GeForce NOW has added Star Wars Outlaws to its library of streamable games, along with 8 other new games this week. Flight stick control support is now available on the service.
Cybercriminals use various tactics to infiltrate devices and accounts, spreading malware that can affect PCs, mobile devices, and smart home products. Signs of infection may include increased power consumption, unwanted pop-ups, and sluggish performance, while some malware operates stealthily. Default operating system protections are improving, and users can take proactive measures like installing malware removal applications.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is recommended for its real-time and on-demand scanning capabilities, effective malware detection, and cost-effective plans starting at a certain price per year. It includes features such as anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and a VPN, although the VPN has a daily traffic limit. Malwarebytes is another strong option, effective against various threats and offering a user-friendly interface, with paid plans starting at a certain price per year. Avast One Essential provides a free antivirus solution with strong scanning capabilities and additional security features, while ESET offers high-quality antivirus scans but lacks a fully free version beyond a trial. Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable scanning tool that operates from a USB drive and is free for personal use.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features include:
- On-access and on-demand scanning
- Live customer support
- Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features
- VPN
- Scam protection
- Ransomware combat capabilities
Malwarebytes features include:
- On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning
- Browser Guard extension
- VPN
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Free or paid options
- Scam and ad blocker
Avast One Essential features include:
- On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Free or paid options
- Strong antivirus scores
- Anti-scam guidance
- Ransomware protection
- Cleanup options
ESET Home Security Essential features include:
- On-access and on-demand scanning
- Real-time protection for financial transactions
- Advanced security features
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Anti-phishing capabilities
- Live customer support
Emsisoft Emergency Kit features include:
- On-demand scanning
- Portable operation from a USB
- Compatible with Windows
- Free for personal use
Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.
The demand for video downloads has surged as digital content consumption increases, prompting businesses to enhance user experience through innovative solutions. Recent advancements in technology have led to more efficient video download options, allowing users to download videos easily. Companies are focusing on user-friendly interfaces, quality retention during downloads, and cross-platform compatibility. However, challenges such as content protection, legal compliance, user education, and technological limitations remain.
Microsoft's Windows File Explorer is facing competition from third-party file managers like Files, which is open-source and available for free from the Microsoft Store. Files offers features such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and advanced tagging, making it faster and more customizable than Explorer. Benchmarks show Files loading directories up to 30% faster on average hardware. Despite recent updates to Explorer, it still lacks the innovation found in alternatives. Users are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with Explorer's bloat, with some preferring alternatives like File Pilot. Linux-inspired managers, including Files, incorporate usability features such as breadcrumb navigation and integrated terminal access, appealing to developers and IT professionals. Open-source alternatives benefit from community oversight, enhancing security and performance. The trend towards these innovative tools may compel Microsoft to rethink Explorer. Additionally, there is a growing convergence of Windows and Linux file management, with Microsoft acknowledging Linux's strengths by integrating Linux files into Explorer. The rise of these alternatives reflects changing user expectations and demands for more customizable and efficient file management solutions.
Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) analyzed the DragonForce ransomware cartel, which emerged in 2023 as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation and transitioned to a cartel model. DragonForce utilizes leaked Conti v3 code and has similarities with LockBit Green in encryption and backend configurations. By early 2025, it rebranded as the “DragonForce Ransomware Cartel,” offering affiliates 80 percent profit shares and infrastructure support. The cartel has over 200 victims from various sectors since late 2023 and is known for its attack on Marks & Spencer, collaborating with Scattered Spider. DragonForce employs bring-your-own-vulnerable-driver (BYOVD) techniques to evade endpoint protection and has improved its encryption methods. The group has spawned offshoots like Devman and Mamona, which utilize its enhanced encryptor.
The Logitech Astro A50 X wireless gaming headset is currently available at a discounted price of 9.99 on Amazon, marking the lowest price since April 2023. The headset features 40mm Pro G Graphene audio drivers, supports advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and 3D audio on the PS5, and includes a microphone with a 16-bit, 42kHz sampling rate. Its standout Playsync feature allows users to switch between multiple audio streams seamlessly, and it can connect to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via a charging base. Logitech claims the headset can deliver up to 24 hours of continuous use.
TotalAV Antivirus provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It features advanced scanning technology, continuous monitoring, and system optimization tools. The software includes a cloud-based scanning engine for zero-day threats and a VPN for encrypted browsing. TotalAV has achieved a 100% malware detection rate with zero false positives in independent tests. It offers three subscription plans: TotalAV Premium (3 devices), TotalAV Internet Security (6 devices), and TotalAV Total Security (8 devices), each with varying features and prices. Users report satisfaction with its performance and ease of use, and it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PlayStation 5 owners can connect to custom Minecraft servers using three methods:
1. Minecraft Realms: Players need Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, a Microsoft account, a PlayStation Plus subscription, and a Minecraft Realms subscription. They can create a Realm through the game and invite friends.
2. Connecting to a Custom Server: This involves setting up a dedicated server on a PC or using a hosting service, then using a mobile app (like BedrockTogether or MC Server Connector) to connect the PS5 to the server via a local network.
3. DNS Trick: Players can manually change their PS5's DNS settings to add server details. This method requires entering specific DNS codes and may disrupt internet connectivity.
Each method has its pros and cons, including costs, technical requirements, and potential connectivity issues.
