features Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 14, 2026

Best Antivirus for Mac 2026: Real Test Results and Ranking

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the leading antivirus solution for Mac users in 2026, particularly effective on Apple Silicon and against live macOS threats. It achieved the highest malware detection rates, the fewest false alarms, and minimal impact on startup time. Other notable antivirus options include Norton 360 for Mac, Avast One for Mac, NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, McAfee Total Protection for Mac, and Malwarebytes for Mac. Each antivirus was tested on a MacBook Air against various malware, adware, and phishing threats, focusing on real-time protection, adware removal, and system performance impact. macOS includes built-in protections like XProtect, Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection, app sandboxing, and Lockdown Mode, which provide a solid defense for users who only install software from the App Store. However, users who install software from outside the App Store, transfer files between Mac and Windows, store sensitive data, use second-hand Macs, or have previously encountered malware may need additional antivirus software. Common threats for Mac users include adware, infostealers, and malvertising. The rankings of antivirus solutions were based on AV-TEST results, malware tests, system impact, and unique features. Bitdefender received a perfect score at AV-TEST and demonstrated 99.9% malware detection with only one false alarm. Free antivirus options like Avast One for Mac and Malwarebytes Free are available, with Avast One providing genuine real-time protection at no cost.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship – and shows your impact in real time

Snowflake Volunteer is a newly launched Android app available on the Google Play Store, created by the Tor Project, that allows users to contribute to internet freedom by transforming their smartphones into proxies for the Tor Network. It is a collaboration between Bloco, the Tor Network, and Guardian Project, building on the original Snowflake initiative from 2019. The app connects users needing access to the Tor Network, particularly in regions with heavy internet restrictions, by simulating user traffic as a video call via WebRTC and using dynamic proxies. Users can customize settings such as enabling/disabling the app, charging preferences, Wi-Fi operation, background operation, and connection limits. The app is open-source and available on both Google Play and F-Droid. Testing indicates that it does not significantly drain battery life, showing only a gradual decline over three hours with multiple connections. The app aims to enhance the robustness of the Snowflake network, making it harder for oppressive regimes to impose restrictions.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again

In April, Microsoft increased the prices of its Surface laptops due to the RAM crisis, making them less accessible for consumers. However, discounts are available, such as a 27% reduction on the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) at Best Buy, bringing its price to ,099.99. The laptop features a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, a 13.8-inch 2K touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It offers impressive battery life of 18-19 hours and includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI applications. The device is suitable for professional and academic tasks and is noted for its durability and portability.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Classic Outlook bug breaks Copilot, but some might call it an upgrade

Microsoft is facing scrutiny over a bug in build 20026.20182 affecting classic Outlook users with Copilot features, causing the Copilot button to disappear and other functionalities to become inoperable for those with either a Copilot Chat (Basic) license or a paid M365 Copilot (Premium) account. The Copilot icon is missing from its usual locations, and while the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and web experience are functioning, users are advised to switch to Outlook on the web or the new Outlook app for immediate access. Standard troubleshooting methods have not consistently resolved the issue.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

August’s Patch Tuesday is a monster: 751 fixes, with an exploited Windows flaw

Users can connect to SMB shares with features like RDMA, leases, and Continuous Availability, allowing efficient data transfer and session management. Hyper-V users can create, checkpoint, and export Generation 2 virtual machines, enable virtual TPM and BitLocker, and connect USB storage and MIDI devices. MSI package management has improved, allowing easy installation, repair, and uninstallation with UAC prompts. TAPI has 11 entries focused on parity fixes, with enhancements in TCP/IP, HTTP.sys, Windows Firewall, Bluetooth, wired 802.1X, and message queuing. Users can verify TAPI line status, HTTP.sys functionality across protocols, and confirm TCP/IP IPsec tunnels. Office updates include client updates for MSI Office 2016 and SharePoint Server updates for 2016, 2019, and Subscription Edition, requiring attention to browser-based editing functionality. On-premises Exchange Server receives a security update addressing seven CVEs, including one critical elevation of privilege vulnerability and six important issues.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Windows has a secret database that makes your old games

Microsoft's Windows operating system has developed intricate compatibility mechanisms over decades to ensure that older games can run on modern machines. It maintains compatibility databases that recognize software with known issues and applies specific fixes, known as shims, which adjust the OS's responses to meet the game's expectations without modifying the game's executable. Users can also manually apply fixes through Compatibility settings, allowing them to emulate earlier operating system behaviors and address specific issues. The compatibility shims can modify interactions with APIs, file handling, system privileges, and display scaling. Microsoft provides AppHelp warnings for applications with known compatibility issues and maintains a comprehensive compatibility database located at C:WindowsAppPatch. Users can access this database and explore compatibility settings using the Windows ADK and the Compatibility Administrator tool.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft Issues New Release Preview Channel Builds

The Windows Insider Program has released two new builds in the Release Preview Channel, introducing several enhancements for Windows 11. Key updates include: - Taskbar: Users can position and resize the Taskbar on any side of the screen. - Start Menu: The Start menu is now resizable and features a Recent section, replacing the Recommended section, with independent toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All items. - Windows Search: A streamlined home view allows users to choose whether to display web and Store results. - File Explorer: Improvements focus on performance and touch scrolling for smoother navigation. - Design: Updated progress indicators appear during startup, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installations. - Windows Share: A suggested app interface has been introduced for improved sharing options. - Administrator Protection: This feature returns but is disabled by default. - Additional Minor Updates: Enhancements have been made across multiple desktops, display settings, Task Manager, Setup, Windows Update, and more. Further refinements include: - File Explorer: Improvements in file size displays, middle-click support, and enhanced file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Adjustments for better accommodation of typos and partial app names, with results based on user Settings. - Additional Minor Changes: Updates across Start, Widgets, Touchpad, Windows Hello, and other components.

Tech Optimizer

August 14, 2026

‘This one just needs a script’: Researchers find ultimate Windows kill switch which can disable antivirus with almost no user interaction

Researchers have identified a significant vulnerability in consumer DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules, known as the “Download more RAM” flaw, which allows attackers to bypass advanced Windows security features, including Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor Code Integrity (HVCI). This vulnerability enables the manipulation of configuration reports from RAM, misleading the system about its actual memory capacity, which can disable antivirus protections and allow the reintroduction of outdated drivers. The exploit can be executed via a single-click script, leading to security failures. Microsoft has released a patch for CVE‑2026‑23670 to enhance memory write protection against such exploits.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Big app download hogging your data Google Play Store may finally let you pause it

Google is rolling out a feature in the Play Store that allows users to add widgets to their home screens during the installation of new apps. A snackbar message will appear at the bottom of the screen, informing users of the widget availability and providing a button to access the widget picker. This snackbar only appears once and not for every app installation. Additionally, app descriptions in the Play Store have been resized to be larger, enhancing visibility. Google is also exploring a Pause button for downloads, allowing users to temporarily halt large downloads, although this feature is not yet fully operational.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

You don’t need a TV app to stream 10,000 free movies on Google’s Freeplay right now

Google TV Freeplay has launched a catalog of over 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no subscription cost, expanding its live channel lineup to over 300 channels. The library includes titles from studios like A24 and Lionsgate, featuring films such as Lady Bird and Seventeen Again, and is regularly updated. The service is integrated into supported Google TV devices, accessible without additional app installations, but is ad-supported. Currently, it is available only in the U.S. and requires a Google account and high-speed internet. This shift positions Freeplay as a competitor to subscription services like Netflix and free streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV.