TechByter Worldwide 2018-02-04: Google's Challenge to Microsoft Office, Wordperfect Suite, Open Office, and Libre Office. Short Circuits. Spare Parts.

Google continues to improve its on-line suite of office applications and perhaps you've wondered if the free apps could replace Microsoft's suite, or Wordperfect's, or one of the open-source suites. Let's take a look. In Short Circuits: Microsoft makes another emergency patch available, but it's not being pushed out to everyone and you may not need it. Sometimes the Windows volume control stops working, but there's a quick and easy way to restore proper operation. Your computer sends data to Microsoft for diagnostic purposes. A new Windows app will provide insight into what is sent and you'll have more control. In Spare Parts (only on the website): Artificial intelligence continues to expand. The current hot spot is customer relations, but internal management functions are next. • GoDaddy is acquiring a company that will provide branding assistance for the company's 17 million users. • The internet now has 4 billion users worldwide and about 80% use some type of social media.