The Future Of Microsoft Office Perpetual License –What We Know

Microsoft has not officially announced any plans for a future perpetual-licensed version of Microsoft Office beyond Office LTSC 2021. However, there have been some rumors and speculation about the possibility of a future release. Some sources suggest that the next perpetual-licensed version of Microsoft Office could be called Office 2025 or Office 2027. Others suggest that Microsoft may discontinue perpetual licenses altogether and focus on subscription-based services like Microsoft 365.

Here are some of the factors that could influence Microsoft's decision about whether or not to release a future perpetual-licensed version of Microsoft Office:

• The popularity of Microsoft 365: Microsoft 365 has been a very successful product for Microsoft, and the company has been encouraging users to switch from perpetual licenses to subscription-based services.
• The changing needs of businesses and consumers: Businesses and consumers are increasingly demanding cloud-based productivity tools, and Microsoft 365 is better suited to these needs than perpetual licenses.
• The cost of maintaining perpetual licenses: Microsoft has to invest in maintaining and updating perpetual licenses, even if they are not generating new revenue.

If Microsoft does decide to release a future perpetual-licensed version of Microsoft Office, it is likely to be a more limited offering than previous versions. It may only be available for certain business customers, or it may not include all of the features of Microsoft 365.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to release a future perpetual-licensed version of Microsoft Office is up to Microsoft. However, the company is likely to carefully consider the factors listed above before making a decision.

The Modern Battlefield: Unveiling the Resemblance Between Cyber Warfare and Guerrilla Warfare

As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of warfare undergoes profound transformations. Today, cyber warfare has emerged as a prominent battleground, where nations and entities engage in a covert struggle for dominance. Surprisingly, the parallels between cyber warfare and guerrilla warfare are striking. Both strategies employ unconventional tactics, rely on asymmetrical advantages, and target vulnerabilities for maximum impact. In this article, we delve into the intriguing similarities that exist between these seemingly disparate forms of warfare.

Stealth and Ambiguity: Operating in Shadows

One of the key characteristics shared by cyber warfare and guerrilla warfare is the element of stealth and ambiguity. Guerrilla fighters often blend with civilian populations, striking swiftly and disappearing just as quickly. Similarly, cyber attackers exploit the anonymity of the digital realm, utilizing advanced techniques to mask their identity and location. By operating in the shadows, both cyber and guerrilla warriors gain a significant advantage by making it difficult for their opponents to pinpoint their origin and retaliate effectively.

Asymmetrical Advantages: Maximizing Impact

Both cyber warfare and guerrilla warfare are asymmetric in nature, with the weaker party seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of the stronger one. Guerrilla fighters utilize hit-and-run tactics, attacking at unexpected times and places, leveraging their superior knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. Similarly, cyber attackers exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks, bypassing traditional defenses and employing sophisticated techniques to compromise their targets. By capitalizing on their adversaries' weaknesses, both cyber and guerrilla warriors maximize their impact while conserving resources.

Adaptability and Innovation: Navigating Shifting Terrains

Both cyber warfare and guerrilla warfare necessitate adaptability and innovation in response to changing circumstances. Guerrilla fighters are known for their ability to quickly adapt to new environments and shift tactics to counter their opponents. Similarly, cyber attackers constantly evolve their techniques, leveraging new vulnerabilities and developing innovative methods to bypass security measures. In both forms of warfare, the ability to think creatively and adapt to the ever-changing landscape is crucial to success.

Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: Shaping Perceptions

Guerrilla warfare and cyber warfare share a common thread in their reliance on propaganda and psychological warfare. Guerrilla fighters aim to erode the morale of their opponents by launching surprise attacks, infiltrating communication channels, and disseminating propaganda to undermine the enemy's resolve. Similarly, cyber attackers leverage psychological tactics such as phishing emails, disinformation campaigns, and spreading fear to manipulate public opinion and create chaos. By shaping perceptions and exploiting vulnerabilities in the psychological realm, both cyber and guerrilla warriors aim to weaken their adversaries from within.

Impactful, Low-Cost Operations: David vs. Goliath

A defining characteristic of both cyber warfare and guerrilla warfare is their ability to conduct impactful operations at a relatively low cost. Guerrilla fighters, armed with limited resources, can inflict significant damage on larger, better-equipped forces. Similarly, cyber attackers can disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, and cause economic harm without the need for a substantial physical presence. This cost-effectiveness grants smaller, less powerful actors the ability to challenge and potentially destabilize their more formidable opponents.

Conclusion

The convergence of technology and warfare has given rise to cyber warfare, a battlefield reminiscent of guerrilla warfare. The similarities between these forms of warfare lie in their stealthy nature, asymmetrical advantages, adaptability, reliance on psychological tactics, and ability to conduct impactful operations at low cost. Recognizing these parallels is crucial for understanding the dynamics of modern conflicts and developing effective strategies to defend against cyber threats. As we move forward in this digital age, the lessons learned from guerrilla warfare can provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving realm of cyber warfare.

What is the difference between an “image,” “picture,” and “photo”?

In everyday conversation, we often use the terms “image,” “picture,” and “photo” interchangeably. However, while they are all visual representations of something, they have subtle differences that set them apart.

An image is a broad term that refers to any visual representation of something, whether it's a drawing, painting, digital art, or photograph. It can be created by a human or a machine, and it can exist in various forms such as print or digital media.

On the other hand, a picture is a specific type of image that usually depicts a scene or an object that is captured through a camera or other similar devices. A picture is often used to refer to a printed image, but it can also refer to a digital image that is displayed on a screen or monitor.

Finally, a photo is a type of picture that is captured through a camera or other light-sensitive device. It is typically used to capture a moment in time or to document something for posterity. Unlike other types of images, photos are created through a chemical or digital process that captures light and translates it into an image.

While there are overlaps in the definitions of these terms, the differences lie in the medium used to create them and the way they are perceived. For example, an image can be created using different mediums, while a photo is specific to capturing an image through a camera.

In terms of perception, a picture and a photo can have different connotations. A picture may be seen as more artistic or aesthetic, while a photo is often viewed as more documentary or factual. However, this is not always the case, and the context and intention of the creator play a significant role in how an image is perceived.

In summary, while the terms “image,” “picture,” and “photo” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences in their creation, meaning, and perception. Understanding these differences can help us communicate more precisely and appreciate the nuances of visual representation.

HDMI Technology, What It Is, and Why It Matters.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is a technology that has revolutionized the way we connect and transmit audio and video signals between devices. Since its inception, HDMI has gone through several iterations, with each new version bringing improvements and new features. In this article, we will take a journey through the history of HDMI, from version 1.0 to the version(s) expected in the near future.

HDMI 1.0: The Beginning

The first version of HDMI, 1.0, was introduced in 2002, and it was a significant improvement over the existing analog standards such as VGA, S-Video, and Component Video. HDMI 1.0 was capable of transmitting digital video and audio signals over a single cable, with a maximum resolution of 1080p. It also supported HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which enabled secure transmission of copyrighted content.

HDMI 1.1 and 1.2: Incremental Improvements

HDMI 1.1 was released in 2004 and introduced support for DVD-Audio, a high-resolution audio format. HDMI 1.2, released in 2005, added support for One Bit Audio, a high-quality audio format used in Super Audio CDs.

HDMI 1.3: The Rise of High-Definition

HDMI 1.3, released in 2006, was a major upgrade over the previous versions. It introduced support for higher resolutions, including 1440p and 1600p, and increased the bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps. This enabled HDMI to transmit higher-quality video, such as Deep Color, which allows for a greater range of color depths and shades, and x.v.Color, which expands the color gamut beyond what was possible with previous standards.

HDMI 1.4: 3D and Ethernet

In 2009, HDMI 1.4 was released, which added a few significant features. It supported 3D video, Ethernet connectivity, and an Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allowed the TV to send audio back to the receiver. HDMI 1.4 also introduced the Micro HDMI connector, which was smaller than the standard HDMI connector, making it ideal for small devices such as smartphones and tablets. 

An HDMI cable. Photo courtesy, Srattha Nualsate, Pexels

HDMI 2.0: 4K and Beyond

HDMI 2.0 was introduced in 2013 and brought a significant upgrade in bandwidth. It supported 4K video at 60 frames per second, which made it ideal for high-resolution gaming and high-quality streaming. HDMI 2.0 also included High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, which allowed for a wider range of colors and brighter images.

HDMI Version 2.1: 8K and VRR

The latest HDMI version, HDMI 2.1, was released in 2017 and introduced several new features. It supports 8K video at 60 frames per second, providing four times the resolution of 4K. HDMI 2.1 also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which reduces lag and stuttering during gameplay. It also introduced Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and Quick Media Switching (QMS), which improve the responsiveness of games and eliminate screen flickering during content switching.

HDMI2.2: The Future of HDMI

The next HDMI version, HDMI 2.2, is expected to be released soon, and it is expected to provide higher bandwidth for faster data transfer rates. HDMI 2.2 will likely support 10K video, which is ten times the resolution of 4K, making it ideal for professional-grade video editing and large-scale video walls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HDMI has come a long way since its inception, and its evolution has enabled us to enjoy high-quality digital content on various devices. With the upcoming HDMI 2.2 release, we can expect even higher resolutions and faster data transfer rates, making it easier to share and enjoy high-quality content on multiple devices.

What Is “April Fools Day” All About?

April Fools' Day, also known as All Fools' Day, is an annual celebration observed by some English-speaking countries (e.g., the USA, and Great Britain) on the first day of April. This day is marked by the exchange of various pranks and practical jokes among friends, family, and colleagues. While the exact origins of this tradition are unknown, there are several theories about how it began.

One of the earliest references to April Fools' Day dates back to 1392 when Geoffrey Chaucer's “The Canterbury Tales” was published. In one of the stories, Chaucer references the day as “Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two,” which translates to “32 days after March began.” This has led some historians to believe that April Fools’ Day may have originated as a way to mock those who were unaware of the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century. The Julian calendar marked the New Year on March 25th, but the Gregorian calendar moved it to January 1st. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year on March 25th were mocked by others who had adopted the new calendar.

Another theory about the origins of April Fools’ Day comes from the Roman festival of Hilaria, which was celebrated at the end of March. During this festival, people would dress up in costumes and play practical jokes on each other. It is possible that this tradition was passed down through the ages and eventually became part of the modern-day celebration.

Some historians also believe that April Fools’ Day may have originated as a way for the poor to mock the rich. In medieval times, the poor would often beg for food and money from the wealthy. However, on April 1st, they would play pranks on the rich as a way of getting back at them. This tradition of “reversal” is still observed in some cultures today, where people will switch roles with their superiors or engage in other forms of role reversal.

Regardless of its origins, April Fools’ Day has become a popular tradition around the world. People of all ages take shots at playing pranks on each other, and to some, it has become a day of laughter and light-hearted fun. Whether it originated as a way to mock those who were unaware of the calendar changes or as a way for the poor to get back at the rich, April Fools’ Day remains a loyally celebrated tradition for many of today’s silliest practical jokers.

What Is Bitcoin, and Where Did It Come From?

In 2008, a person or group of people under the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the world to a new digital currency called Bitcoin. Since then, Bitcoin has grown into a global phenomenon with millions of users and a market capitalization of over $1 trillion. However, the history and workings of Bitcoin are often misunderstood. In this article, we will explore the history of Bitcoin and how it works.

The History of Bitcoin

Bitcoin's roots can be traced back to a white paper published by Satoshi Nakamoto titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" in October 2008. The white paper described a decentralized digital currency that could be sent from person to person without the need for intermediaries such as banks.

Stack of gold Bitcoins. Photo courtesy, Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

The first Bitcoin transaction took place in January 2009, when Satoshi Nakamoto sent 10 Bitcoins to Hal Finney, a computer programmer and cypherpunk. The value of those 10 Bitcoins at the time was negligible, but today they would be worth millions of dollars.

In the early days, Bitcoin was mainly used by tech enthusiasts and cypherpunks who saw it as a way to bypass traditional financial institutions and government control. However, over time, Bitcoin gained mainstream acceptance, and today it is used for a wide range of purposes, from online purchases to investments.

How Bitcoin Works

At its core, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that is based on a technology called blockchain. The blockchain is a public ledger that records all Bitcoin transactions. Each block on the blockchain contains a hash of the previous block, creating a chain of blocks that cannot be altered without altering all subsequent blocks.

When someone sends Bitcoin to another person, the transaction is broadcast to the network of Bitcoin users. These users validate the transaction using complex algorithms and confirm it by adding it to a new block on the blockchain. The person who confirms the transaction, also known as a miner, is rewarded with newly created Bitcoins.

One of the most significant features of Bitcoin is that it has a finite supply. There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins in existence, and as of 2021, over 18 million Bitcoins have already been mined. This limited supply means that Bitcoin is deflationary, meaning that its value should increase over time.

Another key feature of Bitcoin is its anonymity. Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, which means that they are linked to a public address rather than a person's identity. While it is possible to trace Bitcoin transactions, it is challenging to link them to specific individuals, making it a popular choice for people who value privacy.

Conclusion

Bitcoin has come a long way since its inception in 2008. It has grown from a niche digital currency used by a small group of enthusiasts to a global phenomenon with millions of users. While the history of Bitcoin is fascinating, it is the technology behind it that makes it truly revolutionary. The blockchain has the potential to transform not just the way we handle money, but also the way we interact with each other and the world around us. Whether you are an investor, a tech enthusiast, or just curious, Bitcoin is definitely worth learning more about.

The History and Evolution of Bluetooth Technology - Bluetooth 1.0 - 5.x

Bluetooth technology has come a long way since its inception in 1994. Over the past few decades, Bluetooth has evolved into a robust and versatile technology that has revolutionized the way we connect devices wirelessly. From its early beginnings as a simple wireless technology used in cordless phones, Bluetooth has evolved into a ubiquitous technology used in a wide variety of devices, from smartphones to smart home appliances.

Bluetooth 1.0

The first version of Bluetooth, Bluetooth 1.0, was released in 1999. This version was designed primarily for wireless headsets and hands-free car systems. It was a simple technology that could only transfer data at a rate of 1 Mbps, which was not sufficient for high-quality audio streaming or data transfer. However, it was a major milestone in wireless technology as it enabled hands-free communication without wires.

Bluetooth 1.1

Bluetooth 1.1 was released in 2001 and included several improvements over the first version. The main improvement was the introduction of three new features - secure simple pairing, extended inquiry response, and sniff subrating. Secure simple pairing allowed devices to connect securely without requiring a PIN code. Extended inquiry response allowed devices to exchange more information during the discovery process. Sniff subrating was introduced to improve power management and extend battery life.

Bluetooth 1.2

Bluetooth 1.2 was released in 2003 and brought even more improvements to the technology. The most significant improvement was the introduction of adaptive frequency hopping (AFH), which improved the coexistence of Bluetooth with other wireless technologies operating in the same frequency band. Other improvements included faster connection setup times, improved audio quality, and enhanced error correction.

Bluetooth 2.0

Bluetooth 2.0 was introduced in 2004 and was a significant improvement over the previous version. It had a much faster data transfer rate of up to 3 Mbps, which made it possible to stream high-quality audio and video wirelessly. Bluetooth 2.0 also introduced a feature called Enhanced Data Rate (EDR), which improved the quality of audio and video streaming. This version was widely adopted by the smartphone industry, which drove its popularity and made it a household name.

Bluetooth 2.1

Bluetooth 2.1 was released in 2007 and included several improvements over the previous version. The main improvement was the introduction of secure simple pairing (SSP), which replaced the older PIN code pairing method. SSP allowed devices to connect securely without requiring the user to enter a PIN code. Other improvements included faster connection setup times and improved power management.

Bluetooth 3.0

Bluetooth 3.0 was released in 2009 and was designed to address the limitations of previous versions. It had a data transfer rate of up to 24 Mbps, which made it possible to transfer large files quickly. This version also introduced a new feature called High-Speed Bluetooth (HSB), which allowed for faster data transfer rates. Bluetooth 3.0 was the first version to support Wi-Fi connectivity, which made it possible to transfer data between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices seamlessly.

Bluetooth 4.0

Bluetooth 4.0 was released in 2010 and was designed to be more energy-efficient than previous versions. It was also designed to be more secure and reliable, making it ideal for use in medical devices and other sensitive applications. Bluetooth 4.0 introduced a new feature called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which enabled devices to consume less power and operate for longer periods of time. This version was widely adopted by the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, which drove its popularity and made it a ubiquitous technology.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 was released in 2016 and was designed to improve upon the previous versions of Bluetooth. It had a much faster data transfer rate of up to 50 Mbps, which made it possible to transfer large files quickly. This version also introduced a new feature called Long Range, which enabled devices to communicate over longer distances, making it ideal for use in smart home and industrial applications. Bluetooth 5.0 also introduced a feature called Bluetooth Mesh, which allowed for the creation of large-scale networks of Bluetooth devices.

Bluetooth 5.1

Bluetooth 5.1 was released in 2019 and was designed to improve the accuracy of Bluetooth location services. This version introduced a new feature called Angle of Arrival (AoA), which allowed for the precise determination of the location of Bluetooth devices. This feature made it possible to create indoor navigation systems and asset-tracking applications.

Bluetooth 5.2

Bluetooth 5.2 was released in 2020 and was designed to improve the reliability and security of Bluetooth connections. This version introduced a new feature called LE Audio, which enables high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth Low Energy. Bluetooth 5.2 also introduced a new feature called Isochronous Channels, which enables synchronized audio and video streaming over Bluetooth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bluetooth technology has come a long way since its inception in 1994. It has evolved significantly with each new version, improving on its capabilities and increasing its range and speed. Today, Bluetooth technology is an essential part of our daily lives, enabling us to connect and transfer data between our devices seamlessly.

The History and Evolution of PCI Express (PCIe) Bus Technology - PCIe 1.0 - PCIe 6.0

PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed computer expansion bus standard used to connect computer components such as graphics cards, network adapters, and storage devices to the motherboard of a computer. The development of PCI Express began in 1999, and the first version of the standard, PCI Express 1.0, was released in 2003.

PCI Express 1.0

The first version of PCI Express, also known as PCIe 1.0, was designed to replace the aging PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) standards. PCIe 1.0 had a single lane with a data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbps (Gigabits per second) in each direction, providing a total bandwidth of 2 GB/s (Gigabytes per second). PCIe 1.0 also introduced several new features, such as packet-based communication, hot-plugging, and power management.

PCI Express 2.0

PCI Express 2.0 was released in 2007 and doubled the data transfer rate of PCIe 1.0 to 5 Gbps per lane, providing a total bandwidth of 4 GB/s per lane. PCIe 2.0 also introduced new features such as link retraining and dynamic link-width control, which allowed the link width to be changed dynamically without interrupting the communication between devices.

PCI Express 3.0

PCI Express 3.0 was released in 2010 and increased the data transfer rate of PCIe 2.0 to 8 Gbps per lane, providing a total bandwidth of 8 GB/s per lane. PCIe 3.0 also introduced new features such as improved power management, data integrity, and enhanced error reporting.

PCI Express 4.0

PCI Express 4.0 was released in 2017 and doubled the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0 to 16 Gbps per lane, providing a total bandwidth of 16 GB/s per lane. PCIe 4.0 also introduced new features such as lane margining, which allows the system to test and adjust the signal quality of each lane, and backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices.

PCI Express 5.0

PCI Express 5.0 was released in 2019 and doubled the data transfer rate of PCIe 4.0 to 32 Gbps per lane, providing a total bandwidth of 32 GB/s per lane. PCIe 5.0 also introduced new features such as equalization techniques, which compensate for signal distortion and noise, and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) protection, which improves data integrity.

PCI Express 6.0

PCI Express 6.0 is the next version of the standard and is expected to be released in 2023. PCIe 6.0 will double the data transfer rate of PCIe 5.0 to 64 Gbps per lane, providing a total bandwidth of 64 GB/s per lane. PCIe 6.0 will also introduce new features such as PAM-4 signaling, which uses four-level pulse amplitude modulation to increase data transfer rates, and Forward Error Correction (FEC), which corrects errors in the transmission of data.

(courtesy, Wikipedia.org, 2021)

Conclusion

The history of PCI Express has seen a continuous increase in data transfer rates and bandwidth, allowing for faster and more efficient communication between computer components. The latest version of the standard, PCIe 6.0, is expected to further improve data transfer rates and introduce new features that will enhance data integrity and signal quality. As technology continues to evolve, PCI Express will continue to play a crucial role in the development of high-performance computing systems.