May 2018 Blog
Last month I wrote about the “Microsoft mystery” with Microsoft not releasing the Spring Creators Edition of Windows 10 (build number 1803). The good news is that build 1803 is now available, and if you are using Windows 10 Home edition, you have no choice but to install build 1803. The bad news is the original build release is not stable, especially on AMD powered PCs. If you have build 1803, immediately install the May 2018 cumulative update. It solves 2 major issues that cause Windows 10 to crash: Cortana (Microsoft’s voice assistant) and Google’s Chrome browser. Thus far there have been no major bugs in the May 2018 cumulative updates.
As we are approaching the summer months, there have been rumors about new Microsoft and Apple hardware. There have been credible reports that Microsoft will be introducing their first tablet based on Windows 10 with a $400 price tag. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to announce major hardware changes for their iPad tablets including larger screens with smaller bezels. Like the iPhone X, the next generation iPad is rumored to be dropping the home button and rely on facial recognition.
Facebook, whose reputation has suffered due since the 2016 presidential election, has taken steps to rehabilitate themselves. You may remember Cambridge Analytica, the company that used Facebook data without permission to manipulate the 2016 presidential election. Cambridge Analytica shut down earlier this month due to the negative publicity (although the criminal investigations are ongoing). Facebook completed its analysis of other applications and has also barred 200 companies/applications from accessing Facebook data. In addition, Facebook has once more overhauled their privacy settings and has made it easier for users like us to see what data Facebook collects on us.
While these are commendable actions, always remember the reason Facebook is free for us to use is that we are the data they sell. In other words, we playing in Facebook’s sandbox under their rules. As Facebook users, we should also be more aware of applications and groups that we allow to access our Facebook profiles. I strongly recommend that you not only check your Facebook settings at least twice a year (and every time Facebook changes their privacy settings), but you should download your Facebook data to see for yourself what Facebook knows about you and is selling. Also remember that although Facebook is the social network, always be careful about what you post since your perspective customers and employers may view your Facebook profile (and possibly reject you because of it).