Buzz
Following Google's remarks on CPU flaw fixes, yesterday, Intel's CEO, Brian Krzanich at CES 2018, took 2 minutes to discuss hardware bugs found in their chipsets on modern computers and servers. Recently, Terry Myerson of Microsoft also addressed the impact of Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities on Windows 10, 8, and 7 performance.
Microsoft speaks out about the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerability patches, addressing their impact on Windows performance.
Microsoft has released Meltdown and Spectre patches for Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 users, similar to a cumulative update with some additional enhancements. Microsoft plans to start deploying OTA updates for Windows 8.1 and 7 devices with security patches on Patch Tuesday. Before releasing the new cumulative updates, Microsoft has detailed how Meltdown and Spectre vulnerability patches affect the performance of older devices.
As predicted, patches for vulnerabilities that could impact and slow down some older computers have been released, significantly affecting device performance. Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, explains that Windows 10 users with the latest-generation silicon chips will not notice any performance differences after installing Meltdown and Spectre vulnerability patches.
Computers using Intel's Skylake, Kaby Lake chips, or newer CPUs will not experience performance reduction, while Benchmarks report that patches will have some impact but not significantly affect device performance. Windows 10 computers manufactured in 2015 with Haswell chips or older CPUs may experience significant performance reductions. When considering CPU purchases, consult on selecting a CPU suitable for your device.
Additionally, Windows 7 and 8 computers using Haswell chips experience the most noticeable system performance reduction. Note that Windows Server is also affected; Microsoft advises IT admins to carefully consider before applying Meltdown and Spectre patches. Patches for Windows Server will significantly impact device performance, Myerson explains.
Both Microsoft and Intel's Meltdown and Spectre vulnerability patches affect and slow down devices running older versions of Windows, using previous-generation processors.
In addition to information about device performance before the two Meltdown and Spectre security flaws, Microsoft's virtual assistant, Cortana, has garnered a lot of user attention and is regarded as one of the best virtual assistants today. This virtual assistant has been integrated into many different devices, and Cortana is integrated into even more devices in 2018, promising a smarter, more convenient future for users.
