The day has come

msalton1 · 28 May 2021

dalchina said:

Thank you for your reply.

Have you considered using Google?
Attachment 334915

Can you see what I searched for?

Yes, thanks. I'll definitely look at that. Its limitation seems to be that it doesn't work on a per user level (or W10 Home doesn't support that level). I've decided to go with the Home version for this machine, given that it's only on a few hours per week. GPE Plus will make that a bit easier to swallow. Every version of Windows I own is/has been Pro since XP.

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Try3 said:

You might already know this but I have only recently learnt how vulnerable Firefox login username-password lists are to theft in the blink of an eye unless you add a Firefox 'Primary password' or use Firefox account syncing.
Use a Primary Password to protect stored logins and passwords - Firefox Help
All the best,
Denis

I don't use Save Passwords. I have found that recent versions of FF are becoming a bit less...FireFox. I recently created a new profile because of issues with an old profile, but am having issues with my favorite addonn - NoScript. It doesn't remember whitelisted domains and alway reverts to 'Trust' Google. I may try uninstalling it completely and starting over to see if it resolves. That said, FF here has been frustrating lately.

I assume that everything I do on the internet is trackable and do what I can to limit that. It's not that I have anything to hide (as others say in response to security concerns), but the way society is heading...

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dalchina said:

I stayed on 1903 for about 2 years- no trouble!

As soon as I upgraded, I lost useful functionality, and had 4 small problems to solve.

Upgrading is a far greater risk than 'telemetry'. Invasive actions hacking the O/S can cause problems and instability. Uninstalling some apps is fine of course.

I'll be doing a clean install.

Regarding the bolded, isn't the Build version connected to the updates, or can you refuse new builds (for whatever reason)?
I'm also interested in delaying updates, or at the very least, controlling the restarts. Is this possible with Win 10 Home and GPE Plus?

Are the updates as flaky/risky as they were in earlier days?

dalchina · 28 May 2021

Hi,

I'll be doing a clean install.

Note that you can obtain any major build of Win 10 you like- you're not even forced to clean install 21H1.
Tutorial available on downloading iso files.

There are many threads here on how to disable Windows Updates altogether, control the way they are applied, or to take manual control of Windows Update.

There are 2 tutorials on disabling Windows Update. I've just posted those again in another thread in the last hour.

There have been 3rd party tools around to
a. block Windows Update
b. let you scan for and select updates
for some years.

Sledgehammer
WUMT
WUmgr

for example.

I used Sledgehammer- a bit cumbersome if you wish to temporarily enable WU, but certainly effective.
One of the tutorials introduces a script based on its script, and is also more recent.

Home doesn't support policies for Notify or 365 day feature update deferral which Pro has.
But you can use the above with Home.

Are the updates as flaky/risky as they were in earlier days?

There's always a risk. I stayed with 1903 for two reasons.

With 1909 MS broke Windows search badly in seeking to 'improve' it. This took several updates to fix. I wanted to stay out of that.

The other was that a 3rd party program I liked wasn't compatible beyond a certain build of 1903.
An alternative has now become available.

Always 'hang back' from feature upgrades- wait until at least the next update - and read the press and News section where there's a thread per update per build with download links.

msalton1 · 28 May 2021

dalchina said:

Hi,
Note that you can obtain any major build of Win 10 you like- you're not even forced to clean install 21H1.
Tutorial available on downloading iso files.

There are many threads here on how to disable Windows Updates altogether, control the way they are applied, or to take manual control of Windows Update.

There are 2 tutorials on disabling Windows Update. I've just posted those again in another thread in the last hour.

There have been 3rd party tools around to
a. block Windows Update
b. let you scan for and select updates
for some years.

Sledgehammer
WUMT
WUmgr

for example.

I used Sledgehammer- a bit cumbersome if you wish to temporarily enable WU, but certainly effective.
One of the tutorials introduces a script based on its script, and is also more recent.

Home doesn't support policies for Notify or 365 day feature update deferral which Pro has.
But you can use the above with Home.

There's always a risk. I stayed with 1903 for two reasons.

With 1909 MS broke Windows search badly in seeking to 'improve' it. This took several updates to fix. I wanted to stay out of that.

The other was that a 3rd party program I liked wasn't compatible beyond a certain build of 1903.
An alternative has now become available.

Always 'hang back' from feature upgrades- wait until at least the next update - and read the press and News section where there's a thread per update per build with download links.

Thanks for the info. One thing I'm not quite understanding...do the new builds and feature updates come as optional Windows updates or were you able to forego them by using one of the mentioned methods for disabling updates?

Also, is the latest build recommended? Given the small price difference, I've decided to go with Pro after all.

Megahertz · 28 May 2021

I use Sledhammer. You run it and It scans for updates, list them and you decide witch one you want to download and install. Very good.
Download Sledgehammer - MajorGeeks

msalton1 · 28 May 2021

Megahertz said:

I use Sledhammer. You run it and It scans for updates, list them and you decide witch one you want to download and install. Very good.
Download Sledgehammer - MajorGeeks

I'll put that on my list to DL. I built the new machine yesterday and DL'ed Win 10 Pro this evening. I'm hoping to have time to get it installed tomorrow. Any other 'must have' utilities recommendations appreciated.

Megahertz · 28 May 2021

What programs / apps to use to tweak Win 10

Open Shell (Classic Shell)- a must have

dalchina · 29 May 2021

One thing I'm not quite understanding...do the new builds and feature updates come as optional Windows updates

Only certain updates and now drivers are offered as optional updates.

Another very useful tool: Winaero's free tweak tool. Covers a lot of things addressed in tutorials here and makes them easy to do (and searchable). Tweaks often have links to full descriptions. Reputable, updated.

Matthew Wai · 29 May 2021

msalton1 said:

I'll put that on my list to DL.

Consider Using CMD script and VBScript to control Windows Update

The scripts will (1) stop automatic updates, (2) check for updates automatically, (3) notify you when updates are found (so that you may either install or hide them), and (4) install definition updates automatically for Microsoft Defender as long as it is enabled.

msalton1 · 29 May 2021

Thanks for the links and suggestions. I installed onto the new build today and allowed it to update, installed chipset and motherboard devices. And also found out that Macrium 7 isn't supported (Macrium is the first app I install to make progressive base images). Not a bad deal, though. I had the four pack bundle and it only cost $70 to upgrade all 4.

I'll be checking into the recommendations once the dust settles.

Megahertz · 29 May 2021

Have used Macrium Reflect free v7.2.5555 without any problem.
Where did you found that Macrium 7 isn't supported?