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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.
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Win10 Privacy Issue

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***1418hrs 13DCE2018. Updated with a statement from Microsoft

The hot news in the Windows world comes from a Reddit user that claimed Microsoft is collecting data in Windows 10 even when you tell it not to.
I have looked at this issue and I cannot confirm nor refute this claim. See below…
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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.
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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.

Windows 10 Game Mode And Ultimate Performance Power Plan

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In prep for the upcoming revision of the Win10 Tweak Guide I have some thoughts about Game Mode and the Ultimate Performance Power Plan.
Lemme give you my conclusion right out of the box. IMHO, for performance Game Mode and the Ultimate Performance Power Plan are pure snake oil.
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