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Few names are as well-known, not just in the technology industry, as Microsoft. From its Windows operating systems to the feature-rich Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft has been a leader in personal and professional computing for decades.
Microsoft’s products, especially its flagship Windows operating system (OS), continue to evolve to keep up with the changing technology environment.
How many people use Microsoft?
Microsoft’s influence is far-reaching. Over 1 billion people worldwide use Microsoft Office or related products. Although Microsoft has transitioned from Microsoft Office to subscription-based Microsoft 365, functional, cost-effective productivity software like Microsoft Office 2021 remains and continues to be offered with lifetime licenses through third-party vendors.
Software suites like Microsoft Office are hugely popular among businesses: recent estimates suggest that 54% of businesses use Excel, so if you’re in the professional world, there’s a good chance you’ve used it.
Perhaps the most striking measure of Microsoft’s influence is the popularity of its Windows operating system, which boasts a 72 percent market share.
The widespread adoption of Microsoft products is a testament to their versatility and reliability: countless people use Microsoft Office for personal projects, and many businesses have deployed the Windows operating system across their networks.
As such, Windows 11 Pro is likely to see a significant increase in popularity due to major improvements in cybersecurity, basic functionality, and overall productivity gains.
Windows 11 Pro Differences
Windows 11 Pro is the latest version of Microsoft’s core OS, released in 2021. Windows 11 Pro builds on the success of Windows 10 and introduces a range of new enhancements that improve security and productivity.
Cyber threats remain a concern for businesses and individuals, with 480,000 cyber attacks expected to occur in 2022 and 64% of businesses experiencing a web-based attack.
However, Windows 11 Pro is designed with an expanded suite of security tools, including BitLocker device encryption, biometric login support, smart app controls, improved antivirus defenses, and TPM 2.0.
While no cybersecurity software can guarantee 100% protection from cyberthreats, Windows 11 Pro is a great toolset, and it’s great for more than just security.
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant chatbot, image generator, and multi-functional tool integrated into Windows 11 Pro, 11 Home, and 10 Pro. Copilot helps you learn more about your computer, generate content, and use it within Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office apps like Word.
Copilot is accessible through a Windows 11 Pro taskbar icon, and every answer can be tailored to be more creative, more accurate, or a balance of both.
Functionally, it’s like ChatGPT that knows everything about your computer and helps you with tasks like troubleshooting and finding features without having to navigate – you don’t need to use a web browser to do that.
Is Windows 11 Pro worth it?
For users looking for a powerful, efficient operating system with expanded cybersecurity tools and AI integration, Windows 11 Pro is an attractive choice and a capable successor to the previous OS.
The streamlined interface is an improvement in terms of both aesthetics and ease of use, and security improvements come in line with the rise in cybercrime.
Base-price Windows 11 Pro might be a hard sell for those who already have Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro, but Financial Post readers can take advantage of a limited-time sale to get lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro for the discounted price of just $34.00.
what: Sale
when: May 23-31, 11:59pm PST
price: $34.00
Where to buy: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Prices are subject to change.
