Some good news on both fronts. First, Microsoft has patched the security flaws on Intel Chips running Windows 10. In the last edition, I noted I had not received the update yet. The following day, all my Windows-based computers were updated. Firefox, Safari, and Edge have also issued patches for your protection. Chrome says it has one coming in its next update on the 25th.
Apple Mac computers were partially fixed in the last MAC OS update with another fix coming in the next update now in testing. A patch for their iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) were issued in the last 24 hours with the release of iOS version 11.2.2 (see below). If you use the iPhone or iPad, make sure you update.
All the fixes issued will probably slow down your devices. The good news is that the slowdown will not be noticeable on either Windows 10, MAC, or iOS devices. The bad news is Microsoft is warning that Windows 7 and 8 computer users will notice a decrease in system performance. Also in the bad news category, some AMD-based computers are crashing after the update. And some Anti-Virus software is still blocking the updates.
The slowdown will also be quite noticeable on computers running Linux…up to 30% slowdown. As noted in an article we ran last week, Linux is used to run cloud storage services like iCloud, Amazon Cloud Services, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others. These companies are working full time to fix this issue.
The reason for the slowdown is the vulnerability lies in the section of chips that work to speed up computer processing. But, as I said, most of us will not notice any slowdown in our computing. I sure haven’t.
As for Net Neutrality, 30 Senators have banded together to force a vote in the US Senate to overturn the FCC ruling. If it passes there, it will go to the House for a vote. If that passes, it goes to the President for his signature. The bad news is the President will almost certainly veto it.
However, after the official FCC ruling is published in the Federal Register, look for a ton of lawsuits to be filed. This is going to be a fight to the death.
Tech News and Opinions
Senate will force vote on overturning net neutrality repeal
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) has mustered the 30 votes necessary to force a vote on the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality.
Net neutrality suit gains support from tech’s biggest companies
Just one day after Ajit Pai's FCC released the text of its order to gut net neutrality, a lobbying group that represents the largest tech companies in the world has decided to take legal action.
Microsoft says older Windows versions will face greatest performance hits after Meltdown, Spectre patches
Windows 7 and Windows 8 users running older processors, like 2015-era Haswell or older chips, will be most affected by performance issues.
Intel announces 'major breakthrough' in quantum computing chip
Intel has announced a 49-qubit quantum chip at CES 2018, with CEO Brian Krzanich calling it a major breakthrough in quantum computing and the next step to "quantum supremacy".
AMD Is Making a Really Great Case For Ditching Intel-based Computers
AMD's new processors are not the slow and cheap alternative. It’s, potentially, the faster and cheaper alternative.
Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks
How to Check if Your PC Is Protected Against Meltdown and Spectre
Warning: Even if you’ve installed patches from Windows Update, your PC may not completely protected from the Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws. Here’s how to check if you’re fully protected, and what to do if you aren’t.
Why You Should Switch From Google Chrome to Firefox
It’s just as fast, if not faster, than Chrome, and integrates tools to boost your privacy online while making it easier to share and save everything you find on the web.
Don't Buy A Hard Drive Until You've Read This.
Which manufacturers' drives are the most reliable, and which models are worth paying slightly more for?
Amazon Bringing Alexa to Windows 10 PCs
Microsoft is partnering with some of the biggest Windows device makers, including the likes of Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Acer, to bring Alexa to new Windows 10 devices this year.
Tech tricks to help you organize your digital photo library
Get more out of Google Photos and Apple Photos.
Mobile Computing
Apple releases iOS 11.2.2 for iPhone and iPad
The patch is to fix the Spectre vulnerability that came to light earlier this month. Definitely install this one ASAP.
The iPad Gestures You Should Master
From the always-on Dock to the new multitasking options, you’ll need to figure out how to move your fingers around that screen if you ever want to ditch that laptop for good and go tablet-only.
How to tell if your iPhone battery needs replacing
Apple is now offering to swap the battery in older iPhone's for $29, but will having this done speed up your device?
Google Pay combines Android Pay and Google Wallet under one brand name
The times they are a-changin’ for Google’s payment systems. The company has announced the merger of Android Pay and Google Wallet into a single brand, Google Pay.
Android Phones with the Best Battery Life
As a companion to the Best Android Phones, we’ve rounded up the Android Phones with the Best Battery Life. If you need a big battery to get through the day, these are the phones for you.
Android security: Flashlight apps on Google Play infested with adware were downloaded by 1.5m people
Android users looking for simple tools found their devices infected with aggressive LightsOut adware.
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