Is Microsoft Academic gone?

Yes, Microsoft Academic (MA) and its underlying Microsoft Academic Graph (MAG) database were officially shut down by Microsoft at the end of 2021, transitioning the service to community-driven alternatives like OpenAlex and The Lens, which now host much of the data, leaving a significant gap for researchers relying on the free, comprehensive metadata.

Is Microsoft Academic still available?

On May 4, 2021, Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Academic website and APIs would be retired on December 31, 2021. Thanks to the open data license, the Microsoft Academic dataset was merged into OpenAlex. However, the underlying software was proprietary and had to be rewritten.

What replaced Microsoft Virtual Academy?

Microsoft Learn Replaces Microsoft Virtual Academy

Like MVA, Microsoft Learn offers both courses and Certificates of Completion for courses taken.

Is Microsoft Publisher being discontinued?

Microsoft Publisher is being discontinued and will reach its end-of-life (EOL) in October 2026, meaning it will no longer be included in Microsoft 365 or receive support, though perpetual license holders can still use it without updates. Microsoft is phasing it out to focus on tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Designer, which now cover many of Publisher's features for creating templates, cards, and labels. Users should convert their .pub files to PDF or other formats before the October 2026 deadline. 

Is Microsoft Project getting discontinued?

Yes, Microsoft Project Online (the cloud service) is going away, retiring on September 30, 2026, with new sales ending in October 2025, but the core Microsoft Project desktop app (Professional/Premium) and Project Server (Subscription Edition) are not being discontinued, though Microsoft is pushing users towards modern solutions like Microsoft Planner (Premium) and Dynamics 365 Project Operations for integrated work management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. 

Microsoft Academic - Darrin's story

What if I invested $10,000 in Microsoft 10 years ago?

Investing $10,000 in Microsoft stock about 10 years ago (e.g., early 2016) would have grown significantly, potentially reaching well over $90,000 to $100,000+ by late 2025/early 2026 due to substantial stock appreciation and dividend reinvestment, yielding an annual return of nearly 27% compared to the S&P 500's ~13% over that decade. For instance, an investment around early 2016 would've seen its value jump from roughly $10k to nearly $100k, partly from price gains and partly from dividends, making it an excellent, high-growth investment. 

Is Microsoft ending support in 2026?

Microsoft is ending support for several key products in 2026, most notably Office 2021, SQL Server 2016, Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 (final ESU year), and the Microsoft Store installation type for Microsoft 365 Apps, with deadlines mostly around October 13, 2026, creating security risks and necessitating upgrades to newer, cloud-focused versions like Microsoft 365 for continued updates and protection.
 

Can I still use Publisher after October 2025?

Yes, you can still use Microsoft Publisher after October 2025, but its official support ends in October 2026, after which it will be removed from Microsoft 365, and you won't be able to open or edit existing .pub files unless you have a perpetual license (like Publisher 2021) and convert files to formats like PDF or Word before that date to maintain accessibility. 

What if I invested $1000 in Microsoft 20 years ago?

Investing $1,000 in Microsoft stock 20 years ago would have yielded substantial returns, with estimates placing the current value anywhere from around $17,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on whether dividends were reinvested and the exact date of purchase, reflecting Microsoft's significant growth driven by cloud services like Azure and Office 365 under CEO Satya Nadella, far surpassing the S&P 500's performance over the same period. 

What is replacing MS Publisher?

Microsoft Publisher is being phased out in October 2026, with no single direct replacement, but popular alternatives include user-friendly web tools like Canva, professional DTP software like Adobe InDesign and Affinity Publisher, open-source options like Scribus and LibreOffice Draw, and Microsoft's own tools like Microsoft Designer, Word, and PowerPoint for simpler tasks, with users often migrating based on budget and complexity needs. 

Is Microsoft Academy free?

Take advantage of free Virtual Training Days from Microsoft Learn, where participants of any skill level can grow their technical skills.

What is the hardest Microsoft certification?

The hardest Microsoft certification is often considered the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, as it requires deep knowledge of Azure infrastructure, networking, security, and enterprise-level solution design.

What is the new Microsoft program called?

It was Office, then Office 365, then Microsoft 365 Apps, and now apparently it's Microsoft 365 Copilot. Everyone I work with just calls it "Word", "Excel", and "Outlook" though.

Which is the No. 1 app for study?

There isn't one single "Study Number One" app, but popular top-rated study apps include Quizlet (flashcards), Notion/Evernote (all-in-one organization/notes), Forest/Pomodoro Apps (focus timers), Khan Academy/Brilliant (subject mastery), and specialized tools like Anki (spaced repetition) or Gauth (AI tutor), all helping students organize, learn, and stay focused through features like flashcards, notes, timers, and interactive lessons. 

Is it worth learning MS Access in 2025?

A big Yes! MS Access has been the go-to solution for specific needs within companies, often serving as a customized tool in specialized departments. Many businesses have built their entire client databases or CRM solutions on this platform, making any discontinuation a significant challenge.

What is replacing Microsoft Word?

Top Microsoft Word alternatives include Google Docs for cloud collaboration, LibreOffice Writer and Apache OpenOffice Writer for free, robust desktop software, and WPS Office Writer for high compatibility and a familiar interface, with other options like Zoho Writer for automation and Apple Pages for Mac users, catering to different needs like online access, offline power, or specific platforms.
 

What if I invested $10,000 in Apple in 1990?

Investing $10,000 in Apple (AAPL) stock in 1990 would have yielded an astronomical return, making you a multimillionaire many times over by today, with calculations suggesting it would be worth tens of millions of dollars (or potentially over $100 million with dividends reinvested) due to incredible growth, stock splits, and the success of products like the iPhone, though exact figures vary slightly based on calculation dates and dividend reinvestment, Yahoo Finance. 

How to turn $1000 into $10000 in a month?

Turning $1,000 into $10,000 in one month requires extremely high-risk strategies like aggressive day trading (stocks, crypto, forex), high-leverage options, or launching an online business (e-commerce, freelancing, digital products) with rapid scaling, but these methods carry huge risks of losing the initial capital; safer, longer-term approaches involve starting a service business, affiliate marketing, real estate crowdfunding, or selling items, which are more likely to build wealth over months or years, not weeks. 

How much will it cost to use Windows 10 after 2025?

After October 2025, using Windows 10 will cost you for security updates through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, with consumer costs starting around $30 for the first year, while businesses pay about $61 per device for Year 1, with prices doubling annually, though individuals can also get it free by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or syncing settings.
 

Is Windows 11 really any better than Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 11 is generally considered better than Windows 10 due to its modern interface, enhanced security features (like TPM 2.0, Pluton), improved multitasking tools (Snap Layouts), and advanced gaming features (DirectStorage), with Microsoft recommending the upgrade as Windows 10 support ends in late 2025. While performance differences can vary by hardware, Windows 11 offers a more efficient, secure, and AI-integrated experience with features like Copilot, making it the recommended path forward for most users. 

What happens if you keep using Windows 10 after 2025?

While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, it will no longer receive regular security updates, making the device more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware. Windows 10 PCs may also experience slower performance and functionality across the device and applications.

What can I use instead of Publisher?

Publisher alternatives range from professional tools like Adobe InDesign and Affinity Publisher for advanced design, to user-friendly, web-based options like Canva and Microsoft Designer, with free choices including Scribus and LibreOffice Draw for basic needs. The best choice depends on your budget, design complexity, and preference for subscription versus one-time purchase, as Microsoft phases out Publisher in 2026. 

Will Windows 11 be discontinued?

No, Windows 11 is not going away; it's Microsoft's current, actively supported operating system, but specific older versions (like 23H2) reach their end-of-life (EoL) for updates periodically (e.g., Nov 2025 for 23H2), requiring users to update to newer Windows 11 builds (like 24H2) or enroll in paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) for continued security, with the whole OS likely supported well into the late 2020s or even 2030s.