Windows Perversity

I recently noticed that my wireless router was using the default password set by the manufacturer, so I changed it, and then had to log the computers on with the new password.

My Windows 10 machines was the perfect gentleman, noting that something had changed and prompting me to enter the new password. My Windows 8 Laptop was less obliging, presenting no password prompt and just saying it couldn't connect. After fiddling about for a while I tried the right mouse button in desperation, and got a little box with a place to enter the password. Thereafter all was well. So there is at least one respect in which W10 is superior to W8.

Elusive Manifestos

I can't find election manifestos for any of the parties. I've asked in vain at the local branches of both Smiths and Waterstones, the only places in Market Harborough here likely to sell them. Perhaps one is supposed to read them online.

I'll try in Leicester next time |I'm there.

A Fruitful Meander

On today's visit to Sainsbury's, instead of going straight to the places where I hoped to find the items on my shopping list, I strolled along every aisle in the shop to see what was there. I spotted various things in surprising places, but the great find was redcurrant jelly. I blogged about redcurrant jelly before after searching for it in vain among the jams and preserves, but today I found it, among pastas herbs and spices.

I sometimes meander around the house too, looking in every cupboard and drawer to remind myself what's there. I may do that again soon. It can be quite a revelation.

A Significant Sum

The Labour Party proposes to increase income tax for those with annual incomes exceeding £80 000.

Wondering why they chose that sum, it eventually occurred to me that £80 000 is just a few thousand pounds higher than the salary of a Member of Parliament.

Vulnerable Computers

Numerous computers have succumbed to an attack that exploited a vulnerability in their aged operating systems.

Apparently the vulnerability had for several years been known to American Security people who had joyfully exploited it to spy on people's data, until hackers stole the secret from Government computers. Microsoft responded by releasing a 'patch' in March, but those in change of the National Health Service computer systems still hadn't got round to applying that patch in mid May, when a virus struck.

From time to time Government agencies demand that computer security systems should have a built in weakness, often called a 'back door', to allow them access. If Governments can't keep such back doors secret malicious folk will be able to use them too.