Hello!
You might see some sensational headlines in the papers in the next day or so claiming things like…
- Microsoft slows your computer down 30%, here’s why
- Your computer 30% slower…
- Hackers can hack your CPU
- MASSIVE security flaw in Intel CPUs
- etc…
What’s a CPU?
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the thing that does lots of calculations and follows your instructions, every key press, mouse move or thing shown on your screen goes through the CPU. The speed of the CPU (usually measured in GHz) is one of the key things to look at when buying a new PC, so you might see it listed as an Intel Pentium 3.3GHz.
Intel is the biggest maker of CPUs.
What’s actually the problem?
Researchers have found that most Intel CPUs have a problem that could allow an attacker to view all information being passed through the CPU, this includes passwords and other secrets.
It’s been known about by security specialists for a few months now and they have been secretly working on fixing it.
The easiest fix is for everyone with an Intel CPU to replace theirs, however, that’s just not going to happen there are millions if not billions of these all over the world. So they have gone for a software fix (think Windows Updates) but the side effect of this is to slow your computer down by up to 30%…
What does it affect
Any device using an Intel CPU, most Windows and Mac computers along with some mobiles/tablets.
Mike’s take on all of this
For everyday users, the general feeling is that they won’t notice much difference. If you are video editing or using specialist software then it might feel a little slower.
What can I do?
I can’t stress enough that even if you are worried about a 30% drop in speed (which is unlikely, current estimates are between 5% and 30%) you should install all Windows Updates (and any other updates across your devices).
As ever, if you have any questions please drop us a note.
Thanks!
Mike 🙂
Photo by Alexandru-Bogdan Ghita on Unsplash
February 5, 2018 at 9:06 pm
Hi
I have a Samsung Galaxy A5. For the last week I have been unable to reply to an email. When I click reply a box comes up saying ‘loading messages’ and a blue circle goes round and round. If I click back it lets me input my reply but when I try to send the same box about loading messages comes up? Any suggestions most welcome.
Val
February 7, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Hi Val,
Thanks for your query, I’ve just had a look and it seems like quite a lot of people are having the same problem with their emails on their Samsung devices. Here’s one solution that seems to have worked for others:
Go into your settings app, click on app manager and then Android System Web Viewer. Depending on your phone, either uninstall updates, or if that option isn’t available, disable the app. Restart your phone, and everything works like it should again. Just make sure you have auto updates turned off or it will happen again. To switch Auto updates off, go to Google Play Store and tap on the three lines in the top left corner of the screen. Then tap Settings and Auto update apps. Tap on “Do not auto-update apps” and this will switch that feature off.
I hope this helps,
Thanks Jess
February 7, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Hi Jess
You are a GENIOUS I would never ever have found how to fix that error. Thank you so much. That help alone is worth this years subscription, so easy to follow and works first time.
Thanks again
Val
January 30, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Thanks, I will makeup my own mind.
January 29, 2018 at 3:33 pm
I have been recommended by Norton Customer Services to take up Guruaid Annual Maintainance Plan. Is this advisable, and is it safe?
January 30, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Hello.
Thanks for the question. I’m really sorry but I can’t give any advice about Guruaid, I’ve not heard of it sorry.
I’m not sure why Norton would be advising you to sign up for it because they don’t look like a related company.
I’m so sorry but I can’t find enough about them to say if it’s safe or not.
Sorry
Mike 🙁