Nerds News
Tech News That Affects Your Business
Hosted by Albert Steed of Advanced Computer Solutions
About the Show
Running a business is hard enough without having to keep up with every tech headline. Nerds News cuts through the noise and delivers the technology stories that actually matter to small business owners and their teams.
Each episode covers the latest in cybersecurity threats, Microsoft 365 updates, AI tools, compliance changes, and IT trends — all explained in plain language with a focus on what it means for businesses like yours.
Whether you’re a business owner, office manager, or IT decision-maker, Nerds News helps you stay informed so you can make confident technology decisions and keep your team productive.
Listen & Subscribe
What We Cover
Cybersecurity
Threats targeting small businesses and how to protect your team
Microsoft 365
Updates, changes, and tips for the tools your business runs on
AI & Automation
Practical AI tools and what they mean for your business operations
Compliance & Policy
Regulations and industry changes that affect how you do business
Need Help With Your Business Technology?
We help small businesses eliminate IT downtime so your team can focus on what they do best. Let’s talk about your technology needs.
Schedule a ConversationOr call us: 231-933-6333
Advanced Computer Solutions is a managed IT services provider in Traverse City, MI, helping small businesses stay secure, productive, and confident in their technology.
Episode Archive
Every episode of Nerds News, with show notes and the stories that mattered for small business that week. Browse the full archive in the Nerds News category.
FCC Bans Foreign Routers: What Your Business Network Needs to Know
The FCC added all foreign-made consumer routers to its Covered List. Here is what this means for your business network, plus open-source exploits, Windows 365 price cuts, and AI automation trends.
Microsoft Copilot Goes Behind a Paywall on April 15 — What Small Businesses Need to Know
If you’ve been using Microsoft Copilot inside Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, your access is about to change — and fast. Starting April 15, Microsoft is requiring a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription to keep using AI features in those apps. The deadline...
Copilot Paywall April 15 | Manufacturing Ransomware Surge | Privacy Law Alert
Microsoft ends free Copilot in Word, Excel & PowerPoint on April 15. Medusa ransomware encrypts in 24 hours. Manufacturing is now the #1 ransomware target (up 61%). 20 states have active data privacy laws with real fines.
Copilot’s New PM Agent, QuickBooks Sunset, FTC 2026 Plan & NIST AI Security
Microsoft adds a Project Manager agent to Copilot, QuickBooks Desktop is sunsetting, the FTC releases its 2026-2030 strategic plan, and NIST launches an AI agent security initiative.
Windows 11 Deprecates Cross-Signed Kernel Drivers in April: Old Hardware at Risk
This story is part of the Nerds News briefing for April 7, 2026. Watch the full episode on YouTube or read all six stories together in the main briefing. Cross-Signed Kernel Drivers Deprecated: Check Your Old Hardware This one is going to sneak up on a few businesses....
AI-Generated Phishing Attacks Now Targeting Small Business Employees
This story is part of the Nerds News briefing for April 7, 2026. Watch the full episode on YouTube or read all six stories together in the main briefing. AI-Generated Phishing Is Now Aimed Squarely at Small Businesses For years, the playbook for spotting a phishing...
Safe Links URL Protection Now Rolling Out to All Microsoft 365 Business Plans
This story is part of the Nerds News briefing for April 7, 2026. Watch the full episode on YouTube or read all six stories together in the main briefing. Safe Links URL Protection Lands in All M365 Business Plans You've probably seen Safe Links without realizing it —...
Windows 11 Secure Boot Certificate Expires June 26: Leave Your Computers On
This story is part of the Nerds News briefing for April 7, 2026. Watch the full episode on YouTube or read all six stories together in the main briefing. Windows 11 Secure Boot Certificate Expiring: The April Patch You Can't Skip This is one of those situations where...
Microsoft 365 Price Hike: How to Lock In Current Rates Before July 1
This story is part of the Nerds News briefing for April 7, 2026. Watch the full episode on YouTube or read all six stories together in the main briefing. Microsoft 365 Pricing: The 5–33% Hike Hitting July 1 Microsoft just confirmed another round of pricing changes —...
M365 Price Hike + Windows 11 Secure Boot Deadline: What Small Businesses Must Do Now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O7e8GNJpyo Microsoft just dropped a stack of changes that every small business owner needs to know about — and a few of them are going to land on your IT budget within the next 90 days. Here's the full breakdown from today's Nerds...
Microsoft 365 Licensing Changes April 2026: Free Features You Were Paying For
Starting April 1, 2026, Microsoft quietly rolled previously premium features into standard Microsoft 365 Enterprise licenses. If you've been paying extra for Places Explorer or Town Halls, you may have just gotten a price break without realizing it. Here's what...
Apple’s Free MDM Changes Everything | M365 Price Hikes | Cyber Insurance Crackdowns Hit SMBs
Apple just made device management free, Microsoft 365 prices are going up, cyber insurance companies are cracking down, and there are tax wins for tech-forward businesses.