National Taco Day 2021: Get free tacos at Taco Bell, Del Taco and more deals Monday - USA TODAY

Windows 11 download: How to skip the wait and get Microsoft's free update now - CNET

Windows 11 will be free to download for Windows 10 users. 

Microsoft

Windows 11 is on its way to your PC... eventually. Microsoft's new operating system will release on eligible devices starting Oct. 5 and the upgrade will be free if you're already a Windows 10 user. However, Microsoft is rolling out the update in phases, which means some users will have to wait months to get their hands on Windows 11 -- an August blog post from Microsoft said the company expects "all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022." 

If you're not in a rush, you can simply wait for the Windows 11 update to be pushed to your device. When the new OS is available to you, the upgrade process will feel similar to a normal Windows 10 update, as long as your device is compatible and meets the minimum requirements needed. (And even if it doesn't, Microsoft will offer a workaround, though it won't be supported by the company.)

Don't want to wait until next year? Members of the Windows Insider Program can download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build today and test out some of its new features, such as widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops and the new Microsoft Store. We'll tell you how below. Before your download, here's everything you need to know about Microsoft's new software.

First, to see if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, you can check in a few different ways. And if you buy a new PC between now and the general release, that computer will also be eligible for the free upgrade. 

If you haven't updated to Windows 10 yet, don't worry -- there's a trick for downloading Windows 10 free that still works. Now would be a good time to make the switch to prepare your machine for the Windows 11 upgrade. That trick will be the same one you use if you want to manually upgrade an older machine to Windows 11, though Microsoft doesn't encourage doing this as it may not be eligible for the same updates. 

Read more: Android apps coming to Windows 11: Everything we know right now

How to download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build

If you're a member of the Windows Insider Program (you can sign up now for free), you can download a preview build of Windows 11 now. However, it's important to note that beta versions, particularly early ones, tend to be buggy. You should never download a beta on your primary device, only on a tester device if you have one. For most people, it's best to wait for the general release starting in October. This first build also doesn't include every new feature that will eventually arrive with the general release. 

Still want to try it out? Here's how. 

Try out new features like widgets in the Windows 11 beta.

Microsoft

1. Make sure you're running a licensed version of Windows 10 on your device, and that you're an administrator on the device. Register to join the Windows Insider Program if you haven't already. Or sign into your Windows Insider account. Click Start flighting. 

2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. Click Get Started. 

3. Under Pick an account to get started, select + to connect the Microsoft account you registered with and continue.

4. Follow the instructions to choose the experience and channel you want to get Insider Preview builds through: the Dev channel (for developers), the beta channel (for early adopters) or the release preview channel (for those who want to get the latest version just before it's generally released). Note that this build is coming to the Dev channel.

5. Review the Privacy Statement and terms, and click confirm. Click Restart Now. 

6. After restarting, make sure your data settings are correct so you can download preview builds. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback, and make sure the Optional Diagnostic Data switch is flipped to On. 

7. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click the Check for updates button. You should see the latest Insider Preview build based on the settings you selected. 

From there, your device should update the same way it would with any other Windows update, and you'll be good to go. 

How to download Windows 11 once it's generally available

Here's how you'll download Windows 11.

Stephen Beacham/CNET

Once Windows 11 becomes available to all Windows users with compatible computers in October, you'll download it the same way you would with any new version of Windows. Most users will go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you'll see Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install. 

However, note that the Windows 11 rollout will be slow -- it could take months before it's available on your device. New PCs will get the upgrade first, and all compatible devices are expected to receive it by mid-2022, depending on device age and hardware. 

Windows 11 features a streamlined new design, with pastel colors, rounded corners, a new startup sound and overall a more Mac-like look. The Windows Start menu has moved from the bottom left of the screen to the middle, with app icons arranged in the center next to it. You'll find lots of new desktop tools, like widgets that can give you at-a-glance information, and easier virtual desktop creation. And Android apps will be integrated into Windows and installable from the Microsoft Store -- though that feature won't be available right away. (Check out all of the best Windows 11 features and how to use them.) 

Now playing: Watch this: Windows 11: Hands-on with an early build

3:55

The update marks the first major change to Microsoft's operating system since Windows 10 launched back in 2015. Rumors about a major Windows redesign have been circulating for the past year. At the Microsoft Build developers conference on May 25, CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft was planning "one of the most significant updates of Windows of the past decade," confirming that a major change was on the horizon for the 1.3 billion users of the OS in 2021. And in mid-June, Microsoft quietly announced that it would end support for Windows 10 in 2025 as leaked images of Windows 11 spread.

For more, check out everything we wanted to see in Windows 11 but didn't, and all of the big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. 

Now playing: Watch this: 7 ways to take screenshots in Windows 11

3:54

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Ford and GM working toward settlement over the term ‘Cruise’ for hands-free driving - The Verge

Ford and General Motors told a federal judge they’re planning to settle a trademark battle over the term “Cruise” to describe hands-free driving. Attorneys for the automakers said they’re working out the terms of the settlement and asked the court for a conditional dismissal. The two sides will report back within 60 days if they’re unable to come to an agreement.

Ford announced BlueCruise as the name for its hands-free driver assist feature in April. The legal skirmish began in July, when GM filed a trademark infringement lawsuit claiming that the name BlueCruise was too close to its autonomous vehicle subsidiary Cruise, as well as Super Cruise, the name of the hands-free driving tech GM introduced in 2017. GM said in its complaint that the two the companies had been involved in “protracted discussions” over the name but were unable to come to agreement. GM said it introduced Super Cruise in 2012, and its Cruise self-driving subsidiary has been in business since 2013.

In August, Ford filed a motion to have the suit dismissed, arguing that the term “cruise” had been been in “ubiquitous use” for 50 years as a term for driver-assist features, a term that consumers don’t associate with any one carmaker. A Ford spokesperson called GM’s trademark claims “meritless and frivolous,” adding that Ford had petitioned the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking to have GM’s trademarks of “Cruise” and “SuperCruise” rescinded.

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Biggest losers of Tom Brady's free agency: What if Chargers, 49ers, Bears had signed QB? - Sporting News

Not everyone can win the lottery.

Several teams were involved in the Tom Brady free agency sweepstakes in 2020, with the Buccaneers emerging victorious in their quest for "TB12's" services. Other teams weren't so lucky. 

The Chargers seem to have snagged a franchise passer in the draft, three of the other teams who angled for Brady selected potential passers of the future in the 2021 NFL Draft. So, it didn't exactly work out for those teams. Or not yet, at least.

Those other quarterbacks — Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones — likely won't sniff the success that Brady had in New England (and Tampa Bay), but in all likelihood no one will. Still, those teams are hoping their future passers can mitigate the blow of losing out on the GOAT.

MORE: Tom Brady's backup QBs, ranked

Chargers

If things hold the way they're going at the moment, the Chargers might have wound up in the best situation of any of the teams that worked out.

Justin Herbert was drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he went on to have a marvelous rookie season for the Chargers, even in a losing season that saw Anthony Lynn lose his job.

Herbert threw 31 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions for Los Angeles in 2020, with 31 Big-Time Throws (per PFF), a mark was good for 10th in the NFL. That ranked ahead of a few other franchise QBs: Kyler Murray (27), Lamar Jackson (24) and Kirk Cousins (24).

Simply put, Herbert looks like the goods — and he could stay that way for a long time, as long as he keeps up his ascent in the NFL.

MORE: NFL QBs who have beaten all 32 teams

49ers

The 49ers were the most intriguing team involved in the Brady sweepstakes, considering their employment of Jimmy Garoppolo. In 2017, Garoppolo was shipped to the West Coast from New England, supposedly to not to upset the apple cart with Tom Brady still going strong in New England.

The 49ers were reportedly a team who pulled out at the last second, opting to stick with "Jimmy GQ," further fueling speculation that Brady was pretty peeved that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch opted to stick with his former understudy.

Lynch and Shanahan, though, quickly realized within the next year that the team couldn't — and eventually wouldn't — move into the future with Garoppolo under center as a long-term answer: While a good quarterback, Garoppolo's injury history forced the Niners to navigate up the draft, eventually moving up to the No. 3 overall pick to select Trey Lance in 2021.

Garoppolo's era as San Fran starter is still going for the 2-1 49ers (for now), as Lance waits to take the reins at some point. Maybe the 49ers' realization that they needed an upgrade at QB came a year too late.

MORE: Revisiting the hit that launched Tom Brady's career

Patriots

Life after Brady is proving to be a bit more difficult than maybe Bill Belichick envisioned.

The Patriots gave Jarrett Stidham a long look in the 2020 offseason before eventually settling on a Cam Newton signing, who had a … unique year within the Pats offense. Newton's legs were on display, rushing for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns. Through the air, Newton had just eight touchdowns in 15 games. New England's offense wasn't exactly explosive or productive altogether.

A year of Newton and middling offensive success pushed the Patriots to draft Alabama's Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and also forced Belichick to open up the checkbook and make wholesale changes to the offense with signings of Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry and Nelson Agholor. Jones was named the starter for the 2021 season, and he's gone through middling results so far. He is a rookie, after all.

If Jones produces like he's expected — and if Belichick can develop a QB who isn't named Brady — then the Patriots could be in good shape as the Hoodie enters the twilight of his career. The results just haven't ben there yet.

Bears

In a colloquial word, "LOL."

According to sports analyst Dan Patrick, the Bears were one of the finalists for Brady, joining the Bucs and Chargers who may have been in it until the very end.

It's not necessarily fun to dunk on such a (once) proud and historic NFL franchise, but under the reign of Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace, the Bears seem to be stuck in a tree with no trampoline underneath, especially when it comes to the QB position.

While Chicago made the playoffs in 2020, the 2020 Bears' QB duo was the stuff of infamy: Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles split time as starters, and both performed OK at best. Suffice it to say, Brady would have been a clear upgrade over both guys, with the Matt Nagy offense sputtering to poor finishes in yards (26th) and points scored (22nd).

In 2021, the Bears moved on from Trubisky, and the powers that be in Chicago decided to trade a future first to move up in the 2021 NFL Draft to take Justin Fields. Fields' first taste of NFL action wasn't any great, going 6-20 passing for 68 yards, eating nine sacks in a game vs. the Browns.

The sky's the limit for Fields, though — it just likely won't happen under Nagy and Co. if things continue this way. 

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Saunders: Trevor Story, soon to be a free agent, is the ultimate teammate - The Denver Post

PHOENIX — You already know the basics.

As a Rockies rookie in 2016, shortstop Trevor Story became the only player in big-league history to hit six home runs in his team’s first four games.

He’s a two-time all-star and was a Silver Slugger winner in 2018 and ’19. In 2018, he became the first shortstop to hit at least 30 home runs and 40 doubles and steal 25 stolen bases in a season.

Friday night, in the Rockies’ wild, 9-7 win over the Diamondbacks, Story stole his 20th base of the season and the 100th of his career, becoming the seventh player to hit 150 home runs and steal 100 bases over his first six seasons. The others in the club: Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Darryl Strawberry, Andruw Jones, Ryan Braun and Mike Trout.

You also know that Story, who turns 29 next month, will soon become a free agent and Sunday’s game at Chase Field will almost certainly be his last as a member of the Rockies.

You also know that he’s well-liked and respected by his teammates. But you might not know just how much his teammates like and respect him.

“Trevor is a pro’s pro,” third baseman Ryan McMahon said. “He shows up every day and handles all of his work throughout the day in the most professional way. He’s been awesome to play with and he’s helped a lot of us get better. He’s my favorite teammate, to date, that I’ve played with.”

Nolan Arenado, who now has what Story wants — he’s playing for a Cardinals team headed to the playoffs for the third straight year — considers Story one of his best friends and cherishes their time together.

“Trevor is one of my favorite teammates of all time,” Arenado said. “The care, the work ethic, the intensity — he was somebody I fed off of. He showed up every day, same guy, ready to work.

“The shortstop is the captain of the infield and he controlled the infield so well.”

Arenado is happy in St. Louis, but he still misses his partner on the left side of the infield.

“I always knew when I showed up at spring training that Story would show up at the same time as me,” Arenado continued. “That was just the best feeling.”

And right fielder Charlie Blackmon, who at 35 is Colorado’s oldest position player, marvels at the teammate Story has been for the past six seasons.

“Along with his steady production, Trevor has become a rock in the clubhouse,” Blackmon said. “He’s helped everyone around him. I’ve enjoyed watching him work and continue to make adjustments.  It’s good for our young players to see. And reminds the older guys that there is no substitute for hard work and preparation.”

The coming free-agent market features an extraordinary class of shortstops, led by the Astros’ Carlos Correa, who’s just 27 and is considered the best of the bunch. The Mets’ Javier Báez, the Dodgers’ Corey Seager, the Blue Jays’ Marcus Semien and Story also will be competing for big-money contracts.

Front-office types will comb through every statistic and hours of videos. When it comes to Story, the media will write about his relatively tame 105 OPS+ this season and his Coors Field-vs.-road splits. And yes, there are questions about Story’s inconsistent throws from short to first base. But I’m told by those who know that his arm is 100% healthy.

I don’t know where Story will end up, though I’d make the Rangers and Yankees the early front-runners. But I do predict this: there are a lot more all-star seasons to come.

And I’m certain of this: Story is the kind of player you want in your clubhouse. His teammates told me so.

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Snoop Dogg to perform free Rutgers show to make up for virtual commencements - NJ.com

Rutgers University is paying $500,000 to land a Snoop Dogg concert on campus. And students whose commencement ceremonies were delayed because of COVID-19 will have first priority for the free tickets.

The music icon, who is also playing the next Super Bowl halftime show, will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at at SHI Stadium in Piscataway.

“It’s going to be a party to remember,” Snoop Dogg promised in a statement released by Rutgers, “and the energy is going to be off the hook.”

The concert is one of several events planned to honor the Rutgers Classes of 2020 and 2021, which both had commencement ceremonies delayed and altered because of COVID-19. The university pledged to make sure those graduates had a special celebration at a later date.

“We are excited to bring our newest alumni together in person to honor their accomplishments,” said Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway. “The Classes of 2020 and 2021 are a resilient group who have endured unexpected challenges with remarkable grace.”

The recent graduates can register for free tickets and bring one guest. Free tickets will also be available to current students but are not available for the general public.

Rutgers is using the money it would have spent on in-person commencement ceremonies over the past two springs to pay the $500,000 fee, the university said. Snoop Dogg is putting $65,000 from the fee toward covering the staging costs, according to the university.

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Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com.

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