The Microsoft Patch Lady
Want a good Windows experience? Focus first on hardware
There are a variety of versions of Windows 10 and 11 available, and picking the right one depends on your security needs. But first, don’t skimp on hardware.
Printer setup problems? There’s got to be a better way.
It’s not always easy to get a printer connected to your network and working reliably. So why are printer makers complicating things now by requiring smartphone apps to even get started?
When humans make tech mistakes
Just because a vendor has a good track record doesn't mean they can't make mistakes that could lead to data loss. After all, tech vendors are human, too.
What to do about IE and .NET?
Internet Explorer is soon to be retired, and older versions of .Net are about to run out of support. But that doesn't mean Windows users should start deleting things right now.
When it comes to Windows, out with the old, in with the…what?
The arrival last year of Windows 11 has prompted a lot of Windows users to think about upgrades — and what can actually meet their technology needs. Some thoughts on what works and what doesn’t.
On browsers and bugs
While most computer users focus on desktop and mobile device patches, it’s important to make sure browsers are kept up to date as well.
Microsoft, its partners, and the ‘last-mile problem’
Microsoft recently unveiled changes to its partner program that shift the emphasis from customer to support to sales, sales, sales.
Do you know where your software comes from?
As the world watches what's happening in Ukraine, computer users are thinking more about the software and hardware they use — and where it comes from.
Change my password? AGAIN?
It’s not unusual for companies to require password changes routinely. But that doesn’t do as much for security as most people think; multi-factor authentication is a better option.
In a time of war, it’s important to stay secure
With the Russia-Ukraine conflict under way, cyberattacks are likely to emerge. That's why it's important to take steps now to make sure your hardware is secure.
No, Microsoft, don’t require an account to set up Windows 11
A recent preview build of Windows 11 makes an unwelcome change: it mandates a Microsoft account when installing even Windows 11 Professional. But not everyone wants or needs an account.
The Windows 11 feedback loop — what do users want most?
Microsoft says it wants users to weigh in with requests, suggestions, and advice using the built-in Feedback hub. But is that any way to really get Microsoft’s attention?
The Windows 11 ‘push,’ revisited
Some users still complain that their PCs are being unexpectedly upgraded to Windows 11 without their consent. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on, but there are ways to avoid the move.
The basics of patching and repairing balky Windows PCs
When your Windows machine starts acting up, there are some simple ways to get things back on track.
VPNs and browsers — staying secure while online
There’s been a growing focus on the use of VPNs for routine surfing. But browser choice, search engine selection, and third-party tools are at least as important for online security.
20 years after Gates’ call for trustworthy computing, we’re still not there
Then-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates spelled out what his company needed to do to build in better security two decades ago. And yet….
Windows security in ’22 — you need more than just antivirus software
Antivirus software is useful, but sometimes can cause more trouble than it's worth. To be really secure, Windows users have to do more.
New Windows 11 device? Want to downgrade to 10? You've got options
If you wound up with a new Windows 11 laptop or desktop over the holidays, but want to run Windows 10 anyway, there are ways to make that happen.
What’s all the fuss with Log4j2?
As companies scramble to determine whether they're vulnerable to the Log4j2 flaw, SMBs may not have the resources to do so themselves. Here's what you can do.
After a rocky year for patching, a look ahead to ‘22
If 2021 was all about ongoing patch issues with Windows 10 — and the arrival of Windows 11 — 2022 might be the year those issues become at least manageable.
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