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.

Desktop tweaks in Windows can be fun, but watch out for risks

Desktop tweaks in Windows can be fun, but watch out for risks

There have been various ways of customizing the Windows desktop over the years — remember Windows Vista gadgets? But make sure you keep security in mind.

Good-bye, Windows 7

Good-bye, Windows 7

Microsoft's popular operating system aged out of support this month. And while it still has many fans, it's time to move on.

It’s 2023 — time for new Windows hardware?

It’s 2023 — time for new Windows hardware?

If the new year means a new Windows laptop, you’ll want to choose smartly. Here’s what to keep in mind if it’s time to upgrade.

The trials and tribulations of Microsoft’s KB5012170 patch

The trials and tribulations of Microsoft’s KB5012170 patch

Earlier this year, Microsoft rolled out an update to Secure Boot in Windows systems. It's at best a mixed blessing that can do more harm than good for many users.

Instead of tech gifts, give updates and support

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

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, 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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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

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 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

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

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....

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?

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

Before you know it, Windows 11 22H2 will be here

And Windows 10 22H2 will arrive this fall, as well. Are you ready?

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