Mac Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Mac users are obsessed with this cult-favorite, lifetime Microsoft Office deal

Many users are paying recurring fees for Microsoft 365 subscriptions for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A one-time purchase option for Microsoft Office is available for .99, which includes essential applications and eliminates ongoing costs. This version supports macOS Ventura and is optimized for Retina displays. It offers lifetime access without the need for monthly payments, making it a more economical choice compared to Microsoft 365, which costs 0 annually. A Windows version is also available. The deal provides a stable version of Office without unexpected updates or changes.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Any Mac users working with Parallels Pro can now get Windows 11 Pro for less than $15

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Mac users can currently purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro includes enhancements like a streamlined interface, Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, Windows Sandbox, biometric login support, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and an AI-powered Copilot assistant. This offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

Tech Optimizer

June 1, 2025

Bitdefender vs. Norton: Which Antivirus Titan Reigns Supreme for Your Digital Safety?

Bitdefender was established in 1996 and rebranded in 2001, becoming the most popular mobile antivirus in North and South America in 2022. Norton was founded in 1982 and became well-known after Symantec's acquisition. Bitdefender achieves over 98% detection rates online and offline, with five false positives in tests, while Norton exceeds 99% online and 97% offline but has a higher false positive rate. Bitdefender offers a configurable firewall in its Total Security package, while Norton provides a customizable firewall across all products. Bitdefender lacks identity theft protection in its core offerings but offers a separate service, while Norton includes comprehensive identity theft protection in its highest tier. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily cap, while Norton offers an unlimited VPN in most tiers. Bitdefender features an integrated password manager without two-factor authentication, while Norton allows credential sharing and has standalone options. Bitdefender provides basic parental controls, while Norton includes additional features like GPS tracking. Bitdefender enhances its packages with a file shredder and vulnerability scanner, while Norton offers SafeCam and Dark Web Monitoring. Bitdefender is known for resource efficiency, receiving awards for performance, while Norton also received recognition for its performance. Bitdefender has an easy-to-navigate interface, while Norton has a more complex interface. In AV-Comparatives tests, Bitdefender slightly surpassed Norton in offline detection and online protection rates. Bitdefender pricing starts at approximately .99/year for one device, while Norton starts at .99/year for one device as well.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Resize your windows the right way on macOS using MacsyZones

The user transitioned from Windows to Mac and found macOS generally positive but lacking certain productivity features, particularly a built-in window snapping function similar to Windows' FancyZones. A third-party application called MacsyZones has been introduced, which allows users to create custom layouts for window snapping, enhancing workflow. The installation of MacsyZones is straightforward, and it resides in the menu bar with a minimalist interface. Users can create layouts by naming them and resizing windows, with each layout assigned a snap key for easy activation. MacsyZones allows for asymmetrical layouts, enabling one window to occupy a larger portion of the screen while others take up smaller spaces. This customization is beneficial for multitasking and improves productivity, especially for users with multiple applications or secondary monitors.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Study offers a national report on antivirus software trends

Nearly half of Mac users have encountered viruses despite having protective software installed, challenging the belief that Apple products are immune to malware. The report highlights that 71% of Android users have antivirus software, but only 49% seek third-party tools. More than half of Americans do not use additional security measures beyond antivirus. Among iOS users, 38% are unaware of third-party antivirus options. While 84% have antivirus on computers, only 68% have it on smartphones and 60% on tablets. Despite widespread adoption, only 16% of antivirus users feel their software is ineffective. The virus encounter rates are 44% for Mac users, 36% for Windows users, and 30% for other platforms.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

I put Bitdefender and Norton up against each other to see which was best, and the results were almost too close to call

Bitdefender has a detection rate of over 98% for malware, while Norton has a 97% offline detection rate and exceeds 99% online. Bitdefender's firewall is configurable but limited to its Total Security package, whereas Norton offers a powerful and customizable firewall. Bitdefender provides a separate Digital Identity Protection service for .33 per month, while Norton includes identity theft protection through its LifeLock service in higher tiers, offering features like credit monitoring and potential compensation up to million. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while Norton offers an unlimited VPN in most subscription tiers. Both have password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication. Bitdefender offers straightforward parental controls, while Norton includes mobile GPS tracking. Bitdefender is recognized for its lightweight design, while Norton is noted for its speed. Bitdefender has a user-friendly interface, while Norton’s may be more complex for beginners. In independent tests, Bitdefender slightly outperforms Norton in offline detection. Norton's basic plan starts at .99 per year, while Bitdefender's Antivirus Plus starts at .99 per year.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

How to turn off antivirus

Antivirus software is crucial for digital security, providing protection against malware threats. Users may need to disable antivirus temporarily for reasons such as system resource consumption, particularly during resource-intensive tasks like gaming, or to bypass false positives when installing applications. Disabling antivirus software poses risks, especially when browsing the internet, as even legitimate sites can be compromised. Precautions to take when disabling antivirus include disconnecting from the internet, avoiding USB drives, using trusted networks, closing non-essential applications, verifying the legitimacy of downloaded files, and limiting browsing to secure websites. Users should promptly re-enable their antivirus after completing necessary tasks.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

I keep all of my software up to date with Winget, and here’s how you can too

Keeping software up to date is essential for an efficient computing environment, as updates introduce new features and fix bugs. The Windows Package Manager, Winget, allows users to manage software installations and updates via the command line interface (CLI) in Windows 11. To check for updates, users can run the command "winget update" in PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator, which shows outdated applications and their current and available versions. For updating a specific application, the command "winget update [application ID]" can be used, while "winget upgrade --all" updates all applications at once. Winget supports various command-line interfaces and has a repository of over 6,000 applications. For users preferring a graphical interface, tools like UniGetUI provide a simpler way to manage updates. Executing "winget upgrade --all" in an elevated CLI window is an easy method for updating all software.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Winsage

May 24, 2025

VMware Fusion is the best way to run Windows for free on Mac

VMware Fusion is a free solution for virtualizing Windows on Macs, including those with Arm chips. It simplifies the setup process by allowing users to automatically download Windows 11 for Arm devices. Performance testing on an M4 Mac Mini showed impressive results, with smooth operation for everyday tasks and light gaming, despite limitations compared to Parallels, such as lack of support for 120Hz refresh rates and Coherence mode. Users need to create a Broadcom account to download the software, which can be cumbersome. Overall, VMware Fusion is a practical option for users seeking a cost-effective way to run Windows on their Macs.