cloud backup Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Best Antivirus Software (January 2026): Webroot Recognized for Lightweight Protection by Expert Consumers

Webroot has been recognized by Expert Consumers for its innovative antivirus protection, which offers essential security features with minimal impact on system performance. The software is cloud-based and lightweight, providing real-time protection while using minimal system resources. It leverages cloud technology for threat analysis, allowing for quick scans and unobtrusive background protection. Webroot includes real-time monitoring, flexible scanning options, phishing protection, and ransomware protection. It also addresses threats to personal data and offers protection for mobile devices and Chromebooks. Webroot's product lineup includes various plans tailored to user needs, from basic antivirus protection to comprehensive plans with identity protection features. The software is designed to operate consistently in the background, ensuring usability and reducing the risk of misconfigurations.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 11 Start menu nags you to use OneDrive for backup to ensure you always have access to files, apps

Microsoft has introduced a new yellow alert in the Start menu of Windows 11, titled “Action advised – back up your PC,” urging users to back up their files and app data using OneDrive. The alert emphasizes the importance of cloud backup and directs users to the OneDrive-based Windows Backup app. Users in the European Union may see different options, while those in the United States currently do not have alternatives for third-party backup solutions. The alerts cannot be disabled but can be temporarily dismissed. Additionally, users frequently encounter prompts for various Microsoft services, such as reminders to engage with Bing features after installing the Bing Wallpaper app, which includes suggestions to change browser settings to favor Bing. Users can choose to delay these changes or close the prompts without immediate alterations.

Tech Optimizer

December 29, 2025

Best antivirus software of 2025: security, speed, pricing

In 2025, the best antivirus software includes: - MacKeeper: Best for Mac users, cryptocurrency holders, and identity protection. Key features include real-time protection against malware, ID Theft Guard, adware cleaning, built-in VPN, and system performance tools. Pricing starts around €9.86/month. - Norton 360: Best for families and multi-device protection. It offers advanced malware protection, a VPN, cloud backup, Dark Web monitoring, and parental controls. Pricing is approximately .50–/month. - Bitdefender: Best for aggressive ransomware protection with minimal CPU load. It features ransomware recovery, advanced threat detection, multi-layer malware defense, and a secure password manager. Pricing starts from .99–.99/year. - McAfee: Best for identity theft monitoring and financial protection. It includes effective malware detection, credit checks, and privacy tools. Pricing ranges from .99–.99/year. - Surfshark One: Best for lightweight antivirus combined with privacy tools. Key features include real-time antivirus and a VPN. Pricing starts from €1.69-€4.19/month. - Avast: Best for free antivirus features. It offers free real-time protection and a Ransomware Shield. The free version is available, with premium starting around .99/year. - AVG: Best for beginners needing a simple, effective free antivirus. It provides real-time threat protection and ransomware defense. The free version is available, or .68/year for advanced features. - Malwarebytes: Best for removing active malware and adware. It excels in malware cleanup and fast scans. Pricing starts from .49/year. - TotalAV: Best for strong first-year pricing and antivirus + privacy bundle. It protects against malware and includes a VPN. Pricing is approximately .00 for the first year, renewing at .99/year. Pricing information is based on rates available in December 2025.

Tech Optimizer

December 22, 2025

Stay Safe Online This Holiday With Up to 50% Off Webroot’s Cybersecurity Plans

Cybercriminals remain active during the holiday season, making robust cybersecurity essential. Webroot offers a Total Protection Cybersecurity Plan with a current discount of up to 50% for new customers, with introductory pricing starting at .99 for the first year. The plan includes antivirus protection, privacy protection with a VPN, identity protection with monitoring and fraud insurance, and unlimited cloud backup for one PC or Mac. Individual and family plans are also available with discounts of at least 30% until New Year's Day.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

PDF Scanner app – TapScanner For Android

TapScanner is a document management app that transforms smartphones into document scanners and PDF toolkits, with over 100 million downloads and a rating of 4.6 stars. It allows users to capture, organize, and share documents easily, featuring high-quality scanning with automatic edge detection and smart image correction. The app includes a comprehensive PDF workspace for merging, splitting, reordering, signing, and annotating PDFs, along with OCR text recognition for over 110 languages. It offers batch scanning, one-tap renaming, automated file organization, and secure cloud backup options with platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Multi-page support is available, along with image enhancements such as brightness adjustments and shadow removal. Users can share and print documents via email or messaging apps, and the app has a user-friendly interface. TapScanner is free with a trial period that transitions into a subscription model.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Switch to Windows 11 and your PC will be TWICE as fast, Microsoft claims

Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs," based on benchmarking data from Geekbench 6. Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, leaving around 5 million users in the UK vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 for users with a legitimate copy of Windows 10, although not all existing devices may support it. The upcoming Windows 11 Version 25H2 update will provide a smoother installation experience and introduce features like a redesigned Start menu and CPU throttling for better power management. Microsoft will offer free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive, while others will need to pay a one-time fee of £22 for updates. Some users report that Windows 10 may have better gaming performance, which could affect their decision to upgrade.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10. Here’s what you need to know

Microsoft has officially concluded automatic security updates and support for Windows 10 as of Tuesday. Users with newer computers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, as there will be no automatic transition. Those with older machines have alternatives, including a one-year plan for extended security updates for a fee, and a free option that requires linking a OneDrive account for cloud backup. Nathan Proctor estimates that around 400 million computers may be left vulnerable due to the end of Windows 10 support. Users unwilling or unable to upgrade can consider alternative operating systems like Chrome Flex or Linux Mint, but some applications may not work on these platforms. Installation of a new operating system can be done independently or with professional help.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10: What you need to know

Microsoft's security support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, potentially exposing millions of computers to cyber threats unless users upgrade to Windows 11 or implement other security measures. Users with qualifying hardware can upgrade to Windows 11 for free using the "PC Health Check" app. For computers that do not meet the upgrade criteria, Microsoft will offer paid security updates for a limited time, and users can also enable cloud backup linked to OneDrive as a free alternative. Cybersecurity expert Ken Colburn advises that investing in a new computer is the best long-term security solution, especially for older machines that may not meet current safety standards. He emphasizes the importance of taking action before the deadline to avoid becoming a target for cyber attacks.