Computer News

Not So Pure After All
PureVPN is being mocked around the web for releasing client info to the authorities. Seems they keep logs which leaves a permanent record of when and by what IP addy you accessed their servers. This is a big deal because VPN providers product is anonymity.
There is a debate going on as to whether of not any VPN provider is log-less.
I use TorGuard and they state, “We don’t log, period. In addition to a strict no logging policy, TorGuard features a shared VPN setup for increased anonymity.”

Nvidia Drivers
387.92 WHQL released.
Game Ready
Provides the optimal gaming experience for Middle-earth: Shadow of War, The Evil Within 2, and Forza Motorsport 7
Game Ready VR
Provides the optimal gaming experience for ARKTIKA.1

Dear Microsoft,
Now that Windows Mobile is dead, can you get that useless code off my PC?
Thanks,
Every Windows 10 user
p.s. Mobile first indeed!

It’s been a bad week folks.
It started with the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. Then one of my all-time favs Tom Petty passed away. And all week we saw news about this hack and that breach.
When you add in all the bickering and hatred, fueled in large part by social media it is just one more reason to ditch GoogTwitFaceTagramChat. Even the people at the core of creating these online entities are swearing off using it.
For your highly recommended weekend reading I suggest, ‘Our minds can be hijacked’: the tech insiders who fear a smartphone dystopia.
“Google, Twitter and Facebook workers who helped make technology so addictive are disconnecting themselves from the internet. Paul Lewis reports on the Silicon Valley refuseniks alarmed by a race for human attention”

Me, I’m headed for the beach to ride my bicycle, eat oysters and BBQ, and drink copious amounts of alcohol.
Hope you all have a great weekend.

Firefox 56
Download (EN-US): 32-bit or 64-bit
All downloads
Release Notes
The next version is supposed to be twice as fast.

AMD Drivers
Crimson ReLive Edition 17.9.3 is out.

Protest To Protect Net Neutrality
Sept 26-27: The Internet descends on Washington
“On September 26-27 Internet users from across the country will converge on Washington, DC to meet directly with their members of Congress, which is by far the most effective way to influence their positions and counter the power of telecom lobbyists and campaign contributions. First you can attend a training hosted by Public Knowledge who will share years of experience on how to be effective in these meetings. Participants will be paired with a guide to show you where to go on Capitol Hill to participate in meetings with key lawmakers.”

Chrome Vs. Edge and IE
This “Browser Security White Paper” that “has been sponsored by Google” claims Google Chrome is more secure than Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.

Screw You Guys I’m Going Home
The EFF doesn’t like the W3C supporting DRM so they quit. Well played guys!

CCleaner
Nothing new to report.

Off Topic
Forget getting rich – sex and sleep are the real keys to happiness (and beer, they forgot beer!)

Software Updates
Google Chrome 61.0.3163.91 – 32-bit or 64-bit
VirtualBox 5.1.28

How Is This Even Possible
Apparently the U.S. Navy needs to follow Commander Adama’s advice, ““We don’t allow Colonialnet connections on Fleet assets,”. Seriously, WTF?

Best Buy Axes Kapersky
Best Buy is pulling internet security software from a Russian company off its shelves and from its website amid outside concerns that Kaspersky Lab could have links to the Russian government…“In light of what we know about Kaspersky Lab and Russia’s cyberattacks on our private and public networks, this is a very sound decision,” said U.S Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
[Read more…] about Weekend Random Stuff…

Credit reporting firm Equifax says cybersecurity incident could potentially affect 143 million US consumers
– Equifax said data on 143 million U.S. customers was obtained in a breach
– The breach occurred on July 29
– Personal information including birth dates, credit card numbers and more was obtained in the breach

This is bad y’all. Very bad.

*Update 0645hrs 08SEPT2017

ARSTechnica – Why the Equifax breach is very possibly the worst leak of personal info ever
Must read. Too much good info to quote.

DO NOT use the Equifax site (trustedidpremier.com) to put your name and last 6 ssn. Read the article above for why.
In addition, Techcrunch says, “The site’s terms of service seem to state that by agreeing to use this service, the user is waving their rights to bring a class action lawsuit against Equifax.”

*Update 0705hrs 08SEPT2017
Brian Krebs – Breach at Equifax May Impact 143M Americans
Again. Must read. Too much good info to quote

Google Chrome 61.0.3163.79
22 security fixes. A few new features.
Google Chrome Web 32-bit  or  Google Chrome 64-bit

Whining About Gmail
Some folks are ticked that Google only kinda stopped scanning email and might go full throttle again.
I get the privacy thing. I really do. But Gmail is a FREE product from an ADVERTISING company. Get over it.
There are lots of free, privacy minded email companies. I use and like ProtonMail.

Dismissing Smart Guys
They dissed Stephen Hawking when he warned that meeting aliens may not be the ET moment we are looking for. Now they are jumping on Elon Musk’s “doomy, gloomy prognosticating“. Basically he warns that Artificial Intelligence isn’t the neatest thing since sliced bread and in fact may be very, very dangerous. Mr. Musk may not be at Dr. Hawking’s level but he sure is hell is way above a reporter’s level. I’m with you Elon.

Getting to know Windows 10
A Power Point presentation from Microsoft. Thought I would pass it along. Not sure I am doing you any favors as it is as much marketing as it is useful info.
Download
“Get started quickly with new features of Windows 10, including Cortana and Microsoft Edge. Personalize Windows and set up your account for apps like Mail, Calendar, and Microsoft Office 365. Stay secure, get organized, and be productive with Windows 10.”

Off Topic
Warlock’s Triumph and Agony turns 30 today