AskWoody

About that Flash-zapping patch, KB 4577586? One leeetle problem. It doesn’t remove Flash.

Earlier today Microsoft released KB 4577586, the “Update for the removal of Adobe Flash Player: October 27, 2020.” As Susan notes in the entry below, it’s only available if you manually download and install it from the Microsoft Catalog.

Now comes word from Lawrence Abrams at BleepingComputer that the patch doesn’t do anything of the sort:

In our tests, though, Adobe Flash Player remained installed after installing the update… When we checked the Adobe Flash Player component in Microsoft Edge, it was still installed after installing the update.

Let’s hear it for Microsoft’s testers – the unpaid ones, at least.

Patch Lady – saying goodbye to Flash

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4577586/update-for-removal-of-adobe-flash-player

Saying unofficial goodbye to Flash.  Note this is on the catalog site at this time so that folks can be testing the removal process.  Those behind Windows update will get this later (Decemberish) those on WSUS will get it in 2021.

Patch Lady – how old is that computer?

So the other day I had a misbehaving computer that wouldn’t boot.  After I reset the cmos battery it booted up and is working like a champ.  But it got me to thinking about how old some of the computers in the fleet are and how it’s harder to keep track – either that or I’m not keeping track as much as I did.

In the ancient days of computing, we would migrate to new machines when a new model or version came out and then hand the older computers to other people in the office.  There was major speed differences between these models.

Now, I don’t see as huge of jumps.  I can only type so fast.  Once you get a Windows 10 with good ram (more than 8 gig, even more than 16 gig and more) and a SSD drive, you can be very happy with older hardware.

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/HPModelYears

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/PCDesktop

I can honestly get more than four years out of a computer… “Most faculty, staff, and students will find their needs will be easily met by this year’s “standard desktop,” which is designed to provide sufficient performance for at least 4 years. ”  Laptops are a bit harder, especially if you want something portable, but desktop style you can get five and more years out of it.

Gary pointed to some official “refurbished” computer listings from Microsoft

https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/assets/detail/MAR_Partner_Directory_Aug2017-pdf

https://www.msregrefurb.com/RRPSite/OnlineDirectory.aspx?setlang=en

Refurbs are also an excellent way to get decent machines.  Recently I purchased a refurb and then took the video card out of another computer and moved some parts around.  Windows 10 had no issues whatsoever finding the drivers and handling the changes.

So how old is your computer?

Pulling the trigger on Win10 Version 2004

UPGRADING WINDOWS

By Susan Bradley

Windows 20H2 is in the pipeline — so it’s about time to install … its predecessor, Win10 2004.

On October 20, Microsoft tweeted that the October 2020 Update (aka 20H2) has been officially released and will show up over time via a “throttled” rollout. But a few of the tweet’s replies quickly noted that some Win10 users are still waiting for Version 2004 — or had to manually install it. (Microsoft states that the upgrade from Win10 2004 to 20H2 should go faster because it’s more like a monthly update.)

Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.42.0 (2020-10-26).

Four solutions to four computing problems

LANGALIST

By Fred Langa

AskWoody subscribers are an eclectic bunch, as evidenced by this quartet of interesting — and exceptionally wide-ranging! — reader-submitted questions.

This week’s topics include using a command-line trick to reveal a PC’s digital license, preserving system data through a UEFI/BIOS reset, managing a PC with dual SSD/HDD drives, and calculating a system’s total power draw. Wow! Let’s dive into them.

Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.42.0 (2020-10-26).

Online presence: Currency, continuity, and commitment

Small-Business Websites

By Will Fastie

So your website is now up and open for business? That doesn’t mean you can just walk away.

In previous installments of this series on small-business websites, I stressed the important basics of ensuring your site can be easily found. For example, in the September 21 article, “Web presence: Working with search engines,” I discussed understanding the Google search engine. What I didn’t mention was that search engines take into account a site’s age.

In short, if your site isn’t considered current, its perceived value will drop, and it’ll fall lower in search-result lists.

Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.42.0 (2020-10-26).

Freeware Spotlight — A potpourri of anti-malware apps

BEST UTILITIES

By Deanna McElveen

You might see a doctor for something simple, but it’s likely she will also check your general health.

So, too, we never let a computer leave our store without a thorough check for malware: rootkits, Trojans, viruses, spyware, bots, worms, ransomware, keyloggers, crimeware, and so on.

In past newsletters, various contributors have recommended that you not rely wholly on just one anti-malware utility. Fortunately, there are many good, free products to choose from.

Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.42.0 (2020-10-26).

Patch Lady – if you use WSUS can I get your feedback?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WSUSSurvey

The first ever unofficial survey on Microsoft’s on premise patching tool called WSUS.

If you use the platform, can you fill out my unofficial survey please?  I will be sharing the results in a few weeks.