Mac users Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2025

These 5 macOS settings are a security risk and you should turn them off now

Apple emphasizes robust security measures for its users, particularly for Mac users who often believe built-in protections eliminate the need for additional antivirus software. Users can enhance their macOS security by adjusting default settings in five key areas: 1. Location Sharing: Users should manage app access to location data through System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, disabling it entirely or adjusting settings for individual applications. 2. Microphone and Camera Permissions: Users are advised to review and manage app permissions for microphone and camera access in System Settings > Privacy & Security, allowing them to toggle permissions off if necessary. 3. Siri: Users concerned about privacy may choose to disable Siri by going to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggling off the feature. 4. Automatic Wi-Fi Connections: To protect sensitive information, users should disable automatic connections to public Wi-Fi networks by modifying settings in System Settings > Wi-Fi and enabling the option to ask before joining networks. 5. Personalized Ads: Users can opt out of personalized ads by navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and unchecking the box for Personalized Ads to mitigate risks associated with ad tracking.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Is McAfee Slowing You Down? Here’s How to Remove It

To uninstall McAfee antivirus software on various operating systems, follow these steps: Windows 11 & 10: 1. Open Settings and navigate to Apps (Installed apps in Windows 11). 2. Search for McAfee and select the product to remove. 3. Click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall. 4. Confirm the uninstallation and restart the computer. Windows 8: 1. Access the Start menu and right-click on the McAfee product. 2. Select Uninstall and confirm in the Programs and Features window. 3. Restart the computer after completion. Windows 7: 1. Open Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs. 2. Choose the McAfee product and click Add/Remove or Change/Remove. 3. Confirm removal and restart the computer. Using the McAfee Removal Tool: 1. Download the MCPR tool from the McAfee website. 2. Run MCPR.exe and follow the prompts to uninstall. 3. Restart the computer after removal. Mac: 1. Open the Applications folder and launch the McAfee Internet Security Uninstaller. 2. Optionally, select to uninstall SiteAdvisor. 3. Enter the administrator password and complete the uninstallation. For multiple McAfee applications, uninstall them one at a time. For Android, toggle off McAfee Mobile Security in Device admin apps, then delete it from Apps. To uninstall McAfee Safe Connect or LiveSafe, follow similar steps in the Apps settings.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Microsoft quietly implies Windows has LOST almost half a billion users since Windows 11 debut — bleak outlook suggests Windows is haemorrhaging users

Windows is currently operational on over a billion devices, a decline from 1.4 billion reported in 2022. Windows has experienced a 15% decline in its user base over the past decade. Microsoft introduced AI-powered devices known as Copilot+ PCs in 2024, but the reception has been lukewarm. Users are concerned about the requirement for an online account to set up a new PC and the presence of ads and bloatware in Windows 11. Windows 11 is gaining market share and is expected to surpass Windows 10 as the most widely used version, but it is unlikely to achieve the same popularity as Windows 10.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

[Fixed] How to Recover Unsaved Word Document on Windows 10/11

4DDiG Data Recovery is a tool designed to recover unsaved Word documents by scanning the AutoRecover folder and other locations. It can recover corrupted, deleted, unsaved, or formatted MS Office files with a high success rate and offers a free trial. Users can preview files before restoration, and the software is compatible with various storage devices and Windows operating systems (7, 8, 10, and 11) without requiring technical skills. To recover an unsaved Word document using 4DDiG, users should install the tool, select the drive where the documents were lost, scan for unsaved documents, preview, and then recover the desired files. Microsoft Word has built-in features for recovering unsaved documents, including the Document Recovery Pane and manual searches for AutoRecover files with ".asd" and backup files with ".wbk" extensions. Temporary files with a ".tmp" extension may also contain unsaved work and can be retrieved from a specific path. To prevent future losses, users are advised to enable AutoRecover and create backup copies in Word's settings. Common recovery questions include the ability to recover unsaved documents depending on AutoRecover settings and the locations of AutoSave files, which vary by operating system. For Windows, common paths include C:Users[Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWord and C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Will your old laptop still get security updates after this year? Check this chart

The tech community is dissatisfied with Microsoft's compatibility requirements for Windows 11, which have made some PCs from six or seven years ago obsolete and ineligible for security updates. Apple's update policy for MacOS is similarly restrictive, with free security updates provided only for the three most recent versions. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe will lead to MacOS 13 Ventura no longer receiving updates, leaving older Macs unsupported due to hardware compatibility issues. Macs from 2017 or earlier will not upgrade to MacOS 14 Sonoma. Users can check compatibility through the "About This Mac" option. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU from 2019 or later, with Microsoft's PC Health Check app available to identify issues. Windows 10 users can purchase security updates for up to three years after the end of support in October 2025, unlike Mac users. Both platforms typically provide security updates for eight to ten years after release.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Will your Mac or Windows PC still get security updates in 2026? Check this chart

Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system has introduced stringent compatibility requirements, making many PCs, some as young as six or seven years old, ineligible for security updates and upgrades. Apple's MacOS update policies are similarly restrictive, with security updates provided for the three most recent versions. When a new version is released, older systems may become unsupported and stop receiving updates. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe is expected to launch in September, at which point MacOS 13 Ventura will cease to receive updates, affecting older Macs. Unsupported models include MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini from 2017 or earlier, and iMac and Mac Pro models from 2018 or earlier. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU released in 2019 or later, though some older Intel CPUs may qualify. Microsoft offers a PC Health Check app to assess compatibility, and users can bypass certain checks to install Windows 11. Windows 10 users can pay for security updates for up to three years after support ends in October 2025, a feature not available for Mac users. Security updates for both Mac and Windows PCs are typically available for eight to ten years after the release date.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

‘Screenbox’ Is a Sleek and Capable VLC-Based Video Player for Windows

Screenbox is a free and open-source video player designed for Windows 11, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive media format support. It is built on the LibVLCSharp framework, ensuring compatibility with all media formats supported by VLC. The application features a visually appealing interface with essential buttons, support for YouTube's keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture functionality, and a media library that includes default video and music folders with options to add more directories. Screenbox is suitable for both casual file playback and organization of media libraries.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

More than a decade later, WhatsApp finally brings out an iPad app

WhatsApp has launched its app for iPads, now available on the App Store, allowing users to access its full functionality on a larger screen for the first time in over a decade. The iPad app includes features like chat synchronization across devices, compatibility with Apple's Magic Keyboard, and navigation using the Apple Pencil. Previously, iPad users could only use WhatsApp through a web version that required a constant connection to a mobile phone. The new app enables better multitasking by allowing users to run WhatsApp alongside other applications.

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.