Machine Learning Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 12, 2026

8 Antivirus (Endpoint Protection) Software for Business: Our Top Picks by Use Case (2026)

If you hold Microsoft 365 E5, you already have access to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which provides enterprise-grade endpoint protection at no additional cost. For organizations without a dedicated security specialist, Sophos is recommended. CrowdStrike is suitable for those with a mature Security Operations Center (SOC) and sufficient budget. Other options include SentinelOne for mid-sized organizations needing automation, ESET for older hardware and virtual desktops, Avast Business for very small businesses without IT staff, VIPRE for budget-conscious organizations, and Expel for tool-agnostic managed detection and response. It is essential to assess your organization's current situation honestly when evaluating endpoint protection options. Antivirus and EDR are now essentially the same agent, and organizations should inquire about update staging processes and review independent tests for protection rates. Coverage for servers and Linux environments is often overlooked but crucial, as Linux servers are prime targets for ransomware. Key recommendations include: - Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for organizations already on Microsoft 365 E5. - Sophos for organizations with 25-500 staff relying on IT generalists. - CrowdStrike for enterprises with a well-funded security operations function. - SentinelOne for mid-sized organizations needing autonomous operation. - ESET for organizations with older hardware or virtual desktop infrastructure. - Avast Business for micro and small businesses. - VIPRE for budget-conscious organizations. - Expel for those seeking managed detection across various environments. During deployment, avoid running two real-time agents simultaneously, ensure prevention features are activated, and test on line-of-business applications first. Verify update staging and rollback procedures with vendors, and confirm whether Microsoft licensing covers your needs to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Tech Optimizer

September 10, 2026

8 Antivirus (Endpoint Protection) Software for Business: Our Top Picks by Use Case (2026)

If you hold Microsoft 365 E5, you have access to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which provides enterprise-grade endpoint protection at no additional cost. For organizations without a dedicated security specialist, Sophos is recommended for its user-friendly platform. CrowdStrike is suggested for those with a mature Security Operations Center (SOC) and sufficient budget. Other options include SentinelOne for mid-sized organizations needing automation, ESET for older hardware and virtual desktops, Avast Business for very small businesses, VIPRE for budget-conscious mixed estates, and Expel for tool-agnostic managed detection and response. Antivirus and EDR are now unified under a single agent, and organizations should inquire about update staging processes to avoid issues like those experienced in July 2024 with a major vendor's faulty content update. Independent tests from organizations like AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST are crucial for evaluating protection rates and false positives. Linux servers require attention as they are often targeted by ransomware. When deploying endpoint protection, avoid running two real-time agents simultaneously, activate prevention features promptly, and test deployments on critical applications first. Organizations should confirm their Microsoft licensing covers necessary features and ensure there is a plan for responding to alerts. Common pitfalls include neglecting identity management and failing to test response workflows before incidents occur.

Tech Optimizer

September 6, 2026

“Iran unveils second homegrown antivirus to counter malware and cyberattacks”

Iran has introduced its second domestically developed antivirus software, Ayyza, which utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect known and unknown cyber threats. The antivirus is designed to protect against malware, viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Ayyza's detection engine is developed in-house and operates at the Windows kernel level to enhance detection accuracy and speed while minimizing hardware resource consumption. It can receive updates offline or via Iran’s National Information Network. Ayyza's machine-learning capabilities allow it to identify emerging threats, including previously unknown malware and zero-day vulnerabilities. The company has also created complementary security tools, such as privileged access management (PAM) systems and data leakage prevention tools, to enhance overall cybersecurity. The company's products are currently used in various Iranian infrastructures, including banking, financial, and governmental systems.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Go grandmaster becomes first human to win series against advanced AI engine in 3-hour match

Go grandmaster Shin Jin-seo became the first human to win against the AI platform KataGo on July 21, achieving victory in an official three-game series with a final score of 2-1. Shin, who is 26 years old, played with a two-stone handicap and initially lost the first match before winning the next two. His victory is significant as it contrasts with the previous defeat of grandmaster Lee Sedol by Google's AlphaGo a decade ago. Shin expressed the desire to challenge AI under more difficult conditions in the future and emphasized the importance of personal strategy over imitating AI moves.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

There are two kinds of Windows users—and one of them is unknowingly making the OS worse

There is a divide between casual Windows users and engaged enthusiasts, with passive users often accepting default settings that contribute to system bloat. Passive users enable telemetry and promotional content by not customizing their installations, while active users take steps to enhance privacy and performance. Microsoft interprets user inaction as approval for unwanted features, leading to an accumulation of bloatware and unnecessary updates. The Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service collects user data, justifying the inclusion of features like Copilot, which many users may not want. Users face challenges in maintaining control over their systems, often needing technical knowledge to opt out of unwanted features. Microsoft's feedback system is inadequate, interpreting silence as consent rather than a lack of interest, making it difficult for users to effect meaningful change.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

What is Android System Intelligence and what happens if you turn it off?

Android System Intelligence (ASI) is a component created by Google that enhances user experience on Android devices, particularly on Pixel phones, by supporting features like Live Caption, Now Playing, Smart Autorotate, and app predictions. ASI operates within Android's Private Compute Core, introduced in 2021, and utilizes machine learning without direct internet access, relying on Private Compute Services for cloud updates. It collects data such as crash logs and device identifiers for analytics, with users having the option to disable this data collection. ASI is not a standalone app but an infrastructure that supports various features, including music identification and smart notification actions. It requests extensive permissions for functionalities like smart predictions and contact suggestions, though not all features require all permissions. The privacy framework of ASI is designed to limit direct internet access, and users can view a Network Usage Log on Pixel devices. Disabling ASI is possible but does not remove it; it can be turned off under Settings > Apps. Reports indicate that essential phone functions remain intact even when ASI features are disabled, such as Now Playing and Live Caption. Google has not stated that disabling ASI will cause instability in the Android operating system. For troubleshooting ASI issues, Google recommends restarting the device, updating software, force-stopping the app, or clearing its cache or data. ASI has over 5 billion downloads on Google Play.

AppWizard

August 27, 2026

Motorola details everything coming with its big Android 17 update

Motorola is set to enhance its smartphones with the upcoming Android 17 software update, which includes features such as stackable widgets, themed icons, and the ability to hide labels from Quick Settings tiles. The update will integrate support for Live Updates and AI-driven notification summaries, as well as machine learning models to identify low-priority notifications. Display capabilities will improve for HDR content, with adjustable brightness settings. New sharing methods include Tap to Share for one-on-one sharing and Quick Drop for group sharing. The update also promises enhanced security, app compatibility, performance improvements, bug fixes, and additional features like cross-platform Quick Share capabilities and Audio Sharing. Over 50 Motorola devices, including recent Razr and Edge models, will receive the update.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2026

EDB Brings Postgres-Proven Disaster Recovery to Petabyte-Scale WarehousePG Where Downtime Is Not Possible

On August 20, 2026, EnterpriseDB (EDB) announced the general availability of its Disaster Recovery feature for WarehousePG, enhancing EDB Postgres AI's analytical capabilities by enabling recovery of petabyte-scale data in minutes rather than days. This feature allows organizations to maintain a current recovery environment across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups, and provides flexibility in activating recovery. The implementation of Disaster Recovery for WarehousePG resulted in approximately 180 times faster recovery, with restore-point replay averaging 16 minutes, full backups decreasing from 44 hours to about 11 hours, and nearly 99% less query lock time. The recovery model was achieved without any modifications to the application architecture. WarehousePG leverages the Postgres framework for disaster recovery processes and includes built-in high availability to safeguard against component failures. The upcoming September version update will integrate Disaster Recovery configuration into WarehousePG Enterprise Manager, allowing operational teams to manage cluster health and resource utilization effectively.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

AI vendors are turning to custom hardware as Microsoft winds back the clock on Windows

This week, insights into datacenter technology reveal a shift in GPU dominance, with companies exploring alternatives. Cerebras, founded by Andrew Feldman, has developed chips the size of dinner plates that contain 44 gigabytes of ultra-fast SRAM, circumventing high-bandwidth memory supply constraints. In 2024, Cerebras launched an inference server that processes tokens faster than any GPU configuration, utilizing structured sparsity and partnering with AWS and AMD. The latest Cerebras chips, CS-4 systems, feature a modular architecture that doubles performance and bandwidth. Google is also moving towards custom silicon with its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), while Marvell competes with Broadcom in providing IP for custom chips. Waymo announced a custom machine learning accelerator for its autonomous vehicles to enhance compute density and address limitations of previous FPGA use. On the software side, Microsoft is reintroducing the ability to move the taskbar in Windows 11, responding to user feedback after nearly five years. This change reflects Microsoft's focus on user experience amid competition from alternatives like macOS and Linux.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Here are the PC game settings you should always turn on, and the ones to switch off

PC gaming allows customization of graphics settings to improve performance and visual experience. Certain settings can degrade image quality, while others enhance immersion. Settings to disable include: - Motion blur: Can create a blurry visual experience, especially during fast movements. - VSync: Synchronizes frame rate with monitor refresh rate but can introduce latency; alternatives like Adaptive Sync are more effective. - Depth of field: Can obscure details and consume resources, particularly in clarity-focused scenarios. - Chromatic aberration, bloom, lens flare, and film grain: These post-processing effects can detract from clarity and hinder performance, especially in competitive play. Settings to enable or tweak include: - ML-based upscaling (DLSS, FSR 4, XeSS): Enhances visual stability and boosts performance without sacrificing image quality. - Textures: Higher quality textures improve realism and detail, especially with sufficient VRAM. - View distance: A higher setting enhances immersion by rendering distant objects, reducing distracting pop-ins. - Shadows: Higher quality shadows add depth and realism, enhancing the overall visual experience despite potential performance costs.