TOP STORIES #50

News from Microsoft has slowed down a bit, but still a lot of interesting things going on this week.

For all new members this week, welcome!

You can read last week's letter #49 here.

If you would like to invite others to Join, they can click here.

Hardware

What is all fuss about the Intel Meteor Lake Generation of CPU's

Well, there is a lot.

The first is that these new CPU's contain a special processor dedicated to certain types of AI workloads (NPU/VPU), taking the pressure off the GPU. Next, is that the GPU inside the CPU can deliver "ok" gaming performance, and then Intel is using a Chiplet design that allows it to make the CPU up out of different pieces of silicone from different foundries, allowing for more efficient designs leading to better battery life at higher levels of performance.

In addition to all this Intel has a brand new naming convention, where it is resetting these generational releases back to starting with 1. All these changes are very important to understand especially from a procurement perspective. The basic things that you used to include in your RFQ's specifications like Core i5, I7, I9 etc.... are no longer applicable. It is very important to meet with your First Tech Hardware AM to understand the new models coming down the line so you can update your specifications, and I URGE you to consider changing your minimum memory specification to 32Gig (See TOP STORIES #46 about Microsoft changing the minimum specification). Remember, what you buy today will be in your environment all the way through to 2027.

Here is a great summary from Linus Tech Tips explaining just what the Intel Meteor Lake CPU is all about, along with the change in the naming convention.

End of the line for UHP lamp based projectors

In the EU regulations banning the manufacture and sale of UHP lamps will come into effect in 2026.

Right now, the ban is limited to the EU, but it is likely to ensure that manufacturers will not be investing in R&D in UHP lamp-based projectors going forward, so it is now a good idea to consider transitioning to LED and Laser-based models. You can read more here.

Microsoft

CoPilot in Teams has been updated

Microsoft is rolling out a new CoPilot experience in Teams allowing better prompts (including accessing a library of prompts) and the ability to see your chat history. You can read more detail about this update here.

Older computers will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2

Only CPU's that support the POPCNT instruction will be able to run this major upgrade of Windows 11.It may sound dramatic, but this instruction has been supported by CPU's going back 14 years (the Intel Nehalem and AMD Phenom II era).

There will be no workaround, so if you have modified Windows 11 to run on these only machines, this is now the end of the line. You can read more about this here.

Here are instructions on how to check what CPU you have.

And here is how to check if your CPU supports the POPCNT instruction.

This is a reminder that you should start removing old machines from your environment that can only run Windows 10 on 8GB of RAM. This is necessary as Windows 10 will reach end of support in October 2025. Of course, Google has been quick to say that these machines could be upgraded to ChromeOS Flex, but not without some potential drawbacks. You can read more about that here.

Please read on below about servers ready to expire in 2024......

Reminder: Microsoft Servers coming to end of support in 2024

This is a reminder of all the versions of Microsoft server products coming to End of Support.

Dynamics CRM 2013
Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013
Team Foundation Server 2013
SQL Server 2014
SQL Server Parallel data Warehouse EoS has been pushed out to March 2026

and then of course the Living Dead - (Extended Support)

Windows Server 2008, ESU Year 4 for Azure only (Jan. 9, 2024)
Windows Server 2008 R2, ESU Year 4 for Azure only (Jan. 9, 2024)
Microsoft SQL Server 2012, ESU Year 2 (July 9, 2024)
Windows Server 2012, ESU Year 1 (Oct. 8, 2024)
Windows Server 2012 R2, ESU Year 1 (Oct. 8, 2024)

You can read more about the migration options here.

Cloud and AI

Chat with RTX your OWN GPU

NVIDIA has released a LLM that can do similar things that ChatGPT or CoPilot can do, but the AI engine lives on your computer, and only works on the data you point it to. It is a early beta and can be glitchy, but gives you an interesting insight into how much machine intelligence can be exposed using the processing power of your own computer. It is very glitchy, so if you do install it, treat it as a demonstration of what is possible.

Increasingly, you will find really powerful LLMs being able to run on your own computer without needing the cloud.

Figuring out the best way to leverage AI is a marathon, not a sprint, but what is very clear. you MUST BE STARTING THE RACE NOW!

Here is a good guide on installing Chat with RTX. Here is another good guide as well.

ChatGPT getting a memory

In becoming more your trusted assistant, conversations no longer have to start from scratch, but is this a step towards General intelligence?

Security

New Azure hacking campaign

Hackers are going after C-suite executives with a targeted campaign. This is another constant reminder to make sure one's security posture is constantly reviewed and users are educated on how they can be tricked into granting a bad actor access. Read more here.

What's up at FTG

An Insider View of Microsoft Security CoPilot

BUI is excited to personally invite you and your team to an exclusive one-on-one demo session we are hosting featuring Microsoft Security Copilot. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase this cutting-edge technology to you. Sign up here.

Nintex AI-Powered Process Automation - want to know more?

Join First Technology Digital as we delve into the transformative realm of Nintex's AI-powered Process Automation.

When

29 February 2024, 10h00 to 11h00

Where

Online webinar, register here

Movies

Now Playing: Madame Web (turned out to be a lot better than the critics were saying)

Now Playing: Bob Marley One Love

23 February: Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training

23 February: Frankie end Felipe

23 February: Oppenheimer (re-issue)

23 February: Miller's Girl