Posts by Zakspade

User unboxed a PC so badly it 'broke' and only a nail file could fix it

A place I worked at seemed to think efficiency came with rearranging the office every 8-12 weeks. We tech support guys were told to not move our PCs and leave it to the "Facility Department guys," as, "They know what they are doing," (suggesting that we - the actual tech people - didn't have a clue).

We all know where this is going, don't we? Should I continue? Sorry, I can't stop myself...

Tech support calls covering certain major contracts went somewhat out of SLA. Client-build, test PCs were down. It was a list. Nothing changed for a couple of moves before someone higher in manglement than the amoebas who barked meaningless orders at us during the day, asked an important question: "Who knows the kit better than those who put it together?"

Took a while before anyone heard us though.

Ah, I miss those days.

Computacenter IT guy let girlfriend into Deutsche Bank server rooms, says fired whistleblower

As a former Computacenter employee, I'm surprised to not see their name always in the news in relation to security matters. They operate a rather 'pals-based' model that ensures that it is all about back-scratching, who you know, and who is conducting 'friendships' with whom - rather than adherence to policy, procedure or best practise.

Of course, it works very well (for that level of management) because no one calls it out. Those lower employees who do, are 'let go'...

Still, it must be a tight ship.

AI models routinely lie when honesty conflicts with their goals

Orange is the New Black (Lie - as opposed to little white ones)

"...truthful less than 50 percent of the time..." In context, the suggestion was that it wasn't much more than 50 percent of the time.

Some way to go before it reaches the level of the Orange Man, then?

HMRC's Making Tax Digital scheme also made tax more expensive – by £300M

Mugs

I'm seeing a pattern here. Systems suppliers are huge businesses. Why? They charge obscene amounts. That is why they are huge. I'm not talking about the programmers etc. The companies and owners are basically being fed our money through contracts that don't cost hundreds or thousands in terms of overspend, but BILLIONS.

In the UK, we have HORIZON. The Post Office continued to pay MILLIONS to a company that screwed up.

We are mugs for allowing it to happen and to keep happening.

M365 Family users wake up to notice 'Your subscription expired'

I get it that many users are not tech-savvy, and had a locally run copy of a word processing program fallen over, they'd be just as far up faeces creek without a propulsion device. However, those who ARE capable are not happy.

Solution? Use a local copy. Better still, use a free local copy. I switched to Libreoffice nearly a year ago. There was a period or adjusting to 'ways' that differed. I still have to save the odd document for those who can't manage to open a non-Micro$oft document. I find it odd that a file format based on an open format cannot be opened by an application produced by a mega-corporation that boasts that they use an open file format... One might almost think it was a deliberate attempt to hurt those who desert them.

I also abandoned Windows. I had been part of the Windows Insider Programme and I saw plenty of stuff looming that was, er, not liked. So I jumped ship around 2 years ago.

Never looked back.

EU: These are scary times – let's backdoor encryption!

Idea

Here's a novel idea!

Arrested for X. Request from legal authority TO OWNER for keys/passcodes. Refusal is dealt with by prosecution for the original offence under the assumption that the refusal was because the evidence was there. Maximum assumption (by default) of evidence. The naughty person will be letting the authorities in so as to mitigate and get the charge down!

Currently, I understand the UK has a law whereby refusal to provide a passcode upon lawful demand results in a law being broken should it be withheld. As it stands, it could be 15 years inside Vs 100 weeks of unpaid community service. I'll take the Community Service, thank you!

Get pulled for suspected DUI and refuse to be tested = prosecution as if you were tested positive. Result is the same: ban, increased insurance etc. Basically, you are not going to escape justice by merely refusing to take part in the process.

Imagine the same for access to devices. And the effect upon the rest of us who know that Mr Scummy Bum Spy Person has no authority to demand the pass key? A Big Fat No. No backdoor. No weakening of the model.

Yes, it is probably a bad idea. Or is it?

UK's first permanent facial recognition cameras installed in South London

Re: I oppose this

I've wondered about that wording for years. The chosen word is, "until" and yet the sentiment is "unless." As I understand it - if you are taken to court, then you are guilty and it is just a matter of time/process until you are formally declared guilty. Why bother with a jury? Just being in front of a judge is declaration of guilt.

I'm surprised the form of words has never been picked up on before now. However, as we slip into a Police State, I guess the wording better fits...

Payday from hell as several British banks report major outages

You'd think - but you'd be wrong...

You'd think - and I know this is a wild one, so try and go with me on this - you'd think that any huge enterprise that makes £billions and moves £billions, would actually care about their computing structures and spend money on it rather than engage in smoke and mirrors so as to eel out a few more Shekels from punters.

Wouldn't you?

Just me, then.

Banks that email out helpful communications that advise how to guard against online scams etc. One such tip: never follow links in unexpected emails - no matter who they claim to be from.

"Click here to be taken to our webpage outlining further ways to secure your money."

Genuine emails from real banks - obviously run by a management that listens to IT security experts before dismissing them with the Marketing Department's claim that such communications will show customers (victims, saps, etc.) that they really are a caring establishment.

Frankly, given how the banks skimp on computing systems and express mock horror and surprise when things go wrong, I'm surprised anyone trusts them with their money.

Oh, there's no competition? Oh, I see. But what about cryptocurrencies?

Ah, but no real existence there. No branches. No one to talk to if you need to sort anything.

Er, isn't that the exact situation we are facing now with the banks?

- El Reg Reader, living in a town where the last bank standing is shutting its branch this summer...

Ad-supported Microsoft Office bobs to the surface

More, more, more!

So, the $billions of current obscene profit isn't enough?

The solution is to avoid Office. I dropped it in 2023. My current employer is in receipt of feedback from me and another employee - and is aware that ALL of my documents have been generated using the free alternative (although I output them as Office-compatible for my employers - so they can see how other-users-friendly it is).

I don't think my employer feels like lining the pockets of Microshite and longer...

Why did the Windows 95 setup use Windows 3.1?

And yet...

...it is still shite, today.

My daughter's laptop - having been upgraded to 11 from 10 - and my daughter swearing she didn't ask Microshite to do so - has just asked me to provide a 48-digit code to access her data drive after having to reset Windows. It was Windows 11 HOME. My understanding is that BitLocker isn't part of Home in 10 or 11.

I spent years working for Microshite Gold Certified partners. During that time, I was part of beta testing of OSes from Windows 95 through to Windows 7. ALL were used by me and i supplied feedback. In forums I discovered that much of what I provided as feedback was not dissimilar to others. Yet, Windows 11 still has gaffs and quirks that existed in Windows 95. Basically, Microshite doesn't listen to users but ONLY their accountants.

Am I bitter? Hell, yes! Over 160GB of data gone from my daughter's university laptop. Tears. Much of her work is held on university servers, but what was the data held on the 250GB volume? We don't know - and there is the pain.

Guess who was bought a Macbook to finish her university course? A better solution might have been to just install Linux, but while that would work for me, my daughter is 100s of miles away. Tweaking and testing to get it working for her is too hard and the Macbook just works.

Incredibly lazy programming to cut corners and maximise obscene profits at the expense of users. If I were running the world, I'd be looking at breaking up the likes of Microshite and Apple (and don't think you are free to grin, Google). If I were a world dictator, then jail for those who ran/run said companies might be an option (if advisors manage to taljk me out of other options involving interesting instruments...

Why users still couldn't care less about Windows 11

Bye!

I run a file server at home. Being a cheapskate, I repurposed an unused PC. It runs Windows 10 Professional. This household is actually an Apple/Linux household. That will probably have many techies ask why the fileserver isn't Linux, but it just came about because Windows 10 Professional on a PC, 'was there and available.'

A little while back, Microsoft applied updates to the Windows 10 box. It has a lowly processor and no TPM chip - so I tend to let it run and run, knowing it isn't going to be suddenly 'upgraded' to Windows 11.

Unfortunately, the Microsoft-pushed update resulted in the box refusing to accept files from Apple kit. I can share/transfer files from anything to anything, but from Apple devices to that Windows 10 box, it is impossible.

Current (clumsy) workaround is this:

Copy Apple device hosted files to a spare Linux device. Upload from there.

Solution (trialled): Run Windows 11 Professional.

Chosen solution:

Second-hand Intel-chipped Mini-Mac obtained and running headless.

If i hadn't gone for the Mini-Mac, I would have installed Linux on the Windows 10 box.

Whichever way I would have gone, Microsoft were never going to be an option.

Way to go, Microsoft!

Why is Big Tech hellbent on making AI opt-out?

Don't Be Evil

Anyone remember the tag: "Don't be evil?"

Y'know those really annoying and useless AI summaries at the top of Google Searches? Y'know, those atop of the paid-for results. The things that take up space and cause real results to be forced off the huge screen we all have now...

Well, I thought I'd ask Google how to turn them off. After all, if we are being opted in, there must be an opt-out. Somewhere.

I had to ask Google because such an opt-out wasn't something i could find. We are all familiar with Big Players hiding options they would rather users didn't disable, but I can be tenacious in my quests. But not this time. I eventually had to ask.

Google cheerfully told me I cannot turn AI off in the searches, but went on to detail how I could turn AI off on Apple devices...

As it happens, I ditched Google for searching sometime in early 2024. Too many irrelevant results. I found myself having to trawl through results to find what I wanted.Then came along AI summaries. Last straw. A number of alternatives were tried. Searches were done in tandem with Google. DuckDuckGo (for me) came out as far superior. So I am a devoted Duck person these days.

Don't be evil? Google, try this: Don't be stupid...

Microsoft to force Windows 11 24H2 on Home and Pro users

After a career in IT (PCs), culminating in IT (PC) security, I got out and now earn a living with what I earn from writing. A working computer is a must - especially when the 'muse' is at hand. At such times, I don't want or need my train of thought to be broken by a computer telling me I have to update. Going off to make a cup of tea or coffee isn't an option.

So I jumped ship. I no longer use Windows. I no longer fret over what my computer will foist upon me next. No longer do file associations mysteriously change to those preferred by the operating system's creator. No more worries.

It has now been two years and I am secure and watch the mess taking place with detached interest.

Trust me, running away from Windows is something that pays off in heaps.

Broadcom makes U-turn on plan to serve top 2,000 VMware customers itself

Defending Broadcom

Too many Comments are knocking Broadcom and how they have (mis)managed and (mis)priced their offerings.

I'm going to put the record straight and defend Broadcom.

Starting with, er.. Um. Er. Well, you see, er. Ah! No, er.

I'll get back to you with some reasons that prove Broadcom have judged it well.

Probably in early 2025. Or 2026. Or, er...

Microsoft flashes Win10 users with more full-screen ads for Windows 11

Correctly worded ad reads as follows...

Hi, at Micro$oft we want you to get the most from your computing.

As you know, the OS we claimed was the last version (but isn't), is going to abandoned by us and if you continue to use it, you will be at the mercy of ne'er-do-wells.

We want you to dump your hardware and join us and our $Billions, by purchasing Windows 11! We *promise* we won't exploit you.

OR, you can take this opportunity to tell us to cut the cr*p by dumping Windows and switching to Linux or Mac. Basically, anything other than you being held hostage by Micro$oft.

But then, we know we have most of you by the short and curlies, so just give us your money...

Watchdog reluctantly blesses Vodafone-Three merger – with strings attached

Hmm. After suffering the pain that is Vodafone, and jumping ship many years back - then finding myself with Three as they head toward the gutter in terms of customer service - I see that I will be transfering away as soon as my contract is up.

Clues to Windows Intelligence found in Windows 11 builds

>>> With Windows Intelligence, Microsoft is attempting something similar, although "Apple Intelligence" can be handily shortened to "AI".

As many have pointed out already - 'WI' is the Woman's Institute here in Blighty. Yes, cue mobs of angry cake-wielding ladies, protesting outside Microsoft's UK HQ. Who could blame them? Why would anyone want to be associated with Microsoft's attempt to create world domination by computers - whether deliberately or by coincidence?

Besides, who would want such an association when RI (Real Intelligence) is already doing such a fine job of messing things up without AI getting a look-in? Once AI firmly has the reins, we can look forward to some truly monumental cock-ups, such as ordering 10 tonnes of sugar instead of 10kgs when making jam...

Meta faces multiple complaints in Europe over plans to train AI on user data

What personal Data?

Replied elsewhere regarding the whole thing being window dressing on the part of FB...

However, why worry. I use FB. The ONLY correct thing held by Meta is my name. ALL of the data fields are populated with bogus data. Everything. Those who really know me will understand and know my real birthday isn't whatever FB 'accidentally' leaks. No one cares. I'm not enjoying a 'bromance' or in-depth relationship with those FB Friends I have never met in person - so they get whatever data FB gets - although I make no secret that ALL my personal data held by FB is false.

So, if FB ignore their agreement to NOT use my data, who cares? What's that saying? Garbage in = garbage out...

Re: Opt Out Now!

Same here. Took a couple of attempts (link took me to a Holding Page telling me something was broken, before later in the day finally allowing me to lodge my objection).

The thing is: how do I know that FB doesn't ignore me - despite their email telling me that my APPLICATION to opt-out has been accepted and will be acted upon? Exactly - zero way to know and I very strongly suspect the "opt-out" is merely 'window dressing' and PR. Had they looked at it as a serious thing with proper intent, FB would have realised that the very fact of having to opt OUT rather than being asked to opt IN breaks the very laws they claim to be adhering to...

Elon Musk to abused Twitter users: Your tormentors are coming back

Isn't that known as "doing a Microsoft"?

Is he really that naive?

RE the Trump vote...

I used to Follow Musk (I'd rather see what he says rather than the 'filtered-by-the-media' version) - but after finally realising that he has 'lost it' like Kanye West (or whatever he is calling himself this week), I stopped.

Mind you, before I stopped Following him, he announced the vote to allow Trump back. Despite Following Musk, I never saw any such vote or invite. I'm not saying there wasn't one (I'm not wearing a tinfoil hat - honest!), but the way it was run/organised is akin to going to bed on a Thursday night and waking to the radio on Friday telling you the results of a General Election and a government has been formed without you being made aware there was even a vote.

Rather unscientific and a case of acting on the say-so of the few buddy-boys who make 99% of the noise while representing 1% of the Twitter membership.

I don't think Musk is that naive or stupid. Instead, i think he is operating to the Goebbels Principle: tell them what you want them to hear and if you tell them with conviction in your voice, even the biggest lie becomes the truth.

Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II – Britain's first high-tech monarch

"As someone who was born in an age where computers were room-sized, the speed of innovation certainly outpaced the institution she was born into."

Er... There were no computers in 1926 - room-sized or otherwise.

That said - who cares? A 96yo mother, grandmother, great grandmother has passed on. Her family are having to deal with her passing. Oh, she happened to be the Queen as well...

RIP

Windows 10 still growing, but Win 11 had another bad month, says AdDuplex

"We will update should the company respond."

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

<pauses for breath>

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

We have redundancy, we have batteries, what could possibly go wrong?

Seeing so many Comments on the end of this 'On Call' piece makes me realise that there is probably something wrong at my end. It wasn't linked from the On Call page as usual - so given you guys Commented, it must just be something not refreshing at my end.

Pretty dumb not checking the fuel level though...

IT advice fuelled by beer is the best IT advice of all, right?

Big customer. Problems with a KVM switchbox. Not supported. However, I was instructed to use best endeavours to keep them happy.

Problem was that the box would freeze randomly. Swapping out didn't sure it. After a lot of digging, I traced it to a single user being close to the KVM. They had a heart pacemaker fitted. If they stayed away from the KVM, all was well. If they leant over it or the desk - WHAM! Instant inability to switch between PCs...

So I smile when laptop users b*tch about not being allowed to use their kit on airliners (admittedly, I'm talking about the 90s).

Fatal Attraction: Lovely collection, really, but it does not belong anywhere near magnetic storage media

Yes!!!

I often tell people about the time I worked supporting sub POs and one particular office had a Unix box that failed three times. Each time i had sent an engineer out to swap the box out (Unix boxes don't fail via the OS - it is usually hardware - so faffing about onsite wastes valuable engineer and PO time).

After the third swapout I managed to secure authority from management to have the engineer stay on site as the boxes always failed after a only a few hours.

The sub Post Master's wife made a cuppa for the engineer and while he and the PM chatted, she set about festooning the Unix box with fridge magnets which she had removed from the old box prior to the scheduled engineer's visit...

Good to see I'm not the only victim of that!

Stony-faced Google drags Android Things behind the cowshed. Two shots ring out

"Beyond that, it seems like the best option is to switch to another platform with long-term support."

Frankly, if Long Term Support is expected/required, I'd advocate NEVER touching Google in the first place.

But then, what do I know. I've barely a billion, oops, million, no, thousand, still no, hundred Dollars to my name.

You want a Y2K crash? FINE! Here's a poorly computer

Won't Happen...

Ah, I worked through the Y2K era and had such fun!

All went well, and because there were no problems (we worked hard), everyone (that's management) claimed it had been hyped up and demanded that we now justify our overtime etc.

At home my 14-day programmable VCR went on the blink when it failed to handle 2000 in the date...

We're almost into the third decade of the 21st century and we're still grading security bugs out of 10 like kids. Why?

Same old, same old...

Since the days of Windows 95, upon booting the system checks/maps network drives BEFORE initialising the WiFi. The result is an error report/notification upon a reboot.

It isn't as if Microsoft haven't noticed this. I reported it as a tester on windows 95, NT4 and Windows 10. When the simple stuff is never done because the 'bells and whistles' to attract non-IT-savvy people/users has priority, we will for ever be plagued by bugs that never seem to be correctly prioritised.

Just saying...

TalkTalk bollocked after fibre marketing emails found to be full of sh!t

Re: RE: The Bionic Man

Billing your parents for 6 months after they left? How about billing a widowed mother for 9 months when she didn't have a service with the - hadn't requested a service - and was happy with her BT provided phone and broadband? And when the matter was taken to CISAS (one of the Ofcom arbitrators) TalkTalk's defence document contained lie after lie which were easy to show for what they were because I had kept ALL communications from them to my mother.

They lied to CISAS. They lied to me. They lied to my mother. They claimed what my mother and I suggested (that is WAS possible to agree a service without actually being known to the hapless victim) - was IMPOSSIBLE. And yet, CISAS found against TalkTalk and stated that it had happened. Part of the recompense was an apology to my mother, along with an explanation. It was roughly: Sorry you became upset over something, and you did something but we were not able to fix it properly in good time. NOT an apology OR explanation of what had happened (as confirmed by CISAS). So, liars AND taking CISAS (and Ofcom) for fools.

And taking their customers for fools as well, it seems.