NewApp Digest
search bot

disk space

silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
September 23, 2026

BigDiskBuster PoC Blocks Windows Defender Updates

A new tool named BigDiskBuster has been released on GitHub, which disrupts Microsoft Defender Antivirus by preventing it from installing updates. It does this by consuming available disk space during the update process, causing Defender to remain on its current version and unable to receive new platform or signature updates. BigDiskBuster operates as a local denial-of-service technique and requires prior access to the target machine to execute. The tool was created by researcher Abdelhamid Naceri, known as Nightmare Eclipse, who has previously worked on similar projects. As of now, there is no CVE identifier, patch, or advisory from Microsoft regarding this issue.
The hidden Windows feature quietly filling up your SSD—and how to rein it in
Winsage
September 20, 2026

The hidden Windows feature quietly filling up your SSD—and how to rein it in

Microsoft introduced a feature called point-in-time restore in Windows 11, which creates snapshots of the system every 24 hours to enhance recovery options. This feature began rolling out in late June 2026 and is typically enabled by default for boot drives of 200GB or larger. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service to generate restore points that are available for 72 hours before being purged. The feature can consume significant storage space, initially occupying 3.9GB and potentially increasing to over 18GB within two months, reaching a maximum of 2% of the total disk space. Users can adjust the storage usage settings or disable the feature entirely to reclaim space. The default maximum usage can be modified to as low as 0.2%. There are concerns that this feature should have been opt-in rather than opt-out due to its storage implications.
How to measure and shrink the Windows search index
Winsage
September 18, 2026

How to measure and shrink the Windows search index

The initial storage cost of the search index on a fresh installation of Windows 11 is minimal, only a few megabytes. When a sizable work folder is added, the index expands, but it does not revert to its original size after the folder is removed. The search index is stored in Windows.db for Windows 11 and Windows.edb for Windows 10. Windows 11 has two indexing modes: Classic (default) and Enhanced, with Classic indexing Documents, Pictures, Music folders, and the Desktop, while Enhanced scans the entire PC. The index includes file names and content, allowing keyword searches. Users can measure their index items through Settings without special permissions, while file size requires administrative access via PowerShell. An index under 30,000 items is acceptable for average users, while performance issues may arise beyond 400,000 items, with a technical ceiling of one million items. In an experiment, the index grew from 462 items and 6.71 MB to 3,466 items and 18.66 MB after adding 3,000 text files, but remained at 16.81 MB after deleting those files. To reclaim disk space, users can exclude specific folders from indexing and rebuild the index, which can significantly reduce its size while retaining the same number of items.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
September 10, 2026

8 Antivirus Software for Mac: Our Top Picks by Use Case (2026)

Apple provides built-in security features for macOS, including XProtect, Gatekeeper, and automatic malware removal, which contribute to the safety of Macs. However, these protections do not effectively address threats like infostealers, phishing, and adware. For enhanced security, third-party antivirus solutions are recommended. Bitdefender is noted for its strong detection rates and minimal system impact, making it suitable for most users. Intego specializes in Mac-specific threats and is ideal for users focused solely on Apple products. ESET and Trend Micro are recommended for businesses needing centralized management. F-Secure is recognized for its privacy-focused approach, while Norton offers a comprehensive suite of security features. AVG provides free real-time protection suitable for low-risk personal use, but may not be adequate for business needs. CleanMyMac is a maintenance tool rather than a traditional antivirus, focusing on system cleanup and optimization. Users should avoid running multiple real-time scanners simultaneously and ensure they purchase appropriate licenses for business use. It's important to evaluate the necessity of additional features and consider long-term pricing when selecting antivirus software.
Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux
Winsage
September 8, 2026

Feel peak Windows was 7? You might like Kumander Linux

Kumander Linux is set to launch version 3.0, built on Debian 13.6 with the Xfce 4.20 desktop environment. It aims to replicate the look and feel of Windows 7 using free and open-source software, including LibreOffice 25.2 and GIMP 3.0.4. The distribution replaces the default Task Manager with a new System Manager and includes an intuitive Software Center. It has a download size of 4.25 GB and requires 11 GB of disk space, consuming approximately 725 MB of RAM when idle. The name "Kumander" references Commodore computers and reflects its Filipino origins. The distribution is currently in its Release Candidate 2 phase.
Search