Monthly Archives: July 2020

Windows 10 1709 Service Extension

First stated back in January that service on version 1709 of Windows 10 was to end in April of 2020, the release has now been extended. And with the pandemic still around, this helps many Microsoft users.

Microsoft Docs, which share important information on servicing their updates, lengthened their end of service for 1709 from April to October. According to their records, they say:

“Windows 10, version 1709 will reach the end of servicing on October 13, 2020 April 14, 2020. This applies to the following editions* of Windows 10 released in October of 2018:

  • Windows 10 Education, version 1709
  • Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1709
  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 1709

These editions will no longer receive security updates after October 13, 2020 April 14, 2020. Please go here for the latest information. Customers who contact Microsoft Support after this date will be directed to update their device to the latest version of Windows 10 to remain supported.”

This particular date also includes, “SharePoint Server 2010, SharePoint Foundation 2010, and Project Server 2010.” Version 1809’s end of service date was May 12th of 2020. However, the final update has been extended to November 10th.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Aurora, CO, please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

New Tool Removes Unwanted Apps

When Windows 10 installs on PCs, it includes multiple pre-installed apps. These apps cannot be uninstalled – that is until now.

A third-party app called Bloatbox gives users the option of removing those unwanted apps. At first, this app started off as a small addition to the app Spydish. Then it became its own separate app.

According to the Bloatbox repository, the developer Belim states, “Since I didn’t want to bloat Spydish unnecessarily (those who know me know that I am a friend of small apps and lean code), I have now made this available as a standalone app. With the upcoming Spydish release it can be started from within Spydish.”

Some of the apps on Windows 10 that are normally pre-installed are the Your Phone app, Maps, and Photos. These apps don’t take up too much space on the hard drive, so uninstalling them won’t make much of a difference. However, if desired, use Bloatbox.

With all that said, there is a possibility that removing apps that cannot be uninstalled could lead to computer troubles. Be sure to research all options beforehand.

For inquiries with Microsoft installations, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Emotet Malware is Back

The infamous Emotet malware has caused trouble again, according to researcher sources.

Back in 2014, Emotet was founded as a banking trojan, deciding on third party malware after using their own. This produced a handful of malicious spamming and stealing personal information.

Tech Radar states on their blog, “In May of last year, Proofpoint researchers observed Emotet delivering third-party payloads including Qbot, The Trick, IcedID and Gootkit. The malware also now loads modules for spamming, credential stealing, email harvesting and spreading via local networks.”

Last week, researchers found an astounding 250,000 e-mails sent out by Emotet after 5 months of inactivity. These e-mails include links with Microsoft Word and will download and install malware to the computer. In turn, hackers can receive any and all data they want.

Companies are the biggest target for Emotet, and come with a hefty problem if not combated with anti-virus software. It’s always best to remember not to open e-mails or attachments that are unknown to the user.

*Update 7/21 – A new scam for a Google Chrome update is circulating around the world, zoning in on multiple organizations. These e-mail scams will download malware if the links are clicked on. Keep an eye out.

For help with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Google Disables Windows Fix for Chrome

The ever popular Google Chrome web browser is making news this week, and not necessarily in the best way.

According to sources, Chrome’s RAM usage had become an annoyance to users. If they had opened too many tabs on the browser, it took a toll on the computer’s performance. This was widely recognized as an issue, so much that Windows took it upon themselves to fix the RAM issue. The Segment Heap feature came out in the Windows 10 May 2020 update.

But why would Google disable a fix like this? On the Chromium Bugs website, it states that Chrome acquired a “Performance regression with Windows segment heap”. So, exchanging one fix for another was Google’s plan. So when the new Chrome update comes out in August, the Segment Heap feature will be disabled.

Currently, Google is running its own tests to find solutions to the RAM issues, but until then we may have to deal with the possibility of declining performances on our PC.

If you are needing help with computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ, please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

New Apple App in the Works in Windows 10

Rumors have spread of Apple working on a new app that will be showing up on Windows 10 in the near future.

Apple apps have shown up in Windows 10 prior to this, such as iTunes (now known as Apple Music) so it’s no huge surprising news. The enticing curiosity behind it, however, is what the app is going to be.

No one knows what it will be. Back in November 2019, though, Apple was looking to hiring workers for the next, updated media app for Windows. So it’s a guess from many Apple users that the new app in the works is specifically for that prior job listing.

I suppose we’ll find out when it gets released.

For help with any MacOS or Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Kernel Data Protection on Windows 10

When Windows users see the word ‘protection’ when it comes to their operating system, they recognize a positive outcome. So when Kernel Data Protection was introduced last week, Windows Insiders users were excited.

But what exactly is Kernel Data Protection?

According to Microsoft Security, “Kernel Data Protection (KDP) is a new technology that prevents data corruption attacks by protecting parts of the Windows kernel and drivers through virtualization-based security (VBS). KDP is a set of APIs that provide the ability to mark some kernel memory as read-only, preventing attackers from ever modifying protected memory.”

This new security feature will effectively reduce hackers’ ability to find ways around corrupting different parts of the OS and drivers. And with how malicious attacks are getting, PC’s are in great need of the best security possible.

Kernel Data Protection is available and ready in the Windows 10 Insiders Build, and is seeming to be quite a big deal in the security world.

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008

Intel Reveals Thunderbolt 4 Port

With technology modernizing, companies are working hard to keep PC and Macs innovative, up-to-date, and useful for everyone. Yesterday, Intel announced their upcoming universal cable, called the Thunderbolt 4.

This new connectivity port will allow a plethora of benefits, capable of amplifying the “minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance,” according to the Intel Newsroom. It also features up to four port docks, giving quite the advantage for those requiring multiple ports for work purposes.

Jason Ziller, the general manager of the Client Connectivity Division of Intel, stated that, “the arrival of Thunderbolt 4 underscores how Intel is advancing the PC ecosystem toward truly universal connectivity solutions.”

They also shared the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, which would add a Thunderbolt 3 PC collaboration. The experience of using Intel’s ports is expected to receive positive feedback due to a rise in productivity.

Apple and Intel partnered together years ago, establishing the Thunderbolt to bring additional perks. So if you have a Mac, there’s a good chance you’ll find an Intel port. According to The Verge, “Apple is moving away from Intel’s chipsets in favor of its new, custom-designed ARM chips — but the company is promising that it’ll still support Intel’s Thunderbolt USB-C connectivity standard on new Apple silicon computers, despite the lack of Intel processors.”

In July 2020, Intel announces the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, which includes JHL8540 and JHL8340 host controllers for computer makers and JHL8440 device controller for accessory makers. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification testing are available. (Credit: Intel Corporation)
Other benefits of Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 involve:
  • Thunderbolt Security protection
  • 2X minimum video requirements of Thunderbolt 3
  • PC charging on one computer port
  • and more!

At this time, the developer kits and testing for certification are accessible. And developers are excited about it.

For computer-related inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Aurora, Colorado, please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Microsoft Preps Getting Rid of Control Panel

Microsoft is prepping its team by beginning the stages of removing the old Control Panel – starting with the System portion.

The System control panel, introduced back with Windows 95, allowed users to figure out important information regarding the operating system, including memory and CPU usage. Many Windows users have expressed their concern with the idea of removing it, but Microsoft continues to attempt to ease their minds about the switch.

Brandon LeBlanc, the Senior Program Manager of the Windows Insider Program, says, “if you’re looking for more advanced controls that lived in the System page in Control Panel, you can still get to them from the modern About page if you need them! There will be more improvements coming that will further bring Settings closer to Control Panel. If you rely on settings that only exist in Control Panel today, please file feedback and let us know what those settings are.”

Although the new Settings feature (which included all of the PC information needed) was included in the Windows 8 update, Microsoft kept the Control Panel for configuration uses. However, to keep everything in its place, and avoiding duplication, this seems to be a good move for Windows 10.

For inquiries about Microsoft, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Goodyear Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Goodyear, Arizona please call or text the local office at (623) 295-2645.

Microsoft Edge Giving Information Without Permission

I just installed Edge today for testing, and I noticed my bookmarks from Firefox appear in the background/browser BEHIND the import acceptance dialog. The bookmarks disappeared after I said I didn’t want it to import anything. Obviously it still went looking before asking!

Reddit User

Microsoft Edge web browser is receiving negative feedback after users noticed same bookmarks and other data on multiple browsers without asking for their permission. When Edge is installed, a screen will pop up requesting permission to import certain information to browsers, like Firefox. But several people have shared on Reddit that Microsoft Edge already gathered whatever data they needed to make the possible transitions before permission is given.

Many users have expressed the desire to move to Linux, a popular open source operating system. One Reddit user explained, “This also happened to me, i use a windows 8.1 computer. One day i saw it had just automatically downloaded edge and wanted to bring over data from firefox. Seems like moving over to linux eventually is inevitable now.”

Microsoft did say to Windows Central that, “If a customer terminates the new Microsoft Edge browser prematurely during the first run experience (e.g. using Task Manager), residual data may not be fully deleted. We recommend customers not shut down the setup process prematurely to ensure an expected result.”

Have you experienced this issue with Microsoft Edge? Let us know in the comments below!

For inquiries about Microsoft, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Amazon Prime App Now on Windows 10

After weeks of testing, due to the login not working, the Amazon Prime app is now available on Windows 10.

Amazon Prime comes with the ability to subscribe to a handful of high quality channels, such as STARZ, HBO and Showtime. This allows users a wide variety of movies or tv shows. Current rivals include Netflix and HULU, among other streaming services.

According to the Microsoft Store description, what’s wonderful about the new Amazon Prime app is that it includes features, such as:

  • Download videos to watch offline – anywhere, anytime.
  • Rent or buy thousands of titles including new release movies, popular TV shows, and more (not available in all countries/regions).
  • With Prime Video Channels, Prime members can subscribe to more than 150 premium and specialty channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Only pay for the channels you want, no cable required, cancel anytime (not available in all countries/regions).
  • With X-Ray, view IMDb information about the actors, songs, and trivia for videos as you stream.

This app requires Windows 10 operating system, version 17763.0 or higher. To find what version your PC has, follow the steps below:

  1. Start Menu
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Click on About (very bottom)
  4. Scroll down to Windows specifications

For any Windows 10 feature inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.