flyinghaggis

Yeah, that's the disappointing thing which will limit what Android apps you can get on Windows. I assume that Google didn't want to allow Microsoft access to the Google Play Store, and associated services, as they'd probably view touch enabled Windows devices running Android apps as competition to their own Chromebooks.

I'd agree with that. To me the main point of Windows 11 existing seems to be primarily a marketing drive to try and push the Windows Store again. Plus a renewed focus on making Windows viable as a tablet/touchscreen OS by supporting Android apps and greater touch functionality. Almost, dare I say it, another attempt to capture the market they were aiming for with Windows 8 The Android Apps thing sounds intriguing though and even more strange that they're available via the Amazon AppStore which exists within the Microsoft Store? Microsoft certainly seem to be taking a far more open approach to allowing third party stores on Windows devices compared to Google/Apple. Though perhaps it's somewhat of an admission that the Windows Store has largely failed to carve out an audience up until this pont with both consumers and developers eschewing it in favour of third party alternatives. Feels like they're on a bit of a charm offensive to appeal to developers and content publishers who are fed up with the App Store revenue percentage Apple and Google currently demand. Microsoft reveals the new Microsoft Store for Windows 11, and it has Android apps, too Microsoft is bringing Android apps to Windows 11 with Amazon’s Appstore

Yeah, we just received the same message but it's incredibly obscure in that it doesn't really say what it fixes, what it does nor what specific files are impacted. Loads of folk complaining on the web about it :- https://www.theregister.com/2021/06/24/google_drive_security_update/ https://www.slashgear.com/google-drive-security-update-might-break-links-to-shared-files-23679689/ Appears to be related to files shared publicly via link sharing somehow so I guess the potential is that it could break files shared on websites/etc to parents and 3rd parties.

+1 I have an ultrawide monitor at home so having the start menu and taskbar centred would actually be preferable!

I kind of get why Microsoft might want to name it differently frrom Windows 10 but it does have echoes of Spinal Tap in trying to justify what constitutes a 'new' updated version of Windows. I like the moving of taskbar icons to the centre of the screen and the new UI looks nice. Merging Settings and Control Panel will be a welcome fix for an obvious kludge that should really have been sorted in time for Windows 10's release. Guess we'll find out more on the 24th!

https://www.extremetech.com/computing/323488-windows-upcoming-redesign-may-finally-include-a-new-settings-app This would be a major improvement. I can't understand how it's 6 years since Windows 10 was released and they still haven't managed to merge/combine Windows Settings and Control Panel! It's even worse when you consider that Windows Settings first appeared alongside Windows 8 in 2012 going on towards a decade ago!

We use the Veaam Cloud Connect feature which works well and is probably the simplest and most robust setup you can have. It does add to the cost though as the cloud provider you use has to specifically support Veeam Cloud Connect. https://www.veeam.com/cloud-connect-service-providers.html

Star Wars Squadrons is free on PS Plus this month https://blog.playstation.com/2021/05/26/playstation-plus-games-for-june-operation-tango-virtua-fighter-5-ultimate-showdown-star-wars-squadrons/

We don't specifically prohibit staff from using their own devices but we have the network VLAN'd off so that staff personal devices only have internet access and are segregated other VLANs like the AppleTV one. So that effectively discourages staff from being able to use their personal devices and they have to use the school issued ones for teaching generally.

Elite Dangerous : Odyssey

We've lost quite a few laptop keyboards since they started disinfecting them post-covid. However, we've noticed that they seem to be using anti-bacterial wipes, rather than just alcohol, which often leave a residue so thought that might be the culprit rather than the alcohol. As others have said I'd have assumed an alcohol based wipe would evaporate quickly and avoid any issues? @synaesthesia Do you have links to any articles/guides advising not to use alcohol cleaners on laptop keyboards?

We've rolled VirtualBox out here with the above setup. It generally works well but the staff still grumble occasionally about having to transfer stuff back/forth between the VM and host and find the lack of online connectivity for the VM awkward. Some kind of online/cloud IDE like https://replit.com/ sounds like the ideal setup IMO.

Just noticed MS are making the Flash removal update mandatory in July so soon we won't even have the option to disable it by uninstalling the update. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/microsoft-will-remove-adobe-flash-from-windows-10-this-summer/

I have a Windows desktop and a Mac laptop. I'm generally happy to use whicever OS is better suited to the purpose. Most of my workflow tends to be in a web browser these days anyway! Interesting to hear your thoughts as looking at the benchmarks (Geekbench, Cinebench, Adobe, etc) by all accounts the M1 is the fastest single core chip on the market and can also match most of the 6/8 core AMD/Intel mobile processors in multi-core whilst using a fraction of the power. All the reviews and coverage I've see basically implied it was the end of x86 in the laptop / AIO market! Sounds like Apple have a few bugs to iron out and some compatability issues to resolve though.

Staff have been forewarned and I do agree with you though in saying that we should refuse though it's ultimately not my call. To be fair the teacher who asked said they only wanted to use the Flash software to create demonstration videos they could show the pupils so at least it would in theory be temporary. Though often there's nothing so permanent as a "temporary solution"

As expected we've had a few staff asking for workarounds (removing the update on specfiic computers, running standalone laptops or some kind of sandbox environment) for Flash based software post this Windows 10 update and end of life. We still have a few flash-based multimedia executable apps used by various departments for teaching and they're asking for methods to continue using the software. As you can imagine most of these apps are over a decade old and seem to be basically abandonware with the companies often no longer in existence so there are no updates for them. Are there any safe workarounds for running Flash based software? I've seen a couple of sandbox Flash environments like Ruffle but I'm not sure how secure they are or if they'd even work for apps built in flash?

If I needed a laptop now I'd probably get the M1 Air rather than spend the extra on the Pro as I don't think the minor upgrades it has over the Air are particularly worthwhile. However, as you say, there are rumours (as always!) of Macbook Pro refresh in the coming months with a better CPU/GPU (M1x/M2?), 14/16" displays, a new chassis and mini-led screens. Though I suspect the price will increase. https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/news/macbook-pro-2021-14-inch-killer-upgrade-just-leaked-again It'l be interesting to see whether the redesign features the unloved and largely underused touchbar. I've a suspicion the fact Apple haven't made the touchbar available on other devices like the Air or introduced a Magic Keyboard with it built-in means the next Macbook Pro refresh won't have it anymore but time will tell!

I didn't realise that was still in development. I have an older version which I used occassionally for RDP but the new one supports way more things. Will have to check that out!

Personally I wouldn't be without :- A Decent Quality adjustable Desk and Chair A single large monitor (currently using a 34" Samsung Ultrawide 3440x1440). I prefer a large ultrawide to a dual monitor setup. A Logitech MX Master Mouse - Best mouse in the world IMO!

Bit of a random query but I was looking for a new keyboard. I'm a massive fan of the Logitech MX revolution/master series of mice so thought the MX Keys keyboard would pair nicely with it. My only issue is that I generally prefer tenkeyless TKL keyboards without a numpad. Currently I'm just using a cheap Artek wireless keyboard off Amazon which is OK but the key action is a but mushy and I feel it limits my typing speed. Other than being full size the MX Keys looks ideal being wireless and allowing you to switch between multiple devices like the mouse does. I've tried a few mechanical keyboards in the past but I don't really like the feel/pressure of the tactile switches generally. How are you finding the Logitech MX Keys keyboard now you've been using it for a while?

I don't think I've ever seen a game where reviews have been so marmite in a long time. Some imply it's basically a buggy early access game with inferior AI, physics and a linear structure that doesn't even match decade old games like GTA and Skyrim. Whereas others seem overwhelmingly positive? There's a copy (PS5) sitting under my Xmas tree but I'm starting to wonder whether I should just return it and get something else given all the negative press?

Like most others we've been experiencing a surge in the number of our staff and pupils using Wi-Fi for video conferencing. Due to distancing/movement restrictions some of our classes have literally had all the pupils in the class running Google Meet concurrently and in these situations we've had reports of pupil's experiencing drop-outs and connectivity issues. I realise this will depend on a myriad of factors (controller, AP type, interference, distance, etc) but is having 20-30 client devices connected to a single access point concurrently running video conferencing services generally feasible or is it expected that this number would cause problems?

Mainly a bit of tinkering and running RetroPi emulation. I think it would be a really good system to emulate some of the older 80's/90's computers. I'd been thinking about buying a Raspberry Pi 4 for ages and I love the look/design/form factor of the Pi 400. Really handy having an integrated keyboard IMO

What are your thoughts on the device? I'm kind of tempted to ask Santa for one!