filtering Archives

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Best Marathon settings for peak gaming PC performance

Bungie's multiplayer FPS, Marathon, is currently in an early Server Slam until March 2, with a full release on March 6. The game is designed to be accessible on mid-range PCs and does not require high-end GPU power. Initial settings for optimal performance include Vsync on, frame rate cap off, field of view at 90°, and high graphics quality. Players can expect an average frame rate of 84fps with 60fps for 1% lows. The game is not compatible with the Steam Deck due to BattleEye anti-cheat technology but runs smoothly on other Windows-based handheld devices. While an SSD is not required, it is recommended for better load times. Performance monitoring can be done via a built-in FPS counter or overlays from Nvidia and AMD.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2026

Effective ways to prevent the download of malicious code

Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt normal system operations, often infiltrating devices through activities like web browsing or opening documents. In 2023, SonicWall Capture Labs reported over 6 billion malware attacks, an 11% increase from the previous year. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, fileless malware, and bots. Malware spreads through email attachments, phishing links, compromised websites, fake apps, and removable media. Its effects can include performance issues, data theft, and financial damage. Signs of malware presence include sluggish performance, unexpected crashes, and unauthorized changes. Recommended actions if malware is suspected include disconnecting the device, running a malware scan, and changing passwords. Preventative measures include using security software, practicing safe browsing, keeping software updated, and building security awareness.

TrendTechie

February 24, 2026

От ffmpeg до торрентов для терминала: 7 новых TUI-инструментов, которые советуем

Many developers are turning to TUI (Text User Interface) tools for tasks traditionally done in GUI applications. MONICA is an interactive layer over ffmpeg that simplifies command usage, available on GitHub. The lic tool allows users to create a LICENSE file with a single terminal command by selecting a license from a TUI menu. It can be installed via Homebrew or pip and debuted in late December 2024, receiving 21 stars. PNANA is a TUI editor that combines the simplicity of nano with features from modern editors like Sublime, built with C++17 and FTXUI. Users need to compile it from source as no binary releases are available. CodeWeaver compiles a codebase into a single Markdown document, allowing for easy sharing and documentation. It can be installed via Go. Clox (version 1.3) introduces console clocks and calendars in the terminal, supporting various time zones and formats, and can be installed as a Python module. Torrra v2 is a TUI torrent client that allows users to search and download torrents directly from the console, enhancing UI speed and navigation. It can be installed via pipx or other package managers. A command for visualizing git history in the terminal is provided: `git log --graph --decorate --all --pretty=format:'%C(auto)%h%d %C(#888888)(%an; %ar)%Creset %s'`. An alias can be created for convenience. All tools aim to enhance productivity in the terminal and are actively evolving.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

The cozy game boom is the clearest trend on Steam over five years of data

GameDiscoverCo's newsletter analyzes Steam's capsule descriptions, focusing on keywords that help players discover games. They compiled a spreadsheet of the top 1,000 keywords, filtering out common terms. The analysis highlights keywords linked to games with over 0,000 in sales, categorized by year. Notable trends include the rise of "cozy gaming," which surpassed "casual" in 2022, and a 325% increase in the use of "factory" in game summaries, indicating a growing interest in management simulations. The term "adult" also increased by 314%, while keywords like "expand" and "shop" are becoming more common, reflecting changing player interests. The concept of cozy gaming serves as a non-judgmental descriptor for non-violent games and encompasses farm-life simulations, appealing to a broader audience.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Max Cometh: What The Blocking Of WhatsApp, Telegram Means For Millions Of Russians

Russian authorities have been implementing a "sovereign Internet" initiative, which involves controlling digital communication and filtering information accessed by citizens. Recently, on February 11, Roskomnadzor removed WhatsApp from the National Domain Name System, effectively erasing it from the Russian digital landscape, which impacts over 100 million users. Two days earlier, Telegram experienced significant slowdowns, leading to fines for alleged non-compliance with Russian law. The government has been promoting the state-controlled messaging app, Messenger Max, developed by VK, as an alternative to popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The recent removal of 13 domain names, including those of major news outlets, marks a significant escalation in efforts to control digital information and is part of a broader strategy established since 2019 to impose stringent Internet regulations. This includes the establishment of a Russian National Domain System that allows Roskomnadzor to dictate website accessibility within the country, raising concerns about the potential instability and isolation of the Russian Internet.

Tech Optimizer

February 13, 2026

MyDoom virus: What it is and why it mattered

In January 2004, the MyDoom computer worm quickly spread to email inboxes in 168 countries, becoming one of the fastest-spreading pieces of malware in internet history. It exploited human behavior by enticing users to open email attachments that appeared to be delivery errors or system notifications. MyDoom replicated itself through email without corrupting files or destroying data, harvesting email addresses from infected computers to send copies to new victims. The two main variants, MyDoom.A and MyDoom.B, targeted the SCO Group and Microsoft, respectively, and demonstrated the potential for email worms to be weaponized for coordinated attacks. MyDoom primarily targeted Windows-based operating systems and used deceptive emails to propagate. Once infected, it installed a backdoor for unauthorized remote access, forming a botnet for further attacks. MyDoom's effectiveness was due to its alignment with user behavior and the limited security measures of the time, leading to significant disruptions in email communication and an estimated economic impact of approximately billion. Although no longer a current threat, MyDoom's legacy influenced modern email security protocols, leading to improved filtering, behavior-based detection, and multi-layered defense strategies.

Tech Optimizer

February 10, 2026

GuLoader Leverages Polymorphic Malware and Trusted Cloud Infrastructure to Evade Detection

GuLoader, also known as CloudEye, is a downloader malware that has been active since late 2019, primarily used to fetch and install secondary malware like Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and information stealers. It employs legitimate cloud services such as Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive to host its malicious payloads, allowing it to evade detection by security tools. GuLoader utilizes advanced techniques including polymorphic code, which alters its appearance to avoid static detection signatures, and exception-based control flow to confuse analysis tools. Over the years, GuLoader has refined its tactics, including the use of software breakpoints and various exception types to redirect its operations. It also employs dynamic XOR encryption to obfuscate internal data, making it difficult for analysts to extract URLs. The malware's continuous evolution poses ongoing challenges for security researchers. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include specific hash values for different versions of GuLoader from 2022 to 2024.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Finding new Play Store apps used to be frustrating, but this clever tool changes everything

Navigating the Google Play Store can be frustrating due to its inadequate search functionality and the prevalence of sponsored apps and ads. The App Finder application offers a solution by allowing users to define their own search criteria and providing advanced search capabilities tailored specifically for the Play Store. Users can apply various filters such as app titles, ratings, downloads, and genres to refine their search results significantly. App Finder also helps users find discounted apps and provides access to data by country or worldwide statistics. While the app's interface is functional but not visually appealing, it remains accessible with a free version and offers a paid upgrade for additional features. However, it has not been updated since October 2024, raising concerns about its future viability.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Hugging Face AI platform used to deliver Android malware via fake apps: don’t fall for this

Hackers are exploiting the Hugging Face AI platform to distribute Android malware through a counterfeit application. The malware, identified by cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, first appeared in an application named TrustBastion. Hugging Face lacks robust filtering mechanisms to regulate user-uploaded content, raising security concerns. Users are advised to download apps only from reputable sources, read reviews, check download numbers and ratings, avoid sideloading APK files, verify publishers and URLs, and regularly scan their devices with Play Protect and antivirus applications.

BetaBeacon

January 29, 2026

GameNative Adds Epic Games Support On Android

After installing the newest nightly build, users can integrate their Epic Games account with GameNative by signing in through a secure browser window, syncing their library, and picking games directly from Epic's servers. Multiplayer is currently disabled due to networking and anti-cheat issues. Performance on Android devices depends on hardware specifications, with modern flagship SoCs recommended for smooth gameplay. GameNative uses open-source tools to translate x86-64 CPU instructions and DirectX calls for Android play. Epic Games support on GameNative allows mobile gamers to access their free and purchased titles from the Epic store on their phones. The Epic integration is available in GameNative's nightly channel, with plans for future stable releases to include library filters and multiplayer support.