| From: Don Green | 7/30/2024 10:17:24 AM | | | | | | Intel's CPU instability and crashing issues also impact mainstream 65W and higher 'non-K' models — damage is irreversible, no planned recall
Intel has now divulged that the crashing issue affecting 13th and 14th-gen processors impacts all 65W and higher CPUs, meaning even more
tomshardware.com |
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| From: Don Green | 7/30/2024 8:45:29 PM | | | | | | 10 Useful Run Commands Every Windows User Should Know
Haroon Javed
Tired of navigating through the cluttered Windows interface to find the tools you need? Look no further than Run commands. Run commands can take you straight to the Windows tools or settings you need without the fuss. Let's explore some useful Run commands that every Windows user should know.
Why Use Run Commands? You might be wondering why you should bother with Run commands when you can access many of these settings through the Start Menu or Control Panel. The answer is efficiency: Run commands are a faster and more direct way to access various Windows settings, tools, and features.
Instead of clicking through multiple menus, you can simply enter a command and access the setting or tool you need instantly. You can open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows+R on the keyboard. After that, you can simply type a command and hit enter.
Run commands are quick and efficient, and sometimes give you access to features you didn't even know existed. Plus, there's something undeniably cool about typing in a command and watching your computer jump into action, right?
Use msconfig to Tweak Startup Settings First up is msconfig—Microsoft System Configuration. msconfig is your system's control center that enables you to handle startup programs, services, and system configuration options from a single interface. With msconfig, you can disable unnecessary startup programs and speed up your boot time significantly.
You can also use msconfig to troubleshoot issues by booting your PC in Safe Mode or selecting different startup options. Furthermore, you can also enable or disable different services.
To access the system configuration utility, open your Run dialog box and type msconfig.
Run msinfo32 to Get Your System Specs Curious about your system's specs? Just type msinfo32 in the Run dialog box, and you’ll see everything from your processor type to the amount of RAM installed. You can access detailed system summaries, including hardware resources, software environments, and components.
This information can be invaluable when you're troubleshooting, upgrading your hardware, or generating a report for technical support. You can even use it to check your BIOS version or verify your system's specifications.
Manage Your Installed Apps With appwiz.cpl If you're looking to manage your installed applications, appwiz.cpl is the command for you. This command brings up the Programs and Features window, giving you a complete list of installed applications on your PC. With a few clicks, you can quickly uninstall programs, change installed programs, or repair programs that aren't working properly.
Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box and quickly access the Programs and Features control panel.
Customize Your Display With desk.cpl Whether you need to change your screen resolution, or orientation, or manage multiple monitors, the desk.cpl command brings all display-related settings to your fingertips. Additionally, it allows you to adjust your screen brightness, refresh rate, or the size of apps, text, or any other items.
Press Windows+R and type desk.cpl to start customizing your desktop environment based on your preferences.
Adjust Your Mouse Settings With main.cpl Running main.cpl in the Run dialog box launches the Mouse Properties window, where you can adjust mouse settings, such as pointer speed, sensitivity, and button configuration. You can also configure double-clicking behavior, wheel setting, trackpoint, and trackpad settings of your mouse.
With the main.cpl command, you can fine-tune your mouse experience and troubleshoot mouse-related issues.
Establish a Remote Connection Using mstsc mstsc refers to Microsoft Terminal Services Client, which is usually known as Remote Desktop Connection. Simply type mstsc in the Run window and establish a remote desktop connection. You can also customize your remote desktop settings by changing its size, color, audio, and others.
This command is perfect for remote work, technical support, or accessing files on another PC. For example, you can connect to your work computer from home or help a friend troubleshoot an issue.
Calibrate Your Screen With dccw Want to calibrate your monitor for accurate colors? Try dccw. Running this command will open the Display Color Calibration tool, which guides you through adjusting your monitor’s color settings. Poor color accuracy can be frustrating, especially for graphic designers or photographers.
To make sure that colors are displayed correctly while calibrating, follow the step-by-step instructions in the dccw calibration window. Additionally, it guides you through adjusting gamma, brightness, contrast, and color balance.
Remove Junk and Old Files Using cleanmgr Over time, your computer builds up unnecessary files. To keep your computer working smoothly, you need to remove these files. You can do this within a few steps by typing the cleanmgr command in the Run dialog box.
With cleanmgr, you can scan your specific drives and delete temporary files, system caches, recycled items, and other unnecessary data. It’s a quick way to reclaim disk space and improve system performance.
Monitor Your PC's Performance With resmon Want to keep a watchful eye on your PC's performance? Try resmon command. This command opens the Resource Monitor, which displays real-time data on system resources, such as memory, disk, CPU, and network usage.
If your computer is acting sluggish, resmon can help you identify which processes are hogging resources. It’s like having a health check-up for your PC—spot the issues and take action before they become bigger problems.
Navigate Efficiently With "." and ".." Finally, we have the single dot . and the double dot .. commands. You might use these . and .. commands with cd in the command prompt or PowerShell or any other terminal for changing directories. The . and ..commands may seem simple, but they're incredibly useful for navigating the Windows file system.
In the Run dialog, typing . opens the current user's home directory, while .. opens the Users directory. These commands are shortcuts for quick navigation through the file system, especially useful for accessing user-specific files and folders.
Mastering Your Windows PC These run commands are just one way to enhance your Windows experience. You can also use the command prompt commands to perform or automate multiple tasks. Furthermore, you can also enhance your search experience on Windows and find things quickly and efficiently. There are also many Windows shortcuts and hotkeys available to get things done quickly.
We've shared some helpful Windows Run commands with you, but there are many more out there. Just be careful experimenting—it is possible to mess things up if you go crazy with Run commands. |
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| To: Don Green who wrote (1795) | 7/31/2024 10:03:05 PM | | From: S. maltophilia | | | | | As I've said before, if I outlive Win 10 support, I'll be hopping over to Linux. One concern: how strong is their security? With such a small user base in the past, it wasn't worth the bad guys' while to write malware for it. But that will change. |
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| From: S. maltophilia | 8/1/2024 12:00:46 AM | | | | | | ......When it comes to end-of-life planning, recent technology has already dumped new considerations on our plates. It’s not just What happens to my house? but also What happens to my Instagram account? As I have previously written, dead people can linger as digital ghosts through their devices and accounts. But those artifacts help maintain their memory. A deathbot, by contrast, creates a synthetic version of you and lets others interact with it after you’re gone. These tools present a new kind of dilemma: How can you plan for something like digital immortality?
Farid, the AI expert, hasn’t figured out an answer in his discussions with his wife. “We have very conflicting feelings about it,” he said. “I imagine that in the coming five to 10 years, it is a conversation we’re going to have the same way we have other conversations about end of life.” Grieving the death of a loved one is hard, and it’s easy to see why someone would prefer to remember the deceased in a way that feels, well, real. “The experience made up for what I missed out with my dad,” a woman in China told Rest of World after creating a replica of her dead father.
It is also easy to see the pitfalls. A voice clone can be made to say whatever its......
theatlantic.com
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| From: Don Green | 8/1/2024 11:04:45 AM | | | | | | AI has a climate problem — but so does all of tech
We’ve been talking about AI a lot on Decoder lately; it’s unavoidable. But there’s one piece of feedback we’ve gotten that I really wanted to spend some time on: how the lightning-fast explosion of AI tools affects the climate.
After all, to run AI at scale, we need to build a lot of data centers and pack them full of power-hungry GPUs. That takes a lot of energy, and whether using all that juice is worth it comes up frequently when we talk about AI. It’s both a matter of practical concern — “can our aging grid support all of this?” — and a moral objection — “we shouldn’t build these systems because they’ll wreck the planet.”
What’s particularly complicated is that big tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have spent the last few years working with governments around the world to set ambitious goals around sustainable energy usage so that we might slow the rate of climate change to simply “bad” instead of “catastrophic.” But now, with AI, all of those companies are blowing past their emissions targets and are actually getting worse over time. That’s not great.
But putting a bunch of computers in a data center and running them at full tilt is how basically everything works now. If you have a moral objection to AI based on climate concerns, you might have a moral objection to TikTok and YouTube as well, which are constantly ingesting and encoding millions of hours of video. You might have a moral objection to video games, which run both on power-hungry GPUs in people’s homes and often require intense data center workloads for online multiplayer. And I’ll take a guess, but I feel pretty certain anyone with climate concerns about AI has a pretty harsh assessment of crypto, too.
I mean, think about it this way: the Nvidia H100, which is the gold standard for AI GPUs, is pretty similar to the gaming-focused Nvidia RTX 4090 in terms of power draw. What framework should we use to evaluate the climate impact of those cards and how we feel about how they’re used?
It’s messy and complicated, and there are a bunch of apparent contradictions along the way. So it’s perfect for Decoder. To help sort it out, I’ve invited Verge senior science reporter Justine Calma on the show to see if we can untangle this knot. Let us know how we did.
theverge.com
ChatGPT response to this
The concerns you've raised highlight a significant challenge in balancing technological advancement with environmental sustainability. Here are a few potential solutions and considerations to address the climate impact of AI and tech in general:
### 1. **Increase Energy Efficiency**
- **Develop Energy-Efficient Hardware**: Encourage manufacturers to design and produce more energy-efficient GPUs and CPUs. This includes optimizing architectures for lower power consumption without sacrificing performance.
- **Optimize Data Center Operations**: Implement advanced cooling systems, better airflow management, and energy-efficient server hardware. Google, for example, uses AI to optimize cooling in its data centers, reducing energy consumption.
### 2. **Transition to Renewable Energy**
- **Power Data Centers with Renewables**: Major tech companies can commit to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Some companies are already moving in this direction, but it needs to be scaled up.
- **Energy Storage Solutions**: Invest in and develop better energy storage solutions to store renewable energy, ensuring a steady supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.
### 3. **Improve Software Efficiency**
- **Algorithm Optimization**: Optimize AI algorithms to be more energy-efficient. This could involve developing techniques that require fewer computations or use less power-intensive methods.
- **Efficient Coding Practices**: Encourage developers to follow best practices for writing efficient code, which can reduce the computational resources needed.
### 4. **Carbon Offsetting and Negative Emissions Technologies**
- **Invest in Carbon Offsetting**: Companies can invest in projects that offset their carbon emissions, such as reforestation, carbon capture, and storage technologies.
- **Develop Negative Emissions Technologies**: Support the development and deployment of technologies that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
### 5. **Regulation and Policy**
- **Government Policies**: Governments can implement regulations that mandate energy efficiency standards and renewable energy usage for tech companies. They can also offer incentives for companies that achieve significant reductions in their carbon footprints.
- **Carbon Pricing**: Introduce carbon pricing mechanisms to make emitting CO2 more expensive, incentivizing companies to reduce their emissions.
### 6. **Corporate Responsibility and Transparency**
- **Set Ambitious Sustainability Goals**: Companies should set and publicly commit to ambitious sustainability goals, with clear timelines and regular reporting on progress.
- **Transparent Reporting**: Increase transparency around energy usage and carbon emissions, allowing stakeholders to hold companies accountable.
### 7. **Public Awareness and Advocacy**
- **Consumer Choices**: Educate consumers about the environmental impact of their technology usage, encouraging more sustainable behavior and choices.
- **Advocacy for Sustainable Tech**: Support advocacy groups pushing for sustainable technology practices and policies.
### Conclusion
Addressing the climate impact of AI and tech requires a multifaceted approach involving technological innovation, policy changes, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness. By working together, governments, companies, and individuals can mitigate the environmental impact of technology while still benefiting from its advancements. |
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| From: Don Green | 8/1/2024 12:15:07 PM | | | | | | Which Wi-Fi Frequency Should You Use?
Story by Vivian Nguyen
Learn the difference between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and figure out which one helps you make the most of your internet.
- Your Wi-Fi frequency determines the speed at which data is sent between your devices and router.
- Most Wi-Fi routers offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, and some modern Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 routers also include the 6 GHz frequency band.
- The Wi-Fi frequency you should use depends on a number of factors, including your location, what activities you’re doing, and what frequencies are available.
One of the most important features of a router is its Wi-Fi frequency bands. There are normally two options: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But what does that actually mean? If you want the fastest speeds and lowest latencies for your internet, you’ll want to understand how frequencies work. We can start with what numbers like 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz represent. With that knowledge, you’ll be able to decide which Wi-Fi frequency works best for your devices and get the most out of your internet connection.
What Is Wi-Fi Frequency?
Your router emits radio signals across your household once it’s set up and configured. The rate at which those radio signals travel to your devices is known as the Wi-Fi frequency. A router works pretty similarly to a stereo radio — both devices emit waves that can travel and reach different spaces across your household.
But there’s a catch: With a radio, the sound might not reach all of the rooms, and some people might not hear it as well as others. That same logic applies to your router. Depending on its frequency setting, the signals may not reach every device in your house. Also, some devices may get a stronger signal than other devices.
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz: What Do They Mean?Most modern routers offer two signal options (also known as “frequency bands”): 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These types of routers are known as dual-band routers. The default frequency for most routers is the 2.4 GHz frequency, which is the oldest router frequency band standard. The 2.4 GHz frequency band can cover large spaces and penetrate solid objects, but it transfers data at a slower rate than the newer 5 GHz frequency. Moreover, the 2.4 GHz band is prone to interference from other electronic devices and appliances using similar frequencies. This quality makes it less reliable for intensive internet tasks.
Mixed Signals: Your TVs, phones, and computers are not the only things using radio signals to communicate with each other. Microwaves, security cameras, and even car alarms use a 2.4 GHz frequency to function. You’re more likely to experience interference and slow connection speeds if too many devices and appliances work off the same frequency band.
On the other hand, 5 GHz is a stronger frequency band that transfers data faster than the 2.4 GHz frequency thanks to its high data rate. Because of this, devices using 5 GHz are less likely to experience interference and tend to provide a more consistent internet experience. Unfortunately, it can’t travel as far and struggles more with traveling through walls and other obstacles. So, you’ll have to be within range of the router to experience fast connection speeds.
Newer routers on the market (specifically Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 routers) are tri-band and support a 6 GHz frequency in addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The 6 GHz frequency is much stronger and transfers data at an extremely fast speed. But it has an even shorter range than 5 GHz frequencies, making it ineffective at penetrating walls or objects. It’s also the most expensive of the three, so it might be more suited for users who require a lot more bandwidth than traditional households.
For a quick pros-and-cons overview of each Wi-Fi frequency, check out this table we put together to make picking which Wi-Fi frequency you need a breeze:
When Should I Use 2.4 GHz? When Should I Use 5 GHz?
While it may be easier to stick with one frequency for your entire household, it is more efficient to make the most of every frequency band your router offers. Some devices don’t need the fastest internet and can work well on a 2.4 GHz frequency, while other devices require the quick speeds that a 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequencies can offer. When choosing which Wi-Fi frequency you need, you should consider your device, what activities you’re doing, and how far you are from your router or Wi-Fi extender.
Use 2.4 GHz for Light Internet Tasks, Appliances, and Mobile DevicesIf you’re like me and enjoy scrolling through your phone often, you might do fine using the 2.4 GHz frequency. Its large coverage area will keep you connected even if you switch rooms or move somewhere else in your household. Since I’m almost always on the go, a 2.4 GHz is enough for me. I’m able to send emails, surf the web, and watch shows in standard or high definition (SD or HD, respectively) on my phone or laptop. Moreover, if you have Wi-Fi appliances, these devices work effectively on little bandwidth, making the 2.4 GHz frequency ideal for them.
Use 5 GHz for Bandwidth-Heavy Tasks, TVs, and ComputersOn the other hand, the 5 GHz frequency is better for tasks that require more bandwidth, like streaming in 4K and uploading large video files. My household likes to stream all the time, so they prefer using 5 GHz. With the 5 GHz frequency, they can watch their favorite shows without long buffer times. You won’t have as much mobility as you would with the 2.4 GHz frequency, meaning you may need to stay closer to the router in order to really get the benefit of the fast data speeds.
Boost Your Signal: In some areas of your house, you may find the 5 GHz signal is weak, causing buffering and lag on your devices. If so, consider purchasing a Wi-FI extender to keep your connection reliable and quick the farther you are from your router.
What About 6 GHz?
The 6 GHz frequency is more suited for households with multiple smart devices, 4K streaming televisions, or huge tech fans with an assortment of newer Wi-Fi electronics. While it has the smallest coverage area, it provides dedicated Wi-Fi channels to prevent interference. If you desire the fastest Wi-Fi connectivity on a 6 GHz connection, we recommend investing in a mesh Wi-Fi router system that has Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 with the 6 GHz frequency band. Otherwise, you may find yourself connecting to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz once you exit the range of your router.
How Do I Change My Wi-Fi Frequency?
While many routers these days will automatically switch between which frequency is best for your device at the time depending on signal strength, sometimes you may have to pick a Wi-Fi frequency manually. Typically, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connections will have separate Wi-Fi network names with either “2.4” or “5G” added to the end of the Wi-Fi name.
In the above example, you can see how the Spectrum Wi-Fi network has “5G” on the end of the name, indicating it is a dedicated 5 GHz network. If you want just the 5 GHz frequency band, you would connect to this network. But, if you want the 2.4 GHz frequency, you may choose the default name or look for the one with the “2.4” label in your Wi-Fi connection menu. Once again, which one you choose at the end of the day will depend on your device, what you’re doing on the internet, and how far you are from your router at the time.
Picking the right Wi-Fi frequency can speed up your Wi-Fi connection on your devices and help manage the traffic on your network. © Provided by BroadbandNow
Graphic with a radio depicting different Wi-Fi channels and frequencies © Provided by BroadbandNow
Image depicting a Wi-Fi network with multiple access points in a modern home © Provided by BroadbandNow
Photo of the TP-Link AXE75 Wi-Fi 6E router with cords plugged in © Provided by BroadbandNow
Screenshot of internet Wi-Fi settings on Android for selecting a 5 GHz network © Provided by BroadbandNow
 Related video: Capturing Free WiFi Using a Satellite Dish (The Skills)
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| From: Don Green | 8/1/2024 9:09:21 PM | | | | | | Nuclear Energy Stocks Soar as Prices Jump Ninefold on Largest US Power Grid
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Constellation Energy's Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, Maryland.Baltimore Sun / Contributor / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
- Nuclear energy stocks soared Wednesday after the largest electrical grid operator in the U.S. said prices at its power market auction increased ninefold year-over-year.
- Constellation Energy, which operates the largest collection of nuclear plants in the country, saw its shares jump more than 12%, while Vistra shares gained nearly 15%.
- Both companies are expected to report second-quarter earnings next week.
Shares of nuclear energy stocks soared Wednesday after the largest electrical grid operator in the U.S. said prices at its power market auction increased ninefold year-over-year.1
PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization (RTO) that operates the electrical grid across 13 states in the Northeast, said Tuesday that 2025-2026 prices for power plants were at $262.92 per megawatt-day, compared to $28.92 a year ago. Just over a fifth of the energy mix will come from nuclear energy.
Constellation Energy ( CEG), which operates the largest collection of nuclear plants in the country, saw its shares jump more than 12% Wednesday following the news, while shares of rival Vistra ( VST) rose nearly 15%.
With Wednesday's gains, shares of Constellation have surged more than 62% since the start of the year, while Vistra shares have doubled over the same period. Both companies are expected to report second-quarter earnings results next week.23
Data Centers Help Drive Up Electricity Demand The rise in prices comes as plants retire and demand for electricity surges, in part thanks to data centers to support artificial intelligence (AI).4
Yesterday, chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices ( AMD) reported data center revenue more than doubled to a quarterly record high as demand surged for chips to power data centers supporting AI.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projected earlier this year that electricity consumption from data centers, AI, and the cryptocurrency sector could double by 2026.
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