Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Windows 10 May 2020 Update 20H1 Released!



A  gradual release of the Windows 10 May 2020 update Version 2004 has begun today!  If you are anxious to move to this new version, see this article on How to get the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.  With an older device, you may want to wait until it is offered.  However, my 2008 PC has not had any issues with the Insider Builds.

There are many new features included in the update, outlined very nicely at Bleeping Computer in Windows 10 May 2020 Update released, Here are the new features.

For those anxious to move to the latest release, I suggest you review the Know Issues for information on issues that are still being worked on.  As always, before making changes to your PC, make a backup.

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Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
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Sunday, May 24, 2020

Remember And Honor

Vietnam Memorial Wall
April 30, 2005
Photograph by Luigi Masu

In honor of those who gave their all in the service of their country, 
with special thoughts of Mitch (Phantom Phixer) and Larry (Ghost).


Memorial Day History


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Thursday, May 21, 2020

Adobe Acrobat DC and Reader DC Optional Hotfix Released

Adobe
Adobe has released an optional hotfix for Adobe Acrobat and Reader for Windows and macOS that addresses some important bug fixes.

Release date:  May 21, 2020
Vulnerability identifier: None
Platform: Windows and MacOS

Update or Complete Download

Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 20.009.20065.

 Update checks can be manually activated by choosing Help/Check for Updates. 
Note: UNcheck any pre-checked additional options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

References





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Thursday, May 14, 2020

Microsoft Build Sessions for Windows Insiders

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EX_ysF8UMAA_0sX?format=jpg&name=large

Microsoft Build will soon be here!  The event will be digital this year and is scheduled for May 19-21, 2020.  There are over 600 events on the schedule this year and it is free! 

If you are a Windows Insider or are interested in the joining the Windows Insider Program, be sure plan on attending one of the Windows Insider Mixer sessions as well as the Build session, "Expert Q&A:  Windows Insider Program".  The sessions are as follows:

From Microsoft Build 2020:

Free digital event

Starts: May 19, 2020 at 8 AM Pacific Time
Ends: May 21, 2020 at 8 AM Pacific Time
Choose from 48 hours of continuous content to create your own digital event experience. Registration is free and is required to get full, interactive access to the digital event. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Registration Team.
If you were registered for the Microsoft Build in-person event, please select the option to Login to an Existing Registration and sign in using the same credentials previously used.




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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Microsoft May 2020 Security Updates



The Microsoft May security updates have been released and consist of 111 CVEs.  Of these 111 CVEs, 16 are rated Critical and 95 are rated Important in severity.

The updates apply to the following:  Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML-based), Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based), ChakraCore, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps, Windows Defender, Visual Studio, Microsoft Dynamics, .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Power BI.

The KBs listed below contain information about known issues with the security updates.

KB Article Applies To
4551853 Windows 10 Version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4556813 Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4556836 Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4556843 Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Security-only update)
4556854 Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Security-only update)
4556860 Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Monthly Rollup)

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The May 2020 Security Update Review.

For more information about the updates released today, see https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/summary.  Updates can be sorted by OS from the search box. Information about the update for Windows 10 is available at Windows 10 Update history.

Additional Update Notes:

  • Adobe Flash Player -- For Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 10, Adobe Flash Player is now a security bulletin rather than a security advisory and is included with the updates as identified above. Note, however, that there are no Adobe Flash Player security updates for Active X.
  • MSRT -- Microsoft released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.  Note:  Users who are paranoid about the remote possibility of a FP can opt to run this tool from a Command Prompt, appending a   /N   parameter [for "detect only" mode].
  • Servicing Stack Updates -- A list of the latest servicing stack updates for each operating system can be found in ADV990001. This list will be updated whenever a new servicing stack update is released. It is important to install the latest servicing stack update. Learn more about SSU's in Servicing Stack Updates (SSU)
  • Windows 10 updates are cumulative. The monthly security release includes all security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Windows 10, in addition to non-security updates. The updates are also available via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • For information on lifecycle and support dates for Windows 10 operating systems, please see Windows Lifecycle Facts Sheet.
  • Windows Update History:

References


Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...





Adobe Flash Player Update Released


Adobe Flashplayer

Adobe released Version 32.0.0.371 of Adobe Flash Player for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. The update has assorted bug fixes.

Release date:  May 12, 2020
Vulnerability identifier:  None
Platform:  Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS

Update:

*Important Note:  Downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center link includes a pre-checked option to install unnecessary extras, such as McAfee Scan Plus or Google Drive.  If you use the download center, uncheck any unnecessary extras that you do not want.  They are not needed for the Flash Player update.

    Verify Installation

    To verify the Adobe Flash Player version number installed on your computer, go to the About Flash Player page, or right-click on content running in Flash Player and select "About Adobe Flash Player" from the menu. 

    Do this for each browser installed on your computer.

    To verify the version of Adobe Flash Player for Android, go to Settings/Applications/Manage Applications/Adobe Flash Player x.x.

    References



    Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
    May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...









    Adobe Acrobat DC and Reader DC Security Updates Released

    Adobe
    Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Acrobat and Reader for Windows and macOS. These updates address critical and important vulnerabilities. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

    Release date:  May 12, 2020
    Vulnerability identifier: APSB20-24
    Platform: Windows and MacOS

    Update or Complete Download

    Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 20.009.20063.

     Update checks can be manually activated by choosing Help/Check for Updates. 
    Note: UNcheck any pre-checked additional options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

    References





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    Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
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    Friday, May 08, 2020

    Mozilla Firefox Version 76.0.1 Released

    Firefox

    Mozilla sent Firefox Version 76.0.1 to the release channel today.  The update includes bug fixes.

    At the time of this posting, no update has been released for Firefox ESR which remains at Version 68.8.

    Fixed
    • Fixed a bug causing some add-ons such as Amazon Assistant to see multiple onConnect events, impairing functionality (bug 1635637)
    • Fixed a crash on 32-bit Windows systems with some nVidia drivers installed (bug 1635823)

    References


    Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
    May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

    Pale Moon Version 28.9.3 Released with Security Updates


    Pale Moon
    Pale Moon version 28.9.3 has been released.  The update is a security update. 

    The update includes DiD ("Defense-in-Depth") updates.  A DiD update is s a fix that does not apply to a (potentially) actively exploitable vulnerability in Pale Moon, but prevents future vulnerabilities caused by the same code, e.g. when surrounding code changes, exposing the problem, or when new attack vectors are discovered.
    From the Release Notes
    • Fixed a potential vulnerability in the zip file reader. DiD
    • Fixed a potential vulnerability in the JavaScript JIT compiler related to aliases. DiD
    • Ported several upstream devtools fixes (addresses CVE-2020-12392 and CVE-2020-12393).
    • Improved memory safety of some WebAudio calls.
    • Improved memory safety in the XUL window destructor. DiD
    • Unified XUL Platform Mozilla Security Patch Summary: 3 fixed, 3 Defense-in-depth, 16 not applicable.

    Linux versions for this update will follow shortly.

    UpdateTo get the update now, select "Help" from the Pale Moon menu at the upper left of the browser window.  Click About Pale Moon and  Check for Updates.


    Release Notes


    Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
    May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...


    Thursday, May 07, 2020

    Microsoft Edge Security Update Released


    Microsoft has released security updates for Microsoft Edge Version 81.0.416.72 which is based on Chromium Version 81.0.4044.138.  The update, rated high, included two updates addressing CVE's, CVE-2020-6831 and CVE-2020-6464

    In order to easily determine if the update applies to your version of Microsoft Edge do the following:
    1. In your Microsoft Edge browser, click on the 3 dots (...) on the very right hand side of the window
    2. Click on Help and Feedback
    3. Click on About Microsoft Edge

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    Tuesday, May 05, 2020

    Mozilla Firefox Version 76.0 Released With Critical Security Updates

    Firefox

    Mozilla sent Firefox Version 76.0 to the release channel today.  The update included eleven (11) security updates of which three (3) are critical, three (3) are high, four (4) are moderate and one (1) is low in severity.

    Also released was Firefox ESR Version 68.8.

    Critical

     High
    Moderate

    Low

    New

    • With today’s release, Firefox strengthens protections for your online account logins and passwords, with innovative approaches to managing your accounts during this critical time:
      • Firefox displays critical alerts in the Lockwise password manager when a website is breached;
      • If one of your accounts is involved in a website breach and you've used the same password on other websites, you will now be prompted to update your password. A key icon identifies which accounts use that vulnerable password.
      • Automatically generate secure, complex passwords for new accounts across more of the web that are easily saved right in the browser;
      • You have been able to access and see your saved passwords under Logins and Passwords easily under the main menu. If your device happens to be shared among your family or roommates, the latest update helps to prevent casual snooping over your shoulder. If you don’t have a master password set up for Firefox, Windows and macOS now requires a login to your operating system account before showing your saved passwords.
      • Picture-in-Picture allows you to multitask, the small video window following along no matter what you are doing on your computer, across different applications and even workspaces. Now, when you are ready to focus on the video, a double click can take the small window into full screen. Double click again to reduce the size again. 
    • Firefox now supports Audio Worklets that will allow more complex audio processing like VR and gaming on the web; and is being adopted by some of your favorite software programs.
      • With this change, you can now join Zoom calls on Firefox without the need for any additional downloads. 
    • WebRender continues its roll out to more Firefox for Windows users, now available by default on modern Intel laptops with a small screen (<= 1920x1200) for improved graphics rendering. Update:  To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu, then pick "About Firefox."  Mac users need to select "About Firefox" from the Firefox menu. If you do not use the English language version, Fully Localized Versions are available for download.

    References

    Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted." May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...