user-friendly design Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

I just tested the new Legion Go S — and it’s the Steam Deck killer I’ve been waiting for

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a handheld gaming device that operates on SteamOS, starting at a price of 9. It features an AMD Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage in the base model, while the reviewed unit has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The device has an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD display, a weight of 1.63 pounds, and includes ports such as a Micro SD card slot, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. The design is ergonomic with a Nebula color scheme, and it has responsive controls. The SteamOS version outperforms the Windows 11 variant in gaming performance, achieving higher frame rates in gameplay tests.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Best VPN for Android 2025: NordVPN Voted Best of VPNs for Android

NordVPN has been recognized as the Best VPN for Android in 2025, continuing its commitment to trusted VPN services since launching its Android app in 2016. The user interface has been redesigned for a streamlined experience, featuring a clean, map-based home screen and easy server access. It has received praise for exceptional speed on Android devices, attributed to its NordLynx protocol, and boasts over 7,000 servers in more than 100 countries for reliable internet access. NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy and includes advanced security features like Threat Protection Lite. The app is optimized for battery efficiency and offers robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat. NordVPN's competitive pricing plans and various payment methods enhance its accessibility.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

You Need a Windows Package Manager — Virtualization Review

Microsoft's WinGet is a command-line tool for managing software on Windows, allowing users to install, update, list, and uninstall applications. UniGetUI is an open-source graphical user interface that enhances WinGet's functionality, making it easier for users to manage software without using the command line. UniGetUI supports various package managers and features batch operations, automatic updates, and custom installation options. To install UniGetUI, users can execute the command winget install --exact --id MartiCliment.UniGetUI --source winget or download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can easily navigate its interface to discover, install, and uninstall packages.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Is Almost Free Now, but This 92% Off Deal Won’t Last Long

The Blue Screen of Death can indicate the need for a fresh installation of Windows 11 Pro, especially after issues like corrupt files or viruses. StackSocial is currently offering Windows 11 Pro activation keys for a reduced price of , down from 9, which is a 92% discount. The Home edition is also available at a discount of 89%. These keys are intended for PCs that require a new Windows license, and users should ensure compatibility with Windows Update for the upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes features like Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and AI-powered Windows Copilot, providing advanced security, user-friendly design, and productivity tools. The deal is time-sensitive, with keys selling rapidly.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

I use this app instead of File Explorer for managing my Windows folders

Windows 11's File Explorer is a familiar tool for file management, but alternatives like Directory Opus offer enhanced functionality. Directory Opus, originally developed for the Amiga platform, is a robust file organization tool for Windows. Key features include: - Dual Pane View: Allows simultaneous viewing of files and folders from different locations, facilitating efficient organization. - In-depth Organizational Features: Users can open multiple tabs within each pane, assign statuses to folders, and prioritize tasks. - Built-in Image Converter: Enables conversion of images to various formats and basic editing functions like cropping and rotating. - Synchronization Feature: Allows easy copying and synchronization between panes, with options for sub-folders and integration with cloud services. - Shortcuts to Favorite Apps: Users can create toolbars with shortcuts to frequently used applications for quick access. Directory Opus is designed to exceed file management needs, making it a compelling alternative to File Explorer.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Pixel Weather is my favorite weather app; there’s just one problem with it

Google's Pixel Weather app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series and is noted for its user-friendly design and comprehensive data offerings. It provides hourly and 10-day forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, humidity levels, visibility, air quality, and UV index, all presented in an easily digestible format. The app features an AI Weather Report for quick summaries and has a visually engaging design with bold temperature displays and animated backgrounds. Customization options allow users to rearrange tiles and widgets according to their preferences. Currently, Pixel Weather is exclusive to Pixel devices, limiting its accessibility compared to other essential apps available to all Android users. There is a suggestion for Google to make Pixel Weather available on the Play Store for all Android devices, potentially retaining some exclusive features for Pixel users.

TrendTechie

March 29, 2025

10 best torrent apps and torrent downloaders for Android

Torrent applications serve various legitimate purposes, including sharing open-source software and distributing artistic works. For Android users, several noteworthy torrent apps are available: 1. **1DM**: Free download manager with integrated browser and torrent functionality; premium version available to remove ads. 2. **BitLord**: Free torrent downloader with built-in audio player and Chromecast support; Wi-Fi-only mode enabled by default. 3. **BitTorrent and µTorrent**: Free apps with similar features; BitTorrent promotes legal content, while µTorrent offers a simpler experience; both have premium versions to remove ads. 4. **FrostWire**: Free torrent downloader with support for .torrent files and magnet links; includes a basic torrent search and optional ad removal. 5. **LibreTorrent**: Free open-source torrent app with a simple UI and active torrent tracking; based on libtorrent code. 6. **nzb360**: Free app supporting multiple services; requires initial configuration but allows management of various torrent-related tasks. 7. **Torrnado**: Free app that connects to a computer for remote torrent management; offers a trial version with a paid full version. 8. **TorrDroid**: Free torrent app covering basic features; includes a torrent search function but lacks a pro version for ad removal. 9. **Transdrone**: Free app for managing torrent downloads remotely; useful for controlling seedboxes or home servers. 10. **tTorrent**: Free popular torrent app with comprehensive features, including encryption and a web interface; pro version available at a competitive price.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

I finally became a PowerToys convert years after I should have

PowerToys is a suite of free utilities developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11, originally created for Windows 95. It includes various tools such as: - FancyZones: Custom window layouts for desktop organization. - PowerRename: Bulk renaming of files with advanced capabilities. - Image Resizer: Quick image resizing from File Explorer. - PowerToys Run: Fast application launcher for opening apps, files, and executing commands. - Keyboard Manager: Key remapping and custom shortcut creation. - Color Picker: Identifies and copies color codes from the screen. - Mouse Utilities: Locates mouse pointer and highlights clicks. - Text Extractor: Copies text from images using OCR. - Always On Top: Keeps application windows visible above others. PowerToys Run is highlighted as a favorite feature, allowing users to launch applications and search for files efficiently, with support for plugins. The Workspaces feature helps users manage multiple tasks by defining specific applications and their screen positions. PowerToys integrates seamlessly with Windows, enhancing productivity for both power users and general users.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

5 wallpaper apps to make your Windows desktop fun again

Transforming your Windows desktop can enhance your work environment by replacing the default wallpaper with captivating images. Nature scenes or nostalgic movie posters can evoke relaxation or inspiration. Customization options include rotating backgrounds daily or using animated wallpapers. Five noteworthy wallpaper applications are: 1. Backiee Wallpaper Studio 10: Offers a wide array of free wallpapers across various categories, allowing users to explore popular wallpapers and search by country. 2. Wallpaper Engine: A paid app that provides animated wallpapers with customization options for color scheme and positioning, supporting multi-display setups. 3. Lively Wallpaper: A free, open-source app for animated backgrounds, allowing users to import or create their own wallpapers and compatible with multi-display setups. 4. Desktop Wallpapers Auto Changer: Offers soothing scenic images and a scheduling feature to change wallpapers at user-defined intervals. 5. Wonderwall: A user-friendly app with over 800,000 wallpapers across various categories, simplifying the wallpaper selection process.