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Winsage

August 24, 2025

30 years since the launch of Windows 95, the 90s still has some of the best sonic branding

Microsoft's Windows 95 startup sound was created by Brian Eno and became a significant part of the National Recording Registry. Other notable sounds include Apple's serene Mac startup sound, PlayStation's auditory experience, Sega's 'SEGA' chant, Nokia's ringtone derived from Francisco Tárrega’s Gran Vals, and AOL's "You've got mail" voice notification by Elwood Edwards. Today's sound landscape is cluttered, leading to alert fatigue, and modern designers face the challenge of creating distinct sounds adaptable to various environments. Effective sound design involves establishing a cohesive sonic language that resonates across contexts, prioritizing emotional connections, and recognizing the importance of silence. Brands like Mastercard and Netflix exemplify this approach by adapting core melodies for different markets while maintaining their identity. Sound should be treated as essential infrastructure, and brands need to monitor and refine their sonic strategies for effectiveness.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Legacy OneNote for Windows 10 app is retiring on October 14, 2025

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for "OneNote for Windows 10 (legacy)," which will then transition to read-only mode, preventing users from editing or synchronizing notes. Users are encouraged to migrate to the newer OneNote app for Windows 11 to maintain editing capabilities. To transition, users must sync their notebooks to a OneDrive account and can use an in-app migration feature. Microsoft is notifying users about this change through an in-app banner. The legacy app currently has a user rating of 4.6 in the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Android VPN apps used by millions are covertly connected AND insecure

Recent research from Arizona State University and Citizen Lab has identified connections among three families of Android VPN applications with over 700 million downloads, raising concerns about user privacy and security. The analysis revealed three groups of VPN providers: 1. Group A: Eight apps from three providers sharing identical Java code and libraries, exhibiting vulnerabilities such as: - Collecting location data against privacy policies. - Using weak encryption methods. - Hard-coded Shadowsocks passwords that could allow traffic decryption. 2. Group B: Eight apps from five providers supporting only the Shadowsocks protocol, sharing libraries and hard-coded passwords, with all servers hosted by GlobalTeleHost Corp. 3. Group C: Two providers with one app each, using a custom tunneling protocol and sharing similar code, vulnerable to connection inference attacks. The research highlighted significant privacy breaches, including undisclosed location data collection and vulnerabilities that could allow eavesdroppers to decrypt communications. Alarmingly, these VPN providers are linked to Qihoo 360, a Chinese company that has concealed this connection, raising concerns about potential data sharing with the government due to China's strict laws. Additionally, the Tech Transparency Project found that many free VPN apps on the Apple App Store are also linked to companies in mainland China or Hong Kong without disclosing these ties.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Russian Regulators Restrict WhatsApp, Telegram In Latest Internet Crackdown

Russian regulators, through Roskomnadzor, are implementing partial restrictions on phone calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in fraudulent activities. This action is part of a strategy to promote a government-managed "super app" called Max, developed by VK, which aims to consolidate various services into one platform. The initiative aims to enhance oversight over communications and information access for Russian citizens. WhatsApp has acknowledged the restrictions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining end-to-end encryption. Activist Mikhail Klimarev has warned that severe restrictions could negatively impact the economy and public perception.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

The best antivirus software 2025

Antivirus software enhances security for desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, protecting against threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware. Modern solutions provide alerts for untrusted websites and conduct regular scans. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended as the top antivirus, compatible with multiple platforms and offering features like anti-phishing protection and a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus provides real-time protection for one device and includes a firewall and cloud backup. McAfee offers antivirus protection across various platforms with additional features like a VPN and password manager. Surfshark provides basic antivirus functionality within its VPN packages. ESET Protect is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customizable security solutions. AVG offers a robust free antivirus option with thorough scanning capabilities. Prices for these antivirus solutions vary, with some offering free plans and others requiring annual subscriptions.

Winsage

August 11, 2025

Win-DDoS: Attackers can turn public domain controllers into DDoS agents

SafeBreach researchers have identified critical vulnerabilities in Windows Active Directory domain controllers (DCs), particularly CVE-2025-32724, which can be exploited for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks using a method called Win-DDoS. This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate public DCs into connecting to a controlled Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server, directing them to flood a target server with requests. The researchers also highlighted additional vulnerabilities: - CVE-2025-26673 and CVE-2025-49716 enable uncontrolled resource consumption in Windows LDAP and Windows Netlogon, respectively. - CVE-2025-49722 affects Windows Print Spooler Components, potentially crashing DCs and other Windows machines. The first three vulnerabilities can be triggered remotely by unauthenticated attackers, while the last one requires minimal privileges. Microsoft has released security updates for all four vulnerabilities in 2025, and organizations are advised to implement these patches and strengthen their defenses against potential DDoS attacks.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Yes, You Can Bundle Other Cybersecurity Services With Some VPNs. But Is It a Good Idea

Relying solely on a VPN and personal vigilance may leave individuals exposed to online threats such as phishing, malware, identity theft, and ransomware. A VPN enhances online privacy by encrypting internet traffic and concealing the user's IP address, but it is only one part of a broader security strategy. Additional tools like password managers, antivirus software, encrypted cloud storage, secure email, and identity protection services are recommended for optimal protection. Many VPN providers now offer bundled services, which can include these additional tools, making it easier for users to manage their online security. Bundling services can provide convenience, easy access to various tools, and potential cost savings. However, there are also reasons to consider an á la carte approach, such as the possibility of lower costs with individual subscriptions, concerns about trusting a single provider with all services, and the need for specific services that may not be included in a VPN bundle.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s forced updates: A history of disastrous consequences

The transition to Windows 10 marked the end of Windows 7 and was initially celebrated by Microsoft, but users soon faced numerous problems due to mandatory updates. Issues included boot loops, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and data loss, leading Microsoft to delay a major feature upgrade by over six months. In August 2015, a major update caused widespread reboot loops due to corrupted user profiles, requiring complex fixes. The October 2018 update infamously deleted user files and introduced various bugs, taking nearly six months for Microsoft to resolve. In March 2020, another update caused boot hangs and BSODs, prompting many users to uninstall it. In May 2023, a security update bricked PCs and caused connectivity issues. The October 2020 updates led to installation errors, system slowdowns, and compatibility problems. In October 2021, Windows 10 users were encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, facing hardware compatibility issues. The forced updates have resulted in significant user dissatisfaction, though the option to pause updates has provided some relief.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Love T-Mobile Money? Too bad, you’ll soon need to use the T-Life app instead

T-Mobile is consolidating its digital services under the T-Life app, retiring the T-Mobile Money app, which will be integrated into T-Life. Key changes include: - Users will access their accounts through T-Life or t-mobilemoney.com. - Starting 12/1/25, users can earn a 4.00% APY on the first ,000 with no monthly direct deposit requirement. - Customers will receive a new debit card and account number, requiring updates to direct deposits and auto-payments. - The "Pay Friends" feature will be temporarily unavailable. - Direct Deposit setup will transition to direct setup through employers. - Users can no longer mail checks for deposit; checks can be deposited via photo in T-Life, and personal checks will be discontinued. - Starting 12/1/25, T-Mobile Money customers can qualify for overdraft protection with 0 or more in payroll-based direct deposits every 31 days. There is speculation about a potential change in T-Mobile's banking partner, currently credited as Coastal Community Bank. The launch date for T-Mobile Money features in T-Life is not yet clear.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Inside Putin’s attempt to construct a ‘digital gulag’ spy app to snoop on Russians

The new messenger app Max, developed by VK, will be a standard feature on all new digital devices sold in Russia starting this September. It aims to integrate messaging, video calls, government services, and mobile payments. Experts express concerns that Max could enhance Kremlin surveillance capabilities, as its servers will be governed by local laws allowing the FSB to access user data. There is an increasing likelihood of a ban on WhatsApp, which is currently used by over 70% of Russians, as part of a strategy to promote Max. Opposition journalist Andrey Okun describes Max as a tool for creating a "digital gulag," while experts note it normalizes state surveillance of internet usage in Russia. The Russian government has designated WhatsApp as an extremist organization, and tactics may be employed to transition users to Max. Although the shift may not change the organized opposition landscape significantly, it could discourage casual dissent. Historically, the government has attempted to block services like Telegram, with renewed efforts expected by the end of the year.