free download Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.

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 21, 2026

St. Louis Restaurant Review Launches Android App

St. Louis Restaurant Review has launched a dedicated Android mobile application available on the Google Play Store, providing St. Louis diners with access to restaurant news, reviews, and an online ordering process through eOrderSTL. The app offers real-time updates on restaurant openings and closures, detailed reviews focused on the local culinary scene, and integrates eOrderSTL to allow users to order food directly from the app. This integration helps restaurant owners avoid high commission fees charged by national delivery platforms, retain customer data, and maintain control over their digital storefronts. Consumers benefit from lower menu prices, support for the local economy, and a streamlined ordering experience. The app is designed for speed and ease of use, enhancing the dining experience for locals.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

18 years later, Gears of War 2 finally comes to PC as a free download

Gears of War 2: Hollow is an unofficial PC port of the 2008 game Gears of War 2, developed by Helios, nearly two decades after its original Xbox 360 release. This custom community build includes the original campaign, multiplayer, horde, and cooperative modes, along with all downloadable content maps. The port is based on a flawed, previously unreleased PC development build and incorporates all content from the Xbox 360 version for single-player gameplay. The multiplayer aspect is still in testing and is advised to be treated as a beta version. The port is compatible with Windows and has been reported to work on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck. Players can use either a controller or keyboard and mouse, although the user interface defaults to controller prompts. The port features a launcher for customizing settings such as resolution, frame rate limits, and graphical details. Players are encouraged to have a legally obtained copy of Gears of War 2 to respect intellectual property rights.

TrendTechie

July 18, 2026

Скачать нейросеть как торрент. В США готовятся к вторжению бесплатных китайских ИИ класса Mythos

The United States is preparing for the availability of advanced Chinese neural networks for free download, which may lead to a reevaluation of U.S. regulations on open-source models. The Trump administration is discussing unified requirements for these systems with industry representatives, using advanced Chinese models as a benchmark. Chinese models, particularly those known as Mythos, are expected to be accessible within 6 to 12 months, allowing users to run, modify, and integrate them without oversight. This situation poses challenges for U.S. companies, as strict regulations could impede local innovation while failing to curb foreign technology proliferation. Additionally, technology companies are working to reduce electricity consumption in data centers, which currently account for about 1.5% of global electricity usage, with the International Energy Agency predicting a rapid increase in demand. Companies are experimenting with superconducting cables and optical connections to decrease energy consumption during data transmission, although these solutions have not yet been widely implemented.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

A classic Daedalic adventure is free on GOG, and it’s not one I particularly like but you can’t beat the price

Until Friday, the point-and-click adventure game Silence, developed by Daedalic, is available for free download on GOG. The game has a Metacritic user rating of around 3.9 out of 5. GOG is also offering the Silence soundtrack for 29 cents, a 90% discount. Additionally, other Daedalic titles, including The Night of the Rabbit, Memoria, Harvey's New Eyes, Chains of Satinav, and Deponia, are available at a 90% discount. Silence was originally subtitled The Whispered World 2. The GOG Summer Sale runs until July 9.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

You can install classic Windows Movie Maker on Windows 11. Here’s how

Users of Windows 11 can now download Windows Movie Maker 6.0 for free from the Internet Archive, thanks to @skylerdagirl. This version has been confirmed to work on both Windows 10 and 11 and uses 97 percent less RAM than Clipchamp, making it suitable for older PCs or those with limited resources. Windows Movie Maker was retired by Microsoft in January 2017.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus: classic security staple for everyday PCs

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus solution for Windows PCs developed by Avast (Gen Digital). It provides essential malware protection, real-time scanning, and web safety features without requiring a paid subscription. Users in the U.S. can download it from the official Avast website and install it on compatible Windows systems. The software identifies and blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other forms of malware using signature-based detection and cloud-assisted analytics. It includes features such as real-time protection, on-demand scanning, an email shield, a Wi-Fi inspector, and behavior shields. Avast Free Antivirus offers automatic updates to ensure current protection against emerging threats. It serves as a gateway product to Avast's paid tiers, which offer additional features. The software is primarily aimed at home users who need basic antivirus protection and is available for free personal use.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

$130 Worth of Steam Games Now 100% Free

Steam currently offers eight games for free download, the highest number of complimentary titles released this year. These games are playable on PC and many are verified for the Steam Deck. The free games include: 1. The Red Lantern - A narrative-driven dog sledding adventure from 2021, available until June 18, with an 84% approval rating from 888 user reviews. 2. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - A horror adventure cooking simulation from 2021, available until June 15, with a 93% approval rating from 1,654 user reviews. 3. Gravity Circuit - A 2D action platformer released in 2023, available until June 14, with a 95% approval rating from 2,127 user reviews. 4. Tell Me Why - A narrative adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, available until July 1, with an 80% approval rating from 7,952 user reviews. Additionally, four other free games are available: - Wild Terra 2: New Lands - Free until June 15 - Eets - Free until June 15 - Linebound - Free until July 1 - PICO Park: Classic Edition - Free until June 14

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows and Mac: Core Features Explained

Avast Free Antivirus is a cybersecurity application from Gen Digital that provides malware and phishing protection for Windows and Mac users, specifically targeting home and small office devices. It is available as a free download for personal use, with optional paid upgrades. The software features real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and utilizes cloud-connected threat intelligence to enhance its threat detection capabilities. It serves as a vital security solution for US households and very small businesses, particularly those using older devices. Avast Free Antivirus is part of Gen Digital's portfolio, which includes other brands like Norton and AVG, and competes with built-in security tools and other antivirus solutions in the market.