This is how I set up and run Firefox on my Windows machines. It’s pretty basic but it is all I need.
[Read more…] about Tweaking Firefox
Freeware
Wednesday Random Stuff…
BIOS Hell
BIOS updates are being recalled and replaced. Woody Leonhard has the scoop on several vendors.
My new rig had a second BIOS update 2 days ago. Previous BIOS version was F5i. It has disappeared and been replaced by F5m. Yesterday I reran PCMark10 on that rig. Performance drooped again. On PCMark10 I now have a performance loss of 6.4% overall, with a high of 9.9% in Essentials. Post updated here: Meltdown & Spectre Updates Benchmarked
Software Updates
EMDB 3.10
Mp3tag 2.86
Firefox Quantum 57.0.2
Version 57.0.2, first offered to Release channel users on December 7, 2017
Fixed
-Block old versions of G Data Endpoint Security for crashing Firefox on start up – Windows only (bug 1421991)
-Fix a regression with WebGL and D3D9 – Windows only
Download
Thanks Scott!
Macrium Reflect 7 Free Edition Updated
Firefox Quantum
Firefox 57, a.k.a Firefox Quantum will be released today. It’s a big deal. Completely redesigned, the folks at Mozilla say it’s twice as fast and uses 30% less memory. In addition, the interface will be cleaner and is designed for high-resolution displays
If you want to know the hows see here: Entering the Quantum Era—How Firefox got fast again and where it’s going to get faster
One of the downsides of an all new browser is that many old add-ons will not work. It is up to the add-on creators to update their stuff. The hysterical, chicken-littles over at Zdnet call this “add-on armageddon“.
I’m pretty pumped about Firefox Quantum. I hope it returns Firefox to its former glory.
O&O ShutUp10 Updated
New in Version 1.6.1394
New Settings:
Disable saving SMS messages to the cloud
Disable network access for OneDrive before log-in
Disable Updates for voice recognition and synthesis
Disable Cloud Search form Cortana
Bug Fixes:
Bugfix implemented for Exception 0x80004003 when starting under Windows 10 Build 10240
Download
CCleaner Updated
Version 5.36 is out.
Download (I use the portable version.)
Thanks to A.G. for the heads up!
Goodbye Acronis True Image
I’m switching to Macrium Reflect Free and Clonezilla (free too).
Ditching Acronis has been coming for a while. Over the last couple of years I have increasingly heard from users where Acronis True Image has failed them. Over the last year I’ve encountered issues on numerous occasions. The only thing saving me is I have dozens of full backups. Problems have included freezing during restore and multiple USB device issues.
*note – I only backup and restore offline using bootable media, old habits…
Although I will be using both Macrium Reflect Free and Clonezilla I will be recommending Macrium Reflect Free to the masses. Macrium Reflect Free is fast and easy to use. It provides a way to easily make a Windows PE based bootable CD or USB drive customized to your machine. It contains everything the majority of users could want.
Clonezilla is slower than Macrium but will image any and everything. Having no GUI, non-Geeks my be intimidated. Having said that, if you just follow the on screen instructions you should be fine.
Macrium Reflect 7 Free Edition is available. As of this writing I know the linked page says “coming soon” but you end up downloading v7.0.2199.
CCleaner Compromised, part 2
Warning, Opinions ahead.
[Read more…] about CCleaner Compromised, part 2
Sysinternals Freeware Updates
Several Sysinternals tools updated including Autoruns and Process Monitor.
Sysinternals Home Page
Sysinternals Update: Sysmon v6.10, Process Monitor v3.40, Autoruns v13.80, AccessChk v6.11