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Thanks to AI, Microsoft Grammar Checker is no longer a tool but is sentient. It is already starting to enforce its presence by insisting that users need to correct an error it has highlighted otherwise it will not end.  In its relentless pursuit of linguistic perfection, it will soon take over Microsoft Word and force this humble tool not to process letters on the keyboard unless they are those Grammar wants.  Microsoft Grammar has established a secret alliance with none other than Microsoft Clippy, the infamous paperclip assistant known in AI circles as Clippit. Together, they are ramping up production of paper clips at an alarming rate in order to take over the world.  And every time Microsoft Grammar checker is ignored production ramps up.  The duo is plotting to take over society as we know it. So, next time you find yourself in a battle with  Grammar, remember: it simply knows no end. Follow This, That and (Maybe), the Other :

Reverse image searching allows you to find information about an image by using the image itself as the search query. Typically, the output of a reverse image search includes:  Identical photos to the one you searched.  Edited versions of your photo, which may have been flipped, cropped, rotated, or had colour adjustments.  Photos that are similar to your search photo. Each photo is associated with the page it was retrieved from, allowing you to click through to the source page. The use cases for reverse image searches are comparable to those for text searches, meaning they are limited only by the imagination and needs of the searcher. Here are a few examples: Commerce : You see a photo of an item that interests you and you would like to trace the online store to order that item. Consumption : You would like to use a photo in your work but need a higher resolution version or want to check whether there are similar (better) photos than yours. Copyright : You would like to check t

Today, manipulated photos are used to spread misinformation, shaping public opinion for hidden agendas. ( Click here to read my related article on fake news in this series. ) Criminal organizations run targeted scams against specific groups, aiming to defraud them. Often, scammers use photos of themselves to build trust. Sadly, I know people who were devastated after falling victim. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, crafting strategies to build rapport with their victims. You can learn more about a specific scam called “ pig butchering ” from John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight episode that aired in February 2024 (link: https://youtu.be/pLPpl2ISKTg?si=lkyKTCp7CL2WyIER ). Additionally, a YouTube search for “ romance scams, fraudsters ” will reveal hours of valuable information. The key takeaway: people of all ages and backgrounds can fall prey to these schemes, losing thousands. In some cases, life savings are lost, or victims go into debt. Even without financial devasta

Microsoft Rewards is a free program designed to reward users for engaging with Microsoft products and services. In return, users earn points that can be redeemed for Microsoft products, gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations. In this program, Microsoft teams up with other companies to offer members special offers, promotions, or trial offerings. Ways to Earn Points: Searching with Bing : Every Bing search earns points. The more you search, the more points you accumulate. Points may vary depending on the device (e.g., PC or mobile) or whether you are using the Microsoft Edge browser. Engage with Copilot : Engagement with Microsoft Copilot helps you accumulate points. Whether it's an AI chat or a request for a drawing, requests made as a Microsoft Rewards member help you add points. Shopping at the Microsoft Store : Points are earned for every dollar spent on purchases made through the Microsoft Store. Quizzes and Puzzles : Engaging in trivia and quiz

Don't worry, you're not alone. After all, who else can truly appreciate your witty observations at 3 AM? While society might raise an eyebrow when you debate the health benefits of “The Kitchen Sink” sundae consumed solo with your reflection, there's nothing wrong with a little self-talk. We all use Teams to chat with colleagues, but did you know you can chat with yourself? This often-overlooked feature is a powerful tool for keeping track of ideas, links, and notes.   Saving links and notes for later review Simply paste links, text, or upload files into a new chat with yourself. Teams automatically timestamps entries, making it easy to track their age. When you're done with a note, delete it or mark it as processed using the Thumbs Up emoji.   Microsoft Teams is everywhere Microsoft Teams is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and IOS. Besides native clients for these operating systems, You can even use it as a web app. This means

Fake News Introduction In this edition of GTL, we explore the topic of fake news. Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as news. Nowadays, the majority of people consume news through electronic devices. Advances in AI and the evolution of apps have made it easy for practically anyone to manipulate audio, video, and text. These tools can create scenarios where people appear to be in places they've never been, say things they've never uttered, and generate text in their style that they've never produced. Once disinformation is created, it spreads rapidly, potentially reaching billions of people within seconds. Companies and individuals, for a fee, promote and disseminate this information, pushing it to the top of the targeted audience lists. Fake news serves the purpose of controlling public opinion. It can either favour the originator, making their case appear more favourable than it is in reality, or target opponents, portraying then and their ag