capabilities Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 4, 2026

NordVPN’s Next-Gen Antivirus scores 94% in independent phishing and malware testing

NordVPN's next-generation antivirus achieved a 94% phishing detection rate in an anti-phishing test by AV-Comparatives, ranking third among nine products, behind Avast One Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus, both at 96%. The evaluation tested 250 live phishing URLs and recorded zero false positives for NordVPN, unlike competitors such as Malwarebytes Premium and Webroot SecureAnywhere. The two-percentage-point difference between NordVPN and the leaders corresponds to five URLs. Other products like Dr. Web Security Space and K7 Total Security had lower detection rates of 57% and 70%, respectively. Previously, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro had an 83.42% detection rate across 3,209 links, outperforming IPVanish. In June 2024, NordVPN became the first VPN provider to earn AV-Comparatives' anti-phishing protection badge, requiring a minimum detection rate of 85% with zero false alarms. The antivirus feature is available on Plus plans and higher, previously known as Threat Protection Pro, and is included in Plus, Complete, and Prime tiers.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

DLSS 5 can be jammed into almost any PC game, and here’s how

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when purchases are made through links in their articles. The Control mod has led to experimentation with DLSS 5 .dll files among gamers, resulting in varied visual outcomes. For example, integrating DLSS 5 into The Blood of Dawnwalker caused visual distortions in characters. The early access version of NBA 2K27 has prompted modders to create game-agnostic versions of DLSS 5, allowing integration into various titles. DLSS 5 can produce impressive visual effects when used correctly, but it significantly impacts performance, potentially reducing frame rates by 50-60%. For instance, using DLSS 5 on an RTX 5090 dropped frame rates from 110 fps to below 50 fps. In Football Manager 26, DLSS 5 improves environmental lighting, pitch details, and player profile pictures. The installation of DLSS 5 can be done through the ReShade HDR Installer from GitHub, simplifying the process. Players can customize DLSS 5 settings in-game using the RenoDX tab. However, there are concerns about how such modifications may affect the original artistic vision of the games.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

These 5 Linux distros promise to run Windows apps—I tried them all, and one was clearly the best

One of the main challenges when transitioning from Windows to Linux is software compatibility. Wine and its frontends allow Windows applications to run on Linux, but the ease of use varies across distributions. Zorin OS integrates Windows application support into its desktop experience, allowing users to install .exe and .msi files directly through its Windows App Support component. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for complex commands and provides a database of popular Windows installers. Winux (Wubuntu) creates a familiar environment for Windows users but faces challenges with running Windows software, requiring additional configuration for proprietary components. Bazzite focuses on gaming, utilizing Wine-based tools for compatibility but may not cater to everyday Windows applications. Nobara, a Fedora-based distro, emphasizes gaming enhancements and shares similar limitations regarding standard Windows productivity applications. Garuda Linux is aimed at experienced users and offers flexibility with Wine and Proton support, but its complexity may not suit those looking for a simple transition. Zorin OS is identified as the most effective solution for running Windows applications on Linux, providing a manageable transition while maintaining access to necessary software.

Tech Optimizer

September 4, 2026

EDB Postgres® AI Gains Momentum as Customers Tell Us the Future of Their Own AI and Data Platform

Organizations are increasingly aiming to establish their own governed AI and data platforms, with 95% of enterprises planning to develop such platforms within the next three years, though only 13% have done so. EDB has reported significant traction for its EDB Postgres® AI (EDB PG AI) platform, which unifies transactional, analytical, and agentic workloads into a single system. PAC 2000A Conad has revamped its data infrastructure using EDB PG AI to support over 1,600 stores and 7,000 connected devices, ensuring compliance with NIS2 regulations. C Platform in Korea is experiencing a surge in demand for hybrid and on-premises capabilities, driven by significant investment in sovereign AI and the AI Basic Act mandating governance for AI deployment. Notable adopters of EDB PG AI include the Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan EZ Insurance, NTT East, MNTN, Euronext FX, and Kyobo Book Centre.

Tech Optimizer

September 4, 2026

EDB Highlights Postgres AI Growth in Regulated Enterprise Markets

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has reported advancements in the adoption of its EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) platform, which integrates transactional, analytical, and AI workloads. While 95% of enterprises aspire to become their own AI and data platforms within three years, only 13% have achieved this. EDB PG AI supports existing systems and prepares enterprises for future AI capabilities. A case study highlights PAC 2000A Conad, which restructured its data infrastructure with EDB PG AI, serving over 1,600 stores and 7,000 devices. In Korea, over billion has been invested in the sovereign AI market, with organizations seeking hybrid and on-premises solutions despite challenges from fragmented data environments. Notable users of EDB PG AI include the Industrial Bank of Korea and Shinhan EZ Insurance. EDB PG AI is built on Postgres and allows enterprises to optimize data and AI capabilities with governance at the data layer.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

DLSS 5 can be jammed into almost any game now, so I’ve been playing FM26 with neural rendered little computer people because that’s just what I do

The integration of DLSS 5 .dll files into various games has produced mixed results, with some enhancements working well while others cause visual glitches. A review of The Blood of Dawnwalker revealed issues with the DLSS pipeline, resulting in an unexpected undead appearance for a character. A demonstration at Gamescom showed that DLSS 5 can significantly enhance visuals when used correctly, particularly with Model C at 60-70% intensity. However, Nvidia has noted that DLSS 5 can lead to a 50-60% reduction in frame rates, especially at 4K resolution. For example, on an RTX 5090, frame rates dropped from approximately 110 fps to below 50 fps with DLSS 5 activated. DLSS 5 can also run on lower-spec GPUs, although it was initially demonstrated with dual RTX 5090s. In Football Manager 26, DLSS 5 improved visuals without achieving photorealism, maintaining a steady 60 fps. The ReShade HDR Installer allows users to integrate DLSS tools into unsupported games, but results may vary and troubleshooting may be necessary. The official release of DLSS 5 will not include the fine-tuning sliders available through ReShade, which could complicate the preservation of developers' artistic intent. For best results, users should use the Upscaled or DLSS version of DLSS-NR rather than the 'Present' method, and may need to try different RenoDX DLSS 5 tools if issues arise.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Microsoft OneDrive wants to back up everything. You don’t have to let it

OneDrive offers a minimum of one terabyte of online storage for Microsoft 365 subscribers and provides seamless backup of files and settings, particularly useful when transitioning to a new PC. However, its automatic backups can lead to excessive internet bandwidth usage and clutter with unnecessary files. Recent updates allow users to opt out of OneDrive backup entirely, although the specifics of this feature are unclear. Users can also manage their experience by selectively backing up folders and regularly reviewing stored files.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

I replaced Samsung Edge Panels with this free app — and I’m not going back

Panels is a free sidebar launcher app for Android that allows users to swipe in from the edge of the screen for quick access to apps, contacts, widgets, and settings. It features three main pages: Favorites, Shortcuts Panel, and Widgets, which can be expanded with additional pages. The app enhances multitasking by allowing apps to launch in windowed mode, creating app pairs for split-screen viewing, and providing website shortcuts. Customization options include adding new panels, repositioning them, adjusting panel width and height, and changing icon styles and colors. Panels reduces the need to visit the home screen and improves one-handed usage by placing shortcuts within easy reach. However, it has some flaws, such as potential conflicts with Android's gesture navigation and the presence of ads, which can be removed with a one-time payment of .50 for the premium version.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto’s Icon Just Got A New Look – And A Major Update Is Next

The Android Auto app icon has been visually refreshed, changing from a soft blue to a deeper green shade and featuring smoothed edges. This update is part of the upcoming Material 3 update, although Google has not officially announced it. Users may already see the updated icon with the latest app version. Upcoming features for Android Auto include a smoother "paper plane" arrow, widgets for quick access to contacts, weather updates, and garage door controls, as well as support for video applications like YouTube, which will allow Full-HD 60fps playback in stationary vehicles. Additional enhancements include Dolby Atmos support and visual upgrades for music apps. The rollout of these features is expected to begin later this year.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Onimusha on Steam Deck is the definition of ‘playable’: Surprisingly pleasant, so long as 30 fps isn’t a dealbreaker

The Steam Deck has proven to be a competent platform for playing Onimusha: Way of the Sword, showing commendable performance compared to other recent releases like Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon's Dogma 2. Testing in the Kyoto hub area demonstrated the strengths of the Capcom proprietary engine, resulting in an enjoyable gameplay experience. While a high-end RTX 5090 PC offers enhanced visuals, the difference in gameplay enjoyment is not as significant as expected. Onimusha exemplifies a game that is "playable" on the Steam Deck, providing enough satisfaction for gaming on the go, even if it doesn't surpass the experience of a PC setup at home.