Computer Safety & News

Microsoft online services like Outlook, XBOX live, and Azure cloud are being enhanced to no longer support the most common passwords found in a “hacking dictionary” http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/microsoft-bans-12345-and-other-commonly-used-passwords-to-increase-security/ Microsoft wants you to stop using “password” as your account password, and the company knows just how to do that — ban it outright.  The company wrote in […]

In addition to Tumbler being hit by a data breach possibly in 2013, 360 million MY SPACE user accounts were potentially compromised around possibly the same timeframe.  Long term users are requested to select a new password for their accounts and to change other accounts if they used the same password on other sites. http://www.ibtimes.com/myspace-accounts-hacked-time-inc-confirms-massive-breach-360-million-passwords-sale-2376092 […]

Some of the early leaked details note that the iPhone 7 may not have revolutionary new features, but will improve in some currently needed areas such as memory and battery life  http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/05/30/iphone-7-32gb-storage-option/#794153407a47 Should you be excited about the iPhone 7? Widespread leaks argue new iPhone will be boring yet controversial. Headline features like Apple Pay […]

From a data breach during early 2013, 65 million Tumblr user accounts were potentially compromised and long term users are requested to select a new password for their accounts http://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/05/30/65-million-tumblr-users-probably-careful/ Hunt recently came across a database being sold on the computer underground containing 65,469,298 unique emails and hashed passwords.  As Motherboard reports, the database is being sold […]

Social Networks – New EU laws require prompt removal of objectional web content The European Union has instituted new laws requiring objectionable web content be removed within a 24 hour period. While most social networks promptly take care of abusive conduct, improved legal standards plus major technology company support will further improve quality of site […]

This article shares benefits and techniques for being offline during holiday and vacation https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247799 When we do temporarily kick the tech addiction and unplug on holiday — c’mon, you can do it — we return to the office refreshed, relaxed and ready to tackle, yep, more work. When we don’t, medical and mental health professionals […]

This article from ZDNET shares six techniques to improve Windows 10 experiences, especially in areas where new functions are not needed currently. http://www.zdnet.com/article/six-windows-10-annoyances-how-to-make-them-go-away-for-good/ You’ve got complaints about Windows 10? Don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of company. From my mailbox, these are the top gripes about Microsoft’s new OS, with instructions to help you make those […]

The Adblock Plus extension has been implemented for the Microsoft Edge Browser as noted below: http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-insiders-can-now-install-adblock-plus-in-microsoft-edge/ One of the biggest missing pieces in Windows 10’s default browser has finally arrived. If you’re running the latest preview release of Windows 10, the Adblock Plus extension is now available from the Windows Store. Adblock Plus is now available […]

This 185 page PDF is chockfull of excellent information for IT Professionals to better learn WIN10 features and capabilities https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/microsoft_press/2016/02/08/free-ebook-introducing-windows-10-for-it-professionals-technical-overview/ Windows 10 represents a major transformation of the PC landscape. For IT pros who’ve grown comfortable managing Microsoft Windows using a familiar set of tools and best practices, this version contains a startling amount of […]

The WIN10 anniversary edition will feature “Limited Periodic Scanning” which will allow the MS Defender AV product to perform additional secondary checks to complement the product’s main AV defense system.  For example a user with McAfee or Norton AV protection can implement the “Limited Periodic Scanning” capability and this will be performed during a less […]