👍 #769 – How Do I Fix Windows Update?

Windows Update -- sadly, two words that have come to strike fear in the heart of Windows 10 users. While most people aren't affected, it does feel like a game of Russian Roulette at times. For times when Windows Update seems to be failing for you, however, there may be help.

Also this week:

Attachments. They seem so handy ... except when they're downright dangerous.

Do you share a computer with someone? Keeping your private data private can be tricky.

Https is an important part of keeping your information safe, but so is knowing what it does and does not do.

Have a great week!

Leo

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How Do I Fix Windows Update?

I returned from vacation and found that Windows Update would not download any of 90 available updates (even though it sat for many hours saying “downloading” nothing was coming). I eventually used the Windows Readiness program and was able to get 15 or so downloaded and installed, but trying the next group again, it is not downloading anything. There is no error message, just no action at all.

While it works well most of the time, problems with Windows Update can be very, very frustrating. There's often no specific fix for whatever specific situation you're faced with, other than to “keep trying” or “let it run”…

… neither of which helps in many cases.

Fortunately, Microsoft has added a troubleshooter, and also outlined what I'll call the nuclear option: resetting Windows Update completely. Regardless of the problem, if it involves Windows Update I suggest you give this a try.

Continue Reading: How Do I Fix Windows Update?
https://askleo.com/21798

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This Weeks Other Stories

What Is It About Attachments?

Some time ago, a report about the most common vectors for data breaches and related issues was released.

You and I are the weakest link.

For at least one large segment of attack, it's our propensity to download and open email attachments that gets us into trouble.

A couple of scary numbers from that report include: 1 in 10 people will download and open an attachment attached to phishing email or spam. And the average time between a phishing email being sent and the first victim taking the bait? Twenty-two seconds.

What the heck is it about email attachments that makes them so darned irresistible?

Continue Reading: What Is It About Attachments?
https://askleo.com/18718

•

How to Keep Information on a Shared Computer Private

I share a computer and I want to know how to keep my information private.

 

Ultimately, you can't.

At least you can't do it easily, and even then, it depends on the data you're attempting to keep private and the technical savvy of the individuals who might try to access it.

There's nothing like your own computer. But if you have to share, there are a couple of things that might help.

A little.

Continue Reading: How to Keep Information on a Shared Computer Private
https://askleo.com/2963

•

Are HTTPS Connections Really Safe?

I'm confused. I keep hearing that https makes your connection to a website “secure”. What does that mean? Does it mean I can trust the site I land on?

“Https”, or secure http, is an important part of keeping you and your data safe online.

But it's only a part. Understanding what it does and does not do is important.

To begin with, https does two, and only two, things.

Continue Reading: Are HTTPS Connections Really Safe?
https://askleo.com/2421

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Posted: August 13, 2019 in: 2019
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/8178
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