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Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

10 hidden easter eggs in A Minecraft Movie – The Times of India

A Minecraft Movie has grossed 6.8 million domestically and is expected to be the first film of 2025 to surpass the 0 million mark. The film opens with a recreation of Minecraft's iconic loading screen. It features Steve's village with items like an Ender Pearl and Crafting Table, which serve as nods for fans. In Natalie’s kitchen, there is a tater tot pizza and a wrestling match reminiscent of Nacho Libre. The film includes a crossover with Minecraft Legends during the final boss fight. A Swift Golem, crafted with boots, is introduced as a fast-moving character. Mojang developers Jens "Jeb" Bergensten and Torfi Frans Olafsson make cameos. YouTubers DanTDM, Aphmau, Mumbo Jumbo, and LDShadowLady appear in a storage auction scene. A crowned pig with Technoblade's skin pays tribute to him. Enchanted bows are fired by skeleton mobs during an ambush on the first night. The film features villagers with professions, including a librarian.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2025

Hackers find a way around built-in Windows protections

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a built-in security feature on Windows PCs that restricts the execution of unauthorized software by allowing only trusted applications. However, hackers have discovered multiple methods to bypass WDAC, exposing systems to malware and cyber threats. Techniques for bypassing WDAC include using Living-off-the-Land Binaries (LOLBins), DLL sideloading, and exploiting misconfigurations in WDAC policies. Attackers can execute unauthorized code without triggering alerts from traditional security solutions, enabling them to install ransomware or create backdoors. Microsoft operates a bug bounty program to address vulnerabilities in WDAC, but some bypass techniques remain unpatched for long periods. Users can mitigate risks by keeping Windows updated, being cautious with software downloads, and using strong antivirus software.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug Breaks Connection with Active Directory Domain Controller

Microsoft has warned IT administrators about a significant issue affecting Windows Server 2025 domain controllers, which may struggle to manage network traffic after a system restart. This problem arises because the domain controllers revert to the standard firewall profile instead of the required domain firewall profile, leading to potential inaccessibility on the domain network, application failures, and open ports that could pose security risks. The issue specifically affects Windows Server 2025 systems with the Active Directory Domain Services role, while client systems and earlier server versions remain unaffected. To address this, Microsoft recommends a temporary workaround: manually restarting the network adapter using PowerShell with the command Restart-NetAdapter * after each reboot. Administrators are advised to create a scheduled task for automation, monitor domain controllers for disruptions, and minimize unnecessary restarts. Microsoft is working on a permanent fix, with an update expected in the future.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

GTA 6 to release soon: Is your PC setup ready for the game?

Rockstar Games is releasing Grand Theft Auto VI, which will have significantly higher hardware demands compared to GTA V, requiring two to three times the processing power. The game will feature advanced visuals, real-time ray tracing, and complex environments. For 1080p gameplay, players will need at least an RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6800 XT. Minimum system requirements are expected to include an Intel Core i5-6600K processor, NVIDIA GTX 1660 graphics card, 12 GB of RAM, and 150 GB of SSD storage. Recommended specs for high-resolution gameplay include an Intel Core i7-10700 CPU, NVIDIA RTX 3060 or RTX 2080 SUPER, and 16 GB of RAM, preferably with NVMe SSDs. Gaming laptops will require at least an RTX 4050 for low settings at 1080p, while an RTX 5070 is recommended for better performance. Multi-core CPUs with at least eight physical cores are necessary to avoid frame drops during intense gameplay. SSDs are mandatory for the game to ensure fast loading and asset streaming, with a total game size of 150 GB.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2025

Scanguard

Scanguard is owned by Total Security LTD and offers a comprehensive security and optimization suite that includes virus protection, system performance improvements, junk file removal, a password vault, and a VPN. Its security features include real-time protection against malware, ransomware, spyware, and adware, facilitated by specialized guards. A free version is available for Windows, but it has limitations regarding update speed. The initial scan on a 512 GB SSD takes under five minutes and covers various checks. The app prompts users to upgrade for certain features, although discounts are available for first-time users. Core features include Malware Guard, Ransomware Guard, Spyware Guard, Aware Guard, and WebShield for real-time protection against malicious sites. Scanguard also offers identity theft protection services and a system optimizer that cleans junk files and manages applications. An Android app is available, but there is no iPhone app, and the Android version must be downloaded from the Scanguard website. Scanguard's pricing includes a free version and a paid plan with a promotional rate for the first year, with payment through PayPal. The paid plan offers real-time protection, cloud-based threat detection, and customer support. Recent evaluations show a detection rate of 96.94% in a VB100 test, with a 0.000% false alarm rate, but it is not currently VB100 certified. The user interface is modern and intuitive, though the installation process may take time due to database updates.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

Android 16 has a new trick to speed up app installation

Android 16 introduces a feature called cloud compilation, which enhances app installation speed by shifting the compilation process from the device to the cloud. This feature allows application artifacts to be loaded directly from files downloaded via the Google Play Store, rather than being generated on the device. It is particularly beneficial for low-end devices that struggle with processing power or storage speed. The Android Runtime (ART) uses a tool called dex2oat to convert APK’s .dex files into application artifacts, which include .vdex, .odex, and .art files. Cloud compilation retrieves these artifacts from a new format called Secure Dex Metadata (SDM), ensuring application integrity while expediting installation. However, the feature is not yet operational as Google needs to configure the Play Store to generate these artifacts for use during installations.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

GTA 5 is coming to Xbox Game Pass on both PC and console

Xbox Game Pass will add Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) to its lineup on April 15, 2025. The game will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and for the first time on PC, featuring an Enhanced edition with graphical upgrades and faster loading times. Subscribers will have access to both the single-player campaign and GTA Online. This is the third time GTA 5 will be available on Game Pass, but the first for PC Game Pass subscribers, who can access the Enhanced edition at no extra cost. Existing owners of GTA 5 can upgrade for free. Additionally, new titles like South of Midnight, Borderlands 3, and Diablo 3 will also launch in April for subscribers.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Google will require new Android 16 devices to support this game-changing graphics feature

Most Android devices now support Vulkan, with the latest version, Vulkan 1.4, introducing a feature called Host Image Copy that can greatly improve game performance on upcoming Android 16 devices. Host Image Copy allows for faster app loads, reduces stutter, and lowers GPU memory usage by enabling the CPU to copy image data directly between host memory and GPU image memory.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Best PC Games to Play Right Now (Spring 2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features advanced GPUs enabling ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling, with tools like Unreal Engine 5 facilitating diverse game development. Platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store host tens of thousands of titles, with over 13,000 new games launched on Steam in 2024. Notable games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Warframe, and Apex Legends. Key trends include cross-platform compatibility, free-to-play models, and game subscription services. Optimal gaming setups typically require a mid-range processor, a GTX 1070 or better graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM. Popular multiplayer games include Valorant and Apex Legends, while highly rated titles include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Disco Elysium. Classics worth playing today include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Portal 2.