There is still more news on the WannaCry ransomware we talked about in the last edition. Be sure and read our first three stories to learn the latest. A correction from the last edition…Microsoft issued a fix for this vulnerability a couple of months ago in Windows 10. It was the older versions that were still vulnerable. They have now been patched.
Yesterday, Google held its annual I/O conference for developers and announced several new products and upgrades for both Google and Android. There were lots of them, so our 4th story gives you an in-depth roundup of what was announced. There are some interesting new features and products coming our way, so be sure and take a look.
Regarding DirecTV Now, we are still waiting for an app so it can run on Roku boxes and sticks. They promised they would release one in the first quarter of this year, but it did not happen. DirecTV now says it will be out sometime in 2017. Rumor has it that since Roku is so popular, DirecTV is worried that too many new users will flood the system and bring it down. There are still some nagging little problems with DirecTV Now…so if the rumor is true, they should hold off on a Roku app until everything works a little better. I am glad I bought an Amazon Fire Stick so I could use the system.
And speaking of rumors…many tech journals are reporting that the upcoming Apple iPhone 8 will cost $1,000 or more. Wow! It would not surprise me if that is true since Apple has been raising their prices lately (with the exception of the new iPad which is at a great price). Anyway, $1,000 for an iPhone might be a deal breaker for many people.
I still have not received the Windows Creator Update on three out of four of my computers running Windows 10. But the 4th one, my HP Spectre laptop is running just fine. I recently bought a 24” monitor and plugged the Spectre into it. Using a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard, it is now my main Windows desktop computer. With an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and an SST drive, it would be silly not to use it. Make sure your next computer has an SSD drive…you will be amazed at its speed and reliability.
In the last edition, I included story about how to clean up your computer after the Creator’s Update installation. Make sure you bookmark that story for when you finally get the update. You will be shocked how much hard drive space you will recover.
While Arizona is one of just four states without blanket bans on texting while driving (except for school bus drivers), my home city of Tucson just passed a new law forbidding holding a cell phone while driving. So remember that if you ever come this way.
That’s it for me this week. I hope you have a great weekend. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Hackers behind stolen NSA tool for WannaCry: More leaks coming
The Shadow Brokers group unleashed an exploit that fueled a global ransomware attack. Now they say they've got more where that came from.
Tim Cook’s refusal to help FBI hack iPhone is validated by ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack
The FBI last year wanted Apple engineers to create a brand new version of iOS that would allow them to skirt around iOS security measures. Thank God he said "NO!"
Opinion: Upgrade already! If you're still using Windows XP, you're a menace to society
And, if you're an IT pro with decision-making capacity in an organization that continues to use XP, you should be fired.
Google I/O 2017: highlights from the developer conference
Here is all the highlights from the Google I/O Conference and all the latest innovations for both Google and Android.
Yahoo Mail For Windows 10 Is Shutting Down Next Week
Yahoo released a native Mail app for Windows 10 a while back, and naturally many people have been relying on this app to get their daily email fix. Well, we have some bad news.
Intel turns up the dial to Core i9 with new processors
Rumored high-end offerings look very juicy indeed
Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks
Windows 10 tip: Stop using the horribly insecure SMBv1 protocol
For years, Microsoft has been recommending that you disable the vulnerable SMBv1 protocol. The recent WannaCry ransomware outbreak underscores the need to take this important step. Here's how.PS: Its easy!
The 10 best Edge extensions so far
The catalog for the Microsoft Edge browser extensions isn't huge, but it's still got some helpful tools to enhance your web browsing.
10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
Check out these quick tips to get the strongest signal from your wireless router, extend and optimize your Wi-Fi coverage, and speed up your surfing.
How to use Night Light in the Windows 10 Creators Update
The Creators Update brings a built-in way to adjust your screen's color temperature and make it easier to sleep after a late-night computer
How to Use Microsoft Paint 3D
Paint 3D is a new application included with Windows 10’s Creators Update. You can use it to work with 3D models and put together 3D scenes. Your work can be shared online or even printed on a 3D printer.
How to Create a System Image Backup in Windows 7, 8, or 10
Let’s take a look at how to create a full backup image of your PC without the need for a third party utility.
Mobile Computing
20+ iPhone tips you’ll use frequently
Today I thought you might enjoy this collection of 20 lesser-known iPhone tips, which I do hope are of use to you.
Cheap 2017 iPad vs. 9.7-inch iPad Pro: How to decide
There is the iPad, and there is the iPad Pro. One is almost twice the price of the other. They are virtually identical, except for a few minor features. So which should you buy? And why?
Apple now has a how-to guide for iPhone camera users
Apple has a new new site dedicated to camera tips and how-to videos, which just went live.
Latest Google Maps update shows you exactly where to turn using Street View images
An update rolling out today to Google Maps is making it even easier to arrive smoothly at your destination by allowing users to see exactly where to turn and what lane to be in using Street View images.
Amazon refreshes its Fire lineup with four new tablets
Though the update is largely a refresh of existing devices (the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is new), it stands as a mark of Amazon's commitment to offering affordable, value-packed tablets that are geared towards dedicated customers.
Fresh Meat: 10 new Android apps worth checking out
Every day there are thousands of additions to the Google Play store, but many go unnoticed and never receive the attention they deserve. Here are some new ones that do.
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