AskWoody Free – 20.40.F – 2023-10-02

ISSUE 20.40.F • 2023-10-02 • Read online • Text Alerts! • Gift Certificates You're reading the FREE newsletter You'll immediately gain access to the longer, better version of the newsletter when you make a donation and become a Plus Member. You'll receive all the articles shown in the table of contents below, plus access to all our premium content for the next 12 months. And you'll have access to our complete newsletter archive! Upgrade to Plus membership today and enjoy all the Plus benefits!   In this issue ON SECURITY: Microsoft Backup triggers help-desk calls and confusion Additional articles in the PLUS issue PUBLIC DEFENDER: How Amazon ejected AI-written e-books from its bestseller lists MICROSOFT 365: Ten stunning features in Microsoft Word HARDWARE: Thunderbolt ADVERTISEMENT The Nokbox Estate Planning & Organization If something were to happen to you tomorrow, would your next of kin be prepared to manage all of your assets, finances, and wishes? They will if you have a Nokbox: a Next of Kin box. www.thenokbox.com ON SECURITY Microsoft Backup triggers help-desk calls and confusion By Susan Bradley I applaud Microsoft for admitting that we all need to back up our computers and workstations, or at least have a recovery plan of some sort. But Microsoft's recent backup implementation, its suddenly appearing Microsoft Backup app, is not well thought out and is a one-size-fits-all solution — that doesn't fit well at all. Here's the backstory. The new Backup app is available for both Windows 10 and 11. That's a surprise, because we've been put on notice that Windows 10 22H2 is the final release, with only security updates coming our way until October 2025. ADVERTISEMENT Here are the other stories in this week's Plus Newsletter PUBLIC DEFENDER How Amazon ejected AI-written e-books from its bestseller lists By Brian Livingston The giant online retailer, Amazon.com, faced a problem. Hackers were using chatbots to create fake e-books — mostly novels full of gibberish — and posting them into the Kindle Unlimited (KU) service. The perps then launched scripts to "read" their works. The automated traffic resulted in Amazon's e-book bestseller lists being dominated by drivel. MICROSOFT 365 Ten stunning features in Microsoft Word By Peter Deegan Microsoft Word has been around for so long, it's easy to forget how great it really is. If you ask Microsoft about great Word features, they'll drag out a list of recent innovations (starting and ending with "AI" and plenty of "cloud" in between). My own "stunning features" are things we take for granted, with some tips to make better use of them. HARDWARE Thunderbolt By Ed Tittel Not many people know this, but Thunderbolt originated as an optical networking technology. Apple and Intel worked on its initial design. Known as Light Peak, it was based upon optical components and fiber-optic cables at Intel's Silicon Photonics lab. When it turned out that copper cables could deliver the same 10 Gbps bandwidth as the more expensive and finicky optical elements, the cheaper, less demanding technology won. Know anyone who would benefit from this information? Please share! Forward the email and encourage them to sign up via the online form — our public newsletter is free! Enjoying the newsletter? Become a PLUS member and get it all! Don't miss any of our great content about Windows, Microsoft, Office, 365, PCs, hardware, software, privacy, security, safety, useful and safe freeware, important news, analysis, and Susan Bradley's popular and sought-after patch advice. PLUS, these exclusive benefits: Every article, delivered to your inbox Four bonus issues per year, with original content MS-DEFCON Alerts, delivered to your inbox MS-DEFCON Alerts available via TEXT message Special Plus Alerts, delivered to your inbox Access to the complete archive of nearly two decades of newsletters Identification as a Plus member in our popular forums No ads We're supported by donations — choose any amount of $6 or more for a one-year membership.   The AskWoody Newsletters are published by AskWoody Tech LLC, Fresno, CA USA. Publisher: Susan Bradley (publisher@askwoody.com) Editor: Will Fastie (editor@askwoody.com) Your subscription: This email sent to manojdole1.copa@blogger.com To change your email address, view the instructions. Unsubscribe Subscription help: CustomerSupport@askwoody.com Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. AskWoody, AskWoody.com, Windows Secrets Newsletter, WindowsSecrets.com, WinFind, Windows Gizmos, Security Baseline, Perimeter Scan, Wacky Web Week, the Windows Secrets Logo Design (W, S or road, and Star), and the slogan Everything Microsoft Forgot to Mention all are trademarks and service marks of AskWoody Tech LLC. All other marks are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Copyright ©2023 AskWoody Tech LLC. All rights reserved.