If tech news were sweet tea, this week was extra strong. Google put AI right inside Chrome, Microsoft shared more Windows 11 update notes (and caught flak about Windows 10’s sunset), chipmakers made big hardware moves, and scammers kept trying to fool folks with “too-real” invoices. If you run a small business, work from home, or just help family with their PCs, here’s the friendly, plain-English version of what matters.
News For The Week:
Google puts “Gemini” AI right inside Chrome
Full link: https://www.wired.com/story/google-gemini-ai-chrome-browser
Think of this as a helpful assistant built into your browser. You’ll start to see a Gemini button in Chrome that can summarize pages, help research across your open tabs, and eventually even perform small tasks for you (like helping with forms). It’s rolling out to U.S. desktop users in English first.
Why you should care: this can save time for owners and home users who do lots of reading, comparison shopping, or policy-copy wrangling. You can turn it off if you don’t want it. Tip: don’t paste private info into AI chats unless you mean to share it. (WIRED)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Windows 11 24H2: current status & known issues
Full link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-24h2
Microsoft’s big 2024/25 Windows 11 update (24H2) is now broadly offered to eligible PCs. Microsoft lists some driver and app hiccups they’re tracking and fixing. If the update isn’t offered yet, your PC may still be waiting on a fix or driver. That’s normal.
Before you update: make a quick backup of important files, check that your audio and specialty software are up to date, and schedule the update for the end of the day so it doesn’t interrupt work. (Microsoft Learn)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Consumer Reports asks Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support
Full link: https://www.theverge.com/news/779079/consumer-reports-windows-10-extended-support-microsoft
Windows 10 security updates end on October 14, 2025. Consumer Reports urged Microsoft to keep free security fixes going longer so folks with older, non-upgradeable PCs aren’t left exposed. That’s millions of computers—many in homes and small offices. Microsoft offers paid “Extended Security Updates,” but that still leaves a lot of people in a bind.
Practical takeaway: if your PC can’t move to Windows 11, start planning now—either budget for a replacement or talk to us about safe-use strategies and interim protections. (The Verge)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Nvidia invests $5B in Intel; new hybrid PC chips planned
Two giants are teaming up: Nvidia (famous for graphics/AI chips) is putting $5 billion into Intel and the pair plan new x86 “RTX” system-on-chips that combine Intel CPUs with Nvidia graphics. For regular humans, that means future Windows laptops and desktops could get thinner, faster, and more power-efficient for everyday work and light creative tasks.
If you’re due for a new PC soon, this is a peek at what 2026+ devices may bring. It’s not a “buy now” alert—just helpful to know what’s coming. (Reuters)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
AMD launches Ryzen 9000 PRO CPUs for business PCs
AMD’s new Ryzen 9000 PRO chips focus on the business features small offices actually care about: better performance within modest power, plus management and security capabilities. You’ll mostly see these inside new desktops from major brands rather than as retail parts.
If you’re refreshing office PCs later this year, machines with these CPUs are a good candidate—especially for bookkeeping, office suites, and light creative work. (Tom's Hardware)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Amazon sets Sept. 30 hardware event (Echo, Kindle, more)
Full link: https://www.theverge.com/news/778008/amazon-fall-hardware-event-announced-kindles-echo-alexa
Amazon’s “Devices & Services” showcase lands Sept. 30. Expect new Echo speakers, Fire TV gear, and maybe new Kindles. For home offices and storefronts, these can be inexpensive ways to add displays, voice controls, or customer-facing info screens.
We’ll sift the real-world winners when the products drop—things like better microphones in noisy shops, or smarter routines for after-hours security lighting. (The Verge)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
HP warns: ultra-realistic PDF invoice scams are on the rise
Full link: https://www.hp.com/us-en/newsroom/press-releases/2025/hp-september-2025-threat-report.html
Attackers are polishing fake invoices so well they can fool careful people. Some tricks include hiding malware inside images or using built-in Windows tools so antivirus won’t notice. The PDFs look right; the links are not.
How to protect your team at home or work: (1) verify invoices by phone or your known portal—don’t click invoice links; (2) keep Windows and your PDF reader updated; (3) use accounts without admin rights for day-to-day work; (4) turn on email attachment scanning where available. (HP)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
“Shai-Hulud” supply-chain malware hits hundreds of npm packages
If you (or your web developer) use JavaScript packages from npm, a self-spreading worm has tampered with many of them. It tries to steal tokens and passwords, then spreads by updating more packages. Even if you don’t code, this matters—many websites and small business tools rely on these building blocks.
Action items: ask your developer to review recent package updates, rotate any exposed keys, and turn on two-factor authentication for GitHub and cloud accounts. For DIY site owners, hold off on updating sketchy plugins and make a fresh backup now. (SecurityWeek)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Ransomware leak in New Orleans shows local orgs are targets too
Full link: https://www.axios.com/2025/09/15/new-orleans-sheriff-ransomware-attack-data-leak
A ransomware group began leaking stolen data from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office after a recent attack. Why this matters to a Charleston bakery or a home-based business: these gangs hit whoever is easiest, not just big cities. The fallout is downtime, public leaks, and expensive cleanup.
What helps: offline backups (that aren’t always connected), multi-factor logins, and rehearsing “what if” steps—who to call, how to notify customers, and how to keep taking payments. We can help you set that up before you ever need it. (Axios)
⋯⋯⋯ ✦ ✦ ✦ ⋯⋯⋯
Best AI email tools for small businesses (roundup)
Full link: https://www.webpronews.com/top-ai-email-marketing-tools-for-small-businesses-in-2025/
WebProNews highlights affordable tools that can write subject lines, create newsletters, and schedule campaigns for you. If your “marketing team” is…you, these services are serious time-savers.
Quick start: pick one platform, connect your contact list, and test two emails per week. Let the AI draft, then you add your voice (and local charm). Over a month, you’ll see what resonates—and you didn’t lose evenings to writer’s block. (WebProNews)
Windows Tips For The Week:
- Delay big updates until after work. Use Settings → Windows Update → Pause for 1 week if today’s busy. Then update at day’s end and reboot twice.
- Back up the easy way. Turn on OneDrive (or your preferred cloud) for Desktop/Documents/Pictures. That covers “oops” deletes and lost laptops.
- Use a Standard account for daily work. Keep an Admin account only for installs. This blocks many attacks automatically.
- Turn on built-in protections. In Windows Security, make sure Virus & threat protection and Smart App Control (Windows 11) are enabled.
- Check your drivers before 24H2. If audio or specialty hardware is fussy, update those drivers first—then take the Windows update. Learn more: Microsoft’s release dashboard. (Microsoft Learn)
AI Prompt Ideas:
Copy/paste this into your favorite AI (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) and tweak the parts in [brackets]:
“You’re my friendly marketing assistant. Create a 4-week email plan for my [type of business] in [Charleston, SC], with 2 emails per week. For each email include: a catchy subject line, 120-word body, a P.S. tip, and one simple call-to-action that gets readers to call [843-670-4153] or visit [https://www.holycityit.com]. Aim for a warm, local tone. Keep it family-friendly.”
When you’re ready to upgrade PCs, harden security, or dip your toes into AI tools without the tech-headache, Holy City Computer Services is here to help Charleston’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and home users. Call 843-670-4153, email support@holycityit.com, or visit https://www.holycityit.com. We’ll make the “scary tech stuff” simple—and get you back to doing what you love.