Computer News

I tried social media. There are a number of reasons why I left it but it’s kinda hard to explain well.
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson was interviewed and gave what IMHO are the perfect answers (about 2/3 of the way down).
[Read more…] about Bruce Dickinson’s Perfect Answers

Free PCmover Express
“Microsoft has partnered with Laplink to provide you with data transfer tools that transfer selected files, folders, and more from an old Windows PC to a new Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 PC.
To get started, download PCmover Express —free for a limited time.”
Never used it. Maybe You or someone you know would find it useful.
[Read more…] about Random Tuesday Stuff…

Got Win10? Got Updates!
Released today:
Cumulative Update for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems (KB3081448)
Update for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems (KB3081449)
Update for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems (KB3081452)

Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 10532 for PC
If you’re on the Windows Insider Fast Ring it should show up soon. This update looks kinda lame.

Firefox 40.0.3
Bugfixes / Security fixes
Download (Windows, EN-US)
Download other languages and operating systems
Release Notes

Dr. Hawking’s New Statements On Black Holes
Hawking proposes way for information to escape destruction in black hole
Hawking presents new idea on how information could escape black holes [Video]

A Well Thought Out And Unbiased Review By An Impartial Person…NOT
Macworld UK was put up what may be the 2nd worst review I’ve ever read.
I mean I could put up a review saying OSX is software used by ignorant, less than savy, Starbucks drinking, non-shower taking, basement dwelling hipsters. You would have no reason to listen to a word I say based on the fact I’ve demonstrated a hostile and perhaps irrational hatred of all things Apple.

The Worst Review I’ve Ever Read
Vista 10 Inherently Broken, Anti-Competitive (Against GNU/Linux and Free Software), Privacy-Infringing, and Definitely Not Secure
I…um… I”m… uh… I’m speechless…

It Doesn’t Sound Like Him
Dr. Hawking’s speech software is now available for free. The first problem is it doesn’t sound like Steve. The second problem is it is buggy as all get out, under Win 7 at least. Could be worse. It doesn’t run on Macs at all.

Hey Morons, Google “Barbara Ann”
Some young cop decided it was necessary to body slam a 61 year old man who was singing Barbara Ann and, from the looks of it, had probably just finished a cocktail or 6. Reporters all over the country repeated the line “he was singing the Beach Boys song Barbara Ann”.
I’m a huge Beach Boys fan. As such I can say with certainty that the Beach Boys WERE NOT the first to sing Barbara Ann.
The song was first recorded by The Regents in 1958, released in 1961, and COVERED by the Beach Boys in 1965.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Ann

Paul Thurrott – Update on Windows 10 Field Guide
In his post Paul describes the problems of trying to deliver his Windows books to the public.
Among his issues are (my take):
– People want everything for free. Only a tiny fraction of people are willing to pay…anything.
– Related to above, people steal his guides.
– 99% of people do not give feedback.
– Finding the perfect payment / delivery system is near impossible.
– Life happens and messes with your schedule.

All I can say to all that Paul is, “Ditto”.

Ghacks – Comparison of Windows 10 Privacy tools
Earlier this week I made mention of programs (and scripts) that help you tweak Win10 privacy settings.
Ghacks has a comparison of such programs.
Please note it is a “comparison” and not a “review”. This means he shows what they do, not the effects, and not recommendations.

Program Updates
Firefox 40.0.2
iTunes 12.2.2
VirtualBox 5.0.2

Hope y’all have a great weekend!

Ars Technica – Even when told not to, Windows 10 just can’t stop talking to Microsoft

Windows 10 uses the Internet a lot to support many of its features. The operating system also sports numerous knobs to twiddle that are supposed to disable most of these features and the potentially privacy-compromising connections that go with them.
Unfortunately for privacy advocates, these controls don’t appear to be sufficient to completely prevent the operating system from going online and communicating with Microsoft’s servers.

Ed Bott – Microsoft quietly rewrites its activation rules for Windows 10

Windows activation is alive and well in Windows 10. Microsoft doesn’t like to talk about the inner workings of its anti-piracy software, but it’s clear from testing that Windows 10 included a major change in the way activation works.

New Nvidia Drivers
Download

Just in time for the preview of Ashes of the Singularity, this new GeForce Game Ready driver ensures you’ll have the best possible gaming experience.
Windows 10 Fixed Issues
There were no fixed issues reported for this release.
Windows 8.1/Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista Fixed Issues
There were no fixed issues reported for this release.

Nvidia Geforce Game Ready 353.62 WHQL Drivers
“NVIDIA has been working closely with Microsoft on the development of Windows 10 and DirectX 12. Coinciding with the arrival of Windows 10, this Game Ready driver includes the latest tweaks, bug fixes, and optimizations to ensure you have the best possible gaming experience.”

AMD Catalyst 15.7.1 Drivers
-Windows 10 Support -​Virtual Super Resolution ​-Frame Rate Target Control​​ -AMD FreeSync and AMD CrossFire Support -Performance Optimizations​

Google Chrome Updated (supposedly)
“The stable channel has been updated to 44.0.2403.125 for Windows, Mac and Linux.”
Download or update from within the program.
It isn’t showing up for me.
If you check the comments at the above link, others have the same issue.
*edit 1510hrs – Now showing up.