free Archives

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

New Botnet Puts Home PCs at Risk: AV-Comparatives Publishes Malware Protection Test

AV-Comparatives evaluated 20 consumer security products against 10,000 malware samples, focusing on the x47.c botnet, which emerged in October 2026 and is marketed by WraithTools. This botnet can steal sensitive information and turn infected devices into proxies for cybercriminals. Research indicates it can extract passwords, cookies, and data from AI service accounts. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the risk to freelancers and small businesses from such threats. In its September 2026 Malware Protection Test, AV-Comparatives found that 15 out of 20 products reached the highest protection tier, with six receiving the ADVANCED+ award: Bitdefender, ESET, G DATA, Kaspersky, Total Defense, and VIPRE. The testing revealed a reliance on cloud-based detection, emphasizing the need for consistent internet connectivity for optimal protection.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Microsoft: Windows Server 2022 reached end of mainstream support

Windows Server 2022 has transitioned from mainstream support to extended support, which will last until October 2031. Mainstream support will end on October 13, 2026, with the last security update released in that month. Extended support will continue to provide essential security updates at no additional cost until October 14, 2031. Hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be available until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which will have mainstream support until November 2029 and extended support until November 14, 2034. Windows Server 2025 is set for general availability by November 2024. A free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 is available. Additionally, devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will no longer receive updates, and users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 to maintain security. Microsoft warns users of unsupported Windows versions to upgrade to avoid losing access to critical security updates after next year's Windows Update certificate rotation.

Tech Optimizer

October 15, 2026

Stay safe online with up to an incredible 50% off at Webroot

Webroot is offering discounts of up to 50% on antivirus protection plans for up to five devices, covering threats like viruses, scams, and identity theft. The packages include Essentials, Premium, and Total Protection, with the Essentials plan available for .99 for the first year for a single device. The Essentials Five Devices plan is also available. Webroot's software is lightweight, using only a few megabytes of disk space and approximately 5MB of RAM when idle, and around 50MB of RAM during active scans, completing scans of 150GB of data in a few minutes. It includes over 100 adjustable settings and offers a 14-day free trial for potential customers.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Expert tips to speed up your Windows PC

A fast PC enhances productivity by allowing users to run complex software and multitask efficiently. The latest version of Windows, Windows 11 2024 Update Version 24H2, was launched in October 2024 and offers improved speed and usability compared to previous versions. To optimize a Windows PC's performance, users can take several steps: - Delete old files to free up space. - Remove unwanted startup programs through the Windows Settings app or Task Manager. - Update drivers via Device Manager to ensure optimal performance. - Pause OneDrive syncing to reduce RAM usage. - Use ReadyBoost with an external USB drive to increase memory storage. - Install antivirus software to detect and eliminate viruses. - Upgrade RAM for better performance under heavy usage. - Change power mode to "Best Performance" in settings. - Adjust Windows appearance by disabling visual effects. - Turn off unwanted notifications to minimize disruptions. - Uninstall unnecessary apps to free up resources. - Enable Game Mode for optimized gaming performance. - Restart the PC regularly to clear RAM and refresh resources. - Restore the PC to a previous setting if performance issues persist.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

‘My idea of a Netflix for games doesn’t work’: Garry’s Mod successor is getting ‘sweeping changes’

Facepunch Studios is implementing changes to its game creation platform, s&box, to improve user experience and address community concerns following criticism after its launch. Creator Garry Newman announced a shift towards a player-centric model, including a 'greenlight type system' for curating user-generated games and enhancing sandbox mode with more NPCs, vehicles, and customization options. The Play Fund pool will now require creators to apply for funding, aiming to improve the quality of games and discourage low-effort content. s&box will transition to a free-to-play model by the end of 2026, with rewards for existing purchasers. The character model "The Citizen" will be retired in favor of generic human avatars, although it will still be available in certain games.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

The Sinking City 2 Update 1.1.0 Adds PS5 Pro Support And Over 150 Fixes

Frogwares has released Update 1.1.0 for The Sinking City 2, which includes combat adjustments, new features, and over 150 fixes for PC and console players. The update reduces enemy numbers and fine-tunes combat mechanics for a better experience. It adds HDR and HDR10+ support, enhancements for PlayStation 5 Pro users through PSSR, and new upscaling options for PC. The Ex Oblivione mode has been reworked to allow more upgrade carryovers, and two new free outfits have been introduced for player customization.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

NVIDIA Freezes Windows 10 GeForce Drivers in October: RTX 40-Series Misses DLSS 5 Support

On October 14, 2026, NVIDIA will release the final GeForce Game Ready Driver for Windows 10, coinciding with the operating system's mainstream end of support. Starting in November 2026, all new Game Ready and Studio Driver releases will only support Windows 11. Approximately 23.56% of Steam gamers were still using Windows 10 as of June 2026. The last Game Ready driver for Windows 10 is version 617.42, released on October 6, 2026. NVIDIA will provide quarterly security updates for Windows 10 GeForce drivers until October 2029, but no new game support or enhancements will be available. Users with RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series cards will be affected by this transition, while older models like the GTX 900 and GTX 10 series have already reached their support limits. Windows 10 users will miss out on DLSS 5, which is exclusive to RTX 50-series hardware. Microsoft has extended the free consumer Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 to October 12, 2027.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

15 best PC mods of all time that feel like new games

The text discusses the significance of modding communities in PC gaming, particularly highlighting total conversion mods that can transform games into new experiences. A list of notable PC mods includes: 1. Star Wars: Genesis — Starfield: Introduces 40 planets with unique content and revamped combat. 2. A Game of Thrones — Crusader Kings 2: Recreates Westeros with a detailed map and political intrigue. 3. The Lay D Denton Project — Deus Ex: Restores gender choice for the protagonist with new voice lines. 4. A Tale of Two Wastelands — Fallout: New Vegas: Merges Fallout 3 and New Vegas into a single playthrough. 5. Retro Rewind — Mario Kart Wii: Adds over 200 classic tracks to Mario Kart Wii. 6. Divide and Conquer (The Lord of the Rings) — Medieval II: Total War: Allows players to command factions from Middle-earth. 7. Long War — XCOM: Enemy Unknown: Extends gameplay with new classes and missions. 8. Fallout: London — Fallout 4: Set in post-apocalyptic London with new quests and characters. 9. Stardew Valley Expanded — Stardew Valley: Adds new locations, NPCs, and events to the game. 10. The Nameless Mod — Deus Ex: Introduces a 15-hour campaign with a new narrative. 11. Ashes 2063 — Doom 2: A standalone mod set in a post-apocalyptic world. 12. STALKER Anomaly — STALKER: Call of Pripyat: Offers a survival sandbox experience with a fresh narrative. 13. The Dark Mod (Thief) — Doom 3: An open-source platform for creating custom levels. 14. Return to Rapture — Half Life: Alyx: Merges Half-Life and BioShock with a new storyline. 15. Enderal: Forgotten Stories — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: A standalone RPG with its own world and narrative. The selection criteria for the best mods included their transformative impact on the original game and ease of installation. Recommendations for safe mod installation include downloading from reputable sources and backing up save files. Additionally, some mods have evolved into standalone games, illustrating the potential of modding creativity.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Zenzap raises $44M for its AI chat app that aims to replace WhatsApp in the workplace

Businesses are increasingly using consumer-facing chat applications for staff communication and document sharing. Zenzap is a new private messaging platform led by Guy Weiss, designed for organizational context and compliance, featuring AI capabilities. The startup has secured funding from investors such as Bessemer, Lightspeed, and individual backers, marking Weiss's first fundraising effort after previously bootstrapping an e-commerce platform. Zenzap, founded in 2022, aims to serve various industries, offering features such as group chats, task management, calendar integration, and AI-powered tools on both free and paid plans. It currently counts clients like FedEx, Taco Bell, and Starbucks, and has a team of 50 employees across multiple locations. Zenzap's versatility is emphasized, as it targets a broader audience beyond developers, focusing on the majority of employees using personal messaging applications.