Mark HachmanSenior Editor, PCWorld
As PCWorld's senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.
Microsoft issues emergency Windows patch to disable Intel's buggy Spectre fix
As Intel warns against installing its latest Spectre patch, Microsoft issues a new patch to remove the older one—along with the ability to toggle protections on and off.
Intel's plan to fix Meltdown in silicon raises more questions than answers
Intel told investors it will ship silicon that patches Spectre and Meltdown in hardware, while reporting record revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017. But Intel's statements leave us with more questions than answers.
6 features to expect in the next Windows 10 update from Insider Build 17083
Microsoft has signaled that the next Windows 10 update, codenamed 'Redstone 4,' may look a lot like the Insider Build 17083 the company just released. Hints of what's to come include new font settings, adjustments to Timeline and Quiet Hours, plus privacy enhancements.
New Windows 10 privacy controls include a way to erase that embarrassing search
Microsoft said Wednesday that it plans to add more granular privacy controls to Windows 10, including an app that reports all of the raw data Microsoft knows about you, plus a more comprehensive way for you to manage it.
Acer's Chromebook Spin 11 brings a stylus, 360-degree hinge, and USB-C for an affordable $349
Acer's Chromebook Spin 11 adds premium features, like a stylus and USB-C charging, that were previously reserved for pricier notebooks.
Why parents should worry about Office 365's Immersive Reader dictation feature for students
Parents should be alert to the new Immersive Reader dictation feature coming to Office 365 apps. It's a convenience for adults that could end up as a crutch for young students.
Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse review: A flagship mouse worthy of the Surface name
Microsoft's flagship Surface Precision Mouse combines comfort, excellent resolution, and a nearly unique feature to leap between PCs. Microsoft's accompanying software, however, could use work.
Microsoft is shutting down its free upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 on Jan. 16
Microsoft phased out support for Windows 8.1 last week, making the upgrade to Windows 10 a more urgent choice. The last remaining free upgrade path, the so-called assistive technology loophole, is closing soon.
Five new features in Windows 10 Insider Build 17074 include Quiet Hours, Edge autofilling
Microsot publishes its first Windows 10 Insider build of 2018, including a new Quiet Hours feature, credit-card autofilling within Edge, and more. Some Spectre and Meltdown mitigations are included, too.
Skype taps Whisper's Signal protocol to test encrypted calls and chats
Microsoft's Skype uses Whisper's Signal protocol to establish Private Conversations for secure end-to-end chats and calls between two devices.
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 tablet unexpectedly adds a bigger, better 13-inch screen
Lenovo's third-generation ThinkPad X1 Tablet improves upon its predecessors with a larger, 13-inch 3K screen and upgraded pen, among other features.
WPA3 is coming to Wi-Fi routers in 2018, with better encryption and login management
The Wi-Fi Alliance announces the next-gen WPA3 standard, which will help secure routers even with lousy passwords.
Microsoft tests show Spectre patches drag down performance on older PCs
Microsoft says that an older version of Windows or older Intel silicon will experience a noticeable performance hit when applying a Spectre patch. Intel is less detailed in its performance information.
Dell's Mobile Connect app offers a simple way to mirror your smartphone on your PC
The free Dell Mobile Connect app works with iPhones and Android phones, and lets you make calls, play games, or use apps that are stored on your phone.
Qualcomm promotes the concept of combining routers with smart speakers
Your next router from Comcast or Cox could double as a smart speaker powered by Alexa, Cortana, or Google, if Qualcomm has its way.