Stories by Mark Hachman

Microsoft adds a News Bar app as part of its latest Windows Insider update

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Insider build 19603 for the Fast Ring, which includes a Microsoft News Bar beta app and better Linux file support.

Maingear shifts gears to develop a ventilator in addition to PCs

Maingear said it's retooling its manufacturing lines to produce the Maingear LIV, an emergency pulmonary ventilator that could be used in the fight against COVID-19.

Skype Meet Now is Microsoft's effort to make Skype calls as easy as possible

Skype has begun promoting Skype Meet Now, a simple way to place a video call to one or more people without the need for a subscription or download.

The best alternatives to Amazon for buying tech right now

Here are the best places to shop for home office technology besides Amazon. We'll tell you what's in stock, what's not, and the overall convenience of these alternatives to Amazon.

Intel calls its 5.3GHz 'Comet Lake-H' chip for gaming laptops the 'fastest mobile processor'

Intel launches six new 10th-gen "Comet Lake-H" processors for gaming laptops, claiming that their 5GHz clock speeds make them the fastest mobile processor—at least in clock speed.

Hackers can steal Windows credentials via links in Zoom chat

An attack showing how a malicious URL dropped into a Zoom chat has surfaced, which can lead to Windows credentials being stolen.

Home office tech: Essential tips to maintain your PC, router and more

When you’re working from home, you can't afford downtime. Stay productive with these tips on essential tech maintenance habits.

How to prevent Zoom bombing by being smarter than Boris Johnson

UK prime minister Boris Johnson did something you shouldn't do: He shared his Zoom meeting's personal ID. Here's why that's a bad idea, and what to do to avoid "Zoom bombing" by strangers.

Microsoft Edge plans to add password monitoring, vertical tabs

Microsoft updates customers on new features due later this half of the year, including password monitoring and vertical tab layouts.

Microsoft adds Microsoft Teams for consumers as Office 365 becomes 'Microsoft 365' for everyone

Microsoft is tying together work and personal productivity experiences by renaming Office 365 as "Microsoft 365," adding a consumer version of Teams, and unveiling new AI-powered features for Office apps.

Microsoft offers a cool Xbox extension for Microsoft Edge: Xbox New Tab

Microsoft has added Xbox New Tab to its list of Microsoft Edge extensions, providing quick links to art and game streams for your favorite Xbox games.

Minecraft transfers some 'Education Edition' content to 'Bedrock Edition' for kids stuck at home

Microsoft has taken some of the greatest hits of its Minecraft: Education Edition and made them available to Minecraft players, for free, until the end of June.

YouTube will now default to lower-resolution streams in the U.S. to save bandwidth

YouTube is lowering the default resolution of video streamed in the United States in response to the uptick in network traffic due to the coronavirus. You can still dial up a higher-resolution stream, though.