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Bad Win10 1903 Update

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There are reports around the web that the latest update for Win10 1903 is causing Cortana to have abnormally high CPU usage:
August 30, 2019—KB4512941 (OS Build 18362.329) is the update in question.
Solutions and “workarounds” include registry editing and deleting of files. IMHO this is utter folly. The solution is this:
1 – Uninstall KB4512941.
2 – Pause updates for a month or so.
(Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Pause Updates > Pause until > max time)
3 – Wait for Microsoft to fix it.
If you’ve not installed KB4512941 yet then just do steps 2 & 3.
If you are using Windows 10 Home. I’ve repeatedly said to upgrade to Pro. IT IS CHEAP

My New Network

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I’ve completely redone my network.
I had problems with my old router. I considered replacing the firmware with DD-WRT but I decided against that. After reanalyzing things I decided the old router just couldn’t handle the number of devices and traffic on my network (despite its specs). It simply didn’t have the horsepower. I’ve replaced it with the one below.
[Read more…] about My New Network

Using Macrium Reflect Boot Media

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First and foremost, I do not backup from within Windows. I only use the boot CD.
Why? After many years of backup and restoring Windows and Linux I have seen just about every method fail at one time or another.
It is my belief that the only way to do an Operating System backup and restore is:
1 – Only use system images.
2 – Not to be using that OS. This is referred to as being offline.
[Read more…] about Using Macrium Reflect Boot Media

Hacking My Amazon Fire HD 10

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I purchased:
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet and the Samsung 256GB microSD card to go with it [$40.00 off (47%)]
My aim is to watch stuff while on the treadmill or bike at the gym and maybe web surf while watching TV.
This guide is how I rooted and customized my new Fire HD 10.
[Read more…] about Hacking My Amazon Fire HD 10

Blocking A Programs Internet Access Via The Windows Firewall

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Many programs on your computer access the internet even though they don’t need to. They phone home for a variety of reason including telemetry and checking for updates.
I don’t need or want most programs phoning home for any reason. Still, they try.
With programs getting more invasive I thought it would be appropriate to show you how to block their access to the net.
[Read more…] about Blocking A Programs Internet Access Via The Windows Firewall

How To – Linux Mint Virtual Machine

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How to install Linux Mint as a virtual machine.
I do my day-to-day web activities is a Linux Mint virtual machine. This means web surfing, downloading, YouTube watching, etc. This is a quick guide on how I install and setup Linux Mint.
FYI – one of the great things about VMs is you can copy them to other computers. After setup I will copy my Linux Mint VM to my laptop for use one the road.

The steps:
– Download and install VMWare Player
– Download Linux Mint
– Create a new folder on a fast partition
– Create your new VM
– Install Linux Mint
– Configure power options
– Install VMware Tools
– Update
– Install extra software
– Anti-virus
– Configure Linux Mint
– Backup
(click for full-size)

[Read more…] about How To – Linux Mint Virtual Machine

Tweaking Windows 10 Updated

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It’s been a year since I’ve updated Tweaking Windows 10 and Windows 10 Privacy Settings.
In my humble opinion, not all that much has changed. At least, not for the way I use a PC. Screens look different, a few more options here and there…
For the Windows 10 Privacy Settings there were few significant changes. For the Tweak Guide, 9 of 21 web pages had changes, again nothing earth shattering. (FYI, pages 9, 10, 12-17, 19)
One thing I refused to put in the Tweak Guide at this point was anything related to Game Mode. I’ve yet to see any reliable benchmarks on this and in my own limited benchmarks I’ve seen no change at all.

If you have purchased a Win10 Tweak Guide and are due an upgrade, please forward your receipt to me.