digital landscape Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 12, 2025

I abandoned third-party antivirus tools, and here’s what I do instead

The author has transitioned from using third-party antivirus solutions to relying on Windows Security, which is built into Windows 10 and 11, due to its effectiveness and lack of cost. They emphasize the importance of keeping Windows Security updated and performing regular virus scans for added peace of mind. Ransomware protection features, such as Controlled Folder Access, are highlighted as essential. The Microsoft PC Manager app is recommended for optimizing system performance and security. The author advocates for good security hygiene, including avoiding suspicious emails and enabling two-factor authentication, as effective practices to maintain security without third-party antivirus software.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Meta Expands Teen Safety Protections to Facebook and Messenger

Meta Platforms Inc. is implementing new safety and privacy measures for users under 16 on its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. These measures include prohibiting teens from hosting live videos without parental consent and banning the sharing of images with suspected nudity via direct messages. Additionally, Meta is introducing "Teen Accounts" on Facebook and Messenger, which will have stricter privacy settings, following a similar rollout on Instagram.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out To Customers

Microsoft is rolling out its Windows Recall feature, which captures near-constant screenshots of user activity to allow natural language searches for content. Concerns have been raised by cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont, who warns that it could reverse cybersecurity progress by a decade. Users must opt-in and use Windows Hello for authentication to access their stored images, which can be paused at any time. Recall captures snapshots during various tasks and allows users to reopen applications or documents and perform actions directly from these snapshots. The rollout will occur gradually, and the tech community is monitoring its impact on cybersecurity.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

A mysterious new folder appeared in my C drive after this Windows 11 update, should I be worried?

The Windows 11 24H2 update (KB5055523) has resulted in the unexpected appearance of a folder named "inetpub" on user systems. This folder is a harmless remnant of the security patch and is associated with Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS). Microsoft has not provided clarification on its emergence, but it is safe to delete if desired, as it poses no threat and does not run any hidden processes.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

China’s Surveillance Push via Android Apps – Australian Cyber Security Magazine

The UK Cyber League has supported a new advisory by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC UK) in collaboration with several international partners, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, the German Federal Intelligence Service, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States National Security Agency. The advisory focuses on two spyware variants, BADBAZAAR and MOONSHINE, and provides guidance for app store operators, developers, and social media companies to enhance user safety. Spyware is defined as malware that installs on a device without the user’s consent, collecting and sending data to a third party. The advisory emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures against such threats.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

A wild new way to think about Android apps

Hermit is a mobile application that allows users to create web apps that integrate seamlessly into the Android ecosystem, resembling traditional apps on the home screen. Users can launch a new web app in about two minutes, and Hermit offers a variety of customization options for personalizing these apps to meet individual preferences and needs.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Koto crafts bold 50th anniversary identity for Microsoft, celebrating its past and future

Global design studio Koto has created a new identity for Microsoft's 50th anniversary, celebrating the company's influence and legacy while recognizing current innovators. The campaign is centered around the phrase "Change Needs Makers," emphasizing the contributions of individuals behind Microsoft's software and cultural innovations, especially in the context of AI. Koto's design strategy includes three storytelling structures: "Worlds," which showcases technology's potential; "Iconic Moments," highlighting significant achievements; and "Then & Now," contrasting different eras of the company. The visual identity features a 50th-anniversary logo inspired by the original Windows design, modernized with 3D elements, and uses Segoe Sans Display typography along with a vibrant palette of gradients. The campaign aims to connect Microsoft's past, present, and future, focusing on continuous innovation and inviting the next generation to shape what comes next. Koto has previously developed identities for brands like Google Gemini, Netflix, and Venmo.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft’s worst software flop was secretly packed with Windows for years

Microsoft Bob, launched in 1995 as a user interface to simplify computer navigation, sold only around 30,000 copies before being discontinued. In 2001, during the development of Windows XP, Microsoft included an encrypted version of Bob on the installation CDs to fill 30 MB of unused space and deter piracy. This decision was made to slow down users with dial-up connections attempting to illegally copy the operating system. The developer found floppy disk images of Microsoft Bob, encrypted them, and added them to the Windows XP CD, meaning that purchasers of Windows XP received a copy of this previously unsuccessful software.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta Is Expanding Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger

Meta has expanded its Teen Accounts, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger in the United States, the UK, Australia, and Canada. Users under 18 will automatically transition to these accounts, receiving notifications about the changes. Teen Accounts will include protective features similar to those on Instagram, with new restrictions for users under 16, such as needing parental consent to live broadcast and to disable nudity image blurring in direct messages. A significant 97% of users aged 13-15 maintain default protections on their accounts. For teens under 16, parental permission is required for account changes, and parents can establish supervision through the Family Center feature, allowing them to manage permissions while respecting the teen's privacy.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Optimize Facebook storage on Android: Steps to free up space

Clearing the cache can reclaim storage space and improve device performance without compromising personal data. The cache stores temporary files that can accumulate and hinder device operation. To clear the cache for the Facebook app, navigate to Settings, select Apps, find Facebook, choose Storage, and select Clear Cache. This action removes junk files while preserving personal information.