peace Archives

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Windows 2000 rusts in peace by the sea

A ticket machine at Comboios de Portugal is malfunctioning, running on Windows 2000, which has caused the system to freeze and made card payments unavailable. The issue appears to be related to the software rather than hardware failures. Despite the machine's wear and tear, there is currently no Blue Screen of Death. The situation highlights a decline in rail travel in Portugal as travelers increasingly prefer express bus services.

Winsage

January 13, 2026

Give your old PC a fresh start with this Microsoft bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from 8.99, resulting in savings of 9.02. The bundle includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which features eight tools such as Word, Excel, Teams, OneNote, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. It also includes Windows 11 Pro, which offers an intuitive interface, snap layouts, enhanced search capabilities, and cybersecurity features like biometric logins and antivirus protection.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Make 2026 the year you cancel subscriptions for good — MS Office is a flat $35

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a one-time purchase of .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. This purchase provides a lifetime license for essential applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. The offer eliminates ongoing subscription fees and includes instant license delivery and complimentary customer support.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Android 17’s native app lock may also hide notifications from locked apps

Google is enhancing notification management for locked applications in Android 17. Notifications from apps secured by the built-in app lock feature will be visible on the lock screen or as a bubble, but the content will remain concealed until the app is unlocked. This includes apps like WhatsApp, where a new message notification will appear without revealing the message details. The native App Lock API is in development, aiming to provide a system-level solution for locking individual applications, potentially eliminating the need for third-party apps. The feature may require biometric authentication for access and is expected to standardize privacy controls across the platform, particularly benefiting apps that handle sensitive information. Android 17 may debut with this native app-locking system for Pixel smartphones and other devices using the stock version of the OS.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

Use Patch My PC Home Updater to Update Windows Apps Automatically

Patch My PC Home Updater is a tool designed for Windows 11 PCs that manages third-party application updates automatically. It scans installed applications, identifies outdated ones, and facilitates updates from a single interface without requiring sign-up or advertisements. The tool supports over 500 common applications and uses color coding to indicate app status. It pulls updates from official sources and verifies them with VirusTotal for security. Features include silent mode for background updates, scheduling for automatic updates, and basic app management capabilities such as installing new applications and bulk uninstalling programs. The updater enhances security by swiftly patching vulnerabilities and integrates with Windows Defender for comprehensive protection. Users can easily set up the tool, automate updates, and customize settings as needed.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Hot deal: Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator cheaper than ever!

Amazon is offering a limited-time deal on the Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator at a historic low price, with 11% of available units already claimed. The device connects to smartphones via the Garmin Messenger app, utilizing cellular networks or satellite communications for messaging. It includes safety features such as GPS location sharing and SOS signaling for emergencies. Additional features include check-in messages, real-time weather updates, trackback routing for navigation, an IPX7 water-resistant rating, and approximately 28 days of battery life on a single charge.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2025

Be confident online with 30% off at ESET with our exclusive code

ESET is offering a limited-time 30% discount on their cybersecurity plans with the code WINTER302025. Their security solutions include a secure VPN, advanced anti-phishing technology, and proactive ransomware protection. ESET provides tiered plans to cater to various user needs, allowing for easy selection of appropriate packages for digital protection.

Tech Optimizer

December 22, 2025

Stay Safe Online This Holiday With Up to 50% Off Webroot’s Cybersecurity Plans

Cybercriminals remain active during the holiday season, making robust cybersecurity essential. Webroot offers a Total Protection Cybersecurity Plan with a current discount of up to 50% for new customers, with introductory pricing starting at .99 for the first year. The plan includes antivirus protection, privacy protection with a VPN, identity protection with monitoring and fraud insurance, and unlimited cloud backup for one PC or Mac. Individual and family plans are also available with discounts of at least 30% until New Year's Day.

Winsage

December 12, 2025

Windows Defender Firewall Service Vulnerability

On December 9, 2025, Microsoft addressed a vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-62468, which allowed an authenticated local attacker to access sensitive memory within the Windows Defender Firewall Service due to an out-of-bounds read in the service's memory handling routines. This flaw could expose heap or process memory, potentially revealing sensitive information. The vulnerability requires local authenticated access, raising concerns for both home users and system administrators. Microsoft classified the vulnerability as important, emphasizing the need for prompt action. Users are advised to update their systems through Windows Update to mitigate the risk. There is no confirmed public exploit for this vulnerability, and it does not allow remote code execution, but it can lead to information disclosure.