cleanup Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Avast Antivirus Vulnerability Let Attackers Escalate Privileges

A significant vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-3500, has been identified in Avast Free Antivirus, allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and execute malicious code at the kernel level. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 8.8 and was publicly disclosed on April 24, 2025, shortly after a patch was implemented. It originates from inadequate validation of user-supplied data in the aswbidsdriver kernel driver, leading to an integer overflow prior to buffer allocation. Attackers must first execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw affects multiple versions of Avast Free Antivirus, specifically versions ranging from 20.1.2397 to 2016.11.1.2262. A fix was released in version 25.3.9983.922, and users are urged to update their software promptly. Security experts recommend enabling automatic updates and using standard user accounts for daily activities to mitigate risks.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Millions of Android apps have disappeared from the Play Store this year, and for good reason

The Google Play Store's app count has decreased from approximately 3.4 million in early 2024 to around 1.8 million today, a 47% decline. This reduction is attributed to stricter quality control measures implemented by Google in July 2024, which targeted malfunctioning apps and those with limited functionality. Google reported blocking 2.36 million apps for policy violations and banning over 158,000 developer accounts linked to harmful activities. In contrast, the Apple App Store's app count rose from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Additionally, a new EU regulation requires developers to disclose their names and addresses in app listings, with non-compliance risking delisting from EU markets. Despite the decline, 10,400 new applications were launched on the Play Store this year, indicating a 7.1% increase compared to last year.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Speed up your Windows 11 PC: 12 must-do tweaks and tips

Users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 often accumulate unnecessary files, creating an opportunity for digital cleanup to reclaim storage space. It is recommended to use Windows' built-in tools for this process. To start, users can launch the Disk Cleanup application to select and delete various categories of files, such as Lifetime Optimization Files from Windows Update. The Downloads folder should also be checked for large, unneeded files, which can be sorted by size for easier identification and removal. Additionally, outdated components can be removed via the command prompt using the commands: 1. dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /AnalyzeComponentStore 2. dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup This method can free up significant space, with reports of nearly five gigabytes reclaimed even on fresh installations. While third-party software is generally discouraged, programs like Wiztree are exceptions, as they efficiently scan disks and display files by size, aiding in the cleanup process. Users should avoid deleting files from critical folders and verify any uncertain files through web searches.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Blocky horror picture show: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ ignites questionable audience etiquette

In movie theaters, the release of “A Minecraft Movie” has led to debates about audience etiquette, similar to previous discussions around the “Wicked” sing-along. Fans are increasingly using their phones during screenings, particularly during a scene with Jack Black's character, which has resulted in disruptive behavior such as echoing lines, tossing popcorn, and even reenacting scenes. This has led to ejections and police involvement, raising concerns about the safety and experience of other moviegoers. Director Jared Hess expressed support for fans but questioned the need for police intervention. The film itself has been criticized for lacking originality and depth, described as creatively bankrupt with a generic storyline and underdeveloped characters, despite appealing to younger viewers. The chaotic atmosphere in theaters highlights the challenges of balancing enjoyment and disruption.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

New Windows 11 setting lets users kill stubborn apps instantly from taskbar

Microsoft has introduced a new "End Task" option in Windows that allows users to close unresponsive applications directly from the taskbar by right-clicking on the app. This feature simplifies the process compared to the traditional method of using Task Manager. To activate it, users must go to Settings > System > For Developers and toggle on the "End Task" setting. The "End Task" command forcefully terminates an application and its related processes, unlike the "Close Window" command, which may leave background processes running. However, it cannot terminate system processes like File Explorer, and using it may result in the loss of unsaved data. This feature is located in the "For Developers" section of Settings and does not require Developer Mode. It has recently been included in the final Windows 11 24H2 build.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

What is the Minecraft movie ‘Chicken Jockey’ trend? Georgia movie theater is a victim

A new trend called the "Chicken Jockey" trend has emerged among moviegoers in the U.S. and U.K. during screenings of "A Minecraft Movie." The Chicken Jockey is a character from Minecraft, depicted as a baby zombie riding a chicken, and is featured in a fight club scene in the film. When Jack Black's character exclaims "Chicken Jockey," audiences erupt in unison, leading to chaotic behavior such as standing, shouting, throwing popcorn and soda, shooting off fireworks, and dancing with live chickens. One notable instance of this trend occurred at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where the theater shared footage of the aftermath on social media and contacted law enforcement due to the chaos. Theater employee Alexi Alvear described the cleanup as taking three hours. Director Jared Hass found the antics amusing and emphasized the joy audiences are experiencing. Jack Black humorously requested no throwing of popcorn during a surprise appearance. "A Minecraft Movie" currently holds a 46% rating from Rotten Tomatoes' critics and an 87% audience score, with a Metascore of 46 and an IMDb rating of 6 out of 10. The film has generated over 0 million against a production budget of 0 million. It is expected to stream on Max, with the earliest streaming date potentially around May 19, depending on box office performance. Pre-orders for digital copies are available on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Social media trend has teenagers trashing theaters during ‘A Minecraft Movie’

Teenagers, particularly boys, have started throwing food during screenings of “A Minecraft Movie,” initially beginning with popcorn but escalating to include Icees, water bottles, and even glass bottles and salsa. Brandt Gully, the owner of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, expressed concern over the mess and the challenges it poses for employees, who have had to deal with extensive cleanup and disruptions. The cinema has faced delays, issued refunds, and involved law enforcement to manage the unruly behavior. In response, they have implemented measures to ensure quicker responses to disturbances during screenings.

Tech Optimizer

April 13, 2025

Panda Dome review

Panda Security, a Spanish antivirus company, has introduced various cybersecurity innovations since its founding, including daily signature updates in 1998, behavioral monitoring in 2004, and cloud scanning in 2007. It offers several plans for home users: Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium, each with increasing features such as firewall protection, WiFi security, online shopping safeguards, and a Dark Web Scanner. All plans include a 30-day free trial. Panda Dome received an AAA award from SE Labs for a Total Accuracy Rating of 99% without false positives between October and December 2024, outperforming Microsoft Defender and Webroot but not achieving the perfect scores of Avast, Kaspersky, and McAfee. The AV-Test Product Review awarded Panda a score of 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance. However, Panda Free Antivirus had a higher number of false alarms in AV-Comparatives’ False Alarm Test. The Panda Dome Advanced plan, priced at .99 for the first year, includes parental controls and enhanced ransomware protection. It offers multiple scanning options and reasonable scan times. Its anti-ransomware features include behavior-based detection, file access control, and backup capabilities. Panda Dome Complete, priced at .99 for the first year, adds system cleanup tools and a password manager, allowing users to optimize system performance and securely manage passwords. It also includes file encryption and shredding features. Panda Dome Premium, priced at .99 for the first year, provides unrestricted VPN access, an update manager, and unlimited premium technical support. It allows secure browsing across over 60 countries for up to five devices and includes features to keep systems updated and secure.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

What’s the Viral ‘Chicken Jockey’ Trend Getting ‘Minecraft’ Fans Kicked Out of Theaters?

The Minecraft movie has become a cultural sensation following its record-breaking opening weekend, leading to the emergence of the "Chicken Jockey Trend." In Minecraft, a Chicken Jockey is a rare mob combination of a Baby Zombie riding a Chicken, known for its rarity, aggression, speed, and unique behaviors such as not taking fall damage. The likelihood of encountering a Chicken Jockey is approximately 5% in areas with both chickens and baby zombies. The trend has led audiences to create their own Chicken Jockeys during screenings, resulting in chaotic but enthusiastic interactions. Movie theaters are facing challenges managing the excitement, including cleanup issues and safety concerns, while also benefiting from increased ticket sales.