24-July 06

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 08 - 13 JULY, 2024

Hello and Welcome,

Meeting This Week

2024/07/09 — 18:00-20:00 — July, Tue — Programming

Meetings Next Week

2024/07/16 — 10:00-12:00 — July, Tue — Tuesday Group

2024/07/20 — 14:00-16:00 — July, Sat — Web Design

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 861 4113 3224

Passcode: WebDesign

Schedule of Current & Upcoming Meetings

First Tuesday  18:00-20:00 — Main Meeting

First Saturday 13:00-14:00 — Penrith Group

Second Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Programming

Third Tuesday  10:00-12:00 — Tuesday Group

Third Saturday 14:00-16:00 — Web Design

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Go to the official Sydney PC Calendar for this month's meeting details.

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Penrith meetings are held every 2nd month on the 1st Saturday from 1-2 pm.
The next scheduled meetings are in September and November 2024.

ASCCA News:Tech News:

FreeDOS, the Open-Source MS-DOS, Is Now 30 Years Old (And Still Going)

See the How-To Geek article by Corbin Davenport | Published June 30, 2024.

FreeDOS is an open-source recreation of MS-DOS, capable of running new and old DOS games and applications on real PCs or emulators. Today, the project is turning 30 years old.

FreeDOS - 30 Years Old

The FreeDOS project dates back to 1994 when Microsoft announced its disk operating system (MS-DOS) would be phased out as the company's attention shifted to Windows. Jim Hall started working on FreeDOS as an open-source recreation and continuation of MS-DOS to run all software compatible with MS-DOS. He still oversees the project to this day.

MS-DOS, IBM-DOS, and other DOS derivatives were the most popular PC operating systems from the first IBM PC in 1981 to the mid-1990s. A massive library of games and applications is built for DOS, including early versions of Microsoft Word, Fallout, DOOM, The Secret of Monkey Island, SimCity, and Lotus 1-2-3. FreeDOS helps keep those decades of computer history accessible by running on real hardware or in an emulator. DOSBox and its spin-off projects are also popular ways to run DOS software on more modern computers.

FreeDOS isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It boasts impressive modern features, such as a package manager and a live CD image. There are also ported versions of contemporary utilities, like Vim and Curl, and built-in support for FAT32 file systems. These features, not found in the public releases of MS-DOS, open up a world of possibilities. With the proper hardware, you can even do networking and use basic web browsers.

As stated on its website, the FreeDOS project is more than just an operating system. It's a community of like-minded individuals with a passion for classic computing. "FreeDOS is an open-source DOS-compatible operating system that you can use to play classic DOS games, run legacy business software, or write new DOS programs. Any program that works on MS-DOS should also run on FreeDOS. And yes, lots of people do run FreeDOS in 2024. There's a sizable community of retro computing enthusiasts who like to run classic operating systems like DOS. You can find many people online who restore old computers and put FreeDOS on them." Join us and be part of this vibrant community.

While Microsoft has published the source code for old versions of MS-DOS for historical preservation, the latest open-source version is still MS-DOS 4.0 from 1988, which can't run many applications and games from the 1990s and beyond. The code for DR-DOS, a competitor with similar software compatibility initially made by Digital Research, was released in the late 1990s. However, DR-DOS has changed hands a few times over the years, and there could be legal issues using that code today. In stark contrast, FreeDOS was open-source and is still under active development, ensuring its relevance and usability in the modern computing landscape.

You can download FreeDOS from the official website. It doesn't run well natively on most modern PCs since it doesn't support UEFI or Secure Boot, but you can easily install it in apps like VirtualBox and QEMU.

Source: FreeDOS

Read More »

Outlook Users Warned Of Major Bug

See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on June 28, 2024, at 01:06 pm EDT.

Common Outlook Errors

[ Common Outlook Errors - LinkedIn showing Outlook Errors (and Fixes) — Ed.]

This month's Microsoft "Patch Tuesday" update includes a fix for a significant threat in Outlook. The bug means that simply opening an email can trigger the attack. The update should have been applied to most systems by now, but some users may have shut off Windows Update, so it is recommended that Windows be re-enabled and patched immediately.

The threat, discovered by security company Morphisec, is a remote code execution vulnerability. This vulnerability is particularly nasty because it allows an attacker to operate on the victim's computer remotely. The attacker could then spread malware, install ransomware, or attempt to retrieve sensitive data.

Morphisec says it worked with Microsoft after discovering the problem and only went public once Microsoft had both developed and released a fix. It's keeping some of the technical details of the bug under wraps until a security conference later this year. (Source: morphisec.com)

No Clicks Needed

It did reveal that the vulnerability becomes active when a user opens a compromised email in "most Microsoft Outlook clients." It doesn't require the user to open an attachment or click a link.

That's particularly dangerous as some Outlook clients are set to automatically open the first email in an inbox when they start. This could also be an annoyance, as it would encourage attackers to flood potential victims with emails to increase their chance of being first in the inbox.

Microsoft has given the bug the reference number CVE-2024-30103 and issued a fix in the June 2024 Security Update. That started rolling out automatically on June 11 in the usual slot of the second Tuesday of the month.

Hackers Not Yet Aware

It ranked the bug as "important" rather than the top "critical" level. That's because there isn't yet any evidence that hackers are actively exploiting the bug. Of course, that's likely to change now that it's become public knowledge. (Source: Microsoft.com — Doesn't seem to open! — Ed.)

While Microsoft always advised having security updates set to download and install automatically, they can also be set to download manually only. Users who've chosen this option should install the fix immediately if they use Outlook.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you use Outlook? Do you have automatic updates switched on? Should Microsoft do more to publicize such bugs and fixes?

Comments — Automatic Updates On, BUT... — Submitted by drobinson_nc_16614 on Sat, 19/06/2024 — 09:14.

I have automatic updates turned on, but a security update is always available for download when I check for updates.

Read More »

Five Things I Never Back Up to the Cloud

See the How-To Geek article by Demilade Adejola | Published June 26, 2024.

5 Things I Never Back Up to the Cloud

Backing up your files to the cloud is super convenient since you can access them anywhere and on any device. However, your cloud storage could become compromised. If that ever happens, you'll be glad not to have the things on this list stored in it.

Is It Safe to Store Your Files in The Cloud?

How secure your cloud files are depends on your cloud storage service, but if you use top-tier cloud services like Google Drive/One or Icedrive, you can rest easy that your data is secure primarily.

No matter how many security measures the best cloud services implement, you're still entrusting your files to a third party, and doing so creates vulnerabilities that a malicious actor can exploit to access your data.

One such vulnerability is that cloud service providers are desirable targets for hackers and scammers. There's nothing to worry about most of the time, as these cloud storage services have robust security systems that protect against cyber threats. But sometimes, they fail, and this can result in data breaches. An example is Dropbox, which suffered a breach that exposed customer emails, phone numbers, and passwords.

Another thing to consider is that not all cloud storage services have strict privacy policies. Some are more lax than others and do not eliminate the possibility of the company or its employees accessing the files you store.

You could also inadvertently compromise your cloud account by using a weak password or falling victim to a phishing scam.

So, while cloud storage is generally safe, its vulnerabilities make local storage a better option for some types of information. That's why I never back up these five things to the cloud.

Storing Explicit Media on the Cloud is a Recipe for Disaster

Storing explicit images or videos on the cloud is a truly terrible idea. If your cloud storage is compromised, these images can be stolen, putting you at risk of an extortion scam or even having these explicit images disseminated on the internet.

A recent reminder of the risk of storing explicit photos was the iOS bug that caused pictures users had deleted months or even years ago to reappear on iPhones and iPads. Apple clarified that the bug was caused by a corrupt database entry stored locally on the device and not an issue with iCloud. But it was an unsettling reminder that deleted files are not truly gone until they are overwritten.

That means that photos you upload to the cloud could still exist on a server somewhere and could be recovered long after they have been supposedly deleted. The chances of such a thing happening are slim, but with such high stakes, it's better to play it safe and keep all your questionable pictures off the cloud.

Scanning and Uploading Your ID to the Cloud Might Not Be as Clever as You Think

Scanning and uploading your IDs to the cloud can seem like a convenient and clever solution to carrying around physical IDs, but it comes with significant risks. If your cloud storage account is compromised, malicious actors can gain access to your personal information, which they can use for identity theft, phishing, and social engineering attacks.

Moreover, these malicious actors might also obtain crucial information about you that could compromise other accounts. For example, they may learn answers to common security questions like "In what city were you born?" or "What high school did you attend?" With this information, they can easily reset your passwords and gain access to other sensitive accounts.

Your Financial Information Doesn't Belong in the Cloud

Storing sensitive financial documents like tax returns, credit card numbers, and bank account details in the cloud can expose you to financial fraud. If your account is ever breached, cybercriminals can use this information to take out loans in your name or access your accounts, leaving you with significant financial losses and debt you didn't anticipate.

Even if you don't lose money or wind up saddled with fraudulent debt, sorting out the mess will require time and effort. It is best to avoid the risk entirely.

Storing Your Passwords in the Cloud Can Trigger a Cascade of Password Failures

These days, it feels like you need an account for everything, and it is nearly impossible to keep track of the different username and password combinations for all your accounts. Some people try to get around this by creating a text file to store their passwords and then saving it in the cloud for easy access.

However, storing all your passwords in a single file on the cloud is like handing cybercriminals the keys to your entire digital life. If they breach one layer of defence, they gain access to every account you have, leading to a cascade of security failures.

A much safer alternative is to use a password manager. This way, you only need to remember one master password. The manager will securely handle the rest, generating intense, unique passwords for each account, auto-filling them when you log in, and alerting you if any passwords are compromised.

Keep Your Big Ideas Off the Cloud

It's a good idea to store backups of your manuscripts and other intellectual property locally rather than in the cloud. Otherwise, if your cloud storage is breached and your work is stolen, it can be nearly impossible to regain control.

Instead of storing your sensitive files in the cloud, you'd be better off backing up your data to an external hard drive, encrypting it, and storing it somewhere safe. This might make it more difficult for you to access your data. Still, regarding sensitive data, I believe the certainty of security far outweighs the convenience of accessibility.

Read More »

Fun Facts:

The foldable phone market is still tiny – Galaxy Unpacked is Samsung's big opportunity to expand it by doing these three things

See the TechRadar article by Lance Ulanoff | published June 28, 2024.

Let's unpack this.

As I gear up for what should be another exciting Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, with the July 10 event set to feature new foldable phones, smartwatches, and a bright ring, I'm reminded of the still harsh truth about the folding phone market: it accounts for just 1.5% of global smartphone sales.

The global phone market is worth $509 billion, then 1.5%, or $7.9 billion. This is a good number. But if we account for mindshare, foldables are still a blip in the public consciousness.

Market research company Trendforce has some valid numbers about what it considers the "gradual rise" of the foldable market that could reach... wait for it... 5% by 2028.

While the market for the best foldable phones is small, it's getting crowded, with phone manufacturers acting like there's a foldable land rush. After Samsung established the market with its Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold (which took a few iterations to become usable), competitors like Google, Huawei, Oppo, ZTE, and Honor rushed in with their own similar but often slightly thinner, prettier, or more powerful models.

To Samsung's credit, it's been upgrading its foldables effectively for a few years and is expected to break new ground in Paris with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Unfolding the truth

That strategy may not matter much in the global marketplace as competitors have chipped away at Samsung's foldable dominance, pushing it to just above 50% this year. The other most significant foldable market player is now Huawei.

What's interesting about the TrendForce pie chart below is not just that Samsung and Huawei essentially own the foldable market (with Motorola bringing up the rear with 6.7%) but that Huawei, a Chinese company that does not sell its devices in the US, is such a big player.

Extrapolating a bit, this may support my theory that the foldable marketplace is not truly global and is instead centred in China, South Korea, and maybe India.

In the US, I rarely see a foldable in the wild. There's the occasional random Galaxy Z Fold, but I have yet to see someone carrying a Galaxy Z Flip. Okay, I have seen someone — it was Euphoria actress Syndey Sweeney, who showed up last year in South Korea for Samsung at the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 launch event. She appears to have carried that Flip 5 back to the US and has been photographed using it at various TV appearances. She's also paid to use it, so there's that.

2024 Market Share of Foldables

The lack of average consumer interest in foldables (see my anecdotal X poll below) is somewhat confounding since many of us grew up with or remember our first handsets as flips. These were not 'foldable' phones per se, in that the screens did not fold, but they did flip open and closed and were essentially lovable if limited in functionality.

Modern foldables combine the best of old-school flips and modern big-screen smartphone wonders. They can do everything and look excellent while doing it.

The holdup may be price. The Galaxy Z Fold starts at $1,799.99 / £1,749 / AU$2,599 (though trade-in deals and other perks can reduce the price). The Z Flip 5 starts at $999.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,649. Motorola's fast rise in the market is primarily due to its significantly undercutting Samsung in price, at least in comparison to Flip. The Motorola Razr is typically listed for under $500, although the just-announced 2024 Motorola Razr model starts at $699.99 / £799 / AU$999, while the Plus model will run you $999.99 / £999 / AU$1,699.

Some believe Apple's absence from the foldable phone space is holding the market back. Apple's presence in any space usually validates that market, but most believe Apple is still years away from introducing a folding iPhone — and considering the slow growth of the space, it might wait even longer.

How can Samsung move the dial?

So what can Samsung do with its next foldables to change consumer perceptions and begin to bring the form factor into the mainstream?

1. Lose the crease

While some consider foldables intriguing, they're likely still turned off by the visible crease that appears on virtually every folding display. I've seen it to varying degrees on Galaxy Flips and Folds, the Google Pixel Fold, and Motorola Razrs. It's almost inescapable. Perhaps consumers don't like the look and feel of that.

So the first thing Samsung can do at Unpacked is wow us with the first crease-free Galaxy Z Flip and Fold. For many people, seeing would be believing.

2. Reassure us of durability

There's also the issue of durability. Anything mechanical is more prone to failure than a purely solid-state device. The best iPhones and best Samsung Galaxy phones last so long because they have no moving parts. They can break when dropped, but dust and water won't bother them.

Something with a hinge, however, might need more help. Granted, Samsung builds its foldables to be as durable as its regular phones — this year, they have to convince consumers that this is the case and that they're not taking an expensive risk by investing in a foldable.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

3. Get the price right

With the prospect of yet another set of Samsung Galaxy Flips and Folds to consider, I have to wonder what else Samsung can or will do this time to expand the market. Sure, it's partially focused on holding onto its market dominance, but Samsung, like every other foldable maker, also knows that 1.5% may not be enough to justify the long-term effort.

For me, it all comes back to pricing. I would pitch the Flip 6 at $500, or around £525 / AU$825 and bring in the Fold 6 at $999.99, or around £1,049 / AU$1,649 — before rebates and discounts. That would turn some heads, giving the whole foldable market a massive shot in the arm.

Whatever happens, I'll be there in Paris on July 10 to tell you all about it. Be sure to keep an eye on TechRadar for the latest Galaxy Unpacked coverage.

Read More »

Meeting Location & Disclaimer

Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~

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