You can now try the Microsoft Teams application for Linux

It was known for a few months and has just been fulfilled: Microsoft Teams for Linux is a fact. A relevant fact, moreover, because it is "the first Microsoft 365 application that reaches Linux desktops," reports the company.

Microsoft Teams for Linux arrives in technical preview mode, trimmed in terms of functions, but with the promise that "it will support all the basic functionalities of Teams" as its development progresses, for which Microsoft encourages interested users to They test the application and report the errors they find.

Microsoft Teams is, to put it in a nutshell, the Microsoft Slack: a communications service for workgroups that includes chat rooms, videoconferencing, real-time office collaboration, file sharing, integration with Microsoft 365 applications and third parties and many other productivity tools. And although Slack is the reference of the sector, Redmon's proposal is very strong in this area thanks to everything behind it. That is, thanks to Microsoft 365.

“Most of our clients have devices that run on a variety of different platforms, such as Windows 10, Linux and others. We are committed to supporting mixed environments in our productivity and cloud offerings, and with this announcement, we are pleased to extend the Teams experience to Linux users, ”says Microsoft in the presentation of Microsoft Teams for Linux (there you will see several GIF showing the application).

That this is "the first application of Microsoft 365 that reaches Linux desktops" has a trick, because Microsoft 365 is the reformulation of Office 365 as a product for companies. But Skype was already. And it is not a native application, although the latter is debatable. Like Skype or Visual Studio Code itself, it is an Electron application, which is ultimately the basis they use for the new cross-platform applications they are launching.

If you are interested in trying Microsoft Teams for Linux, you can download the installer for Deb and RPM distributions, only for 64-bit.

And if you're interested in knowing what else Microsoft has prepared for Linux, the next thing should be Microsoft Edge, although we'll have to wait until 2020 to see it.

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Five reasons to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and many others for not doing so

Windows 7 technical support will end in less than two months and Microsoft continues to recommend the migration of computers to Windows 10. There are good reasons to perform the update, but the large market share that Windows 7 still maintains shows that millions of users prefer to keep it . And there are also reasons for that. Or for the search for other alternatives beyond Windows.

Microsoft will end Windows 7 technical support on January 14, 2020. Basically, this means that the operating system will not receive new security updates. To avoid repeating another "Windows XP case" and the industry encounters tens of millions of vulnerable computers, Microsoft is recommending a massive migration, obviously, to another of its operating systems, Windows 10, whether updating or buying a new computer. .

There are good reasons to opt for any of the options and we will review them, remembering that there are two other alternatives, from moving to macOS by acquiring an Apple Mac (or curing a Hackintosh) to give Linux a chance through some of its distributions that offer great support for the main architectures using free or proprietary drivers and you should not have problems to support at least the primary hardware of a Windows 7 computer.

Windows 7 to Windows 10

Five reasons to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10

1- Security. It is the clearest point to advise the update. A Windows 7 computer without security updates from January will be potentially exposed to attacks taking advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities. In Windows there is malware to give and take since it is the most used and most exploited system and Windows 10, in addition to continuous security patches it has the latest protection technologies that Windows 7 does not have, such as user credentials in secure containers ; authentication systems such as Windows Hello and Passport or a security service in Windows that includes much more powerful Defender.

2- Support for new technologies and features. Since the launch of Windows 10 Microsoft abandoned Windows 7 to its fate. Many understand that for commercial and non-technical reasons, but it was their option and in the support section for new technologies and features Windows 10 wins by a win. The development of Windows 7 stopped years ago and any novelty if you work with Windows you can only find it in Windows 10. The examples are numerous, from the management of networks to touch screens or high definition and formats such as ultrawide; new drivers and drivers; Support for new processing platforms or future industry standards such as USB 4.0, DDR5, PCIe 5.0 or the same 5G.

3- Games and DirectX 12. Another example of the greater and better support of Windows 10 is here. Microsoft released for Windows 10 the new set of multimedia libraries, DirectX 12, dedicated to the development of video game programming. Although in recent months Microsoft has moved some component to Windows 7 (very limited), the set of APIs is still exclusive for Windows 10. Although there are other standardized specifications to create multimedia content such as OpenGL and its promising latest Vulkan version, the overwhelming domain Windows on PCs makes DirectX a reference for games on personal computers and for a PC gamer it is a clear reason that it only recommends updating to Windows 10.

4- Single system for multiple devices. Windows 10 is created on the basis of a multiplatform and multi-device concept, encompassing the development of desktop Windows, mobile devices, alternative architectures such as ARM and even the Xbox One dashboard. Although it has not been fully achieved by the problematic of the Modern UI interface and the need to maintain compatibility (the hybrid is more clear that it clarifies) and the mobile fiasco allows a similar and consistent user experience from any device that Windows 7 is unable to offer. The bet is a unique system and Continuum, a feature that allows an interface capable of adapting to any device or offering a high degree of synchronization, for example from Xbox games or from an Android smartphone increasingly integrated into Windows 10.

5- Hardware requirements. Windows 10 has its problem, but in hardware support and code optimization it should be noted that Microsoft has done a good job since its launch. From the first version, we already verified that it worked surprisingly fluid in old equipment thanks to quite contained hardware requirements. The situation has changed very little in the new versions and they are still similar to those established for Windows 8 and Windows 7 in order to facilitate migrations without having to change the equipment. Except for some specific incompatibility of some very old component, a Windows 7 computer will work well with Windows 10.

Windows 7 to Windows 10

Five reasons not to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10

1- If it works for what to change. Windows 7 is one of the best operating systems released by Microsoft. He arrived to overcome the disaster of Vista and he succeeded in a huge leap forward in usability, stability and performance. With the reinforcement of the Service Pack it has been maintained in an excellent way during the last decade. Despite the freeness of Windows 10 for more than a year and Microsoft's excessive insistence to convince the update staff, three out of ten personal computers still use it. And at this point it will not be easy to convince them otherwise despite the problem of running out of official technical support.

2- Desktop and family interface. Windows 7 is the latest Microsoft operating system that offers what a typical user expects from a desktop Windows. Windows 10 is something else. A hybrid with the Modern UI interface (disastrous in its beginnings) that despite the improvements in the following updates still dislikes as much as the simple, effective and tremendously familiar Windows 7, on the desktop, taskbar or start menu .

3- More privacy. Despite Microsoft's promises, the privacy of Windows 10 remains one of the most controversial issues in this operating system. Although transparency and control has been improved in the successive updates from an initial configuration in the simply terrifying launch that left the user "sold", accusations of breach of the privacy rules are still happening. You have to spend a lot of time to manage an aspect that in Windows 7 is solved as a base. And despite this, the level of telemetry is still huge and cannot be completely eliminated.

4- Less Bloatware. The amount of “junk” or unnecessary software preinstalled in Windows 10 is huge compared to that of Windows 7. To the usual applications and services of previous versions of Windows, Microsoft has added in its latest operating system a lot of Windows 10 applications (universal) for the Modern UI interface and a huge list of third parties (Candy Crush, Spotify, Trip Advisor, Bubble Witch 3 Saga, Amazon, Disney Magic Kingdoms, Netflix, Skype, Cooking Fever, Fitbit Coach ...) that have nothing to do with the system operational penalizing the user experience, performance, stability and even compromising security as in the case of Superfish. Windows 7 is much cleaner base.

5- Greater stability - old software support. Windows 7 offers very complete support to the Windows ecosystem and what it does not support is - mostly - by Microsoft's commercial strategy. Although Windows 10 runs old software in different ways, Windows 7 handles older software better. Also the system itself is maintained much more easily. Faced with the disaster of Windows 10 updates, Windows 7 only requires installing the Service Pack and applying the monthly security patches if applicable.

You have to comment. Did you migrate to Windows 10 or will you do it? Do you stay in Windows 7? For what reasons? Have you looked for alternatives outside of Windows?

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Apple's new applications will reach Windows

It was almost expected that after the abandonment of iTunes, the new applications with which Apple has replaced the old glory would end up appearing on Windows sooner rather than later, and although the news has not been officially confirmed, those who understand the world of The apple is taken for granted.

Namely, the arrival of macOS Catalina meant the farewell of iTunes, whose functionality was distributed in new independent applications such as Music, Podcasts and those aimed at its television service; however, Windows users were left without any news. But as they have discovered in MacRumors, the company is looking for developers specialized in multimedia applications for Windows, which translates into a very clear hint.

When the new Apple content applications will be available on Windows is another song, because if they have to start their development from scratch it will cost them.

They mention in MacRumors that "Windows 10 users currently need access to services such as Apple TV and Apple Music on the web, which is not ideal," but the truth is that while Apple Music does have a limited, accessible web interface, In the case of Apple TV, it is yet to be launched, at least as far as the video on demand service is concerned, which will undoubtedly be one of the company's most interested in promoting outside the walls.

In this regard there is a striking fact in the job offer that they have published, and it will be considered a “big plus” to have knowledge about UWP (Universal Windows Platform), the universal applications of Windows 10 that precisely in Windows 10 are not having much success, rather the opposite, but still have a gap to fill the most interesting in adjacent platforms such as Xbox One. Which would, of course, be the best possible move in order to open to a wider market.

Do not impede, seen as seen, another doubt arises when less curious: will they also extend Apple Arcade beyond their domains? And if they did, could they take it to Xbox One? This seems more complicated because the games in the catalog are developed by professors for iOS and macOS, but by power. Now, would an external gaming service on Xbox One be feasible? These are just caballas, it should be added.

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Windows 7 is leaving, but Linux is ready: what is the best alternative?

Windows 7

There are six months left for Windows 7 to run out of support and although, as with Windows XP, there will be many people who will continue to use it for an indefinite period, many others will be looking for alternatives. And yes, GNU / Linux is ready to replace it.

The sad reality, however, is that most of these people will end up updating Windows 10 sooner or later. It is the most logical path, mandatory in some cases, and the only one that many millions of users know or contemplate. But there are alternatives and there are also more and more people who take them into consideration.

Now, what is the best alternative available to make the leap? It would be great if everyone we recommended to do it at one, but it is not normal and the answer varies depending on who you ask. Fortunately, Ubuntu's fame as a gateway to this world remains and although it is not the perfect representative - perfection does not exist, they say - it fulfills its role with abundant dignity.

Of course, this Linux is about alternatives and, we must repeat, there are. In plural. Our colleagues from MC published a few months ago 7 Linux distributions alternative to Windows 7 and as the title says it all, it should only be added that the list fits what anyone who has heard Linux bells can expect: modern distributions with desktop experiences more or less similar, but recognizable.

Curling the curl, the closest thing to Windows is KDE Plasma, so Kubuntu would be the most accurate recommendation to give to those looking for the closest thing ... But whoever used Windows will have no problem adapting to Linux Mint with Cinnamon, Zorin OS or to Deepin. There are also distributions with simpler desktops that will not pose any challenge to the traditional Windows user, such as elementary OS or Ubuntu itself, which is not only the most recognized representative of Linux for PC, but its desktop is the standard in corporate Linux .

So what do we recommend? The closest, the simplest or the most used? Is anyone really used to using Windows and dealing with that control center of patatús going to be intimidated when opening the preferences of KDE Plasma? Is that someone going to suffer a decrease in functionality if you choose to install the flavor of Linux Mint? Is it going to be confused with the (easily modifiable) GNOME default user experience?

In the MuyLinux mailbox we usually receive messages asking what Linux distribution to install and almost always we solve them quickly: Linux Mint or some flavor of Ubuntu, if they specify the type of hardware. But the truth is that there are other interesting options that can replace Windows, also to the limit of what we consider GNU / Linux.

Without going any further, Chrome OS, whether on a Chromebook as such or in the form of CloudReady or others, is a Linux system with which many Windows users could work without major problems, given that Chrome is the most used browser and that the browser is the application that is most used on the PC, especially for those who use the PC for minor issues, let alone those who use Android with intensity and the Google cloud.

If you were looking for a specific and exclusive recommendation, I'm sorry, but you won't find it here. Neither in GNU / Linux, because as you enter this world you will get to know things that will get your attention. And is that GNU / Linux and free software in general, is about alternatives. The crucial thing, however, is whether the platform - however diverse - can replace Windows with solvency and the answer in many cases is yes.

Whoever thinks about making the leap to Linux on PC has to know:

• That hardware support is often very good and improves very quickly;
• That performance and stability are up to par and can improve what Windows offers;
• That it enjoys a large and powerful ecosystem of applications in which to find a feasible alternative to what it used in Windows, and even that it will be able to continue using the same in many cases;
• That he will be able to play many games with guarantees;
• And that almost any distribution you install is as or more secure than Windows, and much more respectful of your privacy.

With the exception of those with specific requirements, GNU / Linux is willing to present itself as a valid alternative to Windows and that is what matters. Recommend it without shame.

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Linux Mint vs Windows 10, what is faster in everyday office tasks?

While it is common to see performance comparisons between Linux and Windows based on meticulous technical tests, it is not so much done in the form of infographics, also based on such ordinary actions as starting the computer, applications, edit documents or graphics. This is what this Linux Mint vs Windows 10 brings.

This is an infographic that has gone viral in recent days, and through simple tests puts face to face Linux Mint 19.1 with Windows 10: which is faster in everyday office tasks in a modest machine? A small Australian company has illustrated its research in this regard.

"We work together in a small IT services team called DXM Tech Support, keeping networks, servers and workstations running for small businesses in Melbourne," they explain on their information page.

As far as the infographic is concerned, they talk about a "comparison of the daily tasks of small businesses between Linux Mint 19.1 Cinnamon and Windows 10 1903 on a HP 245 G6 laptop with dual boot". It does not stop being a mere curiosity, but there goes:

Linux Mint vs Windows 10

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How to activate the quick start in Windows 10

Each time they are the users who, instead of turning off their computers, prefer to leave them always on or use intermediate methods such as Hibernation to avoid having to close and lose many of the programs they have open. However, this can lead to a certain "abuse" for our equipment, even shortening the useful life of some of its components.

That is why we want to offer you this tutorial with which we will learn to activate the option of fast start for Windows 10, optimizing the time of start of our team.

First of all, we must warn you that if you have installed another operating system or some configuration for Dual Boot, we recommend you avoid activating this option and even deactivate it, since you might experience some problems in the boot.

How to activate the quick start in Windows 10

1. The quickest way to access the configuration of our battery will be by typing the word "energy" in the Windows search bar, and selecting "Edit Energy Plan" (or right click on the battery icon in the bar) of tools, and select "Energy Options").
2. Once the pop-up window is open, we will look for the option "Choose the behavior of the start / stop buttons", located in the left side panel.
3. In the event that our user does not have administrator's permissions, we must click on the highlighted phrase "Change the configuration currently not available" (where in some cases the system will ask us to confirm our username and password).
4. Once you have unlocked the options, you only have to check the box «Activate quick start», and save the changes before closing the window.

But what is this quick start really good for? 

Unlike other modes such as the suspension or hibernation of the computer, instead of saving the current state of the computer and open applications, this option will allow us to accelerate the fast start of the operating system when we turn on our computer from scratch (although it will not affect the speed of restart), thus being able to allow the computer a greater rest and increasing the useful life of some components such as the battery or RAM.

And is that when we turn off the computer with the quick start activated, instead of deleting all the information from the RAM, Windows keeps a small copy with part of the Kernel and the drivers on the hard drive. So, when we turn on the computer again, instead of loading the entire operating system from scratch, our PC will load from the hibernated system, and may take up to a tenth of the normal boot time.

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Zorin OS 15, Linux distribution is based on Ubuntu and integrated with Android ideal for Windows 10 and MacOS users

In a list of Linux distributions perfect for users with little experience in the free operating system par excellence could not miss Zorin OS. A different project, very careful and decided that advocates attracting an audience perhaps not too seduced by the usual proposals in the field GNU / Linux.

A distro known for offering personalization options that bring it closer to Windows 10 and macOS that now reaches one of its most outstanding evolutions: Zorin OS 15. A version based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS, the Linux kernel 4.18, an adaptation of the environment desktop GNOME 3.30 and, as one of the main novelties, Zorin Connect, a solution to integrate the system into Android using an application based on GSConnect and KDE Connect.

What's new in Zorin OS 15

"The creation of a Linux desktop operating system designed for everyone, not only for engineers and advanced users, has always been the mission of Zorin OS," they say when presenting their new version. And commitment, of course, they do not lack.

To conceive Zorin OS 15 its creators claim to have amplified the efforts of the decade of existence of the distribution taking them to the next level. They say that every detail of the user experience has been re-examined to be perfected in this new version. From the process of installing the applications to how it interacts with the devices that surround us, including how we work in this system.

The result of this process is, they say, "a desktop experience that combines the most powerful desktop technology with the easiest-to-use design."

Zorin OS 15 is fixed both in Windows 10 and in macOS in terms of its interface

Zorin OS 15 has a new desktop theme, clearer, simpler and brighter, which shows a reduction in the visual load of the interface so that the only thing that really stands out is the content that is displayed and not the controls or your container. Another focus of this new version has been the speed and say that thanks to optimizing performance at all levels of the system, after the introduction of the Linux kernel 4.18 and GNOME 3.30, it is much more fluid in both old and new computers.

Among other details, highlights the option of changing the interface to a dark mode at dusk, the desktop background also adaptable to the time of day, a reduction in brightness at night, the conception of the entity for use in touchscreen equipment , the redesign of applications or the do not disturb mode. And, of course, the application Zorin Appearance that in the Ultimate edition of Zorin OS, paid, allows with a few clicks to change the appearance of the interfaces to look like Windows 10 or macOS.

Zorin Connect is an Android application that narrows the relationship between mobile devices and computers with Zorin OS 15

Also highlights Zorin Connect, the integration with Android. Through this application, the relationship between the team with Zorin OS and our Android device is narrowed by synchronizing notifications, offering access to the photo gallery of the terminal, sharing files between devices or controlling the playback of multimedia content on the computer from the phone.

Zorin OS 15 can be found free of charge in the Core, Lite or Education versions. The superior version, the Ultimate, which includes certain applications, more than twenty games and some other benefits, costs $ 39.

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The armies of China and Russia did not trust Windows and prepare the replacement

The US trade policies with Donald Trump at the front do not cease to open conflicts where changes are propped up and, as it could not be otherwise, the consequences do not wait. The latter, although it has much more long-term strategy than determined retaliation, is the adverse movement for the interests of one of the most important US companies in the world by two of the most important armies in the world, the Russian and the Chinese.

It was revealed last week that in China, at least as far as its armed forces are concerned - the government is also moving in the same direction - Windows is numbered. The reason is no longer economic, but of confidence and technological independence and goes so far as not to consider anything that smells like Unix, Linux included. On the contrary, it is said that they are developing an operating system from scratch only for the Army.

It should be recalled that the same week the media leaped the concern of the Chinese authorities that, following the case of Huawei, the United States imposed some kind of blockage for the open source software that is generated on platforms such as GitHub, on which many depend. of business and public projects of virtually any organization across the globe. The summary was that China fears that Trump will take control of Open Source and although it seems an inconsistency, it is not so much a matter of preventing access to it, as of making it difficult: any developer working with GitHub or similar platforms operating in the United States - it is not even necessary that they be based in the country or that their servers be - it is subject to the laws and, as is being proven, to the arbitrariness of the Trump Administration.

On the other hand, distrust of Unix or, more specifically, Linux, is strange, according to the purpose of the Chinese Administration was to take it as an alternative, that its main supercomputers use Linux and, more importantly, that maintain a Linux fork with all the pressures you can imagine is more feasible for a powerhouse like the Asian giant to develop something from scratch. We will have to see what everything is.

Without leaving Asia in part, Russia is another power that does not trust the US computer solutions for its army and are already in the process of implementing an alternative, this one, based on Linux. This is Astra Linux, a distribution based on Debian in development since 2008 by a Russian company whose journey began focusing on the private sector, to later address public administrations. Astra Linux, which is already in the hands of the Russian armed forces, is the country's determined commitment to recover its technological independence.

Although the truth is that, just as in China, in Russia they have had time with the same ideas in mind. More than a decade ago, the intention is clear and in recent years it has gone further, with threats to ban Windows, reports with which endorse solutions such as Linux or RectOS and even SailfishOS in the mobile field. However, we speak of powers with gigantic structures in which each change is planned and implemented very slowly. What seems likely is that in a decade, Windows has ceased to be the system that supports public institutions in many places.

All in all, not only China and Russia are in what they are. also allies of the United States want more technological independence. The last one that has been known intentions has been South Korea, which will replace Windows with Linux to save costs and control the software used by its Government.

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Free alternatives to the missing Windows Movie Maker

After many years of reign as one of the best free video editors, Windows Movie Maker was discontinued by Microsoft. Not only that, but the Redmond company has avoided making references to a possible new version for Windows 10.

Windows Movie Maker may no longer be with us, but there are excellent alternatives available that are even more powerful, just as easy to use and completely free. We give you a few in this article.

Shotcut, one of the best alternatives

At first sight, Shotcut may not look very much like Windows Movie Maker, but if you click on the playlist and timeline buttons then your appearance is much more familiar.

To work with any file, simply open it to add it to your playlist. Then you can drag them to the timeline to group them, as you would do in Movie Maker. When you have it all, with the filter button you can add effects and transitions.

Regarding the latter, you can add as many effects as you want. Color filters like Movie Maker are also included here, as well as advanced options such as the possibility of working with chroma key to embed effects in green backgrounds. You can even insert watermarks in your videos.

Shotcut is a totally opensource tool, besides being completely free for all its features. If you miss Windows Movie Maker, Shotcut can be a good substitute.

Avidemux, totally multiplatform

Avidemux may be the right solution for you if you used Windows Movie Maker to make simple video montages. It does not have a very attractive interface, nor options to share on social networks, but if you explore its menus you will realize that it has many possibilities.

There are default profiles for different output devices, it also incorporates video and audio filters, transitions, subtitles and many fully customizable coding options. Now, everything that glitters and has some drawbacks is not gold.

The main one is that you can not combine videos of different heights or widths. This may not be very important if you are making a short film with footage recorded with the same camera, but it can be a problem if you have media that comes from different sources.

The only way to solve it is to resize each clip separately, export it and make a new project. It is not a serious problem, but it is cumbersome. Luckily the developers are aware and are trying to fix it for future updates. It is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Lightworks, free professional edition for personal use

Windows Movie Maker might be your first contact with the video editing, that you liked and that over time you would be small. Microsoft's is a simple and simple program, and if its simplicity is limiting then we recommend you try LightWorks.

This program is free for personal use, and the professional version (which has more options for exporting a video) is used in Hollywood film studios. Its interface is very different from that of other editors that we have seen and will see in this article.

This is mainly due to the fact that it uses floating windows and terminology from the days when the videotape was the only recording medium available. If you are very used to Windows Movie Maker, you may need to make use of the reference guide that the developers have created.

As a video editing program Lightworks is practically impeccable. Now, it means a huge step forward with respect to Windows Movie Maker.

VideoPad Video Editor, the most similar to Movie Maker

Of all the programs that we are quoting in this article it is possible that VideoPad Video Editor is the one that most resembles Windows Movie Maker. Having it working costs practically nothing: import your videos, audio files and images and drag them to the timeline to edit a video with them. That easy.

Now, this remarkable resemblance has its drawbacks. For example, some of the effects that it incorporates and its interface do not have an appearance very in line with the design lines of today. However, some functions such as stereoscopic 3D conversion or the possibility of sharing directly on social networks are more current.

And as an extra VideoPad Video Editor also allows you to export videos in 4K, a feature that for now can only be found in professional tools that are not made for all pockets. This program, by the way, is also free for personal and domestic use.

VSDC Free Video Editor, for lovers of experimentation

VSDC Free Video Editor does not look as much like Windows Movie Maker as our previous example, but if you do not mind trying something new it can be a great tool. It allows you to import everything you need to create your videos, as well as add annotations, cursors, notes, effects and lists.

This program has many features to experience, something that could overwhelm the user. However, it has assistants who will guide you through the more swampy terrain. These aids are always appreciated, especially if you do not have much experience with these tools.

It is important to point out that although it is free for personal use, it will not allow you to import your project if premium features such as hardware acceleration (activated by default) have been used to create it. Luckily, you can prevent this from being a problem by clicking on the Options menu and then on Acceleration Options. There, disable the option "Use hardware acceleration to encode video".

VSDC receives frequent updates with the arrival of new features, and is an excellent alternative to Windows Movie Maker if you do not mind getting creative and experimenting.

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