386 TotalPC

Author: Martin Jakobsen

AI
Grok 4: Elon Musk’s AI Moonshot or Just Another Chatbot in the Crowd? 

In the summer of 2025, while most people were trying to figure out how to keep their iced coffee cold long enough to survive a Zoom meeting, Elon Musk decided to launch another rocket, but this time, it wasn’t into space. It was aimed straight at the heart of the AI race. 

On July 9–10, 2025, Musk’s AI company xAI rolled out Grok 4, its flagship artificial intelligence model, designed to take on the biggest names in the game: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. 

And because this is Musk we’re talking about, Grok 4 didn’t just arrive quietly. It came with an audacious pitch, a $300/month premium tier, a multi-agent reasoning engine called Grok 4 Heavy, and naturally, a few eyebrow-raising controversies before the first week was out. 

 

The Latest Twist: Grok 4 Is Now Free (With a Catch) 

Just when everyone thought Grok 4’s $300/month Heavy tier was the headline, xAI surprised the market again. According to reports from Social Media Today, Facebook, and the Times of India, Grok 4 is now available for free use, but only for a limited time and with some notable restrictions. 

Here’s what’s on the table: 

  • Free Access.  Anyone can now try Grok 4 through the Grok iOS and Android apps or the X website. You can choose Auto Mode (routes complex questions to Grok 4) or Expert Mode (always uses Grok 4).
  • Limited Usage. The free tier includes a daily query limit. If you want unlimited power, you’ll still need a paid subscription. 
  • Strategic Timing. The move to make Grok 4 free came just days after OpenAI released GPT-5, widely seen as a strategic push to grab market share and lure users away from rivals.

This isn’t just a “nice perk.” This is a calculated product sampling strategy. xAI is letting the public get a taste of Grok 4’s capabilities in hopes they’ll pay for full, unrestricted access. 

 The Basics: What Exactly is Grok 4? 

Grok 4 is the latest evolution of xAI’s conversational model family, running on the Colossus supercomputer, it is a high-performance computing setup to chew through massive reasoning tasks like a Tesla Model S Plaid chews through 0–60, a mere 1.99 seconds. 

The model brings: 

  • Native tool use and real-time search integration – including searches across X, the broader web, and news sources. 
  • Advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities handle text, images, and voice input. 
  • Large context window. 128K tokens for the app, 256K for the API, so it can process extensive information in one go. 
  • Grok 4 Heavy is the paid “supercharged” variant for SuperGrok Heavy subscribers, leveraging multi-agent reasoning for even higher accuracy. 

 

Musk’s Signature Style: Moonshot or Bust 

It wouldn’t be an Elon Musk product if it didn’t swing for the fences. Grok 4’s launch was positioned not as “our next version” but as “the most intelligent model in the world.” 

This confidence is classic Musk. This is the same mindset that took Tesla from a niche EV startup to a global disruptor, and that turned SpaceX’s reusable rockets from sci-fi dream to a boring Tuesday launch livestream. Musk doesn’t aim for “better.” He aims for category-killer.

 

Benchmarks That Have Everyone Talking 

According to multiple early tests: 

  • 25.4% on Humanity’s Last Exam, a notoriously tough reasoning benchmark. 
  • 16.2% on ARC-AGI-2, which is more than double Gemini 2.5 Pro’s score. 
  • Internal AI evaluations put Grok 4 above GPT-4o and Claude in overall “AI intelligence index” rankings. 
  • Outpaced ChatGPT in Human Eval-style coding benchmarks. 

 

Where Grok 4 Feels Like a Game-Changer 

  1. Academic, Math, and STEM Logic. It excels at step-by-step reasoning in technical fields. 
  2. Real-Time Intelligence meaning live search is integrated into the core model, not just an add-on. 
  3. Multi-Agent Accuracy with Grok 4 Heavy’s “AI debate” system improves accuracy for complex, high-stakes queries. 

 

But Then There’s the Flip Side… 

  1. Visual & Spatial Reasoning Lags Behind – Gemini and GPT-4o still lead here. 
  2. Creative Output Feels Flat – Grok 4 is strong in logic, but not so much in imagination. 
  3. Code May Need Debugging – It’s quick and robust but not always production-ready. 
  4. Bias Toward Musk’s Own Content – It has a tendency to utilize Musk’s X posts. 
  5. Safety Concerns Linger – Early issues with harmful outputs have been “fixed,” but no formal safety docs yet. 

 

Who Should Actually Use Grok 4? 

User Type  Why Grok 4 Fits  Why It Might Not 
Enterprises & Researchers  Exceptional for high-stakes reasoning, legal analysis, and complex math/science tasks.  The Heavy tier’s $300/month price tag is steep for casual needs. 
Developers & Power Users  Strong coding integration and tool use for automation and analysis workflows.  May still require debugging and lacks the creative “spark” of GPT-4o. 
Casual/Creative Users  —  Gemini or GPT-4o will feel more polished and versatile for everyday conversation, creative writing, or multimedia. 

 

Is It Worth the Hype (and the Price)? 

Now that there’s a free trial period, there’s no reason not to try Grok 4 yourself.  Just remember the daily limits. If you like what you see, the premium versions (especially Grok 4 Heavy) can deliver serious ROI for research-heavy or accuracy-critical work. 

For most casual users, GPT-4o or Gemini may still be the better fit; but Musk’s latest move puts Grok 4 firmly in the conversation. 

 

Brought to You by Total PC 

This insight into Grok 4 is provided by Total PC, your partner in keeping your business ahead of the curve. Whether you’re exploring AI adoption, tightening network security, or developing custom tools, we’ve got you covered. 

We provide network support, VoIP services, AI solutions and insight, and custom development for industries including: 

  • Healthcare 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Financial services 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us

Software
Windows 10 Is Going Away, Is Your Business Ready?

What Your Business Must Do Before October 14, 2025 

Time’s almost up for Windows 10. 

The good news? You’ve still got time. But you don’t have much and the companies that wait until the last minute will be stuck scrambling for hardware, licenses, and IT time. 

Let’s break down what this means, why you should act now, and how Total PC can help you upgrade smoothly and affordably.

Why This Change Matters More Than You Think 

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it’s not just a polite “sunset”, it’s a hard stop on the security updates that protect your business from evolving threats. 

  1. Over 70% of PCs Still Use Windows 10

As of mid-2025, more than 7 out of 10 Windows PCs are still on Windows 10. That means millions of unpatched machines will be floating around by Q4 2025, making them prime hunting grounds for ransomware, malware, and phishing exploits.

  1. Compliance and Cyber Insurance Require Supported Platforms

If your business is in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or retail, you already know: many compliance frameworks and cyber insurance policies explicitly require that all systems run on supported operating systems.
Failing to upgrade could mean losing coverage or failing an audit. 

  1. Unpatched = Unprotected

It doesn’t matter how strong your firewall is, if a known Windows 10 vulnerability is published on October 15, 2025, attackers will exploit it knowing Microsoft won’t patch it. 

 

Your Options Before the Deadline 

You’ve got three main paths forward. The right one depends on your hardware, your budget, and your operational needs. 

 

🔄 Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 

If your PCs are relatively modern (usually under 5 years old), they may already meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. 

  • Pros: Cheapest option if your hardware is compatible. 
  • Cons: Requires a compatibility check to confirm CPU, TPM, and memory specs. 

Total PC can: 

  • Audit all devices for Windows 11 readiness 
  • Handle the upgrade process 
  • Ensure apps and data migrate smoothly without disrupting your business 

 

🛡 Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU) 

Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates for businesses that can’t immediately upgrade. 

  • Pros: Buys you time beyond October 2025 for critical patches. 
  • Cons: Costs extra per device, prices rise each year, and it’s not a long-term solution. 

Total PC can: 

  • Enroll your eligible PCs in ESU (Extended Security Updates) 
  • Map out a phased replacement plan so you’re not paying for ESU indefinitely 

 

💻 Option 3: Replace Aging Hardware 

If your PCs are more than 5 years old, there’s a good chance they won’t support Windows 11 at all. 

  • Pros: Boosts performance, reduces downtime, and positions you for years of secure operation. 
  • Cons: Higher up-front cost, requires planning and deployment. 

Total PC can: 

  • Source cost-effective new hardware 
  • Migrate your data securely 
  • Set up devices ready to go on day one 

 

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Q4 2025 

Here’s what will happen if you wait until September or October next year: 

  • Hardware supply will tighten as thousands of other businesses rush to upgrade. 
  • IT providers, like Total PC may be booked solid, you may be waiting weeks for service.
  • Your staff will be juggling end-of-year workloads and learning a new OS at the same time.

By planning now, you avoid the rush, lock in better pricing, and roll out changes on your schedule. 

 

Real Risks of Doing Nothing 

  • Cybersecurity Breach: Your attack surface grows exponentially the moment Microsoft stops patching vulnerabilities. 
  • Compliance Failure: Non-supported OS could trigger audit findings or legal trouble in regulated industries. 
  • Insurance Denial: Cyber insurance providers can deny claims if breaches involve unsupported systems. 
  • Operational Disruption: A single ransomware hit could take your business offline for days; or worse. 

 

How Total PC Makes the Transition Painless 

We know upgrades can feel daunting, especially across dozens or hundreds of devices. That’s why Total PC offers a turnkey migration service tailored to your business.

We can: 

  • Audit Device Readiness: See which PCs can be upgraded and which need replacing. 
  • Plan Cost-Effective Paths: Balance budgets with performance needs. 
  • Deploy with Minimal Downtime: Schedule upgrades outside peak hours to keep your team productive. 
  • Secure Your Network: Ensure every new or upgraded device is fully patched and compliant. 

And because we also handle network support, VoIP services, AI solutions, and custom development, we can address the ripple effects of an OS migration across your entire IT ecosystem. 

 

The Clock Is Ticking.  Here’s Your Next Step… 

October 14, 2025 will arrive faster than you think. The safest, smartest move is to start your upgrade plan today.

Contact Total PC now to schedule your Windows 10 readiness audit: 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

 

Sources & Further Reading 

 

 

Security
Millions of Office Printers Have a Critical Security Flaw

Here’s How to Stay One Step Ahead: 

It’s 2025. We have got AI writing code, cars driving themselves, and refrigerators that tell us when the milk’s gone bad. And yet, one of the biggest cybersecurity stories of the year is not about quantum computers or space satellites, it’s about office printers. 

Yes, printers. The beige boxes in the corner of the office that most people only think about when they are out of toner. 

This summer, researchers uncovered a hardware-level flaw that affects millions of business printers worldwide. It is the kind of vulnerability that makes security pros sit up straighter, because unlike most software bugs, this one can’t be patched away.

Before you panic and start wrapping your office hardware in tinfoil, let’s break down exactly what is going on, how serious the risk really is, and what smart companies are doing right now to protect themselves. 

 The Discovery That Got Everyone Talking 

The story starts with Rapid7, a well-known cybersecurity firm that’s made a name for itself by finding and responsibly disclosing big vulnerabilities. While examining enterprise office printers, their researchers stumbled onto something unsettling: 

Over 740 printer models, mostly from Brother, but also from Fujifilm, Ricoh, Toshiba, and Konica Minolta, use a predictable algorithm to generate their default administrator password. 

That algorithm? It is based on the printer’s serial number.

At first glance, it might sound harmless. But here is the problem: 

  • The serial number is often visible or easily retrievable on a network. 
  • If a bad actor knows the algorithm (and now they do), they can calculate the admin password in seconds. 
  • Once logged in as admin, they have full control over the device.

And remember, we are talking about network-connected printers, devices that can store documents, manage print jobs, and sometimes even integrate with cloud storage or email. 

 

CVE-2024-51978: Why This One’s Different 

This flaw has an official designation: CVE-2024-51978. And unlike the usual “apply this update and you’re good” vulnerabilities, this one lives at the hardware level. 

That means: 

  • The password-generation logic is hardcoded into the device. 
  • Firmware updates cannot rewrite it. 
  • Even fully updated printers are still affected, if they are using the default login system.

Brother and the other affected manufacturers have issued updates to address related issues such as information disclosure or (DOS) denial of service attacks. But the core password flaw remains.

It is like locking your front door, replacing the windows, and adding an alarm, but still leaving the original key under the doormat. 

 

Should You Be Worried? 

The answer depends on your setup. To exploit this flaw, an attacker needs three things: 

  1. Network access to the printer, either through the local network or remotely. 
  2. The serial number can be easily found if the printer’s services (like SNMP or PJL) are exposed. 
  3. Default credentials are still in place, meaning no one has ever changed the admin password from the factory setting. 

 

If your printers are:

  • Isolated on an internal network (no internet exposure), 
  • Locked behind a firewall, and 
  • Using strong, custom admin passwords, 

then your real-world risk is low. 

But if you have network-connected printers with default credentials, especially if they are accessible from outside your corporate network, then you have a fundamental problem that needs addressing now, not later. 

 

Why Printer Security Matters More Than You Think 

Many businesses overlook printer security because they see them as “dumb” devices. In reality, modern office printers are fully-fledged networked computers. They have operating systems, onboard storage, and sometimes even web-based management consoles. 

If compromised, a malicious actor could: 

  • Steal sensitive documents stored in the printer’s memory. 
  • Intercept print jobs to capture confidential information. 
  • Use the printer as a foothold into the rest of your corporate network. 
  • Launch attacks on other devices connected to the same network. 

And because printers are rarely monitored as closely as laptops or servers, breaches can go undetected for months, or even years. 

 

The Good News: This Is Fixable 

You can’t change the fact that the password algorithm exists, but you can neutralize its usefulness with some straightforward actions.

Step 1: Change Default Admin Credentials 

This is the single most important step. If the attacker’s “calculated” password doesn’t work, they’re locked out. Make sure every printer in your organization has: 

  • A strong, unique admin password. 
  • No reused passwords across devices. 

Step 2: Disable Remote Management (If You Don’t Need It) 

If your printers don’t need to be managed from outside your local network, turn off remote access entirely. 

Step 3: Restrict Network Exposure 

Put printers on an internal VLAN that’s isolated from public-facing systems. Only allow management traffic from authorized devices. 

Step 4: Apply All Other Vendor Patches 

While the default password issue can’t be patched away, related vulnerabilities can. Check your vendor’s official security advisories regularly, especially Brother’s if you own affected models. 

Step 5: Review of Printer Security in Your IT Policy 

Make printer configuration and password changes part of your standard IT onboarding process. Treat them like you would a new laptop or router. 

 

Why This Vulnerability Won’t Just “Fade Away” 

Unlike software bugs that eventually disappear when everyone updates, hardware-level issues can linger for years. Printers are often replaced on multi-year cycles, meaning many vulnerable devices will still be in service well into the late 2020s. 

That’s why the fix has to be policy-based every time a new printer comes into the building, your team should contact Total PC so we can:

  1. Change the admin credentials. 
  2. Lock down network access. 
  3. Disable unnecessary services. 

 

Avoiding the “Set It and Forget It” Trap 

Printer security isn’t a one-and-done task. Over time, settings can get changed, new vulnerabilities can be discovered, and old policies can be forgotten. 

Total PC is constantly performing: 

  • Running device audits, checking firmware, passwords, and network exposure. 
  • Integrating printers into vulnerability scans, treating them like any other endpoint. 

What smart companies can do: 

  • Training staff — so even non-IT team members know not to share admin passwords or plug printers into unsecured networks. 

 

The Bigger Lesson 

The CVE-2024-51978 story isn’t just about printers. It’s a reminder that any network-connected device can be a security risk, even if it’s not the flashiest piece of tech in the office. 

Printers just happen to be the overlooked elephants in the room: used by everyone, managed by few, and rarely updated unless something breaks. 

 

What to Do Today if you are not on a service contract with Total PC  

If you’re a business owner or even the unofficial “tech person” in your office, here’s your quick action list for today: 

  1. Inventory every network-connected printer: model, serial number, firmware version. 
  2. Change admin credentials on all of them. 
  3. Limit access, allow internal network only, if possible. 
  4. Update firmware to the latest available version. 
  5. Document everything so you can repeat the process regularly. 

 

Brought to You by Total PC 

This security advisory is brought to you by Total PC, helping businesses stay safe and competitive in a connected world. 

From network security and support to VoIP services, AI solutions, and custom development, we help clients in: 

  • Healthcare 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Financial services 
  • Retail 

Our team can help you secure your network-connected devices, from printers to servers, so vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-51978 never put your business at risk. 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

AI
ChatGPT-5: What’s New and Why It Matters for Your Business 

In August 2025, OpenAI released ChatGPT-5, its most advanced version yet. Unlike earlier models, this one is better at remembering information, thinking through complex problems, and working with text, pictures, and sound all at once. For companies, that means an AI that feels less like a chatbot and more like a real assistant that can actually help with day-to-day work. 

Key Improvements 

ChatGPT-5 makes conversations smoother and more useful, especially when things get complicated. 

– Smarter Answers: It can decide when a quick reply is enough and when to slow down and think through a tough problem step by step. 

– Much Better Memory: It can keep track of far more information in a single conversation, like reading an entire book or report and still remembering the first page when you ask about the last. 

– Understands More Than Text: You can show it a chart, picture, or even use voice, and it can respond naturally better than before. 

– Takes Action: It can now connect with calendars, email, or other apps to get things done (like scheduling a meeting or drafting a reply), though that requires a expensive subscription. 

– More Reliable: It makes fewer mistakes and is more likely to say “I don’t know” instead of making something up, but it still makes mistakes from time to time, so you still need to be aware of that and sometimes ask it to double-check it’s response. 

– Adapts Its Tone: You can set it to sound formal, friendly, or casual, and it will stick to that style consistently. 

Why This Matters for Business 

These upgrades translate into practical benefits for almost any organization. 

– Customer Support: Can answer detailed customer questions instantly using all your manuals and FAQs. 

– Marketing & Content: Creates social posts, product descriptions, or newsletters that fit your company’s style. 

– Routine Tasks: Pulls numbers from a spreadsheet, writes a quick report, and even sends an email, all in one go. 

– Decision Help: Reads long reports and highlights the important points so managers can act faster. 

– IT and Office Help: Can assist with simple coding, fixing formulas, or automating repetitive computer work. 

– Global Reach: Translates messages smoothly, keeping the meaning and tone across languages. 

How It Compares to Others 

GPT-5 now sits at the front of the AI pack, but each competitor has its niche. 

– Grok 4 (Musk’s AI): Good at tough math and live internet search. But memory is smaller, and it’s less creative. 

– Google Gemini: Strong with pictures and built into Google tools. Not as sharp in problem-solving. 

– Claude (Anthropic): Polite and cautious, good for long documents. GPT-5 now matches or surpasses it in most areas. 

Things to Watch Out For 

Even with all the progress, GPT-5 isn’t perfect. 

– Still Makes Mistakes: It’s better, but you still need to double-check important answers. 

– Outdated Knowledge: Its training only goes up to late 2024 unless you connect it to live search. 

– Privacy Matters: Safe by default, but you shouldn’t feed it sensitive customer or financial details unless you’re using the enterprise version. 

– Free vs Paid Plans: The free version is fine for small tasks, but bigger jobs (like reading long reports) require a paid plan and some features are locked behind the pro subscription. 

– Learning Curve: Staff need some practice on how to ask the AI questions and how to review its answers. 

– Not a Human: It can draft a contract or health tip, but it’s not a lawyer or doctor, experts still need to be involved. Sometimes it will be spot on, sometimes way off. 

How to Get Started 

The best way to adopt GPT-5 is to start small and grow from there. 

– Choose Simple Tasks: Customer emails, social media posts, or first-draft reports. 

– Run a Trial: Test it in one team for a month and track results. 

– Train Your Staff: Show them how to ask clear questions and check answers. 

– Plug It In: Use it inside tools you already use, like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook. 

– Review and Improve: Gather feedback, refine how it’s used, and set rules for what AI can and cannot do. 

– Stay Curious: AI changes fast, keep an eye on updates and new features. In a few months, everything might have changed. 

– In plain terms: ChatGPT-5 is more capable, more reliable, and more practical than past versions or most competitors. Used wisely, it can save time, improve service, and help people make better decisions without replacing human judgment. 

 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

 

 

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