test results Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 13, 2026

Nine Enterprise Security Solutions Certified in AV-Comparatives 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test

AV-Comparatives conducted the 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test, certifying nine enterprise solutions for their detection capabilities. The certified products include Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Enterprise, ESET PROTECT Elite, Fortinet FortiEDR, G DATA 365 | MXDR, Genian Insight E, Kaspersky EDR Expert (on-premises), ManageEngine Endpoint Central with EDR, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Pro, and Sangfor Athena AI-Native EPP. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness, consistency, and usability of detection capabilities, providing a clear overview of each product's performance in a realistic 14-stage Advanced Persistent Threat scenario. The assessment ensured that results were not influenced by prevention mechanisms and highlighted the role of AI in improving detection result readability and SOC efficiency.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

UT Dallas class uses Minecraft to help students get into medical school

A young intern addresses the concerns of a first-time patient with tingling sensations, dizziness, and unusual fatigue, which may indicate conditions like multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The intern consults with a nurse and an attending physician in a virtual environment created using the game Minecraft, as part of a pre-med class at the University of Texas at Dallas. The course, titled Experiential Medical Reasoning, aims to prepare students for the MCAT by providing hands-on learning experiences in a simulated hospital setting. Students like Sahar Bavandi and Omar Choudhry engage with virtual patients and diagnostic tools, enhancing their understanding of medical concepts and improving their performance on tests. Dr. Eric Kildebeck, the course instructor, has noted significant improvements in student performance and plans to develop additional Minecraft-based educational games focused on biology and chemistry.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

How To Choose The Right Antivirus Software For Your Needs

Antivirus software protects against various sophisticated malware threats, including ransomware, spyware, phishing attacks, and adware. When selecting antivirus software, consider the number of devices needing protection, the operating systems in use, and whether the protection is for personal or business purposes. Free antivirus options have improved and may suffice for average users, while paid plans typically offer better protection and support. Evaluating products involves reading privacy policies, utilizing free trials, and checking independent test results. The best antivirus software depends on individual needs, devices, budget, and online behavior.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Microsoft quietly reveals whether you need a third-party antivirus software in Windows 11

Microsoft has stated that third-party antivirus software is not necessary for Windows 11, as its built-in antivirus solution, Windows Defender, is sufficient for most users. This assertion was made public on April 9, when Microsoft declared Windows 11 the most secure version of its operating system. Windows Defender is effective when users regularly install Security Intelligence Updates, apply monthly Patch Tuesday updates, and activate SmartScreen for filtering harmful downloads. While third-party antivirus solutions may be beneficial in certain scenarios, such as enterprise environments or for users seeking additional features, Microsoft advises relying on a single real-time antivirus solution, which is typically Windows Defender. Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive protection stack that includes real-time scanning, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic updates. Independent tests have shown that Microsoft Defender achieves high protection rates, comparable to leading paid antivirus solutions. The built-in Windows Security application includes features like SmartScreen, Smart App Control, and ransomware protection, providing extensive coverage without additional costs. The consensus is that most users will not need third-party antivirus software in 2026, as Windows Security offers robust protection against modern threats.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

Trend Micro Security Suite Pro Plus Review 2026: Is It The Best Protection?

The review of Trend Micro Security Suite Pro Plus highlights its features, pricing, and performance. The subscription costs A.95 for a 12-month period and includes multi-device antivirus protection, anti-scam software, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The pricing structure for other plans ranges from A.95 for Maximum Security to A9.95 for Security Suite Ultimate. Key features include AI-scam detection, gamer mode, and Folder Shield for ransomware protection. The installation process requires separate logins for each component, which is seen as outdated. The user interface is functional but minimalistic, and compatibility extends to Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN is developed in-house, and phishing protection is provided through a browser extension. Lab tests show mixed results, with Trend Micro performing well in real-time web threat protection but lagging in offline malware detection. Overall, it is considered a competitively priced option for online security.

Tech Optimizer

March 29, 2026

PostgreSQL cost model: estimating the cost of flushing temp buffers to disk

The project focuses on enabling temporary tables in PostgreSQL's parallel query execution by benchmarking sequential writes and reads of temporary buffers. Functions were introduced to measure buffer flush operations, and tests were conducted to estimate the cost of flushing temporary table buffer pages to disk. Findings indicate that sequential writes are about 30% slower than reads, leading to a proposed cost model. Temporary tables have limited parallel usage due to their function as relational variables and the complexity of parallel workers accessing the leader process's local state. Two enterprise PostgreSQL distributions already support parallel operations on temporary tables, and discussions on logical replication of DDL highlight the need for improved tooling for temporary tables. A significant challenge is that temporary buffer pages are local to the leader process, and if not flushed to disk, parallel workers cannot access them. A comment from 2015 suggests flushing the leader's temporary buffers to disk before parallel operations to allow workers to scan the table in parallel. However, this raises concerns about the cost of writing buffers versus the benefits of parallelism. The benchmarking toolkit includes modifications to PostgreSQL to facilitate measurement of local buffers. Two key commits added statistics infrastructure to track allocated and dirty local buffers and UI functions to manage buffer operations. The methodology involves creating a temporary table, flushing buffers, measuring I/O, and evaluating scan overhead. The tests reveal that the cost of writing a temporary table approximates the cost of a sequential page, leading to a proposed formula for flushing costs. The results show that larger buffer sizes lead to higher write overhead and increased variability. A comprehensive formula for pre-flushing temp buffers is suggested, factoring in the number of dirtied and allocated local buffers. Next steps include adding planner flags for temporary objects, implementing executor support for worker access to temporary table storage, introducing a temp-buffer flush operation, and integrating the cost model into the planner for parallel scans of temporary tables.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2026

Trend Micro Maximum Security Review 2026: Is It The Best Protection?

Trend Micro offers five distinct subscription versions for online security, including a 12-month subscription to its Maximum Security Suite Pro Plus, which provides multi-device antivirus, anti-scam software, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The pricing starts at AUD for a basic subscription for one device, with additional costs for more devices and features. The tested plan costs 99.95 AUD per year for six devices. Key features include AI-scam detection, a Gamer Mode that pauses notifications during gameplay, and a minimalist user interface. Installation requires separate logins for each program, and the suite supports MacOS, Android, and iOS, though with limited features on Mac. The built-in VPN is developed in-house, and phishing protection is provided via a browser extension. Folder Shield protects against ransomware by securing specific folders. Independent lab tests show mixed results for Trend Micro's performance, particularly in real-time web-threat protection and ransomware defense, with some weaknesses in offline malware detection.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 11’s new internet speed test is just a link to Bing.com in a move that smacks of laziness and overzealous promotion

Microsoft's recent update for Windows 11 introduced a new internet speed test feature, accessible through a submenu in the taskbar. This feature is not a native tool but a link to Bing.com with a pre-filled speed test query. The speed test provides metrics such as download and upload speeds and ping times. Many users expressed disappointment, realizing the feature is merely a shortcut to a browser, which they find cumbersome. The speed test respects users' default browser settings and does not automatically open Bing in Edge. Critics on platforms like Reddit have voiced frustration over the superficial implementation of this feature. Users are advised to avoid running a VPN during the test and to consider the differences between Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections for accurate results.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Native NVMe: Storage Stack Overhaul and Benchmark Results

On December 15, 2025, Microsoft announced native NVMe support in Windows Server 2025, marking a significant evolution in data management and access. The new architecture replaces Disk.sys with NVMeDisk.sys, allowing direct communication from the filesystem to hardware via StorMQ, eliminating latency and enhancing performance. Testing revealed increased read speeds, particularly in random 4K and 64K benchmarks, with significant reductions in average read latency and lower CPU usage during sequential operations. Write operations showed modest improvements. A registry modification is required to enable this feature, and caution is advised due to potential complications with NVMe drives when deduplication is enabled.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

NordVPN Stopped Most Phishing Emails in Third-Party Testing, Study Says

NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro blocked 92% of phishing websites in an independent lab test conducted by AV-Comparatives, which evaluated 15 products against 250 verified phishing URLs. The test took place between January 7 and January 19, using Google Chrome for assessments. NordVPN's product ranked fourth, while the top three performers were Avast Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus (both at 95%) and Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus (93%). The software provides protection against phishing attempts and malware infections, even when not connected to a VPN. Phishing attacks have surged by 4,151% since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, with companies facing significant financial losses per breach. AI is being used to enhance phishing tactics, including deepfake videos and voice impersonations. Despite its effectiveness, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro cannot remove existing malware on devices.