WinXP
Ransomware And Other Scary Monsters
The chances are good that you weren’t affected by the ransomware attack that began Friday and is still in progress around the world. In fact, it’s very likely that it’s not a threat to you, even if you click on its evil link. I’ll tell you some of the reasons for that. […] continued
Read moreGoogle Chrome Steps Up With Improved Battery Life, Material Design
As we move quickly into a post-Microsoft world, Google Chrome is the program where we spend most of our time on our computers. Last week Chrome was updated in a couple of small but significant ways, with a cleaner look based on Google’s “material design” aesthetic, speed improvements, and improved battery life and reduced power consumption, especially important on laptops. […] continued
Read moreThe Windows 10 Start Menu Is A Cluttered Mess
Windows 10 is being tested by millions of people as it enters its final development phase before being released later this summer. Its technical underpinnings are solid and mature. There are genuinely innovative new features. It will be given away for free to more than a billion people worldwide; more or less every computer in the world running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 […] continued
Read moreWindows XP Computers Must Be Taken Out Of Service Now
On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end support for Windows XP. If you haven’t taken all Windows XP computers out of service by April 2014, you and your business will be vulnerable to data theft, identity theft, PC vandalism, viruses, and malware.
“End of support” means Microsoft will not issue any more security updates for Windows XP or Office 2003. […] continued
Read moreRules For Computer Safety 2014
These are the rules for being safe using a Windows computer in 2014.
The bad guys are even scarier this year. You will get phony email messages that look perfect – nothing to give away that the messages don’t really come from your bank, the IRS, UPS, Microsoft, or, well, anyone. […] continued
Read moreDon’t Forget The End Is Near For Windows XP (And Maybe For Windows 7 Too)
Things change, whether you want them to or not.
END OF LIFE FOR WINDOWS XPOn April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end support for Windows XP. If you’re still running a Windows XP computer on April 8, assume that it will be owned by the bad guys before the end of April. […] continued
Read moreThe End Approaches For Windows XP
In exactly one year, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows XP. There will be no more security updates or patches. Microsoft will stop answering the phone. No more technical support bulletins will be published. Support will also end for Office 2003.
If you’re still using Windows XP in a year, you’ll be at far greater risk for security breaches, and you’ll be dealing with a steady stream of programs and devices that just don’t work. […] continued
Read moreRules For Computer Safety 2013
These are the rules for being safe using a Windows computer in 2013.
The bad guys are getting smarter and more devious – their spelling and grammar has improved and they have gotten better at creating messages that are indistinguishable from real messages from your bank, the IRS, UPS, Microsoft, or, well, anyone. […] continued
Read moreEverything You Need To Know About Automatic Restarts–Patch Tuesday, Windows 8, And Bruceb Management
Almost everyone is aware that their computer will automatically restart overnight on occasion – and most people have dealt with the frustration of an unexpected shutdown that disrupts open windows or forces programs to close, at worst losing data along the way.
Restarts are necessary when system files are patched or files need to be updated that are in use when the computer is running. […] continued
Read moreA Busy Week For Patches!
Microsoft and Adobe made sure your computer stayed busy this week, with a particularly large crop of patches and security updates. Your computer has probably already restarted at least once and probably could use another restart to make sure everything has settled down.
Microsoft’s regular Patch Tuesday included a long list of updates covering 57 different vulnerabilities, including some that security researchers believe the bad guys might start targeting in the next month or so. […] continued
Read moreUpgrading To Windows 8
Should you upgrade to Windows 8?
Funny you should ask. I’ve been hearing that a lot lately. Let’s see if we can figure out which question you’re really asking.
— Does Windows 8 have enough exciting and interesting new features to be worth the effort to upgrade?
– Should you upgrade over your existing copy of Windows, or should an upgrade only be done by reformatting and installing from scratch – a “clean” install? […] continued
Read moreWindows Past And Future
Previously:
Say Goodbye To Windows XP
What Happens If Windows 8 Fails?
Windows 8 And Post-PC Computing
Windows 8 And The Metro UI
Looking backwards: Windows XP
Microsoft is pushing businesses to abandon Windows XP. Last month Microsoft announced that it would stop issuing security updates for Windows XP in two years, which would be the equivalent of a death sentence. […] continued
Read moreSay Goodbye To Windows XP
Many small businesses are clinging to ancient Windows XP computers in the belief that they are saving money by putting off the cost of replacing them. Typically the old computers have been passed down to the lower level employees – the ones who actually do the work – while the partners and owners and managers sit at their new Windows 7 desktops. […] continued
Read moreMicrosoft Security Essentials Updated To Version 4.0
An updated version of Microsoft Security Essentials is being installed automatically for anyone currently running the free antivirus program. It is being pushed out silently by the Automatic Updates system and will likely be completely invisible to most of you. It does not require a restart after the update is installed. […] continued
Read moreUrgent Patch Issued By Microsoft
On Patch Tuesday, Microsoft delivered a small number of fairly unimportant updates – and one security patch that is being pushed with unusual urgency.
Your individual computers are installing this automatically. If your computer restarted this week, you’re up to date. Don’t panic. If you want to see if the update was installed on your computer this week, open up Control Panel / Windows Update and click on View Update History on the left. […] continued
Read more