Internet Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

How Uniphore achieved 30% cost savings by modernizing Windows servers on AWS

Uniphore is an AI innovation company that faced challenges with its legacy Windows Server infrastructure, which was costly and raised security concerns due to its end-of-support status. To modernize, Uniphore utilized Amazon Web Services (AWS) for containerization and cloud-native solutions, achieving a 30% reduction in costs and improved operational capabilities. The migration involved transitioning from 50 bare-metal Windows Server 2008 R2 instances to a Linux environment on AWS, optimizing call-center analytics workloads and enabling better training of large language models. The modernization strategy included three key areas: application modernization through refactoring and containerization, a custom data migration solution using Type 2 hypervisor technology, and a cloud infrastructure setup with Amazon EC2, Amazon EKS, Amazon EFS, and Amazon S3. The migration was executed in three phases: deploying the hypervisor and DataSync agent, secure data migration and validation, and production cutover with application deployment. Best practices adopted during the process included Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform, CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, comprehensive monitoring with DATADOG and CloudWatch, and enforcement of AWS Backup policies. The modernization resulted in benefits such as improved scalability and performance, flexibility and portability of applications, enhanced security and compliance, efficient data management, reduced operational overhead, and significant cost savings.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2025

Do You Need Antivirus for Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic updates, which contribute to their reputation as secure devices. Despite these protections, vulnerabilities can still exist, particularly through phishing scams, risky extensions, and the use of Linux or Android apps. Security experts suggest that users who frequently engage in online shopping, download Android applications, connect to public Wi-Fi, or store sensitive information in the cloud should consider antivirus software for added protection. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include TotalAV Essential Antivirus, Norton Mobile Security, and Avira Antivirus Security, each offering various features and benefits tailored for Chromebook users.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2025

AVG Antivirus Review 2025: Robust Free Version but Middling Premium Plans

AVG Antivirus offers a freemium model with a suite of cybersecurity tools. The Ultimate plan scored 7.6/10 overall, with the following breakdown: Performance 9/10, Security 7/10, Customer Support 7/10, Usability 9/10, Value 7/10, and Features 7/10. The free version includes scan scheduling and protection against ransomware, while the paid AVG Internet Security covers up to 10 devices. AVG Ultimate includes a VPN and performance tools but lacks some advanced privacy features found in competitors. Usability testing showed intuitive account navigation, though installation was complex. AVG's antivirus engine achieved a 99.3% online detection rate, but there are concerns about data-sharing policies and past breaches. Customer support includes a knowledge base and 24/7 live chat, but experiences were often unsatisfactory. AVG's pricing is competitive, especially for its free option, but may not meet the needs of users requiring advanced features.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service

Russian lawmakers passed legislation on June 10 to establish a national instant messaging service, envisioned as a multifunctional information exchange service similar to WhatsApp. The service aims to facilitate bureaucratic and legal functions, including electronic document signing. VK, a Kremlin-aligned social media platform, is reportedly developing a new digital platform named Max, which will include chat, messaging, and payment services. The Russian government has previously launched the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, which serves around 100 million citizens and is being integrated with VK. President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the new messaging service, instructing officials to transition services from government agencies to the platform.

BetaBeacon

June 15, 2025

Top 10 Offline Mobile Games of 2025 for Android & iOS

Some mobile games do not require internet connection, providing entertainment in areas with weak signals or during travel.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

5 Windows settings you should disable right now to improve your PC’s security

Adjusting operating system settings is essential for safeguarding your digital environment. To enhance security on public Wi-Fi networks, disable the network discovery feature by navigating to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings and toggling off "Network Discovery" for both Public and Private Networks. It is advisable to turn off the File and Printer Sharing setting in the same menu to further protect your system. To manage Clipboard History, which saves everything copied, right-click the Start button, go to Settings > System > Clipboard, and toggle off Clipboard history to prevent sensitive information from being stored. You can control background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, selecting the app, and choosing 'Never' under 'Background Apps Permissions' to prevent it from running in the background. To disable Remote Assistance, go to Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings > Remote tab and uncheck the option for Remote Assistance connections. For Remote Desktop, toggle off the Remote Desktop option in Settings > System. To prevent Windows from automatically reconnecting to previously used public networks, navigate to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks and uncheck the Connect Automatically When in Range box for those networks.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Total War grabs, management freebies, demos to try, and more

The Humble Store has released two bundles: the Narrative Arc collection, which includes Mutazione, Venba, and Frank and Drake, with additional tiers featuring Season: A Letter to the Future, Dustborn, Harold Halibut, and Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out; and the Case and Consequences Collection, which offers Heavy Rain, Song of Farca, Lacuna, and Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, with a second tier including Murders on the Yangtze River, BROK the InvestiGator, and Between Horizons. Both bundles are available for two weeks. The Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free until June 19, coinciding with the launch of The Operator as the next free game. Valve's Steam Next Fest is running until June 16, featuring demos of upcoming games, along with several active free events, including Stardeus, Barony, Hell Let Loose, Construction Simulator, and Towerborne. The Steam Summer Sale is approaching, with significant promotions already launched by various publishers, including a Total War historical sale and early summer promotions from 505 Games. The GOG store is also offering DRM-free discounts across various genres.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

‘BrowserVenom’ Windows Malware Preys on Users Looking to Run DeepSeek AI

A new strain of Windows malware called "BrowserVenom" is exploiting interest in DeepSeek's AI models by targeting users through deceptive Google ads. These ads lead to a counterfeit website, "https[:]//deepseek-platform[.]com," where users are tricked into downloading a harmful file named “AILauncher1.21.exe.” This malware monitors and manipulates internet traffic, allowing attackers to intercept sensitive data. The operation is believed to involve Russian-speaking threat actors, and the malware has infected users in several countries, including Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, India, Nepal, South Africa, and Egypt. The fraudulent domain has been suspended, but the malware can evade many antivirus solutions. Users are advised to verify official domains when downloading software.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

I tried Google’s secret, open source, offline AI app to see if it’s better than Gemini

Google has introduced the AI Edge Gallery, an application that allows users to download and run large language models (LLMs) directly on their Android devices for offline processing. The app features four distinct LLMs categorized into three functions: Ask Image, Prompt Lab, and AI Chat. Users can engage in image analysis, chat interactions, and prompt-based tasks. The installation process is cumbersome, requiring users to download the app from GitHub and create a Hugging Face account. Once operational, the app has a sleek interface and smooth functionality. It can provide travel planning advice, explain complex theories, generate recipes, rewrite text, summarize content, and recognize images, although it struggles with less common subjects like landmarks. AI Edge Gallery does not have the same level of control over devices as Google's Gemini and cannot execute commands like turning on the flashlight.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Upgrading Windows 10 to 11: Here’s everything you need to know

Microsoft is offering a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for eligible devices that meet the minimum system requirements and use the appropriate upgrade tools. Official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, technical support, and bug fixes. Users can obtain a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of critical security updates. Windows 11 requires specific hardware prerequisites, including TPM 2.0 and compatible processors. Users can check their PC's eligibility for the update using the free PC Integrity Checker app. To upgrade, users can download the Windows 11 Installation Wizard or use the Rufus tool to create a bootable USB stick for installation. Backing up data before upgrading is recommended.