Quick-close your window: On Windows and Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + W to close your current window and any open tabs in it. On a Mac, it’s Cmd + Shift + W. Easy!
Update roundup: Windows, iOS, macOS, Google, Adobe and more
When it rains, it pours — and I’m not talking about the weather! A bunch of operating systems, apps and programs just released critical security updates. To make your life easier, I rounded up the most important ones right here.
Before we dive in, if you see the term “zero-day,” that means it’s important. A zero-day flaw is one hackers know about and are taking advantage of right now.
Microsoft
The September 2023 Windows security update includes fixes for 59 known issues, like security bypasses and information disclosure vulnerabilities, and patches for two zero-day flaws.
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Adobe
Download the patch here to fix a zero-day vulnerability in Acrobat and Reader.
- Go to Help > Check for Updates, or download the full Acrobat Reader installer.
Yikes. This is the fourth zero-day fix for Chrome this year. The good news is your Chrome browser should automatically check for updates and install them after a restart.
- To double-check in Chrome, hit the three dots in the top right corner, then Help > About Google Chrome.
The Android September 2023 update is out, too.
Best free video editing program for Windows, Mac, Linux
Look up the most popular video editing software, and you’ll find enormous price tags. If you have to edit videos for work, you need something affordable and dependable — preferably without the high costs. DaVinci Resolve 18 is a great free option that works just as well as expensive apps from Adobe or Corel.
Born to be root, not reboot: That’s total geek humor. Stealthy malware has been infecting Linux systems since 2021. It secretly mines crypto and turns computers into spambots, hiding as common system processes. Extra sneaky: It stops when someone logs in. Telltale sign: Constantly high CPU usage. Make sure CVE-2023-33246 is patched.
14 years ago
Russia began transitioning from Microsoft Windows to a custom Linux operating system. They now use Astra Linux for their educational system, financial sector, and state and military operations. Nerd joke: Who has the highest rank in the Linux military? The kernel. (Oh, that was a good one!)
Can't find something you KNOW you read online? This is the genius solution
Your browser history is a record of the sites you’ve visited. This includes download history, search history, cookies and the time and day you visited each site.
This is useful when you want to revisit a page. It’s not so great when you’re sharing a computer with others. For privacy’s sake, you’ll want to clear your history, even if no one else uses your computer. Tap or click here for instructions on wiping your browser and social media histories.
Best audio editing software: Free and paid options for PC and Mac
Editing photos and videos have become easier than ever, thanks to advances in technology. Tap or click here for the best free video editing program for Windows, Mac, Linux. You no longer have to be a professional to cut and edit videos or photos because there is always an app for that.
🔑 Open sesame: An update to Google’s Password Manager lets you sync passkeys across Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Previously, passkeys only worked on Android, and using them on other devices required scanning a QR code. Use a Chromebook or iPhone? Sit tight, you’re next to get the update.
📄 Office freebie: Unless you absolutely need Microsoft 365, don’t waste your money. For years, I’ve recommended LibreOffice, the free, open-source office software suite. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
My fave price is free: Pro video-editing software usually comes with a pro-level price — unless you know the best freebies. Kdenlive is free and open-source, and it gets new updates all the time. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux.
Office freebie: Unless you absolutely need Microsoft 365, don’t waste your money. I’ve recommended LibreOffice, the free, open-source office software suite, for years, and it just got a major update. Plus, it works on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Patch Chrome! Update fixes 11 security vulnerabilities
Google’s Chrome is one of the most popular browsers globally, used by billions of people. So, when issues in the code are discovered, Google needs to act quickly. Not only to protect users but also the company’s security reputation.
Update Chrome! New security vulnerabilities put millions at risk
One of your first lines of defense against hacks, bugs and viruses is to keep your devices and software updated. Developers push updates and patches as they discover issues. Sometimes patches fix a flaw that is causing problems for users, and other times it’s a preemptive measure done before anything can be exploited.
Microsoft launches new Windows 365 to put your PC in the cloud
“Cloud computing” has become a bit of a buzzword over the last few years. Every company seemed to have services or applications hosted in the cloud — or in other words, available online. Together with that, Software as a Service (SaaS) also became a trendy word to use in technology boardrooms.
Use Chrome? 3 new features to try after the latest update
Google Chrome reigns as one of the most popular browsers out there. You can get it for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. Google constantly adds new features and updates, ensuring that users will keep on using Chrome while new ones enter the fold.
Want to get away from Big Tech? Here’s how
My inbox is full of one question this week: How can I drop Big Tech companies? This got me thinking … Is it possible to stop using the services of the Big Five altogether? That’s Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. I did the research to give you a headstart if you’re looking to move away from one or all of them. If this helps you out, do me a favor and share it with your friends and family.
Doing research or have a kid in school? This handy app is a lifesaver
If you ever find yourself needing to cite something, whether it’s for work or school, you know how complicated and tedious the process can be. Luckily, there is a tool out there that works as your own personal, digital research assistant.
Distracted? Block out the noise with this focused writing app
Life online never slows down, and if you babysit your phone or computer you’re sure to see notifications roll in. From Windows to emails to instant messages to social media and more, so many apps and services are constantly vying for our attention. Ever wish you could just focus and get some writing done? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve found the perfect free writing app that helps cuts down on distractions.
eBay secretly probes your computer - here's how to stop it
Millions of Americans have turned to online shopping for sheer convenience and more recently, as a means to stay safe from COVID-19. It just makes more sense to order online than taking the risk of exposure at a store.
Free Hollywood-grade video editor is tops and you can't beat the price
Just the equipment can be rather intimidating and the apps expensive and, for some, difficult to learn and use. Still, if they weren’t so pricey, more of us would likely at least give it a shot.