April 2017
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Microsoft’s Windows 10 Creators Update will launch April 11. This is a major update with some new features: improvements to the Edge web browser; better Security, and 3D graphics and drawing tools. More Info..
Verizon Wireless offers unlimited data plan – with some limitations: speed is reduced beyond 22 GB. If you convert, you will lose the option to buy phones every 2 years at a discount. Still attractive if you use your phone for streaming video.
Samsung Galaxy S8 smart phone on sale April 21
WSJ Review
The Galaxy S8 will be the first phone to tap into Gigabit LTE-class speeds when available.
T-Mobile would be the first to officially go to Gigabit LTE later this year.
Samsung Dex is a $150 dock that makes your S8 phone into a desktop
Samsung explains why its Galaxy Note 7 phone caught fire
Smartphone malware rises 400% – In October 2016, malware infected 1.35% of all mobile devices
LastPass has an important security update. Click on the LastPass Icon in your browser, go to Tools, Advanced Tools, check for updates. Details
Three steps to take to keep LastPass safe: launch sites directly from the LastPass Vault; use two-factor authentication; and beware of phishing attacks.
Android is now used more than Windows for browsing.
Microsoft will end some Windows 7 and 8.1 support in April.
Some computers with newer hardware will be blocked from installing future updates in Windows 7 and 8x. Major vendors including Dell and HP are working with Microsoft to validate security patches, and will still be supported. If you have a custom-built machine with a newer processor, patches will be blocked because they would cause problems.
Windows Vista extended support is ending in April
Windows 7 extended support ends January 2020 (currently security patches only).
Windows 8 mainstream support ends January 2018 (updates and security patches).
Summary of Microsoft support end dates
Microsoft is no longer providing updates and patches for Office 2013 as part of Office 365. The Office 2013 download option is now gone.
Office 2013 retail is still supported. Office 2010 with SP2 is supported, Office 2007 support ends this month.
Unpatched flaw in Server 2003 web service is being exploited. If you still have a 2003 server, make sure it is not connected to the internet.
The number of ransomware attacks last year jumped to 638 million from 3.8 million in 2015, a 16,000% increase that cost victims nearly $1 billion.
Many Smart TVs are vulnerable to wireless hacking.
Robinhood – Free stock trading.
Gartner’s Top Technology Trends
You can now watch Netflix videos offline by downloading them to your local device. Be sure to update your device and Netflix app to the latest version for best support.
Repeal of broadband privacy rules that restricted the use of consumer data has now passed both the House and Senate
How to Browse Privately After Congress Nixed FCC Protections
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Tim Torian
Torian, Group, Inc.