Dell releases Ubuntu Linux-based XPS 13 Developer Edition (9370) laptop

If you want a computer pre-loaded with a Linux-based operating system, you can never go wrong with System76. After all, that company focuses entirely on Linux -- it does not sell Windows machines at all. Hell, System76 even maintains its own Ubuntu-based operating system called Pop!_OS. By supporting that company, you are also supporting the overall Linux community. System76 is not the only company selling Linux-powered computers, however. Despite being a major Microsoft partner with Windows, Dell also sells desktops and laptops pre-loaded with Ubuntu. One of the company's most impressive computers is the svelte XPS 13 laptop. Dell sells… [Continue Reading]

Windows 10 S Insiders currently receiving Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 S is Microsoft’s locked down version of Windows 10 that only allows users to install apps from the Windows Store. It’s much faster than Windows 10 because it isn’t bogged down in the same way the main OS is. It can run on lighter hardware as a result, and deliver significantly better battery life. Users who buy a laptop running Windows 10 S -- such as the Surface Laptop -- can switch to Windows 10 Pro for free until March 31, if they decide they require a more flexible OS. However, it seems Windows 10 S Insiders are… [Continue Reading]

Lenovo unveils 2018 ThinkPad lineup with 8th-gen Intel Core processors

With CES 2018 just around the corner, tech companies are starting to announce the products that they will showcase at the popular trade show later this month. Lenovo is among the first to do so, as today it takes the wraps off the 2018 ThinkPad lineup. The new ThinkPad lineup is powered by 8th-generation Intel Core processors and brings more modern designs to the market. Lenovo says that its new products are thinner, lighter and have support for features like facial recognition for Windows Hello, USB Type-C power adapters, physical covers for the webcam, and more. The webcam cover is… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft's emergency Windows Meltdown patch may be incompatible with your PC

As you’ll have read, two massive security bugs affecting millions of Intel, AMD and ARM processors have been uncovered. Codenamed Meltdown and Spectre, these are serious vulnerabilities, but the good news is the likes of Apple, Google and Microsoft have rushed out patches to address them. Microsoft pushed out a rare, off-schedule emergency fix for Windows 10 (with fixes for Windows 7 and 8.x expected shortly), but the bad news is it may not be compatible with your system. SEE ALSO: Intel chips have a huge security flaw, and the fix will slow down Windows and Linux machines The problem… [Continue Reading]

OnePlus 5T Sandstone White is coming -- here's how to get the limited-edition Android smartphone

One of the fun aspects of Android is that you get to choose from many different devices. Unlike Apple iOS, where you are fairly limited, Google's operating system can be had on many phones and tablets, from companies like LG, Samsung, HTC and more. Unfortunately, unless you buy a Pixel or Nexus device, you often don't get a "pure" Android experience. Not to mention, community support can be limited due to locked bootloaders and other nonsense. That's why the OnePlus devices have been such a breath of fresh air. These phones are no-nonsense, with purposeful design, and a fairly pure… [Continue Reading]

Dashlane's Project Mirror aims to kill off the password in 2018

Most digital services still rely on passwords for security, but recent breaches have shown that they are far from a perfect solution. Password management specialist Dashlane has set an ambitious goal to kill off the password in 2018 with the launch of its Project Mirror. The goal of Project Mirror is to put Internet users in control of their login and digital data, and allow them to control their identities more easily. Passwords have widespread adoption and could exist well into the future with current technologies, but Dashlane sees Project Mirror as a year-long effort to eliminate users’ dependence on… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft acquires storage vendor Avere Systems to boost its hybrid cloud offerings

Microsoft has bought file systems company Avere Systems for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is part of Microsoft's continuing shift to the cloud, and sees the company improving its enterprise products. Avere's technology will be integrated into Microsoft Azure, continuing the company's provision of "high-performance NFS and SMB file-based storage for Linux and Windows clients running in cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments." In a blog post, Avere president and CEO Ronald Bianchini Jnr says: "I am excited to announce that Avere Systems will be joining Microsoft to continue our mission to enable the most demanding Enterprise workloads to run in… [Continue Reading]