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    If you’re ready for something different, I recommend this Linux distro to newbies and experts alike

    OpenMandriva defaults to a dark them that’s easily changed within System Settings. Jack Wallen/ZDNETIt’s rare to find a Linux distribution that’s not based on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or Arch. That’s not to say they don’t exist, but they are hard to find. One such distribution is OpenMandriva (officially, OpenMandriva Lx), which is a community version of the once-heralded Mandriva (which was based on the long-since-dead Mandrake Linux). Mandrake was a very special take on Linux because it had one very important goal: make Linux easy to use for all.Also: 6 reasons why Google should switch Chromebooks from Android to LinuxThat ethos was passed down to Mandriva and then to OpenMandriva, and it shows. More

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    New Windows 11 24H2 bug could block future security updates – see who’s affected

    Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAnother day, another bug in Windows 11 24H2. Early last week, Microsoft revealed the latest glitch to befall its newest flavor of Windows 11. And this one could keep you from downloading any future security updates.The problem occurs if you installed the Windows 11 24H2 version through physical media such as a CD or USB flash drive anytime between Oct. 8, 2024, and Nov. 12, 2024. Those dates covered the October 2024 and November 2024 security updates as part of the installation.Also: Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around itIn this event, your PC is unable to receive any future Windows security updates. That means you’re stuck if new vulnerabilities are discovered and you need to patch the OS. The problem doesn’t occur if you installed or updated Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. “When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates,” Microsoft said on its Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications page.”This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation,” the company explained. “Please note, this only occurs when utilizing media – such as CD and USB flash drives – to install Windows 11, version 24H2. This issue does not occur for devices where the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates are installed via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.” More

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    Google’s quantum breakthrough is ‘truly remarkable’ – but there’s more to do

    MirageC/Getty Images Earlier this month, Google’s quantum computing scientists demonstrated a breakthrough that indicates quantum computing is for real — and will be able to find its place among other kinds of computers as a valuable resource. But much remains to be done.  Google’s latest quantum chip, which is called Willow and fabricated in the company’s […] More

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    I found a creator’s laptop that competes with the MacBook Pro (and more affordable)

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus ProArt P16 is available now, starting at $1,900. It pairs powerful hardware with a suite of customizable options designed for creatives. The deep personalization requires engagement from the user, the huge trackpad won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and the ultra-glossy display tends to glare. –> Asus’ ProArt series […] More

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    How to add alt text to images on Bluesky (and why you should)

    ZDNETAlt text has been around for a long, long time. If you’ve never heard of it, the explanation is simple: Hover your cursor over an image. Essentially, alt text is what appears on a web page if an image fails to load.With well-crafted alt text, even those with vision impairments will have the necessary context for the images. This is an important feature that everyone should be using. It’s simple, doesn’t add much time to posting, and makes a vast difference for those who require such features.Also: 7 things to know about Bluesky before you join – and why you shouldSocial media sites haven’t been all that big on alt text. Facebook and X allow you to add alt text, but it’s kind of cumbersome, and most people neglect to do so. Bluesky, on the other hand, makes it very easy to add alt text, and I’ve found that more people use the feature than both Facebook and X combined. Bluesky even informs you why alt text is important. When you upload an image, you’ll see a bit of information that reads: “Alt text describes images for blind and low-vision users, and helps give context to everyone.”Also: How to delete your X/Twitter account for good (and protect your data)Let me show you how easy it is to add alt text to your Bluesky images so you can be certain those users with vision impairments know the contents of your image.How to add alt text to an image in BlueskyWhat you’ll need: To make this work, you’ll need a valid Bluesky account and an image to post. I’ll demonstrate this process on the web version of Bluesky. Fortunately, the process is the same on the mobile app. More