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As a rockstar business owner, you need to keep in touch with the stakeholders inside and outside of the organisation to boost teamwork by bringing everyone together in one virtual workspace. Luckily, Microsoft Teams is now at your free disposal with loads of compelling features and functionalities – empowering collaboration or virtually tracking business has never been this easier before!

While Microsoft has seen the use of Teams has rocketed exponentially in recent years, getting on with this program may seem a bit challenging.

To know more about how to use Teams and how it can help your business grow with ease, read on. 

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based real-time collaborative workspace within Microsoft 365 family specially developed for facilitating hybrid work so you and your teammates can stay systematised, connected, and informed. 

You can communicate, integrate apps, share files, instantly start and schedule virtual meetings or even send emojis – all from within a single system that is open and accessible to everyone. So from team conversations to file storage, everything you need to bolster business productivity, live together in a secured decentralised cloud-based repository, and is accessible via Teams mobile application also. The power of this fully-fledged application is now in your pocket!

Whether you’re speeding towards a tight deadline or conveying your next great business idea, Microsoft Teams can always help you achieve more.

Since its launch in 2017, Teams has become one of the speediest growing programs with more than 250 million users worldwide and is forecast to supersede its biggest rivals Zoom and Slake shortly. 

Is Microsoft Teams free?

Microsoft Teams is absolutely a free collaboration program. However, it also has 3-premium versions with more sophisticated features. For instance, while the free edition supports 5GB cloud storage/user, and unlimited group meeting with up to 100 members/meeting for up to 60-minutes, with paid versions, you can get up to 1TB storage and roll out meetings with up to 300 attendees for up to 30-hours. 

Features and Benefits of Microsoft Teams

The advanced features and functionalities that make Microsoft Teams one of the most favourite collaboration applications are:

•  App Integrations: Microsoft Teams can seamlessly integrate with a whole host of communication, HR, finance, workplace, and productivity software, like Azure boards, Nimble Contacts, MeisterTask, etc., to help you streamline your business interaction across various channels and platforms.
• Communication within Teams and Channels: Teammates can see and add to various discussions in the General channel and even invite others to join, using the @ function.
•  Reduced email: With Teams, your inbox will be less messy now as it’s nifty system chat is there to get your quick inquiries resolved in no time. You can email your questions to your team channel that will appear in the threaded conversation on all teammates’ software timelines. 
• Document Storage in SharePoint: Teams assign each user a site having a document library folder in SharePoint Online by default. The folder auto-saves all incoming documents and files. Plus, users can customise data protection options to better shield mission-critical files and data against misuse and unauthorised access.
• Meeting Whiteboard: Microsoft Teams enables collaborators to share their business ideas more effortlessly by virtually sketching on a whiteboard using interactive charts and colour pens. Microsoft also empowers collaboration by allowing users to proactively interact in real-time before or after a meeting on Whiteboard via the Teams system. 
• Built-in Translator: Microsoft Teams supports on-the-spot translation of around 60 languages in chats and messages. The built-in translator makes Teams an excellent choice for a smart business with globally distributed team members in today’s cloud-first digital world. 
• Audio Conferencing: Another state-of-the-art functionality of Teams that most online collaborative apps lack. No matter if you are on the go, having Teams in action, you can join online meetings with your phone using a dial-in number. You do not need internet connectivity, Teams mobile, or web app to start meetings from anywhere – thanks to Microsoft Teams audio conferencing tool. However, additional licensing is required for each user to enable audio conferencing and set up dial-in meetings. 

How to Use Microsoft Teams

The first step to getting started with MS Teams is to sign up for Teams and form and set up teams and channels. 

Create Account

Already have a Teams account set up? Congrats! But if you do not have one yet, go to the Microsoft Teams official website and create an account in minutes for FREE. 

Once you are done with signing up and creating your account, you have three choices to use the program:

• Download the MS Teams application for Windows or Mac and follow the required steps to install the desktop app on your PC
• Use MS Teams web application via web browsers (not compatible with smartphones)
• Install Teams mobile app downloading from App Store or Google Play.

How to Create a Team?

You can always form a new team or use an existing one from the Office 365 family. To create/join a team:

• Press ‘Teams’ on the left.
• press ‘Join or create a team’ on the bottom of the sidebar on the left.
• Go to ‘Create a team’
• You have two options here: you can create a basic team selecting ‘From scratch’ or press ‘From a group or team’ to create one from Microsoft 365 team or group.
• Next, you have to define whom you allow to join the team. Select ‘Private’ if you need attendees to ask for permission before joining. Click ‘Public’ to let anyone join, or ‘Org-wide’ to make a single team for all employees within your organisation.
• Once you have named your team and given it a quality description, press ‘Create’

As a team owner, to add participants:

• Go to your team, select ‘More options’ > ‘Add member’.
• Add participants searching by their names, Microsoft 365 or security group, or distribution list. 
• Invite people outside the business to join as external guests by using their email address
• Finally, press ‘Add’ > ‘Close’.

How to Create a Channel?

Now that …

Now that more and more businesses are working remotely, staying connected is more important than ever. There is plenty of software out there designed to help us stay in contact with our colleagues. Some of the most well known include Zoom, Skype, and Slack.

One that you maybe aren’t too familiar with is Microsoft Teams. This cloud-based collaboration software falls under the umbrella of the Microsoft Office Suite, and arrives with numerous features that make remote working that much easier.

In this guide, we will be taking you through all of the key features that set Microsoft Teams apart from its competitors. First though, let’s talk about who this software is best suited to. 

Who is Microsoft Teams For?

Essentially, Microsoft Teams is designed for any business that needs to stay connected. They achieve this by providing chat options, video calling, audio chat, and organization tools. 

Microsoft Teams might be a favorable option over the likes of Skype or Zoom because it offers a full portfolio of services, rather than solely focusing on calling. Essentially, this software adds additional functionality to everything your business does.

Key Features

That all sounds great, but what exactly does Microsoft Teams do? Listed below are some of the standout features that you will likely find to be the most helpful. Let’s jump in. 

Chat

A staple of any communication software is the chat feature. Microsoft Teams supports both one-on-one chat and group chats, so you have total control. Additionally, unique features such as emojis and priority flagging allow for a far more customized experience. 

The chat history is saved in one long flow as well, so you will never need to hunt for a specific message for too long. It’s all right there for you already. 

Meetings

Some collaborative software has a cap on how many people can participate in a meeting at one time. Microsoft Teams has a similar limit, except it’s huge. Up to 250 people can participate in videoconferencing at any one time.

While that may sound like an organizational nightmare, having that kind of capacity at your disposal could be enormously beneficial. Especially when you need to roll out key information quickly to the bulk of your staff.

Channels

Part of what sets Microsoft Teams apart from its (many) competitors is the ability to use separate channels for different areas of your business. Channels can be open to everyone or specifically designed so only certain team members can contribute.

This is a great way to focus tasks. It also prevents staff from being overloaded with messages that simply aren’t relevant to them. Separating teams into separate channels, in addition to the main group chat, is a great way to improve productivity. 

Calling

Outbound calling, whether it’s through video or audio, is a key component of Teams and an integral part of remote working life. As we mentioned before, Teams allows for huge numbers of people to be part of the same video conference call. However, you also have the opportunity to speak to a singular colleague whenever you need to. 

It couldn’t be easier, and the interface is surprisingly easy to navigate. The connection is reliable and, since Teams is compatible across multiple devices, you can call via your laptop, desktop, or mobile phone. 

Calendar

If you are already set up with Microsoft Outlook, then Teams can sync right up with it and bring over all of your calendar notifications too. This is incredibly handy for unifying your professional commitments across the board, all with minimal effort.

This is especially helpful if you, like many remote businesses, have decided to start having frequent team meetings. Gone are the days of fumbling between email and video software to make a meeting. With Teams, it’s all in one place. 

Screen Sharing

Last on our list of key features, but by no means least, is screen sharing. This is an integral part of a successful remote workplace. The ability to show your colleagues visual representation of what you’re talking about helps to build understanding and engagement.

The latter is especially important. Online fatigue is real, and nothing will demotivate your workers quicker than hour long meetings with no real purpose. Screen sharing helps the whole team to feel more involved.

MS Teams Final Words

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about Teams, so now it’s your turn to take a look for yourself. If you have started working remotely recently, or if you are currently dissatisfied with the software you have been using, Teams could be the ideal choice.

Its greatest strength is its focus on unifying so many integral processes that are usually separated across multiple platforms. With Teams, pretty much everything is in one place. Try it out for yourself and see what you think, you may be surprised by the difference it could make. …

The joy of painting with your pen on paper is unprecedented, but it has its limits too. While it is impossible to reverse a charcoal stroke once made on a physical paper, having drawing software in action, you can, with a few clicks and keystrokes, move through iterations and changes and create your best work yet, letting your innovation fly. 

From creating enchanting digital graphics, print advertisements, comics, and magazines, to making quick modifications in your technical plan, top draw software lets you design more effortlessly online using its extensive spectrum of features and functionalities.

What Is Drawing Software?

Drawing software is an online system or downloadable web application with built-in tools for creating technical illustrations, graphic designs, stylised and general image editing, multimedia development, and more, enabling users to produce artwork from scratch. 

Besides supporting inbuilt drawing tools including paint brushes, markers, or digital pens, a drawing software comes with a wide range of advanced toolkits like customisable colour palettes, different stroke sizes, brightness adjustments, shapes, and much more to help professionals make their designs and plans precise and decrease project cost and time.

Different industries that use drawing programs widely include:

• the automotive industry
• Aerospace industry
• Architectural designs, for instance, designing landscapes and floor plans.
• Shipbuilding
• Construction sector to design building layouts
• businesses to create graphs and charts
• Manufacturing industries, and more

Types of Drawing Software

Drawing software can be of various forms, each specialising in a distinct set of tasks, for example, photo editing or multimedia production. 

The benefits of using software specified for distinct designs are many. For example, applications designed for digital artwork can work fine when used for sketching, but to hone your skill and reap the best benefit from the platform, using a task-specific system is crucial. 

Let’s dive deep into the types of drawing software:

Bitmap Drawing Software

Also known as raster, bitmap software is synonymous with pixel-based image editing and manipulation software as it handles pictures as grids of bits/pixels – the higher the number of pixels is, the better is the image quality. 

It is widely used to alter non-line images like scanned art, digitised images, and graphics or detailed illustrations and can work great in helping efficiently colour correct an image, apply effects, set contrast, and more. 

While you can downscale a bitmap image without losing its clarity, you will end up degrading image quality when enlarging or zooming in the image using bitmap drawing software as it will become pixelated. 

Vector Drawing Software

A vector graphics software specialises in manipulating and composing vector graphic images. Vector images are formed of lines, shapes, and curves based on mathematical and geometric algorithms, commands, and formulas rather than pixelation. 

A vector image file can be of any size, and the system enables users to upscale or downscale picture size indefinitely with no degradation of image quality. The software best suits designing logos, illustrations, icons, graphics, etc., but the image regularity or contrast can seem stark.

CAD Software

If you are up for drawing, analysing, modifying, or optimising technical designs or plans such as automotive or construction designs, robot designs, electronic systems modeling, and more, a CAD (Computer-aided Design) software can better meet your design specifications and requirements. It bolsters designer efficiency, enhances design quality, facilitates communication through design documentation, and forms a database for speedier production.

Advantages of Using Drawing Software

• Improved Design Quality: The built-in and advanced drawing tools supported by various drawing and design programs help professionals create accurate designs with fewer efforts in less time – powering up manufacturing with finely tuned technical design or producing stunning industry-standard business artwork have never been so effortless.
• Easy Save and Share Facility: Another benefit of using top draw software is that it enables professionals to save the designs that can be modified anytime and effortlessly shared among the stakeholders. 
• Simplified Changes and Modifications: With a drawing program in place, editing and making changes in a project design becomes easier – thanks to the drawing software packages with advanced design functionalities and tools. 
• Supports 2D/3D Design Representation: 2D/3D representation of a design, for instance, a building layout or machinery, is crucial to gain better insights, evaluate the cost-efficiency and feasibility of a plan, and much more. Thanks to state-of-the-art drawing and painting platforms that enable designers to create 2D/3D modeling of a plan for efficient design analysis and prompting project execution.
• Easy-to-use Templates: Create your next stunning masterpiece with the ready-to-use built-in templates coming with task-specific drawing software. The best part is, these templates can be accessed, reused, or edited by multiple users simultaneously regardless of their locations – rethinking your art and bringing ideas into life have become easier like never before. 

What Should You Look For in Top Draw Software?

You need a quality drawing software to feed your creative ideas, but with the market booming with hundreds of products claiming to support bells and whistles, choosing the most befitting one for your specific design requirements may seem tricky. To make the best decision, consider the following features that make a quality software package in mind:

Colour Consistency

Consistent visuals are crucial in digital designs to create an easy-on-the-eye viewing experience and incite visitors to navigate through products with joy, building brand credibility. But digital art developed in a particular software may vary in smoothness (brightness and colour contrast) across various file formats such as JPG, PDF, or EPS. So, invest in a program that ensures precise calibration and colour consistency, no matter in what file format you import or export a file.

Multi-Platform Compatibility

Opting for a cross-platform drawing software that enables designers to run the application on a variety of hardware or operating systems is always a wise decision. Plus, with platform-independent software in action, professionals can collaborate and share files among the team members in real-time, no matter what device they use – smartphones, tablets, or computers. 

Printer Support

Choose a design software that supports a wide range of printer types; so you face no …

Whether you have just purchased a new laptop or PC, or want to give your existing one a makeover, you’ll want the best tools for Windows 10.

Within this article, we will cover some of the best Windows applications, tools and software that will enhance your productivity. Plus, the best part is that all the tools mentioned in the list below are either very cheap or free, so you can save money and get the best use from your device. 

Best Windows 10 Productivity Apps

Boosting your PC productivity doesn’t have to be a chore. By using specific tools to help get jobs done a much simpler, faster and more efficient way is the goal of many productivity tools. And we have rounded up some of the best ones below. 

Groupy 

Groupy is a great tool that can help keep your online workspace organised. This application will keep information tabbed and organised, plus you can drag and drop multiple applications and documents together to group them into a tabbed interface for easy access and reference.

You can mouse over tabs to preview the window contents, and save groups of applications that you concisely use tiger for quick future access. 

Price: £37.59 for one year via Stardock

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is one of the best remote access software options for Windows, and the good news is that it’s free for personal use. 

Once you have installed TeamViewer onto a computer, you can connect to and control it from anywhere in the world using another computer or your mobile device. This can come in really handy if you are away and need to send yourself an important document stored on your PC, or to access and family or friends computer to troubleshoot their technical problems.

Price: Free for personal use or £32.90 per month for business use via TeamViewer

F.lux 

If you spend a long period of time behind a screen on a daily basis, then this productivity tool may be right for you. F.lux automatically adjusts the colour of your computer to reduce eyestrain and headaches, so you sleep better at night. 

All you have to do is enter your location and the lighting situation where you work, and the small utility will automatically adjust the colour of your monitor to the time of day. You can even adjust the colour display to a different pre-set setting that includes “reduce eyestrain” and “colour fidelity” for optimal comfort. 

Price: Free for personal use or $20 per 10 devices for corporate use via justgetflux

Best Windows 10 Entertainment Apps

Filmora 

Filmora is an extremely fun and modern video-making application that features an extremely intuitive user interface and lots of video effects.

This entertainment tool has advanced editing modes and much greater control than other competitors. Features include colour matching, audio ducking, green screen and speed control to make your videos as snappy as possible. 

Price: Starting at US$ 61.99 per year via Filmora

Spotify 

With an exhaustive list of tracks and podcasts, literally millions of artists and songs from all over the world publish their songs through Spotify. You can find and hear playlists, discover new music, create and edit your own playlists, plus share your favourite songs on-demand, all with the click of a button. There is also the option for offline listening for when you’re out and about without any internet connection.

Spotify is available to download on all devices including laptops and PCs that run on Windows 10 or 11. 

Price: Free to all or premium accounts start at £9.99 per month via Spotify 

Audible 

Audible is an audiobook service owned by Amazon that offers the world’s largest selection of books and podcasts. You can find a whole host of titles and genres ranging from much-loved classics to new releases. 

If you want to carry on reading your favourite book on your PC, you have the option to listen to your favourite book or podcast read aloud by a narrator, the authors themselves, or even well-known stars. 

Price: £7.99 per month via Amazon 

Best Windows 10 Educational Apps

Duolingo 

Duolingo is one of the most popular language-learning apps available today, and for a very good reason. This educational tool has a basic and accessible user interface that breaks languages down into simple pieces so you can learn at your own pace. 

The great thing about this tool is that it is available on most major platforms, including Windows. When using this tool on a PC, you get access to extra functions such as a tips and notes section which is usually unavailable on mobile devices. 

Price: Completely free to all users. 

Google Classroom 

A central place where teaching meets learning, Google classroom has many great features that you can adapt to fit into your own schedule.

As a teacher, you can create lesson plans, distribute and grade assignments, and offer constructive feedback to your students in an effortless way. And as a student, you can study from home in a very accessible way with access to plenty of resources and easy communication with teachers. 

Price: Free to all users. 

Evernote 

Evernote allows you to manage and organise your personal and professional projects in a very easy way. You can write your thoughts as checklists, notebooks, notes and to-do lists to come back to whenever you need. 

This educational tool also allows you to take notes in several formats such as text, sketches, photos, audio, and video. Or with your phone camera you can scan documents, business cards, drawings and handwritten notes and upload them straight onto your PC. 

If using this tool for school, there is even the option to annotate images and allow your creativity to flow. For more security, especially if you have sensitive information stored on the application, you can add a password to your account.

Price: Free to all users. 

Best Windows 10 Social Apps

Telegram Desktop 

When socially connecting with other people in today’s world, you need a tool that can send and receive direct …

Maintaining your computer by keeping up to date with all the latest software and operating system is crucial. By doing so, you can keep your information secure as well as avoid sudden crashes which can result in the loss of important work and documents. 

Use our guide to find out exactly how to upgrade your system, no matter which device you use, to keep everything running smoothly. 

How Do I Update My PC? 

Updating your PC essentially means updating its operating system. A computer that is always kept up to date allows you to run the newest programs hassle-free, without having to worry about sudden crashes or things going wrong. 

Usually, Windows will give you a notification and let you know when it’s time to update your computer. If you wish to manually check and install updates, follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows icon and select Control Panel
2. Next select System and Security, then Windows Update.
3. Now click on Check for updates to manually check for any additional updates.
4. If you get a message prompting you to install important updates, click Install now. 
5. Once completed, be sure to reboot when prompted as it is an important part of the installation process.

By following the process outlined above, you can successfully update Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 Operating Systems to their latest versions.

How To Upgrade From Windows 10 To Windows 11?

If you currently have a PC or laptop that runs on Windows 10 and you wish to upgrade to Windows 11, the good news is that you can do it for free. 

Firstly, you need to check if your Windows 10 PC is ready to be upgraded. To do so, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then click the Check for updates button. If the option for Windows 11 is there, then it is ready to be installed. 

There are now two ways in which you can install windows 11:

• Installation Assistant – this is where you open the Download Windows 11 page through your browser, then click the ‘Download Now’ button under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
• Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool – this route allows you to create the installation media for the new OS. Follow the same steps above, then choose whether you want to copy the installation files to a USB drive, or generate an ISO file and burn it to a disk.

How To Upgrade A CPU

Upgrading the processor (CPU) within your device can seem like a very daunting task. This is especially true if you have purchased your PC from new, as opposed to building it yourself. Just follow the steps outlined below:

1. Back up your data: if there is any piece of information on your computer that you cannot fathom losing, it is best to back up all your data onto an external hard drive or an online cloud – just in case. 
2. Open your PC: once it’s open, remove the heatsink which is the part of your computer that connects to your processor on one end, and your fan on the other end.
3. Clean the area: whilst the PC is open you can use this time to clean out any dust using an air compressor, as well as the old thermal paste from the heatsink or fan.
4. Take out the old CPU: find the small metal lever to lift the housing off the processor and remove it. 
5. Put the new one in: gently place your new processor down where your old one used to be, noting that there will be two small indentations on the side of the processor, and ensuring they match up with the indentations in the housing.
6. Apply new thermal paste: apply the thermal paste to the centre of the processor and allow the heat to gradually spread it over time. Remember, less is more in this case. 
7. Close the PC: close it back up, put any screws back in, connect the PC to its power source, then boot it up and make sure everything is working properly.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully upgraded your PC’s processor (CPU).

How To Update macOS On Your Mac

Before you begin updating, it is a good idea to back up your Mac. Once you have done so, follow the steps below to find and install the latest update. 

1. From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, click on System Preferences.
2. Next click on Software Update.
3. Then click ‘Update Now’ or ‘Upgrade Now’
4. The update will now install the latest software version onto your Mac. 

How To Update The Apps On Your Mac

When it comes to applications on your Mac, you can choose whether or not you want updates to be installed automatically. If you turn this feature off, you will have to manually update your apps every so often. To do this:

1. Open the App Store from your Mac.
2. In the sidebar, click on Updates.
3. Now you can click Update next to any app to only update that app, or click Update All to successfully update every single application you have installed on your Mac. 

…

You may see a program labeled as open source. But what is open source software and how can you utilise it?

Open source in a nutshell refers to something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible.

And here is the thing – it’s everywhere. Whether you are browsing the web, setting up your own online business or managing a website, you are bound to come across some type of open source software. So if you want to find out more about what open source software is then keep reading because this is the article for you. 

What Is The History Of Open Source Software?

In order to fully understand the concept of open source software, we’ve got to start at the beginning. OSS (or open source software) was developed in 1983 from an ideological movement informally founded by Richard Stallman who was a programmer at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

He found that many researchers, especially those at MIT, were starting to create and sell software and were becoming hired by private companies. However they all had to sign NDAs and proprietary software licenses to prevent any sharing or collaboration between them. 

Stallman wanted this freedom to be available so that other people could understand how software worked, and allow them to make changes to it if they wished. He began a movement which eventually was picked up by many and led to the formation of the Open Source Initiative in 1998. 

Today, by definition, the open source initiative sets out the rules that define open source software. 

Why Make Software Open Source?

This is a very valid question. If time and effort has gone into creating a new software, why make it open source and allow anyone to access and modify it? 

The short answer here is that a software that has been made open source offers the potential for more flexible technology and quicker innovation. It also means that the software itself is not dependent on the company or author that originally created it. So in the future if the company goes bankrupt or dissolves, the code can continue to exist and be developed by the people who use it. 

Also, open source software is much easier to obtain than proprietary software, often resulting in increased adaptation and usage of the code. This means that programmers can build custom interfaces, or add new abilities to it in a hassle-free way without having to worry about ownership and liability issues. 

What Are The Benefits Of Open Source Software?

The list of benefits that comes with open source software is very long, especially in today’s world. 

Every organisation will have a part of it within their day to day business as open source software is implemented into telecommunication systems, inventory, accounting, contact management and operating systems amongst many others. Benefits include: 

• It is free. Anyone can install and use open source software without upfront costs making it a cost-effective solution for many companies. 
• It is very flexible and available to all. This means that developers can examine how the code works and freely make changes to better suit their application. 
• Open source software can also be scaled up or down easily to allow businesses to achieve their desired programming results.  
• It comes with a built-in community that continuously improves the source and fixes any bugs as soon as they are identified. 
• Open source is very stable. Because the source code is publicly distributed, many people and businesses can depend on it for long-term projects without worrying that it will fall into disrepair or suddenly be discontinued. 
• It provides great learning opportunities for new programmers who wish to gain some experience. 

The Drawbacks Of Open Source Software

Just like most things in this world, open source software does have some drawbacks. Some people may find it harder to use and adapt to due to difficulty setting it up and the lack of friendly user interfaces.

Also, another drawback is compatibility. Many types of hardware only work with specialised drivers to run open source programs. These can be difficult and costly to obtain and even if an open source driver exists, it may not be compatible with your software as well as the original driver.

Finally, open source software can pose some liability issues. Because it is available freely to all, the licences typically only contain limited warranty and no liability or infringement indemnity protection. This means that the person who is using open source software is also responsible for staying compliant with all legal obligations. 

Is Open Source Software Safe?

Upon hearing that open source software is available to all and anyone can freely modify or change it, it is normal to worry about security issues. 

And it’s true – due to the community construction and largely unregulated distribution of OSS, a variety of risks such as cybersecurity threats come with the use of open-source software. Other risks include:

• Lack of security 
• Intellectual property issues 
• Absence of warranty 

Although this information may sound scary, there are ways to overcome these risks and make the use of open source software safe for you and your business. 

It is very important that any business or organisation that utilises OSS, or acquires codebases that contain open source software, fully understands what is in their code so they can effectively manage and secure it.

This can be done by checking for insecurities or security threats manually, or through automated security tools. For most companies, automation is usually the best option as manually checking your open-source use will require significant investments of time, resources, as well as a large budget. 

Examples Of Open Source Software

There are many programs and applications that are considered to be open source software including: 

• GNU/Linux
• Mozilla Firefox
• VLC media player
• SugarCRM
• GIMP
• VNC
• Apache web server
• LibreOffice
• jQuery

All the examples listed above, as well as many other OSS softwares mean that any person can access the code and modify it to create new extensions, patches, or …

There have been many releases of Windows software over the years, but which is the best windows for PC? Since Microsoft Windows was founded back in 1985 there have been nine major releases of software, each more advanced than the previous one.  

If you are on the hunt for the best windows to upgrade to, or you’re in the market for a new Windows laptop and unsure which software to choose then this article is for you. We’ve put together a review of Windows 11 and how it compares to Windows 10 and Windows 8 so you can make an informed decision about which edition is best for you. 

Windows 11: The Best Windows Ever For Gaming

Many people thought that after the release of Windows 10 in 2015, there would be no new editions. However, this has since been proven wrong and Windows 11 has just been released in October 2021. And so after six years, fans can get excited about a drastic new look, as well as many other new features. 

With a beautiful, more consistent design and great layout options this edition also has better multi-monitor functionality. This is great both for people who work from home and require a well-functioning multi-monitor software, as well as avid gamers. 

Pros of Windows 11 

Better Gaming 

Generally speaking, it seems as though Windows 11 was made for gaming, with innovative new features that can take your PC gaming experience to the next level. Two main areas benefit from the new edition: game selection and technologies.

As for game selection, the Xbox app has been built into Windows 11 and offers access to the Xbox Game Pass collection of video games. This includes infamous titles like Halo Infinite, Twelve Minutes, and Age of Empires IV as well as the old classics. This app also allows access to Microsoft’s streaming game platform, Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Design 

The new look of Windows 11 tries to mimic the look of glass. This aesthetic has given the new software a cutting-edge design and as a result, there’s a lot of transparency on many desktop elements, from windows to menus.

Android Apps 

Windows 11 comes with support for Android apps integrated. This means if you want to install a new app onto your PC or laptop you no longer have to remote control your smartphone or run an emulator. 

Instead, you can simply just install almost any Android app or game, click on it, and it will pop up on the screen.

Cons of Windows 11 

Less Taskbar 

The new edition of the software means that you can no longer move your taskbar to the side of the screen for convenience. Instead, it is now stuck at the bottom of the screen with a new and much smaller design. 

Absence of Cortana 

Cortana is Windows’s A.I.-powered helper which could be activated and powered by voice. With windows 11, Cortana no longer comes installed as a standard. You can still however download, install, and use Cortana as a separate app if you wish. 

Change of dark mode 

Many users appreciate the option of dark mode as it allows a much more comfortable computing experience in darker environments. In Windows 11, dark mode has become a little more colourful instead of being mostly black, white and navy tones. It also looks more transparent from previous versions thanks to the new glass-like display. 

The Best Windows 11 Laptop

You know that as soon as a new edition of Windows software is released, a new wave of laptops with the latest software integrated into them will land in the market. Choosing the right laptop that meets all of your requirements and expectations can make all the difference to both your work life, as well as your personal one. 

We’ve rounded up all the Windows 11 laptops you can buy right now, highlighted their features and stated their price so you know just what you’re getting for your money. 

Dell XPS 13

This laptop is one of the most popular choices out there, and for good reason too. It features an 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake processor, meaning it’s more than ready for Windows 11 and has a gorgeous, immersive display. 

With around 8 hours of battery life when fully charged and a slim design, this laptop is ultra portable for taking on the go. 

Key specifications:

Storage: 256GB-2TBGB SSD

Display: 13.4 inches; 1920×1080, 3840×2160, or 3.5K OLED

RAM: 8GB-16GB

GPU: Intel UHD to Intel Iris Xe

Weight: 453g

Price: £849.00 via Dell

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360

This is a superb laptop that has been fully optimised for windows 11. Lightweight and thin, it works great at your desk or on the go. It comes with an S Pen stylus and has an impressive AMOLED display with slim bezels that take your user experience to the next level. 

Featuring an impressive 13.5 hours of battery and Xe graphics, you can expect plenty of power to meet all of your business or studying needs. 

Key Specifications: 

Display: 13.3- or 15.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED

RAM: 8-16 GB

Storage: 512 GB – 1 TB

Size: 14 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches

Weight: 1.3 kg 

Price: £999 via Currys 

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Unlike the previous surface pro lineup, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 takes it to the next level. It features a mix of the best specs from previous tablet and laptop generations, as well as the latest Intel laptop-grade chips for ultra-fast processing. 

This laptop has been tailor-made for Windows 11 so you know you’ll be getting one of the best hybrid devices out there. There is also a larger, more vibrant display, a sharp webcam and an improved Type Cover keyboard accessory so it truly feels like a brand new generation. 

Key Specifications: 

Processor: Intel i5-1135G7, Intel i7-1185G7

Storage: 512GB, 1TB SSD

Size: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches

Display: 13-inch screen, 2880 x 1920

Weight: 889 grams

Price: £999 via Microsoft 

How does

…

When you install Windows 11, or 10, on your computer you will automatically get a huge range of software applications built-in with it.

Although many of these applications are quite handy to have pre-installed, there is a whole bunch of other great software that you can download and utilise every day to make tasks easier. Such apps help you to perform various functions including listening to music, communicating with other, playing games, and even removing dangerous malware. 

Below, we have compiled a list of the best software that comes with yoru Windows 10 or 11, plus the top software that you can download and install onto your PC or laptop. Every software application that you need to be productive is on this list, so keep reading to find out more. 

The Best Windows 11 Software 

Windows 11 is a beautifully designed and much-anticipated upgrade from Windows 10, which was released back in 2015. And as with any new edition, Windows 11 comes with a range of pre-installed utilities and software for you to use. 

Some of this software is very useful, others not so much. Here are our top three software that is integrated within Windows 11. 

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a software application that comes completely integrated within Windows 11. It can help to keep you organised and proves itself to be the one and only cross-functional notebook for all your notetaking needs.

You can create a digital binder filled with different notebooks for specific topics, sketch out some new design ideas, as well as insert web videos or add files to create the online notebook of yoru dreams. 

Microsoft Teams 

Communicating online has become such a huge part of our lives now, it’s almost second nature. That’s why you can find Microsoft Teams automatically installed into Windows 11. It replaces Skype on previous editions and allows you to chat, call, or video anyone at any time. 

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

The threat of cyber attacks, viruses and malware hacking is only ever increasing, especially considering how many more people are online in this decade compared to the last. This software is supplied integrated into Windows 11 and allows you to gain visibility into your cloud apps and services using sophisticated analytics to identify and combat cyber threats.

This software, unlike some of the others, does come at a cost. The good news is that you can try it for free to see if it fits your needs and if not, simply cancel with a click. 

Best Free Software

Okay, let’s be real here. We all want powerful and high-functioning software on our PC’s without having to pay a hefty installation fee, subscription fee, or any fee at all for that matter. Software can be expensive, but the good news is that free programs have been mainstream in Windows for quite a while now, and there are some great software applications you can choose from today. 

Microsoft Office Excel Online (Productivity)

By far, this is one of the most well known free software options available today. All window users today will utilise Microsoft Office in one way or another, however, the Excel software specifically come in handy for such a vast array of applications. 

From home budgeting to sorting business finances to solving complex mathematical equations, Microsoft Office Excel has infinite usage. Plus with the launch of their latest cloud collaboration functions and the sheer scale of Excel training courses available, this software is here to stay.

DropBox (Collabaration) 

DropBox is an extremely versatile collaboration tool that is not only free to use but can also be considered the home for all your work. This software allows you to store and share files, collaborate on projects all whilst bringing yoru ideas to life. 

The great thing about this popular collaboration software is that you can access and share all yoru files from anywhere, at any time, on any device. This is because everything is stored and backed up on an online cloud which keeps all yoru information and documents safe and secure. 

Adobe Photoshop (Design)

For any design or editing need, Adobe Photoshop is arguably one of the best design software available. Available to download and install onto yoru Windows PC completely free of charge, this application has tools that range from seamlessly editing large batches of photos, all the way to creating intricate digital paintings and drawings that mimic those done by hand.

Avira (Anti-virus)

If you are searching for free anti-virus software to install onto yoru PC, then Avria is a smart choice. It has one of the best anti-malware engines available today, includes more free features than any other (free) competitor, and is also very easy to use.

The virus scanner of this software operates in a cloud which means that detection and analysis don’t actually take place on your PC. This makes Avira software extremely fast, lightweight, and low on your system’s resources.

If you are wondering how developers make money from offering free software, the answer is quite simple. Most companies or software developers adopt an ad-based model, a donation-ware to keep things afloat, or a shareware/freemium model that charges for extra features – if you wish to upgrade.

List Of The Best Custom Software

Just like the fact that there is such as wide range of free software applications available to download, there are also custom ones. Many of these do come with a price tag, however, you may find that these prices vary throughout the year depending on sales, and they may offer free trials for a selected amount of time. 

Kaspersky (Anti-virus)

If you are looking for the very best protection for your Windows 10 or 11 PC, then Kaspersky is one of the best choices available. It boasts an impeccable record in third-party lab tests and has a light load during scans as to not interrupt your work. 

Cost: Covers 1 PC for £7.49 per year via kaspersky.co.uk

Microsoft 365 (Productivity)

Whilst some of the applications that come …

A robust video editing tool is essential to let your imaginations fly or put shots together to produce a stunning video. But with the market booming with a plethora of options, deciding on which software can better meet your video specifications on a budget becomes overwhelming. 

VSDC video editor, with a realm of top-notch multimedia processing functionalities, is now at your free disposal. Supporting footage merging and colour contrast to special effects and footage stabilisation, VSDC has made video editing effortless like never before!

Though VSDC for Mac OS is not available, you can give this absolutely free yet intuitive software a shot if you use Windows.

To know more about the benefits and downsides of VSDC software, read on.

What is VSDC Free Video Editor?

VSDC Free Video Editor is a free Windows-only non-linear video editing program designed and developed by Multilab LLC. This software can process high-resolution footage such as 3D, 360-degree VR shots, and 4K UHD. 

With top-notch features like cutting-edge video editing toolset, voiceover recording, sound improvement, and more, this free multimedia and full editing package has helped millions of video editors and filmmakers visualise their visions happily and innovate without spending a fortune. Plus, the VSDC Free Video Editor seamlessly integrates with Vimeo, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook and has no watermark limitation. 

It best suits:

• Youtube and social media content developers
• Video production studios
• Entry-level video editors
• Start-up to medium-sized companies.
• entrepreneurs

VSDC for Mac: The Alternatives of VSDC for iOS and Mac Users

Despite being one of the most favourite freeware editing software, VSDC is restricted to Windows OS and is not likely to release an edition for Mac soon. Don’t worry; you have plenty of quality alternatives of VSDC for Mac and iOS devices, such as:

• iMovies
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• ShotCut
• Filmore for Mac
• OpenShot
• Avidemux, etc.

Why Use VSDC Free Video Editor

• What makes VSDC Free Video Editor stand out from the pack is that despite being free, it is a non-linear editing program. It, at any time, can pull up any frame or scene and produce a distinct set of sequences. Further, you can supersede a shot or segment with another, irrespective of their size.
• VSDC comes with a range of easy-to-find trendy visual and audio effects, so you produce incredible gameplay films with ease. From object filtering, colour correction, and transform and special effects to low-pass filtering, delays, and fading – all make this freeware platform a top-class full-fully fledged video editing suite. Further, it lets professionals mix and match the library effects to customise visuals. 
• Though free, VSDC features the YUV chroma key colour for green-screen in the after-effects and chroma key mask (to blend two pictures or scenes- a background and an overlay).
• It supports almost all codes and video/audio formats and is compatible with a wide spectrum of devices. So you can produce finely tuned videos effortlessly and on a budget and even export them to social media sites – sharing marketing materials and reports online has never been so effortless.
• Even the free version captures shots off your PC screen and from IP cameras, video tuners, or webcam. No matter if you have clips captured with your drone or GoPro – now, you can exclude shakes and make exhilarating videos using the VSDC footage stabilisation tool. 
• With the VSDC freeware program, you can burn video files to a disc and even share them with others later. 
• VSDC free version has 3D graphs and diagrams. You can add 3D pyramid charts, bar charts, scatter lines, or Gantt charts and even customise the labels to create stunning and impactful business presentations. 

VSDC Pro: How Much Does VSDC Software Cost?

Besides the free plan, VSDC has another premium edition with more advanced editing functionalities and tools, costing you only $19.99 for a one-year subscription bound for one user. So if you want to make professional-level compelling films using advanced motion tracking, colour correction, effects, masking, and more, without breaking your bank, you can try out VSDC Pro. 

Why Use VSDC Pro?

The attributes that make VSDC Pro stand out from the pack include:

• Inbuilt motion tracking system to help editors track the trajectory of an object in motion (mask, text, or image), censor it, create stunning memes or add dynamic captions. 
• Let your imagination fly and create mind-blowing music videos by synchronising visual effects with the beat sound.
• Supports a super-intelligent AI art generator, sub-pixel resolution, and audio waveform modification
• More advanced video stabilisation compared to the free edition.
•  Now you can enjoy even quicker hardware acceleration while editing 4K clips and processing various audio and video effects.
• It enables voiceover adding in real-time right during the playback.
• VSDC Pro features HSL versatile Chroma Key – users can exclude or separate unwanted colours from the shots.
• Perfect slow motion, blending modes, text animation, flow transformation, cinematic effects, and bezier curves are some of its many pro features that let you unlock your creativity and make your next video production project a hit!

Disadvantages of VSDC Video Editing Software

The downsides of VSDC software include:

• The UI may seem intimidating to some users, especially the beginners
• No hardware acceleration with the free plan
• The supported functionalities of the free edition are more basic compared to the paid edition
• A bit heavyweight system that can slow down user PC
• The nonstandard workflow and layout may make the program challenging to navigate. 
• Only web-based. iOS not supported
• No free trial 

How to Use VSDC Free Software?

The out-of-the-box features supported by VSDC free editor are just fine to help you level up your editing skills, especially if you are an aspiring early-career movie maker or video editor. You can start a new video project and specify different parameters. Capturing the PC screen, importing content, or even keeping the project blank – you can do whatever is required. 

You can pick the transition type you prefer while importing content to the system and make modifications if required. Plus, …