Gimnicher Computer Services - Technology Blog

Windows 11 Improved Security Features

12/14/2024

As you contemplate if and when to move to Windows 11, other than the fact that Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 beginning in October of next year, another important reason to make the change is security. Windows 11 is significantly more secure than Windows 10, and in this day and age of very sophisticated hackers, that is an important improvement.

The key differences that make Windows 11 inherently more secure than Windows 10 are as follows:

TPM 2.0 requirement: Windows 11 mandates TPM 2.0, a hardware chip not available on older systems but standard on newer systems. TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module and is a dedicated motherboard chip that with Windows 11 provides by default many key protections such as hard disk encryption, prevention of low-level attacks that can occur when booting up a computer, and system file checks and protection from viruses and other forms of malware.

Secure boot: Windows 11 enforces secure boot by default, preventing malicious software from loading during the computer’s boot up process.

Enhanced Windows Defender: with Windows 11 the default antivirus software Defender has been enhanced with more advanced threat detection and protection features. (Note that third party antivirus products are still a good addition to provide even better antivirus protection, especially if non Microsoft browsers are preferred).

Integrated Passkeys: passkeys are an emerging alternative to passwords which many companies are beginning to support. Passkeys allow users to log into websites and apps using the face, fingerprint, or PIN instead of passwords.

Improved updates: the Windows 11 update mechanism has been improved to provide streamlined updates with enhanced security patches delivered quickly and automatically.

As with all new operating system releases, Windows 11 introduces user interface changes and new/revised functionality that one must learn, but for the most part it will be very familiar to those who are comfortable with Windows 10. But the fact remains, if you wish to be secure, if you cannot upgrade to Windows 11 (as discussed in prior blogs), you will have no choice but to either pay for Microsoft’s extended Windows 10 support, buy a new Windows 11 computer, or move to a Mac.

Are You Ready for a Mac?

11/12/2024

In my previous blog I covered the situation Microsoft has forced upon many of you in which they will end support for Windows 10 in October of next year, but due to their stringent hardware requirements, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11.

Generally, Microsoft will support a specific Windows version for five to seven years. Apple on the other hand tends to support a specific Mac operating system version for seven to ten years. Furthermore, since Apple controls both their hardware and software, older Macs tend to keep performing well with each update and therefore will last longer than similar Windows-based computers. Therefore, if you are in the situation where you cannot upgrade your Windows 10 computer to Windows 11, then it might be time to consider switching to a Mac.

Macs used to be much more expensive then Windows computers, but that is no longer the case. The latest Mac mini, likely much more powerful than your current Windows computer, starts at $599.00. If you have other Apple devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, you can’t beat the integration with a Mac. With the right settings, from your Mac you can automatically synchronize Calendar, Contacts, Safari bookmarks, Photos, Notes, passwords, and files among all your Apple devices. You can also iMessage, text, and take phone calls on your Mac.

But, before deciding to switch to a Mac, you need to consider the following:

1) Software compatibility: you need to make sure that the software you rely upon is available on a Mac. One common issue can be Quickbooks Pro Desktop. There is a Mac version of Quickbooks, but it is not as feature rich as the Windows version. If either you already have moved to Quickbooks Online or are willing to, then you won’t have any issues, at least with that specific application.

2) Hardware compatibility: if you have a specialized hardware device such as a plotter or other equipment, you need to make sure Mac device drivers exist for that specific device.

3) Learning curve: the Mac operating system is different than Windows, but not all that different. If you are comfortable with moving around your Windows file system and controlling application windows, you will have no problem on a Mac.

If you have several computers and are willing to try switching to Macs, I recommend you purchase just one Mac initially to confirm it will work both for you and within your environment. If you purchase it directly from the Apple Store or from an Apple retailer, you can return the product for a full refund within 14 days.

Update: In my last blog, titled “ChatGPT and the Demise of Windows 10” I referenced an option in which you can pay for what Microsoft calls Extended Security Updates in which for an annual fee, Microsoft will continue to provide you Windows 10 updates for a limited time. Here are the details:

For business users, Microsoft will offer to extend support for your Windows 10 computers at a cost of $61 per computer for the first year, $122 per computer in year 2, and $244 per computer in year 3.
For home users, Microsoft will offer to extend support for your Windows 10 computers for one year only for $30 per computer.

ChatGPT and the Demise of Windows 10

10/14/2024

One year from today Microsoft ends support of Windows 10. I was going to create an article to inform you, my customers, of what this means and your options. But instead I decided to give ChatGPT a chance.

So, I requested the following from ChatGPT:

“Write an article for me that explains the end of support for windows 10 and viable options for moving to windows 11”.

Within one second, I received the following response:

“End of Support for Windows 10: What It Means and How to Transition to Windows 11

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. This date marks the end of security updates, patches, and technical assistance for Windows 10, meaning that devices running the operating system (OS) will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks. If you’re currently using Windows 10, it’s time to consider your options for upgrading to Windows 11, which offers better security, new features, and long-term support.

What Does the End of Support Mean?

End of support for Windows 10 means that Microsoft will no longer provide:

• Security updates: Your computer will be more vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks.
• Bug fixes and patches: Any new issues that arise after the deadline will remain unresolved.
• Technical support: You will no longer receive help from Microsoft for issues related to Windows 10.

Without updates and support, using Windows 10 beyond 2025 poses significant security risks, especially for individuals and businesses that rely on the OS for day-to-day operations.

Why Upgrade to Windows 11?

Windows 11, released in 2021, is designed to be more secure, modern, and efficient. Here are the key reasons to consider upgrading:

1. Enhanced Security Features: Windows 11 builds upon the security framework of Windows 10 with features like hardware-based security, Windows Hello, and improved encryption. It also supports modern hardware that includes more robust protections against ransomware and viruses.
2. User Interface Improvements: Windows 11 introduces a redesigned interface with a more modern look. The Start menu has been centered, and window management has been made easier with the introduction of Snap Layouts, which allow you to quickly organize multiple windows on your screen.
3. Improved Performance: Windows 11 is optimized to work more efficiently with modern hardware, which means faster performance, better multitasking, and improved battery life on portable devices.
4. Gaming and Entertainment Features: Windows 11 supports DirectStorage, which allows games to load much faster on SSDs, and Auto HDR, which enhances the visuals in compatible games. The OS also has improved support for Android apps, making it a more versatile platform for entertainment.

Viable Options for Transitioning to Windows 11

1. Upgrade Your Current Device
If your current computer is relatively new, you may be able to upgrade directly from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Microsoft has outlined specific hardware requirements, including:

• 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz and two cores
• 4 GB of RAM or more
• 64 GB or larger storage device
• UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0

To check if your computer meets these requirements, you can use the PC Health Check toolprovided by Microsoft. If your hardware is compatible, the upgrade process is simple and can be done through Windows Update.
2. Buy a New Windows 11 Device
If your current PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, or if it’s an older machine, you may need to purchase a new device. Most new PCs come pre-installed with Windows 11, which guarantees full compatibility and support for future updates. This is an opportunity to upgrade your hardware and take full advantage of the new features and improvements.
3. Consider Extended Security for Windows 10
For organizations that are unable to transition immediately, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This allows you to continue receiving security updates for a limited time after the official end-of-support date. However, this is a temporary solution, and eventually, migrating to a newer operating system will be necessary.
4. Explore Alternative Operating Systems
If you’re open to exploring alternatives, you could consider transitioning to a different OS like Linux or macOS, depending on your needs. Linux offers a variety of distributions that are lightweight and secure, while macOS provides a streamlined experience for those in the Apple ecosystem. Both options are viable but require some adjustment if you’ve been using Windows for a long time.

How to Prepare for the Upgrade

To ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11, take the following steps:

1. Back Up Your Data: Before upgrading, create a backup of all important files and data. Use cloud storage solutions like OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external hard drive.
2. Check Hardware Compatibility: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to verify whether your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
3. Update Your Software: Make sure that all critical software applications you rely on are compatible with Windows 11. Some older applications might not work as expected and may require updates or replacements.
4. Perform a Clean Install (Optional): While you can upgrade in-place from Windows 10 to Windows 11, some users prefer performing a clean install. This involves wiping your hard drive and installing a fresh copy of the OS, which can improve performance and eliminate issues caused by legacy software or clutter.

Final Thoughts

While 2025 may seem distant, preparing for the end of support for Windows 10 sooner rather than later will help you avoid last-minute disruptions. Upgrading to Windows 11 provides better security, enhanced features, and a future-proof system that will receive updates for many years to come. Whether you choose to upgrade your existing device or invest in new hardware, making the transition to Windows 11 will ensure you remain protected and productive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

Wow! I was hesitant to pass this on verbatim, so I asked ChatGPT whether I would be plagiarizing if I sent this out verbatim. ChatGPT was very comforting and responded with

“No, you won’t be plagiarizing if you send this article to your customers. The content I created is original and specifically tailored for your needs. Since it’s not copied from any pre-existing source, you’re free to use it in your communications with customers without concerns about plagiarism.

However, if you plan to incorporate additional information from external sources, just ensure you properly credit them. For this article as is, you’re in the clear!”

Pretty amazing, wouldn’t you say? But let me emphasize that for many of you, you will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 because your current hardware, although perfectly fine, will not meet the somewhat stringent Microsoft requirements. With all the hackers out there, running an unsupported Windows operating system is not a good idea. So if you can’t upgrade, the best plan is to replace your current computer with a brand new Windows 11 computer, before October 14, 2025. You can certainly wait until that date, but it is unknown given the number of people this will impact what pricing and availability will be like. So I asked ChatGPT this question, and the response was:

“For customers who need a new PC and can find a good deal in 2023 (especially during the holiday sales), buying sooner could be a good option to ensure availability, save on costs, and secure a machine without having to wait.

However, for those who can wait, it might make sense to hold off until early or mid-2024 when next-gen models arrive and potentially offer better value for the long term. It’s important to weigh the potential savings now against the benefits of future-proofing and ensuring customers can get what they need without stress later on.”

Windows Macrium Reflect Free Edition Is Being Retired

10/25/2023

If you are a Mac user, you can stop reading right now as this blog does not apply to you. Instead, hopefully you are using Time Machine to achieve the same protection as with Macrium Reflect.

If you are a Windows user and are using Macrium Reflect Free Edition to create system image backups, then read on.

On January 1st, 2024, support for Macrium’s Reflect Free Edition will end. This does not mean that the program will stop working. It does mean that Macrium will no longer provide security or related updates or support for this version and it may not work in the future as Microsoft releases new versions of Windows.
If you use Macrium personally (not in a business environment), this leaves you with four choices:

1) Do nothing
2) Purchase a one time perpetual license for Reflect Home v8 for $79.99
3) Purchase an annual subscription for the latest features and upgrades for $49.99 per year
4) Look for a different product

It is never a good idea to depend on an unsupported product for such a critical function such as backup, so I would not recommend #1. Similarly, although there are certainly other products that purport to do the same thing, I have used Macrium Reflect for years and have a lot of confidence in it. So choice #4 would be my last resort.

This leaves us with #2 and #3. Historically, Macrium seems to release a new version every few years, so #2 is slightly more economical. But if you always want the latest and greatest and don’t mind paying every year for that privilege, then #3 is for you.

If you use Macrium in a business, prior to January 1st 2024, you were allowed to use the free edition in your environment up to 10 computers. However, that right does not apply going forward. So your choices are to:

1) Do nothing
2) Purchase an annual subscription for Macrium Workstation for $75.00 per year per computer
3) Implement a hybrid environment in which you pay for some of your computers and use the current free version on others

Obviously, #2 is the most reliable choice. But if you have been running Macrium on several computers, that will get expensive. You could opt to protect fewer computers and thereby reduce the annual cost or choose #1 or #3 and roll the dice. Historically, each version of Macrium has been very reliable, so I do think the risk of continuing to use the current free version is low, but I still do not recommend it for such a critical function.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your specific situation.

How to Make Sure Backups are Working

6/1/2023

I’m often hired to set up a computer backup system, however, unfortunately I also find that once backups are set up, they frequently are not checked to make sure they are still working. There are several things that can stop previously working backups:

Backup drive not connected or online
Backup storage device having inadequate free space
Backup drive assigned different (Windows) drive letter than what was set in the backup configuration
Computer password is changed, preventing the automated backup task from running
Backup configuration file deleted
Scheduled task deleted or task scheduler broken (occasionally seen in Windows 7 systems)
Computer not running at scheduled backup time (this includes being in sleep or hibernate mode)
Verification of backup data failed

The basic job of any backup system is to create a copy of either specific files, folders, or the entire system on permanent storage other than the source storage media. Therefore, the best way to see if backups are actually being made is to look on the backup storage media for timely backups! It is also a good idea to attempt to recover one or more files from the backup storage media to confirm that when the day comes that you need to recover data, that you will know how to do it and that it will actually work!

Backups are like insurance policies: you don’t need them until you need them, and then they better pay off!

Start Using Two Factor Authentication NOW (repeat)

1/1/2023

This is a repeat of a blog I published six years ago. It is as relevant and important now as it was then.

Here is the blog:
Here is a scenario: a hacker figures out your iCloud/AppleID password and logs into your account over the web. He changes your password, immediately locking you out of your account, breaking your ability to send email and messages via your iCloud account. He takes note of your birthday, billing address, alternate email addresses, and that you have a credit card stored. He looks at your sent and received emails, notes, calendar entries, iCloud drive documents, contacts, etc. He appreciates your photos and takes note of the places you like to visit.

He will be very busy now seeing if he can hack into your other accounts using the same or a similar password and creating spam and/or viruses for all your contacts. But first, he needs to do a bit of shopping. He grabs an iPhone and logs into your iCloud account using his new password. He downloads all your past applications, songs, and movie purchases and then buys a bunch more, using the credit card associated with your account.

Pretty scary, huh? This actually happened to someone I know. She thought she had a strong password, but obviously it was not strong enough. Many of us use Apple’s iCloud because it is so convenient for storing our data and using that stored data to automatically synchronize that data across our various devices. But, because it is such a vast and varied repository of our personal information, it is also a keen target for hackers.

We all know by now that our passwords have to be long, made up of non-real words plus a mixture of upper case, lower case, and special characters. And, the password needs to be unique for every website. Unfortunately, I suspect that many of you do not follow this advice. Whether you do or don’t, what else can be done to keep hackers from being able to log into our web-based accounts?

The answer is Two Factor Authentication (commonly known as 2FA). 2FA provides an extra layer of security to help prevent unauthorized access to your web accounts. Some websites implement it by default, but most offer it as an option that you have to explicitly enable. Dashlane, Lastpass, Amazon, Dropbox, Facebook, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Wells Fargo, and Chase are examples of websites that offer 2FA.

The way 2FA works is to require one extra step in logging into your account. Once you have successfully entered the correct account id and password, the website will ask you for a code. That code can be set up in advance to be texted or emailed to a specific phone number or email address. If the code is not used within a short period of time, it will expire. The code is different with each login. That code represents the second factor in authentication and is delivered to you via something personal that presumably only your have (like your cell phone). No correct code entry, no successful login. So you can see that without this second piece of information, a hacker will not be able to log into your account. Most websites allow you to specify whether 2FA should be used with every login or only with logins from devices that have never accessed the website before.

What I have described is a simplified version of implementing 2FA and it can be a bit more complicated in actual set up. But regardless, if you care about protecting your web-accessible data, start using Two Factor Authentication NOW!!!

Email Hacked (repeat)

11/30/2022

This is a repeat of a blog I published two years ago. I am repeating it because I continue to get calls from customers who either have fallen for this scam or are about to.

Here is the blog:
Over the past two weeks, I’ve had two customers hacked in very similar ways. Both involved the hacker gaining access to my customers’ email accounts and then sending emails out to all of their contacts. One was a sbcglobal.net account and the other was an att.net account. Both these email systems are actually implemented by Yahoo, so really they were both hacks of Yahoo accounts.

In the first case, my customer was pretty sure that she fell for a phishing attack in which she thought she was entering her email password for a legitimate reason (securing her account), but really she was entering her password on a forged website made to look legitimate. In the second case, my customer had no idea how the hacker got her email password. Yahoo has had several massive attacks where accounts and passwords were stolen, so perhaps that is how it happened.

In the first case, this is the email the hacker sent out from my customer’s account:

Subject: Favor…..<customer’s name>

Hi there,

I need a favor from you. I’d appreciate if you could email me back asap.

Thanks
<customer’s name>

If replied to, this was followed by:

I need to get a Nordstrom Gift Card for my Nephew, Its his birthday but i can't do this now because I'm currently traveling. Can you get it from any store around you? I'll pay back as soon as i am back.

Kindly let me know if you can handle this.

<customer’s name>

In the second case, this is the email the hacker sent out:

Subject: Help…...<customer’s name>

I hope your week is going great? Actually, Please I need to get an eBay Gift Card for my niece, its her birthday but I can’t do this now because I’m currently traveling, Can you help get it from any store around you? I’ll pay back as soon as I am back. Kindly let me know if you can handle this so I can tell you how much to get.

Thank you so much,

<customer’s name>

If the victim (i.e, the person receiving the email) falls for this, the hacker will then ask for the gift card numbers after which they can easily drain the gift card of it’s cash value.

Upon being contacted by my customers, here is what I did and what you should do should this happen to you:

1) Via any web browser, log into your email account
2) Change the password. If you used the same or similar password on other accounts, change them there too. Pick great passwords!
3) Check all your email settings to make sure they are correct. In particular:
. Check the reply to field to make sure it is your email address
. Check if an automatic forward or automatic reply has been set (if you can’t find these settings, you may need to change your email view to basic; this is the case on Yahoo)
. Check email rules and filters to make sure none have been set
. Check your signature if you have one
. Check your account recovery information
. Add two factor authentication
. Change the answers to your security questions so that they are false. You should do this here and everywhere. It can simply be done by adding another word to the end of your security question answer.
4) Email all your contacts and let them know you have been hacked and to ignore any emails asking for gift cards or looking unusual in any way. Encourage them to call you if they receive a strange email from you before replying to make sure it really came from you.

In my customers’ cases, I found the following settings:
. Every email was automatically forwarded. In one case, a gmail account had been created in the customer’s name to receive the forwarded emails
. A rule with the name of “.” was created to move every received email into either the Archive folder or the Trash folder
These settings meant that every email my customer received would be sent to the hacker and deleted from my customer’s inbox.

This hack can happen to anyone. Be vigilant in case it happens to you!

Preparing for macOS Ventura (and a Word about Windows 11)

11/1/2022

The latest macOS operating system is now available. It is called Ventura or macOS 13. Like all new major operating system releases, it has many new features and is free to install on existing hardware. In this blog, I will tell you how to prepare your Mac for installation.

Let me begin by recommending that you do NOT install Ventura – at least not yet. A new major operating system release is a big deal and I always recommend that you wait until one or two bug releases have been made available.

Supported Macs

These are the computers that you can install Ventura on if and when you are ready to proceed:

2017 iMac/iMac Pro and later
2018 MacBook Air and later
2017 MacBook Pro and later
2019 Mac Pro and later
2018 Mac mini and later
2017 MacBook and later
2022 Mac Studio and later

If your Mac is older than the above models, know that Apple still releases security updates and new Safari updates for Big Sur (macOS 11) and Monterey (macOS 12) and large app developers such as Google and Microsoft usually support even older versions, at least for a year or two. But be aware that if you are running the latest version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad, you might run into some compatibility issues if you fall behind on your Mac.
Storage
You can check on your storage situation by going to About This Mac and selecting the Storage tab. Ventura requires about 35gb of free storage. So, if you don’t have at least that much free, you need to get busy deleting.
Backup
Before beginning the installation process, make sure you have a current backup. Use of Apple’s Time Machine and an external hard drive is the simplest way to create a robust backup.
Installation
The simplest way to install Ventura is to either go to System Preferences and select “Software Update” or go to the Apple Store and find it there.
There are many new features in Ventura you will find interesting. Just Google “macOS Ventura features” to learn all about them.
Finally a word about Windows 11: if you are being nagged to install Windows 11, that means your computer is compatible with Windows 11 and you certainly good go ahead and upgrade. However, there is no rush since Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025. There are many things different about the Windows 11 user interface, so if you don’t like change, I would stay with Windows 10 for now. However, if you like the challenge of learning new things, then Windows 11 might be just for you. If you do decide to upgrade to Windows 11, be sure to back up your files first. And if you do upgrade and decide you don’t like Windows 11, you have 10 days in which you can roll back to Windows 10.
Good luck!

Don't Fall for Tech Support Scams (repeat)

6/5/2022

This is a repeat of a blog I published two years ago. I am repeating it because I continue to get calls from customers who either have fallen for this scam or are about to. In particular, the pop-up warning approach (the second bullet below) seems to be particularly prevalent. If you experience the pop-up, simply restart your computer (by if necessary holding down the power button until the computer shuts down and then starting it up again) and it should disappear.

Here is the blog:
At least once a quarter one or more of my customers fall for a tech support scam. These scammers want you to believe your computer is full of viruses and that you need to hire them to resolve these issues. They get you to allow them to remotely connect to your computer and they ask for hundreds of dollars for services or products you don’t need. They might also take the opportunity to steal your passwords, upload other personal data, and install their own viruses.

These scams typically occur in one of three ways:

Phone Calls: your phone rings and the callers state they are from Dell, Microsoft, Apple, or some other well known company. They say they have detected a serious problem with your computer and they need to access your computer to run a diagnostic test.
Pop-up Warnings: a window suddenly appears typically while surfing the internet, often with blaring background sounds, stating that a serious issue has been detected and that you must call a provided telephone number immediately.
Online Ads and Search Results: you are searching for help and the resulting ads or search results lead you to the scammer instead of a legitimate company.

Legitimate tech companies will never contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there is a problem with your computer, and security pop-up warnings will never ask you to call a phone number.

If you are scammed to the point where you allowed the scammer to remotely connect to your computer, then you should assume that the scammer now has all of your online passwords and that your computer is now compromised. Your should immediately do the following:

Power off your computer. On another computer, change all your online passwords and take the opportunity to create very strong passwords.
If you paid the tech support scammer with a credit or debit card, call the credit card company or bank and try and stop the payment and cancel the card. If you paid with a gift card, contact the company that issued the gift card and see if you can get a refund.
If you have a backup system image prior to the scam, restore the computer from that system image. If you don’t have a system image, then reinstall the operating system and all the apps (of course backing up your data first).

These scammers are really convincing and experts at what they do. Falling for a tech support scam is extremely frustrating, costly, disruptive, and time consuming. Don’t give away your passwords, credit card info, social security number, driver’s license number, or any other personal information to a stranger over the phone. Don’t let this happen to you!!!!!

Ready or Not Here Comes Windows 11

10/4/2021

Beginning October 5th, Microsoft will officially start to release Windows 11. There are some very specific hardware requirements necessary to be able to upgrade to Windows 11. You can check whether your pc meets those requirements by running this application: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp When you launch the app, it might be a bit before you see anything further on your screen. If your PC is a few years old, it likely will not meet the requirements to be able to upgrade to a fully supported version of Windows 11.

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After that, it will continue to work, but will not receive any updates from Microsoft. Over time, support for devices and applications running on Windows 10 will also erode just as has happened for Windows 7, Windows XP, and other old Windows versions.

Beginning very soon, any new PCs will come with Windows 11. Even if you are able to upgrade your current computer to Windows 11, it is wise not do that immediately, giving time for Windows 11 to “mature”. Furthermore, never upgrade without making sure all your backups are current and confirming with the vendor that your critical applications and devices will run on Windows 11.

If you wish to learn more about Windows 11, I refer you to: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/