Google Chrome: Tips and Tricks to get more done using your browser

Many of you use Google Chrome as your go-to browser for surfing the internet and searching the web for information.  Chrome works hard for you and gets little consideration that it needs tuning and help at times to stay efficient and at peak performance.

If you have a poor or slow internet connection, an extension is available for helping speed up browsing.  I know some of you struggle with DSL still.  The Data Saver extension is available for free to help with a poor internet connection.

No matter what browser you use, there is the need to check your system for spyware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).  Be sure to see Rule;

#10: CHECK YOUR SYSTEM FOR SPYWARE AND OTHER JUNK

Windows users can make use of Google's Software Removal Tool. It might also be a good idea to scan the system using something such as Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware.

Mac users can check out Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware for Mac (don't believe the nonsense that Macs can't have viruses or malware -- that may have been true a decade ago, but it's not true today).

The following link gives you tips and tricks to make your Google Chrome install run faster, more secure and do more than you thought was capable with the browser.  These helpful hints work on both PCs and Macs.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-master-google-chrome/

A $2,000 iPhone: It's coming. It's inevitable

A $2,000 iPhone: It's coming. It's inevitable

Now that Samsung has introduced a new Galaxy Note 9 starting at $1250, the experts say a $2000 iPhone is around the corner.  Hell, I can't sell a $499 desktop but people will spend a thousand plus for a phone...

The new Galaxy Note 9 has beaten Apple at their own game with the $1249 price for a phone with more RAM, storage and screen real estate, 6.4 inches.  There is a 512GB model for an extra $250 plus you can add a 512GB micro SD card for 1TB of storage.

Apple currently offers a base model 64GB iPhone X for $999 and a 256GB model for $1249.  According to rumors, Apple is preparing to release 3 new models.

Now you have to admit Apple is genius at making money.  The recent earnings announcement highlighted how services revenue had grown for Apple.  They offer a 64GB and 256GB model and give you 5GB iCloud storage to back up your phone with.  Wow, how generous of Tim Cook and company.

iCloud storage plans and pricing
When you sign up for iCloud, you automatically get 5GB of free storage. If you need more space in iCloud, you can upgrade to a larger storage plan.

Read all about it at;

https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-2000-iphone-its-inevitable/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791

Intel Generation 8 workstations 

FBI warns of imminent hack attack on ATM machines worldwide

FBI warns of imminent hack attack on ATM machines worldwide

On Friday 08/10/18 the FBI issued a warning to banks around the world that ATM are at risk for an imminent cyber attack.  Millions of dollars are expected to disappear from customer accounts.

A similar attack occurred in 2009 and resulted in $9 million in losses.  The scheme is a cash-out in which the criminals hack a bank or payment card processor and issue cloned cards to be used around the world to withdraw money.  The culpable targets are small to mid-sized banks that lag in the latest security equipment and software.

“Historic compromises have included small-to-medium size financial institutions, likely due to less robust implementation of cybersecurity controls, budgets, or third-party vendor vulnerabilities,” the statement reads.

“The FBI expects the ubiquity of this activity to continue or possibly increase in the near future.”

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2018/08/15/fbi-warns-banks-that-crooks-are-planning-choreographed-atm-drainage/

stay tuned.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD recently announced the availability of the much-awaited second generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX desktop processor.

In recent blog posts I have written about the performance gains achieved by Intel Generation 8 processors over the prior Intel Generation 7 processor family.  Generation 8 has more cores across the product line, Core i3 from 2 to 4 cores, Core i5 & Core i7, 4 to 6 cores.  Well, that pales in comparison with the new 2nd generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX desktop processor.

The Threadripper (love the name) 2990WX is capable of achieving 6 GHz across 32 cores with the right cooling system.  The higher the speed, especially when overclocking, the hotter and thus more unstable the chip becomes so more extreme cooling is required.  The cooling processes for achieving this speed is probably more expensive than your typical home computer.

Reportedly, Intel’s yet-to-be-released 28-core PC chip recorded up to 5 GHz clock speed under industrial-grade water cooling. Meanwhile, AMD’s 2990WX delivered 5.1 GHz clock speed under liquid nitrogen cooling conditions.

In reality, these chips are targeting the server markets and those gamers who can afford the very best and have lots of disposable income.  Just the processors alone are priced at $1,799 for 2990WX and $1,299 for the 2970WX.

The more modest AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X features only 16 cores and 32 threads, will be available Aug 31, 2018.  Meanwhile, crumbs for us working stiffs are coming.  AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X and 2970WX models are scheduled to be made available in October 2018, and are priced at $899 and $649 respectively.

The new Ryzen Threadripper processor is developed on 12nm Zen+ architecture. The chip is touted to be the highest-end chip featuring a whopping 32 cores and 64 threads, per PC Gamer. Higher core count of Threadripper 2990WX is expected to boost the competitive position of AMD against Intel INTC in the high-end desktop market (“HEDT”) considerably.

for more info about these new products read;

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amd-raises-bar-2nd-generation-142002517.html

and if you are interested MicroCenter has the Threadripper in stock.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/510650/ryzen-threadripper-2990wx-32-core-str4-boxed-processor

Intel vs AMD

The high-end chips are very impressive but not very economical for everyday business and home users.  When you visit retailers sometimes you can be overwhelmed by the offerings and wide price ranges.  Most of the lower priced units are AMDs or Intel Pentium (even Celeron) based systems.

The new highly touted Surface Go which starts at $399 for 64 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM (no keyboard/pen), has the Pentium Gold processor.  The Surface GO has all day battery life which I desire so I could travel without power supply and cord.  However, the weak processor is a deal breaker for me since I know it will not be powerful enough to replace my current 3rd Gen Core i7, 1.5 hour battery life (sigh).

AMD makes good, reliable and less expensive processors but in my experience, I have found Intel chips provide better performance for longer across the life of the machine.  See the link below for performance specs and comparisons.

https://www.thenerdmag.com/intel-8th-gen-core-i7-vs-amd-ryzen-7-cpu-benchmarks/

Intel Optane Memory

I have just completed a 3 course Intel training seminar learning about the benefits of Intel Optane Memory.  I am still quite happy with the mundane Intel Generation 8 processors especially when coupled with the performance of an SSD.  However, although SSDs have come down quite a bit in price they still are not as inexpensive as SATA hard drives which offer huge storage capabilities for the price.

Enter Intel Optane Memory.  Starting with the Intel Generation 7 processors and the associated chipsets featuring an M.2 slot on the mainboard, a 32 GB Intel Optane memory module coupled with an inexpensive 1 TB hard drive provides SSD performance across the entire 1 TB for approximately a third of the price of a comparable 1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD).

If you have a Generation 7 based computer and would like to optimize performance, consider adding a 16 GB Intel Optane Memory module, approximately $39.

If you are considering a new computer, there has never been a better time to achieve great performance for your buck.  Contact Driving Force Software, dforce@drivingforce.net

Device Security - Time to rethink Mobile Security - CCleaner, not exactly free.

Is it time to consider SmartPhone security?

Your online privacy is under constant threat these days from every direction conceivable including software you install.

I spent yesterday with my CPA talking taxes, finances and data.  My CPA is extremely concerned about data security and we were taking steps to secure and make sure his PCs were protected against any threats.  However the main threat to security may not be your computer but your always connected smartphone which people are using to do banking, place shopping orders and more.

Smartphones are like having an open window allowing everyone into your world.  I mean you are carrying a LoJack system in your pocket  It's tracking and relaying where your present location.  Even if you're not using GPS it is still pinging cell towers and GPS satellites can still see you.  In other words, you can run but not hide.

It's been said that the world's most secure smartphone is the one at the bottom of a river.  So what to do?  To stay abreast and keep up in today's modern world a smartphone is a must.  The link below is to an article which lists the 4 best phones for privacy and security.  #1 may surprise you but it is still the preferred device used by many governments around the world.

https://smartphones.gadgethacks.com/how-to/4-best-phones-for-privacy-security-0176106/

In the past year, some clients and people I know have had their email and online accounts hacked.  Many times scans of their system revealed nothing.  I ask if they possibly responded to a phishing attempt.  Almost always the answer is no.  In each case, the compromised email account and equivalent phone app was also on their smartphones.  I'm beginning to wonder if its time to take smartphone security more seriously.  It could be the weak link in your online security.

Consider these facts from Malwarebytes online forum.

"These hacks aren’t happening in a vacuum. Mobile malware is a frontier ripe for cybercriminal activity. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center Report, nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone, and roughly one in five of those users conduct most of their online browsing using their phone instead of a computer. The reality is that as more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will hear the call."

 “Everything from backdoor malware that steals personal information to ransomware that locks your phone until payment is made exists in the mobile space. With millions of malware samples in the wild, there is no reason not to be concerned.”

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2016/09/top-10-ways-to-secure-your-mobile-phone/

New Wi-Fi attack cracks WPA2 passwords with ease

The common Wi-Fi security standard is no longer as secure as you think.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-wi-fi-attack-cracks-wpawpa2-passwords-with-ease/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791

Beware the Software Santa.  Free comes with a cost.

CCleaner, a software I used in Windows 98 days is currently in trouble with users due to unwanted monitoring and collection of data.  This is just the latest incident for the company.  Last year it was modified by hackers and used to serve malware.   CCleaner is available from Avast (Piriform) and is used to scrub and optimize all kinds of devices including Windows, Macs and mobile devices.

In the latest version 5.45, the company added features that many users were not pleased about.  The features in question are used for data collection.  The collection of data is performed by tasks called Active Monitoring and heartbeat which continuously send user data to CCleaner servers.  The company claims that nonpersonal and nonidentifiable data only is sent to servers, however, the difficulty in opting out is frustrating many users.  If you close the program it only minimizes and to close the program it has to be forced closed or the service stopped.

When servicing client systems I almost always find malware and PUPS (potentially unwanted software) installed.  These items compromise system security and performance.  Often times these programs are installed along with legitimate software by the user during the install process.  It is important to pay attention to the install process to make sure that you don't install more than you intended especially when Googling and installing free software.  Always pay attention to your search results and don't select a search result that isn't a direct link to the desired software or is listed as an ad.  The software may be advertised as free but they are trying to get paid.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/cc-cleaner-provokes-fury-over-active-monitoring/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=27630927001468733386426006914379

Go Fast with any one of these premium Intel Gen 8 based workstations equipped with a Solid State Drive (SSD)!

PCs sales up, Macs are down, Apple first company with Trillion Dollar Market Cap even as Huawei passes for 2nd in Phone Sales

WHY ARE PCS SALES GROWING WHILE MAC SALES ARE CRASHING?

While PC sales are up for the first time in 6 years, Mac sales had the worst quarter in 7 years, a 13 percent unit decline year over year.  In fact, Mac sales are at a level not seen since Q3 2010.

The reasons behind these figures are simple.  PCs have exhibited new features and innovations in recent years driven by Microsoft and the Surface Line while Apple has allowed it Mac lineup to become stagnant.  Apple recently an update "Refresh" on its Macbook Pro, however, it is hard to justify spending thousands of dollars on technology that is more than a year old.  In addition, the reliability of Macs has received a lot of consumer complaints and negative press recently and that doesn't help when selling systems priced over a thousand if not thousands of dollars.

Windows 10 has been another factor in PC growth.  OEMs and manufacturers have bestowed credit on Microsoft's OS for helping revive the market.

PCs and Macs have different markets and some professionals rely on Macs to work, however,  businesses and enterprises overwhelmingly rely on PCs and the business market is buying PCs again.  

The recent release of Intel Gen 8 processors and less expensive SSDs have provided a significant performance increase that coupled with Windows 10 offer an upgrade experience worth the money.

Windows 10 version 1803 that was just released adds so many features that use to cost you money.  Version 1803 came with a new App that performs video and photo editing a popular application among today's users.

to read about this and more click on 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-are-pcs-sales-growing-while-mac-sales-are-crashing/

Apple hits a trillion dollar market cap — watch it move live here

Apple shares hit the historic $1 trillion market value milestone Thursday.

The stock briefly hit the $207.05 per share price that was needed to bring it to the $1 trillion mark before retreating.

The shares have soared since reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings on Tuesday after the bell. The stock jumped 5.9 percent on Wednesday and has continued higher Thursday.

China's Huawei overtakes Apple as world's 2nd largest smartphone seller

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/02/c_137364051.htm

Driving Force - Powerful New Intel Gen 8 workstations!

Driving Force offers a full line of Gen 8 workstations to fit any need.  Whether you are looking at the most economical or a powerful platform to last for years to come, any of these will beat your current system.

For pricing please click on image below.  Thanks!

Windows 10 version 1703 servicing ends in October, DaaS, Will you lease your next computer monthly?

Windows 10: Clock's ticking on upgrade, Microsoft warns Creators Update users

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer provide updates for Windows 10 version 1703 after October 9, 2018.  Version 1703, "Creators Update" was released in May 2017 followed by the "Fall Creators Update", ver. 1709 in October 2017.

The major version updates are large in size, often 1 GB and many people put off upgrading because of this and potential problems with incompatibilities that may arise.  Starting with version 1803 in April 2018, Microsoft allowed users to delay the decision to update.

What does it mean if you don't update?  You will no longer receive security updates to the latest threats from hackers and if your system is not currently under attack, it will be eventually.  When the Intel Meltdown and Spectre flaws were announced Microsoft was in the lead releasing patches to protect your computer.  After October 2018 users on version 1703 will no longer receive these or any other new security updates.

To find out which version of Windows 10 you're on, do the following,

Hold down the Windows key and press R, this will bring up the Run command.
Type cmd and press ENTER, Command Prompt Window will open,

At the prompt type WINVER and press ENTER.  You will receive a screen that provides your OS version.

Below is the full list of Windows 10 versions, courtesy Wikipedia.

Click here for the full story;

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-clocks-ticking-on-upgrade-microsoft-warns-creators-update-users/

Windows 10: These two new builds deliver lots of bug fixes

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-these-two-new-builds-deliver-lots-of-bug-fixes/

DaaS, Devices as a Service:  Microsoft bangs the 'devices as a service' drum ahead of Windows 7's end-of-support deadline

Windows 7 end of life January 14,2020.  Windows 10 protects against more than twice the malware threats.

According to Microsoft, there are 184 million commercial devices still on Windows 7 (excludes China), and the majority are more than 5 years old.

Microsoft is rapidly gearing up for a new model, DaaS, Devices as a Service.  The plan is to provide devices running Windows on a monthly subscription basis.  By 2020 when Windows 7 expires, they expect 30 percent of all PCs to be acquired via a monthly lease.


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Driving Force - Powerful New Intel Gen 8 workstations!

Driving Force offers a full line of Gen 8 workstations to fit any need.  Whether you are looking at the most economical or a powerful platform to last for years to come, any of these will beat your current system.

For pricing please click on image below.  Thanks!