Silicon Investor - Computer Learning

[wilywilly] A no-paywall link: Why AI Companies Want to Take Control of Your Computer Also...

wilywilly — 5/15/2026 7:44:10 PM

A no-paywall link:

Why AI Companies Want to Take Control of Your Computer

Also, the thought of having the latest OS update let loose a bot to access files on my computer, like bank accounts, etc - I think Linux is looking better every day.

[Ron] Why AI Companies Want to Take Control of Your Computer nymag.com

Ron — 5/15/2026 2:49:01 PM

[Chartgod] content.govdelivery.com CAISI Signs Agreements Regarding Frontier AI National ...

Chartgod — 5/5/2026 7:46:16 AM

content.govdelivery.com

CAISI Signs Agreements Regarding Frontier AI National Security Testing With Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI

CAISI Signs Agreements Regarding Frontier AI National Security Testing With Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI

Today, the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology announced new agreements with Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI. Through these expanded industry collaborations, CAISI will conduct pre-deployment evaluations and targeted research to better assess frontier AI capabilities and advance the state of AI security. These agreements build on previously announced partnerships, which have been renegotiated to reflect CAISI’s directives from the secretary of commerce and America’s AI Action Plan.

Under the direction of Secretary Howard Lutnick, CAISI has been designated to serve as industry’s primary point of contact within the U.S. government to facilitate testing, collaborative research and best practice development related to commercial AI systems.

READ MORE

Subscribe to updates from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

[Sam] I finally figured out what was eating my Android storage — and the culprit wasn'...

Sam — 4/19/2026 10:42:47 PM

I finally figured out what was eating my Android storage — and the culprit wasn't what I expected
By Tashreef Shareef
Published Apr 19, 2026, 6:00?AM EDT

makeuseof.com

[Sam] FYI.... AI Just Hacked One Of The World's Most Secure Operating Systems By Ami...

Sam — 4/3/2026 2:34:21 PM

FYI....

AI Just Hacked One Of The World's Most Secure Operating Systems
By Amir Husain, Contributor.
Founder WQ Foundry, SkyGrid (acq. Boeing), SparkCognition (AI Unicorn)
Apr 01, 2026, 08:38pm EDTApr 01, 2026, 08:39pm EDT

The open source FreeBSD operating system is not ordinary, consumer software. It powers Netflix’s content delivery. It runs PlayStation’s operating system. WhatsApp built its infrastructure on it. For decades, FreeBSD has delivered a rock-solid, trusted foundation precisely because its codebase is mature, audited and hardened by engineers who take security very seriously. And yet an AI, given only a vulnerability advisory, constructed a complete attack chain that hijacks kernel threads, writes shellcode across multiple network packets and spawns a root shell in userspace. In other words, AI just hacked one of the world’s most secure operating systems.

Last week, FreeBSD published a security advisory for CVE-2026-4747, a remote code execution vulnerability in its kernel. The advisory credited "Nicholas Carlini using Claude, Anthropic" for discovering the flaw. That credit line understates what happened. The AI system did not merely flag suspicious code or identify a potential bug. It developed two working exploits, from scratch, that deliver a super user, or root shell, on unpatched servers. The AI agent did this in roughly four hours of compute time.

For those who take an interest in cybersecurity, this is a threshold moment. We have crossed the Rubicon from AI as a tool that assists human security researchers to AI as an autonomous actor capable of conducting sophisticated offensive operations against production systems.

continues at forbes.com

[Chartgod] I used to do the same on eBay of getting refurbs Here is where I go now = 16.99...

Chartgod — 3/20/2026 4:02:47 PM

I used to do the same on eBay of getting refurbs

Here is where I go now = 16.99 a month for ALL stuff is covered as long as ya keep paying

204.00 a year = and every single thing I have bought had cost more than 204.00 so if ANYTHING blows? it is replaced or refunded

0.55 per day for my 3 tv's [So at least $ 1000.00] and 7 plus computers 300-400 each] and other crap I buy is covered !! -smile-

screw the 90 days -smile-

I am leasing my stuff ;-) until I CROAK

+++

Yours as an example

+++

[Ken Adams] Thanks BK. See my just posted response. I have to confess I didn't take as muc...

Ken Adams — 3/20/2026 3:26:04 PM

Thanks BK. See my just posted response. I have to confess I didn't take as much time with this situation as it deserved. I did make a few setting changes that made sense. I also found areas where the instructions seemed to contradict one another. I looks like I've managed to slow the battery drain somewhat, but if I needed it to last for half a day, or so, I'd better be ready to plug it in.

As I mentioned in the previous post, plugging in really isn't much of an inconvenience, so I won't spend any more time looking for better solutions.

Interesting how these two machines, both bearing the same name, just different models, have instructions on board that appear to be written by very different people. I wouldn't be surprised to learn they were built by different manufacturers. But they do the job I need... so what?

[Ken Adams] I stole time from a couple of other stuff I should have stayed with. I really c...

Ken Adams — 3/20/2026 3:15:18 PM

I stole time from a couple of other stuff I should have stayed with. I really can't say I accomplished a lot with the various bits of information I went through. I bot 2 ACER laptops a few weeks apart. Both from eBay, factory refurbed and one is almost new, the other several months older. The instructions on board each machine differs in most areas to my surprise (I guess). The ACER 3 is the full-size laptop and is a great machine, so far. The other is the smaller (no number pad) and used for a few special chores and sits idle for 2 or 3 days, never even turned on. But the battery drain continues. After about 4 days, it gets down near the bottom of the tank. I am fortunate that I really don't need to rely on much use without being plugged in, so this will just be something I'll watch and not let the battery get too low.

I do want to say that I'll buy future machines from eBay when needed. The refurbished machines arrive looking and smelling brand new. The ACER 5 probably is new as the mfg-on date is just +/-90 days prior to my receiving it.

Thanks for offered help! Great thread.... this. Always has been an asset to SI.

[Chartgod] Sorry for late reply + IT will only get worse, as you will NEVER really be 'disc...

Chartgod — 3/20/2026 8:23:31 AM

Sorry for late reply + IT will only get worse, as you will NEVER really be 'disconnected' until your "heart stops beating" -smile-

And what I mean by that, is one 'used' to have control of really what they wanted to run, on their devices

That is no longer the case, especially with all this AI hype and them saying "the best thing since sliced bread" as all things to date? [majority of everyday used open + private coding] Are just getting "crammed into chips" that never sleep and you NEVER KNOW using any existing standard "process monitor"

en.wikipedia.org

en.wikipedia.org

That brings me to 'acronyms' and most over the years, have been coined by the government, in this case the first time I ran across "TSR" while working for GTE Government Systems mid-80's on thru 1999 [after a short stint USAF late 70's] and my top two clients I was in charge of were aerojet.com and www.gd.com

And with that said? The last you want is a 'weapons system' to go down ;-)

In other words? You are UNDER ATTACK ;-) 24/7/365

+++

+++

[SI Ron (Crazy Music Man)] I leave my computers on 24/7. Just close all tabs and programs. Reboot every 2-3...

SI Ron (Crazy Music Man) — 3/18/2026 10:19:05 AM

I leave my computers on 24/7. Just close all tabs and programs. Reboot every 2-3 days. I don't care about the battery.

[Don01022] I had this same problem on mine too. My battery life was about 30 minutes from...

Don01022 — 3/18/2026 4:27:42 AM

I had this same problem on mine too. My battery life was about 30 minutes from full charge to dead. I had to use with it plugged in always.

[Ken Adams] BK and Jim.....Thanks to both of you for the extensive suggestions for a solutio...

Ken Adams — 3/17/2026 4:21:22 PM

BK and Jim.....Thanks to both of you for the extensive suggestions for a solution to my ACER problem. I won't be able to spend time with these until later this week. It's a bit curious that I haven't seen a similar problem with the 1 month older ACER 3 (bigger laptop). My usage on that one is daily, so the same conditions do not exist, but I'll keep an eye on it just the same.

[B.K.Myers] I checked with ChatGPT: This is a very common issue on Acer Aspire 5 laptop...

B.K.Myers — 3/17/2026 3:29:11 PM

I checked with ChatGPT:

This is a very common issue on Acer Aspire 5 laptop with Windows 11—and it usually means the laptop isn’t truly off, even though it looks like it is.

Here’s how to fix it (ranked from most important ? optional tweaks):

?? 1. Turn OFF “Fast Startup” (BIGGEST fix) Windows 11 often uses a hybrid shutdown (like hibernation) instead of fully powering off.

?? That keeps parts of the system active ? slow battery drain over days.

Fix:

Control Panel ? Power Options
“Choose what the power buttons do”
Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”
Uncheck: “Turn on fast startup”

? This alone fixes many “battery drains while off” cases

?? 2. Disable USB power when laptop is off Some Acer models keep USB ports powered (like a power bank).

?? That can drain your battery even when fully shut down.

Fix (Acer-specific):

Open Acer Care Center / Acer Quick Access
Turn OFF:
- “USB charging in power-off mode”

? This is a known cause on Aspire models

?? 3. Disable Hibernate (optional but effective) Hibernate can also keep background power usage.

Command (Admin Command Prompt):

powercfg /h off

? Ensures a true shutdown (no hidden power draw)

?? 4. Check for “Modern Standby” behavior Windows 11 uses Modern Standby, which can:

Keep Wi-Fi / background tasks alive
Drain battery even when “off” or lid closed

?? Especially noticeable if:

You lose 5–20% per day while unused

Workaround:

Always use Shut down (not Sleep)
Or disable network activity in sleep (advanced setting)

?? 5. Update BIOS + drivers Power management bugs are common on laptops.

Go to Acer Support site
Update:
- BIOS
- Chipset drivers
- Power management drivers

? Outdated drivers can cause abnormal drain

?? 6. Check battery health (important) You might be seeing natural battery degradation, not just software issues.

Run:

powercfg /batteryreport

Compare:

Design Capacity vs Full Charge Capacity

?? If below ~70%, expect faster drain even when off

?? 7. Calibrate the battery (if readings seem off) If battery % drops suddenly after sitting:

Drain to ~5%
Let it shut down
Recharge to 100% uninterrupted

? Helps fix inaccurate reporting

?? What’s “normal” vs NOT normal

? 1–3% loss over a few days ? normal
?? 10–30% loss ? usually Fast Startup / USB power issue
?? Fully dead in a few days ? misconfiguration or bad battery

?? Quick checklist (do these first)

Disable Fast Startup
Turn off USB power-off charging
Fully shut down (not sleep)
Run battery health report

B.K.

[Chartgod] It sounds like it is more in a 'standby mode' than fully off. And possible the ...

Chartgod — 3/17/2026 3:28:17 PM

It sounds like it is more in a 'standby mode' than fully off.

And possible the WiFi is still active & seeking?

Just found this > did not read yet

Acer Aspire5-A515-45-Battery Draining Quickly on My laptop — Any Fixes?

bing.com

Google/Bing this

ACER Aspire 5 laptop battery drainage after 2 days

[Ken Adams] This is an ACER Aspire 5 laptop, Windows 11. Small size, just right for limited...

Ken Adams — 3/17/2026 3:18:37 PM

This is an ACER Aspire 5 laptop, Windows 11. Small size, just right for limited space where it gets used. It does everything I need it to do. I'm just looking for a way to reduce battery drain when it sits turned off for 2 or 3 days at a time. I don't want to replace a battery in a year or so, while it sits dormant a lot. Plugged in for most of its "useful" time.

[Chartgod] Ken Make ? Model ? any 'bad' reviews w/anyone with similar issues? Jim

Chartgod — 3/17/2026 2:29:03 PM

[Ken Adams] A new 2nd laptop is for a single job type of use. It gets tuned on a few times ...

Ken Adams — 3/17/2026 2:23:20 PM

A new 2nd laptop is for a single job type of use. It gets tuned on a few times per week, is on for a few hours each time then gets turned off for a couple days at a time. The battery is almost fully discharged when I need to use it again and must be plugged in to be useful. This isn't a problem.
Is there a way to reduce battery drawdown to the bare minimum for those "off" days? Needing to plug it in for use isn't a problem, but I'm concerned the battery lifespan is being unnecessarily wasted.
Thanks for any suggestions...........

[Carolyn] My computer just updated and now my screen is black! Help!!

Carolyn — 3/11/2026 10:32:43 AM

[S. maltophilia] A rather clever phishing attempt. Note that the return address is not always to...

S. maltophilia — 3/10/2026 4:42:32 PM

A rather clever phishing attempt. Note that the return address is not always to be trusted.FWIW, my email comes through MSFT:

[Ron] I just let the updates run when they come automatically. They seem to be fairly ...

Ron — 3/10/2026 1:18:46 PM

I just let the updates run when they come automatically. They seem to be fairly regular.
Not a fan of 11 either but I have used it long enough to finally be comfortable with it.

[Ken Adams] Do you run an update regularly on your machines? My son got me in the habit of ...

Ken Adams — 3/10/2026 10:10:38 AM

Do you run an update regularly on your machines? My son got me in the habit of running the update at least every Wednesday morning when I first boot up. This, I understand, will always catch the MS update they send out at least once a month on Tuesday. I think I've seen it more often than that, but my weekly habit keeps me in tune. I also run an old Win 10 desktop, which got frequent patches just prior to that all slowing down a lot. I'll keep that machine until it dies, or at least until Win 11 becomes far easier for me to make better use of.

I'm not much of a fan of 11!

[Ron] Hey that worked. Not as good as the original set-up, but at least slideshow work...

Ron — 3/10/2026 2:48:57 AM

Hey that worked. Not as good as the original set-up, but at least slideshow works if you do the extra clicks.
Thanks...

[Chartgod] Ron, you are so correct ! that it's 'grabby' it tries to take your things and ...

Chartgod — 3/9/2026 10:25:32 PM

Ron, you are so correct !

that it's 'grabby' it tries to take your things and put them into the cloud

I keep killing it, [for start up's] yet it's a virus in itself and keeps turning itself back on the "prick*******" in Win10

[M. Murray] Maybe this will help, his english is a bit difficult to follow [youtube video]

M. Murray — 3/9/2026 8:55:43 PM

[Ron] The main thing that bothers me about it that it's 'grabby' it tries to take your...

Ron — 3/9/2026 8:33:43 PM

The main thing that bothers me about it that it's 'grabby' it tries to take your things and put them into the cloud
whether you want them there or not. Mainly photos. Also- they did away with photo slideshow, that no longer works and when going through a batch of photos, that was extremely handy. So I only download photos on the
Windows 10 machine now, which still runs fine. (fingers crossed)

[Ron] No obvious reason. When I started it up, it was extremely slow, like the gears w...

Ron — 3/9/2026 8:31:23 PM

No obvious reason. When I started it up, it was extremely slow, like the gears were gummed up.
Am thinking maybe it was a Windows Update that somehow went wrong.
Anyway, it's running fine again now.

[M. Murray] I am curious about how Ron's rig got in a jam also. You would think Windows 11 ...

M. Murray — 3/9/2026 7:52:37 PM

I am curious about how Ron's rig got in a jam also.

You would think Windows 11 would be MSFT's latest, greatest software but all I read about is people that are having issues with it.

This is why I have held off downloading W11 and I will probably wait until October when MSFT completely stops service to W10 in the hope that they will have fixed the major issues currently being experienced.

[Ken Adams] Out of curiosity, Do you have any idea how your Windows 11 got in that fix in th...

Ken Adams — 3/9/2026 6:44:35 PM

Out of curiosity, Do you have any idea how your Windows 11 got in that fix in the first place? I am still getting acquainted with 2 new Windows 11 laptops (1 for general use and 1 for specific chores). I'm already uncomfortable with Windows 11 and find myself fumbling often, so I'd be in trouble if I got in the fix you were in.

[Ron] Thanks, it was stubborn. Method 4 worked. I finally got it up and running and i...

Ron — 3/9/2026 10:33:25 AM

Thanks, it was stubborn. Method 4 worked.
I finally got it up and running and immediately ran Windows update for security.
Fortunately I have a second laptop running Windows 10 and used that for backup.

[Chartgod] I also full power off...and unplug 110volt power for a few minutes as well

Chartgod — 3/9/2026 9:31:39 AM

[SI Ron (Crazy Music Man)] Reboot that fixes most Windows problems.

SI Ron (Crazy Music Man) — 3/9/2026 9:16:32 AM

[Chartgod] Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 11 123 Safe Mode starts Windows 11 with only...

Chartgod — 3/9/2026 9:11:06 AM

Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 11
1 2 3

Safe Mode starts Windows 11 with only essential drivers and services, making it useful for troubleshooting issues like driver conflicts, malware, or startup problems.

Method 1: From Settings (when logged in)

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Select System, then click Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now and confirm.
On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press 4/F4 for Safe Mode, 5/F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6/F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Method 2: From the Sign-in Screen

At the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click the Power icon.
Select Restart while still holding Shift.
Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to choose your Safe Mode option.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Type shutdown /r /o and press Enter.
After restart, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press the key for your desired Safe Mode option.

Method 4: Forcing Recovery Mode (when Windows won’t boot)

Power on your PC and wait for the Windows logo.
Hold the power button for ~10 seconds to force shutdown.
Repeat twice; on the third boot, Automatic Repair will start.
Select Advanced options, then follow Method 1’s steps to enter Safe Mode.

Method 5: Using Installation Media

Boot from a Windows 11 USB/DVD installation drive.
On the setup screen, click Repair your computer.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Choose your Safe Mode option.

[Ron] Something has gummed up my Windows 11 laptop. It is extremely slow and won't do ...

Ron — 3/9/2026 9:09:42 AM

Something has gummed up my Windows 11 laptop. It is extremely slow and won't do basic commands.
It took 5 minutes to open this website. I know there's a way to do a safe boot but don't remember the
specifics. Would someone kindly provide me that information.
Thanks

[Chartgod] [graphic] [graphic] Product End of Service Notification ...

Chartgod — 2/20/2026 1:06:57 PM

Product End of Service
Notification

Hi james,

This is an important message about your NETGEAR equipment.

Thank you for choosing NETGEAR to help keep you connected and secure. We’re committed to keeping you informed to aid in ensuring a seamless experience.

NETGEAR products receive regular firmware updates over the course of their lifecycle. These updates contain bug fixes, performance and security enhancements, and new features. Eventually, however, these updates come to an end.

Our Update Policy

While we work tirelessly to provide updates as long as reasonably possible, NETGEAR products reach the end of their lifecycle for several reasons including technological changes, evolving cybersecurity requirements, ability to apply software updates, and general product maturity.

Decisions to end the lifecycle are never easy, but are intended to help maintain the level of performance and security you have come to expect.

End of Service Date

We are reaching out to inform you that service updates for your WG111v1 - 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter have ended.

What This Means for You

Your WG111v1 - 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter will continue to operate, but will no longer receive the same level of updates designed to maintain the performance of your device and address new and evolving security needs. This could mean, for instance, your device will not perform optimally or make your network more susceptible to security risks.

Your Next Steps

Our latest products provide advanced performance and security features. We recommend replacing your current product with the Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS100. A comparable newer model and would like to offer you a 20% discount, available through NETGEAR.com. Use code EOS1B-K2OZ-2ZW6-5D at checkout.

Thank You for Trusting NETGEAR

If you have any questions or need help selecting your next product, our team is ready to assist you. Learn more about End of Service and what it means for your product at our NETGEAR End of Service page.

Your partner in connectivity,
The NETGEAR Team

The promo code is valid for one-time use on a single item. May not be combined with other offers. Limit one promo code per customer.

NETGEAR Inc., 3553 N First Street, San Jose, CA 95134.

To ensure you receive our emails, please add NETGEAR@email.netgear.com to your address book.

[Heywood40] You don't say!

Heywood40 — 2/10/2026 7:22:21 PM

[Doren] deleted

Doren — 2/9/2026 11:20:26 PM

[Chartgod] Firefox Update a possible FYI It alerted me of an update yesterday = so I did =...

Chartgod — 2/5/2026 6:55:12 AM

Firefox Update a possible FYI

It alerted me of an update yesterday = so I did = as I have trusted them for years

I run 5 open windows [at least] as well as total of 40 tabs minimum
I have one website which /drags azz loading/ and it did not show this [nor did today for that specific site] but seemed to on just banking related ones, that were NOT the primay tab, of that window to open

but I have never seen this screen shot and restore & restore all is not doing a thing

Going to 1st try to close out and restart, but wondering if anyone else has had issues please?

+++

[Sam] 'Clawdbot' Is Now 'Moltbot,' but Still Carries the Same Security Concerns ...

Sam — 1/27/2026 8:44:29 PM

'Clawdbot' Is Now 'Moltbot,' but Still Carries the Same Security Concerns
New name, same problems.
Jake Peterson
January 27, 2026

lifehacker.com

[Chartgod] If this is the same "Mark" he's been around since NT inceptions almost also when...

Chartgod — 1/27/2026 3:49:22 PM

If this is the same "Mark" he's been around since NT inceptions almost also when I was on Beta teams up until Windows 2003 server [balls am I old]

Inside Microsoft's latest AI supercomputer - with Mark Russinovich

+++

[Chartgod] Ran across this today [for the first time] in my "man on a mission" details I ta...

Chartgod — 1/27/2026 3:15:44 PM

Ran across this today [for the first time] in my "man on a mission" details I tasked myself with after being so ticked @ Win10, and wondering if anyone has used?

syshardener.com

++++

My mission? I Fired up yesterday?

Now ya see IT

Now ya don't

Now the BIG QUESTION?

Will I dedicate myself back to C/C++ low level programming to do IT

Or just enjoy to keep wasting my time on stocks & chess and auto transport brokering [smile]

But I figure to Sell just $ 1.00 per pop and how many idiots [I mean windows users] are there?

[S. maltophilia] This is starting to remind me of the pre XP days: Once upon a time, out-of-...

S. maltophilia — 1/27/2026 2:47:03 PM

This is starting to remind me of the pre XP days:

Once upon a time, out-of-band updates meant one thing, and one thing only — that there was an active attack on Microsoft products that needed to be evaluated, tested, and quickly patched in order to protect your computer and your network from the attackers. Now when I see an out-of-band patch, I think one thing only: What did Microsoft break in its last update that now needs a fix, one that can’t wait until next month’s release?

The term “out-of-band” refers to an update that isn’t released on Patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of the month, the normal release tempo). Nor is it released at the end of the month, when optional preview updates become available ahead of the normal tempo. (The second week of the month is also called the “B” week, and the end-of-the-month preview updates are called the “D” week.)

Lately, out-of-band updates have been 100 percent related to a bug introduced by a regular patch that impacts Microsoft’s paying customer base. The good news — if you can call it that — is that the vast majority of these introduced bugs are not seen on consumer machines. There are a few notable exceptions that I will get to below.

I’m not ready to tell my family members that it’s time to move to a Linux distro on their daily drivers. But these sorts of problems are concerning. I hope Mr. Nadella starts getting as concerned about these pervasive problems as he is on making sure we embrace AI.

Consumers
The biggest side effect of the January updates is the interaction of the January updates with classic Outlook: whether you use a PST file and where the PST is stored. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues. Office has several issues emanating from the January updates (as documented by Microsoft), but the main one has to do with POP email and storing of PST files.

Outlook crashes if you use POP and your PST file is stored on OneDrive. The only workaround Microsoft recommends is to use Outlook on the Web. An alternative is to move the PST file to a location other than OneDrive. If you don’t use PST files and don’t use OneDrive, you probably...

askwoody.com

Only then, the software vendor left you alone once you bought the OS and didn't mess with it.

[VisionsOfSugarplums] Have you tried this? (I can't test it myself) bitchute.com

VisionsOfSugarplums — 1/26/2026 12:25:06 PM

[Chartgod] And I was going to reply the other day saying "Glad that does not happen to me...

Chartgod — 1/26/2026 11:16:35 AM

And I was going to reply the other day saying

"Glad that does not happen to me, as I use thunderbird on my desktops"

BUT, I took my cell phone into the "my Office with the Porcelain throne" just started to 'get to work' and said !!

Them bazz-tards...there it was...all AI'd in front of me and ticked me off.

I would suggest class action

[Ken Adams] Completely agree! This is little more than an admission of someone, without aut...

Ken Adams — 1/26/2026 10:37:19 AM

Completely agree! This is little more than an admission of someone, without authorization, reading my mail. Totally unnecessary and invasive. The least they could do is let me opt out of it.

[Ron] Anybody noticed GMail now provides AI summaries of your email, whether you want ...

Ron — 1/23/2026 6:07:46 PM

Anybody noticed GMail now provides AI summaries of your email, whether you want them or not?
They can be disappeared with a click, but still, invasive and irritating. I've been experimenting with
my GMail settings but so far, nothing satisfactory.

[S. maltophilia] FWIW: addons.mozilla.org "AdBlocker" gives a lot of false positives. I use Pri...

S. maltophilia — 1/22/2026 4:49:27 PM

FWIW:

addons.mozilla.org

"AdBlocker" gives a lot of false positives. I use Privacy Badger. At least it's unique.<g>

privacybadger.org

[Sam] If You've Installed Any of These 17 Browser Extensions, Delete Them Now ...

Sam — 1/22/2026 4:08:47 PM

If You've Installed Any of These 17 Browser Extensions, Delete Them Now
These popular add-ons have been found across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Emily Long
January 22, 2026

Key Takeaways

Malicious browser extensions capable of tracking user activity have been found across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
The campaign, known as GhostPoster, plants malicious code in add-on logos.
If you have one of the 17 extensions identified, delete it ASAP.

Another wave of malicious browser extensions capable of tracking user activity and compromising privacy have been found across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, some of which may have been active for up to five years.

The campaign, known as GhostPoster, was identified by Koi Security in December and included 17 Firefox add-ons designed to monitor users' browsing activity. Threat actors planted malicious JavaScript code in the extension's PNG logo, which served as a malware loader to retrieve the main payload from a remote server. Researchers at LayerX have found an additional 17 malicious extensions across multiple browsers that have collectively been installed more than 840,000 times.

Ongoing GhostPoster malware campaign

According to the report from LayerX, GhostPoster initially targeted Microsoft Edge and then expanded to Chrome and Firefox. The malicious add-ons may have been active as early as 2020 and include the following:

continues at lifehacker.com

[Wharf Rat] thanks

Wharf Rat — 1/19/2026 12:27:12 PM

[SI Ron (Crazy Music Man)] as per Chat GPT You can stop or limit Windows Updates, but it’s best to do it i...

SI Ron (Crazy Music Man) — 1/19/2026 12:23:50 PM

as per Chat GPT

You can stop or limit Windows Updates, but it’s best to do it in a controlled way so your system doesn’t become insecure or unstable. Here are the safest and most common methods, from easiest to strongest:

Option 1 – Pause updates (simple & safe) Good if you just want a break.

Open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Click Pause updates
Choose a date (up to 5 weeks)

Windows will completely stop updates until that date.

Option 2 – Set your connection as “Metered” Windows won’t download most updates automatically.

Open Settings ? Network & Internet
Click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Turn Metered connection ON

This blocks most background update downloads.

Option 3 – Disable updates via Services (stronger) This stops the update engine itself.

Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
Find Windows Update
Double-click it
Set Startup type to Disabled
Click Stop, then OK

This prevents Windows Update from running at all.

Important note Blocking updates permanently means:

No security patches
No bug fixes
Higher risk over time

A good compromise is to pause or meter updates and manually update when you choose. That way you stay in control without giving up safety.

[Wharf Rat] Can updates be blocked?

Wharf Rat — 1/19/2026 12:10:39 PM