Latest news with #techSavvy
CNET
5 days ago
- CNET
How to create a Windows 10 bootable USB: It's easier than you think
You can troubleshoot an old PC at your home. In addition to common issues to look for, there's another task you should take on -- create a bootable USB drive. I know, I know. The first time I heard the term "bootable USB," I felt a tinge of panic. And it's OK if you do, too. It is not a fun experience to troubleshoot a slow PC and creating the drive is a task that sounds complicated -- something that requires plenty of tech savvy. However, in reality, it only takes a few clicks of the mouse and a solid internet connection to complete. You won't feel intimidated at all. I promise. Creating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive is something you should definitely do if you own a Windows computer. The backup media can save you time and a headache if you ever need to reinstall Windows. And if you're building a gaming PC, this is one of the last things you'll need to finalize your build. (You can also create a boot drive for Windows 11, if you're wanting to test out the newest version of Windows before it's released on Oct. 5.) Besides an empty 8GB USB drive and a Windows PC, you'll need to set aside about 30 minutes, maybe longer, depending on your internet speed. For those curious, it's possible to use a Mac to create a Windows 10 boot drive but the process is fairly involved and requires familiarity with Terminal, the Mac's command-line tool. It's not a process that I'd recommend for the average user. I recently built my first gaming PC, and despite my mild comfort level with Terminal, I still found using a Windows computer to be a safer and easier process. Use Microsoft's media creation tool Microsoft has a dedicated tool that you can use to download the Windows 10 system image (also referred to as ISO) and create your bootable USB drive. 1. Go to this page, scroll down to Create Windows Installation Media and click on Download tool now. 2. Once the download finishes, double-click the file called MediaCreationToolxxxx to run it. (The last four digits of the file name indicate the version number of Windows 10. Right now, the filename is MediaCreationTool21H1, but that will change as newer versions are released.) The file should be in your Downloads folder. Select Create installation media from the short list of options. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET 3. When the program opens, accept Microsoft's terms and conditions, then select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next. Adjust your settings as needed. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET 4. You'll be asked to select the language, edition and architecture you want to use. By default, the tool will use the best options for the PC you're creating the boot drive on. You can change any of the options by unchecking the box next to Use the recommended options for this PC and using the drop-down options. If you're unsure about whether you need a 64-bit or a 32-bit architecture, select Both from the Architecture drop-down. Note that according to Microsoft's support page, if you plan on using this tool to flash a different edition of Windows 10, such as Windows 10 Pro (or vice versa) on a different PC, it will be included when you select Windows 10 as the Edition. In fact, basic Windows 10 is the only option, so don't stress yourself looking for a Pro option. Select USB flash drive. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET 5. Click Next when you've adjusted the options, leave USB flash drive selected, and plug your USB drive into your computer. Select Next to continue. Double-check that you're selecting the proper drive for your USB thumb drive. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET 6. Finally, select the USB drive from the list. If you have more than one drive connected to your computer and are unsure which one to pick, disconnect the extra drives. Picking the wrong drive could be catastrophic, as this process erases everything on the drive during the process. With the right drive selected, click Next. It'll take a bit of time to complete, but Microsoft's tool takes care of the rest for you. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET Microsoft's tool will take care of the rest from there. Go get a drink, take a walk or browse the internet while the tool does its job. The process should take about 30 minutes, give or take, depending on your internet speed. When the tool is done, click Finish and remove the USB drive from your computer. Going forward, if you need to install or reinstall Windows, you can connect the drive to your computer and reboot it. Your PC should boot to the drive, giving you the option to install Windows. If it doesn't automatically boot to the drive, you'll need to reboot your computer into its BIOS firmware -- usually done by pressing Esc, F2 or a similar key while the computer is starting up -- and change the boot drive or "bootmenu" to your flash drive. The process for each computer (or motherboard if you're building a gaming PC) will be different. When you first turn on your computer, there'll be a small line of text telling you which button to press to enter BIOS. If you don't see it, or it goes away too fast, I suggest consulting your manual for instructions. You can also use the media tool to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, following these instructions. After getting Windows 10 installed, here are some tips to help get you started. If reinstalling Windows 10 feels like too much, use these tips to troubleshoot and speed it up.
Khaleej Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Why e-commerce is now part of everyday life in the UAE
Each year, the data confirms what we see happening on the ground: e-commerce in the UAE is changing the way we do business and how consumers shop. These shifts are pushing the entire logistics sector to keep pace. Our latest e-commerce report with Euromonitor International captures just how far we've come. The Mena's e-commerce market has grown from $13.4 billion in 2019 to $34.8 billion in 2024—a 160 per cent increase. That's not just strong growth—it's a signal that digital retail is now woven into our everyday routines, from browsing to delivery. The UAE saw similar momentum, growing from $3.4 billion to $8.8 billion during the same period, driven by a growing tech-savvy youthful population showing preference for online shopping and advanced supporting infrastructures that facilitate higher internet penetration and faster delivery services. This confirms that our ecosystem is delivering real and sustained impact. But the real story isn't just about numbers. It's about how naturally online shopping has become second nature to people here. Whether it's buying essentials via quick-commerce apps or exploring new products through social platforms, the lines between physical and digital shopping continue to blur. Consumers expect faster delivery, easier returns, flexible payment options, and real-time support—and the market is rising to meet those expectations. Technology is playing a major role. Mobile commerce is booming in the UAE, nearly quadrupled in value from 2019, reaching $8 billion in 2024 alone, and AI is already transforming the way platforms personalise experiences and predict demand. White Friday, the Middle East's version of Black Friday, is driving mobile commerce. Retailers use mobile-first strategies during these events to boost revenue and retention to enhance customer engagement. This approach includes responsive design for seamless browsing, fast-loading pages to reduce drop-offs, easy navigation for better usability and mobile payment options such as digital wallets. By leveraging personalised recommendations, push notifications and app-based loyalty programmes, retailers are improving customer satisfaction, driving repeat purchases and maximising conversions in the growing mobile commerce landscape. We're also seeing greater adoption of digital wallets, BNPL solutions, and even gamified loyalty programmes that keep customers engaged. Consumer preferences in the UAE continue to evolve in step with the e-commerce landscape. While credit and debit cards remain widely used, the shift toward a cashless economy is unmistakable. Digital wallets are steadily gaining traction—used by 53 per cent of consumers in 2024, up from 41 per cent in 2020—thanks to their convenience, security, and features like integrated rewards. Buy Now, Pay Later solutions are also helping retailers boost conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Although cash-on-delivery has declined by 4 per cent over the past year, it still resonates with shoppers who prefer to pay upon delivery. At the same time, services like click-and-collect are becoming more popular, offering flexibility for shoppers and efficiencies for retailers. With government initiatives like the Aani platform enhancing real-time payment infrastructure, the momentum toward a digital-first shopping experience is only set to accelerate. Being closely involved in building the infrastructure behind this ecommerce ecosystem, I see firsthand how important it is to stay ahead. Free zones and logistics hubs have evolved from offering space to becoming fully integrated enablers of digital trade—supporting everything from seamless cross-border operations to compliance with evolving national standards. Of course, none of this is happening in isolation. The UAE's proactive regulatory environment is accelerating transformation. From VAT refund systems for tourists to product compliance pledges signed by major platforms, there's a shared commitment to making online retail as safe, transparent, and convenient as possible. While we're proud of the role EZDubai plays in shaping this journey, the bigger picture is even more exciting. E-commerce is no longer a trend in the UAE. It's a way of life. And as expectations rise, I believe we are more than ready to deliver what's next.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Could first-time buyers turn to tech to help save for a home?
When you combine rising living costs with high house prices and mortgage rates, things aren't exactly looking up for first-time buyers. Given this outlook, it would be easy to despair. But instead, many are turning to tech-savvy savings tools to help them achieve that seemingly impossible feat: getting on the housing ladder. One common approach is to use smart apps to help save money for a deposit and track spending to identify any outgoings that can be trimmed back. First-time buyers are also using these apps to access higher interest rates than those offered by some high street banks*, helping them reach their target faster and more efficiently. One of the most popular is Plum, which is available to download for free via the App Store or Google Play. Here's how it could help you buy your dream home... First-time buyers are using smart savings apps to put money aside for a deposit Savings apps: The modern-day piggy bank More and more people are making the most of the powerful tech offered by smart apps. In Plum's case, it connects to your bank account and uses clever algorithms to figure out what you can afford to save before setting it aside on your behalf every so often. This might only be a few pounds at a time, but done regularly, even small amounts mount up. And because the app doesn't take too much and leave you short, you shouldn't need to raid your house fund to pay a bill that drops a week before payday. Plum helps you maximise your savings with a series of 'Auto Saver' features, some of which are free and others available on a paid subscription. These include Pay Days, which save a predetermined amount each time you receive your salary. Automating your saving with Plum helps you save little and often in the background, so you're constantly progressing towards your goal even when you're not thinking about it While many of us will still want a payday treat, sending a chunk of cash straight to your savings reduces the chance of any regrets. And if there's a particular retailer that you often turn to at these times of temptation, why not enable the Naughty Rule? This lets you automatically save a sum of money when you buy from somewhere you deem a guilty pleasure, adding a silver lining to any impulse purchases. Whatever Auto Savers you choose, you're always in control – with the option to increase or decrease the size of your deposits at any time. Turning micro-savings into a mortgage The ability to automate saving has proved attractive to people working towards big money goals, like getting on the housing ladder. And as they've grown, apps like Plum have now become even more useful to first-time buyers by offering popular tax-free savings products at highly competitive rates of interest. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Tax-free savings… and then some! One product many use to get on the housing ladder is the Lifetime ISA, which allows you to save £4,000 towards a first home (worth up to £450,000) or retirement. How Plum keeps your money safe You work hard for your money, so you'll want to ensure every penny you put away is protected. Money held in a Plum Easy Access Interest Pocket, Lifetime ISA or Cash ISA is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to a total of £85,000 per customer. There are also protections for a non-interest earning pocket, like a Primary Pocket, which is covered by the E-Money Safeguarding Rules. The Plum app also supports encryption and face and fingerprint ID for added security. And if you ever need help, their friendly customer support teams are available 7 days a week. Click here for more information on how your money is protected with Plum. The government then adds a 25 per cent bonus to whatever you save, up to £1,000. So, if you put away £4,000 – which counts towards your annual £20,000 ISA allowance - you end up with £5,000! This money grows further thanks to a great 4.75% AER (variable) interest rate for the first 12 months, including a 1.14% AER (variable) bonus, with any interest payments free from tax. If you're buying your first home, you can access any money in your Lifetime ISA once it has been open for at least 12 months. Accessing your savings for other reasons before the age of 60 could incur a 25 per cent penalty, so take a moment to make sure you won't have to. But if you do decide to opt for one, opening a Plum Lifetime ISA couldn't be easier. Simply head to the app and answer a few quick questions (including one checking that you're aged between 18 and 39). Note that you may not be a good fit for LISA. With the exception of eligible withdrawals, a 25% withdrawal fee applies and by this you could receive a lower return than what you initially paid for. LISA rules may change. Tax treatment is subject to your personal situation. And now protect the rest UK taxpayers can save a total of £20,000 in ISAs every year, so if you've used up £4,000 on a Lifetime ISA, you'll still have £16,000 of your allowance left. Cash ISAs let you set aside this money without paying tax on your interest. The personal allowance is £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for those on the higher 40 per cent rate, so if you're acing the savings game, you might already be liable. A major bonus of the Plum Cash ISA is its competitive rate of up to 4.95% AER (variable), which includes a bonus rate of 1.66% AER (variable) for the first 12 months. The interest rate for ISA transfers is 3.29 per cent AER (variable). You can open a Cash ISA with Plum without paying a subscription fee. And you can withdraw in one business day, with no additional charges. Nice! Plum Cash ISAs offer a competitive rate of up to 4.95% AER (variable) Support on your home-buying journey Let's be honest: technology is never going to be a silver bullet that makes it easier to save towards a home. But by combining automatic saving with competitive rates on ISA products, apps like Plum could help a priced-out generation finally make their first step on the housing ladder. So go on - see what you could achieve when you start small... Try Plum TODAY by downloading it for free from App Store or Google Play. Plum is the trading name of Plum Fintech Limited and Saveable Limited. Plum Fintech Limited is registered and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 836158). Saveable Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 739214)
