process Archives

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Call of Duty fans surprised to discover new Black Ops 2 port preserves the emblem editor, not surprised to find swastikas being made with it

Activision has released updated ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops 2 (2012), exclusively for PlayStation and priced at each. The ports feature enhanced graphics up to 1080p and include the return of the emblem editor, allowing players to create custom emblems. However, the absence of strict moderation may lead to inappropriate content. Critics noted the lack of an option to disable custom emblems and the omission of Wager matches from Black Ops. Additionally, modern enhancements like field of view sliders and high refresh rates are not included in these ports.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

3 Big Changes Coming To Google Messages In 2026

Google Messages is set to introduce several improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, particularly in sharing and forwarding messages. The app will allow users to share content with both individual contacts and groups, recognizing pre-existing groups to simplify the process. Additionally, it will issue warnings when sending multimedia to mixed groups of RCS and MMS users. Another upcoming feature is the ability to forward multiple messages at once, including images, with a preview option before sending. These enhancements are currently in beta testing and may change before their official release.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Hidden Tracker – Here’s How to Limit It

Peter Stokes is involved in a breach with a luxury retailer, using tactics like VPNs and rotating IP addresses to hide his digital activity. The FBI discovered a Global Device Identifier (GDID) linked to his Windows installation, which is a persistent device-level identifier that uniquely identifies Windows installations. GDID remains unchanged through operating system updates but resets with a full reinstallation. Disabling GDID is not possible, as attempts to do so would disrupt Windows activation. Users can minimize data linked to GDID by using a local account, reducing diagnostic telemetry, disabling Activity history, and carefully managing reinstalls. VPNs do not prevent Microsoft from logging GDID, IP address, and URL data. Privacy researchers view GDID as a covert tracking mechanism, and Windows lacks user-facing options to reset this identifier, unlike Apple and Google.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Indie developer says Steam did them a solid by fixing their unbootable game to beat the Next Fest deadline

The developers of the social deduction game Red Flag submitted a flawed build to Steam just before the deadline for June's Next Fest. Despite the risks associated with last-minute submissions, Steam Support assisted by editing the configuration, sorting dependencies, and approving the build, allowing the team to participate in the event. As a result, they experienced a significant increase in wishlists and engaged with players in their lobby. Other indie developers shared similar positive experiences with Steam Support in the comments.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Microsoft confirms Secure Boot update failing on some Windows 11 PCs, promises a resolution

Microsoft has acknowledged that some Windows 11 PCs are facing issues with Secure Boot certificate updates, which may fail to install or be blocked. The company is working with PC manufacturers to develop a patch, while users may need to take proactive measures if their certificates are obstructed. Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout of Secure Boot for certain devices due to complications, and affected users will receive detailed error messages in the Windows Security app regarding their Secure Boot certificates. Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011 have expired, and Microsoft is replacing them with new certificates issued in 2023. Most modern hardware is already utilizing the new certificates, but some devices may have disabled Secure Boot or faulty firmware. Users can check their Secure Boot status in the Windows Security app. HP has confirmed that Secure Boot updates are being blocked on some of its PCs due to a BitLocker issue, which prevents the installation of new certificates. Microsoft has paused Secure Boot certificate updates for devices affected by known issues while collaborating with manufacturers to identify specific devices or firmware complications. A firmware update will be necessary for affected devices, but it is not yet available. The majority of PCs have received the Secure Boot certificates via Windows Update, but compatibility issues may prevent some devices from receiving the update. Older devices or those not among the OEM’s top-selling models may not receive updates if the UEFI firmware is unsupported. Secure Boot is a security feature required for Windows 11, preventing unauthorized software from executing at boot. While an expired Secure Boot certificate does not stop a PC from functioning, it may limit long-term security protection. Microsoft advises users not to disable Secure Boot, as it would compromise security further.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

MS Office Pro Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro are now just $26

The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is priced at .99, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. It includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, which offers offline access to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, along with updates for improved functionality. The bundle also features Windows 11 Pro, which includes tools for multitasking and organization, as well as advanced options for business network management and device security.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports

PlayStation announced the closure of the PlayStation 3 digital store, raising concerns about the preservation of gaming history. The majority of the PlayStation 3 library is available on physical discs, but the loss of digital content is significant. PlayStation plans to phase out physical media production by 2028. A community of PlayStation 3 enthusiasts is working to keep titles accessible online. Efforts to decompile PlayStation 3 games are underway, with a new tool simplifying the emulation process. This tool navigates the complexities of the console's Cell Processor, potentially revolutionizing emulation. Many PlayStation 2 and 3 games are only available through cloud-streaming or require a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which has technical issues. Fans are taking on the responsibility of preserving these games, highlighting a need for PlayStation to enhance compatibility with modern platforms or consider porting games to PC.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Minecraft’s Cushion Block Is A Gamechanger!

Google has introduced a more intuitive sign-in process for YouTube, enhancing user experience by minimizing interruptions and maximizing accessibility. The updated interface emphasizes security through advanced verification methods, aiming to protect user accounts while facilitating easier access to content. This change is expected to increase viewer retention and engagement for content creators, potentially leading to growth in subscriber numbers and overall viewership. The shift reflects broader trends in digital consumption, prioritizing convenience and security.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Hackers Use Fake VLC Executable and Malicious libvlc.dll to Deploy ValleyRAT

Cybercriminals are exploiting the VLC media player to install ValleyRAT, a remote access trojan, by embedding malware in a seemingly harmless file linked in phishing emails. The attack starts with an email that prompts the victim to download a ZIP archive containing a fake VLC executable and a malicious DLL named libvlc.dll. This method uses DLL sideloading to execute the malware under the guise of a legitimate application. Once executed, the malware establishes persistence by creating a registry entry and connects to a remote server to retrieve the final payload. ValleyRAT employs evasion tactics to avoid detection, including assessing system characteristics before executing harmful actions and using a fileless approach to deliver the payload directly into memory. Researchers have identified indicators of compromise, including specific SHA1 hashes and URLs associated with the malicious campaign.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Windows 11 on the Steam Machine: Valve opens the door and then leaves you out in the rain

Valve has introduced an official Windows driver package for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit). The package includes drivers for the graphics unit, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modules, and SD card reader. The graphics driver is custom-designed for the Steam Machine’s AMD chip and is not compatible with standard Adrenalin drivers. Installing Windows will erase SteamOS and all stored data, and there is currently no dual-boot option available. Users must connect to an Ethernet network during setup, as Wi-Fi drivers can only be installed afterward. The drivers are provided "as-is," without official support from Valve. Performance benchmarks show that SteamOS outperforms Windows by 10 to 15 percent, but some users may prefer Windows for compatibility with certain online games and services.