solutions Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11 April security patch quietly blocks 24H2 update, but are you impacted?

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 25H2 update in October, aimed at facilitating the transition to Windows 11 24H2. However, the rollout of Windows 24H2 has faced issues, with many PCs experiencing blocks due to third-party applications and technical problems. The April security patch, released on April 8, has complicated the upgrade process for some users, particularly those with the patch KB5055528 installed, leading to error code 0x80240069. This issue mainly affects IT administrators using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), while individual users on Windows 11 Home are largely unaffected. Microsoft is investigating the problem and plans to release a fix by the next Patch Tuesday on May 13. Additionally, organizations are advised to explore alternative update management solutions, as WSUS is no longer under active development.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

AI Inside the Messenger: How Gem Space Helps with Everyday Tasks

Gem Space is a multifunctional super app that integrates messaging, news feeds, AI tools, and various features to enhance productivity. It allows users to manage tasks from a single platform, utilizing AI for tasks like drafting emails, translating messages in real-time, and transcribing voice messages. Users can create content quickly within the app and receive curated news tailored to their interests. Additionally, it offers gift suggestions through its built-in AI and is testing a marketplace for delivery across Russia. The app aims to simplify daily tasks and improve work-life balance.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

CHARTS: Oblivion remaster shoots to No.1 on Steam debut

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered was the top performer on Steam for the week ending April 29th, following its unexpected launch on April 22nd. Counter-Strike 2 dropped to second place, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 debuted in third. The Steam Deck held the fourth position, and Schedule 1 fell to fifth. MahjongSoul returned to the Top 100, securing sixth place due to a crossover event. REPO declined to seventh, PUBG: Battlegrounds rose to eighth, Once Human climbed to ninth, and Marvel Rivals rounded out the top ten in tenth place. Steam Top Ten for the Week Ending April 29th: 1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda 2. Counter-Strike 2, Valve 3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler 4. Steam Deck, Valve 5. Schedule 1, TVGS 6. 雀魂麻將 (MahjongSoul), Catfood Studio 7. REPO, Semiwork 8. PUBG: Battlegrounds, Krafton 9. Once Human, Starry Studio 10. Marvel Rivals, NetEase

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Malwarebytes Launches Global Strategic Partner Program Offering Organizations a One-stop Shop for Personal Security, Privacy, and Identity Solutions

Malwarebytes has launched a partnership initiative aimed at providing financial institutions, HR benefit providers, and internet service providers with personal security, privacy, and identity solutions in response to rising online fraud, which has led to financial losses of .5 billion over the past year for one in three individuals. The program offers AI-powered consumer security solutions to protect devices from various threats and allows partners to choose from a range of options or create custom solutions. Key features include a comprehensive cybersecurity platform, advanced mobile security, and flexible integration options. Eero is one of the first partners to integrate Malwarebytes Premium Security into its eero Plus subscription service, enhancing online security for its subscribers.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Jim Rossman: Do you really need separate antivirus software? Probably not

A conversation between two friends during a workout revealed insights into personal computing and cybersecurity. One friend was considering purchasing a new Windows PC and evaluating updated antivirus software after using a well-known suite for over a decade. He expressed concerns about the annual subscription model of his previous antivirus, feeling it was a recurring expense without a tangible return. The other friend informed him about the trend of one-time purchase antivirus software, which offers robust protection without ongoing fees, alleviating financial pressure and allowing users to maintain control over their software choices. Key points discussed included the cost-effectiveness of one-time purchases, flexibility in choosing or upgrading software, and enhanced features in newer antivirus programs.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Avast Antivirus Vulnerability Let Attackers Escalate Privileges

A significant vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-3500, has been identified in Avast Free Antivirus, allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and execute malicious code at the kernel level. The vulnerability has a high CVSS score of 8.8 and was publicly disclosed on April 24, 2025, shortly after a patch was implemented. It originates from inadequate validation of user-supplied data in the aswbidsdriver kernel driver, leading to an integer overflow prior to buffer allocation. Attackers must first execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw affects multiple versions of Avast Free Antivirus, specifically versions ranging from 20.1.2397 to 2016.11.1.2262. A fix was released in version 25.3.9983.922, and users are urged to update their software promptly. Security experts recommend enabling automatic updates and using standard user accounts for daily activities to mitigate risks.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

This is the notification manager Google should’ve built for Android years ago

Buzzkill is a premium application designed to help users manage notifications on their devices through customizable "rules." It allows users to dictate responses to notifications based on the application sending them, the content of the notification, and the desired action. Buzzkill offers 25 actions, including dismissing notifications, obfuscating content, reading notifications aloud, and triggering device functions. Users can create rules to suppress spam, prioritize important messages, copy one-time PINs, batch news notifications, and manage smartwatch alerts. The app is priced at .99 and requires regular updates and adjustments to maintain effectiveness.

TrendTechie

April 29, 2025

Новые версии открытых Torrent-клиентов

Two open-source torrent clients, Deluge and qBittorrent, have released updated versions. Deluge 2.2 features a cross-platform BitTorrent client developed in Python, utilizing the libtorrent library and Twisted framework. It offers multiple interface options, operates on a client-server model, and supports modern torrenting capabilities such as DHT, UPnP, NAT-PMP, traffic encryption, and proxy connections. The new version includes support for the BitTorrent v2 format, enhancing hash calculations and improving file integrity with SHA2-256 and Merkle hash trees. The minimum required Python version is now 3.7. qBittorrent, developed in C++ using the Qt library, is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows users to search for torrents, manage downloads, set priorities, and configure network settings. The latest version introduces enhancements like drag-and-drop functionality, improved random number generation, and upgraded search capabilities, along with significant improvements to the web interface.