On occasion a misbehaving program may prevent Windows from shutting down. [Read more…] about Fix – Programs Prevent Windows Shutdown
Windows
Time To Run Windows Update
Got Windows? You’ve got updates!
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for August 2013
Basic Browser Security – Passwords
This article is about protecting your browser passwords. It covers; Password protecting the browser, 2 factor authentication, and password managers. [Read more…] about Basic Browser Security – Passwords
Basic Browser Security – Private Browsing
This article covers private browsing for Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms.
Private Browsing
(Also called Privacy mode, InPrivate browsing, Incognito mode.)
Basically when using private browsing most of the stuff usually stored on your computer by the browser no longer is. Among other things this includes cookies, history, and passwords. The security advantage of this is obvious (less stored information = less chance information is compromised). This browsing mode is not only useful on public machines but also shared computers at home and on mobile devices. [Read more…] about Basic Browser Security – Private Browsing
How To Downgrade Windows 8
I’m not advocating it, but I understand some people may want to downgrade Windows 8. Here is how to do it:
See: Microsoft – Understanding Downgrade Rights
Downgrade only supported from from Windows 8 Pro to Windows 7 Pro (or Vista Biz, LOL).
Steps:
1 – You must have Windows 8 Pro (with license key)
2 – You’ll need a Windows 7 DVD or ISO.
You can download ISO’s here:
Windows 7 Professional with SP1 32-bit
Windows 7 Professional with SP1 64-bit
To create a DVD from an ISO use CDBurnerXP.
To create a bootable flash drive see: Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. (If you have issues with this see here.)
3 – Install Windows 7 Pro. Do a clean install via instructions here: Installing Windows 7
4 – Activation. When entering key you will probably need to use the “Activation Support phone number” as per the Understanding Downgrade Rights above. Explain what you are doing. They will give you an activation code.
5 – That’s it!
Protecting Your Privacy Online
Microsoft has a guide entitled Protecting Your Privacy Online.
It is an informational PDF you may wish to pass on to your not so tech-savvy friends and family.

Bad Tweak – useplatformclock true

Article revised and merged. See: Timer Tweaks Benchmarked
Microsoft Security Essentials Updated
Microsoft Security Essentials has been updated to version 4.3.215.0.
To install either:
– Download
– From Windows Update (manually check the box)
– From Security Essentials. Open > Help > Check for software updates.
Time To Run Windows Update
Updates available for XP, 2K3, Vista, 2K8, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows RT, .Net, Internet Explorer 6 – 10, Office 2003 – 2010, Windows Defender…
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2013

Windows 8.1 And WEI?
So I saw the following story at Neowin and I found it both amusing and informative. [Read more…] about Windows 8.1 And WEI?