Hi, Folks!
This week we’ve got updates for Java (again!), Firefox, Apple, VLC, MBAM and a few others. Not a lot to do, but it still needs done.
Java 7u21 is a security update – this build corrects *42* security vulnerabilities. Are you really still using Java? If you do still have Java installed, update it here:
https://12pd.com/click?java
And please consider disabling it within your browser until you ‘need’ it:
https://12pd.com/click?disablejava
Microsoft broke it. Well, technically, ‘certain third party software’ (Kaspersky Anti-Virus) is incompatible with a recent security update for Windows. If you’re using KAV you’ll want to remove this update in order to ensure that your machine operates consistently. Open Uninstall a Program or Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel, find the ‘Installed Updates’ link and remove “Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB2823324)”. If your computer won’t boot at all or isn’t stable enough to get into the Windows Intaller, there are more extensive steps at the link below.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2839011
Apple released updates to iPhoto, Java, printer drivers, Safari, Aperture, and iCloud Control Panel. This includes security updates. A reboot is required. Use the Apple Software Updater to get the most current versions.
Looking for an upgrade?
Quite a few people are looking for a replacement computer right now.
The primary considerations you need to keep in mind are the usable life of the computer, software compatibility and post-purchase costs. Windows 8, while fully supported by Microsoft, is not the same Operating System as Windows 7. If you’re forced to use it, especially in a business environment, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll go insane. Windows 8 is designed as an entertainment platform – games, media and ‘effects’. If you’re doing these – go with it. If not, stick with Windows 7. Windows 7 will be supported until at least 2020.
The other initial considerations are really overall performance. The faster you have (with as many CPUs as possible) will ultimately be the cap on your total performance. Typically upgrading the CPU is either impossible or cost prohibitive for retail desktops, so the more powerful CPU you get from go is best.
RAM, on the other hand, can be upgraded pretty inexpensively for newer computers. A machine sold with 8GB can often be upgraded later to 32 or even 64GB. Finally, the last factor is video card. Most games and powerful applications today rely heavily on the video-card (NOT the CPU) to perform most operations.
Video cards can be upgraded later, but doing so usually requires a more powerful power supply so the price can fluctuate from ‘expensive’ to ‘very expensive’ depending on the computer’s initial capabilities.
As always, the more powerful and complete the system is during purchase, the more likely it’s going to either not require upgrades later on or only require inexpensive upgrades. Any computer from the list below should last 5+ years. Choose Windows 7 for business or ‘task’ use or if you are not a gamer. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want Windows 8 and a powerful video card.
Gateway DX4380-UR308 Desktop
https://12pd.com/amazon?B009B8EAWQ
$500 – Quad-Core 3.2ghz with 8GB RAM and Windows 8.
AAC-X4S Gaming Computer
https://12pd.com/amazon?B005J0SZOO
$600 – Quad-Core 3.6GHz with 8GB RAM and Windows 7.
Gateway DX4860-UR14P Desktop
https://12pd.com/amazon?B007W11590
$660 – Quad-Core 3.1GHz with 6GB RAM, Windows 7 and built-in wifi.
ASUS Essentio CM6870-US-2AA Desktop
https://12pd.com/amazon?B007XA7A3K
$800 – Quad-Core 3.1GHz with 12GB RAM, Windows 7 and built-in wifi.
CPU Solutions AM3+ FX-4100
https://12pd.com/amazon?B009H8RES2
$730 – Quad-Core 3.6GHz with 16GB RAM, Windows 8 and an nVidia GTX650 w/2GB. By far the best all-around computer for the price.
Important Notes
Everything above this section should be checked by everyone on every computer. Chances are good that close to every single computer you touch will be affected by those updates. This is not the case with the items below, though you should still check each line item below to see if it applies to software you have installed.
Please remember that while I list many different applications within these updates, most people should ONLY install updates for a program if they already have a previous version of that program installed.
It is essential to maintain all the applications you have installed on your computer, but often you can minimize the time investment and the potential for exploitation simply by uninstalling software you do not need.
Also note that using the applications own “check for updates” function, when available, will best preserve your current settings, and often avoid any crapware that might come with a fresh installer. Use this option if it’s available to you.
Finally, if you’re sick of doing this all yourself, let me! Call or email me anytime, and we can set you up with subscription SaferPC updates which will be installed each month whenever necessary. Click, call or email for more details:
https://saferpc.info/updates/
209-565-12PD
shawn@12pointdesign.com
Driver Updates
If you’re using this hardware – these updates are for you.
WD SmartWare Software 2.0.0 adds Scheduled Backups, simplified updates and a pro version with additional features, including Dropbox and third-party hardware support. This is not a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?wdsmartware
Browser Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Firefox 20.0.1 is a security update. Use Help, About to get the most current version.
SeaMonkey 2.17.1 is a security update. Use Help, About to get the most current version.
HTTrack 3.47.2 corrects several bugs, including stability and reliability. This should be treated as a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?httrack
Email Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
OutlookAttachView 2.46 corrects a flickering while scrolling bug. This is not a security update.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/outlook_attachment.html
Internet Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
DownTester 1.29 adds autosizing column support, and fixes the flickering bug. This is not a security update.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/download_speed_tester.html
Codec Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Win7 Codec Package 4.1.0 updates included codecs. To install the update, you must uninstall and reinstall the application. This is not a security update.
http://shark007.net/win7codecs.html
Win8 Codec Package 1.5.4 updates included codecs. To install the update, you must uninstall and reinstall the application. This is not a security update.
http://shark007.net/win8codecs.html
Win x64 Codec Support 4.0.9 updates included codecs. This update applies only to 64-bit computers, and requires either the Win7 Codec Package or the Windows Vista Codec package. This is not a security update.
http://shark007.net/x64components.html
Media Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
VLC Media Player 2.0.6 adds Matroska v4 support, fixes issues with more than a dozen formats, improves interface on various platforms, improved performance on newer hardware. This is not a security update.
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Security Software Updates
One or more of these is likely to be of interest to most people.
MalwareBytes’ Anti-Malware 1.75 adds compressed file support. This should be treated as a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?mbam
RouterPassView 1.47 adds support for DD-WRT. This is not a security update.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/router_password_recovery.html
Stinger 11.0.0.244 improves detection for current exploit kits. This is a security update.
http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/stinger.aspx
Virtual Machine Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
VirtualBox 4.2.12-84980 corrects a couple dozen bugs primarily with respect to Multi-screen support, Linux guests and pause reliability. This is not a security update.
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Web Package Updates
These are likely to be of interest only to web developers.
Dada Mail 6.3.1 corrects several reliability issues. This should be treated as a security update.
http://dadamailproject.com/download/
bbPress 2.3 adds search, improved Group Forums integration, theming, and adds more forum migration options. This is not a security update.
Email Log 1.0 adds support for Pro addons. This is not a security update.
YOURLS 1.6 is the first release after migrating to GitHub. This version adds a Translation API, custom API actions, support for URLs with common protocols, updated third-party libraries and improved sanitization and escaping. This should be treated as a security update.
http://yourls.org/
That’s all for now folks. Keep it clean out there. 😉
Regards,
Shawn K. Hall
https://SaferPC.info/
https://12PointDesign.com/