Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors

INTEL

By Will Fastie

Once again, new naming conventions make understanding Intel’s processors confusing.

Late last week, Intel announced a series of new Core Ultra processors for desktop computers. These are designated “S” models. A month ago, Intel announced Core Ultra processors for laptops, designated “V.”

At least for the moment, this is all very confusing. My big takeaway is that the V models are optimized for AI in the most popular form factor, laptops. The S models are optimized for the desktop gaming market. These initial S models do not perform as well for AI.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.42.0, 2024-10-14).

Are you ready for Windows 11 24H2?

PATCH WATCH

By Susan Bradley

If you are like many others, the answer is no. And for good reasons.

24H2 is a big, disruptive update — a complete operating system swap. That’s both good and bad. For the good, if a PC is throwing off any Windows Update errors, allowing 24H2 to install should clear those up by fixing any corrupted files.

But for the bad — aside from the disruption — installing 24H2 is a long process, taking at least 30 to 60 minutes, perhaps longer. It’s not quick, like running the 23H2 enablement package.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.42.0, 2024-10-14).

So what about Windows 10?

We have a year to go for official support for Windows 10 and during that time, rest assured that we will not only be fully covering how to keep using it after October of 2025 but also how to keep it protected.

Microsoft has announced that it will be offering extended support patches for businesses and will be offering it to consumers for a fee (details to come on the consumer offering).

Also don’t forget the “Welcome to the era of vulnerability micropatching – 0patch” solution, where the minimum patches will be available for free and then for a small price you can get full support.

Bottom line, don’t worry.  We got you covered. I’ll be sure to always call out Windows 10 changes, issues and security issues over the next few years.

Are you still using Windows 10?  I will still have computers on Windows 10 after October 2025.

October 2024 Master patch list

With Hurricane Milton still causing issues and just being too close to Patch Tuesday, once again I don’t recommend installing updates at this time.  I’ve updated the master patch list here.  Nor do I recommend that you install 24H2 at this time.

So far, I’m not seeing anything trending for consumers, but it’s too early right now. For now, I’ll urge you to ensure your browser is up to date and your devices and phones, but to hold off on Microsoft updates.

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 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 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!

October updates are out

Before we begin with the normal discussion of patches and their side effects, a word. To any reader in the path of Milton, my thoughts are with you. This is a huge storm. I have friends in the area and I know I’m worried on their behalf. Stay safe. Please take care.

Now onto the release of updates.  You know already my philosophy regarding updating – always hold back. Today even more so if you are in the path of the hurricane.

I am old enough to remember when a new version was released that the FIRST Patch Tuesday it saw, that release would get no security fixes or bug fixes.

Highlights for Windows 11, version 24H2:
•Addresses an issue with the Remote Desktop Gateway Service that causes the service to stop responding.

Windows 11 release notes:
•Version 24H2 (KB5044284):
•Version 22H2 & 23H2 (KB5044285):
•Version 21H2 (KB5044280):

Windows 10:
22H2 – KB5044273

.NET has security releases today

Using USB-attached Windows media

WINDOWS

By Ed Tittel

Ports, cables, and devices all matter when you hook storage to Windows via USB.

These days, it’s undeniable that the Universal Serial Bus — better known to all as USB — is the most common way to connect external devices to desktop and mobile PCs. And USB connects much more than mouse and keyboard. It also serves all kinds of storage, printers, and scanners. Indeed, ultra-fast modern USB versions such as USB4 can even accommodate high-resolution monitors via USB-C.

USB has come a long, long way since the first version appeared in 1996. In particular, USB lets users add storage capacity to Windows PCs, across a variety of types. In this story, we’ll take a look at options for USB-attached storage, and present some possible selection criteria for same. But first, a quick review of USB-version history.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.41.0, 2024-10-07).
This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

Why Proton means privacy

MICROSOFT 365

By Peter Deegan

If you want privacy in your email, cloud storage, and other parts of your digital life, then go to Proton’s suite of very secure but easy-to-use services.

Proton is a Swiss company with a suite of familiar services – email, cloud storage, VPN – but with an important difference: Proton is serious about privacy. Others, such as OneDrive and Dropbox, talk about privacy but aren’t so great in delivering it.

In this article, I’ll focus on the three important offerings of Proton and its free plans for private encrypted email, secure cloud storage, and properly private VPN.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.41.0, 2024-10-07).

Backup! It’s been a really bad week for SSDs.

FREEWARE SPOTLIGHT

By Deanna McElveen

There are experts out there who will tell me it’s not true and that I’m imagining things.

But gosh darn it! When the temperature changes, we get an increasing number of failed drives at the shop. And with solid-state drives (SSDs), it happens even more!

I’m going to use my soapbox here this week to show you how to back up your drives — both SSDs and traditional hard drives (HDDs). I will point you to some free programs, but remember that modern versions of Windows have backup tools built in. Just type in Backup on the search bar at the bottom of your desktop. You’ll find it.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.41.0, 2024-10-07).