Opera Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

FYI Calendar: Dive into “A Minecraft Movie” at Wilson Park Pool on July 18

Arts One Presents is staging “The Wizard of Oz” from July 17-20 and July 24-27 at the Pat Ellis Performing Arts Center, 667 Hylton Road, Springdale. The Fort Smith Little Theatre is presenting “Oklahoma!” from July 17 to August 2 at 401 N. Sixth St., Fort Smith. The Walk and Talk Book Club is on July 11 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Library Park, 1507 W. Pine St., Rogers. Writers Night is on July 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Casa Magnolia, 414 Holcomb St., Springdale. The School For Advanced Studies is hosting a Latin Dance Night on July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 121 W. Poplar St., Rogers. The Fayetteville Public Library has a weekly unwind session on July 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Ann Henry Board Room. The Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens hosts a Farmer’s Market every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Handpoke Tattoo Pop-Up by Oatmilk Pokes is on July 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at Two Friends Books, 801 S.E. Eighth St., Unit 47, Bentonville. Smokehouse Cycles in Fayetteville is hosting a Bike Swap on July 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Puritan Coffee & Beer has Musical Bingo every Monday in July at 7 p.m. The “Scrap” exhibition opens on July 11 at Fenix Arts gallery and runs until August 30. The “To M(end” exhibition at Midnight Gallery runs through September 29, with an Artist Talk on July 20. The Springdale Public Library is holding a Library Card Design Contest with a submission deadline of July 26. The Scott Family Amazeum is celebrating its 10th anniversary on July 12 with a Birthday Bash. Kids can participate in the Kids Club event on July 12 at the downtown Bentonville Farmers Market. Swim Night at the Rogers Aquatic Center is on July 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. Movies in the Parks features “Shrek” on July 11 at Walker Park, Fayetteville. City Park Fayetteville is screening classic films every Friday in July. Wags to Riches Pet Grooming is having a grand opening on July 19 at 1003 S.E. 28th St., Bentonville. An Art Supply Swap is on July 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library. Grace Underfanger will discuss selling art online on July 12 at the Fayetteville Public Library. The Bella Vista Community Band performs on July 15 at Blowing Springs Park at 7 p.m. Opera in the Ozarks is performing “Carmen,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Merry Widow” through July 25 at Inspiration Point Center for the Arts, Eureka Springs. Hotvine Wine Shop offers Frozen Drink Fridays throughout the summer. Rabbit Hole continues its Wabbit Wednesdays series on July 16 starting at 5 p.m. at Arsaga’s Mill District, Fayetteville. Two Friends Books is hosting a “summer mezze” feast on July 14 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This Windows safety feature is crashing Google Chrome

Microsoft's Family Safety feature has caused issues for users of Google's Chrome browser, leading to crashes or failures to launch on Windows systems since June 3. Chrome support manager Ellen T confirmed that the problem is linked to Microsoft Family Safety, stating that Chrome cannot run when this feature is enabled. Other browsers, like Firefox and Opera, are unaffected. Users have found a temporary workaround by renaming the Chrome executable file or disabling the "filter inappropriate websites" setting in Family Safety, though this compromises parental controls. There has been no official communication from Microsoft regarding a fix, and a Chromium engineer noted on June 10 that no updates have been received from Microsoft about resolving the issue.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

‘The Gilded Age,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ Haim’s ‘I Quit,’ and the best to stream this weekend: June 20, 2025

The Gilded Age returns for Season 3 on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, featuring Bertha aiming to establish her place in New York society and George expanding his railroads to California. Ada navigates her new role as the lady of the Brook house after marrying Rev. Forte, while Agnes deals with the implications of her sister's wealth. The season highlights evolving relationships and ambitious pursuits. The Waterfront, a family drama by Kevin Williamson, is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on the Buckley family in Havenport. The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, has its second season streaming on Apple TV+, following American women in 1870s London. Surviving Ohio State, an HBO documentary about Dr. Richard Strauss's abuse at Ohio State University, is available on Max. A Minecraft Movie, featuring Jack Black, is a popular choice among children and has grossed nearly a billion dollars. Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now on Disney+, capturing the West End production of the animated film. Ash, a sci-fi thriller starring Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul, is streaming on Shudder. KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical action-comedy about a K-pop girl group fighting demons. Friendship, a comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is available on VOD platforms. Haim has released a music video for "All Over Me," and rock band Wednesday has launched "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)," the second single from their upcoming album, Bleeds, set to release on September 19.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft is blocking Google Chrome through its family safety feature

Microsoft's Family Safety feature has been causing disruptions for users of Google Chrome on Windows for over two weeks, with issues reported since June 3rd. Users have experienced unexpected closures or an inability to launch Chrome due to a bug in Family Safety. Other browsers like Firefox and Opera are unaffected. A workaround involves renaming the Chrome executable file, and users can also disable the "filter inappropriate websites" setting in Family Safety to restore functionality. There is no timeline for a fix from Microsoft, and attempts to contact the company for comments have gone unanswered.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

This Microsoft feature is accidentally ‘blocking’ Google Chrome on Windows – The Times of India

Microsoft's Family Safety tool is causing disruptions for users trying to launch Google Chrome on Windows devices, with issues reported since June 3. Users with the Family Safety feature enabled experience Chrome failing to open or crashing. Alternative browsers like Firefox and Opera are unaffected. Chrome support manager Ellen T confirmed the issue is linked to the Family Safety feature. Microsoft has not issued a public statement or timeline for a fix, and a workaround involves renaming the Chrome executable or disabling the "filter inappropriate websites" option in Family Safety.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Updaing your Windows 10 PC? I found a Linux distro that can give it 5 to 10 more years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution focused on stability, performance, and security, built on Ubuntu LTS. It features a lightweight architecture with Joe's Window Manager, resulting in an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process takes less than five minutes, and the desktop layout resembles traditional environments. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store, requiring users to manage software via the command line. Users can install Synaptic for easier software management. FunOS is designed for older Windows 10 machines, offering a practical solution for extending their lifespan without the bloat of heavier operating systems.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2025

Lumma Stealer: Breaking down the delivery techniques and capabilities of a prolific infostealer

Microsoft has monitored Lumma Stealer, an infostealer malware used by financially motivated threat actors. Lumma Stealer, also known as LummaC2, functions as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) solution that extracts data from browsers and applications, including cryptocurrency wallets. The entity behind Lumma is identified as Storm-2477, which maintains the malware and its command-and-control (C2) infrastructure. Affiliates can create malware binaries and manage C2 communications through a panel provided by Storm-2477. Ransomware groups have integrated Lumma Stealer into their operations. Lumma Stealer employs various delivery techniques, including phishing emails, malvertising, drive-by downloads, Trojanized applications, and abuse of legitimate services. Specific campaigns have been identified, such as one in April 2025 that used EtherHiding and ClickFix techniques to deliver Lumma Stealer via compromised websites. Another campaign on April 7, 2025, targeted Canadian organizations with emails containing invoice lures that led to malicious downloads. The malware is developed using C++ and ASM, employing advanced obfuscation techniques to evade detection. It can extract a wide range of user data, including browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallet information, and user documents. Lumma Stealer maintains a robust C2 infrastructure with multiple hardcoded and fallback C2 servers, utilizing encryption methods to secure communications. Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has disrupted Lumma Stealer's infrastructure by blocking approximately 2,300 malicious domains. Recommendations to mitigate the impact of Lumma Stealer include strengthening Microsoft Defender configurations, implementing multifactor authentication, and utilizing phishing-resistant authentication methods. Microsoft Defender products can detect and block activities associated with Lumma Stealer, providing alerts and insights for incident response.