software installation Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2026

How to Turn Your Idle Home PC into a File Server Using Built-in Windows Features

Many individuals are repurposing older PCs into home file servers, especially those not eligible for the Windows 11 update. This process utilizes built-in Windows features, allowing families to share files across devices without additional software, making it cost-effective since it leverages existing hardware. The setup involves four steps: preparing storage, creating a local account, creating shared folders, and accessing them from other PCs. Guidelines suggest around 500GB for photos and 1TB for videos. Compared to commercially available NAS devices, repurposing a PC incurs virtually no cost, while NAS options range from approximately ¥30,000 to ¥80,000. Performance tests show that mini PCs as file servers can achieve read speeds of about 4.8GB/s and write speeds of around 4.5GB/s on a 2.5GbE network. This method is particularly appealing for older PCs, allowing users to maximize resources rather than discard them, while also addressing the growing demand for efficient file sharing in households. Data backup and security measures are essential considerations when operating a file server.

Tech Optimizer

August 11, 2026

Fake popular sites offer a free app, instead take over PCs

A fraudulent website mimicking CNN's homepage is promoting a fake "CNN app" that is not affiliated with CNN. This site, along with others impersonating brands like Avast and Stremio, distributes a legitimate remote management tool called O&O Syspectr, which can grant attackers remote access to victims' computers. The installers for these counterfeit apps share the same account ID, indicating they are linked to the same malicious source. Users are misled into downloading these installers, which appear legitimate but allow unauthorized access to their systems. O&O Software has responded by disabling certain features for free accounts and monitoring for abuse. Users are advised to only download software from official sources and verify installer details before execution.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

App used in Gen Z protest installed without internet: Bitchat sends messages via Bluetooth; govt asks the c…

Jack Dorsey has introduced a new feature for his offline messaging app, BitChat, allowing Android users to share and install the app directly from one device to another via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, without needing an internet connection or access to the Google Play Store or GitHub. This feature is designed to enable users to install BitChat by sharing the APK file, making the app accessible even if it faces restrictions on online platforms. The update follows concerns from the Indian government about the app being exploited by criminal organizations. The BitChat team has stated that the app can now be distributed among users, transforming every device with BitChat installed into a potential distribution hub.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft has ensured that LG monitors no longer prompt users to install McAfee on Windows

Owners of LG monitors have expressed frustration over an automatic prompt that appears when connecting their devices to Windows 11 PCs, encouraging the download of the LG Monitor App Installer, which suggests installing McAfee antivirus software. Microsoft has intervened, with executive vice president Pavan Davuluri confirming on July 22 that they reached out to LG to address the issue. LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app. Users have also raised concerns about the extensive permissions granted to the app, which reportedly accesses "all system resources" and the Internet connection. Similar practices have been observed with other manufacturers, including Alienware and Samsung.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

LG kills McAfee pop-up after Windows boss steps in

LG has decided to stop the McAfee pop-up notifications in its Monitor App Installer following intervention from Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, had previously highlighted the annoyance caused by these advertisements. The pop-ups appeared when certain LG devices, like the LG UltraGear, were connected to a Windows device for the first time. Windows allows hardware manufacturers to silently add software during external device installations, which can lead to advertising and mixed user experiences. LG is not exploiting vulnerabilities for software installation, and the automatic process is well-documented. This incident raises questions about review procedures and the implications of advertising within the Windows ecosystem.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2026

LG monitors are silently installing adware on your Windows PC

LG has faced criticism for the automatic installation of an application that delivers pop-up advertisements for McAfee antivirus subscriptions when certain LG monitor models are connected to a Windows PC. This issue was highlighted by Gamers Nexus, which reported that the LG Monitor App Installer activates upon connecting models like the LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B and the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B. In a test of 32 system boots, McAfee was promoted in 31 instances. The app can utilize extensive system resources and access internet connections, and LG's privacy policy indicates that user data such as names, phone numbers, birth dates, and online activity may be collected. Complaints about this practice have increased recently, suggesting a broader rollout or more frequent pop-ups. Other manufacturers, including Dell, have faced similar backlash for their software installation methods. Users hope Microsoft will require brands to seek explicit permission before installing utilities, although Microsoft's own history with unsolicited software raises uncertainty about this possibility.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Vietnam launches first criminal case over pirated Windows, Office software

Authorities in Phu Tho province have initiated a criminal case regarding the illegal installation and use of copyrighted software, specifically targeting pirated Microsoft Windows and Office products. Formal charges for "infringement of copyright and related rights" have been made following urgent searches at five locations in Hanoi and Phu Tho. The investigation revealed that individuals and businesses were using various platforms to promote, distribute, and sell unlicensed software, including cracked software and counterfeit license keys. The inquiry began with Song Lam Trading and Service Co, whose director faces allegations of supplying 81 computers pre-installed with unauthorized software. An additional 350 computers linked to a local educational institution were also found to have illegal software activation. The implicated companies include Athena Vietnam Information Systems Co and Tek-Solution Technology Co, whose directors are under police scrutiny. Authorities estimate that the financial losses for copyright holders could reach tens of billions of đồng, and they have raised concerns about cybersecurity threats associated with illegally activated software.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

Windows zero-days expose gaps in built-in security protections

Two Windows zero-day vulnerabilities, YellowKey and GreenPlasma, have been identified. YellowKey targets the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, allowing attackers with physical access to bypass BitLocker protections using a USB device. GreenPlasma affects Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server environments with active Collaborative Translation Framework Monitor (CTFMON) sessions, enabling local privilege escalation from a standard user account to SYSTEM-level privileges. Both vulnerabilities require either physical or local access to exploit. Microsoft has not yet released patches for these vulnerabilities, prompting organizations to enhance their security measures and operational resilience. Recommendations include reassessing physical security, limiting local administrative access, and implementing multifactor authentication and robust credential management practices.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

Bitdefender review: The ultimate antivirus software for all-round protection

Bitdefender is an antivirus software that offers various plans for consumers, families, and businesses, with the Ultimate Security plan being particularly notable. The software features a user-friendly interface, anti-theft and anti-scam capabilities, a VPN, and identity protection services. Pricing for consumer plans starts at .99 for Bitdefender Total Security, .99 for Premium Security, and .99 for Ultimate Security. For small businesses, the Ultimate Small Business Security Plan starts at .99 for three users, scaling up to 9.99 for 25 users. The GravityZone Small Business Security plan costs 9.99 for five devices, with the GravityZone Business Security Plan priced at 9.99. Bitdefender Total Security has received a perfect score of 6/6 from AV Test for Protection, Performance, and Usability, and an AAA rating from SE Labs. The software installation is straightforward, and it performs scans efficiently without impacting system performance. It includes features like Scam Protection Pro, Vulnerability Scan, and identity theft protection, with continuous monitoring of the dark web. Customer support is available 24/7 via email, chat, or phone, and there is a dedicated B2B help center for businesses.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

Intego ONE

Intego has released Intego ONE, a rebranded antivirus solution for Mac users that combines antivirus capabilities with a firewall. The product has received a 97.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors like Norton and Bitdefender. Intego ONE has a tiered pricing structure, with the Essential tier costing .99 annually and providing antivirus and firewall protection, while the Advanced tier, which includes the SmartClean system cleanup tool, costs .99. The top-tier Complete subscription, which includes a VPN, is priced at .99 annually. Intego offers a 7-day free trial for potential customers. The software installation is straightforward, requiring Full Disk Access for optimal functionality. Intego's firewall is integrated into the main application for easier user interaction. The SmartClean feature aims to optimize system performance but may not justify its additional cost for all users. The VPN included in the Complete tier is user-friendly but may be priced higher than standalone options.