Newsletter Archives
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Saying goodbye to not-so-great technology
ISSUE 22.16 • 2025-04-21 TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
Looking back, but not fondly.
I’m getting very close to installing Windows 11 24H2 on the production PCs at my office. That means I’ll also be providing my long-promised, step-by-step guide to that process.
I’m not super excited about this. I believe 24H2 is all about the cloud, but that’s not a priority for me at the firm. However, I do want to be sure that my systems, at home and at work, are on supported operating systems.
Dragging my feet about the Windows 11 23H2 to 24H2 transition reminded me of times when I was much more excited to say good riddance to technology that I relied on — but that had been driving me crazy over the years. Maybe you’ll remember some of these, too.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.16.0, 2025-04-21).
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Decisions to be made before moving to Windows 11
TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
I’ve been promising a step-by-step guide to help you migrate to Windows 11 as neatly and safely as possible. This isn’t it.
I’m planning that for May, assuming the stress from tax season has dissipated and I can return fully to the Zen of Windows.
This column is about the decisions you must make before you make the leap to Windows 11. After all, when you buy a new toaster you usually make sure it suits your needs.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.14.0, 2025-04-07).
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Reviewing your licensing options
ISSUE 22.13 • 2025-03-31 TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
Can you get a license for that?
With the upcoming end of life of Windows 10, I’m often asked why I’m not recommending that you look for and install the long-term servicing channel (LTSC) version of Windows 10 or Windows 11.
LTSC is a version of Windows 10 that was designed for devices that require minimal changes over time. It is primarily used in environments where stability and consistency are crucial, such as medical devices or industrial machinery. It is not available to the public and can be purchased only through volume licensing. It’s a platform that is intentionally not bloated, and it comes with fewer pre-installed apps, such as Microsoft Store, Cortana, and Edge (until the 2021 version). While it gets regular security updates, it does not get feature releases.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.13.0, 2025-03-31).
This story also appears in our public Newsletter. -
Planning ahead for migration
TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
March 20, last Thursday, was the spring equinox. For me, that means I start planning ahead for gardening season.
I’ll review seed catalogs and study how things worked out last year. Making a plan well ahead of turning that first bit of soil is essential for me, and I put it all on paper. From determining how much fertilizer and mulch I need to computing compost density and selecting the best seeds for this year, I want that plan.
Okay, I know that as Will was editing this column, he was asking himself, “What the heck is she talking about? This is a tech newsletter!” I’ll explain.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.12.0, 2025-03-24).