Windows Updates - problems and new Feature Release 1903 due soon.

Since Windows as a Service (SaaS) became the norm with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft has been making changes to the way it rolls out updates to end-users to keep the OS up to date.

The update process has not been a smooth one.  Microsoft's VP of Windows last week acknowledged that updating can be "disruptive".  It was in October of 2018 when Microsoft rolled out version 1809 and many users found that their files had been deleted due to a bug.  I'm not sure if the bug was part of the update or the new OS itself but Microsoft halted the update for 6 weeks until the issue had been resolved.

It's not an easy task for Microsoft.  There are over 800 million PCs running Windows 10 worldwide.  Unlike Apple which controls every facet of their products, there are hundreds if not thousands of PC hardware manufacturers.  Since some make only components to be used in a finished PC, this leads to innumerable variations in hardware.  Add to that all the available software that can be installed and user personalization that makes anticipating every outcome difficult if not impossible.

It is important that you update your Windows to ensure that security holes and bugs have been patched.  Not doing so leaves your computer exposed to hackers and criminals who are always evolving as well as the tools they use to attack your system and steal your data.

There is a new feature coming with the next Windows feature release called "SandBox" that will allow your computer to run in a secure lightweight environment to protect your computer from Malware without affecting the normal Windows installation.  Believe me, you will want this.

There are major updates available now for Windows version 1809 and we are on the cusp of the first major Windows feature release of 2019, version 1903 due for release any day now.

https://medium.com/@win10tricks/windows-10-1903-april-2019-update-release-date-new-features-and-improvements-f49953f6f595

If you are unsure which version you are on, execute the command "Winver" in the Search Box

or use run (Win +R), then type Winver.  Your version will appear similar to below;

to read more, check the links below and Thanks for reading!

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-updates-why-microsofts-battle-isnt-over-yet/


Microsoft's April Patch Tuesday comes with fixes for two Windows zero-days

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-april-patch-tuesday-comes-with-fixes-for-two-windows-zero-days/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791


Windows 7 problems: Microsoft blocks April updates to systems at risk of freezing

Microsoft has blocked this week's monthly and security-only Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 updates for Sophos antivirus users after widespread reports that computers failed to boot after installing them. 

The problems are caused by Microsoft's Tuesday Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 monthly rollup and security-only updates KB4493467, KB4493446, KB4493448, KB4493472, KB4493450 and KB4493451. 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-7-problems-microsoft-blocks-april-updates-to-systems-at-risk-of-freezing/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=27630927001468733386426006914379

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/04/12/microsoft-confirms-latest-updates-are-freezing-windows-heres-how-to-fix-it/#4e025fb84d99

New Intel 8th and 9th Generations Workstations.

Windows 8 Special Pricing Ends 01/31/2013

Microsoft's special pricing for Windows 8 is ending on 01/31/13.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to save BIG!

• Current upgrade pricing to Windows 8 Pro from any OS:  $39.99.
•  Starting February 1, the Windows 8 upgrade (from previous Windows home/consumer SKUs) will cost $119.99. The Windows 8 Pro upgrade will cost $199.99.  
•  If you have recently bought a Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013, you can upgrade to Windows Pro for $14.99 regardless of the version of Windows  you may have including Home versions.  If you qualify for this offer Click here-> http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US
  

Why are you waiting?

I have read and heard many misconceptions about Windows 8.  You do not have to own a touch screen monitor to use Windows 8.  One can navigate the screens using the mouse without any problem.  Also there is the mistaken belief about Windows 8's usability related to the number of available apps.  Windows 8 is a full blown OS, i.e. it can run any of millions of available Windows programs that already exist, accounting, business suites and much more.  The Apps are coming.  Somehow consumers have become convinced that all the database and data entry that is conducted on a daily basis is being entered using iPads and other tablets.  The backbone of computing is still desktop computers.

One of the bigger concerns has been the reported disappearance of the desktop.  The desktop is still there, the user has the added Metro interface for Apps or the launch of desktop programs  if they so choose.  The major drawback I have experienced is Internet Explorer 10, as always Microsoft breaks things.  Mozilla Firefox is a worthwhile replacement.

The main drawback I see for performing the upgrade, non-Windows 7 users, (XP or Vista users), will have to perform a new install, i.e. they cannot simply upgrade their existing OS.  They will have to re-install all their existing applications after first being smart and backing up their data.


For more details on the January 31st expiration date click on the links below;

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_Meet_FPP_Null_02EP

http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-windows-8-upgrade-promotion-really-is-ending-on-january-31-7000010025/

DForce Windows 8 Ready Computers

Patch Tuesday - Microsoft OneCare Live

Patch Tuesday

Here we go again, the eve of Patch Tuesday.  Patch Tuesday is the second Tuesday of each month, on which Microsoft releases security patches.  Patch Tuesday evolved out of "Windows Update" that started with Windows 98.

Initially the Windows Update system suffered from two problems. The first was that the less-experienced user was often unaware of Windows Update and did not run it.  Microsoft's solution to that was the "Automatic Update," which notified each user that an update was available for his system.  Secondly, the problem with Automatic Updates was that sometimes it broke previously working software programs which caused problems for customers with many copies of Windows.  IT techs not only had to update every Windows deployment in the company but also uninstall patches issued by Microsoft that broke existing functionality.

In order to reduce the costs related to the deployment of patches, Microsoft introduced "Patch Tuesday". Security patches are accumulated over a period of one month and then dispatched all at once on the second Tuesday of each month.  System administrators may prepare, troubleshoot and resolve any conflicts and decide the best appropriate course for their systems.

The contents of this month's Patch Tuesday updates can be found at the following link; http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS10-sep.mspx

Also if you haven't already, you can sign up for an automatic notification from Microsoft that will be issued 3 days in advance, this link is; http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dd252948.aspx

Exploit Wednesday

Did you know that the day following Patch Tuesday has become known as Exploit Wednesday?  Malware writers analyze the patch and quickly develop code to attack new entry points knowing that there will be an entire month before Microsoft releases any patch to fix it.

Microsoft OneCare Live

Microsoft once had a for pay anti-virus/malware system, "OneCare" that is now available for free.  Not only does it scan for malware and viruses, it also has a Registry Check/Fix that works very well.  To do a full scan takes some time depending upon how many files you have on your system... so allow time for the scan to run.  Start it if you are going to be away from the computer for awhile.  It is well worth the time.  Click here for the Microsoft OneCare link.