Computer stuff...
Windows 10 – December 14, 2021—KB5008212 (OS Builds 19041.1415, 19042.1415, 19043.1415, and 19044.1415)
“This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.”
Windows 11 – December 14, 2021—KB5008215 (OS Build 22000.376)
“This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.“
“The Stable channel has been updated to 96.0.4664.110 for Windows, Mac and Linux…This update includes 5 security fixes.”
Download | Release Notes
To update go to Menu (the the dots in upper-right corner > Help > About Google Chrome
or
type this in the URL bar: chrome://settings/help
There were some recent firmware updates for the Samsung 980 Pro lineup. I updated mine and thought I would pass this along…
Download and install/update the Samsung Magician SSD Management Utility.
Although Magician has several uses, the only thing you really need this utility for is updating firmware (unless you want to go through the hassle of creating a boot disk). Firmware updates for SSDs can resolve performance or security issues.
Tips:
– It is not necessary to have Magician running in the system tray. Right-click on the tray icon and remove from startup.
– It is not necessary to have the SamsungMagicianSVC service running all the time. Set it to Manual:
press the Windows + S key > type services > scroll down to SamsungMagicianSVC and double-click it > change it to Manual (optionally stop it too) > click Apply
– I typically check for updates via Magician every month or so, or when it comes to mind.
– Simply running Magician will let you know if there are updates.
– Standard warning: Firmware updates can go wrong…blah, blah, backup, blah blah. In all these years I’ve never had BIOS or firmware updates go wrong and I’ve done too many to count. RTFM
Samsung Flagship SSDs On Sale
Samsung 980 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
List Price: $229.99
Price: $169.99
You Save: $60.00 (26%)
Samsung 980 PRO SSD 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
List Price: $149.99
Price: $109.99
You Save: $40.00
Intel Memory and Storage Tool (GUI) v1.12
Drive management tool for Intel SSDs and Optane devices.
Changes include:
-Resolved firmware update for Optane P5800X Series
-Added namespace overprovisioning support
-Corrected the capacity calculation displayed in drive info
Download & Info
Intel Ethernet Adapter Complete Driver Pack v26.7
“This zip file contains all of the Intel Ethernet network drivers and software for currently supported versions of Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD for most Intel Ethernet Adapters.”
Download & Info
Firefox 95
“New – RLBox — a new technology that hardens Firefox against potential security vulnerabilities in third-party libraries — is now enabled on all platforms.”
5 fixes and over a dozen security fixes.
Download | Release Notes
To update, go to Settings > Help > About.
Google Chrome Updated
“The Stable channel has been updated to 96.0.4664.93 for Windows, Mac and Linux…This update includes 22 security fixes.”
Download | Release Notes
To update go to Menu (the the dots in upper-right corner > Help > About Google Chrome
or
type this in the URL bar: chrome://settings/help
Chrome for Android updated too. “This release includes stability and performance improvements“
AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 21.12.1 Optional Drivers
Support for Halo Infinite, Fortnite, Icarus, and a few fixes.
Download | Release Notes
The Verizon app might be collecting your browsing history and more
There is no “might be” about it. I received an email last week (screenshot below). The text read in-part (bold text added my me for clarity):
“We’d like to introduce Verizon Custom Experience, a program designed to provide you more personalized experiences with Verizon. You will be part of Custom Experience unless you opt out.
How it works
The program uses information about websites you visit and apps you use on your mobile device to help us better understand your interests. This helps us personalize our communications with you, give you more relevant product and service recommendations, and develop plans, services and offers that are more appealing to you.
To be very clear, this information is used only by Verizon; we do not sell this information to others for them to use for their own advertising.
You’re in control
You will be part of Custom Experience unless you opt out. You can opt out at any time on the My Verizon site or your My Verizon app by accessing privacy preferences.”
– – –
Can you guess how quickly I opted out? Screw you Verizon. FYI, you must opt out of BOTH “Custom Experience” and “Custom Experience Plus” for EVERY LINE. Non-Verizon users don’t get too smug, AT&T and T-Mobile started pulling this crap earlier this year. Oh, and one more thing Verizon. We aren’t friends so stop addressing me by my given name. Show some frigging manners while your trying to spy on me and at the same time bleeding me every last cent you can.
Two American Heroes Pass
Bob Dole, Old Soldier and Stalwart of the Senate, Dies at 98
“Mr. Dole, a son of the Kansas prairie who was left for dead on a World War II battlefield, became one of the longest-serving Republican leaders.”
Edward Shames, last ‘Band of Brothers’ officer, dies at 99
“Shames was involved in some of the most important battles of World War II. During the war, he was a member of the renowned Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
“He made his first combat jump into Normandy on D-Day as part of Operation Overlord. He volunteered for Operation Pegasus and then fought with Easy Company in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne”
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
[Read more…] about Weekend Random Stuff…
Nvidia Geforce Game Ready Drivers 497.09 WHQL
Support for the new HALO game, new hardware, and 8 other fixes.
Download | Release Notes
IrfanView 4.59
A few new features, “Several PlugIns are changed/updated, please install the newest versions”
Download & Info | Release Notes
PowerToys 0.51.0
Several changes and improvements.
Download & Info
Clonezilla 2.8.0-27
Clonezilla is a partition and disk imaging/cloning program similar to True Image or Macrium Reflect.
A few enhancements and bugfixes. Linux kernel updated to 5.14.6-3.
I usually use the “alternative stable” download as it is based on Ubuntu.
Download | Release Info
7-Zip 21.06
Bugfix for this weeks v21.05 release.
Download | Release History
Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11
UWT is a useful tool for Win10 when used judiciously. Not using Win11 so let me know how it goes.
Download & Info
TorGuard Black Friday Sale
60% Off. Plans from $4 per month or $24 a year!
During checkout I chose Anonymous VPN Pro 3 year for $90 which works out to $30 per year.
I’m still musing about my next smart phone (past comments here and here). The Pixel 6 seems to have a number of issues including slow charging and and slow fingerprint reader. Perhaps if they get this stuff sorted out?
I’m hesitant on Samsung devices because of all the bloatware installed on them.
I’m not interested in Apple devices.
See some consumer reviews:
https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/google-pixel-6/
https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/google-pixel-6-pro/
Win10 21H2
Installed on 2 devices (busy with work) and no major issues. You’ll want to check any disabled network connections and O&O ShutUp10 settings.
7-Zip 21.05
File archiver/extractor. There hasn’t been a non-beta release since v19 in February, 2019.
Download | Release History
Audacity 3.1.2
4 hotfixes.
Download | Release Info
DuckDuckGo
Introducing App Tracking Protection for Android: The easiest way to block trackers lurking in your apps
Introducing Email Protection: The easy way to block email trackers and hide your address
BleachBit 4.4.2
Over a dozen fixes.
Download | Release Info
Audacity 3.1.1
“This is a hotfix release.”
Download | Release Notes
Notepad++ 8.1.9.1
1/2 dozen fixes.
Download & Info
AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 21.11.2 Optional Drivers
Support for Battlefield 2042.
Download | Release Notes
Intel Graphics Windows DCH Drivers
v30.0.101.1069. Support for Alder Lake. Improved game loading times for a few games.
Download & Info
