ad blockers Archives

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2025

What the Tech? Avoiding malware threats

The ABC 6 News Team reports on the Infostealer malware, which has compromised over 2 billion credentials by using fake websites to trick users into providing sensitive information. Infostealer targets searches for free software, cracked software, game cheats, and activation tools, employing tactics such as search engine ads, SEO manipulation, social media promotions, and typosquatting to lure victims. Once installed, Infostealer can steal passwords, credit card information, cryptocurrency wallet data, and personal information. To mitigate risks, users are advised to download software from reputable sources, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, install robust antivirus software, enable ad blockers, verify URLs, use multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, and stay informed about cybersecurity threats. Additionally, users can check if their email addresses or passwords have been involved in data breaches at www.haveibeenpwned.com.

Tech Optimizer

March 20, 2025

What the Tech: Stolen passwords

Infostealer is a type of malware that has stolen over a billion credentials, posing significant risks such as identity theft and financial fraud. It targets users through specific search terms related to free software, cracked software, game cheats, and activation tools. Cybercriminals use tactics like search engine ads, SEO manipulation, social media promotions, and typosquatting to direct users to malicious sites. Once infected, Infostealer can steal saved passwords, credit card information, cryptocurrency wallet data, and personal information. To mitigate risks, individuals should download software from reputable sources, be cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers, install robust antivirus software, enable ad blockers, verify URLs, use multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, and educate themselves about cybersecurity threats. Additionally, checking for compromised email addresses or passwords at www.haveibeenpwned.com is recommended.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Unblockable ads now litter Microsoft’s Windows Surface app

Microsoft's Surface app has transformed into a marketplace filled with advertisements, overshadowing its original purpose of device management. Users encounter promotional offers, including a 30% discount on an Xbox controller, prominently displayed at the bottom of the interface. Ads are integrated into the app, raising concerns about user consent, and persist even with ad blockers in Microsoft Edge. The app now resembles a shopping platform, which may dishearten users who expected a streamlined experience. This shift reflects a broader trend in Microsoft's ecosystem of frequent marketing pushes across platforms, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Tech Optimizer

February 2, 2025

Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever

Microsoft has launched a new ‘Scareware blocker’ feature for Edge web browsers on Windows PCs, designed to enhance user protection against tech support scams. This machine learning threat detection software identifies signs of scareware in real-time and aims to reduce the prevalence of such scams, which cost victims millions annually according to the FBI. The technology analyzes new websites and uses a SmartScreen feature for global protection, processing information locally without uploading images to the cloud. When a potential threat is detected, Edge exits full-screen mode, stops aggressive audio playback, and alerts the user. Users can report malicious sites or inaccuracies to improve the model. The feature is available to all Edge users upon updating their browser.

Tech Optimizer

October 9, 2024

A Full NordVPN Threat Protection Review — Features, Pricing, Alternatives

NordVPN Threat Protection offers two versions: Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro. Threat Protection is a DNS-based tool that blocks ads, trackers, and harmful websites while connected to a NordVPN server, available on multiple devices including Android, iOS, and Linux. Threat Protection Pro is a more advanced version for Windows and macOS, providing protection even without an active VPN connection. Pros of Threat Protection include its bundling with NordVPN, a 30-day money-back guarantee, effective malware site blocking, an ad blocker, and advanced URL trimming. However, the Pro version is limited to Windows and macOS, consumes more system resources, and lacks support for mobile devices. Threat Protection Pro features include web protection, ad blocking, web tracker blocking, file protection, vulnerability detection, and URL trimming. It excels at blocking malicious websites and phishing domains, scanning downloads for malware, and identifying risky applications. Pricing for Threat Protection Pro varies by plan, with the Basic plan not including it, while the Plus and Ultimate plans do. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Threat Protection Pro has received favorable reviews for its integration with NordVPN, though some users have reported glitches, particularly on Mac. It is recommended for desktop users seeking additional security without full antivirus software.

TrendTechie

September 28, 2024

10 Best Torrent Clients to Download Torrents Faster (2024)

Torrent clients are specialized software applications that facilitate the downloading of torrent files through a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network. The legality of using torrent clients depends on the content being downloaded; downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Safety concerns include the risk of malware and legal ramifications. Using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN, while torrenting can protect against cyber threats and maintain privacy. The best torrent clients for 2024 include: 1. **qBittorrent** - Free, ad-free, lightweight, and cross-platform. 2. **µTorrent** - Popular for Windows, lightweight but has ads in recent versions. 3. **Deluge** - Lightweight, open-source, and customizable with plugins. 4. **BitTorrent Client** - User-friendly for beginners but has ads in the free version. 5. **WebTorrent** - Browser-based, no ads, supports streaming. 6. **Vuze** - User-friendly with minimal ads, but can be complex for beginners. 7. **Tixati** - Lightweight, ad-free, includes a chat feature. 8. **BiglyBT** - Open-source, ad-free, supports anonymous downloads. 9. **BitLord** - Simple interface, allows downloading and streaming simultaneously. 10. **Transmission** - Open-source, optimized for macOS and Linux, ad-free. Honorable mentions include BitComet, Bitport.io, Folx, Zbigz, and 5kplayer.

Winsage

August 29, 2024

Vivaldi launches ARM-native version of its browser for Copilot+ PCs

Vivaldi has released version 6.9 of its browser, optimized for Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor, making it an ARM-native browser for Windows alongside Chrome and Edge. Key improvements include optimized performance with faster load times and smoother scrolling, a full feature set including tab management and integrated tools like Vivaldi Mail and Calendar, and seamless syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices. These enhancements are available not only on the latest Copilot+ PCs but also on older Windows on ARM devices like the Surface Pro 9 5G and Surface Pro X. Vivaldi for Windows on ARM can be downloaded from the official website.

Winsage

August 17, 2024

4 browsers that will continue to support uBlock Origin and other ad blockers with Manifest V2

Google Chrome is transitioning to Manifest V3, impacting browser extensions, particularly uBlock Origin, which relies on Manifest V2. Users may consider switching to alternative browsers that support Manifest V2. Mozilla's Firefox supports Manifest V2 and allows access to Chrome extensions, while planning to adopt Manifest V3 in the future. Vivaldi will support Manifest V2 until its removal from Chromium in June 2025, but concerns exist about accessing these extensions via the Chrome Web Store. Microsoft Edge allows installation of Manifest V2 extensions but is no longer accepting new ones, creating uncertainty about long-term support. Brave Browser has limited support for Manifest V2 extensions like uBlock Origin, with potential support only until June 2025, raising concerns for users reliant on various plugins.

AppWizard

August 6, 2024

YouTube tests a new ad format that isn’t such a buzzkill

YouTube is testing a picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing feature for mid-roll advertisements, allowing users to watch ads in a smaller, movable window while continuing to view content. This feature will be available to a select group of users and can be enabled by creators in the "Monetization" settings. The initiative aims to address the challenge of ad blockers and enhance the viewing experience by reducing interruptions from mid-roll ads. YouTube has implemented measures against users with ad-blocking software, including cutting off access to content and a three-strike policy leading to bans. Google emphasized that ads are crucial for YouTube's revenue and support for creators. Additionally, YouTube is experimenting with server-side ads that are less detectable by ad-blockers. Users still have the option to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.