levels Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2026

Avast One review: Robust protection at a reasonable price… but with some compromises

Avast One is an antivirus solution that offers protection against various digital threats, including AI-generated scams and deepfakes. It features an AI assistant that analyzes texts, links, and images for suspicious content. The starting price is .99 per year, and it supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with device support ranging from 1-10 for consumers and 1-999 for businesses. Key features include malware protection, ransomware protection, identity theft protection (Ultimate only), webcam protection, a VPN (Ultimate only), a password manager, cloud backup (Business only), a firewall, and a secure browser. The free version provides basic virus and malware protection, while the Premium Security plan starts at .99 for the first year and the Ultimate plan starts at .99. Performance tests show minimal impact on gaming experiences, and the software offers various scanning options. The interface is user-friendly, though some features require higher-tier plans. Avast provides 24/7 support through email, chat, and telephone, but the chat system requires preliminary questions to be answered.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Thousands of Windows machines are being replaced in schools with MacBook Neo and iPads

The Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has acquired over 4,500 MacBook Neo units for students in 8th grade and above, planning to phase out more than 30,000 existing devices. The initiative aims to create a unified Apple-centric ecosystem to enhance collaboration and efficiency in classrooms. The rollout will initially focus on older students, with iPads and existing MacBook Airs serving other grade levels. This move positions Apple to compete against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops in the educational market. Intel is also working on Project Firefly to keep Windows competitive by offering sub-0 Windows laptops. KCPS's initiative provides Apple an opportunity to showcase its devices in real-world classroom settings, focusing on practical aspects like battery performance and support costs. The success of this transition will depend on managing repair, training, and management expenses as older machines are phased out, potentially influencing other educational institutions to consider the MacBook Neo.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Slack Messenger for Business Collaboration in the US

Businesses are increasingly challenged to adapt to new technologies and consumer behaviors, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Companies are leveraging AI to enhance productivity, streamline processes, automate routine tasks, and provide data-driven insights. Investing in AI technologies allows businesses to improve efficiency and enhance customer experiences through personalized marketing strategies. AI integration in supply chain management employs predictive analytics to anticipate demand fluctuations, optimize inventory levels, and reduce operational costs, which boosts profitability and customer satisfaction. However, challenges such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the need for skilled personnel persist in AI adoption. The ability to adapt to these advancements will determine which companies lead in their fields.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Fallout lead Tim Cain argues games industry crisis hasn’t reached the level of the 1983 crash: ‘I don’t think there’s ever been a worse time in the games industry’

Tim Cain, a veteran RPG developer, discussed the challenges in the current video game industry, noting that approximately 10% of game developers are affected by layoffs and studio closures. He emphasized that while the situation is serious, it does not compare to the catastrophic crash of 1983, during which many developers were abruptly unemployed and the U.S. video game market collapsed. Cain reflected on the lasting impact of that crash, stating it resulted in the loss of an entire generation of game developers and took nearly a decade for the PC market to recover. He identified contemporary issues such as an oversaturation of games, a devaluation of games due to subscription services, and an uneven crisis that largely bypasses consumers. In contrast, industry veterans John and Brenda Romero expressed a more pessimistic view, feeling that the current crisis seems more severe than the earlier collapse.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 publisher is confident enough in its release date to brag about the ungodly amounts of money it’s about to make

Take-Two Interactive has scheduled the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 for November 19. CEO Strauss Zelnick predicts that fiscal year 2027 will set new records for operating performance due to this launch. Take-Two's revenue for fiscal year 2026 was .72 billion, and it expects revenues between billion and .2 billion for fiscal 2027, indicating a significant year-over-year increase. The company is also preparing for a marketing strategy for GTA 6 as anticipation builds among the gaming community.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

PC Gamers Can Save $50 And Claim 2 Free Games, Tomb Raider Included

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games for a limited time: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered and Down In Bermuda. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, normally priced at .99, features enhanced visuals, modernized controls, and a new challenge mode, and includes the original polygonal graphics option. Down In Bermuda, typically retailing for .99, is an indie adventure game where players solve puzzles on six islands. Both games are available for free until May 28 at 4 PM BST and can be kept indefinitely once claimed. This offer is exclusive to PC users.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, offering features like ad-blockers, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection Pro, available with the Advanced plan, which protects against malware, ads, and trackers. It enhances online security by blocking ads and tracking scripts, quarantining suspicious downloads, and preventing access to malicious websites. All IPVanish plans include core Threat Protection, utilizing DNS filters to combat trackers and malware across various platforms. Threat Protection Pro, launched in March 2026, provides 24/7 malware and antivirus protection, even when the VPN is not active. This feature is exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and currently supports Windows and Mac platforms. It employs VIPRE’s antivirus engine and initiates detailed measures to identify risks at multiple levels. Users can activate Threat Protection Pro through a straightforward setup process on Windows or MacOS. IPVanish allows unlimited devices per subscription and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Advanced users also have access to a Secure Browser for disposable browsing.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

AI Data Platform Modernization in Financial Services | Microsoft Azure PostgreSQL | The Microsoft Cloud Blog

Financial service institutions are increasingly exploring AI applications to alleviate operational burdens and gain a competitive edge, but face challenges with legacy data infrastructures that may not meet modern demands. The need for continuous availability and compliance is critical, as even brief downtime can have catastrophic consequences. Aging databases struggle with high-volume transactions and real-time analytics, prompting a focus on predictive maintenance and infrastructure automation. Microsoft Azure's PostgreSQL managed services, including Azure Database for PostgreSQL, address these challenges by providing flexible performance scaling and ensuring high availability. The service can trigger automatic failover within 60 to 120 seconds during outages, guaranteeing up to a 99.99% availability SLA. It supports read replicas for offloading analytics without impacting primary database performance and offers layered security controls, including encryption at rest and network isolation. Azure Database for PostgreSQL simplifies compliance with standards such as PCI DSS and SOC by enabling centralized identity and access management through Microsoft Entra ID authentication. It integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, allowing organizations to connect data to analytics and AI services without complex ETL processes. BNY Mellon successfully modernized its data platform by migrating to Azure Database for PostgreSQL in nine months, achieving improved resilience and allowing engineering teams to focus on innovation. The platform supports high availability, backup capabilities, and extensibility, empowering financial institutions to remain innovative in the era of AI.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 21/05/2026

From May 21, 2026, at 4 PM BST until May 28, 2026, at 4 PM BST, the Epic Games Store is offering three free PC games: 1. Sunderfolk - Standard Edition - A game that combines adventure and strategy in a richly crafted universe. 2. Down in Bermuda - A game by Tak & Co where players help an aviator stranded on mysterious islands due to an unnatural storm, featuring exploration and puzzle-solving. 3. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft - A remastered collection of the original three Tomb Raider games, optimized for modern platforms and including all expansions and secret levels.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

I played Boltgun 2 and it’s sick

Boltgun 2 is a sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, developed by Auroch Digital. It retains the essence of the original game while introducing new features, including an expanded arsenal, diverse biomes, and dual protagonists. Players can choose between two characters at the start: Nyra Veyrath, an Adepta Sororitas battle sister with a crossbow and flamethrower, and Malum Caedo, who uses a plasma gun and shotgun. The game features two demo missions set in a swampy jungle and a frozen industrial complex. Gameplay mechanics have been simplified, with a single type of grenade and a removal of the complex toughness system. The missions are more linear, focusing on straightforward objectives, but the full campaign will include more complex levels. The game is set to be released in 2026.