Adobe
Prepare Yourself (And Your Budget) For Subscription Fatigue
You’re going to be so fed up with subscriptions by the end of next year that you will want to scream.
Want to play a game? Before you read further, think about your recurring monthly expenses for digital services, devices, and subscription boxes. Write down a quick estimate of how much you spend each month. […] continued
Read moreThe Microsoft Ecosystem: Evolution And Extinction
Microsoft does not have an ecosystem for consumers or small businesses in 2018. There is very little synergy between Microsoft products and almost nothing locks us into Microsoft products when we move from one category to another.
It makes old-timers sad to think of the past, because Microsoft had a successful ecosystem for decades. […] continued
Read moreMicrosoft Is Cutting The Ribbon In Word, Excel & Outlook
Microsoft intends to simplify the ribbon in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. It’s possible that Microsoft will work thoughtfully and carefully and you will be happy with the result.
Oh, stop it. I hear you laughing. I’m serious. Microsoft is saying all the right words. They want to make the ribbons (the tabbed toolbars across the top) simpler and easier to use, but they say there will be an easy way to return to the way they look now for people with strong muscle memory who don’t want to change. […] continued
Read moreDon’t Want To Live On The Edge? How To Change The Default PDF Viewer In Windows 10
The first thing everyone does with a new computer is install Google Chrome. That’s the last time we want to see Microsoft Edge, the uninspiring Windows 10 web browser.
At some point, though, you will click on a PDF and Edge will open up. You will wince and possibly scream involuntarily. […] continued
Read moreCreate PDFs With Your Phone
One of the technology challenges in 2017 is simply remembering what can be done with your phone or computer. It’s easy to add apps to your phone or install programs on your computer; it’s harder to remember them a few weeks later when you have something new to do.
There are several ways to create PDFs with your phone. […] continued
Read moreWindows 10 Tip: How To Make PDFs Open In Acrobat
One of the first things everyone does with a new Windows 10 computer is install basic programs and utilities and set defaults so files open in the right program. This is a quick note for people who want to use Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader to open PDFs, using “Set your default programs” in Control Panel. […] continued
Read morePersonal Computers Are Just Too Hard To Use, And It Isn’t Your Fault
That was the first line in the first column that influential tech journalist Walt Mossberg wrote on October 17, 1991 for the Wall Street Journal.
It’s still true. It’s twenty-five years later and it’s still true. That’s profoundly disappointing, and it has big consequences for our world. […] continued
Read moreBox Is Now Seamlessly Integrated With Windows And Office
With some new additions last week, Box is now completely integrated with Windows and the Office programs. Microsoft has opened Windows and Office so partner companies can integrate with them, and Box is one of the first companies to take full advantage of the new opportunities. Files stored in Box are as easily accessible as files stored on a server down the hall. […] continued
Read moreThe Ultimate Guide To Configuring Windows 10
Upgraded a computer to Windows 10? Bought a new computer? This is the guide you need – tips and tricks for your Windows 10 computer to smooth out its rough edges and make the most of its new features.
I’ve assembled these suggestions based on feedback from dozens of small business users in the last six months. […] continued
Read moreSimple Photo Editing From Adobe
We are awash in photos. Our phones take better photos every year, and it’s so easy now to snap a dozen pictures where we would have taken one in the past, trying to get a picture with everyone’s eyes open. The selfies and landscapes, the pictures of food and loved ones and dogs and cats, all of them are accumulating in our Camera Roll and Pictures folders by the hundreds and thousands. […] continued
Read moreSeason’s Greetings From Bruceb Consulting!
Happy holidays! Welcome to the end of 2015! I knew we’d make it. Take a deep breath. There’s no reason to feel the urge to throw a computer out the window for at least a couple of weeks.
It’s been an interesting year in technology, mostly good news but with occasional infuriating bits – which is actually the way it’s been for the last couple of decades, isn’t it? […] continued
Read moreWhy Are PDFs Opening In The Edge Browser? And Other Windows 10 Default Annoyances
Microsoft needed to execute flawlessly on a number of things for Windows 10 to be an inarguable success. High on the list were two things: making the upgrade process smooth and uneventful; and creating the first impression that Windows 10 is both familiar and slightly improved over your previous version of Windows. […] continued
Read moreWindows 10 Tip: Print To PDF Is Now Built Into Windows
Windows 10 finally includes a “Print To PDF” driver, allowing you to create PDFs from most programs without Acrobat or any other third-party program. It’s got an interesting limitation (more about that below) but it might be enough for some offices to avoid paying $14.99/month for Acrobat or picking up the adware that inevitably accompanies the less expensive or “free” alternatives. […] continued
Read moreEmergency Update For Adobe Flash, Which Is Having A Really Bad Year
Hackers got an unexpected present this week: a vulnerability in Adobe Flash that can be used to break into PCs, along with detailed instructions about how to use it. Adobe issued a patch within 24 hours, so you’re safe as long as you get the update promptly.
Practical details
Go to the Adobe Flash version checker in each browser you use regularly. […] continued
Read moreRestart Your Computer To Finish Patch Tuesday
Microsoft released the usual rich crop of patches and updates for Windows and Office on Patch Tuesday this week. On my Windows 8.1 computers, two restarts were required – one for the first 39 updates, then a second restart for an additional 11 updates. It’s not required but you might want to restart your computer an extra time, just in case it helps finish the process of installing this week’s patches. […] continued
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