Windows 95 anyone?

29 years ago today, Windows 95 was released. Windows 95 is the first version of Microsoft Windows to include the Modern Windows Feel (Taskbar, Start Menu) Windows 95 was shipped without a default browser. Back then many of us used Netscape Navigator.

For some this was their first Windows operating system. Some waited outside a computer store for their copy.

So how about you?  Where were you when Windows 95 hit the stores?

My memories? Dealing with DIP switches on video cards and drivers. Windows 95 was the first of the “Plug and pray” Windows versions that tried to find the automatic drivers and many times failed.

Threats to businesses

PATCH WATCH

By Susan Bradley

This month’s updates include fewer vulnerabilities than normal. What is not normal is that some of the bugs have already been exploited.

I’m not changing my stance about it being wise to wait to see whether there are side effects, but I will review that decision should the need arise. For now, review the special alert.

There are six bugs under active attack.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.34.0, 2024-08-19).
This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

Intel’s troubles

FROM THE FORUMS

Will Fastie’s article last week, of the same name, drew quite a few readers to its forum. Contributors homed in on the manufacturing-quality problem with 13th- and 14th-generation Intel processors. In addition to the forum posts, Will received a fair number of emails on the topic.

As mentioned in the article, Intel has not been transparent about the chip problems, adjusting its story and response several times. It is thus important to follow this matter because these two generations of chips make up the bulk of current PC sales.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.34.0, 2024-08-19).
This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

Crypto rip-offs are truly horrifying

PUBLIC DEFENDER

By Brian Livingston

I’ve been spending my time lately reading a new book that describes cryptocurrency nightmares. It was like sitting in a movie theater, watching a horror film that makes audience members scream at the lead actress, “Don’t open that door!”

The female star, of course, opens the door, no matter how loudly the audience yells. But instead of sitting in a darkened theater, you can read my favorite new book in a well-lighted room. You’ll still find yourself terrified by the scams and rip-offs that crypto promoters perpetrate on innocent altcoin buyers.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.34.0, 2024-08-19).

Can Office and Windows play nice on ARM computers?

MICROSOFT 365

By Peter Deegan

ARM-based computers are about to move from a nerd niche to a mainstream product with the arrival of Copilot+ PCs and the increasing popularity of Mac computers.

What are the compatibility issues for running Windows apps, especially Microsoft Office, on this very different hardware?

Though Windows and Office look the same on both ARM and Intel computers, their CPUs are fundamentally different. Under the hood, there are big differences in the software layers between the hardware and what you see on the screen. It’s a bit like the difference between a petrol and an electric car — both look and are driven the same, but they have hugely different engines and mechanics.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.34.0, 2024-08-19).

Home-networking primer, part 2

NETWORKING

By Ed Tittel

It’s time to revisit home-networking tools and technologies, especially on the wireless side of things.

In this, the second of a two-part series about the basics of Windows networking at home, we progress into the boundary devices used to connect your local-area network to the provider’s network and on to the Internet. We’ll touch on device economics, mesh networks, and the enduring value and appeal of wired Ethernet in our ever-more-wireless world.

Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.34.0, 2024-08-19).

MS-DEFCON 3: Blocking a potential wormable event

By Susan Bradley

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a Microsoft worm event.

Last week’s patches contained a fix for the Windows TCP/IP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38063. This one affects all supported Windows versions and extends back to Windows 7 and Windows 8, including older servers.

This CVE has a very high danger rating. Because of that, I am lowering the MS-DEFCON level earlier than I normally would, setting it to 3. That sounds backward, but this advisory is conditional, based upon the type of user you are and how you decide to deal with the update.

Although the danger is real, I believe the risk is somewhat less. In this alert, I’ll explain why.

Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (21.33.1, 2024-08-16).

Patch List for August 13, 2024

Once again I don’t recommend installing updates at this time.  I’ve updated the master patch list here.

In my early consumer testing I’m personally not seeing anything but it’s way too early to be calling it at this point. There is a replaced update for KB5034440/KB5034441 updates, but be aware it’s only offered up IF you have enough free space.  Thus I don’t consider KB5042321 a true replacement for those updates. If you had size issues before, this update will not be offered up to you.

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!