Monitors Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 11, 2025

Google fixes another Chrome security flaw being actively exploited

Google has addressed a critical vulnerability in its Chrome browser, identified as CVE-2025-6554, which is the fourth zero-day exploit uncovered this year. This high-severity flaw originates from a type confusion bug within Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, allowing attackers to execute malicious code or access sensitive areas of a system. Google has rolled out an emergency update for Chrome users across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. The latest stable versions addressing this exploit are 138.0.7204.96/.97 for Windows, 138.0.7204.92/.93 for Mac, and 138.0.7204.96 for Linux. Users are urged to update their browsers and verify they are running the most recent version. Additionally, it is recommended to install reliable antivirus software for enhanced protection against cyber threats.

Tech Optimizer

July 9, 2025

Get protection suite for all your gear with Mcafee AV deal

McAfee Total Protection offers a one-year subscription for .99, providing security for up to five devices across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It features award-winning antivirus software that uses a database of known threats and machine learning for real-time protection, along with a built-in firewall and web protection. The suite includes a VPN based on TunnelBear technology for encrypting internet traffic and masking online identity. It also features identity protection tools like a password manager, credit monitoring, and breach scans. The subscription is currently offered at an 88% discount from its regular price of 9.99. Prices may change, and the offer involves account registration with StackCommerce, which manages user information and provides a commission to BleepingComputer.com for sales.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

If I was going to buy one thing this Prime Day, I’d choose this insanely cheap antivirus package – and it’s only $25

Amazon Prime Day features significant deals in cybersecurity, including the Norton 360 Premium package, which offers coverage for ten devices. Norton includes anti-scam protection that identifies malicious links, robust malware detection, and parental controls for online safety. It also provides a Secure VPN for encrypting internet traffic and uses Genie AI to monitor the dark web for personal information leaks, notifying users of data breaches. Other Prime Day antivirus options include basic software for single-device protection and family plans with limited device coverage.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: The House of Da Vinci 2, Mutant Meltdown, more

Amazon Prime Day is approaching, with just over 12 hours until launch. Discounts on Android games and applications have started, including a complimentary credit for Ultra foldables and up to 0 in free credit on Samsung Smart Monitors. Notable price drops include the Google Pixel 9a and 0 off the Legion Go S PC gaming handheld. Exclusive discounts are also available on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Samsung’s 2025 model 55-inch The Frame smart TV. The House of Da Vinci 2, a 3D puzzle adventure game, has been released, receiving a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and attracting over 1,000,000 players.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I made Windows 11 look like 10 without tools

Many users wish to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 10 while using Windows 11. Adjustments can be made using built-in settings without additional software: - Start menu alignment: Users can change the Start menu from center to left by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Classic File Explorer: Users can access the classic File Explorer interface by pressing the Windows key and searching for Windows Tools, then clicking on Home or This PC. - Return app labels: Users can enable app labels on the taskbar by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors and selecting Never next to “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.” - Always show scrollbars: Users can make scrollbars always visible by navigating to Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual Effects and toggling on the “Always show scrollbars” option. - Change the color scheme: Users can modify the color scheme by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Colors, selecting Custom for “Choose your mode,” and opting for Dark for “Choose your Windows mode.” - Desktop icons: Users can restore legacy desktop icons by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Themes and clicking on Desktop icon settings. These adjustments help create a Windows 10-like experience within Windows 11.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Dune Imperium, Raiders of the North Sea, Everdell, more

As the July 4th holiday approaches, there are various Android game and app deals available. Shoppers can receive a complimentary Samsung credit by providing their email, and Samsung is offering 0 in free credit for their new Smart Monitors. The Kindle Scribe is at an all-time low price, and there is a 20% discount on the Galaxy Watch Ultra Marine Band. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is discounted by up to 0. The game Dune Imperium allows players to engage in strategy and challenges on the planet Arrakis, featuring online and local play options, achievements, and a rotating Skirmish Mode.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

One of the best PowerToys features just got even better — and it puts Windows Search to shame

PowerToys has released version 0.92, introducing several enhancements: - Command Palette: Improved performance with Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compatibility for first-party extensions and core UX fixes. - Color Picker: Users can customize mouse button actions for a personalized workflow. - Bug Report Tool: Streamlined reporting process with progress indicators, improved compression, and automatic cleanup of old trace logs. - File Explorer Add-ons: Enhanced rendering stability, fixing issues with PDF previews, blank thumbnails, and text file crashes. Additional highlights include: - Crop & Lock: Updated window styling to match the current Windows theme. - Command Palette Extensions: New commands like "Copy Path" and improved input handling in the Calculator extension. - FancyZones: Resolved DPI-scaling issues for high-resolution displays. - PowerRename: Now supports date-based renaming with flexible formatting options. The development team has also made updates to enhance performance and security, including updates to .NET libraries and the WinAppSDK. PowerToys is available for free download through the Microsoft Store or GitHub.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Fluent Commerce’s approach to near-zero downtime Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL upgrade at 32 TB scale using snapshots and AWS DMS ongoing replication

Fluent Commerce utilizes Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition as its OLTP database engine to manage complex customer search queries. The company migrated to AWS Graviton instances to enhance performance and cost-efficiency, requiring a major version upgrade from Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible 10.14 to 12.4 or higher. The migration involved upgrading over 350 production databases, some as large as 32 TB, using AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and various upgrade strategies to minimize downtime. The migration process included configuring replication slots, creating snapshots, and validating data between source and target databases. AWS DMS was chosen for its cost-effectiveness, seamless integration with AWS services, and capabilities for ongoing data replication with minimal downtime. The cutover process involved updating application configurations, managing sequence numbers, and ensuring optimal performance through vacuuming and analyzing tables.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Steam just got a new performance overlay — you can now view real FPS alongside DLSS/FRS-generated frames

Steam has introduced a new performance monitor that tracks frames per second (FPS) and differentiates between genuine frames and those generated by upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR. This feature, part of a recent client update following a successful beta test, provides insights into CPU, GPU, and RAM usage, including processor clock speeds, graphics card temperatures, and available system memory. The overlay is currently limited to Windows users and aims to enhance understanding of PC performance amidst rising hardware demands. Users can activate the overlay by navigating to Settings > In Game and selecting the Show performance monitor option.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci, No More Buttons, Bright Memory, more

Monday afternoon features Android game and app deals, including free reserve credit for the Galaxy Z Flip/Fold 7 launch. Samsung offers credits up to 0 with new Smart Monitors and discounts up to 0 on Galaxy Book5 Pro and Book4 Edge/Ultra models. Highlights include apps like The House of Da Vinci, No More Buttons, and Bright Memory. The House of Da Vinci is a 3D puzzle adventure where players solve mechanical puzzles and uncover hidden objects in a Renaissance setting.