security holes Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it safe to disable updates a Windows PC?

Posted on December 7, 2021

Question from Michael: I recently bought a new desktop computer with Windows 10 on it to replace the Windows 7 machine I’ve been using for the past six years.

I rarely had any problems installing Windows Updates on the old computer but it seems like the updates for Windows 10 are filled with bugs or something.

Almost every time I install an update something goes wrong. The last time it happened my nephew had to completely reinstall Windows for me.

I’d like to completely disable the installation of updates on the new PC. Is it safe to do that? [Read more…]

Important: Update Java (or remove it) now to keep your computer safe from hackers

Posted on January 22, 2015

It’s no secret that Java is one of the most insecure pieces of software that you can have on your computer. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security recommended that everyone simply remove Java from their computers a couple of years ago.

If you need to keep Java installed on your computer because you still visit websites that use it (thankfully, those sites are quite rare these days), you need to update the Java software on your computer immediately because Oracle has just released an update that patches no less than 19 new security holes!

For what it’s worth, I don’t have Java installed on ANY of my computers since I don’t visit any websites that use it. That being said, perhaps you do. If so, I recommend that you click here to update Java from the official Java website.

ATTN Firefox users: Update your browser now to patch several critical security holes

Posted on July 24, 2014

Mozilla has just released a new update to Firefox that patches several critical security holes in the popular browser.

The most critical flaw allows hackers to infect your PC with viruses and install malicious software when you simply visit an infected web page. You don’t even have to click on anything! [Read more…]

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit plugs security holes that haven’t even been discovered yet!

Posted on June 27, 2014

By now you’re probably familiar with all the security holes that keep popping up in Flash, Java and other popular software, providing easy ways for hackers to install malicious software onto your computer.

In fact, Java alone is so insecure that I completely uninstalled it from my PCs a long time ago, and I recommend that you do the same. [Read more…]