firewall Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2025

The Best Antivirus for Gaming PCs in 2025: 6 Top Picks Compared

McAfee has enhanced its offerings for gaming PCs, providing robust real-time protection and firewall capabilities that block threats without affecting performance. The Gamer Security version is now integrated within McAfee+ tiers and prioritizes CPU resources during gaming sessions. However, it uses more system resources compared to alternatives like Malwarebytes and Panda Dome, and some features, such as VPN and identity monitoring, are only available in higher-tier plans. The McAfee plans include: - McAfee Free Tools: Limited tools like web protection and password manager trials (Free) - McAfee+ Premium Individual: Real-time protection, VPN, password manager (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Advanced Individual: Adds identity monitoring and personal data cleanup (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Unlimited Individual: Adds identity theft coverage and security freeze tools (.99 first year) Key considerations for antivirus software for gaming PCs include performance impact, robust threat detection, dedicated gaming mode, resource usage, false positives, user interface, cross-device security, and customer support. Gaming PCs are susceptible to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, making reliable antivirus solutions essential. Panda Dome is highlighted as a suitable option for gamers, offering real-time protection, a dedicated gaming mode, and minimal resource usage. Free antivirus options can be used while gaming but may lack advanced features. It is not advisable to disable antivirus software during gaming, and running antivirus can slightly reduce FPS. Gaming mode enhances the gaming experience by pausing background scans and notifications. The best antivirus for gaming should have real-time protection, low resource usage, a gaming mode, robust threat detection, ransomware protection, a VPN, and password managers. Some antivirus software may block online game servers, but most have an allowlist function. Streamers should also use antivirus software while live to protect against additional risks. Antivirus programs can detect cheat software or malicious mods, especially if they contain malware.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

I tested the best antivirus software for Windows: Here’s what I’d use to protect my PC

Windows Security is a free antivirus program pre-installed on every Windows PC, offering solid protection. Bitdefender provides a comprehensive antivirus solution with a yearly subscription. Malwarebytes is recommended as the top antivirus choice for Windows users, featuring a user-friendly interface and both free and paid versions. TotalAV is an affordable option with a built-in VPN and system tune-up tool. McAfee Total Protection offers extensive features, including identity theft coverage. Avast One is designed for gamers, providing a Do Not Disturb mode. uBlock Origin is an ad blocker that enhances browser security, while Brave is a secure web browser with built-in tracking and ad blocking features.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

Norton 360 adds Genie AI scam protection to all packages

Norton has launched Genie Scam Protection, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance its security software against AI-driven scams. Genie includes features like a Scam Assistant for on-demand security guidance and the ability to detect scams in SMS messages before they are opened. It scans text messages, emails, and images for signs of fraudulent activity and is included in all Norton 360 packages, starting with the AntiVirus Plus offering. The entry-level Norton AntiVirus Plus package provides antivirus protection, a password manager, and Genie scam protection for a single device. Higher-tier Norton 360 packages offer additional features such as secure cloud backups, a VPN, dark web monitoring, enhanced parental controls, and real-time credit monitoring. Promotional pricing is currently available for Norton 360 packages, with discounts of at least 50% for the first year. All subscriptions include Genie anti-scam protection, reflecting Norton’s commitment to combating evolving AI-driven threats.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

10 Windows features that would actually help productivity

Windows has been perceived as prioritizing corporate interests over user preferences, with persistent prompts for subscriptions and data collection through Microsoft accounts. In a recent interview, Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's corporate VP of Windows + Devices, discussed a future vision for Windows that integrates voice, vision, and touch, but raised questions about user demand for these changes. Users have expressed a desire for specific features to enhance productivity, including: 1. Multiple clipboards for simultaneous content copying. 2. Two or three visible clocks in the taskbar for time zone management. 3. A fourth modifier key for customizable keyboard shortcuts. 4. The ability to remap all keyboard shortcuts. 5. A movable, resizable taskbar for better workspace control. 6. A firewall for audio to manage sound interruptions. 7. The ability to pin apps to specific screens on multiple monitors. 8. A feature to launch multiple related apps at once. 9. An easy audio device switching option on the taskbar. 10. A reduction in Microsoft-induced distractions and notifications.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025 | Top Picks & Reviews

eSecurity Planet maintains an editorially independent stance regarding content and product recommendations, with potential revenue generated from partner links. In 2025, the landscape of free antivirus software includes notable options such as: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free: - Best for users seeking reliable, hands-off protection. - Pros: High malware detection scores, minimal system impact, clean interface, automatic updates, low false-positive rate. - Cons: No control over advanced settings, no firewall or password manager. - Avast One Essentials: - Best for users wanting all-in-one protection. - Pros: Real-time protection, limited VPN and firewall, device cleanup tools, modern dashboard, multi-platform compatibility. - Cons: VPN limited to 5 GB per week, scrutiny over data privacy. - AVG AntiVirus Free: - Best for users preferring a classic interface. - Pros: Excellent malware protection, performance scan tool, file shredder, custom scan scheduling, fewer ads. - Cons: No VPN or firewall, outdated user interface. - Malwarebytes Free: - Best for users needing to clean infected devices. - Pros: Exceptional at scanning for rootkits, fast scan times, effective against ransomware, simple interface, low false positive rate. - Cons: No real-time protection, not a standalone solution. - McAfee (Free Trial): - Best for users wanting to test full-suite protection. - Pros: Access to full suite, protects multiple devices, clean interface, strong anti-phishing scores. - Cons: Trial expires after 30 days, may slow down older systems. The evaluation methodology focused on protection, usability, performance, free value, and trust to highlight effective free antivirus software. The top recommendations include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, Avast One Essentials for feature set, and Malwarebytes Free as an essential add-on.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

The best antivirus software 2025

Antivirus software enhances security for desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, protecting against threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware. Modern solutions provide alerts for untrusted websites and conduct regular scans. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended as the top antivirus, compatible with multiple platforms and offering features like anti-phishing protection and a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus provides real-time protection for one device and includes a firewall and cloud backup. McAfee offers antivirus protection across various platforms with additional features like a VPN and password manager. Surfshark provides basic antivirus functionality within its VPN packages. ESET Protect is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customizable security solutions. AVG offers a robust free antivirus option with thorough scanning capabilities. Prices for these antivirus solutions vary, with some offering free plans and others requiring annual subscriptions.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks Windows 11 users to ignore yet another error message

Microsoft has advised users to disregard a new error related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), logged as Error ID 57 in the Event Viewer, which may appear after installing the optional July 2025 update or later updates. The error message states that the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded due to initialization failure. Microsoft clarified that this error can be safely ignored, as it does not indicate an issue with any active Windows component and is related to a feature under development. There is no impact on Windows processes, and no action is required from users.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks users to ignore certificate enrollment errors

Microsoft has advised users to disregard certain CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll) errors following the installation of the July 2025 preview update and subsequent Windows 11 24H2 updates. Users were also encouraged to overlook Windows Firewall configuration errors after rebooting post-installation of the June 2025 preview update. In April 2025, Microsoft confirmed and rectified a known issue causing invalid 0x80070643 failure errors after applying April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment updates, and addressed a bug triggering BitLocker drive encryption errors on Windows 10 and 11 devices. In October, Microsoft clarified that a specific issue primarily affected managed Windows environments with enforced drive encryption. Recently, Microsoft updated its Windows release health dashboard, asking users to ignore an error logged in Event Viewer with Error ID 57, related to the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' not loading due to initialization failure. They emphasized that this error can be safely ignored and does not indicate issues with active Windows components, as it stems from a feature still under development.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft confirms CertificateServicesClient error in Windows 11 24H2, but you can ignore it

Users of Windows 11 24H2 may encounter an error message related to the CertificateServicesClient following the installation of the July 2025 non-security preview update and subsequent updates, including the August 2025 security patch. Microsoft has acknowledged that users might see an entry in the Event Viewer logs with Error ID 57, stating: “The ‘Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider’ provider was not loaded because initialization failed.” This error does not affect active applications and is considered a false positive. Microsoft recognized this bug on August 11, but it could not be addressed before the mandatory Patch Tuesday update on August 12, leading to a broader impact on devices. Additionally, users have reported a separate issue causing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in VR gaming after repeated update reinstalls. Another issue involved the SgrmBroker service, which failed to start and generated unnecessary logs, but does not disrupt other system functions. The August 2025 Update has also introduced installation errors.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Latest Windows patches cause false error to appear

Microsoft is addressing an issue with its Windows operating system where users see an event log message after installing the July 2025 non-security preview update or the August 2025 security update. The Event Viewer may show an error with ID 57 related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), stating: "The 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded because initialization failed." This error can be safely ignored, as it pertains to a feature under development, specifically the Pluton architecture for processor security, and affects users on Windows 11 24H2. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has indicated that there is no impact on Windows processes related to this event, advising users that no action is needed.