Airports Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Officially Retires ‘Blue Screen of Death’ After 40 Years of Frowny-Faces

Microsoft is replacing the "blue screen of death" with a "black screen of death" for Windows 11, version 24H2, set to roll out this summer. The new screen will provide crucial information such as the stop code and faulty system driver to aid IT administrators in diagnosing issues more efficiently. This change is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, aiming to reduce recovery time to two seconds after a PC crash. The transition was prompted by the CrowdStrike outage in 2024, which affected over 8 million devices.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Windows killed the Blue Screen of Death

Windows has replaced the Blue Screen of Death with a new Black Screen of Death. This change marks a significant shift in error screens that began with Windows 1.0 in 1985. The update follows the CrowdStrike outage that affected 8.5 million Windows devices and led to the introduction of the Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at enhancing security and reducing disruptions from unexpected restarts. The new Black Screen of Death features a "simplified UI" and includes a quick machine recovery feature to help PCs regain functionality faster after unsuccessful restarts.

Tech Optimizer

June 25, 2025

Meet the new features for Avast Free AV and Avast Premium Security

Avast has millions of active users and is recognized in the cybersecurity field for its effective solutions and commitment to user security. Avast Free Antivirus includes real-time behavioral analysis for proactive malware detection, enhanced Network Inspector and Firewall modules for network security, improved intelligent quarantine and cloud scanning, and the new Scam Guardian feature, which includes Web Guard for browsing protection and Avast Assistant for scam guidance. Avast Premium Security offers additional features for heightened privacy, including Sensitive Data Shield, Webcam Shield, Data Shredder, and Hack Alerts for monitoring password leaks. The Pro version introduces Email Guard, which uses AI for intelligent email filtering to detect phishing attempts. Avast's tools enhance online shopping safety, email security, public Wi-Fi connections, and protection of sensitive files and credentials.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

TSplus Releases Remote Support Android V4: Smarter, Broader, and Now Compatible with Android TV

TSplus has released version 4 of its Remote Support app for Android, which now fully supports Android TVs. This update enhances compatibility, performance, and usability, expanding device support to over 22,720 models, including both arm32 and x86 architectures. The app allows for innovative applications in various settings, such as home, retail, public transport, and events. Key features include Viewer mode for assisting others and casting presentations, and Sharer mode for secure screen sharing with remote technicians. The update also improves navigation for Android TV and optimizes network usage. Users can download the latest version from the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Google Wallet brings digital ID support to UK, more US states

Residents in the U.K. can now integrate their passports as a digital ID within Google Wallet, allowing for secure age and identity verification. This feature is part of a collaboration with the Rail Delivery Group, enabling train travelers to use digital IDs for select Railcards. Google is also discussing further applications with the U.K. government, such as for alcohol purchases. The digital ID feature allows users to create passes using their passports, which can be verified with a tap on their smartphones, although they do not replace physical IDs and cannot be used at airports. The process involves capturing images of the ID and a selfie video for verification. Google Wallet incorporates Zero Knowledge Proof technology to enhance user privacy, ensuring personal information remains secure during identity verification. Additionally, Google is expanding digital ID access in various U.S. states, allowing residents to add government-issued IDs to Google Wallet and facilitating domestic travel without a driver's license. Future capabilities will include account recovery and access to online health services. Google Wallet will also expand to 50 additional countries, allowing users to view and utilize digital passes.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Essential tips to protect your computer from malware

Malware includes various types of malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Email attachments and links are common methods for malware distribution, with cybercriminals often disguising malicious files as legitimate communications. Regular software updates are essential for protecting against security vulnerabilities. Pirated software frequently contains malware and poses risks to computer security. Installing antivirus and antimalware software is crucial for defense against attacks, with recommendations for programs like Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Encrypting sensitive data can prevent unauthorized access, and maintaining cloud backups is vital for data recovery in case of ransomware attacks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is recommended when accessing the internet on public networks to protect personal information. Users should monitor their devices for suspicious activity, such as system slowdowns or unexpected pop-ups, and conduct malware scans if symptoms arise.

AppWizard

December 8, 2024

Google Wallet adds digital ID support in yet another US state

New Mexico has allowed residents to store their driver’s licenses and state IDs in Google Wallet, becoming the sixth state to do so after California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. Physical identification is still necessary for law enforcement and age verification, but many businesses and TSA checkpoints are using the NM Verifier app for smartphone-based verification. Google Wallet will soon introduce digital passport IDs, enabling users to store a digital version of their U.S. passport. Users can create a digital U.S. passport ID by selecting the option in Google Wallet and following on-screen instructions. Travelers are advised to continue carrying physical IDs until digital IDs are more widely accepted and to check the TSA’s map for supported states and airports when planning domestic flights.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lands on Xbox Game Pass today

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been officially launched by Asobo Studio and is now available on Xbox Game Pass for Ultimate and PC subscribers. The game features enhanced visuals, including detailed ground elements, animal herds, dynamic migrations, ship traffic, oil rigs, glider airports, and helipads. New activities include a World Photographer mode, Challenge Leagues, and an Aviation Careers mode. Xbox achievements for the game are expected to be released later today.

AppWizard

November 9, 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Can Your PC Run This Aviation Adventure?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be released on November 19 and allows players to control over 65 aircraft from more than 50 airports. It will be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, with a price of .99 and premium editions like the Aviator Edition priced at .99. The game will also be accessible on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Minimum system requirements include Windows 10, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K CPU, 16GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5700 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 GPU, and 50GB storage. Recommended requirements are Windows 10, AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-10700K CPU, 32GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU, and 50GB storage. The game supports comprehensive controller options, and a flight stick is recommended for enhanced immersion. Compatibility with the Steam Deck is uncertain.

AppWizard

July 31, 2024

Microsoft Apologizes to Users for Widespread Outage Disrupting Xbox, Outlook, and Minecraft

Microsoft is experiencing service outages affecting its cloud-based offerings, impacting products like Outlook, Xbox Live, and Minecraft. The outages began around 7:45 a.m. ET, attributed to an "unexpected usage spike" in Azure cloud services. Reports peaked for Minecraft around 9:30 a.m. ET, with improvements noted after 10 a.m. ET, but no estimated time for complete resolution was provided. This incident follows a significant outage caused by a software update from CrowdStrike that affected approximately 8.5 million PCs worldwide. The previous outage disrupted operations for airlines and airports, leading to potential legal action from Delta Airlines against CrowdStrike. Microsoft’s VP for Windows services emphasized the need for "mission critical resiliency" and a shift from on-premises solutions to cloud management alternatives.