resource usage Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 21, 2025

The Best Antivirus for Gaming PCs in 2025: 6 Top Picks Compared

McAfee has enhanced its offerings for gaming PCs, providing robust real-time protection and firewall capabilities that block threats without affecting performance. The Gamer Security version is now integrated within McAfee+ tiers and prioritizes CPU resources during gaming sessions. However, it uses more system resources compared to alternatives like Malwarebytes and Panda Dome, and some features, such as VPN and identity monitoring, are only available in higher-tier plans. The McAfee plans include: - McAfee Free Tools: Limited tools like web protection and password manager trials (Free) - McAfee+ Premium Individual: Real-time protection, VPN, password manager (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Advanced Individual: Adds identity monitoring and personal data cleanup (.99 first year) - McAfee+ Unlimited Individual: Adds identity theft coverage and security freeze tools (.99 first year) Key considerations for antivirus software for gaming PCs include performance impact, robust threat detection, dedicated gaming mode, resource usage, false positives, user interface, cross-device security, and customer support. Gaming PCs are susceptible to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, making reliable antivirus solutions essential. Panda Dome is highlighted as a suitable option for gamers, offering real-time protection, a dedicated gaming mode, and minimal resource usage. Free antivirus options can be used while gaming but may lack advanced features. It is not advisable to disable antivirus software during gaming, and running antivirus can slightly reduce FPS. Gaming mode enhances the gaming experience by pausing background scans and notifications. The best antivirus for gaming should have real-time protection, low resource usage, a gaming mode, robust threat detection, ransomware protection, a VPN, and password managers. Some antivirus software may block online game servers, but most have an allowlist function. Streamers should also use antivirus software while live to protect against additional risks. Antivirus programs can detect cheat software or malicious mods, especially if they contain malware.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to Kaspersky Antivirus of 2025

Bitdefender is a recommended alternative to Kaspersky for antivirus software, offering features such as ransomware protection, exploit protection, SafePay, a VPN (with limited traffic on the entry-level plan), and a password manager. It has a customizable user interface, performs slightly better in malware protection, executes faster scans with lower resource usage, and includes a global website reputation database. Bitdefender provides superior firewall protection and higher-tier plans that feature dark web monitoring, data breach detection, and identity theft insurance. It offers four pricing plans ranging from .99 to .99, covering one account and up to five devices. Customer support includes live chat, email, phone assistance, a community forum, and an extensive knowledge base, which are more comprehensive than Kaspersky's options. Overall, Bitdefender is positioned as a strong choice for users transitioning from Kaspersky, particularly in terms of privacy and security features.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

How to Run Android Apps on Linux with Waydroid

Waydroid is a container-based architecture that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop with near-native performance. It boots a complete Android system directly on the Linux machine using Linux containers (LXC), optimizing resource usage and enhancing application performance. Waydroid is compatible with various Linux distributions and CPU architectures, utilizing Android’s Mesa technology for improved graphics performance. To install Waydroid, users must ensure their system is running a Wayland session and is up to date. The installation involves adding the official Waydroid repository and executing installation commands specific to the Linux distribution being used. After installation, users can launch Waydroid and set it up by downloading an Android image, choosing between a Vanilla image or a GAPPS image for Google Play Services access. To register the device for Google Play Store access, users need to retrieve their Android ID using a command in the Waydroid shell and complete the registration process on the Google Uncertified Device Registration page. Once registered, users can install and manage Android apps directly from the Google Play Store or manually using APK files.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I disabled Windows Search indexing to improve performance and replaced it with this free tool

Windows 11's built-in search functionality is criticized for being slow and resource-intensive, particularly when users choose to index all files, which can degrade performance. Alternatives like Everything and Listary offer improved search capabilities, with Everything being a fast, free option, while Listary is preferred for its speed, user-friendly interface, and integration with File Explorer. Listary also functions as an efficient app launcher, allowing quick access to installed software and custom actions on files. Transitioning to Listary can lead to reduced system resource usage and enhanced productivity, despite a brief adjustment period.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

5 reasons I prefer this distro over Ubuntu as a Windows-to-Linux convert

Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be challenging due to the variety of distributions available. Users often experiment with different options using virtual machines or dual-boot setups. Ubuntu is a popular choice, especially within the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Hyper-V, but Zorin OS is highlighted as a more seamless alternative for users familiar with Windows. Zorin OS provides a desktop experience similar to Windows, making it user-friendly for new Linux users. It allows customization of the taskbar's position, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions. Zorin OS also supports running Windows applications through preconfigured Wine and Bottles, simplifying the process compared to Ubuntu. Zorin OS performs well on older hardware, with its Lite version using the XFCE desktop environment to enhance responsiveness, unlike Ubuntu, which can be sluggish on legacy systems. Zorin Connect enables integration with Android devices, allowing users to sync notifications and control their desktop from mobile devices. Zorin OS is noted for its minimalist approach, optimizing resource usage and avoiding unnecessary applications, particularly in its Lite version. The author currently prefers Zorin OS over Ubuntu Core for its user-friendly design and performance but remains open to exploring other Linux distributions.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Discord makes your games and PC run worse. Here’s how to fix it

Discord is a popular voice and video application among PC gamers, but enabling hardware acceleration can negatively impact gaming performance by consuming excessive system resources. Disabling hardware acceleration can help optimize resource usage, as it allows Discord to use less of the GPU, which is important for gaming. Users often report high resource consumption from Discord, even with hardware acceleration turned off, which can still affect overall system performance. It is recommended to keep hardware acceleration disabled while gaming, particularly if not using Discord for communication.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

8 things you must try with the Linux Terminal app on your Android phone

Google introduced Linux Terminal support integrated into Android for Pixel users running the latest stable version of the operating system. The terminal operates within a virtual machine, ensuring separation from core device functions. A recent poll showed that 24% of users have enabled the Linux Terminal app, 51% are considering it, 10% do not want it, and 15% have phones that do not support it. Key commands include "help" for available commands and "man" for manual pages. Users can install system information tools like neofetch and htop, as well as terminal games such as Bastet, Pacman4console, Moon-Buggy, nsnake, and ninvaders. SSH can be installed for network device control, and text editor nano can be used for note-taking. Users can also install cmatrix for a Matrix-like display and stress testing tools. Nyan Cat can be displayed in the terminal as well. Future plans include full-scale Linux apps in Android’s desktop mode.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2025: I Found This Top-Rated Security Software Effective and Efficient

Bitdefender Antivirus has a score of 9.5 out of 10, with the following breakdown: Performance: 9/10, Security: 10/10, Customer Support: 9/10, Usability: 10/10, Value: 9/10, Features: 10/10. It has over 500 million users worldwide and offers real-time protection against malware, a scam detector, a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, digital identity protection, dark web monitoring, and data breach detection. Bitdefender's plans include a free version for single-device use and various Ultimate Security packages for individuals and families, all priced at 0 for the first year. The software is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and minimal impact on system resources during operation. It consistently achieves high marks in third-party lab tests for security and offers various customer support options, though the initial steps to reach a representative can be cumbersome.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

How we test antivirus software

Robust antivirus software is essential for protecting sensitive data in personal and business contexts. Different antivirus solutions vary in malware detection and overall protection. The ideal antivirus balances comprehensive coverage with system performance. Resources like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test provide impartial testing of antivirus capabilities, including real-world protection tests and evaluations of false alarms. Performance and customer support are critical factors in antivirus software evaluation. The impact on device speed and resource consumption is important, as is the quality of customer support for troubleshooting. Reliable support options enhance user satisfaction. Thorough testing of antivirus software is crucial due to the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Not all antivirus solutions are equally effective, and rigorous evaluation helps identify subpar options and false positives. Free antivirus options may suffice for casual users, but premium versions often offer better features and protections. Meticulous testing ensures that security software meets its promises and helps users make informed decisions.