John Healy's Tech Blog

Category: Computer

Posts related to computer hardware and software

  • Meltdown and Spectre — Intel vs AMD status

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    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

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  • Patches for Spectre — impact on your iPhone?

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    Much in the media still about global computer security vulnerabilities Meltdown and Spectre. Apple, among other companies, released patches to mitigate the risks. This PC World article (January 16, 2018) summarizes the situation for Apple’s mobile devices — your iPhone: “Apple’s iOS 11.2.2 Spectre patch probably won’t slow down your iPhone, but here’s what to do if it

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  • Apple’s $29 iPhone battery replacement program — FAQ

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    Yesterday, MacWorld posted a useful article about Apple’s $29 iPhone battery replacement program. All of your questions answered. The article covers the usual FAQs. In particular, “How do I initiate a battery repair?” As for the “How do I check my own iPhone’s battery life?” question, I downloaded and tried the coconutBattery macOS app and found

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

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    6 comments on 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

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  • New iPhone — things to do first

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    New iPhone for the holidays? MacWorld once again has tips for a smooth start with your new device: “Got an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus? Do these 10 things first.” After you inhale that new-iPhone smell, follow this setup guide to be up and running faster than you can say A11 Bionic. Eleven tips,

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