Avast Windows 7 RE: Meltdown & Spectre

[Rundvleeskroket]

You can the run Intel-SA-00086 Detection Tool in the link below and see if your PC is vulnerable.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/27150

Luckily I don't have to install those firmware updates.

Intel-SA-00086 is a completely different issue. Please stop spreading misinformation!

You're talking about the IME-bug. That has nothing to do with Meldown and Spectre.

[The Sniggler]

Finally got the January rollup update thru Windows Update service today. Download and install ran slower than most, but everything working OK on both PCs. Wonder if there will be an Intel BIOS update and if this will be distributed thru Windows update?

[Rundvleeskroket]

BIOS update via Windows Update? That would be a first (I think).

[The Sniggler]

BIOS update via Windows Update? That would be a first (I think).

That would be the logical thing to do... If no BIOS update thru routine Windows Update, then the vast majority of users will not get that BIOS update.

What regular user stays close to Intel?

Perhaps Dell or the OEMs will provide notification or advise when it is available.

[Rundvleeskroket]

Updating the BIOS can be dangerous. If it doesn't complete properly the system is hosed. And it will be reset to defaults. So the sytem still might not even boot afterwards or find all drives, networks, etc. All this shouldn't even be done without a full backup.

It would be a recipe for disaster.

[The Sniggler]

100% agree. Updating BIOS and firmware is something I avoid.

I have seen such updates float thru WU in the past.  This piece indicates Intel will be providing an update soon and the comments seem indicate this should be done thru WU.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/hardware/intel-promises-firmware-updates-for-most-modern-cpus-by-the-end-of-next-week/

[Rundvleeskroket]

Firmware and/or microcode updates are different from a full blown BIOS update.

Still things I would not want to apply from within the OS.