Chandler Computer Repair Company Blog – Page 3 – a blog about Laptop, Desktop, PC and Apple computer repair in Chandler, AZ

First Major Windows 10 Update

Every year, Microsoft releases two major updates, with minor patches and improvements throughout. This Windows 10 May 2021 update should be released within the next couple weeks.

According to WindowsLatest, “Microsoft also explained that Windows 10 version 21H1 will be rolled out in phases and users won’t be able to download it immediately.” Thankfully, though, they explain that Microsoft includes Update Assistant and Media Creation tools if you would prefer to update your PC manually.

And just for clarification, while this update is the first “major” one to come out in 2021, there’s nothing major about it in any way. There are no high-end features (those will be released in the October update) and only a handful of improvements will be included:

Windows Hello Camera Support
Enterprise advancements
Windows Search Improvements

Note for Windows Insiders: The preview may carry bugs that can affect your device. To become part of the Windows Insiders Program and try out upcoming features before anyone else, sign up here! Be sure to read the Important Notice before agreeing to join, as it adds a variety of risks to your computer.

If you need any help with computer related issues, please contact us at (480) 240-2946 or send us an email at dispatch@computerrepairchandleraz.com. We would be happy to assist.

Why Use 2-Factor Authentication?

2-Factor Authentication, simply put, is just extra security. But why utilize it? Cyber attacks are reportedly one of the top rated risks in 2020. It’s expected for these attacks to double in size by 2025.

As the Covid pandemic continues, more and more people will work remotely as a safety precaution. However, with that comes a dire need for extra security. Thankfully, 2-Factor Authentication can help lower the risk for any potential attacks – even if someone knows any of your passwords.

With a trusted phone number, you will be provided with a verification code to a newly signed-in computer. When you put the code in, you’ll be able to access your accounts. It may sound annoying going through additional steps, but it saves the hassle of potential hacks that could harm your computer or steal your personal information.

iOS

On your iOS device, go to Settings. From there, you’ll click on your name at the top, and then to Password & Security. Turn your Two-Factor Authentication on. You will then put in the phone number you want getting verification codes.

Mac

On the Apple menu go to Apple ID in your System Preferences. Under your profile picture, go to Password & Security. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.

Microsoft App

In the Google Play Store, you can download the Microsoft Authenticator app. Once installed, add your personal account in the app.

Microsoft Web

Sign into your Microsoft account on your computer. Once that’s done, click on the Security tab and turn on the Two-step authentication. Follow any instructions given to process and confirm.

If you need any help with computer related issues, please contact us at (480) 240-2946 or send us an email at dispatch@computerrepairchandleraz.com. We would be happy to assist.

Apple’s M2 Chip Already in Production

It wasn’t too long ago when Apple announced their own M1 chip, replacing Intel chips in their upcoming devices.

At the virtual Apple Event last week, information and specs were shared about it, claiming to revolutionize their products’ overall performance. This new technology shows a 2x faster CPU performance in the M1. Also, the M1 only uses 25% performance of what a PC normally uses. Now, production of the next line, M2, is underway.

According to MakeUseOf, “Similar to its predecessor, the M2 chip will integrate multiple discreet components onto a single chip, a design referred to in semiconductor talk as “System-on-a-Chip” or “SoC”. The article states that the M1 combines the CPU, GPU and Neural engine (Apple’s artificial intelligence and machine learning accelerators) all on a single silicon die.”

It’s stated the new M2 chip could be available in July of this year, since Macbooks are going on sale around that time frame.

If you need any help with computer related issues, please contact us at (480) 240-2946 or send us an email at dispatch@computerrepairchandleraz.com. We would be happy to assist.

App Tracking Transparency Talk: Apple Event

Today is the ever famous Apple Event. Nicknamed their ‘Springloaded’ event, it is rumored Apple will be sharing a handful of things they’re working on. For example, iOS 14.5 may be highlighted in this keynote, addressing its release date.

One of the features listed in 14.5 is the App Tracking Transparency. This particular one has been the cause of controversy. App developers will have to request permission of the user for ad targeting.

Those who create free applications and rely on ad tracking could see a decrease in revenue due to Apple’s upcoming iOS feature. But this doesn’t mean that ad tracking is disabled.

“Ads are still permitted,” states TomsGuide, ” it’s just that they can’t be personalized based on your history with other apps or websites. Whether that will impact click through and ultimately revenue will depend on how clever the contextual advertising is. Just because an app doesn’t know the websites you visit, that doesn’t mean it can’t guess your preferences and interests based on what app you’re using.”

Hopefully the Apple Event will share the release date with us so preparations can be in order.

If you need any help with computer related issues, please contact us at (480) 240-2946 or send us an email at dispatch@computerrepairchandleraz.com. We would be happy to assist.

Shake Active Window to Minimize Other Windows

Aero Shake

Microsoft incorporates both practical and fun features. One of the many features, introduced in Windows 7 and included in Windows 10, is called Aero Shake. Users could see this as a way to organize, which is quite handy.

Aero Shake allows users to minimize all open, idle windows except the currently active window rapidly. To use this feature, simply click on the window, drag it, and shake it back and forth. Once finished, you will notice the other window(s) minimize immediately.

Enabling and disabling is just as easy. Head over to Multitasking under the Systems tab of the Settings application. Turn on or off by clicking the toggle to the left or right.

If you need any help with computer related issues, please contact us at (480) 240-2946 or send us an email at dispatch@computerrepairchandleraz.com. Our mission is to fully resolve your computer problems quickly and affordably. We would be happy to assist.

New Display Option to Improve Battery Life

Windows Insiders is a Microsoft program for users to see and test new features before they’re sent out to the public. Currently, Insiders are testing many upcoming features, such as camera settings, news and weather on the taskbar, and more!

Another improvement included in this year’s major update sheds light on battery life on laptops. This one is named “Content adaptive brightness control disabling“, or CABC, and unfortunately comes with a restriction.

The preview build states that while CABC disabling enhances the performance of the battery, the downside involves the lack of image quality.

CABC helps improve battery performance on PCs, but with the trade-off of decreased image quality. It can result in distracting brightness changes that interfere in experiences where image quality is of high importance such as for creative professionals looking for color accuracy.
Source: Windows Insider Blog

This feature is said to be rolling out over time with certain Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR devices, so keep a look out for it.

Facebook Data Leak

Over the weekend, the large social media site endured quite the breach. According to MacRumors, the personal information of over 553 million Facebook users all over the world was leaked. One of which was its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.

While the information appears to be old, the details in the shared database include phone numbers, Facebook IDs, names, locations, birthdates and email addresses, all of which could be used in social engineering attacks or hacking attempts.
Source: MacRumors

The Facebook server breach apparently occurred back in 2019. Once found, it was quickly patched up by August of 2019. The stolen information was then posted on a website for hackers to use among other cyber attacks.

What can you do?

You can check your phone number and your e-mail by using the Have I Been Pwned website. Be sure to also keep an eye out for any kind of e-mail or phone scams.

Copy and Pasting

Most Windows 10 users know of the useful copy and paste shortcuts (CTRL + C / CTRL + V). Clipboard History, a Windows 10 feature, shows a list of items copied to the clipboard.

Mike Tholfsen, the Product Manager on the MicrosoftEDU team shared an amazing tutorial on how to utilize of Clipboard History on TikTok, shown below:

This Micro Tip will show you how to supercharge your Copy and Paste 🚀

👉 https://t.co/M4cLJVcoCb #edtech #mieexpert #Windows10 pic.twitter.com/uCWXeR7vUX
— Mike Tholfsen (@mtholfsen) March 23, 2021

Windows 10 Update Fixes Printer and BSOD

Reports recently came out of the blue screen of death appearing after users attempted to use their printers.

what is blue screen of death?

Certain printers, such as Zebra, Kyocera and Ricoh were among the few printers affected by this Windows 10 issue. However, Microsoft released an update to correct it.

Updates an issue that might cause a blue screen when you attempt to print to certain printers using some apps.
Windows Support

If you are among the users seeing this issue, you can find this optional update under the Windows Update in the Settings app. From there, look for Windows 10 KB5001567. Then download and install it.

Windows 10 Upcoming Feature Causes Memory Issues

Windows Insiders have been continuing to test features for the upcoming updates. One in particular is the ‘News and Interest’ pop up in the task bar. It will also include weather details, among other information.

According to Tech Radar, the Insiders reported memory issues within this new feature, claiming it used 15MB of RAM.

That’s a decent chunk of memory, especially on older PCs or devices with limited amounts of RAM. If your PC is really struggling for memory, it could result in a degradation in performance.
This won’t be welcomed by people who want their Windows 10 installs to be as clean as possible, and the idea of sacrificing memory to a feature they rarely use won’t be too popular.
Source: Tech Radar

Thankfully, this feature will be optional, so you will be able to disable it once it becomes available.

If you’d like to sign up to be in the Windows Insiders Program, you can register here, accept the terms and you’ll receive a Welcome E-mail. Be certain to read the Important Notice before agreeing to join, as it adds a variety of risks to your computer.