extensions Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Postgres Pro OpenTelemetry сollector

Alexey has developed the pgpro-otel-collector, an OpenTelemetry collector by PostgresPro, designed to gather metrics and logs from PostgreSQL databases. It collects PostgreSQL metrics using an internal metrics library, OS-level metrics such as CPU and memory usage, and PostgreSQL logs in CSV and JSON formats. The collector includes internal processors for batch processing and supports exporting to OTLP-compatible backends like Elasticsearch and Prometheus. Installation is straightforward, requiring configuration of the Postgres connection and data destination. The collector can gather a range of PostgreSQL statistics and supports advanced features like CFS and pg_wait_sampling. Future enhancements include support for additional system views, integration with Shardman and BiHA, collection of custom query-based metrics, and a Grafana dashboard. Alexey's background includes experience with various monitoring tools and a focus on PostgreSQL, leading to the creation of this collector.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Bad News—500 Million Windows Users Must Now Decide

A recent advisory warns Windows users about vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 due to the impending cessation of support for Windows 10 in October. Asus has highlighted that users of Windows 10 or older systems will soon lose regular updates and support. Currently, around 750 million users are on Windows 10, with 500 million potentially eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. Recent market data shows Windows 10's user share has increased from 41% in April to over 43% in May, while Windows 11 has declined by 3.5%. The urgency for upgrades is heightened as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, raising concerns about a potential cybersecurity crisis.

Tech Optimizer

June 1, 2025

Bitdefender vs. Norton: Which Antivirus Titan Reigns Supreme for Your Digital Safety?

Bitdefender was established in 1996 and rebranded in 2001, becoming the most popular mobile antivirus in North and South America in 2022. Norton was founded in 1982 and became well-known after Symantec's acquisition. Bitdefender achieves over 98% detection rates online and offline, with five false positives in tests, while Norton exceeds 99% online and 97% offline but has a higher false positive rate. Bitdefender offers a configurable firewall in its Total Security package, while Norton provides a customizable firewall across all products. Bitdefender lacks identity theft protection in its core offerings but offers a separate service, while Norton includes comprehensive identity theft protection in its highest tier. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily cap, while Norton offers an unlimited VPN in most tiers. Bitdefender features an integrated password manager without two-factor authentication, while Norton allows credential sharing and has standalone options. Bitdefender provides basic parental controls, while Norton includes additional features like GPS tracking. Bitdefender enhances its packages with a file shredder and vulnerability scanner, while Norton offers SafeCam and Dark Web Monitoring. Bitdefender is known for resource efficiency, receiving awards for performance, while Norton also received recognition for its performance. Bitdefender has an easy-to-navigate interface, while Norton has a more complex interface. In AV-Comparatives tests, Bitdefender slightly surpassed Norton in offline detection and online protection rates. Bitdefender pricing starts at approximately .99/year for one device, while Norton starts at .99/year for one device as well.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft Edge Game Assist is now available

Microsoft Edge Game Assist is now available to all users on Windows 11, following its preview launch last November. It is an in-game browser designed specifically for PC gamers, allowing players to access game guides, connect with friends, and listen to music without leaving their games. Users can open Game Assist by pressing Win+G, which integrates features like tips for popular games, access to platforms like Discord and Spotify, and the ability to pin content above the game. The tool is designed to enhance multitasking and maintain immersion during gameplay. Feedback from the preview phase has led to improvements in the interface and functionality, including keyboard shortcuts and enhanced support for over 80 games. Game Assist is available wherever Microsoft Edge is accessible, with enhanced content currently offered in English only.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

PostgreSQL 18 Delivers Significant Performance Gains for OLTP and Analytics

PostgreSQL 18, set to debut in September, is currently in its Beta 1 phase and introduces new features aimed at enhancing analytics and transactional capabilities. Key improvements include asynchronous inputs for handling multiple read requests simultaneously, advancements in query optimization such as better handling of OR clauses and skip scans, and accelerated creation of Generalized Inverted Indexes (GINs) through parallel processing. The release also simplifies the integration of non-natively supported indices, allowing organizations to develop and adopt new indexes as extensions. Overall, PostgreSQL 18 is designed to improve performance for high-volume environments, particularly in cloud settings.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Pocket app is going away, so you should export your data now

Pocket will cease operations on July 8, 2025, and will enter export-only mode until October 8, 2025, after which all data will be permanently deleted. No new premium subscriptions will be accepted, and existing subscribers will receive automatic cancellations and refunds before the shutdown date. Pocket was acquired by Mozilla in 2017 and has introduced various features since then.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Deadline approaching: It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10

Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which has specific hardware requirements including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. To check compatibility, users can use the PC Health Check app. If a device does not meet the requirements, hardware upgrades or firmware adjustments may be necessary. If the BIOS mode is set to Legacy, users must convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT using the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. It is recommended to back up data before upgrading. Microsoft is also offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for approximately €27, extending support for an additional year.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2025

Opinion: You can keep using Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more free security updates or fixes. Users continuing with Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses. While third-party antivirus applications can offer some protection, they cannot replace the need for operating system updates. Business customers can purchase extended security updates for up to three years, starting at 0 for the first year per machine, potentially reaching ,820 by the end of the third year. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year by paying 7, but the availability of further extensions for home users remains unclear.

Winsage

May 24, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has open-sourced the Windows Subsystem for Linux to improve Linux integration within the Windows environment. This week, there are various discounts on new applications and games available on the Microsoft Store. Notable new or improved applications include: - Edit: An open-source application from Microsoft, currently available as a standalone tool, designed for 64-bit Windows users with basic functionality and support for multiple file operations. - Everything: A search application that outperforms Windows Search, with the latest version enhancing defenses against DLL hijacking. - Fixyfier: A lightweight utility that provides access to essential repair features for troubleshooting and optimizing Windows systems.