file transfers

Winsage
June 9, 2025
Microsoft has introduced a feature in Windows 11 that allows users to mirror their Android phone screens directly from the Start menu. Users can now access this functionality by clicking on their device's icon in the Start menu's phone companion panel, eliminating the need to open the Phone Link app. To use this feature, users must first link their Android phone to their Windows 11 computer using the Phone Link app. This connection also enables file transfers and the use of the phone as a webcam. Currently, the feature is available only to testers in the Windows 11 Insider Program and is compatible with a limited number of Android devices, with plans for a broader rollout by June.
Tech Optimizer
June 9, 2025
A cybersecurity incident involving Procolored printers revealed vulnerabilities in everyday hardware, as users may have downloaded malware capable of stealing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Tech content creator Cameron Coward reported an antivirus alert linked to Procolored printer software, prompting an investigation by G Data researchers who found malicious code in installation files on the manufacturer's website. The identified threats included a remote access tool (Win32.Backdoor.XRedRAT.A) and a cryptocurrency wallet stealer (MSIL.Trojan-Stealer.CoinStealer.H). Compromised files were last updated in October 2024 and distributed through official channels. The company initially denied the issue but later removed the downloads from their website in May 2025 and acknowledged the malware might have been introduced via USB transfers. An analysis of an attacker’s wallet showed a total of 9.3 BTC accumulated across 330 transactions before it was emptied. Cybersecurity experts recommend that users conduct antivirus scans and consider reformatting drives and reinstalling operating systems if infections are suspected.
AppWizard
June 6, 2025
Packet is a Linux application developed in Rust with a GTK4/libadwaita interface designed for wireless file transfer between Android and Linux devices. It utilizes Android's Quick Share feature, requiring devices to have Bluetooth enabled and be connected to a compatible Wi-Fi network. Users can easily send files by dragging and dropping them in Packet or using the Quick Share option on Android. The app allows customization of device names, visibility, download folders, and can run in the background. Packet is available for installation from Flathub or can be built from source on GitHub.
Tech Optimizer
June 4, 2025
McAfee and Norton are two leading antivirus providers known for their robust online safety solutions. Both offer essential security features such as real-time threat detection, firewall protection, identity theft protection, VPN services, password management, and parental controls, but they differ in implementation. McAfee uses advanced machine learning for real-time threat detection but has a higher rate of false positives and shows room for improvement against ransomware and phishing. Norton excels in malware detection and has a strong performance against ransomware, blocking 95% of phishing links in tests. McAfee's firewall monitors incoming threats and protects connected devices, while Norton’s firewall prevents untrusted applications from accessing the internet with extensive configuration options. In identity theft protection, McAfee offers comprehensive features with live agent support, whereas Norton partners with LifeLock for enhanced services, including credit monitoring and up to one million dollars in compensation for identity theft losses. McAfee provides unlimited VPN access with basic functionality, while Norton’s VPN includes advanced features like split tunneling and a kill switch. Both include password managers, but McAfee's lacks some functionalities, whereas Norton’s is user-friendly and supports data import from other managers. For parental controls, McAfee allows website blocking and app restrictions, while Norton offers detailed content filtering and monitoring of online activities. In system performance, both have received high marks, with McAfee showing a superior impact score in tests. User experience varies, with McAfee being more accessible for non-technical users and Norton catering to more experienced individuals. Recent testing indicates both effectively blocked nearly all threats, but McAfee had more false positives. Both brands received high ratings from SE Labs for protection and accuracy. The choice between them depends on individual needs, with McAfee being user-friendly and Norton offering advanced features and enhanced identity protection.
Winsage
May 25, 2025
Microsoft Windows is a target for cybercriminals, particularly regarding password theft. Trend Micro has reported an increase in fraudulent Captcha attacks that trick users into executing malicious commands through the Windows Run dialog, leading to data theft and malware infections. These attacks utilize PowerShell and can deploy various malware types, including Lumma Stealer and AsyncRAT. Despite efforts to disrupt the Lumma Stealer network, threats persist, exploiting legitimate platforms. Microsoft recommends users adopt safer online practices and outlines seven mitigations for organizations: disable access to the Run dialog, apply least privilege, restrict access to unapproved tools, monitor unusual behavior, harden browser configurations, enable memory protection, and invest in user education.
Winsage
May 18, 2025
Microsoft is adding a Phone Link panel to the start menu of Windows 11 to improve the user experience for managing Android devices. The panel provides an overview of the Android device's status, including connection status and battery level, and features direct access buttons for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It includes a 'Recent' section for the latest phone calls, text messages, and images, while notifications can be received as banners. The Phone Link app can also stream Android apps to Windows 11 PCs, with file transfer capabilities through a 'send files' button. This feature is being rolled out to all Windows 11 users after being available to Beta and Dev channel users for several months.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.
AppWizard
May 4, 2025
Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.
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