subscription Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Get the full Office Pro 2021 suite for a one-time $33 payment

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a price of .97, representing a discount of 7.02 from its regular price of 9.99. This suite includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Publisher, and Access, and offers lifetime access without recurring costs. It functions offline, is not tied to any Microsoft account, and allows users to store data locally on their devices.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2026

Subscription twist: Norton 360 Deluxe adds more than just antivirus

Norton 360 Deluxe is a mid-tier security subscription from Gen Digital that offers antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls for up to five devices. It includes real-time threat protection, a firewall, ransomware shielding, and cloud backup of up to 50 GB for Windows users. The parental controls, known as Norton Family, allow monitoring of children's online activities. The Secure VPN encrypts internet traffic on public Wi-Fi and masks IP addresses. The package also features PC SafeCam for webcam security and a smart firewall. Norton 360 Deluxe is marketed with a promotional first-year rate, with higher renewal prices, and is available through digital subscriptions, app stores, and major retailers. The product is designed for households and individuals seeking comprehensive security solutions.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Chaos Cubed Drops Tomorrow: Hardcore Exploit Closed, Vulkan Renderer Ships

Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, titled Chaos Cubed, will be released on June 16, 2026, featuring a new underground biome called sulfur caves, a unique mob named sulfur cube, and an experimental Vulkan graphics renderer. The sulfur caves introduce pale-yellow sulfur blocks and deep-red cinnabar, along with geysers that erupt every 50 seconds and sulfur spikes that can inflict damage. The sulfur cube is a passive mob that absorbs blocks, altering its behavior, and can transform into a mobile explosive when it absorbs TNT. The Vulkan renderer allows players to switch between OpenGL and Vulkan for improved performance, utilizing multiple CPU cores. A friends list feature will be added, enabling players to send friend requests and check online statuses, but peer-to-peer world hosting will not be included. Hardcore mode will now enforce permadeath by disabling certain options in the Open to LAN menu. The update also includes six new music tracks and the /unpublish command.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Makes Incredible 140 Hour RPG Free

Xbox Game Pass has added Persona 5 Royal, an acclaimed RPG with a Metacritic score of 95, available for subscribers on PC, Premium, and Ultimate tiers. The game offers up to 140 hours of gameplay, requiring at least 100 hours to complete the main storyline. It features a blend of social simulation, narrative, anime-inspired aesthetics, and turn-based combat. Persona 5 Royal is a standalone experience, allowing new players to start without prior knowledge of the series. The duration of its availability on Game Pass is uncertain, but titles typically remain for 12 to 24 months.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus: classic security staple for everyday PCs

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus solution for Windows PCs developed by Avast (Gen Digital). It provides essential malware protection, real-time scanning, and web safety features without requiring a paid subscription. Users in the U.S. can download it from the official Avast website and install it on compatible Windows systems. The software identifies and blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other forms of malware using signature-based detection and cloud-assisted analytics. It includes features such as real-time protection, on-demand scanning, an email shield, a Wi-Fi inspector, and behavior shields. Avast Free Antivirus offers automatic updates to ensure current protection against emerging threats. It serves as a gateway product to Avast's paid tiers, which offer additional features. The software is primarily aimed at home users who need basic antivirus protection and is available for free personal use.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Automate Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL major or minor version upgrade using AWS Systems Manager and Amazon EC2

Managing upgrades for the Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition can be labor-intensive and error-prone when done manually. Automating Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL upgrades can reduce manual effort by up to 80% and minimize downtime risks through consistent procedures. The automation solution uses AWS Systems Manager, Amazon EC2, and AWS Secrets Manager, structured around two modules: PREUPGRADE for readiness checks and UPGRADE for the actual upgrade process. The solution identifies upgrade candidates using database tags, creates safety backups with Copy-on-Write clones, manages the upgrade process with minimal human intervention, and offers real-time monitoring and email notifications. The workflow includes logging into the Systems Manager console, downloading the upgrade script, identifying Aurora PostgreSQL clusters based on tags, retrieving credentials from AWS Secrets Manager, executing pre-upgrade checks or upgrades, uploading log files to Amazon S3, and sending email notifications via Amazon SNS. Prerequisites include familiarity with the Aurora upgrade process, appropriate IAM permissions, creating a maintenance user, setting up AWS Secrets Manager, tagging Aurora clusters, creating an S3 bucket, and configuring an SNS topic for notifications. Implementation steps involve reviewing setup instructions, uploading the upgrade script to S3, creating an AWS Systems Manager automation document, executing the automation document, and monitoring the upgrade process through logs generated during pre-upgrade and upgrade phases. The logs provide detailed information on tasks performed, including replication slot status and configuration backups. After testing, it is recommended to clean up resources to avoid future charges.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Sim racing is flourishing, but what happened to the arcade racer?

The author began playing racing games at age five with Lego Racers on a Windows 95 PC, which sparked a passion for cars. They later played Gran Turismo 2 and invested in a Thrustmaster T150 RS racing rig during the pandemic, immersing themselves in Forza Horizon 4. The racing game landscape has shifted towards a dominance of sim racing, overshadowing traditional arcade racing games like Need for Speed and Burnout. Despite the rise of sim racing, it has alienated casual gamers, and even successful sim titles struggle to match the sales of older arcade franchises. Real-world motorsport has become more accessible, attracting new fans, and sim racing serves as an affordable entry point into motorsport. Representatives from the sim racing industry note that many newcomers may transition to real racing, exemplified by YouTubers who have moved from gaming to professional racing. The decline of traditional car games may reflect broader changes in car culture, with fewer young people obtaining driver's licenses, making sim racing a more viable option for motorsport engagement.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows Update Installers to Deliver OnyxC2 Credential Stealer

OnyxC2 is a sophisticated credential stealer available for a subscription fee of 0 per month, distributed through disguised lures such as fake Windows updates and legitimate software installers. It functions as a commercial product with features like an automated payload builder, tiered licensing, and a centralized web dashboard. The malware boasts a 99% detection-evasion rate, successfully evading major antivirus solutions during tests. It is developed in C++, utilizing direct system calls and mutating with each build to avoid detection. OnyxC2 collects data from around 210 applications, targeting 45 web browsers, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, and FTP clients. The malware is delivered using DLL sideloading, where a password-protected archive contains a legitimate application and a malicious DLL. The attacker's DLL is disguised by inflating its size and is loaded by a trusted binary. The malicious code remains encrypted on disk and decrypts in memory to evade analysis. OnyxC2 communicates with a Cloudflare-fronted command-and-control server to manage infected hosts and execute commands like hardware registration and cookie uploads. The threat extends to business environments, targeting FTP and email clients, with stolen session cookies allowing ongoing access to corporate infrastructure. Implementing anti-data exfiltration controls is recommended as a mitigation strategy.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

6 Android Auto apps that are essential when I’m off-roading

Android Auto is expanding its functionality for outdoor activities with a variety of apps designed for off-road navigation and exploration. These applications cater to different vehicle types, including RVs and ATVs, and many off-road vehicles now come with built-in Android Auto systems. Aftermarket multimedia units are also available for those without factory-installed screens. Key apps include: - onX Offroad/Hunt: Provides access to verified off-road trails, difficulty ratings, and land boundaries, with features for hunters including landowner information and offline maps. - National Park Service: Offers interactive trail maps, self-guided tours, and downloadable park information, enhancing the experience of exploring U.S. national parks. - RV Life: Assists RV owners in planning safe routes based on their vehicle's dimensions, avoiding low bridges and restricted roads, though it requires a subscription for Android Auto integration. - Gaia GPS: A navigation tool for areas with limited cell service, featuring various map layers and the ability to track position and access downloaded maps on the vehicle's display. - Spotify: Allows users to download music and podcasts for offline listening through Android Auto, requiring a premium subscription and a brief online connection every 30 days.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Save Big and Play Bigger: GeForce NOW Summer Sale Brings Major Membership Savings

The GeForce NOW summer sale offers discounts on 12-month memberships, with significant savings on both Performance and Ultimate plans. The Performance membership supports streaming up to 1080p at 60 fps, while the Ultimate membership provides RTX 4080 or 5080-class performance, enabling up to 4K resolution and 120 fps. The service simplifies gaming by managing installations and updates in the cloud, allowing access to a vast library of games without the need for expensive hardware. Upcoming titles include Guild Wars 3, which is set to launch soon, and players can currently enjoy Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged with exclusive rewards. New releases on GeForce NOW include NBA THE RUN, Witchspire, SpaceCraft, Duet Night Abyss, DOOM Eternal, and The Elder Scrolls Online. Pro Cycling Manager 26 is set to launch on June 15, and Denshattack! is expected on July 15.