From Market Leader to Obsolete. – How Microsoft Handled Skype’s Demise.
In May 2011, Microsoft announced its acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion. Just two years prior, Skype had been sold for $2.75 billion, making the sudden surge in valuation appear questionable, especially considering the 2008 recession. However, Microsoft’s aggressive pursuit of Skype was largely influenced by competition from other tech giants like Facebook and Google. Winning the bidding war was one thing; making this overpriced investment worthwhile was another.
Marriage Equality for Disabled Individuals – Policy Analysis.
Marriage is a fundamental right, but for millions of disabled individuals in the United States, it comes with financial penalties. Under current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) policies, married disabled individuals face harsh restrictions that limit their financial stability and access to essential benefits.
Support for Windows 10 Extends. – At a Price.
As Windows 10 approaches its official End of Life (EOL) in October 2025, Microsoft has announced a new option to extend support for the Operating System, catering to both businesses and for the first time, individual end-users.
Antivirus Software in 2024. – Is Paying for Protection Justified?
In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the importance of cybersecurity has never been more apparent. With a myriad of online threats, users are often compelled to believe that paying for antivirus (AV) software is a critical component of their digital defense strategy. The marketing behind many AV solutions portrays an imminent cyber threat landscape where paid protection is essential. However, closer examination reveals that the necessity of paying for AV software is increasingly questionable, especially as built-in security measures provided by modern Operating Systems have grown more sophisticated and effective.
Windows Users Overwhelmed by CrowdStrike Update. – What Went Wrong?
Recently, many Windows users encountered a Recovery Screen, preventing access to their desktops. This bug impacted numerous machines, including those with sensitive data, businesses, and government agencies. Initially thought to be a cyberattack, it was later attributed to a bug from CrowdStrike’s Falcon software, affecting approximately half of the world’s Fortune 500 companies and leading to widespread outages.
Today’s Nintendo Direct. – Highlights & Announcements.
We’re due for a Nintendo Direct this Summer. Already announced by Nintendo, this presentation does not cover the “Switch 2,” and its capabilities. However, plenty of games for the Nintendo Switch were showcased, including those that everyone had been anticipating, like Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and even Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition.
Digital Signatures. – Evading Malicious Files & Threats.
As some say, “A kilobyte of prevention is worth a gigabyte of cure.” This saying is particularly relevant when it comes to cybersecurity and the prevention of malware infections. Some knowledge can significantly reduce the risk of downloading harmful files.
Keep Windows XP Offline. – Protecting Yourself Against Modern Threats.
You may already know this, but connecting old Windows installations such as Windows XP and 2000 to the internet is a significant security risk. You can be hacked within minutes while online, even if you avoid opening suspicious links.
From Collaboration to Competition. – The History of The PlayStation Partnership.
Nintendo versus Sony, two of the three largest console manufacturers and rivalries in the gaming industry. At times, Sony took the lead in the market share with the PS2 and Nintendo at others with the Wii. At one point, however, this wasn’t the case. The two formally agreed to make gaming Hardware together.
