 It's a good time to update Microsoft Office, but wait a bit for Windows 11 On October 5, Microsoft officially released both Windows 11 and Microsoft Office 2021 (Home and Business versions). We’re here to break down the essentials of what to know. Windows 11 puts a new coat of paint on Windows 10, changes how the Start menu works, and provides some additional features for people who multitask and keep several windows open on the screen at once. Windows 11 is now available for purchase on new computers, and is also available as a free upgrade for some computers that are about three years old or newer. Most people don’t need the features that Windows 11 offers, but it’s important to know that Microsoft has also announced that Windows 10 will receive security updates through October 2024. Three years sounds like a long time, but if you bought a computer with Windows 10 last year, you will need to upgrade that computer to Windows 11 at some point, or else your computer will stop receiving updates in 2024. At this point, nobody except the most curious people should be upgrading to Windows 11, since the operating system is so new and thus filled with unexpected glitches. But if your computers supports it, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade to Windows 11 within the next year. Best to give Microsoft a few months to iron out the glitches first. Click here and scroll to the bottom for the PC Health Check (look for the blue heart symbol) to determine if your current machine will work with Windows 11. If you’re buying a new Windows computer, and you buy one with Windows 11 pre-installed, you can rest assured that your computer will have many years of support to come, and not be limited by Windows 10’s 2024 deadline. As always, if you use older or custom apps on your Windows computer, double-check that those apps are designed to work in Windows 11 prior to upgrading to the new operating system. Now, let’s look at Microsoft Office 2021. This is the new version of Office for both Mac and PC that is the “buy once” version of Office and will be supported until October 2026. If you have been waiting to buy a modern version of Office for your computer, now is a good time to buy as you will have five years where Microsoft will continue to provide fixes and security updates for the Office apps. Of course, if you are an Office 365 subscriber (if you pay monthly or annually for the privilege of using Microsoft Office) you already have access to the version of Office that has the same features as Office 2021, and upgrades will happen automatically. Click here to learn more about Office 2021. Buying a new computer? Upgrading your software? Asheville Digital Lifestyle is here to help! Click here to book an appointment. ADL Tech Tip: Lending Books  Did you know that you can loan your Kindle books to other Kindle users? That’s right, there’s a digital equivalent of lending your dog-eared copy to a loved one. It doesn’t work on all Kindle books, but give it a try! Click here to set it up. And don’t forget about Libby, the app available for iPhoneand Android that can send loaned books to Kindle users, so you can take advantage of your library system even when using an electronic reader. Help for domestic violence and cyberstalking victims  Announcing a new collaboration! We are now providing volunteer services for Helpmate, the nonprofit that helps people who may be in a domestic violence situation or who are concerned that they are being cyber-stalked. We are proud to do our part to provide answers to folks about their computers and smartphones, and help people to implement personal Cybersecurity best practices.
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AuthorJensen Gelfond is the Founder of Asheville Digital Lifestyle. He helps people use their technology more effectively and joyfully. Categories
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