Computer chip problem

[Snoop Puss]

Hi, I've just been reading the news in a Spanish online newspaper about this chip problem that's been identified. I had a look at the BBC as well.

According to the Spanish paper (national and generally very reliable), users are likely to need to buy a new computer. Which I thought a bit extreme, so I went off to check the Beeb.

According to the BBC, if I've understood rightly, Microsoft will be issuing a patch for Windows 10 users. The rest of us are in trouble.

Have I got this right? In my particular case, I have a four-year-old laptop running Windows 8.1. and some expensive software that I wouldn't be able to transfer for free to another computer but would have to repurchase.

[DannyK]

It looks as if they will be patching the older Windows OSs

Microsoft fixes Intel, AMD security vulnerability - Business Insider

Haven't had time to research properly yet as only just heard this on the news. Trying to find what's going on with Macs!

This supposed to effect Intel, AMD and ARM, so it looks as if all devices like phones will be effected.

[burnie]

AMD have said it does not affect their processors

[Snoop Puss]

Thanks, guys, and especially for the Business Insider link, DannyK. That was really helpful. And a relief.

Phew. I knew this would be the right place to come for reliable information. So much for mainstream media!

[veggiechicken]

Intel, ARM and AMD chip scare: What you need to know - BBC News

[Snoop Puss]

^^ Thanks, VC. The other article that I read has been updated, as it no longer mentions Windows 10. Sometimes, it doesn't pay to be the early bird with these news stories!

[Cadalot]

I recall all the contingency plans that were put in place in The Year 2000 problem, also known as the Y2K problem, the Millennium bug, the Y2K bug, or Y2K, a class of computer bugs related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates beginning in the year 2000.

People were predicting that toasters would not work and planes would full out of the sky etc.

[veggiechicken]

I'm Updating my Win10 as we speak. Don't know if this is the relevant one but its "Cumulative update 2018-1. There's also a Definitions update for Win Defender in the queue.

[veggiechicken]

I'm Updating my Win10 as we speak. Don't know if this is the relevant one but its "Cumulative update 2018-1. There's also a Definitions update for Win Defender in the queue.

Just completed!!

[Miss Mousetrousers]

I've only just got used to the last Windows 10 big update which affected a few things like my printer can't talk to my pc when the inks are getting low, my email window starts automatically and sometimes my last browsing session does too, and a few other bits and pieces. Boo hiss!

[Baldy]

google project zero researchers discovered the two flaws - sounds like patches will address one of them, "meltdown" but not the other "spectre" - and spectre would seem to effect Intel AMD and ARM processors.

https://meltdownattack.com/

Glad I've got a few more days off work tbh...
It doesn't sound like there is an attack out in the wild yet - but google pushed forward releasing their results "because of existing public reports and growing speculation in the press and security research community about the issue, which raises the risk of exploitation."

[Jay-ell]

I wouldn't worry - whats the worst than can happen - telecommunications systems failure, internet collapses, world markets fail, international banking and finance wiped out?

They said that about the Y2k bug.

That's going to happen anyway when the Kessler Effect kicks in and all the satellites start to explode in a chain reaction.

Thats why I'm still keeping my DVDs.

[Baldy]

I like the names they've chosen...

[Snoop Puss]

That's going to happen anyway when the Kessler Effect kicks in and all the satellites start to explode in a chain reaction.

Something else to worry about!

[DWSmith]

I run Linux. If something happens to my PC I'll just pop the DVD in the drive and reimage my machine. Fortunately I automatically get updates to everything running on my computer automatically but security is not a big issue for Linux like it is for M$ Windoze.