitement when the company announced that it would be releasing a free VPN tool called Warp. At the moment, there is a lengthy waiting list for the free VPN (I'm number 278100 on the list, for instance) but we've been given a sneak peak at what to expect. Leaked screenshots show off the free VPN, and a video gives you an idea of the sort of performance you can expect. See also: Cloudflare announces… [Continue Reading]

Google Maps 'Popular Dishes' feature gonna get gourmands, gastronomes, and gourmets giddy

Eating is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether its a $1 hotdog or a $200 steak, enjoyment from food can be had with any budget. Hell, sometimes the food at a less expensive restaurant can be better than the fancy ones that charge a lot. Ultimately, it comes down to doing your homework on an eatery before going there -- reading online reviews, perusing the menu, and finding out which of its dishes are best. Today, Google announces an update to its wildly popular Maps service that should prove to be very helpful. Called "Popular Dishes," the search giant is… [Continue Reading]

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) unveils rugged Plasma Series case for OnePlus 7 Pro

OnePlus smartphones are very well received by those wanting a pure Android experience. They are also popular with budget shoppers, as they have historically been very affordable. Over time, however, OnePlus has been increasing prices, reducing the perceived value of these devices. With the OnePlus 7 Pro, for instance, the starting price is $700 -- a significant amount of money. With that said, it stills costs less than some flagship phones from other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple. If you do decide to drop a big chunk of change on the OnePlus 7 Pro, I hope you would protect it… [Continue Reading]

New tool allows files to be encrypted and shared wherever they’re stored

One of the best ways of preventing sensitive files from falling into the wrong hands is to encrypt them, but the process of encrypting and decrypting can be a chore, especially if you want to share the information. VPN service NordVPN is set to launch its own NordLocker security tool, designed to safeguard files whether they are stored locally or in the public cloud, and make them easy to share. "We at NordVPN believe that the digital environment must be better than it is today. As a company, we strive to move towards becoming an all-around cybersecurity solution that people… [Continue Reading]

'Files' for Microsoft's Windows Lite OS looks amazing running on a foldable Surface

Back in 2015, Microsoft said that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows. The software giant views its newest operating system as a service that’s continually updated. Although problems with both the October 2018 Update and May 2019 Update mean that’s not really true at the moment. Most Windows 10 users are still on the April 2018 Update. Device manufacturers are continuing to innovate, and Chromebooks are showing a very different future from the one Windows 10 is offering us. This is where the modern "Windows Lite" comes in. SEE ALSO: Microsoft drops some very big hints about… [Continue Reading]

Twitter looks into whether white nationalists and supremacists should be banned

In a world that appears to be lurching ever further to the right, it is perhaps little wonder that white nationalists, white supremacists and other extremists are becoming more prevalent online. Social media sites have a balancing act to perform -- not wanting to be seen to be advocating censorship, but also removing troublesome elements from their networks. And this is the problem that Twitter faces. The platform has long been home to a glut of racist content and users -- as well as other unsavoury material -- and now the site is conducting research to determine how best to… [Continue Reading]

The iPhone-maker doth protest too much? Apple launches new site to wax lyrical about the App Store in the face of criticism

Apple has become more familiar with controversy than it might be entirely comfortable with in recent times. Once a near-untouchable company that could, in many people's eyes, do no wrong, there have been numerous scandals over the last few years -- legal battles, problematic hardware, canceled products, and accusations of anticompetitive behavior. Faced with an antitrust legal battle after complaints of "monopolistic" practices in the App Store, Apple has launched a new site that appears to be a very public defense of what it stands accused of. The new "principles and practices" pages find Apple going out of its way,… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18908 with more features for Your Phone

Microsoft has been teasing us with talk of a new "modern" operating system, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten about Windows 10. Today it releases a new Fast ring build on the 20H1 branch -- the feature update set to roll out to users a year from now -- and adds a wealth of new features to the Your Phone app. SEE ALSO: Most Windows 10 users are running the update from over a year ago Microsoft drops some very big hints about its modern 'Windows Lite' OS Here are all the features Microsoft removed or deprecated in Windows 10… [Continue Reading]

Amazon Echo Show 5 is a privacy-focused Alexa device

Earlier this month, Google announced the Nest Hub Max -- voice assistant hardware with a camera and touch screen -- and I was instantly intrigued. At the same time, I was also very scared of it. After all, Google makes its money through tracking users' activity and by displaying advertising -- did I really want that company having a camera in my house? No, of course not. Despite the claims of hardware switches to disable the camera, I quickly made up my mind to not buy it when it goes on sale. Amazon has a similar device called Echo Show, and… [Continue Reading]

How AI is impacting security in 2019

In 2019, cyber threats are occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, cyber attacks are the fastest growing crime globally and are continuously increasing in sophistication, size, and impact. At the same time, the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals is dwindling. In a recent blog post, Ann Johnson, the head of Microsoft’s cybersecurity solutions group, used estimated data from the research firm Cybersecurity Ventures to project a shortage of about 3.5 million qualified cybersecurity workers by 2022. Artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a helpful tool in cybersecurity. AI can help businesses of all sizes and across many industries better… [Continue Reading]

Most Windows 10 users are running the update from over a year ago

Microsoft’s original grand plan for Windows 10 was an operating system that was always up-to-date. Updates were intended to be mandatory, and while you could delay them a bit, you couldn’t opt out of them entirely. And the software giant was committed to rolling out two major feature updates a year. Fast forward to now, and things are very different. You can delay, or avoid, most updates, including feature updates -- assuming you’re even offered them in the first place. SEE ALSO Microsoft drops some very big hints about its modern 'Windows Lite' OS Here are all the features Microsoft… [Continue Reading]