ON SECURITY By Susan Bradley Recently, we were looking for something to solve a problem at the office.  Rather than spin my wheels looking for the best way to get software A (an Excel spreadsheet) to talk to software B (a line-of-business app that has a SQL backend), I reached out to someone on the […]

Outlook search is rolling out changes to be better. I first checked to see if Outlook (classic) will participate in these promised changes (it will). It was interesting to see that Microsoft is specifically calling out Classic Outlook:  “Classic Outlook for Windows Current Channel and Monthly Enterprise Channel with Subscription, Outlook on the web, new […]

ISSUE 23.44.1 • 2026-11-05 By Susan Bradley There’s a lot happening this month. October represented the end of the support window for Consumer and Pro versions of Windows 11 24H2. If you are still on either of those editions, you’ll need to make sure that you use the 25H2 enablement links to upgrade. But do […]

You’ve probably seen the headlines. Now, the details are coming out about how attackers were able to gain access to Binance and phish their way into the company to transfer 6.3 billion dollars out. Turns out they targeted an employee on LinkedIn and used job interviews to download the malicious software to the computer. (You […]

Apple reported its quarterly financial report, which is mostly positive. There are some indicators of problems. Like many tech companies, Apple is suffering from issues with supply chains due to AI and data centers. Also of interest is the indicator that sales to China and the iPad line isn’t as robust as expected. That weak […]

Recently a co-worker was looking for phone with a specific purpose. He wanted a phone that had no Internet connectivity and was not a smart phone. Amazingly, it was harder to find than we thought. Some that were recommended weren’t available or were out of stock. So far, we found Gabb phone and, Bark phone […]

Naming a new product is never easy, but there are times that I wonder what in the world the folks in the marketing department are thinking.  After years of doing everything perfectly, Apple may be hitting a wall. If I told you I was buying a “MacBook Pro with ProLED XDR Display” (at a price […]

ISSUE 23.43.1 • 2026-10-27 By Susan Bradley Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to install. This month I’m seeing side effects, but ones that predominantly impact business patchers, not consumers. Accordingly, I’ve lowered the MS-DEFCON level to 4. Install updates at this time. I’d lower the MS-DEFCON to a rare level 5, were it not for […]

ISSUE 23.43 • 2026-10-26 PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley We take for granted that our computers will boot and operate efficiently. For all operating systems, from Windows to Apple to your favorite flavor of Linux, the software we most often take for granted is drivers because they power all the things we depend upon. Speakers. […]

Many of us are writing fewer and fewer checks. I write one to my hairdresser and that’s about it. Today I read a headline that our dear friend, AI, is starting to make life impossible for banking institutions. Major U.S. banks are detecting third-party AI agents inside customer accounts, raising concerns that automated tools could […]

Saw two stories today: Getty Images files for bankruptcy after AI pressures Character.ai filed for bankruptcy Meanwhile, there are some comments over the misinterpretation of the $80 billion loss on Anthropic. But here’s the thing — it’s an accounting thing. About $72 billion was a noncash accounting charge related to convertible bonds and other fundraising […]

PHP is a backbone of the Internet. Millions of websites use it for server-side programming. That includes every WordPress site, including AskWoody. Security updates for PHP are released regularly, with little fanfare. So when the PHP development team says, “Heads up, there is critical patch for PHP,” those of us running websites tend to go […]

If you are a Managed Service Provider (a computer consultant that manages multiple companies computer systems) who has clients with ConnectWise Cloud Backup, I’m sure you are aware of their recent supply-chain breach. If you are a customer who is not aware, make sure you follow their communications, follow their guidance and sign up for […]

PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley Will October bring tricks or treats? It’s the season when children in all manner of scary and not-so-scary costumes come to my door at the end of the month to yell “Trick or Treat!” and are handed candy. It’s also the time when I look to Microsoft and wonder whether […]

No matter what folks say AI can and cannot do, there is nothing like patch testing on a “crusty” box. What do I mean by a crusty box?  One that is actively used, has files and has been in use for awhile. So when you see Exchange not having a good month you first think […]

I’ve updated the master patch list here.  Please note I am not recommending installing updates at this time, we are just testing and reporting. I’ll be updating that page and monitoring for issues. So far the trending issues are with business systems, not consumer machines: KB5127648 breaks WPA2-Enterprise (802.1X PEAP) Wi‑Fi authentication on Windows 11. You […]

A reminder about the stats for Patch Tuesday: 1,407 vulnerabilities, two zero days, and one exploited in the wild. However, only 4.9% of those vulnerabilities are critical and most of those are for business attacks. Fingers crossed that I’m more comfortable this time with the quality of the updates.  The number of vulnerabilities being patched is […]

Here we go again, it’s Patch day.  A big one in terms of vulnerabilities patched. Remember this is the last day for Consumer/Pro 24H2 updates. For those that use ReFS on removable media you will want to pay attention to this post. For 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2 – KB5127648  [Audio (known issue)] Fixed This update […]

ON SECURITY By Susan Bradley It’s that time of the year again. No, not pumpkin spice — I’m talking about Cybersecurity Awareness Month. AI provided this definition: “October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the United States, led annually by CISA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, with themes such as ‘Securing the Next 250’ […]

I’m not a person who recommends installing Insider builds of Windows, but I do keep an eye on them. Microsoft announced that it is working on fixing and streamlining Search. Beginning 10/7, we’re rolling out this new experience on the taskbar for Windows Insiders. We are sharing this version early and intentionally so your feedback […]