professionals Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Stuck on a sketchy site? Google is finally putting a stop to it

Google is implementing updated spam policies to combat "back button hijacking," a deceptive practice that manipulates browser history and traps users on unwanted websites. Starting June 15, websites engaging in this practice will face penalties, including manual actions or drops in search rankings. Google has observed an increase in scripts that alter browser history, often through JavaScript, creating misleading entries that redirect users within the same site or to advertisements. Website owners have a two-month period to address these issues, as failure to do so could lead to significant traffic loss. Google's enforcement will begin after the deadline, with automated systems identifying and removing offending sites from search results.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

US government wants gamers to become air traffic controllers

The U.S. government is launching a campaign to attract gamers to become air traffic controllers, with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy promoting the initiative on social media. The air traffic control sector is facing a staffing shortage of approximately 4,000 controllers, with only 11,700 certified professionals and trainees available. This shortage has been worsened by a government shutdown that resulted in 44 days of unpaid work for controllers, leading to retirements. The average salary for an air traffic controller reaches 0,000 after three years. Duffy described the hiring process as "supercharged" and emphasized the need to adapt communication strategies to engage younger demographics. Recent incidents, including a crash at LaGuardia Airport, have raised concerns about staffing levels, although Duffy stated that no critical safety personnel were affected by previous staff reductions.

BetaBeacon

April 10, 2026

The Android Tablet That Runs Steam Games : Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5

The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and offers up to 24GB of RAM, delivering high performance for gaming, multitasking, and streaming.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Save 76% with this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Bundle deal

The Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is priced at 4.99, reduced from 8.99. It includes lifetime access to applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, and is compatible with both PCs and Macs. The bundle features performance enhancements, a modern interface, improved touch and pen support, and productivity features in Windows 11 Pro like snap layouts, virtual desktops, and advanced security options.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows at $17 or Mac for $25 (Up to $229 value)

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is available for Windows users at .97 and for Mac users at .97, down from the regular price of 9.99. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams Classic (Mac only), Publisher (Windows only), and Access (Windows only). It is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 15 Sequoia, and macOS 26 Tahoe. Users are advised to disable auto-update to avoid prompts for upgrading to the 2021 version. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Microsoft has removed the Support and Recovery Assistant from Windows

Microsoft has phased out the Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) and replaced it with a command line version of the Get Help service. This new tool retains the core functionalities of SaRA while offering a console interface. The transition aims to unify Microsoft's support offerings and enhance user experience. The revamped Get Help tool continues to diagnose issues related to systems, network services, and Microsoft products, including Office, in a more streamlined manner. The command line approach may present a learning curve for casual users but offers potential benefits for advanced users and system administrators by simplifying support processes and enhancing automation capabilities. Microsoft is moving away from standalone utilities in favor of integrated solutions.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

11 years after launch, Pillars of Eternity’s new turn-based mode feels like the way it’s meant to be played

Pillars of Eternity celebrated its 11th anniversary with a significant update from Obsidian Entertainment, introducing a full turn-based mode alongside the original real-time with pause (RTWP) mechanics. The turn-based option had been in beta on Steam since November before its official release. The update includes extensive patch notes, and players have reported enjoying the new gameplay style, with some preferring it for future playthroughs. Discussions among industry professionals at last year's Game Developers Conference highlighted the evolving nature of combat systems, with optimism for the future of RTWP despite the rising popularity of turn-based mechanics.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2026

Norton 360: Comprehensive Cybersecurity for Devices

Norton 360 is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects consumers and businesses from digital threats, integrating features like a VPN and password manager. It safeguards various devices, including PCs and smartphones, and offers multiple editions for individuals, families, and small businesses. Key features include real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a no-logs VPN, a password manager, parental controls, behavior-based detection for zero-day threats, cloud backup functionality, and performance optimization tools. The suite is effective against phishing, malware, and ransomware, with a 100% detection rate confirmed by independent tests. Norton 360 also caters to small businesses with endpoint protection, compliance tools, and secure file sharing. It employs heuristics and machine learning for threat adaptation and supports unlimited devices in premium plans. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offers a VPN service with servers in over 30 countries. Norton 360 competes in the global cybersecurity market, maintaining a strong presence in North America and Europe, with subscription models ranging from basic to deluxe editions. Demand for the product has increased due to high-profile data breaches, and it is available in over 150 countries. Common use cases include protecting home networks, securing client data for freelancers, and safeguarding school-issued laptops. Norton 360 is part of Gen Digital Inc., which focuses on consumer cybersecurity.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

How to Reset Folder Permissions in Windows 11: 5 Proven Methods That Actually Work

Folder permissions in Windows 11 control access to files, determining who can read, modify, or delete them. Common issues arise from drive or file migration, Windows updates, malware, or user errors. Symptoms include "Access Denied" messages and ownership displayed as "unknown." Methods to resolve folder permission issues include: 1. Security Tab: Reset permissions through the Security tab by modifying access levels and ensuring proper inheritance. 2. Take Ownership: Claim ownership of a folder if the current owner is no longer valid, then reset permissions. 3. Command Prompt: Use commands like PLACEHOLDERfa5c045a85bc6cf0 and PLACEHOLDER14a87b7576573f58 to reset permissions quickly and efficiently. 4. PowerShell: Utilize PowerShell for advanced permission resets, allowing for conditional logic. 5. Windows Reset: As a last resort, reset Windows to restore default permissions while keeping personal files. To prevent future issues, back up permissions before changes, understand NTFS vs. share permissions, and avoid altering system folders. If problems persist, ensure commands are run as an administrator, check ownership settings, and verify that Group Policy or sync tools are not overriding changes.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Why Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 25H2 update on all eligible PCs

Microsoft has announced that eligible Windows 11 PCs currently on the 24H2 version will be automatically upgraded to the 25H2 edition, with no user action required, although users can temporarily postpone the update. The eligibility assessment for the update uses machine learning, considering factors such as testing results, user feedback, and diagnostic data. The update is mandatory for individual users of Windows 11 Home or Pro editions, as support for 24H2 will expire on October 13, ending security patches for that version. IT-managed computers are excluded from this automatic update. Users can check for eligibility by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. The 25H2 update is designed to be more compact and efficient, updating only necessary files and sharing the same code base as 24H2, which improves stability and reliability. To check the current version of Windows 11, users can go to Settings, select System, and click on About.