Two Points for you today

1.  Some of you use a 3rd party anti-virus – a Norton, an Avira, ESET, etc.  That’s fine.  Keep using it if you like the features it provides.  However, for most Windows clients I say to use the built-in Windows Defender.  This is what the majority of you are doing.   You have heard about these awful ransomware attacks in the news.  Individuals and companies get their files locked and then get asked to pay thousands of $$$ in ransom.    Fortunately, Windows Defender now has anti-ransomware technology built in.   However, it has to be turned on.  I found this helpful article from Forbes that tells you how to do it.  If you feel uncomfortable doing so yourself, write this down and we can save this task for a future appointment.   https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2021/05/16/yes-windows-10-has-ransomware-protection-heres-how-to-turn-it-on/?utm_source=pocket-chrome-recs&sh=d09573a4c575

***If you use a different anti-virus — look into whether or not it has anti-ransomware capabilities.  This Forbes article is not meant for you at this time.

2.  There should be some exciting news coming out of the Microsoft camp this week.  On Thursday, they are announcing the future of Windows — which may entail a new version of the operating system called Windows 11.  Some test versions of this new software have leaked out into the wild and I have attached a picture for you.  I think Microsoft is going for a fresh look and a simplified interface.  When Windows 10 came out in 2015, it was billed as the last version of Windows ever.  It will be interesting to see how Microsoft explains their change of heart.   If they indeed call it Windows 11, it seems like a game of copycat is being played here.  The latest mac OS is also called version 11.  I have no idea when Windows 11 will be released or which existing computers it will be appropriate for.  I’ll fill you in as I find out.