General
ChromeOS 62 rolling out now with Krack patch
Google started rolling out Chrome 62 to Windows and Mac clients about a week ago and now most Chromebook users should have received the update. For those that haven't realized it, Chromebook updates typically lag behind their Windows/Mac counterpart by about a week. <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5dc282352a.jpg" alt=""> What does ChromeOS 62 bring? ChromeOS 62 brings an improved file manager, improved OS notifications, and most importantly vulnerability fixes (including the famous KRACK vulnerability). Pressing and holding a file in the file manager now allows you to select a file (or more) instead of bringing up the right-click menu.
Microsoft takes aim at Google Chrome vulnerabilities
July 2014, Google launched it's project zero initiative to identify Zero-Day vulnerabilities in commercial software thus making computing generally more secure. Google's modus operandi is to inform affected vendors and give them 60 days to release patches. After the 60 day window, they go public even if a patch is not yet available. “Our standing recommendation is that companies should fix critical vulnerabilities within 60 days — or, if a fix is not possible, they should notify the public about the risk and offer workarounds.
Chrome for Windows helps recover your browser from hijacking
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox are all mainstream browsers that work extra hard to keep you safe in cyberspace. Each company has taken a different approach, but users are more protected than ever before. Nothing is foolproof though. What happens when badware gets through those defences and takes over your browser making your leisurely stroll through cyberspace painfully slow or dangerous by stealing your passwords? In the latest version of Chrome for Windows, Google adds more tools to the arsenal.
You're going to love the DuckDuckGo Terms of Service
Terms of service are professionally written notices you agree to every time you use a new smartphone, install a new software or sign up for a new web service. Consumers are rightfully annoyed by 50+ page terms used by large companies. Sometimes, you stumble on a company that has "good" terms of service in that they actually protect you (the consumer). This write up is about DuckDuckGo because I receive several dozen emails from readers every month asking if they really are a good alternative (from a security perspective to use).
What is DXO Mark Mobile and should you care?
Over the span of a couple of weeks, we saw three phones released, and with every release, the manufacturer touted the device's incredible "best ever" DXOMark Mobile performance rating: Samsung released the Galaxy Note 8 with a DXO Camera score of 94 Apple released the iPhone 8 Plus with a DXO Camera score of 94 Google released the Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL with a DXO Camera score of 98 Manufacturers love touting these scores to "prove" that they have designed the finest camera a distinguished tech user could ask for.
Which Smart Assistant is the smartest
Silicon Valley has been promising life-changing personal digital assistants for years, but we all know most are semi-useful at best. A new research project to measure the IQs of these "smart assistants" concluded that Google is the smartest but has an IQ equivalent to a six-year-old (Google received a score of 47.28 while a typical 6-year-old would receive a 55.5). An average adult would rate between 85-115 points. Where does the "digital golden child" (aka Siri) score? It received a very disappointing 23.
Skimmer Scanner app for android
Real security requires vigilance, even for consumers. One issue we have been hearing a lot over the last couple of years is credit/debit card skimmers. A skimmer is a cheap hardware device that blends into the credit/debit card processing machine of a retailer. When processing your transaction, the skimmer copies your card information and somehow makes it available to the "bad" guys. An open-source Android app, called Skimmer Scanner, is promising to help consumers win this battle. The company behind this project, SparkFun, explains why thieves love gas stations.
What you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 3
The biggest change to Apple's smart watch lineup is the addition of LTE connectivity (a $70 option over the non-LTE Series 3). This new Dick Tracy style watch will allow you to make phone calls (with your same number), send and receive messages, use internet connected apps and stream music from Apple Music. The new OS, which will work on all devices, brings improved exercise and heart tracking, Siri finally can speak back to you. The heart rate functionality is dramatically improved tracking your heart-rate pre-working (resting), during and post-workout.
What you need to know about the iPhoneX
Over the coming weeks and months, the media will overwhelm you with review and editorials about the new iPhoneX. Of all the products Apple announced this week, the iPhoneX was the most radical in design. They have eschewed the home button and most of the bezels. This newfound space has allowed them to cram a beautiful 5.8" Super Retina OLED screen (458 pixels per inch) in a device that is smaller and easier to hold than an iPhone 7Plus or iPhone 8Plus.
Comparing Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox
[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“792”]Image by Iván Rivera used under Creative Commons License [/caption] Chrome has been the browser king for many years and many users can't remember a time where Firefox was "the browser". Chrome overtook Firefox and Internet Explorer(according to StatCounter) in November 2011. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1280"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4d4bb9cd74.jpg" alt=" Statcounter browser marketshare "> Statcounter browser marketshare [/caption] But recently a group of highly technical security experts seem to have moved back to Firefox. Why have technically knowledgeable users left Chrome for Firefox?
Bypass Google's AMP with DeAMPify for Android
A handful of readers asked me to review the DeAmpify Android app and talk about it on my blog. So for those readers, here is my opinion. Google introduced AMP in 2015 (Accelerated Mobile Pages) with the hope of speeding up the mobile web by degunking all of the junk publishers were adding to their web pages (tracking, advertising, etc.) The CBC web page I am using for this article connects to 16 separate domains (to load content) and has eight different trackers.
Honest review of the Tunnelbear VPN service
Similar Articles: Review of Private Internet Access (PIA) KeepSolid VPN Unlimited Review Your ISP is always watching, tracking and profiling you Honest review of the ProtonVPN service Beware of the fake VPN providers What is Tor and should I use it Review of HideMyAss VPN (HMA) Start I've written about half a dozen articles over the last couple of weeks reviewing various VPN services. I asked my social media followers what other VPN services they wanted me to review, and many readers requested that I review TunnelBear.
Install IOS Update 10.3.3
As mentioned in my various articles, keeping your operating system and applications updates is a critical component to good overall security. Apple released IOS 10.3.3 yesterday, and amongst all of the bugs it fixes, there is one nasty security vulnerability that justifies installing it now. Right now. Do it. I'll wait. Come on, we don't have all day. Put Apple's banal sounding description aside for a second ("A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling".) This vulnerability comes from the Broadcom BCM43xx wifi chipset (CVE-2017-9417) and allows an attacker to execute code on the targeted device with kernel privileges.
Google hopes Hire gives it a better stronghold in corporations
Google sees the corporate world as an excellent cash cow and has been working hard to secure its place. Most recently we have the fruits of its labour with redesigned G-Suite offerings, the Jamboard and more. Google is the king of data and has decided it can help HR do a better job with recruitment. Google Hire is a purpose built solution that promises to make the entire hiring process easier and more efficient (from finding to managing). The target customer is the small or medium organisation that may not be using any of the larger more expensive and complicated tools.
Get thousands of dollars of Microsoft ebooks for free
It's Christmas in July for any tech enthusiast that loves getting "something for nothing". The books are presented in a straight text list (without pictures) and organised by category and file format. There are no limits, conditions or restrictions. You can download one, or you can download them all. The books will interest hardcore IT administrators or casual Windows users looking to sharpen their skills. You can click on this link to see the massive list. Some General computing topics include:
Review of HideMyAss VPN (HMA)
After writing my first VPN service review a couple of weeks ago, I asked my readers "what other VPN services" I should evaluate. A much-requested one was HideMyAss (HMA), so here is that review. You can't evaluate VPN service providers without seeing HideMyAss. They have ads everywhere. My first experience with HMA was through a 1-month free offer provided by Anonabox. Most security blogs and posts on review sites give HideMyAss a poor rating because they have (allegedly) turned over user log information to authorities (without putting up a fight).
Get 7 months of Microsoft's Grove music service for $10
There's a good chance you never heard about Microsoft's very unpopular Grove music streaming service (Apple Music, Google Music, Pandora, Spotify, Deezer, etc.). Microsoft is determined to change the fate of this little-known offering by enticing you to subscribe with a fantastic deal: when you buy a single month of service for $US9.99, they give you two 3-month vouchers to share or use yourself. If you are a Microsoft fanboy already paying for this service, then you are out of luck, this applies to new subscribers only.
Review of Private Internet Access (PIA)
The question I receive the most is "what VPN service should I use when I travel?". I started writing and testing the most popular ones and so far you can read these ones: Honest review of the ProtonVPN service Beware of the fake VPN provides KeepSolid VPN Unlimited Review VyprVPN Review The next most requested service is Private Internet Access (referred to online as PIA). Introduction Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular and affordable VPN service providers around.
Honest review of the ProtonVPN service
UPDATE 7/5/2017: My connection to the ProtonVPN endpoints using their Windows client is extremely unreliable. At random intervals, the connection just "stops working" and the only way to fix it is to connect to a new location. I have had a support request open for over 1.5 weeks and my issue hasn't been resolved yet. I cannot recommend the ProtonVPN service at this time for the reasons listed below and because my experience has been unstable (and support has been slow to non-existent).
Beware of the fake VPN provides
I've written 2 reviews for VPN Services recently: VyprVPN Review KeepSolid VPN Unlimited Review I've also written 2 reviews for WIFI VPN/TOR portable boxes: Anonabox Review InvizboxGo Review One item I have never covered is the proliferation of scammy VPN services sold by snake oil salesmen. With the Edward Snowden leaks and all the media coverage about the loss of online privacy, even the most complacent internet netizens are starting to think about securing their online presence.