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The Best Cheap Laptops of 2017
You don't have to spend a fortune—even a small one—on your next PC.
If you need a laptop for basic computing, these some of our top
performers, and most of them ring up for less than $300.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371334,00.asp
Apple: Software flaws in latest WikiLeaks docs are all fixed
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/apple-software-flaws-latest-wikileaks-docs-fixed-46352993?yptr=yahoo
Future of the PC is an intelligent cloud that connects a family of
device
http://www.windowscentral.com/modern-pc-redefined-family-devices-powered-intelligent-cloud
Google plans faster updates for all Android phones in 2017
Half of Android devices worldwide didn't receive security fixes in
2016.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/22/google-eyes-faster-updates-for-all-android-phones-in-2017/
To punish Symantec, Google may distrust a third of the web's SSL
certificates
After the latest incident of improper certificate issuance, Google
says that it has lost confidence in the world's largest
certificate authority
http://www.macworld.com/article/3184660/security/to-punish-symantec-google-may-distrust-a-third-of-the-webs-ssl-certificates.html
How to combine the power of Device Manager and Driverquery to
manage your Windows 10 driver updates
If you want to take control of your device driver updates, these
native Windows tools can deliver a one-two punch.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-combine-the-power-of-device-manager-and-driverquery-to-manage-your-own-driver-updates-in/
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Specs Hinted In Galaxy C9 Pro?
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-note-8-specs-215357586.html
Apple Designed an iPhone-Powered Laptop
Apple has filed a patent application for what could create a
dramatically different kind of computing experience.
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/iphone-laptop-patent
Mingis on Tech: Diving into Windows 10 Creators Update and the
future of OSes
Coming soon to a PC near you: Windows 10 Creators Update. But
what's much less certain is what comes after that for PCs, and
Macs and mobile devices. A voice-activated future, anyone?
http://www.techhive.com/video/75875/mingis-on-tech-diving-into-windows-10-creators-update-and-the-future-of-oses
How to automatically delete Microsoft Edge browsing history on exit
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/automatically-delete-edge-browsing-history-exit
Malicious hackers discovered way to deliver malware through unloved
Ask Toolbar
Ask not what this browser toolbar can do for you, but what you can
do to this browser toolbar.
https://www.grahamcluley.com/malicious-hackers-discovered-way-deliver-malware-unloved-ask-toolbar/
Complete list of laptops with Precision touchpads
Here's a list of all the laptops with Precision touchpads.
http://www.windowscentral.com/complete-list-laptops-precision-touchpads
Finding inner peace (with help from your smartphone)
Because unplugging isn't always realistic.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/22/digital-chill/
Apple acquires Workflow automation app, offers it free
The technology could be used by Apple to offer quick access for
disabled people.
http://www.macworld.com/article/3184268/mobile/apple-acquires-workflow-automation-app-offers-it-free.html
Hackers claim to have compromised 300 million iCloud accounts,
demand money from Apple
A group of hackers calling themselves the Turkish Crime Family
claim that they will wipe millions of stolen iCloud accounts if
Apple doesn't meet their demands.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/hackers-claim-to-have-compromised-300-million-icloud-accounts-demand-money-from-apple/
No, Microsoft isn’t spying on everything you type in Windows 10
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/no-microsoft-isn-t-spying-everything-type-windows-225626244.html
Mozilla beats rivals, patches Firefox's Pwn2Own bug
First vendor to fix a vulnerability revealed at last week's hacking
contest
http://www.csoonline.com/article/3183464/security/mozilla-beats-rivals-patches-firefoxs-pwn2own-bug.html
Senate votes to kill FCC's broadband privacy rules
The Senate action would allow broadband providers to sell customer
data and browser histories without permission, critics say.
http://www.techhive.com/article/3184410/security/senate-votes-to-kill-fccs-broadband-privacy-rules.html
Microsoft will no longer release updates for Office 2013
http://news.thewindowsclub.com/microsoft-will-no-longer-release-updates-for-office-2013-88824/
Scammers target tax preparers with last-minute phishing attacks
Nothing is certain, except scams, death, and taxes.
https://www.grahamcluley.com/scammers-targeting-tax-preparers-with-last-minute-phishing-attacks/
Microsoft starts blocking updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs on
newer hardware
http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-starts-blocking-updates-windows-7-and-81-pcs-newer-hardware
Apple hopes cheap, not powerful, will turn around iPad sales
The new iPad cuts some corners, but it's hard to complain at that
price.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/22/apple-new-ipad-cheap-not-powerful/
Back up all your data—and we mean all of it—to your NAS box without
installing any software
Back up your Windows, MacOS, and Linux PCs, along with your mobile
devices, to a NAS box using its built-in apps and utilities.
http://www.macworld.com/article/3162499/network-storage/back-up-all-your-dataand-we-mean-all-of-itto-your-nas-box-without-installing-any-software.html
This Raspberry Pi-powered Linux computer packs a keyboard and
display into a phone-sized case
The Zero Terminal turns the Pi into a computer that's ready to use
on the move.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/this-raspberry-pi-powered-linux-computer-packs-a-keyboard-and-display-into-a-phone-sized-case/
Google is reportedly working on a new social app for photo editing
and sharing
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/google-reportedly-working-social-app-232950076.html
Cracking the Shell
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/Cracking-the-Shell-84393.html
Apple's Latest Patent Could Stop Texting and Driving
Apple has drummed up a solution for reducing distractions while
you're driving.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/apple-patent-texting-and-driving,news-24735.html
Attachment Size Limits for Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Facebook
and WhatsApp
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/attachment-size-limits-outlook-gmail-yahoo
Kirk ransomware sports Star Trek-themed decryptor and little-known
crypto-currency
“It’s ransomware, Jim, but not as we know it!”
https://www.grahamcluley.com/kirk-ransomware-sports-star-trek-themed-decryptor-little-known-crypto-currency/
How to make your own Ethernet cable
You can make your own Ethernet cable to achieve lengths that are
more useful and save some money in the long run. Here's how.
http://www.windowscentral.com/make-your-own-ethernet-cabling-connect-outside-world
Email scheme stole $100 million from two US tech companies
Even the most internet-savvy companies aren't immune to scams.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/22/email-fraud-took-100-million-from-us-tech-companies/
Is Comcast’s Xfinity swapping your settings? No, but it can seem
that way
What seems like overreach may actually be an iCloud quirk.
http://www.macworld.com/article/3183084/internet/is-comcasts-xfinity-swapping-my-settings-no-but-it-can-seem-that-way.html
How Lowe's is using AR and Google Tango to help customers find
products faster
Smartphones enabled with Google's Tango are being tested in two
Lowe's stores to improve store navigation. Find out how this fits
in with bigger AR plans for the enterprise.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-lowes-is-using-ar-and-google-tango-to-help-customers-find-products-faster/
Google is 'replacing' Google Talk — here's what that means for you
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/google-replacing-google-talk-heres-134205272.html
The Terminal Is Where Linux Begins - and Where You Should, Too
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/The-Terminal-Is-Where-Linux-Begins---and-Where-You-Should-Too-84356.html
ISPs Can Now Sell Your Private Data: How to Protect Yourself
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/senate-isps-private-data,news-24737.html
NetCrunch Tools: Free Network Troubleshooting Toolkit
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/netcrunch-tools-free-network-troubleshooting-toolkit
New cloud-based keylogger gaining momentum among criminals
Malware comes with lots of built-in functionality.
https://www.grahamcluley.com/new-cloud-based-keylogger-gaining-momentum-among-criminals/
How to make sure your phone works on a prepaid alternative carrier
Here's how to make sure your unlocked or pre-owned phone will work
with an alternative carrier.
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-make-sure-your-phone-works-prepaid-alternative-carrier
Amazon Is About to End the Competition's Only Advantage Over Alexa
Amazon's voice-activated assistant Alexa has had one glaring
disadvantage compared to the competition -- but not for long.
https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/23/amazon-is-about-to-end-the-competitions-only-advan.aspx
Apple: If hackers have our customers passwords, they didn’t steal
them from us
https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/apple-if-hackers-have-our-customers-passwords-they-didnt-steal-them-from-us-17844.html#new_tab
---------------------------------------------
Comments by -- Bob Primak --
Re. FYI#860 Tue 3/14/2017
How to assign permanent letters to
drives in Windows
I can personally attest that this method
can cause more problems than it solves. I use more partitions on
more external drives than the Windows Drive Letter system can
handle. Which cannot be solved using this method. And when this
happens, the so-called "permanent" letter assignments go out the
window (bad pun).
Smart meters might not be so smart
Back in the USA, I haven't has trouble
with my Smart Meter. I found out some very interesting things
about my electricity usage patterns, BTW.
Plex Cloud lets you ditch your media
server for the OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive
This requires a Plex Pass and their app.
The Pass is not free. I'm not sure how far I would trust any
"cloud DVR". And this does eat up bandwidth when you view the
recordings.
How to Restart Windows 10 Without
Rebooting
What the article shows is not at all the
same as restarting Windows. It is restarting or refreshing Windows
Explorer. Very different!
Re. FYI#861 Wed 3/15/2017
Extend Windows Battery with Vista
Battery Saver
This is another junk utility from India,
and this one doesn't even promise to do anything Widnows can't
already do. It was written for Vista, not modern versions of
Windows. Probably won't even run on Win 7 and upward.
Is There a Way to List All Programs
Installed on My Computer?
And what about all those uninstalled or
stand alone programs some of us use? How do we list all of them?
Re. FYI#862 Thur 3/16/2017
The best portable hard drive
No, it isn't the best. I have had Seagate
Drives fail or fail to be recognized in Windows. Ever since, I
will not buy any brand other than Western Digital. At any price.
GPD Pocket is a tiny Windows 10 PC that
offers a glimpse at the future
This project doesn't say which processor
it uses. That's a red flag right there.
Verizon Exempts Fios Mobile App From
Data Caps
My cell phone plan in Mass. will be with
an AT&T repackager, not Verizon, so this will not apply to me. But
I may choose Verizon Fios for my TV, Internet and Home Phone out
East.
Browser JSGuard extension offers
protection against malicious HTML & JavaScript attacks
"Browser JSGuard It is among the several
anti-malware tools launched by C-DAC India."
I am very skeptical of any program or
plugin which comes from such sources. This could be a phishing
tool disguised as a utility or extension. A traditional type of
Trojan Horse.
The new Player.me app for Windows will
help you launch your streaming career
"It's also going to be a .exe download
from Player.me, at least initially. The team are hoping to be able
to put it into the Windows Store in the future, but initially
there will be some parts of the app related to streaming that
would cause an issue." So, what are these parts relating to
streaming that would get the app banned from the Windows Store??
Sounds like another pirate app from India. Maybe a Trojan Horse.
The Windows Central site is getting very spammy if you ask me.
His daughter was worried about being
spied on so a CEO made a device to protect the home from hacking
I read the entire article but still I have
no idea what a Dojo is or what it does. Let alone how it magically
makes IoT households more secure. This looks like a sales piece,
not a tech article.
Re. FYI#863 Fri 3/17/2017
How to Restore Default Apps for File
Extension Type Associations in Windows 10
I had a very difficult time getting these
settings to stick in my NUC's Windows 10 Pro installation. Then, I
think after a MS Update, the problem went away. Weird!
Re. FYI#864 Sat 3/18/2017
Disable WPAD in Windows to Stay Safe on
Public Wi-Fi Networks
This sounds like something to do ASAP.
Making this one change could eliminate
spam, says police tech chief
I doubt this will work. As with
telemarketing calls, it is entirely possible to set up a spam
operation which uses a legitimate domain.
Re FYI#865 Sun 3/19/2017
How to Enable or Disable Including
Driver Updates in Windows Update in Windows 10
There have been numerous reports that this
is simply not true. Drivers are still being updated, including
unwanted place-keepers which can crash some Windows systems.
How to Build Your Own Media Center with
OpenELEC
This looks like it's just a skin of Kodi.
I don't see any technical advantage to this over the original.
Re. FYI#866 Mon 3/20/2017
Windows 10's Creators Update tweaks a
workaround for mandatory updates
Microsoft now reserves the right to
force critical patches to Windows 10 PCs over metered connections.
As I say below, this is not a policy
change. Just a change in the GUI wording.
How to Create and Restore a System
Image Backup with Macrium Reflect (this is the software I use,
been very reliable. Always check Verify backup)
I also boot the Rescue Media and Explore
the newly created archive. If I can read or show the User and
System files, I figure I'm OK.
Is your phone on the list of
malware-infected Android phones?
I decided against BLU because their
screens looked like cheap junk next to the Moto. Felt unresponsive
too.
Re. FYI#868 Wed 3/22/2017
How to Enable AHCI in Windows 8 and
Windows 10 after Installation
Most of my PCs have had this feature as
OEM. Hence, it is enabled as long as the drivers are kept up to
date.
One setting to protect your privacy on
your Android smartphone or tablet
On my phone I do little which is truly
personal. So clearing the History is a bit of overkill there. On
every other device type, I am almost fanatical about cleaning the
cache and the history.
Advertisers Ditch Google Over Extremist
YouTube Videos
I suspect this controversy will be
largely solved very quickly. No one wants to lose major
advertisers. You Tube will simply have to begin moderating
content.
The Galaxy Tab S3 is good, but not $600
good
I like my $250.00 Motorola Moto G4 just
fine. It isn't a Galaxy whatever, but I don't need the eye candy
and the risk of getting mugged for the phone. Same goes for my
opinion of the iPhone.
How to unlock Android's secret menu
Well, this is new. I'll have to play with
this feature when I get a chance. My phone has Marshmallow
(Android 6.x).
How to Turn On or Off AutoPlay in
Windows 10
I really find autoplay annoying. Some
folks like it I guess, but for me this just makes plugging in
storage devices even more of a pain and a bother.
Fake Facebook Posts: What’s The Harm?
Folks were asking this same question about
fake news. And look what happened -- the 2016 national US
elections!
A Single Spear Phishing Click Caused
the Yahoo Data Breach & more
Anyway that's their story THIS week...
DoubleAgent attack can use anti-virus
apps to hijack your PC
The list in the article includes some
products where the exploit was never effective.
Metered Connections in Windows 10 Creators
Update Will Not Block All Windows Update Downloads (Updated)
This is a garbage report. The policy on
updates over a metered connection has never changed. This is only
a change in the wording seen by the end user:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17452/windows-metered-internet-connections-faq
"How does setting my network connection to metered affect my PC?
Any app that relies on an Internet
connection to update or display info may be limited in the amount
of data it can download or display. You might notice these and
other effects:
Windows Update will only download
priority updates. (THIS is the Policy in question. It has never
changed. Some "priority updates" can download automatically even
over a metered connection.)
Apps downloading from the Windows Store
might be paused.
Start screen tiles might stop updating.
Offline files might not sync
automatically."
5 Great Chrome Extensions You Should
Install ( I will add "https everywhere" )
I use HTTPS Everywhere. Very few web sites
have issues with it, though a few do.
Re. FYI #869 Thur 3/23/2017
Why the DVR just won't die
Scheduling and managing recordings
seems archaic in the age of Netflix, but it's still reality for
traditional TV channels.
And my OTA TV channels aren't going away
anytime soon!
Everyday essential tricks for your Android
Just in time for my new phone. Kim Komando
is full of great tips.
When I Visit a Web Site, Can the Server
Identify Me?
In a word, yes. Browser fingerprinting can
go way beyond IP Address and general location. Especially for
folks with unusual combinations, like my Chrome beta with certain
Extensions on Ubuntu Linux. My bank's web site always knows me as
long as I use my NUC. And I use privacy extensions.
Public Transit Doesn’t Have to Be
Confusing: Just Use These Apps
Chicago and Boston both have great mass
transit apps. They even tell you when the next train or bus is
coming. Very useful when you don't want pay to to park at the
airports for a week-long trip.
Hackers, Autofill, and other Password
Fillers
I have never allowed browsers to use
autofill. Never trusted the security of this feature.
Re. FYI
#870 Fri 3/24/2017
Hackers threaten to wipe millions of
Apple devices, demand ransom
A group of hackers claims to have
access to over 220 million [confirmed] iCloud accounts
http://www.techconnect.com/article/3184066/security/hackers-threaten-to-wipe-millions-of-apple-devices-demand-ransom.html?idg_eid=dc4b172b1b9141f85eeb936b1ae4295e&email_SHA1_lc=f9623ef23cc3de6e17737afaf3245d5c442eb287&cid=tcon_nlt_techconnect_daily_2017-03-23&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TechConnect%20Daily%202017-03-23&utm_term=techconnect_daily
April 7th -- mark the day.
iPhone, Mac owners: How to stymie hackers
extorting Apple, threatening to wipe devices
Security expert spells out steps to take,
just in case hacker claims are legit
http://www.computerworld.com/article/3184074/apple-mac/iphone-mac-owners-how-to-stymie-hackers-extorting-apple-threatening-to-wipe-devices.html
Waste no time!
Apple is downplaying the iCloud
blackmail story — even though Apple users should take it seriously
(AAPL)
How nice of them to play it soooo cool!
And how Apple of them.
Single-owner vintage Apple-1 for sale
German auctioneer estimates gavel price
between $190K and $320K
http://www.computerworld.com/article/3182720/apple-mac/single-owner-vintage-apple-1-for-sale.html
I want this. But that price...?
Man Indicted for Using GIF as 'Deadly
Weapon'
Well, inducing seizures is definitely not
safe, but... deadly?
How to watch DVDs and Blu-rays for free
in Windows 10
Microsoft wants to charge you $15 to
spin your old movies, and doesn't even support Blu-ray.
Fortunately, there are freebie alternatives.
Definitely it's worth looking into these
alternatives. While my Linux does play back some DVDs, there are
others it won't play.
Do you really need PC antivirus
software in 2017?
Yes. Move along. The author means, THIRD
PARTY antivirus. (Windows Defender plus a couple of second opinion
scanners should work just fine, but this is still antivirus.)
Windows Defender may be built-in, but it IS antivirus (not very
good antivirus, but...).
6 Things That Ubuntu Does Better Than
Windows
2. Computer Security --
Linux is NOT more secure than Windows. Period. BTW, I have not
seen any useful Linux security programs which actually scan for
and remove Linux malware. Don't even think about using the advice
in the linked article on Linux antivirus. That article was written
in 2010 and only a few comments were added more recently. And
those comments were bad advice, even in 2010.
5. Live Environment -- Not a
selling point if you ask me. Windows has Windows To Go and WinPE
10.
How Long Should I Keep My Backups?
These days, Windows backups will not
outlast the regular upgrade cycle of about 18 months. After that,
forget about restoring Windows from an older backup. It won't be
the supported version anymore.
Ubuntu Linux backups should last more than
two years, but again, who would want to go that far back?
How to Use Windows 10 in Tablet Mode
Unless I'm showing something specific to
people, I never seem to put my tablet into "tablet Mode".
FedEx will pay you $5 to use Adobe
Flash on your browser
And will they come to my house and clean
up my PC after it gets infected? Even after I move to Mass.?
How to Retrieve Folders, Files With
Windows 10 Quick Access
This is one Windows 10 feature I have been
using. Especially when backing up data to multiple drives from a
single source.
Recover Your Microsoft Account Later by
Setting Up a Recovery Code NOW
Did that early on. Later, forgot my
password. Got the account back with the Code. Plan ahead!
Some of Android O’s most important new
features may have just leaked
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