Ethernet Archives

Winsage

December 12, 2025

New Windows RasMan zero-day flaw gets free, unofficial patches

Free unofficial patches are available for a newly identified Windows zero-day vulnerability that allows attackers to crash the Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan) service, which operates with SYSTEM-level privileges and manages VPN and remote network connections. This denial-of-service flaw was discovered by ACROS Security while investigating a previously patched privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-59230) in RasMan. The new zero-day has not yet received a CVE ID and affects all Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, including Windows Server 2008 R2 through Server 2025. The vulnerability can be exploited by unprivileged users due to a coding error in how RasMan processes circular linked lists, leading to a crash when a null pointer is encountered. ACROS Security is providing free micropatches through its 0Patch service until Microsoft releases an official fix. Users must create an account and install the 0Patch agent to apply the micropatch automatically.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

I accepted all of Microsoft’s suggested Windows 11 setup settings with a fresh ISO, forced online accounts and extra telemetry included — can any of it be bypassed?

The latest version of Windows 11, 25H2, has been released with minimal changes from 24H2. Windows 11 is gaining market share as Windows 10 approaches its "End of Life" phase, but user satisfaction remains a concern. Many users express frustration over the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement, which raises e-waste concerns for incompatible PCs. Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account has become challenging, as Microsoft has removed popular workarounds, and a mandatory Internet connection is required during setup. Users also express apprehension about Microsoft Copilot and its data collection practices, which include gathering "Optional diagnostic data" and location services information. Although users can disable tracking features after setup, initial selections are not permanent. Windows Recall, a feature that tracks user activity through visual snapshots, is now available for compatible Copilot+ PCs but is not enabled by default. Users can disable Windows Recall in the Settings app.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Grab an Nvidia gaming laptop for just $579 and save $170 in this incredible Black Friday deal from Acer

Acer's gaming laptop, the ANV15-52-586Z, is priced at 9 and features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, enabling modern gaming with ray tracing and DLSS. It runs Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with high settings at over 60fps and Fortnite at over 120fps. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-13420H CPU and has 8GB of DDR5 RAM. It includes a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS LCD display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 512GB SSD for storage. Connectivity options include three USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, Ethernet, and HDMI. The laptop emphasizes functionality over design and is noted for being an affordable option in the gaming laptop market.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 Adds New Recovery Tools to Minimize Downtime

Microsoft unveiled new Windows Recovery tools during the Ignite 2025 keynote to help IT teams reduce downtime and streamline remediation processes. Enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) include WinRE networking support, which will initially support Ethernet and later add Enterprise Wi-Fi capabilities. Autopatch can now manage and approve QMR updates, currently in public preview. Microsoft Intune's remote recovery via WinRE allows IT administrators to monitor devices in recovery mode and deploy scripts directly from the console, extending to Windows Server VMs through the Azure Portal. New recovery options for Windows PCs include a point-in-time restore feature for reverting to previous states and a Cloud rebuild feature for remotely reinstalling Windows 11 on malfunctioning devices. These updates are expected to be generally available to commercial customers in the first half of 2026. Microsoft has also introduced Autopatch update readiness in preview, providing real-time insights into device update readiness through a unified Intune dashboard. Additionally, new tools for incident management include Mission Critical Services for Microsoft 365, allowing collaboration with Windows engineers, and Windows 365 Reserve, which offers secure temporary Cloud PCs. Microsoft Intune will issue alerts when devices enter WinRE to prioritize recovery efforts, and a Digital Signage mode will prevent error messages on non-interactive public displays.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve announces new Steam Machine and Steam Controller

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine and Steam Controller in early 2026. The Steam Machine is a compact PC running on a Linux-based SteamOS, featuring a customizable design, USB-A port, microSD card slot, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and Ethernet ports. It is powered by a “semi-custom AMD Zen 4” CPU, “semi-custom AMD RDNA3” GPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, with storage options of 512GB or 2TB SSD. It offers approximately six times the performance of the Steam Deck, enabling 4K gaming at 60 FPS. The Steam Controller is a wireless device that replicates the Steam Deck's control methods, featuring sticks, buttons, triggers, trackpads, and gyro controls, with Bluetooth and wired connectivity. It allows for customizable input methods for each game and is compatible with any device running Steam. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but they are expected to be competitive with equivalent PCs and gaming controllers.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

This HP Windows Laptop with Office 365 Drops to Pennies, Now Cheaper Than a Generic Audio Headset

HP's Stream 14 is a budget laptop priced at on Amazon, featuring Windows 11, 256GB of SSD storage, and a year-long subscription to Microsoft Office 365 valued at . It is powered by an Intel Processor N150 and includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking. The laptop combines 128GB of internal UFS storage with an additional 128GB from a docking station. It has a 14-inch HD anti-glare display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. The package includes a 7-in-1 docking station and a 32GB microSD card for expanded connectivity and storage options.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels receive the same 25H2-based updates. The update introduces the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar, allowing users to interact with their PC using text or voice commands. The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices, designed for console-style navigation. A preview of shared audio is being rolled out, enabling two users to share audio from connected devices. The update also includes improvements to Prism, enhancing compatibility for 64-bit x86 applications. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with USB devices, the Start menu, File Explorer, lock and login screens, and Settings. Known issues include problems with the Start menu and system tray for some users. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Tech Optimizer

October 14, 2025

Ethernet vs Wi-Fi security comparison reveals surprising results for home users seeking protection

Ethernet relies on a physical cable for direct connection to the router, reducing the risk of data interception, while Wi-Fi transmits data wirelessly, making it more vulnerable to unauthorized access. A well-secured Wi-Fi network can be more secure than a poorly managed Ethernet setup. The security of a network depends on factors such as router configuration, software updates, and the number of connected devices. To enhance internet security, users should employ strong passwords, enable the latest encryption, keep router firmware updated, review connected devices, install antivirus software, and consider using a VPN for sensitive tasks.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2025

How a single MacBook compromise spread across a user’s Apple devices

Macs are known for their reliability and security but are not immune to malware, which is becoming more sophisticated. A user named Jeffrey in Phoenix reported performance issues with his MacBook, which was used without an Apple ID due to company policy. The malware eventually affected his personal devices, prompting him to seek assistance from Apple. Signs of potential infection include sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, unusual activity in Activity Monitor, redirected web traffic, and altered security settings. macOS includes built-in protections like Gatekeeper, XProtect, System Integrity Protection, and Sandboxing, but these are not foolproof. If a Mac is suspected to be infected, users should disconnect from the internet, back up important files, boot into Safe Mode, run a trusted malware removal tool, check login items and Activity Monitor, consider a clean reinstall of macOS, secure other devices, reset passwords, and seek professional help if needed. To prevent infections, users should install strong antivirus software, consider personal data removal services, use a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, keep macOS and apps updated, review login items and background processes, and use identity theft protection services.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

How to Fix the GETSOCKOPT Error in Minecraft

The GETSOCKOPT error in Minecraft occurs when the game cannot establish a network connection, often indicated by messages like “Connection timed out: getsockopt” or “Connection refused: getsockopt.” This error is not a bug in Minecraft but relates to network reachability or permission issues from the system or router configuration. Common causes include incorrect IP address or port, server being offline or misconfigured, firewall or antivirus interference, missing router port forwarding, double NAT or CGNAT from the ISP, and router limitations. In a LAN setup, AP isolation or a “Public” network type can also cause issues. VPNs or proxy services may disrupt connections as well. To troubleshoot the GETSOCKOPT error, players can take several steps: 1. Run Minecraft as Administrator to grant necessary permissions. 2. Double-check the IP address and port for accuracy. 3. Use a VPN to bypass routing issues or ISP restrictions. 4. Reconnect the Wi-Fi or Ethernet to refresh the network adapter. 5. Temporarily disable antivirus and allow Minecraft through the firewall. 6. Set up port forwarding for self-hosted servers to ensure inbound traffic reaches the device. 7. Contact the ISP to check for blocked ports or restrictive NAT policies.