Free Software 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.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

This Unlikely Microsoft Prediction Might Just Hit The Mark

A segment of the community critiques Microsoft Windows for its user experience, particularly with Windows 11 facing criticism for sluggishness and user-unfriendliness. There is speculation that Microsoft could pivot towards a Windows-themed Linux distribution, especially as traditional PCs decline and alternatives like Valve’s Steam OS gain popularity. Microsoft has previously engaged with Linux through its cloud offerings, and while a Microsoft desktop Linux is not confirmed, the possibility exists. Users interested in Linux can explore options like a Windows skin, WINE for compatibility, or the .NET runtime on Linux systems.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

ReactOS Starts 2026 With Another “Major Step” Toward Windows NT6 Compatibility

The ReactOS project is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has made significant progress in compatibility with Windows NT 6.0. The team has synchronized their implementation of the Microsoft C Runtime library (MSVCRT) with Wine 10.0, resulting in a 30% reduction in API test failures and improved support for various applications. Approximately 7,574 out of 25,517 test failures have been addressed, leading to a 29.6% improvement in overall stability.

Tech Optimizer

November 16, 2025

TikTok malware scam tricks you with fake activation guides

Cybercriminals are exploiting TikTok to deceive users by presenting malicious downloads as free activation guides for popular software, including Windows and Microsoft 365. Security expert Xavier Mertens identified this campaign, which involves TikTok videos showcasing PowerShell commands that mislead users into executing them as administrators. These commands redirect users to a malicious website, downloading Aura Stealer malware that extracts saved passwords, cookies, and other sensitive information. This scam employs a ClickFix attack, making victims believe they are following legitimate instructions. The PowerShell command links to a remote domain, slmgr[.]win, which retrieves harmful executables hosted on Cloudflare, including updater.exe, a variant of Aura Stealer. Another file, source.exe, executes code in memory, complicating detection. To protect against these scams, users should avoid executing commands from TikTok, download software from trusted sources, keep security tools updated, use strong antivirus software, consider data removal services, reset credentials if compromised, use unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Best Arc Raiders settings for optimized PC performance

The optimal settings for Arc Raiders on PC include: Graphics Settings: - Nvidia DLSS Frame Generation: Off - Vsync: Disabled - Nvidia Reflex Low Latency: On - Frame Rate Limit: Unlimited - Upscaled Resolution: 100% - Resolution Scaling Method: DLSS or FSR - Nvidia DLSS Quality: DLAA - Nvidia DLSS Model: Transformer - Field of View: 70 - Motion Blur: Off or your preference - Nvidia RTX Global Illumination: Dynamic - high - View Distance: Epic - Anti-Aliasing: Epic - Shadows: Epic - Post-Processing: Epic - Texture: Epic - Effects: Epic - Reflections: Epic - Foliage: Epic - Global Illumination Resolution: Medium Using these settings on an RTX 4070 yielded an average frame rate of 104fps at 1080p. At 1440p, the average frame rate was 78fps, and at 4K, it dropped to 43fps, which improved to over 70fps when settings were adjusted to high and DLSS upscaling was utilized. Audio Settings: - Use a quality gaming headset for better audio positioning. - Enable Night Mode for balanced audio mix. - Utilize push-to-talk for in-game proximity chat. Steam Deck Performance: Arc Raiders runs well on the Steam Deck at a native resolution of 1,280 x 800 with low detail settings, achieving frame rates of 40-50fps. Running the game in Proton Experimental mode is necessary for optimal performance. Testing Setup: The testing rig included an Intel Core i7-11700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 12GB, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and an MSI B560 motherboard, with assessments conducted at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. SSD Recommendation: While not required, using an SSD is recommended to reduce loading times. Performance Monitoring: Nvidia users can monitor performance with the in-game overlay (ALT + R), while AMD users can use the Radeon overlay (CTRL + SHIFT + O). Free software like CapFrameX or Nvidia FrameView can also be used for benchmarking.

Tech Optimizer

November 4, 2025

3,000+ YouTube videos deliver malware disguised as free software

YouTube has been identified as a platform for a sophisticated malware distribution network known as the Ghost Network, which has been active since 2021 and surged in activity in 2025. This network uses over 3,000 videos disguised as software cracks and game hacks to spread information-stealing malware, targeting users searching for free software or cheat tools. Cybercriminals utilize compromised accounts and social engineering tactics to create a false sense of security, with videos featuring positive comments from fake accounts. The malware includes programs like Lumma Stealer, Rhadamanthys, StealC, and RedLine, which harvest sensitive information. Two significant campaigns were highlighted: one involved the Rhadamanthys infostealer through a channel with nearly 10,000 subscribers, and the other offered cracked software via a channel with around 129,000 subscribers, with one video gaining over 291,000 views. Users are advised to avoid cracked software, use strong antivirus protection, never disable antivirus software, be cautious with links, use password managers and two-factor authentication, keep systems updated, and utilize trusted data removal services to protect against these threats.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2025

2025 Antivirus Trends, Statistics, and Market Report

In 2025, approximately 66 percent of U.S. adults use antivirus software, with 25 percent using it on both business and personal devices and 41 percent using it only on personal devices. This leaves 34 percent of Americans without antivirus protection. About 169 million Americans actively employ antivirus software, but there is a 20 percentage point gap between the 85 percent who believe antivirus is essential and the 66 percent who use it. Protection levels vary by device type: 63 percent of personal computer owners use real-time antivirus software, 25 percent of smartphone owners do, and only 22 percent of tablet owners utilize antivirus protection. Among personal computer users, 69 percent of Windows users have antivirus software compared to 37 percent of macOS users. Antivirus adoption increases with age, with 73 percent of users aged 60 and older using antivirus on PCs, compared to 51 percent of those aged 18-29. The antivirus market has shifted toward free solutions, with free antivirus usage rising to 61 percent in 2025 from 52 percent in 2024, while paid subscription usage decreased from 44 percent to 36 percent. Free antivirus tools have improved significantly, but they often lack advanced features necessary for high-risk users.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

Mac sales are up as Windows 10 reaches end of life — 5 MacBooks I recommend right now

Counterpoint Research reports a 14.9% year-over-year increase in Mac shipments as many users shift from upgrading to Windows 11 to purchasing Apple Macs. Global PC shipments rose by 8.1% in the third quarter of 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has stopped providing updates and support for Windows 10, encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. Factors contributing to the shift include the appeal of new MacBook models and discounted prices. Current discounts on MacBooks include: - MacBook Pro 14" (M4/512GB): was ,599, now ,349 @ Amazon - MacBook Air 15" (M4/256GB): was ,199, now 9 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Pro/512GB): was ,898, now ,588 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max/1 TB): was ,499, now ,119 @ Amazon - MacBook Pro M5: was ,999, now ,999 @ Amazon Early Black Friday deals are providing consumers with attractive options for new devices.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2025

TikTok Videos Spread ClickFix Malware, Stealing User Credentials

Cybercriminals are increasingly using TikTok to spread malware through seemingly harmless videos that promise free software activations for applications like Windows, Spotify, or Netflix. These videos employ a technique called ClickFix, which tricks users into executing harmful PowerShell commands that install infostealers, compromising sensitive information such as login credentials and financial data. The malware can self-compile on the victim's device, making it harder to detect. Reports indicate a shift in these tactics from platforms like YouTube and Meta to TikTok, with over 30,000 websites compromised in related DNS malware campaigns. Artificial intelligence is also being used to create deceptive videos that resemble legitimate content, complicating the identification of malicious material. Android users face similar threats from apps impersonating popular services, such as WhatsApp or TikTok. Experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using reputable antivirus software, avoiding unverified commands, and adjusting privacy settings on TikTok to mitigate these risks.