AskWoody.com

Microsoft’s numbers show Windows 8 sales falling rapidly

Quite surprising, actually.

InfoWorld Tech Watch.

MS-DEFCON 3: Install all patches except one, KB 2840149

I’ve been waiting, hoping that we’d get some sort of definitive word on whether the patch for the botched patch last month is working. So far, I’ve heard mixed results, with some people posting on this forum saying the new patch, KB  2840149, is causing problems. I DON’T recommend that you install the patch-of-a-patch KB 2840149.

You shouldn’t be offered the earlier patch, KB 2823324, which proved so problematic. If you didn’t take my advice and installed that patch (in particular, if you had Automatic Update turned on around April 11), Microsoft sill recommends that you remove it. Use Control Panel’s Add or Remove Programs.

There are also known problems with MS13-036/KB 2808735, but they’re obscure, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll hit them.

So I’m straddling the middle, moving to MS-DEFCON 3. Patch reliability is unclear, but widespread attacks make patching prudent. Go ahead and patch, but watch out for potential problems. In particular, avoid installing KB 2840149.

Let’s hope Microsoft has better luck with the May crop of Black Tuesday patches.

P.S. If you have Windows 7, don’t install Internet Explorer 10 yet. Give it a while to sink in.

P.P.S. From the comments:

@Jack, @Ken -

I should’ve been more explicit. Yes, please do install KB2670838. That KB article is now up to version 7.0. In theory, if the patch encounters a system that it’ll nuke, the installer will tell you that it didn’t install the patch. If that happens to you, take a look at the KB article and see if there’s a new video driver which doesn’t have compatibility problems. I haven’t heard of any problems with the patch for about a month.

Windows XP at risk as antivirus vendors jump ship

The latest Virus Bulletin VB100 results are troubling, for anyone clinging to XP.

InfoWorld Tech Watch.

Windows RT: Who loves ya baby?

It’s headed down the tubes…

InfoWorld Tech Watch.

Who’s working for you on internet privacy

I know many of you don’t follow me yet on Twitter (@woodyleonhard). Believe me, Twitter isn’t just about teenage angst, Justin Bieber and what cats eat for breakfast.

For those of you who aren’t yet following me on Twitter – sign up, for heaven’s sake! – I just posted a more detailed explanation of the situation at InfoWorld. 

(And I got the link right this time. I think.)

USB Flash Drive prices falling

Can you believe $85 for a 128 GB USB drive? Wow.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Microsoft re-releases botched KB 2823324 as KB 2840149

But there’s more to the story…

InfoWorld Tech Watch. 

Going Google (apps)

I’ve started a series of articles in Windows Secrets Newsletter about moving simple, everyday documents onto the web – where you can get to them with your PC, Mac, phone or tablet, no sweat.

The trick is to use Google Docs (formerly known as Google Apps). It’s free, and for straightforward stuff, it’s absolutely breathtaking. I’m converting my wife’s bakery business over to Google. All of a sudden, employees don’t have to log on with their PCs to update daily reports or receive email. They can do everything on their tablets, or even their phones, for heaven’s sake. And it’s EASY to set up, easy to use.

Part 1 covers moving your email over to Gmail. Yes, you can switch to Gmail and get all sorts of online access (including iPad and iPhone apps; I run my mail on my Android Galaxy Note II, which I’m really starting to like a lot). And you can do it without changing your email address – no changes at all.

Follow the series, as it unfolds, at Windows Secrets Newsletter.