It always feels good to save up for and earn a new computer or console for yourself. Until, you discover that the console or PC you bought is loaded with all sorts of problems — particularly, viruses.

Now, imagine that but instead of just one PC, an entire company finds it in 83 percent of its new computers in several Asian countries. Microsoft’s Asia PC Test Purchase Sweep, the company’s initiative towards educating consumers and enterprises, provides information against piracy and its risks. They found that these new PCs were sold in retailers that offered computers at a much lower price than intended to.

The report suggests that these retailers turn off Windows security features for them to install pirated software on these PCs. It also found that they contained software infected with viruses and trojans. Microsoft generally explains the risks that come from turning off these features, such as leaving your PC vulnerable to cyber threats and malware.

“Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their techniques to evade security measures, and embedding their malware is one of their tactics,” said Mary Jo Schrade, Assistant General Counsel from Microsoft Asia.

These findings are concerning for people who purchase new PCs through special deals, especially those that come with free software. Schrade suggests that consumers who want to purchase PCs should look for retailers that provide genuine software when bundled with the PC.

To avoid any more complications, it is also recommended to keep their software updated and follow safe internet practices. Such practices include avoiding potentially dangerous websites, legally downloading software or purchasing licenses to use them, and use recognized cloud-based file sharing systems.

All the buzz in today’s user interface bonanza is the dark theme. An all-black interface supposedly consumes less power (if you have an OLED display) and it’s also easy on the eye, especially at night. A number of mobile apps already have a dark theme and even macOS finally has it. As for Windows, the popular operating system doesn’t just want a dark theme, it wants a light one as well.

Microsoft just unveiled the light theme for Windows 10, but it’s only available for the new test build which is not meant for a major release yet.

Generally, Windows 10’s UI has always played with dark and light elements. It’s pretty inconsistent, so you get both dark and light at the same time. Soon, you can finally get either an all dark UI or a bright white UI.

The new system-wide light theme also comes with a slightly tweaked default wallpaper.

Again, the light theme is still undergoing tests, but it’s expected to come to the next major update of Windows 10 sometime in 2019.

The latest test build comes with a number of new features that’ll soon come as an update to Windows 10. You may head over to the source link below to know more.

Source: Windows

SEE ALSO: Apple’s macOS Mojave offers Dark Mode, new Mac App Store, and more

Apart from the MacBook Air, Apple also brought back to life another Mac device that is very much in need of an upgrade: the Mac mini.

The new Mac mini stays true to its purpose. It’s still a small computer that can be used with any display and peripheral you wish. When you need macOS but don’t like the iMac, this is the economical solution.

It now comes with the latest 8th-gen Intel Core processors and flash storage. The ports of the new Mac mini are not limited even though it has a compact body. It has four Thunderbolt 3, an HDMI 2.0, two USB-A, audio jack, and gigabit Ethernet.

The base model with a Core i3 processor and 128GB of storage is priced at PhP 49,990 in the Philippines. If you wish to have a more powerful portable Mac, there’s the six-core model running a Core i5 processor with 256GB of storage for PhP 67,990.

Availability starts by the third week of December, but you may already pre-order through Apple’s website.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new Mac mini adds more processing cores for 5x faster performance