A bunch of Windows users are getting an error 0x80070643 message after running a recent Windows update. One of my computers had this issue and I found a YouTube video from Chris Waite which seems to be the most concise solution to the problem (until Microsoft fixes the issue), so I can vouch that the process he describes works.
How to keep your Windows 10 PC going
PCMag has written an article suggesting a number of ways of keeping your Windows 10 PC working safely into the future. Read more here.
How to stop Windows spying on you
Yep, Windows collects data about you and sends it off to a number of external servers. Surprise, surprise. Disappointing but true. The following YouTube video from The PC Security Channel will show you how to thwart Microsoft efforts.
I’ll include a link here to the original YouTube posting, that shows the text in the description of the video, that is required to be added to your Windows Hosts file on your computer. This will enable you to simply edit, cut and paste; to both save time typing, plus eliminate any mis-typing. I have noticed however that the msn.com site accessed from the Windows Taskbar will no longer work after implementing the above (which makes me wonder just how much data Microsoft has garnered from me already!!).
Paid subscription for Windows 10 users
If you don’t want to update from Windows 10 to 11, or cannot due hardware limitations, Microsoft can offer ongoing OS updates beyond 2025 through a subscription program. FInd out more in Windows Central’s article here.
Apps that enable your Android phone to work with Windows (or Mac)
The MakeUseOf guys have written an article listing some very useful Android phone apps that work in collaberation with Windows computers. I find number 5, the Link to Windows app really helpful and use it a lot. Check out all the apps in their article here. If you have a Mac instead of Windows, check out the Android apps available for Mac here.
Optimising your PC and Mac devices
Fox News have published an article suggesting a number of ways to optimise your Windows or Mac computers. Read the article here.
Latest Windows 10 update creating issues for gamers
TechRadar has just published an article highlighting lagging issues being reported by gamers after applying the latest security patch. Discover more here.
Android AirDrop clone for Windows
Google has released Nearby Share, it’s clone of Apple’s Airdrop allowing files to be shared between Android and Windows devices. Read PC World News‘ article about it here.
Windows secret PC “restart” button
Very rarely we can experince an issue where our PC becomes unresponsive or an application seems to hang. PCWorld have written an article about the things you can try should this happen to you, and they also reveal a hidden Emergency Restart option you can use as a last resort. Read more here.
Is your PC hacked?
Discovered this somewhat technical Youtube video that explains how you can dig into the internals of your Windows based computer to determine if it has been hacked and loaded up with malware. Watch the video from The PC Security Channel below, and if you then determine that you have malware on your computer, you can go to another video from the same channel here to find out how to remove that malware.
Urgent Windows update available
A new Windows update is available that patches 132 flaws including 6 zero-day vulnerabilities. Discover more about this important update in Tom’s Guide article here.
2 USB boot drives every Windows user should make
At some time in the future your Windows computer is likely to have problems. An excellent Youtube video (below) from the Ask Your Computer Guy describes how you can create 2 USB drives that will assist with the recovery of your files and PC when (not if) disaster strikes. Create them now while your computer is still working correctly.
Windows 10 users will be forced to upgrade next month
Windows 10 version 21H2 is reaching end of support next month and Microsoft are planning to automatically upgrade all Windows users. Find out more in Windows Central’s article here.
Want some help configuring Windows firewall?
Sportskeeda have just published a useful article about Windows firewall. Find out how to configure it for better security here.
What’s best, Windows or macOS?
I try to be technology agnostic. I use a range of technologies from PCs, an Apple Mac, mobile phone, a tablet, and various audio/visual and home automation devices, running on a range of operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, etc). Where possible I try not to get locked into technology that doesn’t pass the test of time. For example, I get annoyed when technology like my iPad or Apple TV suddenly stop getting updated or apps stop working, leaving me with expensive useless paper weights. This is one of the reasons I have stuck to the Windows platform. The MakeUseOf guys have published an article about why Windows is better than macOS here.