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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

Reader Emails

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Some of these are paraphrased for brevity.

Q – You’ve recommended cheap CD keys before. Other sites warn against using them?
A – I’ve used these keys for several years. Not a single one has been deactivated. Even if it was I could buy 5 (or more) of these keys before I even approach the full price. YMMV of course but check Techbargains for such things.

Q – When is the next Win10 Tweak Guide?
A – I don’t know. It takes considerable time, focus, and effort. I’ve personal things to deal with ATM.

Q – Yada, yada backups…
A – System images, system images, system images.

Q – Do you have a favorite web site specifically about computer security?
A – I browse the internet a lot, probably too much. If I had to pin down a single site about security I would pick Krebs on Security.

Q – Why do you hate Apple so much?
A – “Hate” is rather strong but… It all started with the arrogance of Steve Jobs, never liked him. That arrogance permeated their marketing and to some extent their fan base. There is nothing about that cult I find appealing.

Q – I don’t like the Off Topic stuff.
A – Sorry, not sorry. Posting that stuff helps keep me sane. It’s easier to ignore it than bitch about it.

Q – The band Lamb of God is from your area. Are you a fan?
A – I used to play poker with a couple of those guys. Both were incredibly nice and as I recall a tad shy. Having said that, their metal is not my metal. I grew up in the “Hair Metal” era and still love that stuff.

 

Win10 1903, Are You Ready?

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Windows 10 May 2019 Update
Win10 1903 brings several changes, most of which the average user won’t care about. Two changes of note are supposed increased performance and improved control of Windows Update. The best breakdown I’ve seen to date is:
Neowin – The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is coming – here’s what’s new

Release Date
– “Official” date unknown at this time. “End of May” often quoted. Expect it somewhere between tomorrow and hell freezing over.
– ISOs are floating around now

Blocking 1903
– Easy way: Use O&O ShutUp10
See also: Windows Update section of the Tweak Guide.
(1903 will bring major changes to this.)

Preparing for 1903
– Update all your apps and drivers.
– Backup everything. Make a system image. I use the free Macrium Reflect. This is also a good time to backup everything else.
See also: Windows 10 Backup And Recovery Options

My Recommendation
– Put off installing 1903 at least one month.
– Better safe than sorry. Microsoft will, at some point, state that 1903 is “safe for business”. The October 2018 Update was declared safe on March 28th, 2019.

Tweaking Windows 10
It will be at least a month after release before the Win10 Tweak Guide is updated.

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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*** This guide was written in December, 2018. I do not know if this guide works anymore.
*** There is now a better alternative: Fire Toolbox

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