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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 03 - 08 MARCH 2025
Hello and Welcome,
Meeting This Week
2025/03/04 — 18:00-20:00 — March, Tue — Main Meeting
Hi everyone!
Apologies for not being there last month.
March is here, and so is Autumn. Along with the coming fall of leaves comes the drop of some new smartphones, along with the dates of some big events, news of Telstra being fined by the ACCC, a smarter Alexa, AI agents talking to each other with bleeps and bloops like R2-D2 from Star Wars and more!!
Here are the Zoom details (same as always)
SPCTUG Zoom Main Meeting
Time: Tuesday 4th March, 2025, 18:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84847835917
Meeting ID: 848 4783 5917
Passcode: SPCTUGMain
— Steve South will start by announcing the details for the April AGM.
— Then we'll check out the new range from Samsung's flagship S25 series and what it can do that Apple and Google can't yet, with some interesting videos showcasing Agentic AI at work — this is the big thing in AI for this year, and the demos look great!
— We'll learn about the new developments from ChatGPT 4.5, Grok 3.0 and Claude 3.7 in the AI space.
— Amazon has launched its second-generation Alexa, called Alexa+.
— We'll hear what two AI agents talking to each other sounds like.
— Motorola has two new phones for under $230. Are they any good?
— What about Apple's new 16E smartphone at under $1000?
— There's a new toothbrush from Oclean that uses screentime to ensure your teeth have a brush with destiny you'll never forget.
— 16 Chrome extensions that have recently been found malicious, affecting millions of Chrome users — are you one of them? And spoiler alert — check your extensions for Google Chrome, and if you see any of the ones in the list below, delete them!
01. Blipshot (one click full page screenshots)
02. Emojis — Emoji Keyboard
03. WAToolkit
04. Color Changer for YouTube
05. Video Effects for YouTube and Audio Enhancer
06. Themes for Chrome and YouTube™ Picture in Picture
07. Mike Adblock für Chrome | Chrome-Werbeblocker [ ad blocker or pop-up blocker GERMAN ]
08. Page Refresh
09. Wistia Video Downloader
10. Super Dark Mode
11. Emoji Keyboard Emojis for Chrome
12. Adblocker for Chrome — NoAds
13. Adblock for You
14. Adblock for Chrome
15. Nimble Capture
16. KProxy
— Are Aussies sacrificing sleep for more screen time?
And more, plus your questions answered.
See you on Tuesday!
Cheers,
Alex
Meeting Next week
2025/03/15 — 14:00-16:00 — March, Sat — Web Design
Topic: SPCTUG Web Design Zoom Meeting
Time: Feb 15, 2025 14:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88138067414
Meeting ID: 881 3806 7414
Passcode: SPCTUGWeb
Schedule of Current & Upcoming Meetings
First Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Main Meeting
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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ASCCA News:Tech News:
This Intel CPU Has 86 Cores
See the How-To Geek article by Arol Wright | Published Feb 25, 2025.
Intel Xeon
Core counts for consumer CPUs have been increasing in recent years, but have you looked at what's happening on the workstation/server side? Intel has just released a CPU with 86 cores.
Intel has officially expanded its Xeon 6 processor family, introducing the new Xeon 6500P and 6700P series. These processors join the previously launched Intel Xeon 6900P "Granite Rapids" series, announced last September, and are meant to scale down to lower-end servers that don't require as much computing power or scale up to servers that require several of these chips. Don't get us wrong — these are still some crazy chips. The newly launched Xeon 6500P and 6700P processors offer configurations scaling up to 86 cores per socket. That's a massive step up from the 24 cores we have on the high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and makes the processor uniquely suited for many compute applications where multi-core performance is exceptionally high on the list of priorities.
These are Xeon chips, so this isn't just something you can throw into your regular desktop computer. They require a special socket as well as unique, business-focused motherboards. Technically, nothing stops you from building a PC with these business parts. Still, it might not be worth it — the hardware is costly, and, for a home computer, you're better served by desktop chips anyway. They are better suited for the things you use a PC at home for, and server chips are at a heavy disadvantage for things like gaming, where single-core performance matters as much, if not more, than multi-core performance.
Intel Xeon 6700P and 6500P CPUs
This is still pretty cool hardware, though. The 6500P and the 6700P both represent a step down from the top-tier Xeon 6980P, which boasts a maximum of 128 cores. That is a considerable number, but the 6500P and 6700P series have more differences and are designed to work on more systems. Unlike the 6900P series, the 6500P and 6700P processors, designated as "scalable" SKUs, are designed to support four and eight-socket platforms, allowing for greater system flexibility in data centre environments. The range of chips itself is also available with as little as eight cores.
Besides the core count difference, the new processors differ in how much memory they support and the configurations in which that memory is supported. The 6500P and 6700P series supports eight channels of DDR5 memory, whereas the 6900P series offers twelve channels. Both new and old processors continue to support MRDIMM memory technology. Regarding I/O capabilities, the 6500P and 6700P processors provide up to 88 lanes of PCI Express 5.0, slightly less than the 96 lanes available on the 6900P series. The number of UPI 2.0 links is also reduced, with four links on the new processors compared to six on the 6900P series.
Notably, the new Granite Rapids processors maintain feature parity with the 6900P series regarding their instruction set architecture (ISA). This includes support for AVX-512, AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions), and other relevant capabilities, so software/hardware compatibility should be identical across the Xeon 6 family. You take this for granted on desktop PCs, but on server/workstation PCs, it's an essential consideration.
The only bad part about these, however, is the price. The higher-end Xeon 6787P, which features 86 cores, a 3.8GHz turbo frequency, and a 350-watt TDP, also has an insane list price of $10,400. The Xeon 6788P, which offers identical core count, clock, and power characteristics (the only difference being that it supports eight-socket motherboards), is priced at a bonkers $19,000. This is typical pricing for these kinds of chips, and it's a big reason why they're not even remotely considered for non-server applications. The lower-end Xeon 6507P with just eight cores also costs $765 — not that crazy, but the same price as Intel's Core Ultra 9.
And we should also remind you that these aren't even the higher-end chips with 128 cores, which were announced earlier. So you know, there's that.
Chrome Could Automatically Change Leaked Passwords
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on February 21, 2025, at 12:02 pm EST.
Google auto-changes passwords
After a data breach, Chrome may make it even easier to change a password. The in-test feature would actively change the password on the user's behalf.
The change would affect what happens when Google auto-fills a password field using a stored password. The browser already checks such stored passwords against a database of passwords that have been breached and released publicly.
Chrome will warn users about such a breach and prompt them to change their password. However, the user must manually go to the password settings section or account settings on the website in question and make the change.
Canary In The Mine
The change was spotted in Chrome Canary, a test version with new features rolled out to users outside Google for the first time. It's generally only suitable for highly confident users happy with the risk of something going seriously wrong. It's definitely more for enthusiast experimentation than for use as an everyday browser.
The test feature is currently dubbed "Automated Password Change." Its description, and early user experiences, suggest that when Chrome spots a compromised password, it will offer to generate a new, secure password and change it on the user's account on the website.
As usual, Chrome-generated passwords do not involve humans. The user doesn't need to decide or see the new password, which will be stored in the browser for future use.
AI Not Explained
The feature is categorized in Chrome settings as an "AI" feature, but it doesn't explain how or why it uses artificial intelligence. The AI approach is likely used to find the account settings section on the relevant site and then identify the buttons or boxes to request and complete a password change. (Source: windowsreport.com)
The feature is only in early testing, so it's fiddly to use now. It requires changing a setting to manually mark all passwords as compromised (thus triggering the offer to change passwords). That's because it isn't yet connected to an accurate database of compromised passwords. (Source: arstechnica.com)
What's Your Opinion?
Do you use Chrome's password generation and storage tools? Does the offer to change a compromised password appeal to you automatically? Do you trust Chrome to correctly find and change passwords in user settings sections on different websites?
Comments
Interesting idea, but ... — Submitted by Dennis Faas on Fri, 21/02/2025 — 13:02.
This idea is interesting, but some password changes often trigger a "password reset" routine. In this case, you would first have to check your email for a confirmation link, then proceed to the website page where your old password must be entered and the new one. This changes your password and ensures that the account owner (who also owns an email address) triggered the password change (reset) in the first place. I have a hard time envisioning how AI would be able to manage this unless you give it full access to all of your emails, and that will surely freak a lot of people out. Using a Gmail address for all your accounts would be a different story because Gmail is already associated with Chrome (assuming you use Chrome).
Two issues.. — Submitted by Doccus on Fri, 21/02/2025 — 15:41.
Unfortunately, the security feature of entering the old password before the new one has such an easy workaround that it's hardly a security feature at all. With most websites, you say "forgot password," and they let you pick a new one via email or text.
The other problem I envisage is needing to know the updated PW. I keep a text file of every password, consistently updated, and I need to know the clear text versions of the new passwords to store them. I also need to see if they will work OK when entered manually via copy and paste, as I *never* type in my passwords unless forced. Do you have any ideas?
Edit. Regarding the first statement, they have to gain control of your email first, which is why it's so important to watch your email account regularly. Once they do that, they can do remarkable damage in minutes. So if Google (or whoever) says you have an unidentified login from Tahiti, Nigeria, Port au Prince, or wherever, change the passcodes immediately! (of course).
I Finally Upgraded to Windows 11, and I Like It
See the How-To Geek article by Ismar Hrnjicevic | Published Feb 24, 2025.
I (Ismar Hrnjicevic) Finally Upgraded to Windows 11
I used to update to the latest version of Windows when it became available, but when Windows 11 launched, I didn't really like it and quickly reverted to Windows 10. Now that Windows 10 support is ending soon, I've given Windows 11 another try, and it's not as bad as I thought.
Why I Upgraded to Windows 11
When I built my new PC last month, I had two options: stay with Windows 10 until October and then consider updating, or make the switch now.
As it currently stands, Windows 10 support is scheduled to end in October 2025. While I could technically continue using it, it's not a good idea. First, it would expose my PC to security threats, and second, it would limit overall software support. As developers shift their focus to Windows 11, apps for Windows 10 will likely receive fewer updates or face more bugs. Even the first-party Microsoft Office will no longer be supported.
The latest Windows 11 24H2 update tipped the scales, bringing a ~10% performance improvement for AMD CPUs. Since I bought a Ryzen 7 7700, this was a no-brainer. If you're unfamiliar with performance figures, that's a substantial improvement (roughly equivalent to a newer CPU). As a tech journalist, I should stay on the bleeding edge so I'm in the know.
AMD CPU, a Ryzen 7 7700
I Made 11 Behave More Like Windows 10
After going through Windows's pesky setup process (called the "Windows Out of Box Experience"), I was greeted by a home screen that felt somewhat unfamiliar, though not entirely foreign. While everything was technically there, it wasn't in the same place I was used to from older versions of Windows.
Like many others, I'm sensitive to significant changes in my primary operating system. So, to ease my initial OS anxiety, I made Windows 11 look like Windows 10. The most glaring problem I had was the Start menu being in the centre. It felt out of place as if it didn't belong there. Fortunately, I fixed this by simply moving it to the bottom left corner where it belongs.
My second complaint concerns the new right-click context menu in File Explorer. In theory, it's designed to help users find commonly used options for a specific file. For example, options like "Cut" and "Copy" were replaced with easy-to-understand icons at the top so the context menu could take up less space.
While I can appreciate this reinvention (and I'm sure some people love it), it's not for me. I've been using Windows for two decades and know the old context menu like the back of my hand. Fortunately, I was able to restore the legacy context menu, and I was off to the races.
The Interface Improvements Are Subtle but Meaningful
Once I configured Windows 11 to my liking, I was surprised by how similar it felt to 10. The Start menu is more intuitive and has more room for my apps, the taskbar is slightly taller and easier to use, the Task Manager feels more modern, the new Settings app is better organized, and the ugly Action Center (right-side menu) from Windows 10 has been revamped into a smaller, sleeker system tray. I also appreciate the expanded support for system-wide dark mode.
Windows 11 Start Menu
All these small changes add up to create a better user experience without altering how I interact with the system. Another excellent example of a small but meaningful change is the calmer error sound, which doesn't induce panic like the older Windows error sounds.
I Love the New Notepad
I'm singling out Notepad because it's my most-used Windows app. I use it for note-taking, brainstorming, quick calculations, and more. The new Windows 11 Notepad retains all the core components that make it great but in a better package. It's sleeker, automatically saves your notes, has more text editor features, and supports tabs. Oh, and it finally supports dark mode.
New Windows 11 Notepad
When I first heard about these Notepad changes, I worried it might become too bloated. However, Microsoft has done an excellent job of enhancing my beloved app without losing its simplicity.
If you're still unsure about Windows 11, that's understandable. You can continue using Windows 10 until October, but by then, I'd strongly recommend making the switch (or maybe even trying Linux). The good news is that Windows 11 is pretty solid — certainly better than it was at launch.
Fun Facts:
5 Mini PCs You Can Buy With Linux Preinstalled
See the How-To Geek article by Jos Thomas | Published Feb 22, 2025.
Mini PCs with Preinstalled Linux
Ready to ditch the setup headaches and jump straight into Linux? With a mini PC with preinstalled Linux, you can skip the technical fuss and start exploring immediately.
Think of a mini PC as a desktop computer shrunk to about the size of a thick book. Despite their small size, they pack enough power for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and media streaming.
Whether you're a newbie or a pro, these five mini PCs with Linux preinstalled will have you up and running in no time.
We haven't reviewed all these products, so do your due diligence when shopping. Read independent reviews and research manufacturer warranty and return policies before purchasing.
System76 Meerkat
Purism Librem Mini
TUXEDO Nano Pro Gen 13
Beelink Mini S12 Pro
BOSGAME E2
Choosing a Linux mini PC? Prioritize your needs. I love the compact size but am unsure whether to choose a mini PC or a laptop. Find out which is right for you here. Also, consider which included Linux distro is right for you — Ubuntu suits beginners, while others may require more expertise.
7 Common Space Myths, Debunked
See the How-To Geek article by Timothy Jacob Hudson | Feb 23, 2025.
The Far Side of the Moon
It's unfortunate that most people get their ideas about space from movies, TV, and video games. Science fiction is all good, but only when people can separate it from reality. Unless you're a real space fan, even you likely believe one of these common myths.
You Wouldn't Be Instantly Flash-Frozen in Space Without a Suit
This is a ubiquitous trope in movies. Someone without a space suit is ejected into open space, and within moments, they're frozen stiff! Space is generally frigid — just a few degrees above absolute zero in most cases. But that's not nearly cold enough to flash-freeze a human being in mere seconds, even if a space suit doesn't protect them.
It would take a very long time to freeze to death in space, even if exposed. With no atmosphere in space, there's no air to wick heat away from your body via convection or conduction. The only way to lose heat in space is through radiation, which is much slower than conduction or convection when talking about a normal body temperature. You would freeze solid after many hours if you were exposed to space, but you'd have died from something else long before that happened anyway.
Water in Space Isn't Scarce At All
It's a common misconception that water in space is scarce. After all, Earth is special because of all of its liquid water. We've all heard that one. However, there's plenty of water in space. The universe's largest reservoir of water ever identified contains 140 trillion times more water than all the Earth's oceans. That water is 12 billion lightyears away from us.
Spiral Galaxy
There's plenty of water in our solar system, though. Even if it's not in liquid form, there's plenty of ice on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, for instance. NASA even believes that many of those moons have liquid oceans hiding under the surface. The concern isn't whether or not there is any liquid water in space but rather how we can access it.
The Sun Isn't Yellow, Red, or Orange
The colour we perceive and what things are are not always the same. Every day, billions of people see a yellow Sun hanging over their heads. And yet, the Sun is not yellow at all. It only appears that way because its light is travelling through our atmosphere. This phenomenon is called atmospheric scattering, and it's why the Sun appears yellow, orange, or red throughout the day and even why the sky appears blue.
The Sun
In reality, the star that keeps us all alive is white, which you can see if you look at pictures taken from space. But if our Sun is white, why is it scientifically classified as a yellow star? Well, star classification by colour is based on how those stars are perceived from Earth specifically. Those "red supergiants" out there aren't red either! They just look that way to us.
There is no Dark Side of the Moon
You could be forgiven for being surprised here. Contrary to the popular Pink Floyd album's name, there's no dark side of the Moon — it receives equal amounts of sunlight on all sides throughout the lunar day. That said, there is a far side of the Moon, which we can never see from Earth.
The Moon
That's because the Moon is tidally locked to our planet. Even though it's orbiting around us, the same face of the Moon always points toward us. The opposite side of the Moon gets just as much sunlight; it's just that we can never see it from down here. After all, there are plenty of times when the Moon and the Sun are in the same section of the sky, and if the Sun is behind the Moon, then the rear-facing side of the Moon has to be getting sunlight, right?
Asteroid Belts are Not Densely Packed
If you've seen the Star Wars films "Empire Strikes Back" or "Solo", then you may have been led to believe that asteroid belts are densely packed with ginormous rocks, and trying to fly a spacecraft through them is tantamount to suicide. This couldn't be further from the truth. The asteroid belt in our solar system lies between Mars and Jupiter and contains more than one million asteroids larger than half a mile.
That sounds dangerous, but here's the thing — the average distance between these individual asteroids is 600,000 miles, more than double the distance between Earth and the Moon. These asteroids are nowhere near one another, even if contained within a belt in space. Never forget that space is huge. No matter how big you're imagining it, it's bigger than that. Our asteroid belt is 140 million miles across, so densely packed in space terms means nothing to us on Earth.
Mercury is Not the Hottest Planet in the Solar System
As you probably learned in elementary school, Mercury is the planet in our solar system closest to the Sun. It's logical to assume that it must be the hottest planet in the solar system. Yet this isn't the case. Make no mistake, Mercury gets incredibly hot, with surface temperatures reaching around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the hottest planet in our solar system is Venus, which can reach temperatures around 864 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solar Temperatures
Despite being further away from the Sun, Venus has a much thicker atmosphere than Mercury, which is mainly composed of carbon dioxide. This provides insulation and traps heat near the planet's surface. Mercury can get incredibly cold on the face turned away from the Sun, getting as low as approximately -300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Space Isn't Truly a Vacuum
Space is pretty empty. The myth that it is a complete vacuum is exactly that — a myth. Admittedly, space is so close to being a complete vacuum that is as far as we care, but if you want to get technical, molecules are floating around in space just like in our atmosphere. There's a lot of hydrogen in space, meaning there are at least a few atoms of it in every cubic meter of the cosmos.
There's not enough molecule density for sound to travel through space, but these sparse atoms could pose a problem if humanity ever gets close to light-speed travel. After all, slamming into even a single atom at light speed could be disastrous for spacecraft and humans.
These are just a few myths about space that pop culture has commonly perpetuated. Trust me, there are plenty more out there. Don't let the destruction of these false beliefs ruin your curiosity for space, though — plenty of true facts about the cosmos are just as mind-boggling to consider!
Meeting Location & Disclaimer
Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~
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