automatic updates Archives

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google has announced a suite of improvements to enhance security within the Android ecosystem and the Google Play Store. Key advancements include: - Enhanced tools to protect businesses from scams and fraud. - Pre-review checks to identify policy and compatibility issues early in app development. - Transparent information on Google Play to build consumer trust. - Strengthened threat-detection capabilities using AI to combat malicious activities. Developers will receive earlier notifications about relevant policies within Android Studio, and the policy experience has been revamped for clearer updates and more time for changes. The Google Play Developer Help Community is expanding to facilitate knowledge sharing among developers. The Play Integrity API is being utilized for over 500 million daily checks to prevent fraud and abuse, with apps using these features seeing an 80% reduction in usage from unverified sources. Improvements for devices running Android 13 include enhanced security signals and automatic updates for developers. New badges for app categories, including a "Verified" badge for VPN apps, are being introduced to validate secure applications. Google is also focusing on creating a safe online experience for children and developing tools like the Credential Manager API for Digital IDs. Last year, investments in security measures prevented 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published. Google Play Protect is evolving to counter new threats, and the company is collaborating with industry leaders to establish security standards through the App Defense Alliance.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Download BleachBit (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux

BleachBit is an open-source system cleaning tool that helps users enhance disk capacity by removing unnecessary files and improving privacy. It permanently deletes files to prevent recovery, making it suitable for users handling sensitive information. The tool offers features such as shredding unused disk space, clearing browser histories, and removing software logs. BleachBit is free to use, lightweight, and compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS (with limited functionality). It supports cleaning for multiple applications and provides command-line functionality for advanced users. Additionally, BleachBit can be run from a USB drive without installation. Alternatives to BleachBit include CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare, and DaisyDisk, each offering different functionalities and features.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Update KB5053606 makes a mess!

Microsoft has released a Windows Update for Windows 10, designated as KB5053606, which has caused various issues for users. Problems reported during installation include long wait times and error messages like 0x80070020, with some users experiencing the update being installed despite disabling automatic updates. After installation, users face issues such as missing taskbar icons, reset customizations, typing lag, printer connectivity problems, compatibility issues with third-party software like Citrix, and overall reduced system performance. Some users are using Microsoft's Show and Hide Update tool to block the update, while others consider system restore as a potential fix.

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2025

Kapersky Internet Security and Antivirus Review 2025

Kaspersky Anti-Virus features a user-friendly interface organized into four main sections: scan, database update, reports, and an on-screen keyboard. The on-screen keyboard enhances privacy when entering sensitive data, protecting against keyloggers. The Reports section provides an overview of scanning activities and includes data from the System Watcher feature, which can mitigate malware attacks. The Database Update section allows for automatic updates to keep the software current with the latest threats, with options for manual scheduling. The scan menu includes a Quick Scan that completes in about seven minutes and a Full Scan that can take several hours; both scans detected all actual malware during testing. Additional scanning options include selective scans and removable drive scans. The software allows for high customization, including a "Gamer Mode" that defers scheduled scans during full-screen applications. It also postpones tasks during battery operation or high disk activity and offers an option to opt out of promotional offers.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 users struggle with several problems after March update

Many Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the KB5053606 update, including installation failures with error code 0x80070020, prolonged update processes, and automatic installations despite disabled settings. Users who successfully install the update report problems such as disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop customizations, and slowed system performance. In corporate settings, issues include broken user profiles and problems with the print spooler, leading to program crashes and difficulties with Citrix. Microsoft has acknowledged some issues related to Citrix and USB printers but has not provided solutions for the other problems users are facing.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Save up to 65% on Microsoft Office & Windows Software

Brytesoft offers affordable Windows and Office product keys with a lifetime warranty on each purchase. The company has nearly 15 years of experience and a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 stars from over 6,200 reviews. Each transaction includes 24/7 technical support, a money-back guarantee, and instant delivery, along with detailed download and activation guides. For PCWorld readers, Brytesoft provides a 15% discount on the first purchase using the code PCWORLD15, applicable to all products. Windows 11 Pro is priced at .90, with bulk discounts available. Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus is offered at .99, with reduced rates for multiple licenses. Windows Server 2025 Standard is available for 9.99, and the Datacenter edition for ,499.99, with discounts applied. The Standard version supports activation for 16 cores and two virtual machines, while the Datacenter edition allows for unlimited virtual machines. Brytesoft also offers earlier versions of Windows Server dating back to 2016.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google’s Pixel Weather app begins testing snowfall forecasts with latest update

Google has updated its Pixel Weather app to improve user experience, including a 10-day forecast feature that now displays both dates and days of the week. A new shortcut allows users to save and showcase locations directly on the homepage. The app is testing a snowfall forecast feature, which includes a dedicated snowfall forecast card with hourly estimates, snow intensity, and timing. This feature is also being integrated into the Google app and Search but is not yet available to all users. The updated Pixel Weather app version 1.0.20250127.729684887 is accessible for download from the Play Store.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

How to Download the Old Classic Outlook App on Windows 11

Microsoft has started the automatic migration of classic Outlook users to its new web-based Outlook Progressive Web App (PWA), removing the option to revert to the classic version for many users. The classic Outlook app is still available for download via the Microsoft Store, and users can install it by accessing the Microsoft Store link, clicking "View in Store," and then "Install." To block automatic transitions to the new Outlook app, users need to modify a Registry entry by opening "Registry Editor," navigating to the specified path, changing the value of "UseNewOutlook" to 0, and restarting their PC. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad from Windows 11, leading to discontent among some users.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Malicious Android App on Google Play Compromises 220,000+ Devices

Security researchers at ThreatLabz have identified a malware campaign operating through the Google Play Store that disseminated the Anatsa banking trojan, also known as TeaBot. The malicious app, disguised as a file manager and document reader, was downloaded over 220,000 times before its removal. The app initiated a multi-stage payload retrieval process after users granted accessibility permissions, allowing it to download the Anatsa payload and turn infected devices into tools for financial fraud. Anatsa uses overlay attacks and credential harvesting techniques, displaying fake login screens for banking applications to capture user credentials. It targets financial institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia, particularly mobile banking platforms. The malware employs evasion techniques, including delayed activation and encrypted communication, and maintains persistence by checking for accessibility service permissions. Initial data indicates concentrated infections in regions with high mobile banking usage, and the app's multilingual interface suggests a global targeting strategy. Google removed the app within 48 hours of the disclosure but it had been present for approximately eight weeks before detection. Google has initiated a mass uninstallation campaign for affected devices, while users are advised to perform factory resets, monitor financial accounts, enable Google Play Protect, and avoid granting permissions to unfamiliar apps. Investigations are ongoing to identify the threat actors, with links to Eastern European cybercrime syndicates suggested.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

GTA 5’s huge free PC upgrade is here now

Rockstar Games released a free update for Grand Theft Auto V, titled Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced, which aligns the game with the capabilities of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This update is available to all PC players who own the base game and can be accessed through digital libraries on platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and the Rockstar Games Launcher. Players can redeem it at no cost if it doesn't appear automatically. Progress from the previous version, Grand Theft Auto V Legacy, can be migrated to the Enhanced version using the Migrate Profile option, but this can only be done once and cannot be reversed. The Legacy version remains available for players with systems that do not meet the new graphical requirements. The Enhanced edition features improvements such as faster SSD support, new ray tracing capabilities, compatibility with AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS, and additional content in GTA Online, including a subscription option for GTA+.