Posts by jaffy2

Crims abusing Microsoft Quick Assist to deploy Black Basta ransomware

Re: "That's such an awful idea security-wise, why would they do that?"

I've always thought Quick Assist to be an undersold tool of Windows 11. Last time I used it, it did require a user initiated update through the Store.

Musk 'texts' Nadella about Windows 11's demands for a Microsoft account

Those who live in glass houses....

I can't even buy a Tesla without signing up for an account, or manage it.... When I drive it, recordings automatically are uploaded to the Elon-cloud for AI analysis and training without any opt out!

Going green Hertz: Rental giant axes third of EV fleet over lack of demand

Re: The problem with EVs for rentals....

EVs work great for reducing the maintenance costs for rental companies, but repair costs (and times) are much higher. I live in fear of someone crashing into my Tesla because it might take 3 months to get it fixed; same for Hertz I imagine - no income from the car until its rentable again.

Hertz did a crappy job in the EV marketing. They could have had chargers onsite that you could return your rental to, and then it can charge on their time whilst they prep it for the next. They could've provided some integration with their app to educate the renter on the EV, and maybe even act as a key/lock as they do for gas. Outside of the "must return with 80%" rule there was no info on using Tesla's supercharging network. I'm pretty sure we never got charged for supercharging costs before returning it on the one rental we did. I didn't know if it would passthrough, or they'd be a markup like on the tolling.

Doom is 30, and so is Windows NT. How far we haven't come

So much change, and now more security

The joys of creating an IPX/SPX boot disk with Doom, ready for lunchtime. The game spread around the local government office I worked in at the time - one day the traffic saturated the link between two buildings! The network manager at the time deployed a shadow network in one room of coax cable. Remember showing up and connecting that pop out PCMCIA card to the BNC connector. Felt like a brave new world and the ultimate camaraderie.

NT came along replacing WFWG and revolutionised how our network was secured, along with the bootstrap! Logging in with a ctrl + alt + delete and moving to Active Directory feels normal now, but was odd when we were used to a mega login script. Great times, generating passion for technology in the workplace in the 90s.

'What's the point of me being in my office, just because they want to see me in the office?'

We're never coming back!

Even if I wanted to come back to the office 80% of the time, my calendar is stuffed full of Teams meetings supporting global time zones. My colleagues have shifted their workplaces, states and even countries during the pandemic. There's nothing more demoralizing than trudging into the office to spend all day on calls with other people who are at home! 9-5 is no more.

The monitor boom may have ended, says IDC

Still waiting for the monitors I ordered in June 21

Dell tell me there's a glass shortage for 34 Curved displays. Ordered 5 in June for delivery in October. In October they were pushed back to May 22!

Un-carrier? Definitely Unsecure: T-Mobile US admits 48m customers' details stolen after downplaying reports

Re: What's the problem?

Their unlimited packages also include taxes so if it’s $55 for two lines then that’s the monthly bill - no state or local taxes and e.911 surcharge. I’d say that’s pretty transparent.

It’s not the same customer service since John Legere left but no price increases and free international data keep me happy!

Let's... drawer a veil over why this laser printer would decide to stop working randomly

Re: Low IQ or low volition?

Fun memories of working in that hut!

US cable subscribers are still being 'ripped off' by creeping price increases – and this lot has had enough

Network Enhancement Fee

$3.50 a month on top of $50 month Internet service. Just a greedy grab for extra funds. I really need to drop them for TV but no other option for fast internet until the magical 5G....

Peak Apple: This time it's SERIOUS, Tim

Ordered and returned XS Max

I ordered the new XS Max for my annual Apple upgradefest back in September. It arrived. It was massive and not worth the extra payment every month so back it went. Until Apple do something revolutionary for the iPhone, this is probably as good as it gets with a slightly faster CPU/better camera each year. Ridiculously battery life is reduced on the XS compared to the X - how did anyone sign off on that?

Doom: The FPS that wowed players, gummed up servers, and enraged admins

Re: IPX Broadcasts

Played at lunchtime when working for a County Council. All pre rj-45 so on good ol' Co-ax, but it used to hammer the bridge between the buildings. In the end IT had a separate network for Doom (and then Wolfenstein).

Great days!

DIY device tinkerer iFixit weighs in on 15-month jail term for PC recycler

It's for recycling

It's not the manufacturers making the hardware difficult to repair, its to improve and cut costs in the recycling. Screws that hold cases together have to be manually disassembled. Macs and Surfaces are glued together so they melt in an oven and the components can be quickly separated for recycling.

However, it does mean that nothing can be repaired (even by the manufacturer) without damaging the glued components. I'm guessing someone has done a calculation that this is cheaper.

LinkedIn finds friends to join its 'Open19' data centre standards effort

With that logo, they really need to rename to Open15

T-Mobile US triples profit, adds two million customers

I'm a fan

Moved away from Verizon when the iPhone 6S came out. I've been really impressed with TMo coverage; its either the same, or better than Verizon where I've travelled in the US. Where it really excels is international travel. I no longer have to play the game of coming out of airplane mode to update Google maps and back to airplane to conserve the 100mb of roaming data for $40 deal from Verizon.

They did screw the pooch over BingeOn, but I'm glad I could just opt out.

Verizon promised to wire up NYC with fiber... and failed miserably – audit

Re: The audit report is true

A lot of buildings have existing deals with the landlord. Time Warner Cable pretty much own Manhattan, so in my building on 29th street my choice was TWC or 7mb DSL over some crapped out phone cable. I petitioned to get Verizon to install, but they claim they couldn't get the landlord permission to place their equipment in the basement.

Landlords are certainly open to FiOS - its fast and the TV picture is lots clearer. More importantly they can state it on their listing for the building. I just don't think Verizon are making much, if any effort to get service into existing buildings.... New buildings it's pretty much a given.

Cornwall chokes on £300m local gov deal with IT kingpins

Southwest One

Maybe they saw how well it worked in Somerset with the IBM "partnership"...

Amazon to buy its Seattle HQ from Paul Allen for over $1bn

Time to buy a bigger boat!

Har!