Computer News

Windows 7 SP2 “ish” Update
Microsoft has released Convenience rollup update for Windows 7 SP1. “This rollup package includes almost all the updates that were released after the release of SP1 for Windows 7“. While technically not a Service Pack, for home users it amounts to the same thing. Though this package does contain some telemetry related updates (like KB3080149), AFAIK it does not contain the GWX update (KB3035583).
TechNet Article
KB Article
Downloads are here (requires Internet Explorer)

New AMD Drivers
AMD Radeon Software Crimson Edition 16.5.2.1 Hotfix Driver
Support for: Oculus Rift™ SDK v1.3, HTC Vive™, ​AMD Radeon™ Pro Duo
Resolved issues include fixes for a few games and “Radeon Settings check for software update may not display the latest available driver.”

Samsung Magician 4.9.7
“Improved stability with some SSD models”
SSD management utility. Download

Ultimate Windows Tweaker Updated
“We’ve updated Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 to version 4.1.1 to fix “UWTSettings” bug and fix issue with restore point creation.”
This version is for Win10 only. Download

Lame
iVerge says Microsoft is adding more ads to the Windows 10 Start menu.
Don’t care. Classic Shell or Start10 FTW.

Cool Vids
Star Wars – Danger Zone
Mr. Robot Season 2 Trailer

Because It Made No Sense
Microsoft is removing the Win10 Wi-Fi Sense feature.
“We have removed the Wi-Fi Sense feature that allows you to share Wi-Fi networks with your contacts and to be automatically connected to networks shared by your contacts. The cost of updating the code to keep this feature working combined with low usage and low demand made this not worth further investment.”
I had showed how to disable it here. There was “low usage and low demand” because folks thought it was a: a security risk, a privacy risk, useless on a desktop.

Software Updates
Google Chrome 50.0.2661.102. Download
EMDB 2.52

Once Bitten Twice Shy, err, Twice Bitten…
S7 woes. First Verizon released an update that contained what IMHO amounts to malware. Then the once great ES File Explorer did the same. A plague o’ both your houses.

“Good evening, I’m Chevy Chase, and you’re not.”

Windows 10 Stuff…
Microsoft reminded us that the free Win10 upgrade will be over July 29th.
If you are unsure you want to upgrade or want to hedge your bets here is my advice.
– Backup your Windows 7 / 8.1 install using a SYSTEM IMAGE.
– Upgrade or clean install to Win10 and fully update it.
– Backup the Win10 install using a SYSTEM IMAGE.
– Restore your Windows 7 / 8.1 image.

Apparently Microsoft will end the nefarious GWX garbage on that date too.

Ad Block is coming to the Microsoft Edge browser (for the 3 of you that are using it).

Software Updates
Acronis True Image 2016 Update 2 build 6569 (Thanks Arthur!)
AMD Radeon Crimson Edition 16.5.1
Start10 1.11

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Radeon Software Crimson Edition Graphics Driver 16.4.2 (Hotfix)
Download
Release Notes

Firefox 46
Download (en-US)
Download other systems and languages
Release Notes

CCleaner 5.17
“Improved”
Download
Release Notes
***Pay attention during install. May attempt to install unwanted programs.

Kodi 16.1
“Fixes“.Download. I use it and love it.

Kodi (formerly known as XBMC) is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media center for playing videos, music, pictures, games, and more. Kodi runs on Linux, OS X, Windows, iOS, and Android, featuring a 10-foot user interface for use with televisions and remote controls. It allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the internet.

Cinnamon 3.0
The Linux desktop environment Cinnamon has been updated.

IMHO it has been a boring month or so for computer related news.

Why Would Anyone Be Using This Anyway?
I ignored the news of it’s death and calls for uninstall because I thought everyone knew that QuickTime (which was never quick) was a steaming pile?

Windows Phone To Android
Mary Jo Foley details her journey. I never trusted Microsoft in the phone department nor wanted Windows on my phone. Don’t know why exactly.
“Many Microsoft employees no longer use Windows Phones (and not just in the name of “research”). If few Softies believe in the platform, why should the rest of us?”

[H]ard Case
Steve over at [H]ardOCP takes a look at a $330 PC case. I felt bad for dropping a buck ninety on my case.
“If you want to build the biggest baddest system around, the Thermaltake Core W100 would be an awesome foundation for that build.”

My Darling Clementine
The cross-platform Clementine Music Player has gotten two updates in less than a week. This after not having an update in two and a half years.
openSUSE users can find it here: openSUSE > Software > Show other versions > use arrow to choose your vesrion and click “Show unstable packages”

Software Updates
Google Chrome 50.0.2661.87 – Looks like bugfixes.
VMware player 12.1.1-3770994 – “maintenance release”

Off Topic
Jason Bourne – Official Trailer

Hacking Your Phone
This is a video and script from the show 60 Minutes.
“We live in a world where we cannot trust the technology that we use.”

Boaty McBoatface?
Boaty McBoatface!

Software Updates
Mp3tag v2.76
Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.1

Sorry for the lack of posting. It isn’t that I’ve been busier than usual it’s just that I haven’t seen much that I was interested in out there.
Lately many of the Windows type sites I frequent seem to be bashing Linux more than usual. Keep underestimating it guys, it worked so well with Apple/iOS.
Windows 10 now has a Roadmap. Not seeing much I’m excited about.
Some versions of Microsoft Office will now be updated the 1st Tuesday of the month instead of the 2nd (Patch Tuesday).

Off Topic / Sports
My Philly Flyers made the playoffs. Now they have the task of playing, IMHO, the best team in hockey. I hope they don’t get swept. I’ve never had the chance to see the Washington Caps play and I would really like to see Ovechkin play in person at least once. So, if the timing and finances are right I may try and see a game.
My all-time favorite VCU basketball player was Briante Weber. He plays with hustle, hard work, and grit. He missed the end of his Senior season after blowing out his knee and has spent this year in the NBA D-League. He just got signed by the Miami Heat and will wear #12! Way to go!
Snow, rain, and cold has postponed the Detroit Tigers game. Boy I don’t miss that. I was looking forward to seeing Justin Verlanders 2nd start. Hopefully tomorrow will be a slow day at work.

[Read more…] about Thursday Random Stuff…