Newsletter Archives

• MS-DEFCON 4: Dual-boot computers now safe to patch

  Posted on September 24, 2024 at 02:45 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 21.39.1 • 2024-09-24

  

  By Susan Bradley

  In the August updates, Microsoft introduced a bug that impacted Windows users who dual-booted into Windows and Linux.

  At first it was thought the bug had not been fixed in the September updates, but upon further investigation, I learned that it had been addressed. Because it is now fixed, I find no reason to delay updates further and am therefore lowering the MS-DEFCON level to 4.

  Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (21.39.1, 2024-09-24).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, MS-DEFCON Alerts, Dual Boot, Intune, iOS 17, iOS 18, KB5043064, KB5043076, MS-DEFCON, MS-DEFCON 4, Patch Lady Posts, Repair Install, Windows Autopatch, WSUS, WSUS Automated Maintenance

• Microsoft and Apple

  Posted on July 1, 2024 at 02:39 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  APPLE

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Microsoft has spent many years, and made huge investments, trying to bring the Apple ecosystem into work environments.

  In 1985, it brought word processing to the Mac. It has provided the means to allow Word and Excel documents to move seamlessly from Windows to macOS. It brought affordable tools to allow small and medium businesses to control and manage iPhones, thus allowing managed service providers to control devices without needing to invest in specific, Apple-centric management tools.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (21.27.0, 2024-07-01).

  Apple Apple, Business Computing, Email, Intune, Microsoft 365, Newsletters, Security, Smartphones, Word Processing

• Locked out of your refurbished computer?

  Posted on September 25, 2023 at 02:42 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  ON SECURITY

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Corporate “leftovers” may impact your new computer.

  All of us want to purchase a good deal. Often I will look for refurbished computers, many of them systems coming off corporate leases, because they are an excellent value. Many times, they are less than three years old and support Windows 11. Some even come with Windows 11.

  Most of these systems have been reset to factory defaults, so the configuration process is basically the same OOBE you would get with a new PC. You start the boot process, set it up with either a Microsoft account or a local account with the no@thankyou.com email trick, and off you go. You’re happy: you have a well-built computer that is cheaper than anything you’d purchase elsewhere.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (20.39.0, 2023-09-25).

  On Security Autopilot, Intune, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Refurbished Equipment

• Firmware and drivers

  Posted on April 3, 2023 at 02:41 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  PATCH WATCH

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Why are drivers and firmware so important?

  Once upon a time, you would set up a computer and any display adapter driver or firmware would be automatically installed to match the hardware. More than likely, you would not install new drivers for a long, long time.

  But now with both Windows 10 and 11, I annually review drivers and firmware as the Windows feature releases come out. I go through certain steps and processes to rule out issues that might have been triggered by out-of-date drivers, especially if I’ve encountered side effects that I can’t otherwise explain.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (20.14.0, 2023-04-03).

  Patch Watch Drivers, Firmware, Graphics Cards, Intune, Motherboards, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Patch Watch, WSUS