Yet another reason why you want to keep current with updates. Two hardware (CPU) level vulnerabilities, Spectre and Meltdown, have been detected.
Be aware that these issues are in your device’s microprocessor chip and not the operating system software. Intel and AMD as well as ARM processors dating back to 1995 are affected. The patches will tweak operating system and browser functions to compensate for the hardware problem. Brings back memories of HP days when firmware mods routinely “fixed” hardware problems in disk drives. Another important fact here is if you are still running XP or Vista it’s not likely a patch will be provided. Much more info.
No cause for panic for individuals but for the big boys it is going to be a headache. With that said you still want to install any operating system and browser updates that are available over the next few weeks. If you are stilling running XP or Vista you will be at slight risk since these vulnerabilities are now public knowledge so the black hat guys are aware of them.
According to December issue of PC World Microsoft will end their free upgrade path to Windows 10 on December 31, 2017. The savvy reader will say “Hey, Greg that free upgrade ended many months ago.” And that is correct. But, what most people aren’t aware of is that Microsoft has had available an extended free upgrade path for users implementing any type of “assistive technology”. Here is an 
Do you use strong passwords? Do you use unique passwords for your various website log on’s? What type of account do you use on your computer? Have you ever upgraded the firmware on your router? Do you find these questions mundane or annoying? If so you might want to look at the 
For the last couple years I have had an annoying pain in the butt after an hour fifteen into a ride. My butt bones would start talking to me. I want to stress this wasn’t the typical soft butt tissue cussing because it hadn’t been on the bike for a few months as is typical at the start of each riding season. It was the bones, predominantly the right side, that hurt. After 15 minutes or so the endorphin’s would kick in because the discomfort would go away but it was still uncomfortable. It kept me from doing rides of 40 miles or more. Couple weeks ago I paid a visit to a local bike shop to inquiry about saddles. Bike shop guy and I came to a mutual thought that raising the saddle would be worth a try. After raising the saddle 5mm and logging a couple rides there was a noticeable difference. The bones weren’t yelling but talking in a less angry grumpy tone. After logging 262 miles on eleven rides totaling 17 hours the butt bones have stopped talking and just whisper occasionally. Plus off the bike my gimpy worn out right hip has quieted down too. Life is good.