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Windows

Tuesday Morning Random Stuff…

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Win10 SCU
The update that didn’t happen is back in the news with no news. We still do not know what the official name of the update is. We still don’t know when it will be released. Microsoft has given us a generic “reliability issues” statement as to why it was delayed.

Oh Intel
Intel says their chips have a vulnerability that, “could allow an attacker to block BIOS/UEFI updates, or to selectively erase or corrupt portions of the firmware.” This means you’ll have to wait for your PC manufacturer to release another BIOS update, if and when they feel like it.
Just after that news, Intel announced some “new initiatives that use features specific to the Intel hardware platform to boost security“.
– Advanced memory scanning will use your GPU to aid in malware scanning.
– Advanced Platform Telemetry “uses things like the processor’s integrated performance counters to spot unusual processor activity.”

Fbook
Yeah. I know I said I was out of Fbook news for a while. But this article is amazing. IMHO a must read.
‘Dear Mark, this is why I hate you.’ An open letter to Zuckerberg

Off Topic
How Often You Should Clean Everything In Your Home (Hint: Very, Very Often)
(check out the links at the bottom of the article for guides)

Tortured for fur: Terrified silver foxes fattened in cramped cages ready to be slaughtered for fashion

Researchers find genetic cause for Alzheimer’s, possible method to reverse it

‘I was a teacher for 17 years, but I couldn’t read or write’

RIP
R. Lee Ermey, Golden Globe Nominee for ‘Full Metal Jacket,’ Dies at 74
(quotes from Full Metal Jacket)
Harry Anderson, Judge On ‘Night Court,’ Dies At His N.C. Home. He Was 65

Wednesday Random Stuff…

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Win10 1803/RS4/SCU/Next/Whatever
“They” say:
– Nobody knows what the actual name of the update is.
– Nobody knows why the update was not released.
– Nobody knows when it will be released.
Reckon the “inside sources” failed them, and us.

Winaero Tweaker 0.10
“Winaero Tweaker 0.10 is out. It will allow you to disable Windows Update reliably in Windows 10, get rid of update notifications, ads in Settings, Timeline and My People. Also, it comes with new tools and tweaks, and it properly works under Windows 10 version 1803 “Spring Creators Update”
Download

Which of the following companies do you trust the least with your personal information?
Recode polled Americans,
“Respondents were asked to choose among Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Lyft, Microsoft, Netflix, Tesla, Twitter, Snap and Uber. Twenty percent selected none of the above.”

Patch Tuesday

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*This post will be updated as info comes in.
Microsoft Security Update Summary at bottom of post.

Windows 7 SP1 – April 10, 2018—KB4093118 (Monthly Rollup)

Win10 1709 – April 10, 2018—KB4093112 (OS Build 16299.371)
“This update includes quality improvements. No new operating system features are being introduced in this update.”
Win10 1703 – April 10, 2018—KB4093107 (OS Build 15063.1029)
“This update includes quality improvements. No new operating system features are being introduced in this update.”
Win10 1607 – April 10, 2018—KB4093119 (OS Build 14393.2189)
“Windows 10 version 1607 will reach end of service on April 10, 2018. Devices running Windows 10 Home or Pro editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows 10.”

Insider builds also get the above updates (KB4100375).
[Read more…] about Patch Tuesday

Win10 SCU Delayed?

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***ATM this is interesting, high school gossipy speculation. But, what’s a day without a little drama! Follow the links in the post below and watch it unfold.

AskWoody reports both Paul Thurrott (thurrott.com) and Zac Bowden (windowscentral.com) are hearing SCU/RS4 is delayed.

*update 1243hrs
Don’t know if this is related but BuildFeed has the updated the latest build to 10.0.17133.1009, dated today.

Win10 SCU Is Out Next Week

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Windows 10 Spring Creators Update is going to be released next week.
In My Humble Opinion:
– There is no reason to upgrade within 30 days of release. (Or at least until the following Patch Tuesday.)
– There are no new features worth upgrading for.

You can stick with the current release you are on and still get updates for at least 18 months:
1709 (Fall Creators Update) Expires April 9, 2109
1703 (Creators Update) Expires October 9, 2018
1607 (Anniversary Update) Expires April 10, 2018

I recommend blocking/delaying feature updates:
– You need to be running Win10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
There is no way to stop a feature update in Win10 Home without stopping security updates. You can officially upgrade from Home to Pro for $99 but there are MUCH, MUCH cheaper legit keys to be had out there. If you can’t find them, email me.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced options
Optional – Use the  > Semi-Annual Channel ( NOT Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) )
This channel used to be Current Branch for Business. This delays feature updates until they are ready for business, i.e. all the bugs are worked out. This was about 3 months for FCU (approx. Oct 17 – Jan. 11).
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced options >
In the box under A feature update includes new capabilities and improvements. It can be deferred for this many days:
Change days to desired amount. I recommend at least 31 but since SCU offers me nothing then up to 365 will not hurt. You can re-evaluate when the next feature update comes out and it looks to be a big one.

Windows Defender Vulnerability

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I’m in front of the boob tube last night and I get this email entitled “Microsoft Security Update Releases” (full email posted below).
CVE-2018-0986 | Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
The gist of the alert is that all versions of Windows Defender have a vulnerability.
If Windows Defender scans an infected file then a hacker could own your system.
Rephrased…
If the product that is supposed to protect your system just SCANS a bad file you could be OWNED.
Fortunately this has been patched. Windows Defender should update automatically but you can force an update.
Press the Windows + R keys > copy paste the following: “%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe” -Update
[Read more…] about Windows Defender Vulnerability

You Too Microsoft?

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New report: Microsoft To Ban ‘Offensive Language’ & Monitor Your Private Account
“According to a new services agreement written by the company, the tech giant is planning to ban accounts that use “offensive language” and will go through your private data to “investigate” users.
In a March 1 release, Microsoft is warning customers using Office, Xbox, Skype, and other products that the company is prohibiting offensive language and inappropriate content starting on May 1. “Don’t publicly display or use the Services to share inappropriate content or material (involving, for example, nudity, bestiality, pornography, offensive language, graphic violence, or criminal activity),” Microsoft warns in a portion of their new codes of conduct.”
Sit back and break out the popcorn, this should get interesting. Wonder how long it takes for the fanbois to break out the, “everyone else is doing it” excuse?