support options Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

I tested the best antivirus software for Windows: Here’s what I’d use to protect my PC

Windows Security is a free antivirus program pre-installed on every Windows PC, offering solid protection. Bitdefender provides a comprehensive antivirus solution with a yearly subscription. Malwarebytes is recommended as the top antivirus choice for Windows users, featuring a user-friendly interface and both free and paid versions. TotalAV is an affordable option with a built-in VPN and system tune-up tool. McAfee Total Protection offers extensive features, including identity theft coverage. Avast One is designed for gamers, providing a Do Not Disturb mode. uBlock Origin is an ad blocker that enhances browser security, while Brave is a secure web browser with built-in tracking and ad blocking features.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Tearing your hair out because you can’t sign up for Windows 10 extended updates? New patch fixes annoying bug and makes support to October 2026 available for all

Windows 10's August update, KB5063709, extends user support until October 2026 and resolves a bug that prevented some users from enrolling in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Users who faced issues with the ESU wizard are encouraged to try enrolling again after installing the update. The ESU program offers options to pay for an additional year of support, sync settings to OneDrive for free support, or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. A Microsoft account is required to participate in the ESU program.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to Bitdefender Antivirus of 2025

Bitdefender secures over 500 million devices worldwide and is known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined dashboard. ESET, a strong alternative, has a functional but less intuitive interface that requires more navigation. Both provide robust security with minimal false positives, ranking among the top five in AV-Comparatives tests, but Bitdefender has slightly better overall coverage. ESET excels in malware protection, particularly with its Ransomware Shield and Exploit Blocker features, and has a quicker full scan time, completing it five minutes faster than Bitdefender. Both include firewall protection, with Bitdefender offering a customizable option and ESET providing four filtering modes. ESET's pricing starts at .99 for one device, with plans that include varying features such as a password manager and unlimited VPN. ESET's Ultimate plan costs .99 for five devices and includes advanced identity protection and identity theft coverage of up to million. Both providers offer good support options, including a knowledge base, email support, and live chat.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to McAfee Antivirus of 2025

McAfee is a long-standing antivirus software provider with a significant market share, but users have raised concerns about its features, pricing, and performance. It offers robust virus and malware protection, unlimited VPN, password manager, and cloud backup options, but its premium plans are more expensive. Norton is presented as a compelling alternative, offering enhanced performance, real-time protection with a 100% virus protection promise (on select plans), secure VPN, password management, cloud backup, parental controls, and dark web monitoring. Norton's basic plan is priced lower than McAfee's equivalent. Recent findings show Norton has a 99.5% threat-blocking rate compared to McAfee's 99.3%, and it uses system resources more efficiently. McAfee has a slight edge in firewall capabilities, but Norton includes an Intrusion Prevention System. Both providers offer competitive pricing, with Norton having a more attractive entry point. They both have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and provide various support options. Overall, Norton is positioned as the preferred choice for many users due to its comprehensive features.

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.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Linux breaks a new record for US market share as people presumably flee Windows for its open-source rival

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end-of-life deadline for Windows 10 approaches. Despite this, many users remain loyal to Windows 10, leading Microsoft to offer extended support options for a fee. This situation has prompted some Windows 10 users to explore alternative operating systems, contributing to Linux achieving over 5% market share in the US for the first time, according to StatCounter. Linux's market share has increased by approximately 1.30% over the past year, coinciding with a decline of over 2% for Windows.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Want to keep using Microsoft 365 in Windows 10 after October? You can

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical support will be available unless users opt for extended security updates. Microsoft encourages all Microsoft 365 users on Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11 by this deadline. However, Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. Feature updates for individuals and families subscribed to Microsoft 365 will continue until August 2026, while organizations will receive updates until October 13, 2026, or January 12, 2027, depending on their subscription type. After October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 users will be limited, with representatives encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 for issues specific to that operating system.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

It only took four years, but Windows 11 is now the most popular desktop OS – and time is running out for Windows 10

As of July, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in global market share, claiming 52% compared to Windows 10's 44.59%. Microsoft has changed the extended support program for Windows 10, allowing users to sync their PC settings to the cloud using the Windows Backup app to receive an additional year of security updates at no cost. This option provides users more time to decide on upgrading to Windows 11, particularly for those with PCs that do not meet its system requirements. Users are cautioned against remaining on Windows 10 without security updates due to potential vulnerabilities. There is speculation that Microsoft may extend support options further in response to concerns about older PCs.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I don’t care that Microsoft is extending Windows 10’s support, I’m still moving to Linux

Microsoft has announced free options for Windows 10 users to extend support, initially expected to require an annual fee. However, many users are still planning to transition away from Windows. Microsoft will eventually phase out Windows 10, pushing users towards Windows 11. The company aims to encourage upgrades to new hardware and software, which may lead to increased advertisements within Windows 10. Users considering the free security extension have options like syncing settings to OneDrive or redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, but these may not appeal to those planning to switch to Linux. Linux Mint is presented as a more exciting alternative, offering continuous updates and a vibrant community, attracting users looking for a dynamic computing experience.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

‘It’s obvious that users are frustrated’: consumer rights group accuses Microsoft of not providing a ‘viable solution’ for Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced alternatives to the fee for extended support for Windows 10, including the option to pay for an additional year of security updates and using the Windows Backup app to sync settings to OneDrive. However, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) argues that these measures are insufficient to address the e-waste crisis, as the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may render millions of functional PCs obsolete by October 2025. PIRG's Lucas Rockett Gutterman stated that Microsoft's options are unlikely to help the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. He called for longer-term support for Windows 10 or relaxed hardware requirements for Windows 11. Currently, businesses have access to a three-year extended security update program, while consumers only have one year. The disparity raises concerns about the environmental impact of discarding usable devices. Gutterman suggested that one additional year of support, even if fee-based, could help consumers, and proposed exploring a non-paying option like ad-supported Windows 10 to fund continued security updates.