Computer stuff...
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.
Intel Graphics – Windows 10 DCH Drivers
Windows 10 May 2019 Update launch driver, Support for World War Z & Anno 1800, other improvements & fixes
Download | Release Notes
Mp3tag 2.95
New Features, Changes, Bug Fixes
Download | Release Notes
Microsoft makes Windows 10 1903 available on MSDN
Surprise: Microsoft has made the Windows 10 1903 (May 2019 Update) and Windows Server 1903 bits available for download on MSDN, a month earlier than many were expecting.
Installed it this morning. Uninstalled it 2 hours later. System & Explorer laggy. Could be new drivers are needed somewhere. More likely it isn’t ready for prime time.
Download below. Use at your own risk:
Windows 10, version 1903 & Windows Server, version 1903 (SAC) by W.Z.T.
AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.4.2 Optional
Support for World War Z & Anno 1800
Download | Release Notes
VirtualBox 6.0.6
This is a maintenance release.
Download | Changelog
Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:
Adblock Plus Filters Can Be Exploited to Run Malicious Code
An exploit has been discovered that could allow ad blocking filter list maintainers for the Adblock Plus, AdBlock, and uBlocker browser extensions to create filters that inject remote scripts into web sites.
uBlock Origin not affected.
Top 1000 Tech Bloggers
Rise Social Media ranked them. I only looked at the top 100. I’m familiar with less than 1/2 a dozen of them.
Someone Tweets About Super Hero Fans Being Undateable, So This Woman Reveals The Toxicity Surrounding Men
Star Wars and super hero movie obsession culture has revealed a whole new population of undateable men. Might be worse than men who wear cargo shorts.
I’ve never heard of this woman. I found the reaction to this persons tweet as interesting as her tweet was pathetic. I don’t really understand the whole “toxic masculinity” thing. I’m not into super heroes. I like Star Wars, Star Trek, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, etc. I consider myself a Geek. Like most dudes I pretty much just go about my business, don’t care about fashion, and try and do right by others. I don’t have time for people like this.
Oh, and yes, I wear and like cargo shorts.
Employee privacy in the US is at stake as corporate surveillance technology monitors workers’ every move
Corporate interest in surveillance seems to be on the rise to boost productivity.
2018 survey by Gartner found that 22% of organizations worldwide are using employee-movement data, 17% are monitoring work-computer-usage data, and 16% are using Microsoft Outlook- or calendar-usage data.
Employees are concerned over this invasion of privacy.
If you want to periodically observe employees WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE that is reasonable. Anything else is not. I find people watching me work annoying. Many folks find it stressful.
Police: Don’t give out too much information on bumper stickers
“You know the little family decals that’s on the windows, yeah that’s a not a good idea either. Because once again, it’s telling strangers, what your home life is like,” said Mangina.
It might seem harmless but, even little things might tell crooks that one parent travels a lot and that someone is home by themselves.
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea especially in today’s climate,” said Mangina.
The Irondale officer also speaks from experience. It was only a few years back, after a rash of car break ins, that crooks admitted to police they targeted cars with certain gun labels on them.
Good advice.
Science and bicycling meet in a new helmet design
New helmet is supposed to solve a problem identified in studies of NFL injuries.
Got excited. Looked it up. Prices $150-$300. Nope.
What Peloton Means for the Future of Fitness
The workout giant is changing at-home exercise — and spawning a flurry of copycats.
Peloton basic bike starts at $2,245 + $49 a month membership. Peloton treadmill starts at $4,295 + $49 a month membership.
I was gonna comment but I remembered seeing this perfect statement from a young woman’s Dad. I would like to buy him a pint.
I told my mother I was considering buying a Peloton and…received this email minutes later from my father, who I should really start enlisting if I need to drag someone.
Wise Disk Cleaner 10.1.8
Download (I use portable) | Release Log
EMDB V3.41
Download & Info
Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:
How Tiger made the earth shake again at the Masters
Great to see him win a major again!
Men with beards carry more germs than dogs including deadly bacteria in facial fuzz, study claims
Men with beards carry more germs than dogs including deadly bacteria in their facial fuzz, a hair-raising study has found.
Researchers discovered that nearly half of all sampled beards hosted bugs dangerous to human health.
Stuff I bookmarked recently. Some off topic, some not:
Law enforcement taps Google’s Sensorvault for location data, report says
The database is for targeting ads and seeing how effective they are. But it’s reportedly also been a treasure trove for police.
&
Tracking Phones, Google Is a Dragnet for the Police
The tech giant records people’s locations worldwide. Now, investigators are using it to find suspects and witnesses near crimes, running the risk of snaring the innocent.
&
Bill of Rights of the United States of America – Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Big Tech Lobbying Gutted a Bill That Would Ban Recording You Without Consent
The Illinois Keep Internet Devices Safe Act would have empowered average people to sue big companies for recording them without consent, but industry association lobbying defanged it.
As China Hacked, U.S. Businesses Turned A Blind Eye
Technology theft and other unfair business practices originating from China are costing the American economy more than $57 billion a year, White House officials believe, and they expect that figure to grow.
Yet an investigation by NPR and the PBS television show Frontline into why three successive administrations failed to stop cyberhacking from China found an unlikely obstacle for the government — the victims themselves.
Microsoft’s work with Chinese military university raises eyebrows
Microsoft has been collaborating with researchers linked to a Chinese military-backed university on artificial intelligence, elevating concerns that US firms are contributing to China’s high-tech surveillance and censorship apparatus.
Editorial: Who is serving today
The Army fell short of its recruiting goals in fiscal year 2018 for the first time since 2005…
And the military, on average, also is better educated than the general population. Overall, 98 percent of enlisted active duty troops have at least a high school diploma compared with only 88 percent of American adults. And military officers are considerably better educated than average U.S. adults. More than 80 percent of active-duty officers have at least a bachelor’s degree and 42 percent advanced degrees, compared with about 30 percent of the general population.
And as for socioeconomic representation, forget the old perception that enlisted troops come from low-income, deadbeat homes. Researchers with CNA found that most recruits come from solidly middle-class families. In fact, lower-income neighborhoods tend to be underrepresented in the military…
Today’s military is more diverse than ever. Today more than 40 percent of active military members belong to racial and ethnic minority groups, almost mirroring the makeup of the general population. And women, while still only 17 percent of the active force, represent a quickly growing population, especially as all career options now are open to them.
Every time I meet one of these young vets or active duty soldiers I am impressed with them.
Science Explains Why Men with Longer Beards Have Smaller Testicles
Labcoats believe that primates, like us, only have the energy to develop one or the other
