Computer News

New Intel Graphics Drivers
Windows 7 & 8.1 | Windows 10 DHC Drivers | Windows (All)

Meltdown Redux: Intel Flaw Lets Hackers Siphon Secrets from Millions of PCs
researchers have uncovered yet another flaw in the deepest guts of Intel’s microscopic hardware. This time, it can allow attackers to eavesdrop on virtually every bit of raw data that a victim’s processor touches.
Today Intel and a coordinated supergroup of microarchitecture security researchers are together announcing a new, serious form of hackable vulnerability in Intel’s chips. It’s four distinct attacks, in fact, though all of them use a similar technique, and all are capable of siphoning a stream of potentially sensitive data from a computer’s CPU to an attacker.
RIDL and Fallout: MDS attacks research page at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
[Read more…] about Friday Random Stuff…

AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.5.1 Optional
Support for Win10 1903, performance improvements, fixes.
Download | Release Notes

Other Software:
Google Chrome 74.0.3729.157 (Chrome For Android too) – Direct downloads (EN-US): 32-bit | 64-bit
VirtualBox 6.0.8
VMware Workstation 15.1.0

Microsoft warns wormable Windows bug could lead to another WannaCry
Microsoft is warning that the Internet could see another exploit with the magnitude of the WannaCry attack that shut down computers all over the world two years ago unless people patch a high-severity vulnerability. The software maker took the unusual step of backporting the just-released patch for Windows 2003 and XP, which haven’t been supported in four and five years, respectively.
Microsoft Advisory | XP Patches (KB4500331) | Windows 7 Patches

Nvidia Geforce Game Ready WHQL Driver 430.64
Provides the optimal gaming experience for RAGE 2, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and World War Z
Download | Release Notes

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not

It’s Time to Break Up Facebook
Lots of great points made by Chris Hughes, a co-founder of Facebook.

Parents can’t delete what kids tell Amazon voice assistant
Now those advocates say the kids’ version of Amazon’s Alexa won’t forget what children tell it, even after parents try to delete the conversations. For that and other alleged privacy flaws they found while testing the service, they’re now asking the Federal Trade Commission on Thursday to investigate whether it violates children’s privacy laws.
Here’s a thought. Stop using devices as babysitters.

Mozilla looks to Tor as it ponders Super Private Browsing mode
“Super Private Browsing Mode”? Is this like Double Secret Probation?

Eggheads confirm: Rampant Android bloatware a privacy and security hellscape
The apps bundled with many Android phones are presenting threats to security and privacy greater than most users think.
This according to a paper (PDF) from university researchers in the US and Spain who studied the pre-installed software that 214 different vendors included in their Android devices. They found that everyone from the hardware builders to mobile carriers and third-party advertisers were loading products up with risky code.

Feds charge Chinese national in 2015 breach of health insurer Anthem
Federal prosecutors have indicted a Chinese national they say carried out sophisticated network intrusions on four US companies, including one on health insurer Anthem that stole personal information belonging to close to 80 million people.

Boston Beer Company and Dogfish Head Agree to Merge in $300 Million Deal
The merger brings together the Brewers Association’s second-largest craft beer maker, Boston Beer, with the 13th largest craft brewery, Dogfish Head. Both companies will retain their status as BA-defined independent craft breweries.
This is HUGH news in the craft beer world. Dunno what I think about it yet.

‘Wild Kingdom’ Host Jim Fowler Dead At 89
The wildlife expert co-hosted Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” with Marlin Perkins beginning in 1963.
I loved that show.

Cap2Cap
Tomorrow I’m riding the Cap2Cap annual bike ride fundraiser event for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Not enough time riding this year so I’m only doing the 23 miler.

Firefox 66.0.5
Further improvements to re-enable web extensions which had been disabled for users with a master password set
Download | Release Notes

Wise Disk Cleaner 10.1.9
Improved Task bar jump list cleaning, Updated various translations, Minor bug fixes.
Download (I use portable) | Release Log

Microsoft to reboot PowerToys for Windows 10 in open source form
I dunno, looks kinda lame.

O&O ShutUp10 Updated
Version 1.6.1402 features Win10 1903 support.
Download | Changelog

Tails 3.13.2
Fixes and improvements
Download & Info

Tor Browser 8.0.9
This release fixes the issue which caused NoScript and all other Firefox extensions signed by Mozilla to be disabled.
Download & Info

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:
[Read more…] about Tuesday Morning Random Stuff…

Win10 1809 Updated
This update includes quality improvements.
May 3, 2019—KB4495667 (OS Build 17763.475)

Intel Chipset Drivers
Intel released updated Win10 only Chipset drivers. Gigabyte has newer ones:
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Driver/mb_driver_chipset_intel_10.1.17986.8131.zip

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:

Dell laptops and computers vulnerable to remote hijacks
A vulnerability in the Dell SupportAssist utility exposes Dell laptops and personal computers to a remote attack that can allow hackers to execute code with admin privileges on devices using an older version of this tool and take over users’ systems.
Dell has released a patch for this security flaw on April 23; however, many users are likely to remain vulnerable unless they’ve already updated the tool –which is used for debugging, diagnostics, and Dell drivers auto-updates.
You don’t need it. Uninstall it.

Increasing transparency and customer control over data (Microsoft)
today we are announcing three ways we’re increasing transparency and control for our customers… First, for all our major products, we’ll categorize the data we collect from devices as either required or optional… Second, we will increase transparency about the data we collect by improving product documentation. Specifically, we’ll ensure that documentation for our major products and services describes the data we collect in each of these categories… Third, we’re introducing a new report that will be published twice a year at privacy.microsoft.com. This report will highlight any new required data collection we believe is fundamental to provide, secure, update or maintain the performance of our products. We will also note instances when we stop collecting certain types of data from devices (because product or service changes mean the data is no longer required). Last, we will explain when we make changes to our data collection in response to new privacy laws, industry standards and regulations.

Pentagon says China’s military using espionage to steal secrets
“China uses a variety of methods to acquire foreign military and dual-use technologies, including targeted foreign direct investment, cyber theft, and exploitation of private Chinese nationals’ access to these technologies, as well as harnessing its intelligence services, computer intrusions, and other illicit approaches,” the Congressionally mandated Department of Defense report said.
“China obtains foreign technology through imports, foreign direct investment, the establishment of foreign research and development (R&D) centers, joint ventures, research and academic partnerships, talent recruitment, and industrial and cyberespionage,” the report added.

Vet Stuff
10 Things Most Veterans Don’t Know About VA Home Loans
Free Dental Care for Veterans Available June 8

Busy lately, quick update.

Win10 Updates
All supported Win10 versions have had updates in the last week or so.
“This update includes quality improvements.”
No time to get in to it today. For info start here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4464619

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:

How to enable Chrome for Android’s dark mode

Systems with small disks won’t be able to install Windows 10 May 2019 update
Yeah, I had to read that twice too…

Retailers Are Tracking Where You Shop—and Where You Sleep
They’re buying mobile-phone data that can track where and for how long people shop, eat, see movies — and where they go before and after.

What Amazon knows about you
Damn near everything.

Introducing auto-delete controls for your Location History and activity data
You can already use your Google Account to access simple on/off controls for Location History and Web & App Activity, and if you choose—to delete all or part of that data manually. In addition to these options, we’re announcing auto-delete controls that make it even easier to manage your data…Choose a time limit for how long you want your activity data to be saved—3 or 18 months—and any data older than that will be automatically deleted from your account on an ongoing basis. These controls are coming first to Location History and Web & App Activity and will roll out in the coming weeks.
Well, that is an unexpected pleasant surprise!

Rich guys are most likely to have no idea what they’re talking about, study suggests
Researchers embarked on a novel study intent on measuring what a Princeton philosophy professor contends is one of the most salient features of our culture — the ability to play the expert without being one.
Or, as the social scientists put it, to BS.

Attendance drops for 12 MLB teams, as loss of gate takes on more permanent look
As the game’s worst part of the calendar comes to a close, 12 of 30 teams will draw fewer fans in March-April than they did in a similar period last year – with seven of those teams seeing double-digit percentage dips, led by the Toronto Blue Jays’ 33% drop-off, according to research by USA TODAY Sports.
Empty stadium pic on Twitter.

Microsoft Office Updates
This update provides the latest fixes to Microsoft Word 20XX 32 and 64-Bit Edition. Additionally, this update contains stability and performance improvements.
All supported version of MS Office have updates.
How to check for Office updates.

Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers for Windows 10
Version: 20.120.1, Date: 4/24/2019
Download & Info

Windows security on disconnected devices whitepaper (Microsoft)
This whitepaper will help you understand the use of a defense in depth strategy when protecting disconnected devices. It’s especially relevant for enterprises in the manufacturing, public service, and military industries.
Download & Info

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:

I Used to Work for Google. I Am a Conscientious Objector
American companies continue to build surveillance tools that are used to violate human rights. Workers who refuse to comply deserve protections.
One part of me says, “Shut up and do your job or quit.” But that’s only when I disagree with what they are doing…

Senator Says Nurses Don’t Need Breaks As They Spend Most Of The Day Playing Cards, Nurses Respond With Sarcastic Pics
The lawmaker came under fire after saying that nurses in smaller hospitals “probably play cards for a considerable amount of the day” during a debate about legislation that would provide nurses with uninterrupted meal and rest periods.
What a tool.

Google Chrome 74
A ton of security updates and Dark Mode!
Download | Release Notes
To enable Dark Mode:
Right-click on the Chrome shortcut > choose Properties > in the Target box, at the end of line, the add a space and then add --force-dark-mode > save it
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --force-dark-mode

Nvidia Geforce Game Ready WHQL Driver 430.23
Provides the optimal gaming experience for Mortal Kombat 11, Anthem, and Strange Brigade
Download | Release Notes

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not

‘Technology Needs to Be Regulated.’ Apple CEO Tim Cook Says No Oversight Has Led To Great Damage To Society
“We all have to be intellectually honest, and we have to admit that what we’re doing isn’t working,” said Cook, in an interview with former TIME Editor in Chief Nancy Gibbs. “Technology needs to be regulated. There are now too many examples where the no rails have resulted in a great damage to society.
Ya don’t say…

Putting Down Your Phone May Help You Live Longer
If you’re like many people, you may have decided that you want to spend less time staring at your phone.
It’s a good idea: an increasing body of evidence suggests that the time we spend on our smartphones is interfering with our sleep, self-esteem, relationships, memory, attention spans, creativity, productivity and problem-solving and decision-making skills.
But there is another reason for us to rethink our relationships with our devices. By chronically raising levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, our phones may be threatening our health and shortening our lives.
I… That says it all. I’ve nothing to add.

Exit 111 Festival
I’ve not done a festival in many years. Too many people, too expensive, too dirty, and this one is too far away. This has a killer lineup though. Well, day 2 and 3 do…

Macrium Reflect v7.2.4228
Download | Release Notes

AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.4.3 Optional
Support for Mortal Kombat XI
Download | Release Notes

Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:

Windows 10 apps: Which are worth keeping? Which ones should you dump?
Ed Bott opines on the matter.

Kohl’s starts ‘Military Monday’ discount
Kohl’s is introducing Military Mondays, a 15% in-store discount, to thank active and former military personnel, veterans and their families for their selflessness and service to our nation.
The discount is valid in-store every Monday, all year long, when customers show a valid Military ID, Military Dependent ID or Veteran ID at the point of purchase.