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Weve been talking a lot lately about the perks and perils of Microsoft Office, especially the program you begrudgingly used to write your college papers: Word. In what appears to be an unrelated move, Apple just made a whole host of productivity apps free. Get excited for Pages! (Borat voice: Not!)

But seriously, this is not bad news. Apples word processor (Pages), spreadsheet program (Numbers), and presentation software (Keynote) are all free to download for both macOS and iOS. GarageBand and iMovie are also free, if youre feeling creative. Many of these apps were free when they launched, and then Apple decided to charge people to use them. Now, theyre free again. Life comes at you fast.

Dont go starting a new word processing-based business quite yet, though. Apples productivity apps are not exactly awesome. While Keynote earned praise early on for being a slight improvement over Microsoft PowerPoint, Pages and Number seem like good ol college tries at replacements for MS Word and Excelattempts that fall well short of coaxing Microsoft loyalists over to the Apple family. Meanwhile, GarageBand and iMovie are perfectly acceptable alternatives to applications like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro. However, theyre far from replacements if youre looking to do serious audio production or video editing.

But hey, who can argue with free software? Google Docs has done a great job of winning over users who want to do some basic Office-type stuff without asking them to pay for it. The open-source LibreOffice suite also does a better job at serving as a Microsoft Office replacement without forcing people to pay money for the software. We also know that not everybody gets to pick and choose which productivity apps they use at work, since many companies offer MS Office and only MS Office. So you might be stuck with that.

If youre not stuck, try Apples newly free again software. You might hate it, but its hard to hate something thats free.

[MacRumors]

Senior editor at Gizmodo.

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Apple's Microsoft Office Killer Is Free Again (If You Dare) - Gizmodo - Gizmodo

Interested users must register and be eligible to become a part of the Baselight Learning Programme to obtain a licence

Filmlight will release a free version of their Baselight grading software, called Baselight Student.

Baselight Student, available only on Mac OSX is a fully functional version of the Baselight software with GPU rendering that runs on any supported Mac platform. This includes support for an optional control surface, like FilmLights Slate panel, and even SDI monitoring.

The Student application is restricted to render out only h.264 movies or JPEG images. With no watermarking, this will allow the software to create academic-year projects within the limitation of the delivery formats. The software will retain conform capability, colour space handling, format editing and the ability to render both image sequences and movie files.

While the new application is free, interested parties must register and be eligible to become a part of the Baselight Learning Programme to obtain a licence.FilmLight will initially talk to participants to assess individual needs and then provide them with a free licence for the appropriate length of time, along with practice material they can use for practice. FilmLight will also develop regular video tutorials and live best-practice webinars for members of the Baselight Learning Programme.

Weve had growing requests from freelance colourists and creative artists for this product, explained FilmLight founder and CEO, Steve Chapman. But we dont just want to hand out a free piece of software and walk away. We want to work with training institutions and the creatives to make sure that they have the right resources and support to achieve their goals.

Weve reached pretty far with our team of in-house trainers but it just isnt physically possible for everyone to access face-to-face training with FilmLight product specialists, said Chapman. With the growing popularity of the BLG metadata workflow, and the forthcoming release 5.0 across our product line, this grading software provides a unique opportunity for everyone to get a handle on Baselights advanced colour tools as used by top-notch artists everywhere.

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Free version of Baselight grading software announced - TV Tech Global

Unless youre attached to a corporate network with a well-managed Update Server, Win10 will give you all of Microsofts patches, according to Microsofts schedule. You can usually keep the reboot limited to a time when you arent working, but the patches come whether you want em or not. Worse, if you uninstall a patch, every time you reboot or log on again, the same patch comes barreling at your machine. Its like Sisyphus 10.0.

As long as Microsofts patches, thats great. But the minute theres a problema faulty driver, a cumulative update that refuses to install, a conflict between the patch and one of your programsforced updating can cause mayhem.

Fortunately, Microsoft has a program that allows you to block and hide specific updates. Wushowhide, known by its cryptic Knowledge Base number KB 307930, scans to see which updates are pending and lets you hide individual updates.

To use it, head over to KB 307930, then download and stick wushowhide.diagcab on your machine. Next, follow these steps precisely:

1. Run wushowhide.diacab.

2. This parts important: Click the link marked Advanced. Uncheck the box marked "Apply repairs automatically." Click Next.

3. Wushowhide will run for a long time. When it comes back up for air, click the link to Hide Updates. You see a list like the one in the screenshot.

4. Check the update(s) you want to avoid, click Next, then Next again. The chosen patch(es) wont be installed, until you go back and uncheck it.

Depending on your version of Win10, you may have options to slow down updates. No matter what Win10 says, this tool will block an update dead in its tracksbut watch out. If Microsoft releases a new version of a patch, itll switch off the hidden checkmark, so you have to go back and hide it again.

Read the rest here:
Top 30 free apps for Windows 10 - InfoWorld

The tax filing deadline is April 18 -- three days after the customary deadline and two days after Easter Sunday.(Photo: Susan Tompor)

Maybe you're waking up Sunday morning and enjoying some eggs or even munching on a chocolate bunny ear. Now we ask: Did you file your income taxes yet?

It's April 16 a day after the traditional April 15 tax filing deadline. But this year, tax filers have until Tuesday April 18 to submit that return.The IRS has a long-windedexplanation for why the deadline is extended, but if you like to drag your feet, you likely don't care.

The official reason: The April 15 deadline fell on Saturday, which would normally give taxpayers until Monday. However, Emancipation Day, a Washington, D.C., holiday, is observed on Monday. So the tax deadline moves to Tuesday. Taxpayers requesting an automatic extension of time to file viaForm 4868 there are no extensions of time to pay will have until Monday, Oct. 16, to file.

Roughly 30% of tax filers werestill no-shows when it comes to filing federal returns this year through early April. The latest data indicatedthat the Internal Revenue Service received 103.6 million tax returns from individuals, as of April 7. More than 153 million returns are expected to be filed this year.

So far, the IRS has received 3.6% fewer returns than last year for the same time frame.

Don't panic! A step-by-step guide to everything you need to know as Tax Day approaches

But Luis D. Garcia,an IRS spokesperson in Detroit, noted that it's important to keep in mind that last year's numbers technically included four additional processing days earlier in the season.The filing season officially began on Jan. 23 this year, compared with Jan. 19 last year.

The average refund issued so far this year: $2,851 up 1.9% from the same time a year ago. About 73% of tax filers received a refund last year.

If you waited this long to file your 2016 tax return, it's doubtful that you're expecting a mega-refund. But if you're just procrastinating, any size refund might offer motivation to knock off that 1040 and be done with it. And if you've got to pay, well, you've got to pay.

Here are a few more last-minute tax do's and don'ts to get through the next few days:

It's simple advice. But errors can cause you to miss an important tax break. Checking the right box if you or your spouse were born before Jan. 2, 1952, matters because you can be entitled to a higher standard deduction if you and/or your spouse are65 and older.Another additional standard deduction is available forthose who are blindat any age. (Line 39a on the federal 1040.)

Be careful and don't type in the wrong Social Security numbers. Triple check your bank account information if you want a direct deposit for a refund to correctly show up in your account and not someone else's.

The bad news is that many free offers involving tax preparation softwarehave ended. Andindustry experts note that some prices are higher now for online tax preparation services maybe by as much as 25% or 30% higher compared to earlier this year. It's called "surge pricing." So,if you wait until the last minute, you often do pay a higher price for online tax preparation services.

If you have a simple return, though, many free offers remain. H&R Block has a free online software program atwww.hrblock.comnow that can be used only by new filers or those with very simple returns. You'll need to pay for online tax services if you're a homeowner and taking deductions. If you're an investor or self-employed, the price goes up even higher for online tax services.

Taxpayers with simple tax returns a 1040A or 1040EZ can also prepare and file their federal tax return at no cost atwww.turbotax.com.

Some good news: Credit Karma which is popular with Millennials introduced a zero-cost tax prep program this year that applies to any income level, even if you itemize. Seewww.creditkarma.com/tax.You do have to sign up for free to be a Credit Karma member first.

Bethy Hardeman, chief consumer advocate for Credit Karma, said tax filers are given the option of agreeing toshare their tax filing data with Credit Karma or not. The tax data is not sold or shared with third parties.

Credit Karma offers many free services, such as free credit scores. But it gets paid by financial service companies to recommend credit cards, auto loansand other financial products to customers. By having income data, Credit Karma can better tailor offerings to consumers.

For tax filers, the free online tax preparation services could save filers $70 to $100 compared with some other online services. Credit Karma offers both free online filing for state and federal returns. But the system doesn't offer the ability to file returns for more than one state right now. So if you need to file in two states for 2016, you could still do the federal return for free at Credit Karma but use another service for state returns.

Remember, IRSFree Fileis available for anyone who earned $64,000 or less last year. Free File involves services from 12 leadingtax software companies.Filers can use the tax software to prepare and e-file their tax return at no cost. See http://www.irs.gov.

There's a weird last-minute twist involving a phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate taxpayer and urges a tax professional to change where the refund will be directly deposited. Maybe instead of depositing the money into a checking account, the tax filer suddenly wants the cash on a prepaid debit card.

Roughly one-third of tax filers had not filed a return through April 7, based on IRS data.(Photo: Susan Tompor)

Big Flashing Red Flags should go off there. Prepaid debit cards including iTunes cards are a tool of choice for scammers who can use the cards to get cashand avoid getting caught.

The IRSis warning tax preparers to take time to phone taxpayers who supposedly send such emails. More than 85% of tax refunds are issued these days via direct deposit.

The con artists who pretend to be from the IRS are increasingly targeting individuals who speak limited English. The scammer tries to rip off the consumer by speaking in the victim's native language.The calls includethreatsthat if you don't pay up soon, you could be deported, arrested by the police or see your driver's license revoked.

The public needs to know that regardless of the language being used, the IRS will never threaten them," said Garcia at the IRS office in Detroit.

MORE TOMPOR:

Tompor: Student loan defaults may get pricier

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The fraudsters tell potential victims that they owe the IRS money and must pay it promptly through a prepaiddebit card, gift card or wire transfer. Part of the scamincludes "urgent" callback requests left on answering machines.

Con artists sound convincing by rattling off IRS identification numbers. They may even havethe victims real name, address and other personal information.

But here's the deal. It's possible to hang up and check if you really do owe the IRS money from earlier tax years. Now, taxpayers can check atwww.irs.gov/balancedue.

If the account balance says zero, that means nothing is due.

Beginning in 2017 and going forward, taxpayers using a tax filing software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity.

Do-It-Yourself tax filers often must sign and validate e-filed tax returns by entering the prior-year amount.Generally, tax software automatically enters the information for returning customers. If you are using a software product for the first time, you may have to enter the information yourself.

Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns atValidating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return. See http://www.irs.gov.

Contact Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com or 313-222-8876. Follow Susan on Twitter @Tompor.

If you search the IRS website for tax forms, you'll get over 900 results. Here are the ones you need to know. Walbert Castillo, Ramon Padilla, Karl Gelles, USA TODAY

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With tax deadline approaching, the number one question to consider: Should you hire a tax professional or use tax software? We explain. USA TODAY

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Let's face it, taxes arent fun. Angeli Kakade (@angelikakade) has the story. Buzz60

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While your kids may give you gray hair, raise your blood pressure and often cost a fortune, take a deep breath. Even the most devilish kids still look adorable in footie pajamas and at tax time, they actually can save you money. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook

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Follow 20-somethings file their taxes using online tools, even just a smartphone, to take the sting out of one of the worst tasks of 'adulting' -- taxes. Jennifer Jolly for USA TODAY

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The IRS says the money belongs to an estimated 1 million taxpayers who didn't file 2013 returns. USA TODAY NETWORK

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It's tax season, and that means we all are gathering receipts, counting deductions and doing all we can to get that tax bill down. And we've talked before about the weird, out-there deductions that surprise most folks, but there are tons of less unusual deductions that taxpayers often forget to include. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook

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California, Oregon, Minnesota, Iowa, New Jersey, Vermont, District of Columbia, New York, Hawaii and Wisconsin are the top 10 states with the highest tax rates. Newslook

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Keep track of your Roth IRA contributions, said Ed Slott, founder of Ed Slott & Company. And remember there is no age limit to add to your account, but there is an income limit. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook

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By contributing to your traditional 401(K) plan, you can save on taxes today and invest in your retirement at the same time. Wochit

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Receiving a large refund means you've overpaid relative to the total tax obligation that you will tote up at tax time. Getting a small tax return means you're doing the right thing. Time

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So Uncle Sam has given you something back. Our experts suggest you try to make that money grow, by investing it, rather than just putting it in savings. Simply Money for The Enquirer

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Where do you find last-minute free tax software? - USA TODAY

Painting software has come a long way in recent years, and there are now superb programs available completely free that offer a realistic simulation of watercolors, oils, pastels, charcoal, and more. These programs work well with a mouse, but are even better with a stylus or touchscreen for direct control over your virtual brushes and pens.

Some of the latest painting software also lets you work in three dimensions, creating your own models and then applying your own textures and paint effects. You can combine these with 2D sketched elements to create scenes, and even print them in 3D.

Here, weve picked out the very best drawing software for Windows. Some of these tools are designed for serious illustrators, while others are better for keeping children occupied without the mess of real painting. Theres something for everyone the only limits are your imagination and skill.

Top-quality free painting software that gives all artists equal access to the best tools

Krita is professional-quality painting software created by a team of artists with the noble aim of putting top-notch creative tools within reach of everyone.

You can use Krita for any kind of drawing and illustration, but it's particularly great for comics and manga. There are panel templates, halftone filters, and perspective tools in addition to the usual brushes, fills and pens. Each brush is totally customizable, and you can save your bespoke brushes to use again later.

Right-clicking anywhere on the canvas in Krita will bring up a selection wheel that lets you pick a new tool and select a colour in seconds a system that's much easier than trawling through menus and settings

Krita was created by artists for artists, and it shows in the dozens of thoughtful little touches that make it easier to create great paintings. There are handy drawing aids for creating straight lines, vanishing points and smooth shapes. You also get layers, masks, various transform tools, HDR support, and advanced selection functions.

Krita is an incredibly powerful painting program, and it's yours to download and use completely free.

Download here: Krita

A realistic simulation of traditional artistic media, with a huge selection of brushes and tools

Artweaver Free enables you to create beautifully realistic digital paintings by taking your input from your mouse, from a stylus, or if you have a touchscreen PC from whatever you feel like tapping the screen with and applying ultra-realistic brush effects.

In addition to familiar brushes such as conte brushes, calligraphy pens and airbrushes you also get a huge range of patterns and pens, enabling you to produce very complex images with the minimum of effort. Its layer-based too, so you can build up your masterpiece in layers without losing the ability to change anything.

Artweaver Free designed for artists of all ages, but weve found it particularly useful for children. Kids love experimenting with all the different brushes, and we love not having to clean up any mess afterwards.

Download here: Artweaver Free

Make three-dimensional models with this kid-friendly free painting software included in the latest Windows 10 update

Paint 3D comes as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, and is great fun even if you have no artistic talent to speak of.

Like the classic version of Paint (which still exists, and can be found using Windows 10s search bar), Paint 3D offers a small selection of drawing tools for doodling on a flat canvas. However, the real fun happens when you click the 3D Objects button. Here you can pick a model to import (current choices include people and animals), or better yet, draw your own shape and then inflate it to turn it into a three-dimensional model that can be rotated and viewed from different angles.

You can choose a finish for your shape (options include matte, gloss, dull metal, and polished metal), paint its surface, and apply lighting effects. Theres no way to control the thickness of the 3D effect, so your object will always resemble something created with Puff Paints, but its great fun for kids of all ages.

Multiple models can be positioned at different depths and combined to create a scene, and you can even bring doodles into the real world if you have access to a 3D printer.

Get the Windows 10 Creator's Update, including Paint 3D

Another child-friendly app from Microsoft, with realistic brush strokes and a fun interface

Fresh Paint is another art app from Microsoft this time designed to replicate the feeling of putting brush or pen to paper.

The interface really goes to town with skeumorphism, with a plastic palette of colours that splatter when you dip your virtual brush, showing which shade youre currently using and making a pleasing splat. You can wash the bristles in a cup of water before picking a different color, or use one immediately after another to blend them together on the brush.

Fresh Paint can simulate watercolors, gouache, and all kinds of other material. As the name implies, you can interact with your work as though its not yet dry, smearing it and mixing colors together on the canvas. Experienced artists will be able to achieve great results with tools that behave like their real-life counterparts, while kids and novices will make an equally realistic mess.

Download here: Microsoft Fresh Paint

Open source software for hobbyist artists with the time and patience to master a new tool

MyPaint is the brainchild of artist Martin Renold, who was frustrated by the limitations of his Wacom tablets proprietary software and decided to take matters into his own hands. Today, the open source software is an accomplished tool for artists.

Its background as a Linux app means MyPaint works a little differently to most Windows apps, and itll take a little while to master its interface, but its well worth the effort if youre a hobbyist illustrator and Kritas focus on comics means it doesnt quite fit your needs.

MyPaint works best when used with a graphics tablet, but you can also use it with any other input device, or a touchscreen. Theres the usual selection of customizable brushes, plus support for layers, and a handy scratchpad for creating sketches. You can also download and install additional brush packages created by other users a perk of the source code being publicly available.

Download here: MyPaint

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The best free painting software 2017 - TechRadar