Microsoft Support & Discussions
Free PC Help Forum microsoft products support and discussions. If you need help with Microsoft Windows, Windows Server software, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure or any other Microsoft product you can post here. If you want to discuss Microsoft and their line of products you can do that here also.
80,241 topics in this forum
-
Man asks Siri to help him hide a body, Siri helps prosecute him
by Guest Rene Ritchie- 0 replies
- 55 views
A Florida man accused of killing his roommate reportedly asked Siri for help on how and where to hide the body. The original response that query generated, long since removed by Apple, offered classic pulp fiction locations such as swamps, reservoirs, foundries, and dumps. (The query now returns "I used to know the answer to that question...") Yet that same question, along with other data such as flashlight usage and location, are now being offered into evidence by prosecutors at trial. The Independent: Evidence collected from Bravo's iPhone includes records of him using the phone's flashlight function nine times from 11.31pm to 12:01am on the day that Bravo disappe…
-
Amazon undercuts Square with own mobile card reader
by Guest Harish Jonnalagadda- 0 replies
- 64 views
Amazon is taking on Square and PayPal by launching its own mobile card reader, called Amazon Local Register. Although the ecommerce giant hasn't announced the mobile card reader yet, there is a dedicated section for the product on Amazon's site (where it is available for $10), and a YouTube introduction video highlighting its features. Amazon's mobile card reader will work a similar way as Square's offering in that businesses will be able to take payments by connecting the reader to a smartphone or tablet. Currently, that list includes the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 for Android, iPhone 4 and above as well as the iPad, iPad Mini and Amazon's Kindle Fire HD, HD…
-
Painting the back of the Apple accessibility fence
by Guest Rene Ritchie- 0 replies
- 59 views
Robert and Allison of the Tech Doctor podcast, which focuses on accessibility, were gracious enough to invite me on to talk about Apple's efforts to increase iOS and OS X accessibility, and what iMore is doing to help promote them. In the podcast, we learn how Rene became interested in accessibility. He explains how Apple's focus on accessibility is resulting in better products for everyone and not just benefiting people who have a disability. Rene explains the importance of Apple's commitment to accessibility coming from the top down. This is a major factor in Apple having become the world leader in designing and producing devices that are useable by everyone. …
-
Pebble firmware updated to version 2.4
by Guest Jerry Hildenbrand- 0 replies
- 56 views
A firmware update for the Pebble smartwatch is pushing out today, bringing the watch to version 2.4 and fixing a slew of bugs and annoyances. You should get a notice that a new version of the operating system is ready for you via the Pebble companion app for your smartphone, or you can dig into the app itself and manually check. As mentioned, the update consists of mostly bug fixes. The changelog: Fix a potential crash when using scroll layers or animations Added support for realloc Added a gbitmap_create_blank function to create empty bitmaps of a fixed size Added number_window_get_window() Fixed a crash with atan2_lookup when high input values were used Fi…
-
How to change your iTunes password interval with parental controls on your iPhone or iPad
by Guest Allyson Kazmucha- 0 replies
- 51 views
By default the App Store and iTunes only requires a password every fifteen minutes or so. That means if you've authorized a single purchase, someone could technically purchase something else without being required to enter a password again. For parents who want to prevent this from happening, you can easily use restrictions in order to require a password be entered for purchases immediately and every single time. How to use restrictions to enable an iTunes and App Store password for every purchase Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on General. Tap on Restrictions. Tap on Enable Restrictions if they aren't already enabled. If they are, skip to st…
-
Vector 53: Regeneration with Guy, Georgia, and Dave [Explicit]
by Guest Rene Ritchie- 0 replies
- 60 views
Vector is a news and analysis show focusing on the biggest stories, hottest trends, and most important issues in technology, past, present, and future. On this week's show, Rene is joined by Georgia Dow, Guy English, and Dave Wiskus, to announce the end of the current season of Vector and the launch of the next. Also: Google scanning email for child porn, tinkering to learn, Apple University, fear and reinvention, yelling on Twitter. Support Vector: Go to www.drobostore.com and use offer code Vector50 to save $50 on any Drobo. Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe in RSS Download directly Follow on Twitter Show notes Google scans everyone's email for child porn, …
-
USB Type-C spec finalized but no word on when it will launch
by Guest John Callaham- 0 replies
- 56 views
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group has now finalized the spec for a new connector and cable, USB Type-C, that is much smaller than current USB ports and cables. It is also designed to offer reversible plug and cable orientation, meaning that users will be able to insert a USB Type-C cable in its supported port in either direction. The port will support USB 3.1, otherwise known as SuperSpeed USB, which will offer data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The port will also support power delivery up to 100W. However, the new connector and cable design does meant that current USB devices will have to use adapters to use the Type-C products. This news means that at some point, m…
-
Best iPhone and iPad apps for college students: Start the school year off right!
by Guest Allyson Kazmucha- 0 replies
- 53 views
Looking for the best iPhone apps and best iPad apps to help you stay on top of things at college this year? No matter how far along you are in your college career, it's never too late to load up your iPhone or iPad with great apps that can help you study harder, organize better, and tackle assignments better than ever. Regardless what you need help with, there are tons of App Store apps to help. These are the iPhone and iPad apps we think no college student should ever go without! Pages, Keynote, and Numbers You spend a lot of time in college writing papers, preparing presentations, and collecting data. Apple's iWork series is available for both Mac and iOS. W…
-
Apple reportedly looking for more partners for its HealthKit effort
by Guest John Callaham- 0 replies
- 53 views
A new report claims that Apple is in talks with a number of major medical and health organization to have them support their HealthKit efforts that were announced last June as part of the upcoming iOS 8. Reuters reports, via unnamed sources, that Apple has has talks with Mount Sinai, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins on how they could support HealthKit, which has been designed to give users of the iPhone and iPad a central location to check out data from devices such as a fitness tracker or a heart monitor. Apple has already announced partnerships for HealthKit from Nike and the Mayo Clinic. Apple would not comment on these latest reports but a spokesperson f…
-
Twitter testing video ads on mobile
by Guest Simon Sage- 0 replies
- 55 views
Twitter has launched a beta for promoted tweets containing video content. That means more prominent advertising in your Twitter experience, which should go hand-in-hand with the irrelevant follower notifications, unhelpful follow suggestions, and plain old text sponsored tweets. Of course, for advertisers, Twitter reminds us "Tweets containing native Twitter video generate better engagement and more video views than before" and this should "create a richer and more engaging Twitter". New to Twitter's advertising program is a cost per view model, so advertisers only have to pay when a user actually plays a video. The beta test is on now, so you might not see these ads…
-
-
- FPCH Admin
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 1.1k views
SAN FRANCISCO - An app that's been reported in Asia says it will change the color of Facebook profiles from the default blue. The app, which doesn't appear to have gotten much traction among users, is a scam. It allows hackers to gain access to the user's profile and spam their friends. Multiple Facebook color change scams have been reported over the years. This one has been dubbed the "Facebook Color Changer." It takes users to a malicious phishing site that asks them to watch a tutorial video, says Hugh Thompson, a security expert with the computer security company Blue Coat in Sunnyvale, Calif. When users click the video link, they allow the site to implant…
Last reply by allheart55 Cindy E, -
-
-
- FPCH Admin
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 650 views
Microsoft Virtual Academy offers hundreds of free courses for anyone interested in improving their computer or IT skills. Many of the courses, as you might expect, are geared towards Microsoft products: developing Windows apps, migrating from Windows Server, Office 365 training, and so on. There are also some that are more universal, like learning JavaScript and C#. Anyone is eligible for the courses, which you can pause and resume at any time, and once you sign in with your Microsoft Live ID, the site will keep track of your courses for you. Sessions include videos, PowerPoint presentations, and a short quiz at the end. Get started with your free training at the…
Last reply by allheart55 Cindy E, -
-
-
- FPCH Admin
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 916 views
Microsoft is rolling out a new feature to its Bing search engine today: conversations. It’s not quite the Cortana digital assistant just yet, but if you search for queries like "who is the president of the United States?" you can follow up that search result with "how old is he?" to quickly get Barack Obama’s age. Bing will maintain the context through search queries to provide a conversation-like feature. Cortana has similar follow-on search features, as does Google Now, but these are largely contained to mobile platforms. Bing’s update for its desktop search version is part of Microsoft’s continued efforts to leverage the company’s search work as a platform across al…
Last reply by allheart55 Cindy E, -
-
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 668 views
ASUS VX228H Black 21.5 inch 1ms (Gray to Gray) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight Full HD 1080p Monitor 250 cd/m2 80,000,000:1 (ASCR) Built-in Speakers $114.99 Use code: EXLPBWG235 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=24-236-358&nm_mc=EMC-GD081314&cm_mmc=EMC-GD081314-_-index-_-Item-_-24-236-358 This is a great price on an excellent quality monitor....
Last reply by Rich-M, -
-
- FPCH Admin
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 1k views
A new report reinforces the notion that Cortana, Windows Phones’ voice assistant, will make its debut on the PC with Windows 9. The new whispers, which come courtesy of Neowin, indicates that Cortana has been promoted past the “Can this work in Windows 9″ stage of development. This increases the likelihood that Cortana will appear in Windows 9 whenever it’s released. What’s more, it appears that Cortana in Windows 9 will take the form of an app, instead of being baked into Windows itself. Theoretically, if Cortana is an app in Windows 9, it could be uninstalled, and therefore avoided altogether. If that’s the case, we’re glad that Microsoft is giving users the …
Last reply by allheart55 Cindy E, -
-
New CBP app for iPhone or iPad will get you through border control faster... eventually!
by Guest Sam Sabri- 0 replies
- 59 views
An app authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is set to expedite your travel between the United States and Canada. Mobile Passport Control will run on your iPad or iPhone and provides passport information, a customs declaration form, and an uploaded self-photo before inspection. Right now Mobile Passport Control is in a pilot program. You'll only be able to use it if you arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport starting on August 13. Though you can look forward to additional airports being added later this year, as well as Android support. Mobile Passport Control works by having you fill out custom declaration questions and t…
-
Computers based on new Intel chips coming this holiday season - including Macs?
by Guest Peter Cohen- 0 replies
- 54 views
Intel says Broadwell-based computers will ship in time for the holidays. Is a Mac among them? Intel offered details Monday about the rollout of their next generation of Core processors. Intel says that the first computers based on its "Broadwell" processor will be out in time for the holiday season. What is the likelihood Macs will be among them? Intel's new generation of Core processors are the first to be manufactured using a 14 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process. Getting that process started has been something of a trial for Intel. The company had to delay the launch of the new Broadwell chips because of it, but the net result should be worth it: It means new…
-
Best apartment and home rental apps for iPhone: Find your next place faster!
by Guest Allyson Kazmucha- 0 replies
- 58 views
Looking for the best iPhone apps to help you find your next place to live? There are lots of apps that can help you find both apartments and houses for rent all over the United States. No matter what you're looking for, there are tons of apps available that can help you find something whether you are moving down the street or halfway across the country. Like most apps, not all apartment and house finder apps are created equal. These are the best apartment and home rental apps for iPhone that help you avoid scams and make it to moving day with less headaches! Zumper Rentals Zumper Rentals is a unique rental app that lets you find apartments, condos, and free st…
-
Apple's latest iPad verses feature electropop and city bike tours
by Guest Joseph Keller- 0 replies
- 49 views
Apple has added two new stories to their "Your Verse" site, featuring Slow Roll city bike rides and Chinese musicians Yaoband. The Yaoband story highlights how the musicians use their iPads to make their music, including how they perform at live shows. From Apple: Inspired by the pulse of life in modern China, they started by capturing audio samples with iPad and turning them into progressive beats. Nothing was sacred as they flowed in and out of musical genres, mixing electronica with rock, rap, and traditional Chinese songs. "We were just like scientists in a lab, trying many formulas," says Peter. "Every single song was a surprise, because it was always better th…
-
Skype group screen sharing now free for Mac desktop users
by Guest John Callaham- 0 replies
- 54 views
Microsoft is now allowing Skype Windows and Mac desktop users to enable group screen sharing for free for the first time, rather than needing a paid Skype premium subscription. Just in case you are not familiar with group screen sharing, Microsoft has a handy video that shows how it works. Basically, it allows users to share images on their desktop with two or more people in a group Skype call. Allowing this feature to be free from now on will certainly be a huge help for people who use Skype a lot for group calls. What do you think of Microsoft allowing group screen sharing to be access for free for Windows and Mac users? Source: Skype blog …
-
Updates coming to Xbox One include more social features, new ways to watch TV
by Guest Suzanne Choney- 0 replies
- 82 views
Starting in the early access program later this month, new social features making it easier for gamers to connect with their friends and new ways to access their TV and entertainment throughout their homes will be coming to Xbox One, writes Major Nelson in a blog post. Among the updates: New “Friends” section. Users can see at a glance what’s going on with their friends. They can stay up-to-date with their current activities and the most popular games their friends are playing, and there’s a Gamerscore leaderboard to see who has improved their Gamerscore over the last 30 days. Snap Center. Favorite features in the Xbox 360 guide are coming to Xbox One in a way tha…
-
Microsoft's new SNIPP3T iPhone app is part of its plan to expand Bing search
by Guest John Callaham- 0 replies
- 55 views
This weekend, Microsoft quietly launched SNIPP3T for the iPhone, an app that grabs news and information on the internet about celebrities. As it turns out, it comes from Microsoft's Bing team in an effort to expand the search service's influence beyond the web browser. Microsoft says that, according to their data, 86 percent of all mobile users interact with the Internet with apps with the other 14 percent via web browsers. A four person team at Microsoft's Beijing office created SNIPP3T with the goal to show that Bing's data could be used in this kind of format. Microsoft team member , Donald Soog stated, "We're showing here that we can actually use the existing dat…
-
How to turn off Lock screen notifications in OS X Mavericks
by Guest Peter Cohen- 0 replies
- 48 views
OS X Mavericks introduced notifications to Mac's lock screen. Here's how to turn them off, and why it matters. All sorts of applications display data in notifications. Default applications like Calendar, Mail, Messages and others do; social media services supported by Apple like Twitter and Facebook can as well. So do many web sites and third-party apps. The lock screen keeps anyone who doesn't know your system password from logging in and doing damage to your computer when you're not looking, and keeping your data from prying eyes. But most applications that support system notifications will, by default, display them on the lock screen. This is one of those…
-
Apple Maps dominates mapping traffic on EE
by Guest Joseph Keller- 0 replies
- 580 views
UK carrier EE's latest "Mobile Living Index" shows that Apple Maps now dominates 4G mapping traffic on the carrier. Apple Maps represents 70% of 4G mapping data on EE, ahead of Google Maps, which holds 25% of traffic. Additionally, Maps also holds a majority of traffic over the carrier's 3G network, according to EE: Traffic on the new Apple Maps now represents 70% of mapping traffic on the 4G network, from 60% in the second half of 2013, taking market share from Google maps, which is down 7ppts. This difference is even more marked over 3G where Apple Maps is up 19ppts and Google Maps is down 15ppts. If you use an iPhone on EE, do you use Apple's Maps app, or an…
-
Microsoft's new Mac vs. PC hyperbole
by Guest Rene Ritchie- 0 replies
- 47 views
Microsoft has three new Surface Pro 3 ads out today that, as promised, switch from trying to attack the iPad to trying to attack the MacBook Air. Given how heart-breakingly, bank-breakingly unsuccessful Surface has been to date, it's hard not to sympathize. It's also hard not to think repeating past strategic failures will only result in more failures. Instead of shifting from iPad to MacBook, maybe Microsoft should shift from attacking Apple to attacking the PC market? Mac sales were up 18 percent year-over-year last quarter. The Mac has grown 32 out of the last 33 quarters. That's against Windows PC sales that continue to be on the decline. It's incredibly tough t…