performance Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows 7 users with a solid background color faced delayed login process — it took four months for Microsoft to fix

Users of Windows 7 experienced a startup delay of up to 30 seconds if they chose solid color backgrounds due to the logon system waiting for the loading of the desktop wallpaper bitmap. This issue arose because the code to report that the wallpaper was ready was embedded within the wallpaper bitmap code, leading to a timeout if no wallpaper was present. The delay affected users who hid their desktop icons as well, but the actual startup time was not extended; the Welcome screen remained visible for the duration of the timeout regardless of system readiness.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Stays on Top as ‘Sinners’ Holds Strong and ‘Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’ Reissue Blasts into Third at U.K. and Ireland Box Office

Warner Bros.’ “A Minecraft Movie” has topped the U.K. and Ireland box office for the fourth consecutive weekend, earning £2.4 million and a total of £10.7 million. “Sinners” secured second place with £1.2 million, totaling £3.6 million. The reissue of “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith” earned £0.3 million. “The Accountant 2” debuted in fourth place with £0.2 million. “Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII” grossed £5,671, landing in fifth place. “Until Dawn” debuted in sixth with £2,776. “The Penguin Lessons” added £1,334 for a total of £0.9 million. Disney’s “The Amateur” earned £7,707, totaling £1.1 million. “Thudarum” debuted in ninth place with £4,346. A24’s “Warfare” generated £6,516, totaling £0.1 million. Upcoming releases include Disney’s “Thunderbolts” on May 1 and “Parthenope” on May 2.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Elden Ring hits 30m copies shipped

Elden Ring has surpassed 30 million copies shipped, as announced on the game's official Twitter account. The figure refers to copies shipped, not sold. As of December 2024, the game had shipped 28.6 million copies. Elden Ring is on track to rival the success of Dark Souls, which has shipped over 39 million copies since 2011.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Google’s Android Decision—Bad News For 50% Of All Users

Google will implement changes to app functionality on Android devices starting next month, affecting over half of all Android users. The changes are driven by the Play Integrity API, which aims to reduce fraud and data theft, resulting in an 80% reduction in unauthorized app usage. Devices running Android 13 and above will experience improved performance, while those on Android 12 or older may face slower performance. Google is also introducing enhanced security signals for developers to assess device trustworthiness. Over half of Android devices have not upgraded to Android 13 or later, and approximately 200 million users remain on Android 12, which no longer receives security patches. Users on Android 12 or 12L are advised to upgrade for better security and performance.

TrendTechie

April 29, 2025

Новые версии открытых Torrent-клиентов

Two open-source torrent clients, Deluge and qBittorrent, have released updated versions. Deluge 2.2 features a cross-platform BitTorrent client developed in Python, utilizing the libtorrent library and Twisted framework. It offers multiple interface options, operates on a client-server model, and supports modern torrenting capabilities such as DHT, UPnP, NAT-PMP, traffic encryption, and proxy connections. The new version includes support for the BitTorrent v2 format, enhancing hash calculations and improving file integrity with SHA2-256 and Merkle hash trees. The minimum required Python version is now 3.7. qBittorrent, developed in C++ using the Qt library, is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows users to search for torrents, manage downloads, set priorities, and configure network settings. The latest version introduces enhancements like drag-and-drop functionality, improved random number generation, and upgraded search capabilities, along with significant improvements to the web interface.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

New Version of Minecraft Movie Headed to Theaters (And This Time They Want You To Get Rowdy)

A Minecraft Movie has had a mixed reception since its theatrical debut last month, with audiences enthusiastically reciting lines from commercials, leading to rowdy atmospheres that theater operators are trying to manage. A new version, A Minecraft Movie: Block Party Edition!, will premiere on May 2nd, aimed at creating a more structured experience for fans. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are encouraging audience engagement while also implementing warnings to discourage disruptive behavior, such as popcorn tossing and reenacting scenes. The film's initial buzz is waning, and while it has not yet surpassed The Super Mario Bros. Movie as the highest-grossing video game film, its performance has been commendable given the unpredictable nature of video game adaptations.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Jack Black Breaks Hot 100 Record With 34-Second ‘Minecraft Movie’ Song: Here Are the 10 Quickest Hot 100 Hits

Jack Black's song “Steve’s Lava Chicken” is the shortest track to ever appear on the Billboard Hot 100, with a runtime of 34 seconds. It debuted at No. 77 on May 3, 2025, and has seen a 62% increase in streaming, reaching 7 million official U.S. streams between April 18 and April 24. The song is part of the soundtrack for A Minecraft Movie and marks Black's second entry into the Hot 100, following “Peaches,” which peaked at No. 56 in April 2023. “Steve’s Lava Chicken” surpassed Kid Cudi’s “Beautiful Trip,” which was previously the shortest Hot 100 hit at 37 seconds. The song has also climbed to No. 10 on the Hot Rock Songs chart. The soundtrack includes four tracks by Black, including “I Feel Alive,” featuring Dave Grohl, and two other short tracks: “Birthday Rap” and “Ode to Dennis.” The soundtrack has grossed 6 million globally within its first four weekends.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

We found the best deals during Amazon’s Gaming Week including $250 a new router and more

Amazon's Gaming Week runs from April 28 through May 4, featuring discounts on gaming technology. Notable deals include: - TP-Link Tri-Band BE19000 Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer GE800 at a 42% discount, offering 19 Gbps across three bands and 12 streams. - Logitech G Pro X SE wired gaming headset available at 42% off, designed for pro-grade sound quality and clear voice communication. - SAMSUNG 32-Inch M8 Series 4K UHD smart monitor with a 43% discount, capable of streaming content directly and providing access to Samsung TV Plus.