Monday, May 31, 2021

Memorial Day 2021

Vietnam Memorial Wall
April 30, 2005
Photograph by Luigi Masu

In honor of those who gave their all in the service of their country. 


Memorial Day History


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Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Microsoft May C Release Preview for Windows 10 Versions 21H1, 2004 and 20H2

Microsoft released KB5003214, the monthly “C” release preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 Versions 21H1, 2004 and 20H2.  The Release Notes include a long list of improvements and fixes.  The highlighted changes include the following:

  • Improves the hover experience by adding the Open on hover option (checked by default) on the News and interests submenu that appears when you right-click the Windows taskbar.
  • Updates an issue that might prevent users from opening phone apps that are pinned to the taskbar. This issue occurs after they update to Windows 10, version 2004 and then use the Your Phone app.
  • Updates an issue that prevents a touch device from working as a serial mouse in multiple monitor situations.
  • Updates an issue that might display items on the desktop after you have deleted them from the desktop.
  • Updates an error that might cause video playback to fail when you switch from an external high-dynamic-range (HDR) display to a built-in non-HDR display.
  • Updates an issue that fails to apply the spatial audio effect to sounds when you enable spatial audio.
  • Updates an issue with noise when you enable spatial audio and use Bluetooth USB headphones.
  • Updates an issue that prevents users from receiving geographic location information.

Prerequisite:

You must install the May 11, 2021 update (KB5003173) before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU).

Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest LCU. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU will be offered to you automatically. To get the standalone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

For information about the the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer.

Update:  To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.  The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area.

Windows 10 update history



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



Friday, May 21, 2021

Microsoft May C Release Preview for Windows 10 Version 1909

Microsoft released KB5003212, the monthly “C” release preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 Version 1909.  The Release Notes include a long list of improvements and fixes.

In addition, please note the important reminder from the KB5003212 Release Notes:

"REMINDER Windows 10, version 1909 reached end of service on May 11, 2021 for devices running the Home, Pro, Pro for Workstation, Nano Container, and Server SAC editions. After May 11, 2021, these devices will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows 10

We will continue to service the following editions: Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise."

Prerequisite:

You must install the April 13, 2021 servicing stack update (SSU) (KB5001406) or the latest SSU (KB5003244) before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU will be offered to you automatically. To get the standalone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

For information about the the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer.


Windows 10 update history



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



Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Internet Explorer End of Life (EOL) on Windows 10

Although not unexpected, Microsoft has officially announced the End of Life (EOL) for Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10.  Internet Explorer 11 will go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10.   From The future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge:

Note: This retirement does not affect in-market Windows 10 LTSC or Server Internet Explorer 11 desktop applications. It also does not affect the MSHTML (Trident) engine. For a full list of what is in scope for this announcement, and for other technical questions, please see our FAQ.
Edge legacy was replaced by Edge Chromium with the April 13, 2021 security updates.  With built-in IE Mode for websites built to work with Internet explorer, the new Edge makes Internet Explorer unnecessary.  IE Mode can be activated using the following simple steps:
  • In the address bar for Microsoft Edge, type edge://settings/defaultbrowser and then click Enter.
  • Slide the Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer toggle to ON.
  • Restart Microsoft Edge.
In addition to enhanced security and other improvements over Internet Explorer, the options for extensions available for Edge is almost endless.  If the extension you are seeking isn't available in Microsoft Edge Add-ons, you will most likely find what you are seeking in the Chrome Web Store.




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





Tuesday, May 18, 2021

May 2021 Windows 10 Version 21H1 Released!

 


The Windows 10 version 21H1 release has begun!  

Initially what is described as a "measured seeker-basked approach" to the rollout is being used.  Microsoft is throttling availability to ensure a reliable experience.  Also, as there might be a compatibility issue with a safeguard hold in place, those devices will not be offered the update.

Although it is advisable to check the Known issues first, if you are anxious to move to this new version, click on the Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security and click the "Check for update" button.  Also see this article on How to get the Windows 10 May 2021 Update2020 Update, With an older device, you may want to wait until it is offered.  As always, before making changes to your PC, make a backup.

Bleeping Computer has provide information about some of the changes included in this latest version at Windows 10 21H1 is released, these are the new features.


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

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

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. 
 
Adobe has received a report that CVE-2021-28550 has been exploited in the wild in limited attacks targeting Adobe Reader users on Windows.
 
Release date:  May 11, 2021
Vulnerability identifier: APSB21-09
Platform: Windows and MacOS

Update or Complete Download

Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 21.001.20155.  Updates should become available via the internal updater or checks can be manually activated by choosing Help/Check for Updates.  Reader DC and other versions are available here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/

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."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...


Microsoft May 2021 Security Updates



The Microsoft May 2021 security updates have been released and consist of 55 CVEs.  Of these 55 CVEs, 4 are rated Critical, 50 Important, and 1 is rated Moderate in severity.

 

According to Microsoft, although three of the bugs are listed as being publicly known, none are listed as currently being exploited.

  

The  updates apply to the following products: .NET Core & Visual Studio, HTTP.sys, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Accessibility Insights for Webk, Microsoft Bluetooth Driver, Microsoft Dynamics Finance & Operations, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Graphics Component, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Access, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office SharePoint, Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Windows Codecs Library, Microsoft Windows IrDA, Open Source Software, Role: Hyper-V, Skype for Business and Microsoft Lync, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Windows Container , Isolation FS Filter Driver, Windows Container Manager Service, Windows Cryptographic Services, Windows CSC Service, Windows Desktop Bridge, Windows OLE, Windows Projected File System FS Filter, Windows RDP Client, Windows SMB, Windows SSDP Service, Windows WalletService, and Windows Wireless Networking.

 

Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest cumulative update (LCU). For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

 

For Windows 10 Version 1909, see KB5003209.

 

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

 

KB Article

Applies To

5003169

Windows 10, Version 1909, Windows Server, Version 1909

5003171

Windows 10, Version 1809, Windows Server 2019

5003173

Windows 10, Version 2004, Windows Server, Version 2004, Windows 10, Version 20H2, Windows Server, Version 20H2

5003197

Windows 10, Version 1607, Windows Server 2016

5003203

Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)

5003208

Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)

5003209

Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)

5003210

Windows Server 2008 SP2 (Monthly Rollup)

5003220

Windows 8.1 Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)

5003225

Windows Server 2008 SP2 (Security-only update)

5003228

Windows 7 SP2, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Security-only update)

5003233

Windows 7 SP2, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Monthly Rollup)

5003435

Exchange Server 2019, 2016, and 2013

 

 Recommended Reading:   See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative -- The May 2021 Security Update Review.

 

Additional Update Notes:

 

References


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





Wednesday, May 05, 2021

Mozilla Firefox Version 88.0.1 and ESR Version 78.10.1 Released With Security Updates

Firefox

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 88.0.1 to the release channel today.  The update includes two security updates of which one (1) is rated critical and one (1) is rated high.

 

In addition, Firefox ESR was updated to Version 78.10.1 with one (1) security update, rated moderate:


#CVE-2021-29951: Mozilla Maintenance Service could have been started or stopped by domain users

Critical
 


High

 

Fixed

  • Resolved an issue caused by a recent Widevine plugin update which prevented some purchased video content from playing correctly (bug 1705138)
  • Fixed corruption of videos playing on Twitter or WebRTC calls on some Gen6 Intel graphics chipsets (bug 1708937)
  • Fixed menulists in Preferences being unreadable for users with High Contrast Mode enabled (bug 1706496)

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

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