Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
+ AA6YQ comments below
Nice explanation but does the user have any part in this or is it all I the coding ?and the hardware in use? If the user has any part in this then how does the user accomplish it?
+ The user decides? - how many cores to purchase - how many cores to assign to each application
?It sounds like a user would? need to go get his Computer Science degree to even begin to touch this process.? ??
+ The Windows Task Manager displays each core's utilization, so a determined user without a deep understanding of the concepts can achieve an optimal assignment of applications to cores through trial and error.
? ? ? 73,
? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
Thanks for the info, Dave.
I understand to go into Windows Task Manager, Details tab, and Set Affinity to accomplish this.? I am finding, that when Spot Collector is terminated and restarted, I have to do it all over again.? I don't see a method to "Save" the affinity that I have set.
I also notice that, when I set it, the box shows this as a RESTRICTION on which processors are allowed to run a particular program, and the default is to allow ALL processors to run all programs.
It's going to take a while to build up my spots database enough to see the effects, I'll look at it then.? My spots database currently has less than 200 entries.? I just cleared it trying to get better performance.? Oh well...? :-)
7 3 Earl / KD5XB DM84 on six meters
e e
On Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 12:52 AM, Dave AA6YQ <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Oh my, I just realized the difference in cores and threads. I was thinking threads, as in giving giving three THREADS to Spot Collector. Is it instead three cores / six threads?
+ The terms threads and cores refer to different aspects of a CPU's functionality.
Threads
A thread is a sequence of instructions that a CPU executes. Threads are managed by the Windows and represent the smallest unit of processing. An application may be composed of a single thread, or it may accomplish its work with multiple threads running in parallel. SpotCollector, for example, employs multiple threads that collect spots from DX Clusters and insert them into its Spot Database in parallel while enabling you to filter and sort the Spot Database Display.
A CPU can be optimized to rapidly switch among multiple threads, for example by maintaining a separate register set for reach thread to avoid the need to save the current thread’s registers to memory and load the new thread’s registers from memory when switching between threads. At the extreme, a single CPU can appear to run multiple threads simultaneously – though it is actually switching among them.
Threads improve computational efficiency by allowing better utilization of a CPU’s resources; for example, a CPU can be executing threads A and B while thread C is waiting for data to be read from an SSD. However, two threads running on the same CPU do not yield a doubling of performance.
Cores
A core is a single CPU capable of executing one thread at a time, possibly with the ability to rapidly switch among multiple threads.
Modern microprocessors can include multiple cores, all with the ability to access primary memory (RAM) and secondary memory (solid state or rotating). To minimize memory contention, each core is provided with a cache memory (fast RAM) that maintains the subset of information from primary memory needed by the thread it is currently running. In general, bigger caches produce better performance.
Multiple cores exploit the parallelism both among and within the applications you are running. For example, each of SpotCollector’s threads can profitably run on separate cores, though there will be some contention over access to the Spot Database. There is less contention among separate applications – like DXKeeper and PropView – especially when they don’t read or write the same files.
Decisions
If you're contemplating the purchase of a new PC, then you can choose the number of cores you want based on an optimum assignment of applications to cores. If you're trying to optimize the the performance of a PC you already possess, then the process is to assign its cores to applications in the most performance-profitable manner. With respect to CPU and primary memory (RAM), SpotCollector is the most consumptive DXLab application. Start by assigning it 2 or 3 cores. If you have configured SpotCollector to generate a propagation forecast for each active station, assigning a core to PropView and the VOACAP engine would likely be performance-profitable as well. 73, Dave, AA6YQ (co-designer of 4 minicomputers and 1 microprocessor for Data General Corp back in the 1970s).
|
OK thanks. ? 73, Bob KB4CL ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KA9JAC via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2025 10:57 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [DXLab] Windows 11 24 H2? Here you can find a bug report from a couple weeks ago.
personally I have been using it without any issues.
73
Bob On 4/12/2025 8:38 AM, Bob Main via groups.io wrote: Do you know if 24 H2 ever got straightened out?? I remember a few months ago that it was one update you DID NOT want to install.? I’m asking because a friend of mine has the home edition of Windows 11 and he is wondering if it is safe to install. ? 73, Bob KB4CL
?
|
Here you can find a bug report from a couple weeks ago.
personally I have been using it without any issues.
73
Bob
On 4/12/2025 8:38 AM, Bob Main via
groups.io wrote:
Do
you know if 24 H2 ever got straightened out?? I remember a
few months ago that it was one update you DID NOT want to
install.? I’m asking because a friend of mine has the home
edition of Windows 11 and he is wondering if it is safe to
install.
?
73,
Bob KB4CL
|
Do you know if 24 H2 ever got straightened out?? I remember a few months ago that it was one update you DID NOT want to install.? I’m asking because a friend of mine has the home edition of Windows 11 and he is wondering if it is safe to install. ? 73, Bob KB4CL
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
Dave, I shared your?explanation with ND0B (whom I was on zoom with) and he used one of your computers while attending? NDSU in the 1970's . (North Dakota?State University).? The corp you worked for donated some computers to NDSU, and he noticed your byline at the end of your message....small world!
73, N0AN
+ AA6YQ comments below
Oh my, I just realized the difference in cores and threads.? I was thinking threads, as in giving giving three THREADS to Spot Collector.? Is it instead three cores / six threads?
+ The terms threads and cores refer to different aspects of a CPU's functionality.
Threads
A thread is a sequence of instructions that a CPU executes. Threads are managed by the Windows and represent the smallest unit of processing. An application may be composed of a single thread, or it may accomplish its work with multiple threads running in parallel. SpotCollector, for example, employs multiple threads that collect spots from DX Clusters and insert them into its Spot Database in parallel while enabling you to filter and sort the Spot Database Display.
A CPU can be optimized to rapidly switch among multiple threads, for example by maintaining a separate register set for reach thread to avoid the need to save the current thread’s registers to memory and load the new thread’s registers from memory when switching between threads. At the extreme, a single CPU can appear to run multiple threads simultaneously – though it is actually switching among them.
Threads improve computational efficiency by allowing better utilization of a CPU’s resources; for example, a CPU can be executing threads A and B while thread C is waiting for data to be read from an SSD. However, two threads running on the same CPU do not yield a doubling of performance.
Cores
A core is a single CPU capable of executing one thread at a time, possibly with the ability to rapidly switch among multiple threads.
Modern microprocessors can include multiple cores, all with the ability to access primary memory (RAM) and secondary memory (solid state or rotating).? To minimize memory contention, each core is provided with a cache memory (fast RAM) that maintains the subset of information from primary memory needed by the thread it is currently running. In general, bigger caches produce better performance.
Multiple cores exploit the parallelism both among and within the applications you are running. For example, each of SpotCollector’s threads can profitably run on separate cores, though there will be some contention over access to the Spot Database.? There is less contention among separate applications – like DXKeeper and PropView – especially when they don’t read or write the same files.
Decisions
If you're contemplating the purchase of a new PC, then you can choose the number of cores you want based on an optimum assignment of applications to cores. If you're trying to optimize the the performance of a PC you already possess, then the process is to assign its cores to applications in the most performance-profitable manner. With respect to CPU and primary memory (RAM), SpotCollector is the most consumptive DXLab application. Start by assigning it 2 or 3 cores. If you have configured SpotCollector to generate a propagation forecast for each active station, assigning a core to PropView and the VOACAP engine would likely be performance-profitable as well. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ (co-designer of 4 minicomputers and 1 microprocessor for Data General Corp back in the 1970s).?
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
Nice explanation but does the user have any part in this or is it all I the coding ?and the hardware in use? If the user has any part in this then how does the user accomplish it? It sounds like a user would? need to go get his Computer Science degree to even begin to touch this process.? ? ? Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb ? ?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave AA6YQ via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2025 1:52 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [DXLab] Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab? Oh my, I just realized the difference in cores and threads.? I was thinking threads, as in giving giving three THREADS to Spot Collector.? Is it instead three cores / six threads?
+ The terms threads and cores refer to different aspects of a CPU's functionality. Threads
A thread is a sequence of instructions that a CPU executes. Threads are managed by the Windows and represent the smallest unit of processing. An application may be composed of a single thread, or it may accomplish its work with multiple threads running in parallel. SpotCollector, for example, employs multiple threads that collect spots from DX Clusters and insert them into its Spot Database in parallel while enabling you to filter and sort the Spot Database Display.
A CPU can be optimized to rapidly switch among multiple threads, for example by maintaining a separate register set for reach thread to avoid the need to save the current thread’s registers to memory and load the new thread’s registers from memory when switching between threads. At the extreme, a single CPU can appear to run multiple threads simultaneously – though it is actually switching among them. Threads improve computational efficiency by allowing better utilization of a CPU’s resources; for example, a CPU can be executing threads A and B while thread C is waiting for data to be read from an SSD. However, two threads running on the same CPU do not yield a doubling of performance. Cores A core is a single CPU capable of executing one thread at a time, possibly with the ability to rapidly switch among multiple threads.
Modern microprocessors can include multiple cores, all with the ability to access primary memory (RAM) and secondary memory (solid state or rotating).? To minimize memory contention, each core is provided with a cache memory (fast RAM) that maintains the subset of information from primary memory needed by the thread it is currently running. In general, bigger caches produce better performance. Multiple cores exploit the parallelism both among and within the applications you are running. For example, each of SpotCollector’s threads can profitably run on separate cores, though there will be some contention over access to the Spot Database.? There is less contention among separate applications – like DXKeeper and PropView – especially when they don’t read or write the same files.
Decisions
If you're contemplating the purchase of a new PC, then you can choose the number of cores you want based on an optimum assignment of applications to cores.
If you're trying to optimize the the performance of a PC you already possess, then the process is to assign its cores to applications in the most performance-profitable manner.
With respect to CPU and primary memory (RAM), SpotCollector is the most consumptive DXLab application. Start by assigning it 2 or 3 cores.
If you have configured SpotCollector to generate a propagation forecast for each active station, assigning a core to PropView and the VOACAP engine would likely be performance-profitable as well.
? ? ? ?73,
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ (co-designer of 4 minicomputers and 1 microprocessor for Data General Corp back in the 1970s).?
-- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W
Hierro candente, batir de repente
HP Laptop
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
+ AA6YQ comments below
Oh my, I just realized the difference in cores and threads.? I was thinking threads, as in giving giving three THREADS to Spot Collector.? Is it instead three cores / six threads?
+ The terms threads and cores refer to different aspects of a CPU's functionality.
Threads
A thread is a sequence of instructions that a CPU executes. Threads are managed by the Windows and represent the smallest unit of processing. An application may be composed of a single thread, or it may accomplish its work with multiple threads running in parallel. SpotCollector, for example, employs multiple threads that collect spots from DX Clusters and insert them into its Spot Database in parallel while enabling you to filter and sort the Spot Database Display.
A CPU can be optimized to rapidly switch among multiple threads, for example by maintaining a separate register set for reach thread to avoid the need to save the current thread’s registers to memory and load the new thread’s registers from memory when switching between threads. At the extreme, a single CPU can appear to run multiple threads simultaneously – though it is actually switching among them.
Threads improve computational efficiency by allowing better utilization of a CPU’s resources; for example, a CPU can be executing threads A and B while thread C is waiting for data to be read from an SSD. However, two threads running on the same CPU do not yield a doubling of performance.
Cores
A core is a single CPU capable of executing one thread at a time, possibly with the ability to rapidly switch among multiple threads.
Modern microprocessors can include multiple cores, all with the ability to access primary memory (RAM) and secondary memory (solid state or rotating).? To minimize memory contention, each core is provided with a cache memory (fast RAM) that maintains the subset of information from primary memory needed by the thread it is currently running. In general, bigger caches produce better performance.
Multiple cores exploit the parallelism both among and within the applications you are running. For example, each of SpotCollector’s threads can profitably run on separate cores, though there will be some contention over access to the Spot Database.? There is less contention among separate applications – like DXKeeper and PropView – especially when they don’t read or write the same files.
Decisions
If you're contemplating the purchase of a new PC, then you can choose the number of cores you want based on an optimum assignment of applications to cores. If you're trying to optimize the the performance of a PC you already possess, then the process is to assign its cores to applications in the most performance-profitable manner. With respect to CPU and primary memory (RAM), SpotCollector is the most consumptive DXLab application. Start by assigning it 2 or 3 cores. If you have configured SpotCollector to generate a propagation forecast for each active station, assigning a core to PropView and the VOACAP engine would likely be performance-profitable as well. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ (co-designer of 4 minicomputers and 1 microprocessor for Data General Corp back in the 1970s).?
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
Oh my, I just realized the difference in cores and threads.? I was thinking threads, as in giving giving three THREADS to Spot Collector.? Is it instead three cores / six threads?
Thanks, Earl / KD5XB
On Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 3:20 PM, Dave AA6YQ <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Assigning three cores to Spot Collector, and one (?) to PropView?
Should one then go through ALL apps and restrict them from using the cores that SpotCollector and PropView are assigned to??
+ If you're going to assign 3 cores to SpotCollector and 1 core to PropView and the VOACAP engine, then I suggest assigning your other DXLab applications to a 5th core, assuming that you have one.
?
? ? ? 73,
? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
+ AA6YQ comments below
Assigning three cores to Spot Collector, and one (?) to PropView?
Should one then go through ALL apps and restrict them from using the cores that SpotCollector and PropView are assigned to??
+ If you're going to assign 3 cores to SpotCollector and 1 core to PropView and the VOACAP engine, then I suggest assigning your other DXLab applications to a 5th core, assuming that you have one.
?
? ? ? 73,
? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
|
Re: Graphics cards and Monitors for the shack/ DXLab
So, looking at this --
Assigning three cores to Spot Collector, and one (?) to PropView?
Should one then go through ALL apps and restrict them from using the cores that SpotCollector and PropView are assigned to?? That sounds like a lot of work...
Thanks, Earl / KD5XB
Sent from Proton Mail Android
-------- Original Message -------- On 3/27/25 11:49 AM, Dave AA6YQ wrote: + AA6YQ comments below
is SpotCollector multi-processor or multi-core aware?
+ I did not design SpotCollector or any other DXLab component to detect and exploit the presence of multiple cores. However, testing revealed that SpotCollector's performance does increase if 2 or 3 cores are assigned - likely due to parallelism in the Jet database engine. If you have SpotCollector configured to direct PropView to generate a propagation forecast for each new Spot Database Entry, then assigning PropView to a core would likely also improve performance,? + See the Hardware Capabilities section of ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ
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Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11 - final report!
Success thanks to the advice from all of you who contributed, and Dave's FB instructions, I am now running Windows 11 and everything seems to be working!
Great group, great software and the best support all contribute to my continued enjoyment of the hobby!
Thanks and 73 de W5SV, David
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
This group does not allow pictures. ?It will be interesting to hear what they have to say. ?It will also be interesting to see how quickly they reply.
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On Apr 10, 2025, at 18:25, Jamie WW3S via groups.io <ww3s@...> wrote:
this is the message I get if I just use 1.1.1.1? ? ? I'll see what cloudfare says
------ Original Message ------ Date 4/10/2025 7:11:19 PM Subject Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I do but I turned it off, rebooted the computer and tested again. ?1.1.1.1 still works.
On Apr 10, 2025, at 16:40, Jamie WW3S via groups.io <ww3s@...> wrote:
Do you have a secondary dns server specified? If I choose a second it works, but with only 1.1.1.1 it doesnt On Apr 10, 2025, at 5:13?PM, TOM-KQ5S via groups.io <kq5stom@...> wrote:
? I use 1.1.1.1 and just did an LOTW upload via DXKeeper with no problems. ?I also connected via the internet. On Apr 10, 2025, at 15:56, Dave AA6YQ via groups.io <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1 + I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
-- ?Tom-KQ5S
Tom-KQ5S
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
this is the message I get if I just use 1.1.1.1? ? ? I'll see what cloudfare says
------ Original Message ------
Date 4/10/2025 7:11:19 PM
Subject Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I do but I turned it off, rebooted the computer and tested again. ?1.1.1.1 still works.
On Apr 10, 2025, at 16:40, Jamie WW3S via groups.io <ww3s@...> wrote:
Do you have a secondary dns server specified? If I choose a second it works, but with only 1.1.1.1 it doesnt On Apr 10, 2025, at 5:13?PM, TOM-KQ5S via groups.io <kq5stom@...> wrote:
? I use 1.1.1.1 and just did an LOTW upload via DXKeeper with no problems. ?I also connected via the internet.
On Apr 10, 2025, at 15:56, Dave AA6YQ via groups.io <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
+ I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
-- Tom-KQ5S
-- Tom-KQ5S
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I do but I turned it off, rebooted the computer and tested again. ?1.1.1.1 still works.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 10, 2025, at 16:40, Jamie WW3S via groups.io <ww3s@...> wrote:
Do you have a secondary dns server specified? If I choose a second it works, but with only 1.1.1.1 it doesnt On Apr 10, 2025, at 5:13?PM, TOM-KQ5S via groups.io <kq5stom@...> wrote:
? I use 1.1.1.1 and just did an LOTW upload via DXKeeper with no problems. ?I also connected via the internet.
On Apr 10, 2025, at 15:56, Dave AA6YQ via groups.io <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
+ I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
-- Tom-KQ5S
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
Do you have a secondary dns server specified? If I choose a second it works, but with only 1.1.1.1 it doesnt
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 10, 2025, at 5:13?PM, TOM-KQ5S via groups.io <kq5stom@...> wrote:
? I use 1.1.1.1 and just did an LOTW upload via DXKeeper with no problems. ?I also connected via the internet.
On Apr 10, 2025, at 15:56, Dave AA6YQ via groups.io <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
+ I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
-- Tom-KQ5S
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I use 1.1.1.1 and just did an LOTW upload via DXKeeper with no problems. ?I also connected via the internet.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 10, 2025, at 15:56, Dave AA6YQ via groups.io <aa6yq@...> wrote:
+ AA6YQ comments below
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
+ I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
+ AA6YQ comments below
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
+ I don't know why CloudFlare's DNS wouldn't let you connect to LoTW. You'd have to ask them to investigate; please post what you learn here. ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Dave, AA6YQ
|
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
Dave, I changed my DNS yesterday to 1.1.1.1 and all seemed good.....until.....I tried to upload to LOTW today, and I got a message it wasnt reachable, so I tried via a browser to connect to LOTW via the internet, still couldnt reach it, says to disable network prediction or change my dns.....so I switched back to AUTO for my wan dns setting, is there something else I should have enabled to still be able to use lotw with 1.1.1.1
------ Original Message ------
Date 4/9/2025 3:07:38 PM
Subject Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11
To continue running Windows 10 after Microsoft drops support,
1. don't use the system to maintain financial information, or any information that could facilitate identify theft
2. use a quality router with a bult-in firewall, and close all unnecessary ports
3. use a secure DNS, e.g. CloudFlare's free 1.1.1.1
https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-1.1.1.1/
4. maintain an up-to-date version of MalwareBytes, and direct it to scan for malware once each week?
Detailed recommendations from Perplexity are appended below
? ? ? ?73,
? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ
**Security Precautions for Unsupported Windows 10 PCs**
?
**1. Use a Robust Anti-Malware Solution** ?
Install a reputable third-party antivirus with active updates (e.g., Malwarebytes, Kaspersky) to compensate for the lack of Microsoft security patches. **Microsoft Defender will no longer receive updates after October 14, 2025**, leaving inherent vulnerabilities unpatched[2][4]. Avoid running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously to prevent system instability[3].
?
**2. Enable Advanced Browser Protections** ?
Use browsers like **Firefox** or **Microsoft Edge** with strict pop-up blockers, ad-blockers (e.g., uBlock Origin), and enable **SmartScreen** to block malicious sites[3]. Avoid downloading untrusted files or opening suspicious email attachments[3].
?
**3. Apply Third-Party Security Patches** ?
Services like **0patch** offer micro-patches for critical vulnerabilities. The free tier covers some 0-day exploits, while the Pro plan ($24.95/year per PC) provides comprehensive coverage[4]. This is essential for mitigating unpatched Windows vulnerabilities.
?
**4. Minimize Attack Surface** ?
- **Disable unnecessary services/ports** - seen report appended below
- **Use a standard (non-admin) account** for daily tasks to limit malware privileges[3]. ?
- **Enable Tamper Protection** in Windows Security to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings[3].
?
**5. Network-Level Protections** ?
- **Use a firewall** (hardware or software) to restrict inbound/outbound traffic. ?
- **Route traffic through a secure DNS** (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) to block malicious domains. ?
- **Consider isolating the PC** from critical network devices using VLANs or a separate physical network.
?
**Critical Reminder:** ?
Unsupported systems remain vulnerable to **zero-day exploits** and targeted attacks. Use this PC only for non-sensitive tasks, and avoid storing critical data or accessing financial accounts from it[2][4].
Citations:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
?
**Ports to Consider Closing in Windows 10 for Enhanced Security**
**Critical Ports to Block** ?
- **Ports 135-139, 445**: Associated with SMB (Server Message Block) and NetBIOS, historically targeted for exploits like EternalBlue. **Disable SMBv1** first via "Turn Windows Features On/Off," then block these ports if no network sharing or printing is needed[4][5]. ?
- **Port 3389**: Used for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Block inbound connections unless remote access is explicitly required[4][7]. ?
- **Ports 1433/1434**: Used by Microsoft SQL Server. Close if no database services are running[4][7]. ?
- **Port 3306**: MySQL default port. Unnecessary unless hosting a MySQL server[4][7]. ?
- **Port 5000**: Often used by vulnerable services (e.g., Universal Plug and Play). Block unless required[5]. ?
**General Guidelines** ?
1. **Identify Open Ports**: Use `netstat -an` to detect listening ports[7][5]. ?
2. **Block via Windows Firewall**: ?
? ?- Navigate to **Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules > New Rule**[2][3]. ?
? ?- Select **Port > Block Connection** and specify the port number (e.g., 445)[3][5]. ?
3. **Outbound vs. Inbound**: ?
? ?- **Inbound**: Block unused services (e.g., RDP, SMB). ?
? ?- **Outbound**: Generally safe to leave open unless restricting telemetry/data exfiltration[4][6]. ?
**Impact of Closing Ports** ?
- **SMB/NetBIOS**: Disables file/print sharing and network discovery[4][5]. ?
- **RDP**: Prevents remote access but has no effect on local use[4]. ?
- **Database Ports**: Stops external access to SQL/MySQL services[4][7]. ?
**Security Best Practices** ?
- **Disable Unused Services**: Turn off SMBv1 and RDP in Windows Features/Settings[4][5]. ?
- **Use a Router Firewall**: Block inbound ports at the network level (e.g., disable UPnP)[5][7]. ?
- **Minimal Rule Set**: Allow only ports 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), and specific application ports (e.g., SSH on 22 if used)[6][7]. ?
**Tools for Management** ?
- **Windows Firewall**: Primary tool for port blocking[2][3][8]. ?
- **Third-Party Software**: Tools like Windows Doors Cleaner simplify port management but are less transparent[5]. ?
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Citations:
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[2]
[3]
[4]
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[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
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Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share
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Oh yeah!? Seeing the syntax helped a bunch!
Thanks! Earl
On Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 1:17 PM, John P via groups.io <j.m.price@...> wrote:
Earl, there is a button script that does that in my scripts for the FT-891. The zip file is in the files section here?
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John P.
WA2FZW
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Gilbert Baron W0MN