Kick Microsoft Windows 10 to the curb -- switch to Ubuntu-based Linux Lite 5.2 today!

Many technology pundits have been theorizing and discussing the possibility of Windows eventually becoming a Linux-based operating system. They cite the fact that Microsoft has become less dependent on Windows for revenue, making it silly to dedicate so many resources to it. Not to mention, Microsoft has certainly cozied up to both the Linux and open source communities nowadays. Do I think Microsoft will make this move one day? Who knows. Years ago I'd say it was crazy, but in 2020, the company's flagship mobile device -- the Surface Duo -- runs the Linux-based Android. For now, Linux-based Windows remains… [Continue Reading]

Google shares details of a Windows Kernel Cryptography Driver security flaw that's being exploited by hackers

Google has shared details of a bug in the Windows Kernel Cryptography Driver (cng.sys) which is currently being exploited in the wild by hackers. The Project Zero team had already privately shared details of the security flaw with Microsoft a little over a week ago, but now that it is being actively exploited the company has gone public. The zero-day flaw is being tracked as CVE-2020-117087, and it is not likely to be addressed by Microsoft for a couple of weeks. See also: Install KB4580364 update to fix Windows 10 problems and gain the new Meet Now taskbar button How… [Continue Reading]

Apple acknowledges issues with AirPods Pro and offers free replacements

Apple has launched a new service program for AirPods Pro after identifying a series of sound issues with the earphones. The service program means that people experiencing problems with crackling or static are eligible for free replacements. The program also covers issues with Active Noise Cancellation, which could mean that bass is too low or background noise is louder than it should be. See also: Install KB4580364 update to fix Windows 10 problems and gain the new Meet Now taskbar button How to install Linux distros in Windows 10's WSL 2 How to uninstall Flash from Windows Apple says that… [Continue Reading]

Making the most out of your technology stack in times of economic uncertainty

Variations on the expression "to make do" are found throughout the western world. They are typically used in connection with managing situations where some of the resources you would prefer to have are missing, as in 'making do' by preparing a meal with several key ingredients missing. However, the concept of making do doesn’t just apply to domestic life; it applies with equal force to business life -- particularly at a time when corporate finances are strained and securing an ideal mix of resources may not be an option. The economic shock triggered by the global pandemic has been precisely that sort… [Continue Reading]

MINISFORUM EliteMini BOX X400 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G

If you love mini desktop computers like I do, you absolutely must check out MINISFORUM. This company produces unique NUC-like computers with beautiful designs and respectable performance. They can run both Windows 10 and Linux wonderfully. We recently tested out the Intel-powered Minisforum EliteMini H31G and came away very impressed. As an AMD fan, however, I am extremely excited about what MINISFORUM has planned next. Called "EliteMini BOX X400," the 1.35 liter PC can accommodate 2000, 3000, and 4000 series AMD Ryzen APUs, with the top option being the Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G processor. If you aren't familiar, an APU… [Continue Reading]

How to solve your data storage dilemma with cloud object storage

In a world that thrives on the consumption of data, it is not surprising that today we are witnessing tremendous data growth to the point that it is now in danger of overwhelming organizations.  This is creating massive data sprawl whereby many organizations are experiencing a slowdown in operational productivity and efficiency and this sprawl is hampering future innovation and growth. Drowning in data In fact, according to analyst firm IDC, the digital universe is growing 50 percent a year, doubling in size every 2 years. Likewise, IDC predicts that the amount of datasphere subject to data analysis will grow… [Continue Reading]

Install KB4580364 update to fix Windows 10 problems and gain the new Meet Now taskbar button

Microsoft has released a new optional, non-security update for Windows 10 that not only fixes a number of issues, but also adds a new Meet Now button to the taskbar. The KB4580364 update is available for Windows 10 builds 2004 and 20H2. It addresses a wide range of bugs including system freezes and performance problems. See also: Sun Valley: Microsoft is planning a major redesign for Windows 10 Microsoft releases KB4577586 update to remove and block Flash from Windows Microsoft is throttling the rollout of Windows 10 20H2 -- but you can still grab it manually The list of issues… [Continue Reading]

How to uninstall Flash from Windows

Flash is a blight on the internet and has long posed a security threat to any computer with it installed. Once widely used in website design, the technology is now dead and has been overtaken by more secure alternatives -- but Flash remains installed on millions of computers around the world. While all major web browsers will remove Adobe Flash Player at the end of 2020, there's no need to wait. Here's how to remove Flash right now. See also: How to install Linux distros in Windows 10's WSL 2 Sun Valley: Microsoft is planning a major redesign for Windows… [Continue Reading]

Best Windows 10 apps this week

Four-hundred-and-ten in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 on the Microsoft Store in the past seven days. Microsoft has throttled the rollout of the new Windows 10 feature update, Windows 10 version 20H2, to address a list of known issues. It is still possible to download the update manually to get it installed. As always, if I've missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email. Discounts this week… [Continue Reading]

Why cloud security is more important than ever

In today’s modern, digitized world, persuading organizations to move to the cloud is like pushing against an open door. The business case for cloud is clear -- flexibility, agility, and cost savings. Likewise, cloud technology makes scaling faster, smarter, and more affordable than on-premise servers. No wonder 90 percent of companies are in the cloud. This confirms that cloud usage was already mainstream in 2019; this has increased exponentially in 2020. Operating in the cloud undoubtedly delivers significant advantages and likewise security improvements for most organizations, but with the increasing number of data breaches and cyber attacks, organizations do need… [Continue Reading]

Could your business benefit from a cloud backup solution?

The average cost of downtime has been estimated at £193K per hour, so every minute counts if your systems are down or your data has been compromised. Data loss and security breaches are becoming increasingly common events in today’s world. It is not a matter of when, but if a disaster of any kind will happen. All of an organization's information must be protected and readily available at all times in order for a business to survive. Considering this fact, the importance of backups cannot be overestimated and backing up vital data is an integral part of any business’s IT strategy.  Ensuring effective off-site backup… [Continue Reading]

Hospitals and healthcare hit by global wave of ransomware

October has seen a 71 percent increase in ransomware attacks against the healthcare sector in the US compared to the previous month. Elsewhere in the world, in EMEA, attacks increased by 36 percent and by 33 percent in the APAC region, according to research from Check Point. The FBI this week has issued a warning which says that the Ryuk ransomware is responsible for most attacks. This is echoed in study we reported on yesterday, and in Check Point's data which shows that Ryuk has been responsible for 75 percent of the ransomware attacks on the US healthcare sector in… [Continue Reading]

Zero Trust Network Access: Bringing trust to BYOD and remote work

Productivity and security can pull enterprises in different directions. Especially in the age of remote work when IT decisions are largely being dictated by the needs of a dispersed workforce. Let’s not forget, that remote work isn’t about an employee in a satellite office equipped with on-premise security infrastructure. Remote work is about end users who work whenever, wherever, and from any device they choose. While this model has great productivity benefits, it’s placing IT and security teams on the backfoot and forcing them to protect business critical data in more places than ever before. The acceleration of remote work… [Continue Reading]

How to install Linux distros in Windows 10's WSL 2

Microsoft has been showing Linux a lot of love in recent years, and nowhere is this more visible than in Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 10. A new update to WSL makes it easier than ever to install Linux distros such as Ubuntu, Debian and Kali Linux. At the moment, automatic distro installation using the wsl --install command is only available to Windows Insiders, but it will make its way to everyone soon. See also: Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 20246, and removes a number of big features Sun Valley: Microsoft is planning a major redesign for Windows 10 Microsoft… [Continue Reading]

SASE will top the cybersecurity priority list in 2021 [Q&A]

COVID-19 has caused many industries to experience an economic downturn, but cybersecurity isn't one of them. Rather, cybersecurity is taking on newfound or heightened importance within many companies, as cybercriminals continue to exploit the global health crisis and associated business disruption to prey on unsuspecting work-from-home employees. In 2021 security strategies and budgets can be expected to align with this changing threat landscape. With many CISOs now planning security priorities and spend for next year, we caught up with Todd Weber, chief technology officer at Optiv Security, to get his take on where we'll see the greatest investments over the… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 20246, and removes a number of big features

If you’re an Insider on the Dev Channel, you can today download a new Windows 10 build. This one is different from previous such releases however, as it comes from a new branch. Windows 10 Build 20246, like future Dev Channel flights, will now come from the FE_RELEASE branch. That’s not all though. This release also removes various new features. SEE ALSO: The 'Future Vision' of Windows 10 is everything we could hope for This build loses the updated emoji picker, redesigned touch keyboard, voice typing, theme-aware splash screens, and other features. Don’t panic though; their removal is only temporary.… [Continue Reading]

OWC launches fast, durable, and affordable Envoy Pro Elektron USB-C SSD for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPad, and Chromebooks

When shopping for a bus-powered external storage device, speed is definitely important, but it is certainly not the only thing to look for. My advice would be to first focus on durability of the enclosure and reliability of the internal drive by sticking with a reputable brand. With SSD prices so low nowadays, a mechanical hard drive really shouldn't be considered anymore. If you take my advice and focus on durability and speed from a reputable company, then the all new Envoy Pro Elektron from Other World Computing, Inc. should absolutely be considered. Not only is the aluminum body dust-,… [Continue Reading]