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.
Not all patching problems are created equal
Virtually every month, patches released by Microsoft come with unexpected side effects that have to be mitigated. But not everyone will be affected — and those that are won’t always be hit the same way.
Just what does Windows 11 bring to the table?
For many enterprise users (with the right Windows licensing) Windows 11 offers a number of security upgrades. But for more regular users, those tools may not be available.
Want a good Windows experience? Focus first on hardware
There are a variety of versions of Windows 10 and 11 available, and picking the right one depends on your security needs. But first, don’t skimp on hardware.
Printer setup problems? There’s got to be a better way.
It’s not always easy to get a printer connected to your network and working reliably. So why are printer makers complicating things now by requiring smartphone apps to even get started?
When humans make tech mistakes
Just because a vendor has a good track record doesn't mean they can't make mistakes that could lead to data loss. After all, tech vendors are human, too.
What to do about IE and .NET?
Internet Explorer is soon to be retired, and older versions of .Net are about to run out of support. But that doesn't mean Windows users should start deleting things right now.
When it comes to Windows, out with the old, in with the…what?
The arrival last year of Windows 11 has prompted a lot of Windows users to think about upgrades — and what can actually meet their technology needs. Some thoughts on what works and what doesn’t.
On browsers and bugs
While most computer users focus on desktop and mobile device patches, it’s important to make sure browsers are kept up to date as well.
Microsoft, its partners, and the ‘last-mile problem’
Microsoft recently unveiled changes to its partner program that shift the emphasis from customer to support to sales, sales, sales.
Do you know where your software comes from?
As the world watches what's happening in Ukraine, computer users are thinking more about the software and hardware they use — and where it comes from.
Change my password? AGAIN?
It’s not unusual for companies to require password changes routinely. But that doesn’t do as much for security as most people think; multi-factor authentication is a better option.