Welcome back, Folks!
Today is Patch Tuesday for March 2020.
Continue reading
Updates 2020-03-10
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Tag Archives: Backups
Updates 2020-02-28
Reading Time: 8 minutesThis
Hi, Folks!
It’s not Patch Tuesday, but security updates from Google, nVidia, TeamViewer and others have triggered an out-of-cycle update.
This Month Week in Technology (Again)
Microsoft is fixing Windows Search again today, and soon scaling back Cortana features in order to better focus the CPU-intensive AI.
Storing your passwords in Notes in your iPhone and iPad is something almost every iOS user does, but shouldn’t. Any app or widget can read the clipboard contents any time. Apple’s Safari browser will soon prevent you from accessing websites secured by SSL/TLS certificates with duration’s beyond 13 months. Their stated goal is to improve validity and reliability of certificates by increasing automation and thus reducing the likelihood of human error. This might be more trustworthy if the systems that automate the processes could be better trusted. I’m old enough to remember when large certificate providers (including Verisign) issued half a million certificates to almost anyone that asked, whether they had any relationship to the site or not. Surely this should have hurt Verisign pretty bad, right? Nah, they are still the Domain Registry for all .com, .net, .gov and .edu TLDs, and they’re currently attempting to discredit everyone that dared to comment on their contract renewal that grants them the ability to raise .com rates in 4 out of 6 years.
ISPs believe they own your data if you dare use their service to get online, but for what it’s worth, they don’t have nearly the scope of data access that a flaw in over a billion wireless devices (including Apple iPhone, iPad, Amazon Echo, Kindle, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Nexus devices) does. If you haven’t patched all your mobile devices recently, do it now.
Speaking of data access, reliance on cloud backups and local backups with permanently tethered drives won’t help you when you’re hit with ransomware, and reliance on cloud-based services allows patent claims to remotely disable your property, and, in a possible first, ransomware may have actually been responsible for keeping criminals out of prison.
Wells Fargo has been fined $3b over creating millions of fraudulent accounts based on real people, but none of it will go to their victims. Over 50,000 people hit by the Click4Support scamware will be getting about 5-10% of their losses back. It ain’t much, but it’s better than nothing.
In yet another example of sky-is-falling ignorance from “Tech Commentators” that don’t actually understand the technology they’re talking about, Gordon Kelly claims that information that never leaves your computer can be spied on by several unrelated third-parties. Sigh. More importantly, Google has released 7 security updates for Chrome in the last month. Yes, really. If you followed Gordon Kelly’s advice to block updates you’d be at actual risk from several real and serious vulnerabilities instead of just thinking you know so much stuff that isn’t true.
Professor Norman Sadeh, of Carnegie Mellon’s Institute for Software Research,
the same group that helped the FBI break TOR “on a budget” (paid $1m from the FBI, they spent $3k to break TOR), have released an app, IOTA, to help you identify the Internet-of-Things devices that exist around you, and they might not even abuse the information you share with them to gain a foothold into your networks.
While we’re on the topic of abuse, a facial recognition company was breached and their entire client list was stolen. It’s easy to blame the contractor for making this kind of mistake, but the US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) hasn’t done any better, even exposing White House data.
Finally, a US Federal Appeals court ruled that online censorship is okay, ensuring that the 2020 election will be tainted by Silicon Valley’s very own form of social engineering via censorship. Oh, well.
Let’s Get Busy
The typical computer should see approximately 400 MB of updates today. Let’s get started.
Microsoft has released another update to fix the search bugs in Windows 10 v1903 and newer and a security update for the new Edge browser. Use Windows Update to get the updates.
Don’t forget to check your mobile devices, too! Many updates will also apply to your tablet, phone, kindle or television – so check your device-appropriate App Store and install updates.
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 any time, 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.
Zebra Driver 2020.1 doesn’t provide a changelog, so should be treated as a security update.
https://www.seagullscientific.com/support/downloads/drivers/zebra
nVidia 442.50 is a security update.
https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
Browser Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Google Chrome 80.0.3987.122 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Vivaldi 2.11.1811.44 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Brave 1.4.95 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Iridium 2020.01.79 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Email Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Mailspring 1.7.4 adds Google contact management, plaintext mail (yay!), and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://getmailspring.com/
Internet Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
FileZilla Client 3.47.1 resolves a bug loading advanced site parameters. This is not a security update.
https://filezilla-project.org/
WinSCP 5.17.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://winscp.net/eng/index.php
Media Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
Picard 2.3.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://picard.musicbrainz.org/
Office Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to most people.
LibreOffice Fresh 6.4.1 resolves 80 bugs, including several crash bugs. This is not a security update. Please note that LibreOffice Fresh is their beta product. Most users should use LibreOffice Still.
https://www.libreoffice.org/
Security Software Updates
One or more of these is likely to be of interest to most people.
RogueKiller 14.2.1 updates libraries and resolves a signature update bug. This is a security update.
https://www.adlice.com/download/roguekiller/
uBlock Origin 1.25.0 adds DNS resolution to Firefox and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/releases/latest
Capture Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
ScreenToGif 2.21.2 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://github.com/NickeManarin/ScreenToGif/releases/latest
Converter Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
DVDFab 11.0.7.5 adds support for new encodings and improved upscaling. This is not a security update.
https://www.dvdfab.cn/download.htm
Utility Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
1Password for Mac 7.4.3 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://1password.com/downloads/mac/
Dell Command Update 3.1.1 improves reliability and stability. This is not a security update.
https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln311129/dell-command-update?lang=en
Etcher 1.5.79 resolves two minor bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.balena.io/etcher/
GoodSync 10.10.25 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?goodsync
MS ISO Downloader 8.32 adds images for new Dell models and preview versions of Win10 v2004. This is not a security update.
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool
NTLite 1.9.0.7330 resolves several bugs and improves compatibility. This is not a security update.
https://www.ntlite.com/download/
SetDefaultBrowser 1.5 adds support for side-by-side Edge installations. This is not a security update.
https://kolbi.cz/blog/2017/11/10/setdefaultbrowser-set-the-default-browser-per-user-on-windows-10-and-server-2016-build-1607/
TeamViewer 15.3.2682 adds the ability to remove a chat participant, and resolves several bugs, including the ability for mouse actions to be processed when disabled. This is a secuirty update.
https://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows/
Developer Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
Android Studio 3.6.0.21 resolves the Git bug and disables the Multi Preview feature. This is not a security update.
https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html
WinMerge 2.16.6 resolves several bugs, improves tab behavior, and adds support for more file formats. This is not a security update.
https://winmerge.org/
Web Package Updates
These are likely to be of interest only to web developers.
HumHub 1.4.2 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.humhub.com/en/download
Autoptimize 2.6.2 adds eager-loading support, improves compatibility, and resolves a couple bugs. This is not a security update.
WordPress Importer 0.7 improves compatibility and resovles several bugs. This is not a security update.
That’s all for now folks. Keep it clean out there. 😉
Regards,
Shawn K. Hall
https://SaferPC.info/
https://12PointDesign.com/
Updates 2020-02-11
Reading Time: 15 minutes
Welcome back, Folks!
Today is Patch Tuesday for February 2020.
Continue reading
Updates 2018-11-13
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Hi, Folks!
It’s Patch Tuesday and it’s a big one. Every major vendor has released security updates and there’s many smaller vendor updates released today, as well.
But before we get to that I want to briefly talk about something else. You’ve surely heard the phrase “Internet of Things” or “IoT”. This describes the common and growing practice of everything touching the Internet all the time. Besides the computers you have in your office and living room, the phone in your pocket, and the tablets you have littered across random flat surfaces across your home, there are now cars, toasters, refrigerators, light bulbs, irrigation systems, air conditioners, instant pots, and a million other things that are now Internet-enabled for our convenience or simply for the novelty of it. Nearly all of these devices don’t talk to the Internet directly, but through a router or modem which connects each of the devices at a specific location to the Internet through your Internet Service Provider. While it’s possible to hijack your light bulbs, fridge, and coffee maker, the low-hanging fruit of most networks is and always will be the router. This oft-overlooked device is poorly maintained and directly accessible from the Internet making it easy prey for attackers. Currently there’s a botnet called BCMUPnP_Hunter that has hijacked over 100,000 routers and is using them (and your Internet connection) to send spam and phishing messages.
In each case it could have been avoided.
All hardware is supported and maintained by the vendor for a limited time ranging from a mere 6 months to a decade. However, having it be “supported” is one thing – actually installing the firmware and software updates that would have prevented this and similar infections or proactively replacing end-of-life (EOL) hardware is critical. This neglect is like starving to death at a buffet. The updates and EOL information is out there, but you need to know your network (or hire someone to) and maintain or replace each device that touches it.
Know your network!
Now back to our regularly scheduled program.
The typical computer should see roughly 4gb in updates today. Let’s get started.
The first major update to macOS Mojave was released this week, as well as the first major update to iOS 12. Windows 10 v1809 has been released again. This version was pulled for the last two months because of a show-stopper bug that resulted in deleting user files of people with a specific configuration. That issue is now resolved, but it highlights the importance of letting other people be the guinea pig for major updates like this. Updates are important. Don’t get me wrong. Stability is more important, though, and there’s no reason to put a stable, secure, and supported operating system at risk with what amounts to a beta release. Microsoft maintains several versions of Windows 10 and there’s no reason to rush to the latest build. Install their standard security updates, but wait on new releases.
Windows 10 v1809 is about 3gb when downloaded by the Windows Upgrader/Windows Update, so expect it to randomly install for any Windows 10 Home user over the next month, consuming 3gb of bandwidth to get it done. If you have a slow connection, it could end up trying to download 3gb per day per device, so you would be better off downloading the installer yourself and installing it to ensure that the upgrade completes. That said, you should, of course, postpone upgrading to 1809 for the next couple months and let the rest of the world be the beta testers.
In any case, sometimes we all need that reminder: run your backups *now*.
Microsoft released Windows 10 v1809 and updates to Windows, Flash, Edge, Internet Explorer, and MSRT (~3gb). This includes security updates. A reboot is required.
Apple released macOS Mojave 10.14.1, macOS Mojave 10.14.1 Supplemental for MacBook Air, Security Update 2018-002 for High Sierra, Security Update 2018-005 for Sierra, iOS 12.1, tvOS 12.1, watchOS 5.1.1, Safari 12.0.1, iCloud for Windows 7.8, and iTunes 12.9.1. This includes security update. Use Apple Software Update to install these updates. A reboot is required.
Adobe Flash Player 31.0.0.148 is a security update.
Win: https://12pd.com/click?flash
Win: https://12pd.com/click?flashie
Mac: https://12pd.com/click?flashmac
Google Chrome OS 70.0.3538.76 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version. A reboot is required.
Fedora 29-1.2 is a new major version offering modularity, GNOME 3.30, Vagrant images, and more. This is not a security update.
https://getfedora.org/
Don’t forget to check your mobile devices, too! Many updates will also apply to your tablet, phone, kindle or television – so check your device-appropriate App Store and install updates.
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.
The now-current release of Windows 10 (1809) will cause your computer to feel unusually slow until it is installed. This is a side-effect of the Windows 10 upgrade cycle, which pushes out 3-6gb through Windows update to get you to the latest Windows 10 release every 6 months. If you don’t let it finish and you’re on a slow connection, it will kill your Internet performance forever. If you don’t have the bandwidth to download the bits, I’m happy to provide loaner USB drives to our local clients, or, if you prefer to have me mail it to you please contact me for information.
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 any time, 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.
Display Driver Uninstaller 18.0.0.3 improves removal and removes paexec to minimize false positives from AV software. This is not a security update.
https://www.wagnardsoft.com/display-driver-uninstaller-ddu
Browser Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Google Chrome 70.0.3538.102 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Firefox 63.0.1 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Firefox ESR 60.3.0 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Vivaldi 2.1.1337.47 improves quick commands, resolves several bugs, and updates chromium source to v70. This is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
https://vivaldi.com/
Email Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Mailspring 1.5.2 improves compatibility, stability, performance, and updates libraries. This is a security update.
https://getmailspring.com/
Thunderbird 60.3.0 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version.
Internet Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Skype 8.33.0.50 improves group moderation and adds send with enter key. This is not a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?skype
Evernote 6.16.4.8094 resolves several bugs and improves stability. This is not a security update.
https://www.evernote.com/
FileZilla 3.38.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://filezilla-project.org/
FreeFileSync 10.6 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.freefilesync.org/download.php
MaxMind GeoIP Data 201811 is a data refresh.
https://dev.maxmind.com/geoip/geolite
Media Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
CDBurnerXP 4.5.8.7041 adds the ability to filter drives to only those that are writeable. This is not a security update.
https://cdburnerxp.se/
FastStone Viewer 6.7 improves performance, resolves several bugs, and expands options. This is not a security update.
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
Flickr Downloadr 2.7.0.1 doesn’t provide a changelog so should be treated as a security update.
https://flickrdownloadr.com/downloads/
Game Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
EA Origin 10.5.30.15625 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
Steam 2018.11.08 resolves several bugs and improves stability. This is not a security update.
Office Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to most people.
Adobe Reader DC 19.008.20081 is a security update. Use Help, Check for Updates to get the most current version.
Paint.net 4.1.4 improves performance and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.getpaint.net/
LibreOffice Still 6.0.7 resolves dozens of bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.libreoffice.org/
LibreOffice Fresh 6.1.3 resolves dozens of bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.libreoffice.org/
Security Software Updates
One or more of these is likely to be of interest to most people.
Gpg4win 3.1.5 resolves many bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.gpg4win.org/download.html
SuperAntiSpyware 8.0.1024 is a major update adding DND mode, repair and reset modes, and startup monitoring. This is not a security update.
https://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
RogueKiller 13.0.9 updates detection engine and signatures. This is a security update.
https://www.adlice.com/softwares/roguekiller/
Capture Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
SnagIt 2019.0.1 resolves several bugs and improves stability. This is not a security update.
https://download.techsmith.com/snagit/enu/snagit.exe
Converter Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
DVDFab 11.0.0.3 adds support for new encodings and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.dvdfab.cn/download.htm
MakeMKV 1.14.1 improves stability, adds support for new encodings, and new options. This is not a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?makemkv
Utility Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
Beyond Compare 4.2.8.23479 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.scootersoftware.com/download.php?zz=dl4
Bitcoin 0.17.0.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://bitcoin.org/en/download
Cygwin 2.11.2 is a security update.
https://cygwin.com/
DesktopOK 5.76 resolves a startup bug. This is not a security update.
https://www.softwareok.com/?seite=Freeware/DesktopOK
GoodSync 10.9.16 resolves several bugs, improves user experience, and change default security options. This should be treated as a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?goodsync
ImageUSB 1.4.100 resolves several bugs, adds a new option to fill remaining space with an extended partition. This is not a security update.
https://www.osforensics.com/tools/write-usb-images.html
FileLocator Pro 8.5.2868 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.mythicsoft.com/filelocatorpro/download
BulkFileChanger 1.52 adds an option to fill current time to file time command attributes. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/bulk_file_changer.html
DevManView 1.55 adds delay controls. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/device_manager_view.html
USBDeview 2.77 adds delay controls. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html
OSForensics 6.1.1004 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.osforensics.com/download.html
WinScan2PDF 4.56 resolves a driver bug. This is not a security update.
https://www.softwareok.com/?seite=Microsoft/WinScan2PDF
CPU-Z 1.87 adds support for newer hardware. This is not a security update.
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
Developer Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
Node.js 11.1.0 resolves dozens of bugs. This is a security update.
https://nodejs.org/en/
SQLite 3.25.3 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.sqlite.org/download.html
Virtual Machine Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
PPSSPP 1.7.1 doesn’t provide a detailed changelog, so should be treated as a security update.
https://ppsspp.org/downloads.html
VirtualBox 5.2.22-126460 resolves several bugs and improves compatibility. This is not a security update.
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Web Package Updates
These are likely to be of interest only to web developers.
Joomla 3.9.0 provides over 250 fixes and improves privacy controls.
https://www.joomla.org/
ModSecurity 3.0.3 resolves several bugs, adds new rules and controls. This is not a security update.
https://github.com/SpiderLabs/ModSecurity/releases
phpList 3.3.6 resolves several bugs and adds new features. This is not a security update.
https://www.phplist.com/download
TinyMCE 4.8.5 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.tinymce.com/download/
Drupal 8.6.2 is a security update.
https://drupal.org/download
Akismet 4.1 adds several new features. This is not a security update.
Contact Form 7 5.0.5 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
myStickymenu 2.0.6 resolves the 404 configuration bug. This is not a security update.
NextScripts Social Networks Auto-Poster 4.2.8 is a security update.
Redirection 3.6.2 improves compatibility. This is not a security update.
WooCommerce 3.5.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
WPtouch 4.3.33 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
That’s all for now folks. Keep it clean out there. 😉
Regards,
Shawn K. Hall
https://SaferPC.info/
https://12PointDesign.com/
Updates 2018-10-09
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Hi, Folks!
macOS 10.14 Mojave, iOS 12, and Win10 (1809) have all been released. Run your backups *now*.
Mojave will automatically install on nearly all Macs running today, even if it is not supported on that hardware. Be prepared for problems, especially on your older Macs.
As expected, the “battery life” fixes for iOS 12 actually broke charging for many devices. iOS 12.0.1 was released yesterday to resolve that and other security bugs.
Windows 10 v1809 is about 3gb when downloaded by the Windows Upgrader/Windows Update, so expect it to randomly install for any Windows 10 Home user over the next couple months, consuming 3gb of bandwidth to get it done. If you have a slow connection, it could end up trying to download 3gb per day per device, so you would be better off downloading the installer yourself and installing it to ensure that the upgrade completes. That said, you should, of course, postpone upgrading to 1809 for the next couple months and let the rest of the world be the beta testers.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program. Today is Patch Tuesday and it’s a big one. With Mojave, iOS, and Windows 10 v1809 having been released, many vendors are releasing compatibility updates to ensure their software will remain operable on the newer platforms. Expect the next month to have many other large updates as well.
The typical computer should see roughly 4gb in updates today. Let’s get started.
Microsoft released Windows 10 v1809 and updates to Windows, .NET, Internet Explorer, Edge, Flash, and MSRT (~3.5gb). This includes security updates. A reboot is required.
Apple released macOS Mojave 10.14, iOS 12.0.1, iCloud for Windows 7.7, iTunes 12.9 for Windows, Safari 12, watchOS 5, tvOS 12, and Xcode 10. This includes security update. Use Apple Software Update to install these updates. A reboot is required.
Adobe Flash Player 31.0.0.122 is a security update.
Win: https://12pd.com/click?flash
Win: https://12pd.com/click?flashie
Mac: https://12pd.com/click?flashmac
Adobe AIR 31.0.0.96 is a security update.
Win: https://12pd.com/click?air
Mac: https://12pd.com/click?airmac
Google Chrome OS 69.0.3497.95 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to install the most current version. A reboot is required.
Don’t forget to check your mobile devices, too! Many updates will also apply to your tablet, phone, kindle or television – so check your device-appropriate App Store and install updates.
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.
macOS 10.14 Mojave has been released so devices running El Capitan (10.11) or older will no longer be supported. Your options are to either upgrade to at least Sierra (10.12) or replace your device. Mojave will not run on all Macs, just as High Sierra and even Sierra made some devices unusable. If in doubt whether your device will be able to support an operating system upgrade, be sure to perform a full disk backup prior to upgrade. You should do this anyway, just to be safe.
https://support.apple.com/macos/mojave
iOS 12 was supposed to improve performance and battery life, and resulted in breaking charging for many devices. iOS 12.0.1 fixes that as well as other security issues. You might want to connect your iOS device to your Mac or PC and create a backup with iTunes before installing this upgrade.
https://support.apple.com/ios
Windows 10 v1809 is now available. This build adds several new features, such as dark mode, multiple application tab support, integrated SSH, and improved privacy controls. It’s a huge download and if you’re running a Home version you should install it a couple weeks after it’s released to ensure that you aren’t surprised (and prevented from using your computer) when it installs automatically. Again, backups are good.
The now-current release of Windows 10 (1809) will cause your computer to feel unusually slow until it is installed. This is a side-effect of the Windows 10 upgrade cycle, which pushes out 6gb through Windows update to get you to the latest Windows 10 release every 6 months. If you don’t let it finish and you’re on a slow connection, it will kill your Internet performance forever. If you don’t have the bandwidth to download the bits, I’m happy to provide loaner USB drives to our local clients at The Farmory, or, if you prefer to have me mail it to you please contact me for information.
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 any time, 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.
BullZip PDF Printer 11.8.0.2728 adds command-line switch to preserve original driver and adds a feature to remember recent save locations. This is not a security update.
https://www.bullzip.com/products/pdf/info.php#download
Seagull Scientific printer driver collection 2018.3 resolves two significant bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.seagullscientific.com/drivers/windows-printer-drivers/
Display Driver Uninstaller 18.0.0.2 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.wagnardsoft.com/display-driver-uninstaller-ddu
Intel Driver Update 3.5.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect
Logitech SetPoint 6.69.114 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://support.logitech.com/en_us/software/setpoint
Browser Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Brave 0.24.0 is a security update. Use Help, Check for Updates to get the most current version.
https://brave.com/
Google Chrome 69.0.3497.100 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to get the most current version.
Firefox 62.0.3 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to get the most current version.
Firefox ESR 60.2.2 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to get the most current version.
Vivaldi 2.0.1309.37 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to get the most current version.
https://vivaldi.com/
Email Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
OutlookAttachView 3.15 now preserves size and position of the properties window. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/outlook_attachment.html
Thunderbird 60.2.1 is a security update. Use Menu, Help, About to get the most current version.
Internet Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to everyone.
Skype 8.31.0.92 adds URL previews. You likely received a warning that previous versions (6.x and 7.x) of Skype would soon no longer be supported even if you’re already running the latest version. It’s time to upgrade to 8.x, like it or not.
https://12pd.com/click?skype
uTorrent 3.5.4.44632 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.utorrent.com/downloads
FileZilla 3.37.4 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://filezilla-project.org/
MaxMind GeoIP Data 201810 is a data refresh.
https://dev.maxmind.com/geoip/geolite
Media Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
CDBurnerXP 4.5.8.7035 adds filtering for writeable drives. This is not a security update.
https://cdburnerxp.se/
FastStone Viewer 6.6 improves performance and video player, adds mouse gestures, date range filtering, and expands the batch tool. This is not a security update.
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
iTunes 12.9 adds compatibility with iOS 12 and adds features to Apple Music. Use Apple Software Update to install the most current version. This is a security update.
https://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Game Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
PlayStation PS4 6.00 is a major update adding new features and performance improvements. This is a security update.
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/ps4/
Office Updates
One or more of these are likely to be of interest to most people.
Adobe Reader DC 19.008.20074 is the third security update for Adobe Acrobat and Reader released in the last month. Use Help, Check for Updates to get the most current version.
Audacity 2.3.0 resolves over 90 bugs, improves stability, and adds new features. This should be treated as a security update.
https://www.audacityteam.org/download/
Paint.net 4.1.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.getpaint.net/
IcoFX 3.2.1 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://icofx.ro/
LibreOffice Fresh 6.1.2 resolves 70 bugs. This is a security update.
https://www.libreoffice.org/
Security Software Updates
One or more of these is likely to be of interest to most people.
RogueKiller 12.13.4 adds detections. This is not a security update.
https://www.adlice.com/softwares/roguekiller/
SuperAntiSpyware 6.0.1264 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
Capture Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
VideoCacheView 3.00 adds support for Simple Cache for HTTP Chrome format. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/video_cache_view.html
Converter Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
DVDFab 10.2.1.6 adds support for new encodings, improves reliability and adds new output formats. This is not a security update.
https://www.dvdfab.cn/download.htm
Utility Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
RoboForm 8.5.4 is a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?rf
NTLite 1.7.0.6522 improves cleanup, component selection, and adds support for 1809. This is not a security update.
https://www.ntlite.com/download/
1Password for Mac 7.2.1 adds support for Mojave, dark mode, and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://1password.com/downloads/
1Password for Windows 7.2.581 resolves several bugs, improves performance and reliability. This is not a security update.
https://1password.com/downloads/
8GadgetPack 27.0 adds support for 1809, improves compatibility, and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update. After upgrading or installing 1809 you will need to run the configuration wizard again to reactivate 8GadgetPack.
https://8gadgetpack.net/
GoodSync 10.9.10 resolves several bugs and improves performance. This is not a security update.
https://12pd.com/click?goodsync
Bitcoin 0.17.0 adds new features, performance improvements, and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://bitcoin.org/en/download
CintaNotes 3.12 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
http://cintanotes.com/download
DesktopOK 5.71 adds support for 1809, improves reliability, adds spacing and size controls, resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.softwareok.com/?seite=Freeware/DesktopOK
IsMyHdOK 1.51 is a cosmetic change. This is not a security update.
https://www.softwareok.com/?seite=Microsoft/IsMyHdOK
DiskMaker X 8.0 adds support for building Mojave. This is not a security update.
https://diskmakerx.com/
HWMonitor 1.36 adds support for newer hardware. This is not a security update.
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
SimpleWMIView 1.33 now supports stdout with an empty string for filename. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/simple_wmi_view.html
USBDeview 2.76 now supports stdout with an empty string for filename. This is not a security update.
https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html
OSForensics 6.1.1001 improves case manager, and adds many new features, bug fixes and improvements. This is not a security update.
https://www.osforensics.com/download.html
PointerStick 3.36 adds support for custom graphics for the pointer stick. This is not a security update.
https://www.softwareok.com/?seite=Freeware/PointerStick
Rufus 3.3 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://rufus.akeo.ie/
SystemRescueCD 5.3.1 is a security update.
http://www.sysresccd.org/
WSUS Offline 11.5 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
http://download.wsusoffline.net/
Developer Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
Redemption 5.18.0.5142 adds support for Outlook 2019, Windows 10 1809, and Outlook Centennial, and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.dimastr.com/redemption/
SQLite 3.25.2 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.sqlite.org/download.html
Virtual Machine Updates
These are unlikely to be of interest to most people.
VirtualBox 5.2.18-124319 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Web Package Updates
These are likely to be of interest only to web developers.
TinyMCE 4.8.3 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.tinymce.com/download/
MailEnable 10.19 adds support for SNI, improvements to webmail, resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.mailenable.com/
Nextcloud Server 14.0.1 resolves several bugs. This should be treated as a security update.
https://nextcloud.com/
ScreenConnect 6.7.19864.6828 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
https://www.screenconnect.com/Download
Joomla 3.8.13 is a security update.
https://www.joomla.org/
Antispam Bee 2.9.0 improves integration and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
Autoptimize 2.4.0 refactors the code, adds several cache-integration features, improves minification, and resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
BuddyPress 3.2.0 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
Postie 1.9.25 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
Redirection 3.5 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
Theme My Login 7.0.11 resolves several bugs. This is not a security update.
That’s all for now folks. Keep it clean out there. 😉
Regards,
Shawn K. Hall
https://SaferPC.info/
https://12PointDesign.com/