block Archives

Winsage

September 5, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine Proves a Capable Windows PC, But 128GB RAM Upgrade Offers Little Value

Valve's Steam Machine has been tested for its versatility beyond gaming, with two notable upgrades: installing 128GB of RAM and converting it to run Windows 11. The 128GB RAM upgrade involved installing a 2x64GB SO-DIMM kit, which required extensive BIOS adjustments and presented challenges such as system instability and difficult access to RAM slots. Despite the technical success, performance improvements in gaming were minimal, as most applications do not utilize that much memory, making the upgrade cost-prohibitive. In contrast, converting the Steam Machine to Windows 11 was more straightforward. The process involved creating bootable USB drives and navigating BIOS settings. Once installed, the Steam Machine performed well as a Windows PC, with productivity tasks showing better efficiency than other portable devices. Benchmark tests indicated slight performance drops compared to SteamOS, but real-world usage, such as video editing, proved effective. Overall, the Steam Machine is capable of functioning beyond its intended purpose, but users should consider practical memory configurations and the limitations of dual-boot support when choosing how to optimize the device.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft warns fake CAPTCHA is tricking Windows users into running malware

Microsoft has identified a new malware campaign called TerminalFix that uses fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick Windows users into executing malicious commands. This campaign is a variation of ClickFix attacks and employs deceptive pages that impersonate reputable services like Cloudflare. Instead of traditional CAPTCHA challenges, users are instructed to open PowerShell or Command Prompt and paste in commands, allowing attackers to execute complex scripts more easily. TerminalFix initiates a multi-stage intrusion, granting attackers persistent proxy access to the infected machine, which can lead to further exploitation of the company's network. The campaign relies on social engineering tactics, requiring user compliance with counterfeit verification instructions. Microsoft has released mitigation guidance, recommending restrictions on PowerShell access, monitoring for DLL sideloading, blocking outdated Flash plugins, and enabling cloud-delivered protection in Microsoft Defender Antivirus. The campaign poses significant risks to enterprise networks, but individual users should also be cautious about executing commands requested by websites.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

I’m slowly escaping Google’s ecosystem, and it’s easier than I thought

In recent months, users are reconsidering their reliance on Google, leading to a movement towards "deGoogling." A poll indicated that 6% of respondents have completely stopped using Google's products, 58% have reduced their usage, 21% have considered the idea but haven't acted, and 15% remain committed to Google. Some users are replacing Google services with alternatives like Kagi for search, Proton for email and cloud services, and Firefox for browsing. Despite these changes, many still use certain Google products, such as the Pixel phone, Google smart speakers, and services like YouTube and Google Maps, due to their effectiveness and integration. Transitioning away from Google has been reported as less daunting than expected for many users.

Winsage

September 2, 2026

Fake Microsoft Edge, Kaspersky and Razer Installers Used to Compromise Windows Systems

An ongoing malware campaign is targeting Windows devices through counterfeit download pages for well-known software brands like Microsoft Edge, Kaspersky, and Razer. The campaign affects various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, gaming, technology, logistics, government, and education. It utilizes high-fidelity fraudulent websites that closely mimic legitimate vendors, with observed lure domains such as app-microsoft-edge[.]com[.]cn and kaspersky-lab[.]hl[.]cn. Attackers employ evasion tactics like server-side payload regeneration and create multiple copies of the same archive in quick succession. Victims are lured into downloading ZIP files that contain a bundled wrapper installer, which activates a stage-one executable in randomized directories. The malware often masquerades as legitimate software, with some payloads impersonating known applications. Persistence is achieved through scheduled tasks with unusual names, and the malware employs various evasion techniques, including deleting shadow copies and altering file permissions. Microsoft Defender has identified activity across multiple stages of the attack, including delivery, execution, and command-and-control communications. To mitigate risks, organizations are advised to block downloads from unofficial sources, enforce Tamper Protection, and implement Attack Surface Reduction rules. Indicators of compromise (IOCs) include specific lure domains and URLs associated with the campaign.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Pre-Release 1 patch notes: Number system overhaul, bug fixes and more

Mojang has launched the pre-release phase for Minecraft Java Edition 26.3, introducing the Wilderness Drop. The pre-release includes extensive bug fixes and a technical upgrade to the Number Provider system, which has been restructured into separate registries for integer and float calculations. Key changes include new integer-specific providers and float-specific providers, as well as mandatory cooking times for recipes. Block State Providers can now be defined as standalone types. Notable bug fixes address issues with Blast Furnaces, Endermen, Drowned, music events, ore generation, and more. Players can download the pre-release to explore the new features.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

NordVPN’s antivirus tool blocks 94% of phishing sites in latest independent test

NordVPN's next-generation antivirus achieved a 94% detection rate for phishing threats in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, tested against 250 active phishing URLs and recording zero false positives. The antivirus also demonstrated a 92% block rate in similar independent testing and ranked third overall in speed and malware protection behind Avast and Norton. It is included in NordVPN's Complete subscription tier and operates alongside the standard VPN tunnel to block trackers, ads, and malicious sites in real-time. Users are advised to maintain vigilance and practice strong digital hygiene, including scrutinizing URLs and enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 11 Updates Trigger False Antivirus Warnings & Cursor Glitches

Microsoft is addressing two notable issues in Windows 11. The first is a harmless glitch that falsely indicates "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off," which does not impact the antivirus's functionality. Users are advised to wait for a Microsoft update to resolve this. The second issue involves mouse customization settings not saving correctly since the August 27th update, although it only affects cosmetic preferences and not critical settings like pointer speed. Additionally, Microsoft has identified a solution for a game-breaking bug related to the "inpoutx64" driver, which will now be automatically blocked when launching Arc Raiders, with plans to extend this block to Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Developers at Embark Studios have also implemented fixes for affected games, except for Tokon, for which players should use Microsoft's official workaround until a permanent solution is available.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Review: Crumbl And Minecraft Came Together For A Cookie Collab So Good Even Creepers Will Dig It

Crumbl has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, featuring a selection of unique cookie flavors available from August 31 through September 5, 2026. The collection includes: 1. Minecraft Lemon Poppyseed Cookie: A cookie with a poppyseed base, lemon buttercream, and lemon curd, balancing sweet and tart flavors. 2. Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich: Two chocolate cookies with a purple marshmallow mousse filling, brownie bits, and cookies and cream pieces, though the cookies were slightly dry. 3. Minecraft Creeper Key Lime Sandwich: Lime cookies with a zesty lime filling, decorated with sprinkles, offering refreshing tartness but slightly dry. 4. Minecraft Grass Block Cake: A cube-shaped cake resembling a grass block, made with cinnamon brown sugar, cream cheese, and chocolate, noted for its moist texture and exceptional flavor. 5. Minecraft Cherry Blossom Cookie: A soft cookie with a cherry flavor and cherry cream cheese frosting, reminiscent of cherry cheesecake. 6. Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie: A spiced cookie topped with cookie butter flavors, though less exciting than others. Pricing for the cookies is set at .69 for a single cookie, .49 for a four-pack, .29 for six, and .49 for a dozen. The Grass Block Cake costs an additional [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Crumbl has recently unveiled a delightful collaboration with the beloved game Minecraft, offering a unique selection of cookie flavors that promise to capture the hearts of both gamers and cookie enthusiasts alike. To assess the potential fan-favorites among these creations, a box of the new cookies was delivered for a taste test, allowing for an evaluation of their flavors, textures, and overall enjoyment. Methodology The tasting began with the Minecraft Lemon Poppyseed Cookie, a visually appealing treat featuring a poppyseed-speckled base topped with lemon buttercream and lemon curd. This cookie struck a harmonious balance between sweet and tart, reminiscent of a lemon tart but in a softer cookie format. Its savory undertones complemented the bright flavors, making it a standout choice for lemon lovers. Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich Next up was the Minecraft Cookies & Cream Sandwich, which featured two chocolate cookies encasing a purple marshmallow mousse filling. The addition of brownie bits and cookies and cream pieces added texture and intrigue, elevating this classic flavor to something more unique. While the chocolate cookies were slightly dry, the overall combination provided a delightful twist on the traditional cookies and cream experience. Minecraft Creeper Key Lime Sandwich The Creeper Key Lime Sandwich showcased two layers of lime cookies with a zesty lime filling, adorned with sprinkles to represent the pixelated character. The key lime flavor offered a refreshing tartness, although the cookie sandwich format could have benefited from a more open-faced design. Despite being a bit drier than desired, the visual appeal and flavor made it a worthy contender. Minecraft Grass Block Cake Among the offerings, the Minecraft Grass Block Cake emerged as a favorite. This cube-shaped cake, designed to resemble a grass block from the game, featured layers of cinnamon brown sugar, cream cheese, and chocolate. Its moist texture and exceptional flavor combination made it a highlight of the collection, proving that Crumbl's cakes can rival their cookies in deliciousness. Minecraft Cherry Blossom Cookie The Cherry Blossom Cookie presented a delightful cherry flavor that avoided the typical artificial taste often associated with cherry-flavored treats. This soft cookie, topped with cherry cream cheese frosting, evoked the essence of a cherry cheesecake, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweeter options in the lineup. Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie Lastly, the Minecraft Cookie Butter Cookie featured a spiced base topped with cookie butter flavors and crumbs. While it may have seemed less exciting compared to its counterparts, it still delivered a pleasant experience for fans of cookie butter. However, the nonedible chicken topper felt somewhat disconnected from the overall theme. Price and Availability Crumbl's Minecraft cookie collection is available from August 31 through September 5, 2026. Unlike typical weeks, this collaboration offers only large cookies, with pricing set at .69 for a single cookie, .49 for a four-pack, .29 for six, and .49 for a dozen. An additional 99 cents applies for the Grass Block Cake, a worthy investment for its unique flavor and presentation. With six cookies in the collection, opting for the six-pack allows for a complete tasting experience, with some cookies requiring refrigeration while others can be stored at room temperature." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99. Some cookies require refrigeration, while others can be stored at room temperature.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Crumbl Builds Minecraft in Cookie Form, One Square Block at a Time

Crumbl is collaborating with Minecraft for its first character licensing venture, offering a limited-time menu from August 31 to September 5 featuring six square-shaped treats inspired by the game. Pre-orders opened on August 30. The desserts include: 1. Grass Block Cake: Cinnamon vanilla cake with chocolate crumb streusel and brown cream cheese frosting. 2. Creeper Key Lime Sandwich: Lime cookies filled with lime icing and topped with a creeper figure. 3. Lemon Poppyseed Cookie: Lemon base with lemon curd and buttercream, topped with a bee. 4. Cookies & Cream Sandwich: Purple marshmallow mousse with brownie and cookies & cream crumbs, topped with an Enderman. 5. Cherry Blossom Cookie: Pink dough with maraschino cherries and cherry cream cheese frosting, topped with a pig. 6. Cookie Butter Cookie: Spiced marbled cookie-butter square with melted cookie butter and topped with a chicken figure. The packaging resembles earth blocks from the game. The first 200 customers on launch day will receive a Launch Day Exclusive spoon, while pre-orders will include an in-store Mystery Spoon. A 12-pack will feature two spoons with rotating designs. Pre-orders do not come with a spoon.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.