Cambridge Computer Laptop Repairs & Services Blog

Bing wallpaper app accused of decrypting cookies and more

Microsoft has recently launched the Bing Wallpaper app on the Windows Store, providing an official solution for changing desktop wallpapers daily. The app features a variety of images from around the globe that have appeared on the Bing homepage, but it seems to come with several dubious hidden functions when installed on a Windows PC.

While some third-party software companies might include questionable functionalities and hidden payloads, Microsoft users expect higher standards. When similar behaviour is observed in Microsoft’s products, it tends to provoke a swift and highly negative reaction from Windows users.

There are some serious security and privacy concerns with the Bing Wallpaper app. The app not only automatically installs Bing Visual Search but also contains code to decrypt cookies stored in other browsers. Additionally, it introduces a ‘free’ geolocation web API to the system.

A developer found numerous concerning features embedded in Bing Wallpapers by Microsoft. These include attempting to alter the browser settings and set Edge as the default system browser. If Edge isn’t the default browser, the app will eventually prompt the default browser to enable the previously installed Microsoft Bing Search extension for Chrome.

By |November 29th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Microsoft scraping Word and Excel documents for AI

Like a lot of companies recently, has quietly enabled an opt-out feature that scrapes for the content of your Word and Excel documents in order to train it’s AI system. By default, this is turned on and you need to manually turn it off so that you can opt out.

If you’re using Word or Excel to create proprietary content (ie novels, blogs, etc) or any other content that will be protected by copyright, then you’ll be wanting to turn this feature off straight away.

On a Windows PC, go into Word and then File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options > Privacy Settings > Optional Connected Experiences > Uncheck box: “Turn on optional connected experiences”

Microsoft have said that the feature is not intended specifically for AI training, but their Services Agreement includes a clause granting them a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property licence to use user content.

By |November 26th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

How To Get The Full Context Menu Back in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with a cut down right-click context menu in File Explorer that has changed from the Windows 10 context menu. To get the classic menu back, you can modify the registry with a few clicks.

Go into regedit, then go to:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLSID\

Then right click the blank area on the right hand side of the windows and click New > Key, then paste the following as the key name:

{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

Now, right-click on {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} in the sidebar and select New > Key and name it:

InprocServer32

Double-click the “(Default)” key under InprocServer32 to open it and then close it by clicking OK. It should now show as blank instead of “(value not set).”

Now close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Once you’ve signed back in you can right-click on a file or folder in File Explorer and the classic right-click context menu.

By |November 20th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Intel Processor Issue

Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs, known as Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh, have been facing some stability problems due to a flaw related to raised operating voltage.

The processors were found to request higher voltages than necessary, causing instability, crashes, and random restarts. This issue, referred to as Vmin Shift Instability, affects the clock tree circuit within the IA core, making it susceptible to reliability issues under raised voltage and temperature.

The instability may cause permanent damage to the CPU, making it unreliable. There have been reports of frequent crashes and system instability, even after installing patches.

Intel has released some microcode patches to fix the issue, with the final update (0x12B) released in September 2024. The patches change the Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (eTVB) algorithm and prevent the CPU from requesting raised voltages when idle or under light load1.

Intel has extended the warranty for affected processors by two years and improved its RMA process to help users with these issues.

If you’ve got problems with your 13th or 14th gen Intel processor, it’s recommended to check for the latest BIOS updates and contact Intel customer support for further help.

By |November 18th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Windows 10 End Of Support – 14th October 2025

On the 14th of October 2025 Windows 10 will reach its end of support. After this, Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Windows 10 computers will still work, but it’s recommended to upgrade to Windows 11 to make sure you have the latest features, security updates, and support.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is offered by Microsoft for Windows 10, which allows users to continue receiving critical and important security updates after the end of support date. This is a temporary solution for people who need additional time to transition to Windows 11 or upgrade their current computers.

This will cost $30 (about £23) per computer per year. For businesses the cost is about twice that amount. Consumers can only purchase it for one year, whilst businesses it will be for three years.

It will only include critical and important security updates. It will not include new features, non-security updates or tech support.

It will be available closer to the end of support date.

By |November 13th, 2024|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Top-Notch Computer Repair Services: Ensuring Your Tech Runs Smoothly

In today’s fast-paced world, a malfunctioning computer can throw your entire day off course. At Cambridge PC Support, we understand the critical role that computers play in both personal and professional settings. That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional computer repair services to get your tech back up and running in no time.

Why Choose Us?

Expert Technician: I have years of experience in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of computer issues. From hardware malfunctions to software glitches, I have the expertise to handle it.

Fast Turnaround: We know that time is of the essence when it comes to computer repairs. That’s why we prioritize speedy service without compromising on quality. Most repairs are completed within 24 to 48 hours.

Affordable Rates: Quality computer services shouldn’t break the bank. We offer competitive pricing and transparent quotes, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We take pride in our high customer satisfaction rates and strive to exceed your expectations with every repair.

Our Services:

Hardware Repairs: Whether it’s a faulty hard drive, a broken screen, or a malfunctioning keyboard, we can repair or replace any hardware component to restore your computer to its optimal condition.

Software Solutions: Facing software issues such as viruses, malware, or system errors? Our experts can clean up and optimize your operating system to ensure smooth performance.

Data Recovery: Lost important files? Don’t panic. Our data recovery services can help retrieve lost or corrupted data from your computer or external storage devices.

Upgrades: Looking to boost your computer’s performance? We offer hardware and software upgrades to enhance speed, storage, and overall functionality.

Contact Us:

Ready to get your computer back in top shape? Contact us today to schedule a repair service. Call us at 01223 813344.

Start Menu for Windows 8

If you’re fed up with click the start button in Windows 8 and being presented with a screen full of Fisher-Price primary colour squares to access your programs, then try the Classic Shell Start Menu. It makes Windows 8 that little bit more like Windows XP/Vista/7 once again!

It gives you convenient access to your programs, documents, pictures, etc.

If you fancy giving it a try, go to:

Classic Shell

Cambridge PC Support

Your Computer – Repair Or Replace?

You may sometimes ask yourself if you should repair or replace your computer. Firstly, you must think about how your computer has served your in the past. Has it been reliable or not? A computer that has been unreliable may be less worthwhile of an investment. But a computer that has performed well and just become slow over the years would probably be more worthwhile to repair.

How old is your computer? If it’s more than 7 years old then it may not be worth repairing. Or if it’s running the now defunct Windows XP then it would be worth considering a new system. If it’s less than 7 years old then a repair would probably be worth doing. The less it has been used over the years, the more viable it may be for use into the future.

Does the system suit your needs? With a laptop, if it’s too large or the keyboard is too small then an upgrade may be worth considering. Also, with laptops the battery life may be quite short, but a new battery can be purchased for less than £50.

What kind of applications do you use? If you’re looking to upgrade your applications, then you need to ensure that your old system can cope with the extra demands that these may require.

Your computer is a long-term investment and may be one that changes over the years.

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