Monthly Archives: February 2025

• Intel is on the block

  Posted on February 18, 2025 at 08:46 CST by Will Fastie • Comment in the Forums

  A report ($) from the Wall Street Journal states that Broadcom and TSMC are in independent talks with Intel about splitting the company into two pieces, with Broadcom taking the chip-design business and TSMC taking the manufacturing arm. Intel shares rose on the news, an indicator that the market thinks this is a good idea.

  The news is breaking (this past Friday), so it’s very early in the process. There are some hurdles, especially US government approval. There are some national security implications, and Intel received a large payout from the US CHIPS act, which has strings attached.

  This news suggests that Intel’s run as a standalone company may come to an end after 57 years. There’s no telling what might happen to the brand.

  Intel Broadcom, Intel, Intel News, TSMC

• How to fix problems with Microsoft’s Phone Link app

  Posted on February 17, 2025 at 02:45 CST by Lance Whitney • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 22.07 • 2025-02-17

  WINDOWS 11

  

  By Lance Whitney

  Phone Link pairs your iPhone or Android phone with Windows, but it doesn’t always cooperate. Here’s how to fix technical troubles that may pop up in the process.

  I often use Microsoft’s Phone Link to sync my iPhone and Android phone with Windows so I can access mobile calls, messages, contacts, and photos from my phone directly on my PC. I especially like to write and answer texts using my desktop keyboard and mouse rather than my phone’s tiny virtual keys. But Phone Link can sometimes misbehave.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.07.0, 2025-02-17).
  This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

  Windows 11 Android, Bluetooth, iPhone, Newsletters, Phone Link, Settings, Troubleshooting

• What do we know about DeepSeek?

  Posted on February 17, 2025 at 02:44 CST by Michael Covington • Comment in the Forums

  AI

  

  By Michael A. Covington

  On January 27, the Chinese AI company DeepSeek caused so much panic in American industry that NVIDIA stock dropped 17% in one day, and the whole Nasdaq had a 3.4% momentary dip.

  What scared everybody? The impressive performance of the DeepSeek large language model (LLM), which competes with ChatGPT, reportedly cost less than a tenth as much to create and costs less than a tenth as much to run.

  The bottom fell out of the market for powerful GPUs, at least temporarily, because they don’t seem to be needed in anywhere near the quantities expected.

  But what is this DeepSeek, and what do we make of it?

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.07.0, 2025-02-17).

  AI AI, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Llama, LLMs, Microsoft, Newsletters, OpenAI

• February — Same number of patches, fewer bugs

  Posted on February 17, 2025 at 02:43 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  PATCH WATCH

  

  By Susan Bradley

  This month we have a more “normal” patch release of 57 vulnerabilities.

  Although that’s a “woo-hoo” for the security researchers, you and I will still see the same old security updates being offered. That is, we will see a Windows security update.

  What also hasn’t changed is my stance toward Windows 11 24H2. If you buy a computer with it, stay there. If you are already on it and see no issues, stay there. But if you haven’t yet installed the 24H2 feature release on your existing Windows 11 23H2 machine, I still recommend holding back, especially for businesses. For consumers, the risk is less — as long as you are not a gamer.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.07.0, 2025-02-17).

  Patch Watch Apple updates, CVE-2025-21194, CVE-2025-21376, CVE-2025-21387, CVE-2025-21391, CVE-2025-24200, KB890830, Netlogon, Newsletters, Outlook (new), Patch Lady Posts, System Guard, Windows 11 24H2

• Setting up the Mac mini

  Posted on February 17, 2025 at 02:42 CST by Will Fastie • Comment in the Forums

  APPLE

  

  By Will Fastie

  Apple has an excellent reputation for helping iPhone users migrate from Android, a process that is smooth, precise, and friendly.

  It’s been over a decade since I set up a Mac, a 2009 model. My memory of that is vague, but I recall it as straightforward and easy to understand. I wondered whether today’s experience would live up to Apple’s past or to its excellent iPhone experience.

  I do not expect any oddities in my setup. However, there are a few things I should explain.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.07.0, 2025-02-17).

  Apple Adapters, HDMI, Mac mini, Mac setup, macOS, macOS Sequoia, Newsletters, PC setup, Thunderbolt

• Updating your Surface

  Posted on February 14, 2025 at 03:00 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  I have several Surface devices (Surfii?) because they are one of the best traveling devices, especially if they have cellular built in and you don’t want to mess with hotel Wi-Fi, VPNs, and other roaming annoyances. But sometimes, their patching behavior is confusing. Case in point: the recent CVE-2025-21194 that patches a unique “Microsoft Surface Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability.” The theory is that it’s related to an IPv6 PixieFail vulnerability.

  As I’m reading it, I should be expecting a Surface firmware update. But as of this moment, no such release has been posted. An update was released in January, but nothing in February. The good news is that it will come down automatically via Windows update. The bad news is I’m not sure whether it’s been received already.

  When it comes to Surfaces, firmware updates do not appear to have any set release schedule. Mind you that’s true for any firmware release. When I’ve decided to move to a Windows feature release, I tend to review whether I’m missing a firmware update, especially if the Windows release is a major one. So, I’ll be reviewing the firmware status of my devices once I decide to move to 24H2. I will remind you to do likewise when it’s time.

  Surface CVE-2025-21194, Patch Lady Posts

• Business Windows 10 ESU offering

  Posted on February 13, 2025 at 03:00 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  The other day, Microsoft announced more details about the Windows 10 ESU offering for business. It noted that “Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 can be purchased today through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program, at $61 USD per device for Year One. “

  Ugh. The Volume Licensing (VL) program is one of Microsoft’s clunkier purchasing processes.  Although you can purchase a Windows 10 ESU in quantities as low as one, that doesn’t mean you can easily find a vendor willing to sell singletons if you are not an existing customer. In the past, I once used SoftwareOne to purchase small quantities.  I’ll reach out to see if it is still willing to do so.

  But be prepared to be patient. The last time I signed up for a new VL contract, it involved a bunch of electronic forms, after which I logged into a Microsoft 365 portal to download product keys (or whatever they will supply this time to activate the ESU). For consumers, Microsoft has not yet opened up a process to purchase the extended license. I’ll report once that happens.

  Windows 10 Patch Lady Posts, Windows 10 ESU

• Master patch listing for February 2025

  Posted on February 12, 2025 at 05:01 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  I’ve updated the master patch list here.  Please note I am not recommending installing updates at this time, we are just testing and reporting.

  February’s release of vulnerabilities has been more tame and in addition to the normal Windows updates for each supported platform there is only a .NET 8 and 9 security updates being released.  No plethora of .NETs to have to install. In addition we’re still scratching our heads a bit about the behavior in New Outlook and Windows 10.  While it’s not taking over Classic Outlook for sure, the registry key that we followed via Microsoft’s guidance appears to be removed. We’ll let you know as we investigate more.

  As always, thank you all for supporting the cause! Remember we use the “name your price” model where you can choose how much you will pay for a membership. Plus membership gives you full access, And if you donate $50 or more, you’ll get a special code to enable text messages sent to your phone each time the Master Patch List gets updated and when I change the MS-DEFCON level.

  More details about these updates in Monday’s newsletter.  You are missing out if you don’t sign up. All content is human made with our own blood, sweat, tears, fingers, and brain power — and it’s 100% AI free.  Therefore, if I’ve fat fingered any KB numbers or if you have any questions, as always post in the forums and I’ll follow up!

  Windows Security Master Patch List, Patch Lady Posts

• February 2025 updates are upon us

  Posted on February 11, 2025 at 12:10 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  Nine months and counting befor the end of support (but not end of using) Windows 10. We also have a zero day that Apple released yesterday. The updates include the following:

  iOS 18.3.1 fixing a zero day CVE-2025-24200 used in extremely sophisticated attacks. So if you’ve seen headlines about massive risk, actually no, only if you are a CEO or someone high up in an organization.

  For Windows 10 22H2, it’s KB5051974 – note the event ID issue with the System Guard runtime monitor service is not fixed with this release.

  Windows 11 24H2 – KB5051987 – which I’m still not recommending 24H2 unless you’ve bought a machine with it or you’ve already upgraded and see no issues – has been released.

  For Windows 11 23H2 look for KB5051989. Remember at this time we are in test mode only.

  Microsoft indicates that the February updates include a fix for the following:

  After installing the January 2025 Windows security update released January 14, 2025 (the Originating KBs listed above), you might experience issues with USB audio devices. You are more likely to experience this issue if you are using a USB 1.0 audio driver based DAC (Digital to Analog converter) in your audio setup. This issue might cause USB audio devices to stop working, preventing audio playback.

  Windows Patches/Security CVE-2025-24200, Patch Lady Posts

• Make the most of the snipping tools in Windows

  Posted on February 10, 2025 at 02:45 CST by Mary Branscombe • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 22.06 • 2025-02-10

  WINDOWS 11

  

  By Mary Branscombe

  When you need a record of something you see on screen, Windows has multiple tools — plus ways to get images you saved on other devices, too.

  As usual with Windows, there isn’t just one way to snip, clip, or capture a screenshot of part of your screen. There’s a handful of options in Windows 10 and a more powerful new tool just for Windows 11.

  Windows 10 comes with an update of the Windows 7 Snipping Tool. You can open that from the Start menu, but it’s very basic and has a broken link to Paint 3D.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.06.0, 2025-02-10).
  This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

  Windows 11 Edge, Newsletters, OneNote, Screen capture, Snipping Tool, Windows 10, Windows 11

• How good is Mac software vs. Windows software, really?

  Posted on February 10, 2025 at 02:44 CST by B. Livingston • Comment in the Forums

  PUBLIC DEFENDER

  

  By Brian Livingston

  The flame wars over whether Apple programs and apps are better or worse than Windows programs and apps have raged on ever since the Apple I was released in 1976. Like a fool, I’m stepping right into the middle of this battle royale with today’s column.

  In the first two parts of my Mac-vs.-Win11 series, I described how to get the best price on the new, 2024 Mac mini with its M4 chip and how to choose an inexpensive keyboard, mouse, and monitor (if you aren’t insistent on buying peripherals from Apple).

  Today, I’m going to cover the software that comes with the Mac mini, as well as programs and apps that you can get as separate add-ons. I’m probably not going to satisfy anyone.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.06.0, 2025-02-10).

  Public Defender Apple, Mac mini, macOS, Newsletters, Software, Windows

• Back to BASICs — Hello, World!

  Posted on February 10, 2025 at 02:43 CST by Deanna McElveen • Comment in the Forums

  FREEWARE SPOTLIGHT

  

  By Deanna McElveen

  My mom ran the media center at my school when I was a teen, and she happened to have control of a coveted personal computer.

  Sometimes, that TI-99 made it to our home on the weekends. As I think back to messing around with TI BASIC, I realize that — to some of you — BASIC seems pretty amateur. Well, not all of us are old enough to have had snowball fights in the woods of Wisconsin with Seymour Cray.

  Anyway, I found eight pretty nifty BASIC (Beginners’ All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) programs for you to geek out on. All of them will run on your Windows machine, so have fun!

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.06.0, 2025-02-10).

  Freeware Spotlight bas55, Basic, BASIC-256, Craft Basic, Deanna's Freeware Spotlight, Decimal BASIC, FreeBASIC, GCBASIC, Great Cow BASIC, Microsoft Small Basic, Newsletters, QB64
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