Susan Bradley
Contributing Writer
Susan Bradley has been patching since before the Code Red/Nimda days and remembers exactly where she was when SQL slammer hit (trying to buy something on eBay and wondering why the Internet was so slow). She writes the Patch Watch column for Askwoody.com, is a moderator on the PatchManagement.org listserve, and writes a column of Windows security tips for CSOonline.com. In real life, she’s the IT wrangler at her firm, Tamiyasu, Smith, Horn and Braun, where she manages a fleet of Windows servers, Microsoft 365 deployments, Azure instances, desktops, a few Macs, several iPads, a few Surface devices, several iPhones and tries to keep patches up to date on all of them. In addition, she provides forensic computer investigations for the litigation consulting arm of the firm. She blogs at https://www.askwoody.com/tag/patch-lady-posts/ and is on twitter at @sbsdiva. She lurks on Twitter and Facebook, so if you are on Facebook with her, she really did read what you posted. She has a SANS/GSEC certification in security and prefers Heavy Duty Reynolds wrap for her tinfoil hat.
Instead of tech gifts, give updates and support
If you're thinking about what tech gifts you can hand out this year, take a step back and think about what's really important: hardware upgrades and tech support.
Making sense of out-of-band Windows updates and KIRs
Microsoft’s monthly security patches often have unintended side effects on Windows 10 and 11 systems. Out-of-band Windows updates and Known Issue Rollbacks can help. Here’s what you need to know.
For Windows 8, the end is near
For Windows 8 users still running the aging OS, the impending end-of-life deadline is getting close. Time to think about what to do next.
Beware going down the Windows beta-testing rabbit hole
Many tech geeks like to try out new Windows (and Office) features before they officially arrive. But beta testing can get confusing if you don't know what you're doing.
What does Windows 10 22H2 bring to the table? Not much.
Windows 11 isn't the only version to get a fall "22H2" update. Windows 10 has one, too. Here's what you need to know about it.
Microsoft Ignite in the rear-view mirror: What we learned
If you wanted to attend Ignite this year, you could go in person or keep tabs on things via the web. Either way, there was a lot to sort through.
Blogger’s notebook: File Explorer tabs, Ignite, and Windows 11 22H2
It's a big week for Microsoft with the company's Ignite event taking place. With that backdrop, let's look at a few Windows tidbits to keep in mind.
Windows 11 22H2 is out, so why isn’t your PC getting it?
Although the latest Windows 11 update was released two weeks ago, many users aren’t yet seeing it offered for download. Here’s why (and what you can do about it).
Windows 11 22H2 gets a slew of new group policy changes
With the latest version of Windows 11 officially out, IT admins have a variety of group policy options at their disposal. Here's a look at what they do.
As Windows 11 22H2 draws near, Windows 10 hangs on
If your company is still largely running Windows 10 and you’re not at all sure when you’ll move to Windows 11, you’ve got company.
Email woes gotcha worried? How to fix problems and fend off attacks
Email has become a major vector for attackers, prompting ISPs to tighten up their defenses. That, in turn, may be causing some issues for behind-the-times email users. Here's how to sort things out.
When Windows updating goes bad — the case of the problematic patch
To update or not to update, for Windows users that is the monthly question. And with last month's KB5012170, you better get the answer right.
For most users, Windows 11 22H2 doesn’t move the needle
Data from my informal survey shows most Windows 10 users are content with the status quo, and feel no pressure to move to Windows 11 — even with version 22H2 arriving soon.
What excites you about Windows 11? Inquiring minds want to know....
With Windows 11 22H2 arriving soon, some users may be ready to make the jump from Windows 10. If so, I want to hear from you.
Windows 11 22H2 arrives soon — are you ready to deploy?
The newest version of Windows 11 will be here soon, and if you've got new hardware, deployment shouldn't be a problem. But for Windows 10 users with older PCs, that's not necessarily the case.
Before you know it, Windows 11 22H2 will be here
And Windows 10 22H2 will arrive this fall, as well. Are you ready?
As technology evolves, obsolescence is a given
Remember the old TV show ‘The Jetsons’? How is it that people in the near future never seemed to worry about outdated technology?
For SMBs, Microsoft offers a new layer of server protection
Microsoft this month unveiled a preview of server protection aimed at small and mid-sized businesses, bundling the added security with Microsoft Defender for Business.
Thinking of an in-place Windows upgrade? Here's how to do it.
Not so long ago, IT admins would scorn the use of an in-place upgrade for Windows hardware. But you don't have to do everything from scratch now.