files Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is now faster at deleting large files, in a rare speed win from Microsoft

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8935 on July 20, which improves File Explorer's ability to delete large, fragmented files more quickly in certain scenarios. The update promises at least a 30% speed increase for bulk deletions and enhances the responsiveness of the Home tab in File Explorer. The Recommended section now supports touch scrolling. Future updates will include a modernization of the Properties dialog and improvements to search functionality. These enhancements aim to address the sluggishness of File Explorer, which has been attributed to fragmentation issues in NTFS and the hybrid architecture of the application.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft finally making much needed improvement to Windows 11 downloads and installs

A significant outage recently affected Microsoft, causing a temporary halt in Windows 11 updates through both the Windows Update channel and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is leveraging AI technology to identify vulnerabilities within its updates, addressing security challenges. Users often encounter inconsistencies with the Windows Update progress tracker, leading to uncertainty during the download and installation phases. Microsoft has confirmed improvements in the update management process with the latest Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Release Preview builds, including enhancements to the Orchestrator and Arbiter logging components. The update enhances the calculation of update progress in Windows Update Settings and introduces changes to the cleanup logic for improved system performance post-update. These enhancements could benefit users with less powerful PCs, addressing concerns about sluggishness after installations.

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2026

Scrappy RAT Malware Targets Chrome And Edge Users

A new remote access trojan (RAT) named msaRAT has been identified by Cisco Talos, linked to the Chaos ransomware group and built using Rust. It exploits Chrome and Edge browsers to disguise its traffic and evade detection. MsaRAT operates through a headless browser process, enabling remote code execution and facilitating ransomware deployment, data theft, and other malicious activities. It is typically installed via phishing emails or malicious files, making it resistant to standard browser patches. Cisco Talos recommends specific SNORT rules and a ClamAV signature for detection. Indicators of Compromise (IoC) include traffic to the IP address 172.86.126.18 and the domain is-01-ast.ols-img-12.workers.dev. The malware primarily targets large organizations, but individual users may also be at risk.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

It’s impossible to recommend paid Windows cleanup utilities when Windows Sysinternals does everything for free

Many utility suites for Windows maintenance require a yearly subscription but often only aggregate basic tools. Users can achieve similar results without costs, as Windows manages routine maintenance effectively. Microsoft's Sysinternals suite offers advanced tools like Autoruns, which provides a comprehensive view of startup entries, and Process Explorer, which offers detailed process monitoring. SDelete securely deletes files beyond recovery, while RAMMap provides insights into memory usage without the risks of third-party applications. Although Sysinternals tools may lack polished interfaces, they deliver substantial functionality for users willing to learn how to use them.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

It’s impossible to recommend paid Windows cleanup utilities when Windows Sysinternals does everything for free

Windows utility suites often charge a yearly subscription fee but frequently provide only basic functionalities like startup managers and process monitors. Many features can be accessed for free through Windows' built-in capabilities. Microsoft's Sysinternals suite offers powerful alternatives, such as Autoruns, which provides a comprehensive view of all startup locations, including registry keys and scheduled tasks. Process Explorer offers detailed insights into running processes, surpassing the standard Task Manager by displaying process trees and resource usage. SDelete securely deletes files by overwriting data multiple times, making recovery nearly impossible. While Sysinternals tools are powerful, they require a learning curve and deeper engagement compared to the polished interfaces of paid utilities. Sysinternals emphasizes functionality over marketing, proving that free tools can deliver exceptional performance without compromising quality.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

CrashStealer Mac malware steals passwords and wallets

A sophisticated new malware targeting Mac users, named CrashStealer, has been discovered by security researchers at Jamf Threat Labs. It masquerades as Apple's legitimate crash-reporting software and was first identified in May 2026, with active attacks detected by early July. CrashStealer is designed to extract sensitive information, including browser credentials, password manager data, and cryptocurrency wallet information, and can copy the Mac login Keychain. It uses native C++ programming, encrypts collected files, and employs anti-debugging features. The malware is distributed through a disk image labeled "Werkbit Setup," which features a polished installer that bypasses Mac security warnings by using a valid Apple Developer ID and notarization ticket. Once opened, it connects to GitHub for commands and downloads a script that installs a second disk image named CrashReporter.dmg, which mimics an Apple system component. CrashStealer presents a fake password prompt resembling a legitimate macOS request, verifying entered passwords locally. It targets data linked to various browsers and password managers, scanning for approximately 80 cryptocurrency wallet extensions and 14 password managers. Stolen data is stored in hidden folders, encrypted using AES-256-GCM, and packaged into hidden ZIP archives before being uploaded. Warning signs of infection include a website requiring a meeting PIN for download, unexpected password prompts, and unfamiliar apps requesting Full Disk Access. Users are advised to download apps from verified sources, avoid overriding security warnings, pause before entering passwords, review app permissions, install security updates, use antivirus software, and act quickly if they installed Werkbit Setup.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

The biggest indie “friendslop” game of 2026 appears to be delivering malware via Steam Workshop — How to protect your PC (and what to do next)

Certain custom maps linked to the game Meccha Chameleon may contain malicious scripts that can compromise players' PCs. An analysis by Feint revealed that these maps could include a Blueprint actor designed to execute automatically upon loading, which injects a batch file into the user's Documents folder. This batch file then attempts to run a PowerShell process to connect to an external server and download additional scripts. The behavior of these maps—writing or executing scripts outside their designated folder—indicates potential malware. Valve, the parent company of Steam, previously addressed similar issues with other software but warned that such incidents could happen again.

TrendTechie

July 24, 2026

BitTorrent исполнилось 25 лет. Как программа одного человека изменила интернет и поставила Голливуд в тупик

On July 2, 2001, Bram Cohen announced the operational status of his program, BitTorrent, on a mailing list for peer-to-peer network developers. BitTorrent revolutionized file sharing by segmenting files into smaller pieces, allowing users to download from multiple sources simultaneously and share already downloaded data, which improved download speeds as file popularity increased. Unlike earlier peer-to-peer networks, BitTorrent did not have a built-in catalog, relying on external websites for users to locate torrents. The first major torrent catalog, Suprnova, emerged in 2002, followed by The Pirate Bay in 2003, making the protocol widely accessible. By 2004, BitTorrent accounted for nearly a third of all internet traffic. In 2004, Cohen founded BitTorrent Inc., which acquired the client µTorrent in 2006. The company launched the BitTorrent Entertainment Network in 2007, but it closed in 2008 due to competition from free pirated content. BitTorrent Inc. later explored various technologies but struggled to establish a sustainable business model. The protocol evolved with decentralization features like the distributed hash table (DHT) and magnet links. In 2018, BitTorrent was acquired by the blockchain project TRON for an estimated 0 million. BitTorrent Inc. claims around 54 million active users per month, with additional users on independent clients. Despite a decline in torrent traffic from its peak, the network has been experiencing growth, attributed to rising streaming costs and fragmented content availability.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

How to Use WorldEdit in Minecraft Java and Bedrock

WorldEdit is a tool for Minecraft that has different requirements for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Users must select the correct version for their Minecraft edition. For Java Edition, WorldEdit can be downloaded from EngineHub or Modrinth, while Bedrock Edition requires a separate add-on. To install WorldEdit on Java Edition, users need to download the appropriate .jar file and place it in the server's plugins or mods folder, depending on the platform. Command access must be granted based on world or server settings, and users can select blocks for editing using various commands. Basic edits can be made using commands like //set, //replace, and //undo. For Bedrock Edition, users must download the add-on package, enable experimental features, and use semicolon commands for editing. The add-on also includes item shortcuts and management commands for access. The main differences between Java and Bedrock versions include the installation process, permissions, and command prefixes.