This post originally appeared here on July 7, 2014.
Today's tip actually comes as a result of two recent service experiences I had. I will briefly describe both experiences:
1) I worked on a customer's computer and returned it to him. He called me later that day and informed me of two problems he was still having, including not having internet. I was able to quickly diagnose the internet problem using today's tip.
2) I was called to a customer's house to work on a desktop. While there, his wife told me her laptop's touchpad had suddenly stopped working, and she asked me to look at it. Once again, I quickly solved the problem using today's tip.
The simple answer to both of these problems: the wireless card and touchpad had been turned off accidentally. (Fortunately, in both cases, I was already doing other work, so I did not have to charge either of them solely for the service call.) Now, for the more complicated answer:
Computer manufacturers have developed a lot of switches and key combinations into their laptops that allow you to turn functions of your laptop on and off. For example, if you are travelling a long distance and want to write some letters or crunch some numbers on a spreadsheet, you will not need to use your wireless connection. In this case, you may want to conserve battery life by turning off power to your wireless card. (The reason why this will help save your battery will be the subject of tomorrow's tip.)
The touchpad could be turned off because you prefer using a wireless mouse, and you have a tendency to bump the touchpad and make your pointer go crazy. (I do this all the time!) Other key combinations available on my laptop include shutting off the screen (if connected to an external projector or monitor), adjusting the screen's brightness, and turning the sound up and down. Depending on your model, you may have other options.
Each of these buttons or key combinations have a legitimate purpose, but they can really mess you up if you don't realize you shut it off. In the case of the "bad" touchpad, the person was attempting to set up a connection to an external projector at work and unknowingly hit the key for the touchpad instead because they were located right next to each other.
So, before you pay for a technician to look at your laptop because something suddenly stopped working, it would be well worth your time to see if you accidentally shut off that feature. You may be able to find a symbol somewhere on the keyboard or near a switch that roughly represents the item that is shut off. (In the case of a key combination, it will usually be the Fn key combined with one of the F1-F12 keys.) If you are unsure, you can check your computer's documentation (either the print version that came with it or the copies posted online). It is well worth a few minutes if it saves you some money.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Three Steps to Secure Your Home Network
This post originally appeared here on July 29, 2014.
Wireless networks are wonderful. We can take our laptop, tablet, or phone and sit anywhere in the house while we surf the web. However, having wireless access in your home also means that someone sitting in their car across the street can use your internet unless you take steps to block that person out. And while you might just think that you are being generous by allowing others to use your bandwidth, any activities (including illegal ones) performed by a person on the network will be connected back to you. You may be able to clear yourself eventually, but you will end up with many hassles and legal bills before that happens.
Fortunately, it is simple to secure your home's wireless network to block out intruders.
1) Add a password - This is the most basic security step you can take. When someone tries to connect to your network, they will be forced to enter the password you set up.
To set up your password, you will need to access your router's control panel. To access this panel, you will need to go to a web browser window and enter your router's network address. (The network address will be listed in your router's documentation, or you can look up the address for your router online. It will begin with 192.168.) Next, you will need to enter the user name and password. These have a default setting, so if you have not changed them, look up the defaults in the documentation or online, as well. Then, you will need to navigate to where you can change the password. The exact procedure will differ based on your router, but for my router, I click on "Wireless" and then "Security". For the best security, you will want to use WPA2 security unless you have a device that cannot connect with WPA2. On my router, this is changed under "Authentication Type". Underneath that option is a place for the "Passphrase". This is obviously where you will enter the password that you want.
While this step will keep most people off your network, a determined person will still be able to get around your security if all you do is add a password. To stop these people, you need to do more:
2) Change your SSID - The SSID is a name that identifies your wireless network. By default, it will usually contain the brand name of the router. Remember how we could access the control panel earlier by looking up the router's address online? If your router's brand is listed in your network name, anyone on your network could look up that address and access your control panel. Even if the model number is not in the description, most manufacturers use the same one or two addresses for all their routers. Once on your network, it would not take long to be inside your control panel.
To change your SSID, you will once again go to the control panel and search for an "SSID" option to change. On my router, I can access that by simply clicking on "Wireless". Once there, think of a creative name for your network. You can use your last name, your address, or even change it to "FBI Surveillance Van". (Yes, I know of at least two people who have done that!) This is not a password, so there is no need to be concerned about coming up with a complicated name. The critical factor is that your router's brand name is gone!
If you want to be extra conscious about security, you can disable SSID broadcasting. This will cause your network to appear as something like "Unidentified Network" or "Unnamed Network". Then, in order to connect, you will have to enter the network name along with the password you set earlier. While this provides a little extra security, it also adds the inconvenience of having to remember and enter the network name along with the password.
3) Change your Access Password - Remember how we had to enter a user name and password to access the router control panel. Because so many routers use the same default address, it would not take long to guess the address of most routers. Once the person has done this, they will almost always have access to the model number of your router (it is usually displayed on the login page). If your user name and password to access the control panel is still the default, they can look it up just as easily as you can! Once inside your control panel, they can make all kinds of changes to your network, including blocking you from accessing your own router.
To stop this, change your router's access password. (Some may also allow you to change the user name, but others may not.) This may take a little time to find in your control panel, but it is worth it. You can also attempt to look up directions in your documentation or online. Make sure you write this password down! You will most likely use it infrequently, so you want to have it written down where you can find it when you need it.
Wireless networks are wonderful. We can take our laptop, tablet, or phone and sit anywhere in the house while we surf the web. However, having wireless access in your home also means that someone sitting in their car across the street can use your internet unless you take steps to block that person out. And while you might just think that you are being generous by allowing others to use your bandwidth, any activities (including illegal ones) performed by a person on the network will be connected back to you. You may be able to clear yourself eventually, but you will end up with many hassles and legal bills before that happens.
Fortunately, it is simple to secure your home's wireless network to block out intruders.
1) Add a password - This is the most basic security step you can take. When someone tries to connect to your network, they will be forced to enter the password you set up.
To set up your password, you will need to access your router's control panel. To access this panel, you will need to go to a web browser window and enter your router's network address. (The network address will be listed in your router's documentation, or you can look up the address for your router online. It will begin with 192.168.) Next, you will need to enter the user name and password. These have a default setting, so if you have not changed them, look up the defaults in the documentation or online, as well. Then, you will need to navigate to where you can change the password. The exact procedure will differ based on your router, but for my router, I click on "Wireless" and then "Security". For the best security, you will want to use WPA2 security unless you have a device that cannot connect with WPA2. On my router, this is changed under "Authentication Type". Underneath that option is a place for the "Passphrase". This is obviously where you will enter the password that you want.
While this step will keep most people off your network, a determined person will still be able to get around your security if all you do is add a password. To stop these people, you need to do more:
2) Change your SSID - The SSID is a name that identifies your wireless network. By default, it will usually contain the brand name of the router. Remember how we could access the control panel earlier by looking up the router's address online? If your router's brand is listed in your network name, anyone on your network could look up that address and access your control panel. Even if the model number is not in the description, most manufacturers use the same one or two addresses for all their routers. Once on your network, it would not take long to be inside your control panel.
To change your SSID, you will once again go to the control panel and search for an "SSID" option to change. On my router, I can access that by simply clicking on "Wireless". Once there, think of a creative name for your network. You can use your last name, your address, or even change it to "FBI Surveillance Van". (Yes, I know of at least two people who have done that!) This is not a password, so there is no need to be concerned about coming up with a complicated name. The critical factor is that your router's brand name is gone!
If you want to be extra conscious about security, you can disable SSID broadcasting. This will cause your network to appear as something like "Unidentified Network" or "Unnamed Network". Then, in order to connect, you will have to enter the network name along with the password you set earlier. While this provides a little extra security, it also adds the inconvenience of having to remember and enter the network name along with the password.
3) Change your Access Password - Remember how we had to enter a user name and password to access the router control panel. Because so many routers use the same default address, it would not take long to guess the address of most routers. Once the person has done this, they will almost always have access to the model number of your router (it is usually displayed on the login page). If your user name and password to access the control panel is still the default, they can look it up just as easily as you can! Once inside your control panel, they can make all kinds of changes to your network, including blocking you from accessing your own router.
To stop this, change your router's access password. (Some may also allow you to change the user name, but others may not.) This may take a little time to find in your control panel, but it is worth it. You can also attempt to look up directions in your documentation or online. Make sure you write this password down! You will most likely use it infrequently, so you want to have it written down where you can find it when you need it.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
See Your Public Facebook Profile
This post originally appeared here on August 27, 2014.
Sometimes it feels like we are in a constant battle with the large internet companies over the privacy of our data. Just when we think we have our privacy settings the way we want them, they turn around and make more changes. Do you really know what is public or private on social media? For example, a few months ago, I wanted to make one status update public, and for the next month, everything I posted on Facebook was made public. Fortunately, I did eventually realize the issue and changed the privacy settings.
On Facebook, there is one very useful feature that you can use to see what the public can see. Log into Facebook and go to your profile page (not the news feed). Then, in the bottom right corner of your cover photo, you should see a "..." box next to the "View Activity Log" button. Select "View As" on the menu, and your page will show you what everyone can see when they look at your Facebook profile.
You are even able to see what a specific friend is able to see. Perhaps you made some status updates only visible to certain friends. Choose a friend who is (or is not) on the list, and make sure your privacy settings worked properly.
Sometimes it feels like we are in a constant battle with the large internet companies over the privacy of our data. Just when we think we have our privacy settings the way we want them, they turn around and make more changes. Do you really know what is public or private on social media? For example, a few months ago, I wanted to make one status update public, and for the next month, everything I posted on Facebook was made public. Fortunately, I did eventually realize the issue and changed the privacy settings.
On Facebook, there is one very useful feature that you can use to see what the public can see. Log into Facebook and go to your profile page (not the news feed). Then, in the bottom right corner of your cover photo, you should see a "..." box next to the "View Activity Log" button. Select "View As" on the menu, and your page will show you what everyone can see when they look at your Facebook profile.
You are even able to see what a specific friend is able to see. Perhaps you made some status updates only visible to certain friends. Choose a friend who is (or is not) on the list, and make sure your privacy settings worked properly.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Secure Your Accounts with Two-Step Authentication
This post originally appeared here on August 28, 2014.
It seems that hardly a day goes by without word of another high-profile company being hit with a data breach. If someone gains access to your password, they can do anything that you can do inside your account. Anything you can see or do when you log in, they can see or do from their own computer.
However, there is a way that you can keep people from accessing your account, even if they have your current password. It is called two-step or two-factor authentication. This requires two forms of identification before access to your account is granted. My first introduction to two-factor authentication happened over a decade ago. My dad would connect to the network at work with not only a password, but also a random code generated by a token he carried on his keychain. Anyone who got his password would also have to steal his token in order to access the network under his name.
Of course, a token for your Gmail or Yahoo email account would be impractical. It becomes even more impractical when you consider that you would also need one for your Facebook account, your Walmart account, etc. Imagine having a token for each online account you set up: you would never be able to find the one you wanted when you need it.
However, many modern accounts can activate some form of two-factor authentication. For example, when I log into my online banking account from a computer, I am required to have an access code emailed or texted to my phone. After I successfully enter a code, a cookie is placed on the computer that notifies the site that this computer is approved, and I no longer have to enter it until I clear the cookies or log in on a different computer.
Unfortunately, two-factor authentication is rarely required or even presented as an option when signing up for an account. As mentioned earlier, my bank requires it when you log in for the first time on a particular computer, but I do not recall ever being offered two-factor authentication for my Gmail or Yahoo emails, even though Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft emails (Hotmail/Live.com) all have this as an option. Facebook, Twitter, PayPal, and Amazon are among other companies that also offer two-factor authentication.
If you are unsure if a site offers two-factor authentication, try searching the site's help pages or contacting customer support. If it is offered, I recommend that you enable it wherever you can. It is certainly not foolproof, but it is an additional step to help keep unwanted guests out of your accounts.
It seems that hardly a day goes by without word of another high-profile company being hit with a data breach. If someone gains access to your password, they can do anything that you can do inside your account. Anything you can see or do when you log in, they can see or do from their own computer.
However, there is a way that you can keep people from accessing your account, even if they have your current password. It is called two-step or two-factor authentication. This requires two forms of identification before access to your account is granted. My first introduction to two-factor authentication happened over a decade ago. My dad would connect to the network at work with not only a password, but also a random code generated by a token he carried on his keychain. Anyone who got his password would also have to steal his token in order to access the network under his name.
Of course, a token for your Gmail or Yahoo email account would be impractical. It becomes even more impractical when you consider that you would also need one for your Facebook account, your Walmart account, etc. Imagine having a token for each online account you set up: you would never be able to find the one you wanted when you need it.
However, many modern accounts can activate some form of two-factor authentication. For example, when I log into my online banking account from a computer, I am required to have an access code emailed or texted to my phone. After I successfully enter a code, a cookie is placed on the computer that notifies the site that this computer is approved, and I no longer have to enter it until I clear the cookies or log in on a different computer.
Unfortunately, two-factor authentication is rarely required or even presented as an option when signing up for an account. As mentioned earlier, my bank requires it when you log in for the first time on a particular computer, but I do not recall ever being offered two-factor authentication for my Gmail or Yahoo emails, even though Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft emails (Hotmail/Live.com) all have this as an option. Facebook, Twitter, PayPal, and Amazon are among other companies that also offer two-factor authentication.
If you are unsure if a site offers two-factor authentication, try searching the site's help pages or contacting customer support. If it is offered, I recommend that you enable it wherever you can. It is certainly not foolproof, but it is an additional step to help keep unwanted guests out of your accounts.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Speed Up Your Wi-Fi
This post originally appeared here on September 12, 2014.
Everyone wants the fastest internet speed possible at a price we can afford. However, if your Wi-Fi is slow, the problem may not be your ISP. There are many things that you can do to improve your Wi-Fi speeds that don't include contacting your ISP to increase your speed (which will also increase your price, of course!) Here are four free things you can do that might improve your Wi-Fi speeds:
1) Move the Router - Many people do not know that the maximum speed decreases as you move away from the router. To make sure you have the best speeds, move the router as close as possible to where people will be using Wi-Fi. If you want coverage throughout your house, try to move it somewhere in the center. If most of the Wi-Fi access is done on one side, you might want to move it closer to that end of the house.
Hiding the router away in one corner gives some of your best coverage to your yard and even to the neighbor's house. Obviously, you will not want an unsightly mess of cables right in the middle of your living room, but moving your router closer may improve your speed.
If you must put the router in a corner or at one end of your house, you can use a curved sheet of aluminum foil or an aluminium can behind the router to reflect the signal back into your house.
2) Change the Channel - Your router can be programmed to work on eleven different channels. If most of your neighbors are using one particular channel, that channel can slow from all the transmissions. Access your router's control panel (for exact instructions, check the printed or online documentation for your router) and try changing the channel. The best channels to use will be 1, 6, and 11.
A word of warning: I had one customer whose printer required channel 1 for some reason, but his router was programmed to select the clearest channel. If you suddenly find that a device won't connect after changing the channel, you may be stuck with the channel you are on.
3) Update Firmware - All devices contain small chips with software to operate the device. This software is called firmware. Manufacturers will sometimes release firmware updates for your device to protect against security holes, correct errors, and add new features. Unfortunately, unlike Windows, your devices are rarely programmed to check for firmware updates.
Both your router and your device's Wi-Fi card have firmware that might benefit from an upgrade. To check for new firmware, go to the manufacturer's website.
4) Check for Thieves - Earlier this week, I wrote a tip about how to check for people that might be using your Wi-Fi network. If you did not get this tip, you can check it out here.
However, even authorized devices may be using your bandwidth without your knowledge. Right now, WiFi Guard lists five devices connected to my router, even though I am only using my computer (and at the time I am writing this, I am the only one awake). Shutting off Wi-Fi on your phone, tablet, or streaming device might free up more bandwidth for your computer.
Everyone wants the fastest internet speed possible at a price we can afford. However, if your Wi-Fi is slow, the problem may not be your ISP. There are many things that you can do to improve your Wi-Fi speeds that don't include contacting your ISP to increase your speed (which will also increase your price, of course!) Here are four free things you can do that might improve your Wi-Fi speeds:
1) Move the Router - Many people do not know that the maximum speed decreases as you move away from the router. To make sure you have the best speeds, move the router as close as possible to where people will be using Wi-Fi. If you want coverage throughout your house, try to move it somewhere in the center. If most of the Wi-Fi access is done on one side, you might want to move it closer to that end of the house.
Hiding the router away in one corner gives some of your best coverage to your yard and even to the neighbor's house. Obviously, you will not want an unsightly mess of cables right in the middle of your living room, but moving your router closer may improve your speed.
If you must put the router in a corner or at one end of your house, you can use a curved sheet of aluminum foil or an aluminium can behind the router to reflect the signal back into your house.
2) Change the Channel - Your router can be programmed to work on eleven different channels. If most of your neighbors are using one particular channel, that channel can slow from all the transmissions. Access your router's control panel (for exact instructions, check the printed or online documentation for your router) and try changing the channel. The best channels to use will be 1, 6, and 11.
A word of warning: I had one customer whose printer required channel 1 for some reason, but his router was programmed to select the clearest channel. If you suddenly find that a device won't connect after changing the channel, you may be stuck with the channel you are on.
3) Update Firmware - All devices contain small chips with software to operate the device. This software is called firmware. Manufacturers will sometimes release firmware updates for your device to protect against security holes, correct errors, and add new features. Unfortunately, unlike Windows, your devices are rarely programmed to check for firmware updates.
Both your router and your device's Wi-Fi card have firmware that might benefit from an upgrade. To check for new firmware, go to the manufacturer's website.
4) Check for Thieves - Earlier this week, I wrote a tip about how to check for people that might be using your Wi-Fi network. If you did not get this tip, you can check it out here.
However, even authorized devices may be using your bandwidth without your knowledge. Right now, WiFi Guard lists five devices connected to my router, even though I am only using my computer (and at the time I am writing this, I am the only one awake). Shutting off Wi-Fi on your phone, tablet, or streaming device might free up more bandwidth for your computer.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
But I Have An Antivirus!
This post originally appeared here on August 8, 2014.
Among comments I hear most often when I am on a service call and I discover a virus is something like, "But I have an antivirus" or "How did that get past my McAfee/Norton/AVG/etc?" Today, I want to clear up exactly what you should expect your antivirus program to be able to do.
An antivirus program is to your computer what the immune system is to your body. The fact that you have a working immune system does not mean you will never get sick. Even those who take vitamins and supplements to boost their immune system will still find their bodies succumbing to the occasional illness. When a virus enters your body, your immune system only knows to eliminate it if you have had it before and have built a resistance to that virus. If you have never encountered that particular strain of a virus, it may take some time before your body realizes that it needs to go into action.
Similarly, antivirus software has become very good at eliminating the threats that it knows about! When it scans the websites you visit and the files you download or open, it is comparing them to a list of known threats. If I were to write a virus and send it out with this email (don't worry, I won't!), it is unlikely that any antivirus would catch it because the software doesn't know it exists. In order to keep up with the latest threats, companies that produce antivirus software are constantly sending out new files with information about the latest threats. These files, usually referred to as definitions, are almost always downloaded automatically to your computer when you are online.
Software is becoming better at recognizing certain behavioral traits of viruses so that they can block some threats before they are included in the definitions. While they are sometimes successful, it can be difficult to distinguish between legitimate programs and viruses. For example, a cloud backup program (which I discussed in an earlier tip) would be identical in function to a virus that copies everything off of your hard drive and sends it to a server in Tajikistan. The only difference would be the destination of the data. An overzealous setting might flag your legitimate cloud backup software as a virus, while looser settings might allow both to operate uninhibited.
Joxean Koret, a researcher with Singapore-based security firm COSENIC, recently gave a presentation where he discussed flaws found in 14 of 17 antivirus products his firm tested. At the end of his presentation, he provided a recommendation for consumers: "Do not blindly trust your antivirus product."
The key word is blindly. Use your antivirus, but also practice good online habits, such as:
Among comments I hear most often when I am on a service call and I discover a virus is something like, "But I have an antivirus" or "How did that get past my McAfee/Norton/AVG/etc?" Today, I want to clear up exactly what you should expect your antivirus program to be able to do.
An antivirus program is to your computer what the immune system is to your body. The fact that you have a working immune system does not mean you will never get sick. Even those who take vitamins and supplements to boost their immune system will still find their bodies succumbing to the occasional illness. When a virus enters your body, your immune system only knows to eliminate it if you have had it before and have built a resistance to that virus. If you have never encountered that particular strain of a virus, it may take some time before your body realizes that it needs to go into action.
Similarly, antivirus software has become very good at eliminating the threats that it knows about! When it scans the websites you visit and the files you download or open, it is comparing them to a list of known threats. If I were to write a virus and send it out with this email (don't worry, I won't!), it is unlikely that any antivirus would catch it because the software doesn't know it exists. In order to keep up with the latest threats, companies that produce antivirus software are constantly sending out new files with information about the latest threats. These files, usually referred to as definitions, are almost always downloaded automatically to your computer when you are online.
Software is becoming better at recognizing certain behavioral traits of viruses so that they can block some threats before they are included in the definitions. While they are sometimes successful, it can be difficult to distinguish between legitimate programs and viruses. For example, a cloud backup program (which I discussed in an earlier tip) would be identical in function to a virus that copies everything off of your hard drive and sends it to a server in Tajikistan. The only difference would be the destination of the data. An overzealous setting might flag your legitimate cloud backup software as a virus, while looser settings might allow both to operate uninhibited.
Joxean Koret, a researcher with Singapore-based security firm COSENIC, recently gave a presentation where he discussed flaws found in 14 of 17 antivirus products his firm tested. At the end of his presentation, he provided a recommendation for consumers: "Do not blindly trust your antivirus product."
The key word is blindly. Use your antivirus, but also practice good online habits, such as:
- Keep your operating system and other software up-to-date.
- Don't click on links in emails or on social media.
- Don't conduct sensitive business (such as online banking or shopping) on public Wi-Fi.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Keep clear of sketchy websites.
- Only download files from reputable sources.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
What We Know About the New Windows
Yesterday, Microsoft released the successor to its highly-criticized Windows 8. While the program was officially only known as Threshold, most people had resorted to calling it the likeliest of titles: Windows 9. However, Microsoft decided to surprise us all by instead calling it Windows 10. Here are some of the things we can expect when Windows 10 is released next summer:
The Start Menu - One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8 was the lack of a start menu. The start menu returns in Windows 10. The left side of the start menu will contain the traditional Windows 7 app list, and the right side will contain a live tile section similar to the Windows 8 start screen. The start menu also brings back the search bar, and internet search results will show up alongside file and application results.
Metro/Desktop Interface - One of the big problems with Windows 8 was the difference in the way that the touch-optimized Metro app interface worked compared to the traditional desktop interface. Microsoft has allowed its Metro apps to run in standard desktop windows that can be resized and moved, and the interface will adjust based on the device.
Working with Windows - A new button on the desktop allows you to quickly view and switch between all your open apps. You are also able to snap up to four windows on your screen, and Windows will suggest apps to fill open space. Finally, you will have the option to create multiple desktops, allowing you to have one for work and one for home, or any other way you decide to split them.
Cortana - Microsoft's answer to Siri is expected to make its way into the desktop version of Windows 10. While Cortana was not demonstrated at yesterday's event and will not appear in the preview released today, we should expect Cortana to be in the final release next year.
User Feedback - Today, Microsoft will release the first public build of Windows 10 through its Windows Insider program. It appears Microsoft is working to keep in touch with its users during the development process in order to implement feedback into the final product.
Should you go download the Windows 10 preview today? Only if you plan to install it on an unused computer or a virtual machine. (If you don't know how to do either of these, then it probably isn't for you.) This is NOT a working version of Windows; it is a version that will have some bugs and security holes. It is designed primarily for testing and application development, not for use as your primary operating system.
The Start Menu - One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8 was the lack of a start menu. The start menu returns in Windows 10. The left side of the start menu will contain the traditional Windows 7 app list, and the right side will contain a live tile section similar to the Windows 8 start screen. The start menu also brings back the search bar, and internet search results will show up alongside file and application results.
Metro/Desktop Interface - One of the big problems with Windows 8 was the difference in the way that the touch-optimized Metro app interface worked compared to the traditional desktop interface. Microsoft has allowed its Metro apps to run in standard desktop windows that can be resized and moved, and the interface will adjust based on the device.
Working with Windows - A new button on the desktop allows you to quickly view and switch between all your open apps. You are also able to snap up to four windows on your screen, and Windows will suggest apps to fill open space. Finally, you will have the option to create multiple desktops, allowing you to have one for work and one for home, or any other way you decide to split them.
Cortana - Microsoft's answer to Siri is expected to make its way into the desktop version of Windows 10. While Cortana was not demonstrated at yesterday's event and will not appear in the preview released today, we should expect Cortana to be in the final release next year.
User Feedback - Today, Microsoft will release the first public build of Windows 10 through its Windows Insider program. It appears Microsoft is working to keep in touch with its users during the development process in order to implement feedback into the final product.
Should you go download the Windows 10 preview today? Only if you plan to install it on an unused computer or a virtual machine. (If you don't know how to do either of these, then it probably isn't for you.) This is NOT a working version of Windows; it is a version that will have some bugs and security holes. It is designed primarily for testing and application development, not for use as your primary operating system.
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