backup Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release for April is a whopper

A series of updates have been released, focusing on system integrity and performance. Users should perform verification tasks, including installing, uninstalling, and repairing MSI packages, connecting and disconnecting cloud sync providers, and enrolling devices in Intune or MDM solutions. The Common Log File System driver (clfs.sys) is receiving a follow-up patch, along with updates to Storage Spaces (spaceport.sys) and app isolation file system drivers (bfs.sys, wcifs.sys). Users should also run Windows Update installation and rollback cycles, install and uninstall applications, and verify data integrity through backup solutions. For Storage Spaces, creating a pool with mirrored and thin virtual disks and ensuring clean deletion is necessary. April's updates for Office target MSI editions, including Excel 2016 (KB5002860), PowerPoint 2016 (KB5002808), Office 2016 shared libraries (KB5002859), and SharePoint Server editions from 2016 to 2019. These updates do not apply to Click-to-Run deployments like Microsoft 365 Apps. Users should validate complex Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, SharePoint document libraries, and the functionality of Office add-ins. Testing for two High Risk components is essential: changes to Kerberos may disrupt services using RC4 keytabs, and the Remote Desktop client update requires validation of clipboard functionality, printer redirection, and session reconnection. Validating Secure Boot and BitLocker is critical as CVE-2023-24932 key rolling progresses. Additionally, cloud sync testing is important due to five patches to the Projected File System driver, and regression testing is needed for dual afd.sys updates and VPN/IPsec patches across remote-access infrastructure. Office updates are limited to MSI editions.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

‘Anyone with $10 could have walked straight through’: Report warns this legit-looking software is actually antivirus-killing adware

Security researchers at Huntress discovered adware signed by Dragon Boss Solutions LLC that primarily displayed unwanted advertisements and redirected users to various sites. The malware included a sophisticated update mechanism that disabled antivirus programs. The primary update domain and its backup were not registered, making them exploitable. Tens of thousands of endpoints were compromised, affecting universities, operational technology networks, government agencies, and Fortune 500 firms.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

Best Antivirus Software for Windows PCs in 2026

Bitdefender Total Security offers real-time malware and virus detection, multi-layer ransomware protection, a limited daily data VPN, a password manager, parental controls, and webcam protection. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Pros include excellent detection ratings, minimal system impact, and coverage for up to five devices. Cons are a VPN data cap unless upgraded, significant renewal price increases, and some advanced features being buried in menus. Surfshark Antivirus provides real-time malware scanning, webcam and microphone protection, data breach alerts, and is bundled with Surfshark VPN. It is available on Windows and Android. Pros include competitive pricing when bundled with VPN, a clean interface, and decent malware detection. Cons are fewer features compared to dedicated suites, limited iOS support, and being relatively new in the antivirus space. Norton 360 includes real-time threat detection, LifeLock identity monitoring (on higher tiers), a built-in VPN with no data cap, cloud backup, and a password manager. It supports multiple platforms. Pros are strong overall protection, dark web monitoring alerts, and no VPN data limits. Cons include a higher starting price, automatic renewal enabled by default, and being resource-heavy on older machines. Avast Free Antivirus offers real-time virus and malware protection, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a browser cleanup tool, and a basic ransomware shield. It is available on multiple platforms. Pros include core protection for free, lightweight installation, and an extensive threat database. Cons are aggressive upselling, past privacy concerns, and advanced features locked behind a subscription. Malwarebytes focuses on malware and adware detection, offering real-time protection (Premium only), a browser guard extension, and a light system footprint. It is available on multiple platforms. Pros include excellent detection of adware and a user-friendly interface. Cons are the lack of real-time protection in the free version and fewer features compared to full-suite competitors. Free antivirus software should prioritize real-time protection, coverage beyond basic viruses, a browser extension for blocking suspicious sites, and automatic updates. Free versions typically handle common threats adequately but lack advanced features and support found in paid versions. Some free tools may collect user data, raising privacy concerns. To install antivirus software on Windows 10, download it from the official website, follow setup instructions, and ensure background protection and automatic updates are enabled. Transitioning from Windows Defender is usually managed automatically by most antivirus programs. Running two real-time scanners can cause conflicts; instead, pair a primary antivirus with a secondary tool like Malwarebytes for manual scans. If a paid antivirus plan is not renewed, protection may revert to a limited mode or cease entirely. Microsoft Defender offers adequate protection but lacks additional features like a VPN or identity monitoring. Standard antivirus plans typically range from to 0 annually, with renewal prices often increasing.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2026

Malware Is Scary. Here’s CNET’s Guide to Cleaning an Infected Laptop

88% of U.S. adults with laptops have taken measures against potential malware in the past year. Among those who encountered malware, 60% manually deleted the file or closed the offending website, while 35% initiated an anti-malware scan. Recommended steps for responding to a malware infection include disconnecting the device from Wi-Fi, connecting to a guest network, using antivirus software to remove the threat, and performing a factory reset or wiping the hard drive if necessary. It is advised to run at least two different antivirus programs to ensure comprehensive protection and to avoid restoring data from backups that may harbor malware.

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2026

Norton (durch Symantec Übernahme teilweise verknüpft, aber Marke liegt bei Gen Digital. Broadcom i

Norton, owned by Gen Digital, provides antivirus software, VPN services, and identity theft monitoring to protect users from cyber threats such as malware and phishing attacks. The company emphasizes subscription-based revenue through Norton 360, which bundles various security features, ensuring predictable cash flow. Norton competes with other antivirus brands like McAfee and Bitdefender, maintaining a strong market share in North America due to its established brand trust. The demand for cybersecurity tools is driven by rising cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and increased remote work, which necessitate robust online protection. Gen Digital is investing in AI-driven threat detection and expanding its offerings to address evolving security needs. However, Norton faces challenges from free alternatives, potential privacy concerns, and macroeconomic pressures that could affect consumer spending on security products.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Android 16 April 2026 Update Tackles Pixel UI Fixes and App Crashes

Google has released the April 2026 Android 16 update, which includes security patches and improvements for Pixel devices. The update, launched on April 10, 2026, addresses issues such as app crashes, missing user interface elements, and game performance. It is compatible with devices from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10 series and features region-specific variations to meet local regulations. Key fixes include resolving crashes in banking apps, restoring the Backup menu and Quick Share functionalities, and enhancing the home screen search bar.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Darkstone, a classic 1999 action RPG about eating apples and trying not to die of old age, is being remastered by its original creator

Darkstone is a 1990s action RPG known for its dual-character system, allowing players to control a main character and a sidekick with their own class, skills, and inventory. This feature enabled dynamic gameplay and strategy adaptation. The game also offered multiplayer capabilities, but many players appreciated the option to explore solo with an effective AI companion. Despite not being a household name, Darkstone's unique features have influenced modern gaming.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

This new app may free Galaxy Watch owners from Samsung’s phone-locked features

A new application called the GeminiMan Wellness Companion has been developed for Galaxy Watch users by Dante63, who previously created a patched version of the Samsung Health Monitor. The app allows users to record electrocardiogram (ECG) data from the Galaxy Watch, providing detailed reports and AI-driven analysis through a mobile app. It can track heart rhythm and rate, flagging abnormal rhythms, which the Samsung Health Monitor does not. Users can personalize their measurements with notes and create multiple profiles for different users. The app ensures data security through encryption and offers export options for ECG reports in CSV or PDF formats. Future updates will include blood pressure recording and additional health metrics like blood oxygen levels and sleep patterns. The development roadmap is available on the GeminiMan Wellness Companion GitHub page.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

The latest Pixel update tackles Android 16’s early stability woes

Google has released its April 2026 security patch for Pixel phones, addressing issues such as app crashes in banking and third-party applications. The update improves app performance across the Pixel lineup, from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10a, and includes a fix for gaming performance on Pixel 10, Pro, and Pro XL models. It also resolves the disappearing Quick Search Bar issue and reinstates the Backup menu for older devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel 8. The rollout includes essential security updates and is occurring in phases, with users advised to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to check for updates in Settings.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2026

True enterprise sovereignty is more approachable than ever, thanks to K8s-powered cloud-neutral PostgreSQL

Discussions on digital sovereignty are shifting from infrastructure to databases, driven by geopolitical pressures in Europe. Hyperscalers like Amazon and Microsoft are investing heavily to comply with new regulations, prompting organizations to reconsider their reliance on managed cloud services. Many enterprises are now viewing PostgreSQL as a portable, cloud-neutral foundation to ensure consistent behavior across various environments, leading to interest in Sovereign DBaaS. Gabriele Bartolini, VP and Chief Architect of Kubernetes at EDB, emphasizes that true sovereignty starts with the database and that portability enhances negotiating leverage and compliance. Bartolini warns that while managed cloud services offer convenience, they often sacrifice control. He notes that transitioning away from these services can provide long-term leverage, as evidenced by Microsoft's encouragement for customers to run self-managed PostgreSQL. The Operator Pattern in Kubernetes enables better database management and lifecycle control, with CloudNativePG exemplifying this approach. Bartolini asserts that owning hardware allows organizations to better manage costs, especially for resource-intensive AI workloads, and that moving to bare metal can significantly enhance performance. A cultural shift is necessary for success, with DBAs needing to adapt to cloud-native environments. Bartolini encourages DBAs to develop a broader understanding of Kubernetes to enhance collaboration across teams. He warns that the database team cannot drive change alone and must align with the entire infrastructure direction to avoid dependency on proprietary tools that limit independence and innovation.