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AppWizard

January 13, 2026

This Free Android App Blocks Useless Notifications and Lets Important Ones Through

DoNotNotify is a free Android application that allows users to create custom filters for their notifications, helping to reduce distractions while maintaining access to important messages. Users can filter notifications by creating blacklists or whitelists. A whitelist allows users to receive only selected notifications, such as alerts about specific topics or keywords, while a blacklist enables users to block notifications from certain individuals or subjects. The app requires permission to access notifications and has a privacy policy that states it does not collect personal information or share data with third parties.

Tech Optimizer

January 13, 2026

Trusted Antivirus Protection for PCs

Your PC requires robust antivirus protection due to its diverse usage, and Windows 11 offers built-in protections that operate seamlessly. Antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender in Windows 11, protects against threats like viruses, malware, phishing websites, and suspicious email attachments. However, it cannot fully defend against social engineering scams, new ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, or risky online behaviors. Microsoft Defender provides automatic threat scanning, works with the Windows firewall, utilizes cloud intelligence, alerts users to unsafe content, and offers ransomware protection. To enhance security, users should keep software updated, use strong passwords, secure their Wi-Fi, enable firewalls, and back up files regularly.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

3 Free Windows File Managers That Beat File Explorer

Recent evaluations of three free alternative file managers—OneCommander, Files, and FileVoyager—show that they outperform Windows File Explorer in efficiency and usability, particularly for tasks like bulk renaming and data transfer. While File Explorer has improved with features like tabs and cloud integration, it still falls short for power tasks, requiring excessive clicks and context switching. OneCommander offers a familiar interface with dual-pane layouts, tabs, and interactive navigation, excelling in seamless navigation and file operations. It maintained stable connections during large data transfers. Files is a modern, open-source option with strong cloud support and effective media handling, benefiting from community-driven updates. FileVoyager provides extensive control with dual panes and customization options, appealing to power users who prefer keyboard-driven control. All three alternatives demonstrate improved interaction efficiency and stability during complex tasks compared to File Explorer, making them viable replacements for users managing extensive media libraries or engaging in heavy bulk processes.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Four Google Play Store Features That Change How App Installs and Updates Work

The Google Play Store has introduced several enhancements to improve the app installation and update experience for users. Key features include: 1. Per-app auto-update control: Users can now enable or disable auto-updates for individual apps, allowing essential apps to remain on stable versions while less critical ones update automatically. 2. Built-in download manager shortcut: A new circular icon on the Apps and Games pages provides access to a list of recently installed or updated apps, showing timestamps and allowing users to launch apps directly from this list. 3. Auto-open when ready: A toggle that, when activated, launches an app automatically after installation, accompanied by a notification with a countdown timer for user intervention. 4. Viewing changelogs without opening app pages: Users can now view update changelogs directly from the app management screen without navigating to each app's store listing, enhancing efficiency in reviewing updates. These features collectively enhance user control and transparency in app management.

Tech Optimizer

December 27, 2025

Best Virus Protection for PC (2026): Webroot Rated Top Choice for Fast Threat Detection by Software Experts

Webroot has been identified as the leading platform for rapid threat detection and lightweight PC security, according to a recent analysis by Software Experts. The evaluation highlighted Webroot's cloud-based threat intelligence, efficient scanning, and low system resource usage, making it suitable for home and small office users concerned about malware, phishing, and system slowdowns. Webroot's detection system can classify files within seconds, even during multitasking, and it effectively addresses behavior-based attacks through monitoring tools and rollback features. The platform's advantages include minimal local footprint, continuous monitoring without large updates, and robust firewall and network safeguards. Users expect virus protection tools to function quietly with minimal maintenance, and Webroot's compact installer and rapid setup cater to this need. The study also noted a shift towards cloud-based cybersecurity solutions, with Webroot's cloud network facilitating faster identification and categorization of threats. Key features of Webroot's protection include real-time scanning, behavioral monitoring, rollback tools, anti-phishing functions, browser shields, and network filtering, all designed to operate with minimal user intervention.

BetaBeacon

December 17, 2025

This Spotify feature is Android-only, and it’s a game-changer

You can create home screen shortcuts for your favorite artists and playlists on Spotify by following specific steps within the app. This feature is available on Android devices and allows for easy access to your preferred music without relying on Spotify's algorithm-based suggestions.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2025

Microsoft Introduces Postgres-Compatible Azure HorizonDB

Azure HorizonDB is a managed database service announced at the Microsoft Ignite conference, designed for enterprise workloads and compatible with Postgres. It supports up to 3072 vCores and accommodates databases up to 128TB with sub-millisecond multi-zone commit latencies. The service features AI Model Management for enhanced vector search speeds, utilizing advanced DiskANN filtering. HorizonDB's architecture focuses on upstream compatibility and disaggregated storage to improve performance, reducing commit latencies and accelerating failovers. It complements existing managed PostgreSQL solutions from Microsoft and is optimized for AI workloads. HorizonDB is currently in early preview in select regions.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2025

Optimize and troubleshoot database performance in Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL by analyzing execution plans using CloudWatch Database Insights

Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched CloudWatch Database Insights in December 2024, a monitoring solution for Aurora (PostgreSQL and MySQL) and Amazon RDS engines, aimed at identifying and resolving database performance issues. The tool includes an Advanced mode for SQL execution plan analysis, which helps users troubleshoot query performance within Aurora PostgreSQL clusters. The PostgreSQL query optimizer generates execution plans to determine the most efficient way to execute SQL queries, which can be analyzed using the EXPLAIN command. Users can compare execution plans to identify performance degradation, such as changes in execution behavior due to dropped indexes or inefficient join strategies. For example, a comparison of execution plans for a SQL statement retrieving order details showed significant differences: one plan used an efficient index scan while another resorted to sequential scans due to missing indexes, leading to increased query costs and execution times. Additionally, analysis of execution plans can reveal performance bottlenecks, such as insufficient memory allocation for sorting operations. Adjusting the work_mem parameter allowed for in-memory sorting, improving performance significantly. CloudWatch Database Insights facilitates the identification of these issues, enabling users to optimize query performance effectively.

Winsage

December 11, 2025

Why You Should Install Windows 11’s December 2025 Patch ASAP

Recent trends in cybersecurity emphasize the importance of timely security updates to protect sensitive data. Two significant vulnerabilities addressed in recent updates include one that allowed privilege escalation through the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver and another that made GitHub Copilot for JetBrains susceptible to remote code injections. The KB5072033 update also includes bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements for Windows 11 users, such as recommendations to disable AI features like Recall for better performance and fixes for erratic behavior in the "Ask Copilot" extension. Additionally, it resolves an issue in the networking stack affecting external virtual switches and a visual glitch in File Explorer that caused a bright white flash when switching directories. However, a known issue with the new patch may make it difficult for some users to locate the password icon on the lock screen, which can be temporarily resolved by hovering the cursor over the area. Users can check for updates through the system tray or by navigating to Start > Settings > Windows Update.