Dark Mode, What is it and how to enable it in Windows 10

Dark Mode in Windows 10

If you are like millions of computer users the constant glare of bright white backgrounds on your computer screen can take a toll on your eyes.  Maybe you have heard about Dark Mode for Windows.

Dark modes aren’t just for emos or for those who like dressing in black. They are better on the eyes and use much less battery which is ideal for phone and laptop users. I find webpages shown within a dark browser easier to read too. Something to do with the contrast I guess.

If you haven't heard of it and you suffer from eye strain then you owe it to yourself to try Dark Mode.  I didn't like it at first but it was because it is so different, but now I really prefer dark mode.  When I switch to the default white screens my eyes feel it instantly.  Dark mode provides instant relief.


To enable Dark Mode in Windows 10 you have to click on the Settings button, then choose Personalization.

Next click on Colors, select Dark for your default Windows mode as well as your default app mode.

Upon turning on Dark Mode, the most noticeable differences will be Windows Explorer and title bars on certain applications.

To really get the full-blown effect of Dark Mode across your entire computing environment, you need to change settings in Office 2016/365 and Google Chrome.

Dark Mode in Microsoft Office

To enable Dark Mode in Microsoft Office, (BTW, this is supported in Office 2016, 365 and 2013), follow the instructions provided by the following link;

https://www.howtogeek.com/360470/how-to-enable-dark-mode-in-microsoft-office/

Dark Mode in Google Chrome

Firefox and Microsoft Edge were leaders in the implementation of dark mode.

Now Google's Chrome browser also has a dark mode feature.  To enable dark mode in Chrome, you first have to enable it on Windows 10 as described above.  Once you have enabled it on Windows 10, open Chrome and type the following in the address bar;

chrome://flags

Next search flags for Dark Mode, it is an extension that you can enable or disable within the browser.

Enable the dark mode extension.

  Firefox and Microsoft Edge were leaders in the implementation of dark mode.

For a less techy approach, use the following link and read how to change Chrome to dark mode and customize the look;

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-enable-google-chromes-new-dark-mode-and-more-1833265661

DFORCE Intel Generation 8 and 9 workstations

Protecting your online Privacy and Info - DuckDuckGo, how to avoid being tracked Online

Have you ever searched for a product or service online and then found that webpages or social sites you visit are full of ads for the items you searched for?  Internet browsers and search engines are tracking your information and sites that you visit.  Your information is a revenue source for these companies and they are compromising your personal information for profit.

Now there is an extension for Chrome that works to secure your information.  It is called DuckDuckGO.

DuckDuckGo Website

DuckDuckGO's statement is that "We Don't store your personal information.  Ever."

The invasion of American's privacy is pervasive and wider than you think.  Facebook is under attack for privacy issues and many have turned to messaging apps such as Whatsapp, yet Facebook owns Whatsapp.  Waze the popular GPS mapping system is owned by Google.

To better understand how Google and other browsers and search engines track and use your information, visit DuckDuckGo's blog at  https://spreadprivacy.com/

You think you don't have anything to hide?  Three Reasons Why the "Nothing to Hide" Argument is Flawed  https://spreadprivacy.com/three-reasons-why-the-nothing-to-hide-argument-is-flawed/

DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials.

The DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials app is only available for Chrome currently.  I have added the extension to Chrome on my desktop and set it as the default extension.  Privacy Essentials is free and there are other extensions available based on your needs.  Currently, I only have Privacy Essentials installed. 

https://duckduckgo.com/app

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/duckduckgo-privacy-essent/bkdgflcldnnnapblkhphbgpggdiikppg

Happy  New Year and safe surfing!

Intel 8th & 9th Generation based workstations. 

Driving Force pairs its processors and mainboard chipsets to give you the highest level of power and performance.  Whether an entry-level Core i3 or Top of the Line Core i9-9900K CPU, don't bottleneck your processor with cheap chipsets and parts.

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

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.


Advertisement:  Shameless Plug :-)

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!

Intel Generation 8 CPUs, new design. More powerful with more cores.

Intel Unveils the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor Family for Desktop, Featuring Intel’s Best Gaming Processor Ever

Newest Processors Deliver Premium Performance, with a Boost in Frame Rate of up to 25% Gen over Gen

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• New 8th Gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors and Intel® Z370 chipset are perfect for gamers, content creators and overclockers with a range of unlocked1 “K” processors.
• Includes a new Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor that is the best gaming processor ever from Intel2, first-ever 6-core Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processor and 4-core Intel® Core™ i3 desktop processor.
• Performance boosts that deliver frame rate improvements of up to 25 percent3 compared with 7th Gen Intel Core for smooth gaming experiences and up to 65 percent faster editing4 in content creation compared with a 3-year-old machine.

Intel has introduced the latest generation, (8th, Coffee Lake) of it's Core Premium performance processors.  This new generation is different from previous chips with more cores.  The entry level Core i3 now has 4 processor cores, up from 2 and the Core i5 & i7s have 6 cores, up from the 4 which have been the standard since the 1st Core chips were introduced.  This increase enables up to 12 threads of data being processed by the i7 at one time.  

You may be thinking wait a minute guy, what does all this mean?  Before multi core processors were introduced, you bought a computer with a CPU that was 1 processor.  Multi-Core. Multi-core technology refers to CPUs that contain two or more processing cores. These cores operate as separate processors within a single chip. By using multiple cores, processor manufacturers can increase the performance of a CPU without raising the processor clock speed.

In addition to the increase in processing power, up to 40 platform PCIe 3.0 lanes supported with the new 370 chipset, this is up from 16 lanes in the Intel Core i7-7700K processor (Kaby Lake family) just a generation ago.  Wait a minute Phil, what does this mean?

Think about these lanes as highways.  Data whether your input or instructions to devices that carry out your computer operations are carried along these lanes.  They can quickly become as congested as I-285 on a workday thus bogging down your performance.  In fact many devices use more than 1 lane.

For example - gaming graphics cards use 16 lanes. Some powerful gaming computers have two graphics cards - that is 32 PCIe lanes (two x16 ports).  Previous generation Intel i7s had less lanes.  They couldn't handle two x16 graphics cards. For some gaming enthusiasts or engineers that would be a serious problem. They would have to choose a different CPU (maybe a more expensive Xeon) if they need more than 4 cores and two 16 graphics cards.

PCIe SSD drives use multiple PCIe lanes too (x4 lanes or x8 lanes).

Many gigabit network adapters use PCIe x4 lanes, there are also 10-gigabit server adapters and they use PCIe x8 lanes.

So as you can see 16 lanes is not that much. If motherboard manufacturer put one x16 slot, one x8 slot and one x4 slot (x28 total) - you can use only 3 devices there and... that's all.


For more details about this exciting new family of processors please read more at;

https://newsroom.intel.com/news-releases/intel-unveils-8th-gen-intel-core-processor-family-desktop/