AI chatbots like Microsoft Copilot offer valuable assistance when troubleshooting PC or Mac issues, but their success depends on clear, detailed user input. Users should be prepared for both accurate solutions and frustrating missteps, as chatbots may confidently suggest incorrect answers. ZDnet contributing writer Ed Bott shows how he used an interview-style of prompting for a collaborative troubleshooting process, providing updates throughout the conversation to improve outcomes.

An IT Pro survey shows Windows 11 to be unpopular with developers, who prefer macOS and Linux for coding due to better design, more powerful command-line tools and a more intuitive user interface. Some developers acknowledged improvements in Windows 11, particularly the Windows Subsystem for Linux, but, for the most part, developers say Windows 11 is cumbersome, inconsistent and heavily managed, which restricts their ability to install and run software.

Policy-based automation is becoming essential as IT environments grow more complex, offering operational consistency, governance and faster incident response. Unlike traditional automation, which focuses on task automation, policy-based automation automates decision-making based on predefined rules. Benefits include enhanced security, compliance and lower operational costs. However, challenges such as automation errors, policy sprawl, and skills gaps must be addressed.

Excel is a powerful tool for data collection, processing, and analysis, but its full potential is unlocked through the use of formulas and functions. This guide covers essential formulas such as basic mathematical operations, the IF function, SUMIF, COUNTIF, CONCAT and VLOOKUP. It also highlights the use of Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, to generate formulas, making data analysis more efficient.

IT teams are adopting AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to reduce repetitive tasks, but Heimdal's "State of AI Risk Management in 2026" report finds that only 40% of teams feel their security is ready for AI-related risks. Teams are particularly concerned about data leakage and unauthorized AI use, as demonstrated by the Salesloft Drift breach last year.

General Assembly CEO Daniele Grassi says companies often mistake access to AI training for actual skill development, leading to unchanged employee behavior. Grassi says effective AI training should be role-specific, practitioner-led and integrated into real workflows to foster human-centered skills such as critical thinking and ethical decision-making.

Meta, Microsoft and Oracle are citing AI as the reason for significant job cuts, but Bernard Marr writes that the reality is more nuanced, as companies are reallocating resources from salaries to AI infrastructure and talent. This shift reflects a broader transformation in the workforce, with companies hiring aggressively in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing, while the tasks associated with various jobs evolve.

Connection®, a leading IT solutions provider, set out to address skills gaps, accelerate onboarding and improve retention across its Technology Integration and Distribution Center. The company partnered with CompTIA to implement a scalable, role-based training and certification program that standardized workforce development and aligned talent more closely with operational demands. The result: reduced time-to-productivity, improved employee retention and a more reliable talent pipeline.

Looking to make an impact with your expertise? The CompTIA Network of Experts is a global community of technology leaders shaping the future of the IT workforce. Members collaborate to share insights, influence industry direction and support the next generation of tech talent--at a time when skilled professionals are in high demand. The network is an impactful platform to influence industry direction and advance critical conversations on skills and innovation.