testing methodologies Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Microsoft bets on AI to rewrite Windows after code it wrote broke the OS

Microsoft plans to eliminate all C and C++ code from its products by 2030, as announced by Galen Hunt on November 25, 2025. This decision follows significant malfunctions in Windows 11 that began in July 2025, affecting core components like the Start Menu and Taskbar. The company aims to achieve "1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code" through AI-assisted rewrites. A patch to address these issues is promised for December 2025. The initiative is part of Microsoft's Future of Scalable Software Engineering group, with a focus on leveraging AI to manage and modify code at scale. A Principal Software Engineer position has been opened, emphasizing expertise in Rust. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with plans to allocate billions for datacenter construction in 2025.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2025

Are Antivirus Software Reviews Reliable Guides For Choosing Protection?

Navigating antivirus software reviews can be overwhelming due to the variety of opinions and ratings available online. Many consumers rely on these reviews instead of understanding the technology behind them. Reviews simplify complex cybersecurity concepts, but not all reviewers are credible. The antivirus industry is influenced by affiliate marketing, which can bias rankings. There are different types of antivirus reviews: 1. Independent Lab Tests: Conducted by reputable organizations, these tests evaluate antivirus programs for effectiveness without affiliate influence, though they may use technical language that is hard for everyday users to understand. 2. Affiliate Review Blogs: These blogs provide general overviews but may lack reliability, as they can be written by individuals without specialized knowledge and influenced by commission structures. 3. User Reviews: Found on platforms like Reddit or Trustpilot, these reviews reflect real-world experiences but can be manipulated and may not accurately represent software effectiveness. To assess the reliability of an antivirus review, look for indicators such as the disclosure of affiliate links, the use of measurable criteria for comparison, balanced evaluations of strengths and weaknesses, and attention to detail in the review.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

OWASP Mobile Top 10 for Android – How AutoSecT Detects Each Risk?

Mobile applications account for 70% of global interactions, with over 6.8 billion smartphone users. In 2023, 40% of data breaches are linked to vulnerabilities in mobile applications. The OWASP Mobile Top 10 outlines critical security risks for mobile apps, including: 1. Improper Credential Usage: Mishandling of passwords and session tokens. 2. Inadequate Supply Chain Security: Risks from unverified third-party components. 3. Insecure Authentication/Authorization: Failures in verifying user identities. 4. Insufficient Input/Output Validation: Lack of checks on incoming and outgoing data. 5. Insecure Communication: Unprotected data during transmission. 6. Inadequate Privacy Controls: Poor safeguards for personal data. 7. Insufficient Binary Protections: Lack of defenses against reverse engineering. 8. Security Misconfiguration: Improperly secured application settings. 9. Insecure Data Storage: Weak protection of sensitive information on devices. 10. Insufficient Cryptography: Use of weak or improperly implemented encryption. AutoSecT, an AI-driven mobile app security testing platform, detects these risks through various methods, including static code analysis, software composition analysis, and dynamic testing. It helps developers identify and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Java for mobile app development: How to create Android apps in 2025 – London Business News

Java is a key programming language in mobile application development, particularly for Android, and is expected to remain relevant in 2025. It is officially supported in Android development, with a significant portion of Android applications built using Java. Java continues to be integrated into Android Studio and is favored for its comprehensive documentation, backward compatibility, and strong community support. Java's ecosystem is characterized by its mature tools and best practices, making it suitable for both simple and enterprise-level applications. Core components of Android apps built with Java include Activities, Services, Broadcast Receivers, and Content Providers. The development process involves setting up the environment with Android Studio, designing user interfaces with XML, implementing app logic in Java, testing the application, and deploying it via the Google Play Store. Best practices in 2025 include modular architecture, dependency management with libraries like Dagger and Hilt, asynchronous programming techniques, and the use of version control systems like Git. Java remains a viable option alongside Kotlin, especially for legacy codebases and its perceived accessibility for new programmers. Modern tools supporting Java development include Room for data storage, Retrofit for API calls, Glide for image loading, Firebase for cloud services, and Crashlytics for crash monitoring. Outsourcing Java development is a common strategy for companies looking to scale their mobile projects efficiently. Java continues to evolve, accommodating advancements in machine learning, IoT, and edge computing.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Windows Insider Program: What is it and why you should consider joining it (and few reasons you shouldn’t)

The Windows Insider Program allows users to explore unreleased features of Microsoft's Windows operating system by enrolling in various channels. To join, Windows 11 users can go to Settings >> Windows Update and select Windows Insider Program, enabling optional diagnostic data sharing with Microsoft. There are four channels to choose from: 1. Canary Channel: For technical users wanting to preview early-stage features, often unstable. 2. Dev Channel: More stable than Canary, includes features under consideration for future releases. 3. Beta Channel: Recommended for most users, offers a balance of stability and innovation with features likely to be rolled out to all users. 4. Release Preview Channel: The most stable option, providing a preview of the next major release with tested functionalities. Reasons to join include early access to new features, the ability to provide feedback to Microsoft, professional advantages for IT administrators, community engagement, and skill improvement. However, drawbacks include potential system instability and bugs, as well as privacy concerns related to sharing diagnostic data.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2024

Top 5 Free Antivirus Protection Programs (2025)

Free antivirus software provides essential protection against viruses, malware, and online threats without cost. Key features often include real-time scanning, automated updates, and basic security measures. Notable free antivirus programs for 2025 include: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Offers real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and anti-phishing features with low system impact. - Avira Free Security: Includes real-time protection, web protection, a VPN, a password manager, and a system optimizer. - Sophos Home Free: A cloud-managed solution that uses AI for threat detection and includes parental controls. - AVG AntiVirus Free: Known for reliable protection against malware and includes a ransomware decryption tool. - Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, it provides decent protection and receives regular updates. Choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs; options vary in features and performance impact. Free antivirus programs typically lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as comprehensive malware detection, firewall protection, and priority customer support. Independent labs test antivirus software for effectiveness, focusing on detection rates, false positives, and performance impact. Some free antivirus tools offer additional features like password managers and limited VPN access, but many advanced functions require payment. Overall, while free antivirus solutions may not be as comprehensive as paid options, they still provide solid protection for everyday users.

Winsage

September 3, 2024

The AMD Zen 5 Gaming postmortem: Larger generational gains than many reported, game-boosting Windows Update tested, Ryzen 5 7600X3D gaming benchmarks, too | Tom’s Hardware

AMD launched the Zen 5-powered Ryzen 9000 processors, facing initial challenges including delayed sample deliveries and disappointing early reviews that reported minimal performance improvements in gaming. However, retesting showed that the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X outperformed their predecessors by approximately 12%. The Ryzen 7 9700X achieved a 9.3% gain and the Ryzen 5 9600X reached a 10% increase under stock configurations, while gains diminished to 6.6% and 7.8% with AMD’s Expo memory overclocking. Built-in benchmarks indicated higher generational performance compared to custom game scenes, with built-in benchmarks showing an 11.00% gain for the Ryzen 7 9700X versus an 8.50% increase in custom scenes. The Windows 11 23H2 update positively impacted AMD’s performance, while Intel's performance gains from the same update were minimal, with the Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K showing no substantial improvements.

Winsage

August 22, 2024

AMD talks Ryzen 9000 controversy: ‘We were as puzzled’ as reviewers

AMD's launch of the Ryzen 9000 desktop processors revealed performance discrepancies between the company's marketing claims and independent reviewer results. AMD identified several factors contributing to these differences, including variations in Windows operating modes, VBS security settings, Intel system configurations, and game selections for benchmarking. The company used an automated testing framework in Super Admin mode, which allowed for optimizations not present in the standard user mode used by reviewers. This led to inflated performance numbers that did not account for the differences between the two modes. AMD's David McAfee stated that the gap in performance between Super Admin and user modes had widened over time, which they had not anticipated. Additionally, the selection of games and specific scenes for benchmarking significantly impacted performance results. McAfee clarified that AMD did not blame reviewers for the discrepancies, attributing them instead to its own testing decisions. AMD is committed to refining its testing methodologies for better alignment with real-world user experiences.