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Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE opens its doors to “Windows 10 exiles” as it claims Microsoft wants to turn your computer “into junk”

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving users vulnerable to bugs and security threats. Users have options to upgrade to Windows 11, invest in new hardware, or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux. The KDE group is promoting Linux, particularly Linux Mint, as a solution for those feeling abandoned by Microsoft, warning that users may face issues such as data breaches and inability to run new applications without updates. They also highlight the environmental impact of forced upgrades, labeling it "tech extortion." KDE advocates for the adoption of Linux to revitalize older hardware and regain control over computing experiences.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

I put McAfee and Norton head-to-head in an antivirus showdown, and the results were quite surprising

McAfee and Norton are two leading antivirus providers known for their robust online safety solutions. Both offer essential security features such as real-time threat detection, firewall protection, identity theft protection, VPN services, password management, and parental controls, but they differ in implementation. McAfee uses advanced machine learning for real-time threat detection but has a higher rate of false positives and shows room for improvement against ransomware and phishing. Norton excels in malware detection and has a strong performance against ransomware, blocking 95% of phishing links in tests. McAfee's firewall monitors incoming threats and protects connected devices, while Norton’s firewall prevents untrusted applications from accessing the internet with extensive configuration options. In identity theft protection, McAfee offers comprehensive features with live agent support, whereas Norton partners with LifeLock for enhanced services, including credit monitoring and up to one million dollars in compensation for identity theft losses. McAfee provides unlimited VPN access with basic functionality, while Norton’s VPN includes advanced features like split tunneling and a kill switch. Both include password managers, but McAfee's lacks some functionalities, whereas Norton’s is user-friendly and supports data import from other managers. For parental controls, McAfee allows website blocking and app restrictions, while Norton offers detailed content filtering and monitoring of online activities. In system performance, both have received high marks, with McAfee showing a superior impact score in tests. User experience varies, with McAfee being more accessible for non-technical users and Norton catering to more experienced individuals. Recent testing indicates both effectively blocked nearly all threats, but McAfee had more false positives. Both brands received high ratings from SE Labs for protection and accuracy. The choice between them depends on individual needs, with McAfee being user-friendly and Norton offering advanced features and enhanced identity protection.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I tested Bitdefender and McAfee in an antivirus software showdown, and here’s what I found

Bitdefender and McAfee are two leading antivirus software options known for robust malware protection and additional security features. Bitdefender achieves 98% effectiveness in real-time threat detection, while McAfee uses machine learning for threat identification but may produce false positives. Bitdefender offers a basic firewall, not available for macOS, whereas McAfee provides a more advanced firewall with device monitoring. Bitdefender has a standalone Digital Identity Protection service, while McAfee offers comprehensive identity theft protections in its Premium subscription. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while McAfee provides unlimited VPN access but with fewer countries and features. Both offer password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication, while McAfee's True Key includes multi-factor authentication. Bitdefender’s parental controls are basic, while McAfee’s Safe Family includes location tracking. Bitdefender is known for lightweight performance, but recent tests suggest McAfee may have better system optimization. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with Bitdefender organizing features into tabs and McAfee offering a simpler design. In terms of protection, Bitdefender has a 98.7% detection rate, while McAfee excels online with 99.6% but struggles offline. Bitdefender's pricing starts at .99 for the first year, while McAfee's Basic plan starts at .99. Overall, Bitdefender is more budget-friendly, while McAfee offers advanced identity theft protection.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

Windows 11 has released a new preview build, 26200.5622, in the Dev channel, introducing several features aimed at improving user experience. Key additions include Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for recovering from boot failures, a PC-to-PC migration feature for easier transitions to new devices, a new option in Phone Link to mirror Android phone screens from the Start menu, enhancements to the widgets board with a navigation bar, and a Click to Do feature for drafting text in Word using Copilot on Copilot+ PCs. These features are in early testing and may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Nintendo Switch Parental Control app gets a huge update ahead of a Switch 2 summer

Nintendo has released an updated version of its Parental Control app, available on the Play Store, featuring a redesigned interface and enhanced functionality. The app now includes comprehensive parental controls for GameChat, allowing parents to manage their children's communication and video chat interactions. Parents can also extend gaming sessions on the Switch or Switch 2 by increments of five, fifteen, or thirty minutes, or disable time limits entirely. The update introduces GameChat on the Switch 2, featuring a "C" button for initiating chats and a camera accessory for enhanced virtual interactions. Additionally, Nintendo is addressing potential emulation issues on Android devices with a planned "Game Key Card."

BetaBeacon

June 3, 2025

Forget PS3, you can already emulate these PS4 games

The ShadPS4 emulator has expanded its compatibility list, allowing users to play popular titles such as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition and Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2. The emulator is still in early stages, with potential graphical glitches and crashes, but marks a significant achievement in PS4 game emulation on Windows.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Gives More Reasons To Use Notepad With These New Features: All Details

Microsoft has discontinued WordPad and is enhancing Notepad for Windows 11 users. The beta version introduces new features such as adding hyperlinks, modifying text formatting, subheadings, bullet points, and the ability to switch text styles. An AI integration allows users to rewrite text by selecting it and using a right-click function, currently available to Windows 11 Insider program users in specific regions. Notepad now supports tabbed browsing and includes an integration of Copilot for summarizing text, adjusting tone, and switching to dark mode.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Stellar Blade PC Preorders Are Discounted At Fanatical

The PC version of Stellar Blade, a highly anticipated title from the PS5 lineup of 2024, will be released on June 12. Preorders are available at a 10% discount on Fanatical, with the standard edition and Complete Edition priced lower than their regular prices. Preordering the standard edition grants exclusive in-game bonuses, while the Complete Edition includes additional content such as unique suits and in-game currency. The game is set in a future where humanity has retreated to the stars, and players control Eve, the sole survivor of an android expedition. It features a unique combat system and a flexible difficulty option. A sequel is already in development.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Can’t upgrade your laptop to Windows 11? Asus joins Microsoft’s campaign urging you to buy a new Copilot+ PC, and I’m not sure that’s wise

Asus is encouraging Windows 10 laptop users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to consider transitioning to a Copilot+ PC, as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The Copilot+ devices feature a dedicated AI processor, promising improved user experience and security. However, this marketing strategy raises environmental concerns regarding increased electronic waste from discarded older PCs. Critics argue that many users could upgrade their existing machines if not for Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an option to extend support for an additional year, but it is uncertain if this will be available to all consumers. While Copilot+ PCs offer enhanced features, the urgency to upgrade may be overstated, and there are calls for a more responsible approach to product lifecycle and sustainability in technology.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

So You’re Thinking About Starting a Minecraft Server… Here’s Why You Should

In Minecraft, sharing the experience with friends enhances gameplay, making dedicated servers, like those from Apex Hosting, valuable for multiplayer interactions. Players are increasingly interested in creating their own servers for collaborative play and customization. Hosting a server allows players to set their own rules, choose between public or private access, and introduce various mods and plugins for enhanced gameplay. With a personal server, the world remains accessible even when the host is offline, enabling continuous play and regular backups. Building a community takes time, but it can lead to shared experiences and memorable interactions. Apex Hosting offers an easy setup process and support for players looking to create their ideal Minecraft server.