Meltdown and Spectre — Intel vs AMD status

If you have a computer powered by an AMD processor, is your risk profile any different from someone with an Intel-powered PC? This Ars Technica article (January 18, 2018) summarizes the situation: “Meltdown and Spectre: Good news for AMD users, (more) bad news for Intel.” Windows patches are fixed, but microcode updates are causing even… Continue reading Meltdown and Spectre — Intel vs AMD status

Spectre and Meltdown — phones, tablets, and computers, oh my!

Much in the media this week about an industry-wide problem with all devices using Intel processors — CPU chips, and perhaps those from other manufacturers as well. A security vulnerability: Meltdown and Spectre. It’s like Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow walking through the dark forest in the 1939 classic The Wizard of OZ and… Continue reading Spectre and Meltdown — phones, tablets, and computers, oh my!

macOS High Sierra — to upgrade or not

Starting today, the latest upgrade for macOS — High Sierra — is available. As always, the question is whether to upgrade or not; or, when to upgrade. This CNET article “7 things to know before upgrading to MacOS High Sierra 10.13” discusses this question: “Yes, if you answer any of these affirmatively: You’re paranoid about… Continue reading macOS High Sierra — to upgrade or not

macOS Sierra — Apple’s latest Mac upgrade

No more “big cat” names. Since October 2013, there’s been Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, … and last week Sierra, the latest (free) upgrade to the operating system (system software) for Apple’s Mac desktop and notebook computers. Now called macOS vs Mac OS X. As noted on Wikipedia: macOS 10.12 Sierra was released on September 20,… Continue reading macOS Sierra — Apple’s latest Mac upgrade