Apple announces new Desktops on the way, Windows 10: The 10 biggest controversies and surprises in 2016.

Tim Cook says 'great desktops' are on the way for Apple

The death of the desktop computer has been touted for a number of years now with many people using tablets and smartphones for surfing the internet and email.  However for serious work you cannot accomplish (at least efficiently) the amount of work and creativity that you can with a desktop.  Now with iPad sales flagging Apple's Tim Cook recently told employees that new desktops are in Apple's future.  Read full article at following link;

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tim-cook-says-great-desktops-are-on-the-way-for-apple/?ftag=TREb82e1fa&bhid=2219791

https://www.onsparks.com/flagging-ipad-sales-may-continue/


Windows 10: The 10 biggest controversies & surprises in 2016

Microsoft flagship OS has generated it's share of user backlash.  Some of the things Redmond has been accused of is tricking Windows 7 and 8 users into upgrading to Windows 10, forced updates, OS bugs and more bugs, spying on users.

Users who wanted to stick with Windows 7 & 8 were disappointed when they learned the legacy OSs would not be supported on new AMD and Intel processors.

Read more at;

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-10-the-10-biggest-controversies-and-surprises-in-2016/?ftag=TREe09998f&bhid=2219791


Locky ransomware: How this malware menace evolved in just 12 months

As soon as Security companies add detection for known malware to their software and devices, the bad guys update their payload with new features to evade detection.  The Locky ransomware has received multiple updates in the past year.  Security company Check Point said that Locky is the second most prevalent malware worldwide and that several different groups customize the malware so there are multiple versions in use.  Read the article at;

http://www.zdnet.com/article/locky-ransomware-how-this-malware-menace-evolved-in-just-12-months/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_related&ftag=TRE0fb9d06&bhid=2219791

http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-cost-of-ransomware-attacks-1-billion-this-year/



New 6th generation PCs available from DFS-Driving Force Software

Intel 7th Generation Notebooks

Yahoo Biggest Hack ever, Microsoft Surface sales Surge on disappointing MacBook Pro

Yahoo Suffers World's Biggest Hack Affecting 1 Billion Users

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/yahoo-hackers-stole-information-1b-accounts-44196851

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/yahoo-says-hackers-stole-information-221214183.html

The link below is to a site that allows you to check if your email address has been compromised and which sites your information was stolen.  I have already checked some friends and clients, some of which are at jeopardy.  Protect yourself and change your passwords.

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamtanner/2014/04/14/these-sites-tell-which-of-your-accounts-have-been-hacked/#6db0eb2d4e8e

and from the I told you so file... a couple of posts ago.

Microsoft: Surface sales surge on "disappointment" with MacBook Pro

https://www.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-says-disappointment-macbook-pro-163640415.html

and for Apple the news gets worse.

Apple’s new TV app shows how painfully behind it is

http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/14/13938628/apple-tv-app-amazon-fire-netflix-cable-streaming

New 7th Generation Intel Core processors, 4K graphics, 3.5x performance and more

Intel has introduced their newest Core processors, the 7th Generation.

The processors are based on an industry leading 14nm manufacturing process that deliver significant performance gains and power efficiencie over previous generations.

The newest processors deliver much in performance.  You will experience

• Amazing 4K, 360 degree viewing and editing

• Native support for USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity

• A new wave of thin and stylish devices

There are 2 new families in the mobile processor level

The Y-Series (mobile) which boasts extremely low power.

• Intel Core m3-7Y30 processors
• Intel Core i5-7Y54 processors
• Intel Core i7-7Y75 processors

1. The Y series are extremely low power, runs cool using (TDP < or = 4.5W).
2. This allows for fanless, quiet and razor-thin designs.
3. These are great for tablets and detachable 2 in 1 devices with amazing battery life.

Then there is the U-Series (mobile), ultra-low power

• Intel Core i3-7100U processors
• Intel Core i5-7200U processors
• Intel Core i7-7500U processors

1. Ultra-low power.  (TDP approximately 15W)
2. Premium performance, powerful possibilities.
3. For convertible 2 in 1 devices and sleek laptops with all day battery life.

If you are using a 5 year old or older notebook or device, there are many exciting reasons to upgrade.  Some of the performance improvements and new features are;

Compared to a 5 year old PC, a new 7th gen Intel Core processor based PC has

• up to 55% faster system improvement
• up to 3.2X faster Intel HD Graphics
• Intel IRIS graphics, improved performace with Intel Iris Graphics, integrated eDRAM

Compared to a 5 year old PC, a new 7th gen Intel Core processor PC is Lower Power and Energy Efficient.  It has up to 2.5X longer battery life than a 5 year old PC which means:  up to 10 hrs of battery life for a new PC.

Fantastic Media and Graphics;

WATCH

• User-generated 4K streams premium content with high fidelity
• TV on-the-go and next generation Blu-Ray.

CREATE

• Real-time 4K content creation
• Efficient transcode with hardware acceleration
• Faster 360 video creation

GAME

• Broad playability of Games on Intel processors with Intel graphics
• Many top games playable at 1080p
• Supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4

With the new 7th Gen Intel Core processor, businesses will be able to achieve new levels of efficiency, productivity and collaboration and enjoy simple and convenient experiences by removing the burden of wires in these areas;

• Docking
• Wireless Display
• Charging

When coupled with an Intel Solid State Drive the new processors deliver the following;

Performance and Speed

• Boot 6.2x faster
• Launch Microsoft and Adobe applications 4.3x faster
• Save, copy and transfer files faster.

Power Efficiency

• Charge your device less often and get more life from your battery

Reliability & Cost Savings

• Your storage lasts longer.  Save money with built-in features such as Intel HD Graphics and less storage replacements.

Robustness & Security

• Greater peace of mind with built-in hardware-based security features and increased tolerance for shocks and vibrations.

How to identify 7th Gen Intel Core processors.

There's a new 7th gen Intel Core Logo

7th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Intel® Core™ Brand i7

Brand Modifier 500 SKU Numeric Digits 7 Gen U Letter Suffix

6th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Intel® Core™ Brand i7

Brand Modifier 600 SKU Numeric Digits 6 Gen U Letter Suffix

       

https://www-ssl.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/core-processor-family.html?cid=sem43700014032523809&intel_term=%2Bintel+%2Bgenerations&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1bpy-1ZzsTzEDNUeuRF-t8nuQuRyIIJDEQ8Ac1KYl6JwaAoa-8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Malware hits S.F. Municipal public Railway, Microsoft Ending Office 2007 support, Big Brother in Britain

Malware problems continue, San Francisco's Municipal Public Railway System brought down by Hackers

Hackers over Thanksgiving holiday have planted malware and gained control over S.F. public railways system.  The problem caused the ticket kiosks to go down forcing the railway system to make all ride free over the weekend.  The attackers reportedly demanded 100 Bitcoins, or roughly $73,000, in ransom.

"After two days of interrupted ticketing service and free rides for passengers, the railway’s station kiosks went back online on Sunday. A day later though, the hackers were still threatening to expose 30 Gigabytes of stolen employee and customer data."

read more at Fortune's Link;

http://fortune.com/2016/11/28/muni-hack-san-francisco/

http://www.zdnet.com/article/mirai-botnet-attack-hits-thousands-of-home-routers-throwing-users-offline/

When will Microsoft end support for your version of Windows or Office?

Are you still using 10 plus year old Office, operating system.  Will you continue or will Microsoft have to pry it from your cold dead hands?

If you are wondering or care, maybe don't give a rat's arse about your ebola infested OS... but if you do check out this link;

http://www.zdnet.com/article/when-will-microsoft-pull-the-plug-on-your-version-of-windows-or-office/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791

Microsoft won't provide extended support for Office 2007 products beyond October 2017 deadline

IT administrators take note: Microsoft's Office 2007/Exchange 2007 wave of client and server software is set to exit support in October 2017, and extended custom support agreements are going away.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-wont-provide-extended-support-for-office-2007-products-beyond-october-2017-deadline/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791

BIG Brother in Britain, 2016 going on 1984.

Britain enacts 'most extreme surveillance law ever passed in a democracy.'   It's 2016 going on 1984.

The UK has just passed a massive expansion in surveillance powers, which critics have called "terrifying" and "dangerous".

The new law, dubbed the "snoopers' charter", was introduced by then-home secretary Theresa May in 2012, and took two attempts to get passed into law following breakdowns in the previous coalition government.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/snoopers-charter-expansive-new-spying-powers-becomes-law/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_related&ftag=TRE5575fdc&bhid=2219791

Opinion:  A Plethora of Windows devices vs the staid old traditional Mac lineup.

Microsoft devices continue to wow and win new users by including design innovations not found in other offerings and simply providing a device in any form one needs to accomplish their creative needs.  The Apple realm while trying to keep up continues with their same iMac offering, adding a new bar that changes with the open application replacing the Function key row.  It's like perfume on a pig though.  No wonder kids consider the iPhone to be the Grandparents phone and consider iPads, well not at all.

Hopefully the next year's iPhone 8 will offer something new and perhaps Apple can find a way to put some fire into their Mac lineup.  Otherwise, old men may continue to be Apple's leading demographic.

http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/29/technology/apple-customers/

An American made iPhone, Cloud spending rises again, Free Remote Access Software

Cloud computing: This is how much you'll be spending on it next year

Enterprises will spend a third of their total IT budget on cloud hosting and services next year as they increase their reliance on infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) providers.

Driving Force has moved 3 clients this year to Exchange 365.  It is a great alternative to having an Exchange Server onsite.  Not only do you have your email hosted but anti-spam and anti-virus is provided.  At two clients we have been able to incorporate the cloud to provide backup to their onsite server as well as offsite access to their data.  Check out the plans and give Driving Force a call to find out about implementing a solution at your company.

https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-all-microsoft-office-products?tab=2

http://www.zdnet.com/article/cloud-computing-this-is-how-much-youll-be-spending-on-it-next-year/


Could Trump be the catalyst for an all-American iPhone?

Apple's CEO Tim Cook has started looking at moving manufacture of it's iPhone and computers back to the USA.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/could-trump-be-the-catalyst-for-an-all-american-iphone/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_featured&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791


16 Free Remote Access Software Tools

I get asked about alternatives to LogMeIn remote access software sometimes.  I use LogMeIn Pro, for $149 a year I get to install it on 2 computers and receive 1 TB of cloud space for storing data.

An alternative that I have used before to assist clients who do not have LogMeIn or GoToMyPC is Google Remote Desktop.  It works well but it requires someone to be at the remote computer to supply me with a code that is generated on their side.

Another that I have used is TeamViewer and it works well and does not require another person at the computer that you are accessing remotely.  This link lists 16 free programs, some I have used but in a local LAN environment.  TeamViewer is the best for remote access of the 16 listed.  Read more at:

https://www.lifewire.com/free-remote-access-software-tools-2625161

Windows 10 Major Update for early 2017: Creators Update. New Surface Studio, MacBook Pros, LogMeIn ends Free Cubby

The 8 biggest announcements from yesterdays Microsoft event.

At yesterdays big Microsoft event a major update for early 2017 was announced and several new products were introduced.  The tech behemoth's stock set a new high for the first time since the 1999 dot com bubble.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/26/13418262/microsoft-event-announcements-vr-headset-creators-update-surface-studio

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Doubles Down With iMac-Killer

http://investorplace.com/2016/10/microsoft-corporation-msft-stock-surface-studio-event/#.WBEaXfkrKUk

https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-surface-studio/preview/?ftag=CAD1acfa04&bhid=21042726186831923270015874178287


New MacBook Pro to be introduced today.

Apple has its event to introduce new MacBooks today.  Already Apple has postponed the release of the Airpods until ??  

http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/27/13433320/apple-macbook-pro-hello-again-event-timing


Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Doubles Down With iMac-Killer

http://investorplace.com/2016/10/microsoft-corporation-msft-stock-surface-studio-event/#.WBEaXfkrKUk

The 8 biggest announcements from today's Microsoft event

http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/26/13418262/microsoft-event-announcements-vr-headset-creators-update-surface-studio

https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-surface-studio/preview/?ftag=CAD1acfa04&bhid=21042726186831923270015874178287

LogMeIn ends free Cubby November 16th.

LogMeIn has announced that it is retiring Cubby Free, the file sync & share offering that first debuted in 2013,

LogMein stated "Cubby has provided a unique file sharing experience for millions of individuals and businesses and this difficult decision was made after much deliberation and consideration."

Cubby Free users will be given until November 16th to migrate away from Cubby, and can choose to move to another free service – LogMeIn is recommending Dropbox and OneDrive – or a paid service, including LogMeIn Pro. 

Cubby Pro and Enterprise customers will continue to have full access to Cubby, both their files and full product functionality, through their account’s expiration date plus an additional 30 days to allow more time to evaluate options and complete the migration of their files.

https://blog.logmein.com/category/products/cubby-app

DDoS attack takes down East Coast Netflix, Spotify, Twitter, can new Macs revive Apple's reputation for innovation?

Cyber attack takes down East Coast Netflix, Spotify, Twitter

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2016/10/21/cyber-attack-takes-down-east-coast-netflix-spotify-twitter/92507806/

Has Apple given up on the Mac? 


Opinion: Apple is rumored to be preparing a long-overdue update to its Macbook line, but will this be too little, too late? In the PC business, Microsoft is wearing the innovation crown these days.
READ FULL STORY

http://www.zdnet.com/article/has-apple-given-up-on-the-mac/?loc=newsletter_missed_content&ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791


Apple to debut new Macs at October 27 'Hello Again' event

The company will host the launch at its headquarters, where it's expected to announce long-awaited updates to its MacBook computers.

https://www.cnet.com/news/apples-new-macs-are-almost-here-invites-out-for-october-27/?ftag=CAD1acfa04&bhid=21042726186831923270015874178287

Malware, 3.2 million debit cards compromised in India, Decryption tools and Blood Alcohol tests (I kid you not)

In this election year everyone has heard about the hacks experienced by Government agencies, the DNC and others.  The crooks and scam artists are very busy.  Government agencies and multi-national corporations are obvious targets and if they can be breached so can you.  It is important that you make sure your computer is protected, definitions are up to date and that your subscriptions are current.  It is also a good idea to have a scheduled scan to insure that nothing has slipped by.  A little prevention can save lots of money and headaches.  Strong passwords and periodically changing passwords should be a part of your security strategy.

Below are links to stories detailing attacks in the past week alone.

The cost of ransomware attacks: $1 billion this year

And it's only the beginning, with file locking malware only set to grow and take larger role in cybercrime, warn researchers.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-cost-of-ransomware-attacks-1-billion-this-year/

India experiences catastrophic cyberattack, 3.2 million debit card account details stolen

http://www.zdnet.com/article/india-experiences-catastrophic-cyberattack-with-theft-of-3-2-million-debit-cards-account-details/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791

Millennials most likely to lose money from tech support scams, says Microsoft

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/millennials-most-likely-to-lose-money-from-tech-support-scams-says-microsoft/#ftag=CAD-04-10aag0g&bhid=21042726186831923270015874178287



Free Ransomware Decryption

http://www.zdnet.com/article/these-free-ransomware-decryption-tools-have-rescued-data-from-2500-locked-devices/?loc=newsletter_large_thumb_related&ftag=TRE0fb9d06&bhid=2219791


Wearable tattoo tells your smartphone how drunk you are before the cops do.  Researchers say a wearable tattoo can deliver accurate blood-alcohol level readouts to its wearer's smartphone.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/wearable-tattoo-tells-your-smartphone-how-drunk-you-are-before-the-cops-do/

Windows 10 installed 400 million computers, Malware, Catfishing, how to fix Windows 10 Startup issues and Shameless Plug.

Windows 10 installed base crosses 400 million as business become less cautious.

"Conventional wisdom says enterprise buyers take years before they even think of moving to a new version of Windows.  That playbook is changing with Windows 10."

Read more at;

http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-installed-base-grows-thanks-to-business/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791

Malware, "CatFishing" and other online scams.

Why ransomware is exploding, and how your company can protect itself
Ransomware represents a growing threat for the enterprise.  The first known Ransomware appeared in 1989, known as the "Aids Trojan."  This past year 40 percent of businesses worldwide were attacked with their data held ransom.  That's an eye opening number.  To read more click on the following link.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-ransomware-is-exploding-and-how-your-company-can-protect-itself/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791

http://www.zdnet.com/article/what-are-the-legal-implications-of-your-business-being-infected-with-ransomware/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791


How one Amazon Kindle scam made millions of dollars.

NEW YORK -- Emma Moore could have been the health and weight loss guru you spent your life looking for.

You might be forgiven for not knowing her work -- after all, she has a common name, one that she shares with other similarly successful authors on Amazon. Until this week, she had dozens of health, dieting, cooking, and weight loss ebooks to her name. She published over a dozen ebooks on Amazon this year -- five ebooks alone this month. And Moore would even work with other authors -- like Nina Kelly, Andrew Walker, and Julia Jackson -- who have all published about a dozen ebooks each this year as well.

Here's the snag: to our knowledge, Moore doesn't exist. None of them do.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-inside-a-million-dollar-amazon-kindle-catfishing-scam/?ftag=TREc64629f&bhid=2219791


Windows 10 Anniversary Roll out upgrade continues.

Last week I was updated twice and ended up with version 1607 of Windows 10, the Anniversary update.  I have noticed some slow down in my computer and have had to reboot a couple of times to clear up issues.  Upon reboot it took a long time to finally become usable again.

I analyzed my startup items and found a Google (7) entry that was causing a high impact upon my start up.  The seven (7) indicated that Google was loading 7 items, upon disabling that and restarting my computer behaved much better.

Why the apps I use insist on configuring my computer for their environment is beyond me, I would think Google would be more responsible than to take over my computer.  Below is a link that describes in further detail the issue and how to resolve it.

http://superuser.com/questions/842210/many-chrome-processes-scheduled-on-windows-startup

Google isn't the only offender, there are many more that jockey and fight for your computer resources.  The following link tells you about 10 non-essential but common annoyances found in the start up items of many computers.  The article provides you instructions on how to configure your Windows 7/8/8.1 start up items.  Although the article is before Windows 10, the same instructions for Windows 8/8.1 applies to Windows 10.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-windows-start-faster-10-non-essential-startup-items-can-safely-remove/

this link is for Windows 10 only;

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-change-windows-10-startup-programs-stop-apps-opening-3615075/


Shameless Plug

DFS - 6th Generation Intel Computers

Windows 10 Anniversary Update - August 2, 2016

August 2nd - Windows 10 one year Anniversary Update

On Tuesday, August 2 Microsoft will begin rolling out the second major update to Windows 10 since it's release a year ago today.  This is an update contains fixes for performance, reliability, bug fixes and contains some new features that Microsoft has come up with since last fall.

Windows Hello, Cortana and the built in Edge browser all have additional uses and enhancements.  The Edge Browser supports extensions and a dedicated Microsoft Ink capability makes using digital pens easier and more interesting.

Please visit the following link to read about all the new enhancements;

http://www.zdnet.com/article/first-look-microsofts-windows-10-anniversary-update/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791http://www.zdnet.com/article/first-look-microsofts-windows-10-anniversary-update/?ftag=TRE17cfd61&bhid=2219791



Lock in your free Windows 10 upgrade and keep using your old Windows version

What if you aren't ready for Windows 10 yet?

I know this info is a little late and if you aren't technically savvy it can be a little intimidating because it involves installing Windows 10, typically 1.5 hour ordeal with a fast internet connection, recording the product key it installs for later use and then uninstalling the upgrade reverting to your previous version of Windows.


The Windows 10 free upgrade offer is, quite literally, in the final quarter.
The year-long offer expires today, July 29, 2016.  Afterwards unless a new offer of some sort materializes, you'll need to pay for a Windows 10 upgrade at the prevailing retail price, $119 for a Home upgrade or $199 for the Pro edition.

But what if you're not ready to upgrade yet? Here's how to claim your upgrade so it's available at no cost when the time comes.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-lock-in-your-free-windows-10-upgrade-and-keep-using-your-old-windows-version/?ftag=TRE5369823


New Generation 6 Intel Processor based Workstations