virus scanning Archives

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Free Antivirus for Android: Best Apps to Protect Your Smartphone

Smartphones are integral to daily life, storing emails, banking apps, and social media. The Android operating system is vulnerable to threats like viruses and ransomware. Free Android antivirus tools offer basic protection but have limitations compared to paid versions. Free antivirus solutions focus on malware scanning and threat detection. Bitdefender Mobile Security (Free Version) provides lightweight background operation, real-time scanning, and web protection but lacks anti-theft and VPN features. Norton Mobile Security (Free Tier) offers essential malware scanning, with advanced features available in premium subscriptions. Avast Mobile Security (Free) includes virus scanning, malware protection, and anti-theft tools, allowing users to lock apps and protect against malicious websites. AVG AntiVirus (Free) offers virus, malware, and spyware scanning, real-time updates, and a "Photo Vault" for securing images. Kaspersky Mobile Security (Free) provides basic virus protection and ranks high in malware detection, with additional features available in paid plans. Free antivirus tools detect malware and monitor real-time system activity, alerting users to phishing sites. They may scan files transferred via USB or Bluetooth and offer limited VPN services. Limitations of free antivirus include the absence of advanced features like unlimited VPN, application locking, and anti-theft capabilities. Many rely on ads for revenue, which can disrupt user experience. Choosing the right antivirus depends on usage habits and security concerns. Running multiple antivirus apps can cause conflicts and hinder performance. Upgrading to premium versions may be necessary for comprehensive protection, especially for sensitive tasks. User behavior is crucial for security; regularly updating the OS and applications, using strong passwords, and considering two-factor authentication can enhance protection. Free antivirus apps offer core threat protection but lack advanced features. Most are lightweight, with minimal impact on performance. Regular scans are recommended, and reputable sources should be used for downloads. Free antivirus apps can warn about phishing attempts but cannot eliminate the risk entirely. A built-in VPN is not essential for basic protection but is advisable for public Wi-Fi use.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

Federal Circuit Finds that Antivirus Software is Abstract and Remands for Alice, Step Two

Columbia University faced a setback in its patent dispute with Gen Digital Inc. regarding U.S. Patents 8,074,115 and 8,601,322, which relate to an innovative virus detection method developed in the early 2000s. The method involved evaluating the behavior of suspicious code using an emulator and a model of expected behavior derived from data across interconnected computers. Columbia initiated legal proceedings in 2013, and after various developments, a jury awarded Columbia over million in royalties for willful infringement in 2022. However, the Federal Circuit ruled that the patent claims were not sufficiently specific and remanded the case for further examination of whether the claims could constitute an inventive concept. The ruling emphasized that patent eligibility is determined by the precise language of the claims.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Tech Optimizer

March 13, 2026

Norton 360 Hits One of Its Lowest Prices Ever

Norton 360 is currently offering a significant promotional discount, attracting consumers who may not typically engage with security software. The software has evolved from basic antivirus tools to comprehensive security bundles, addressing the needs of households with multiple connected devices. It includes features such as real-time malware detection, scam protection, a secure VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and parental controls, all housed within a single dashboard. The scam detection system evaluates suspicious links and websites to prevent users from entering credentials on fraudulent sites. Norton 360 is particularly beneficial for individuals managing multiple devices, remote workers, families, and frequent travelers. The current discount is noteworthy due to increased competition in the cybersecurity industry, making the bundled offering more cost-effective than purchasing individual tools separately.

Tech Optimizer

March 11, 2026

CAFC Reverses District Court’s Finding of Eligibility for Columbia Antivirus Software Claims

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) reversed a district court's judgment that had deemed Columbia University's patent claims eligible for protection in the case of The Trustees of Columbia University of the City of New York v. Gen Digital Inc. The CAFC concluded that Columbia's claims, related to virus protection, were directed toward an abstract idea and did not introduce a novel method or enhance existing methodologies. The court vacated a contempt order against the defendant’s legal team, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, determining that the district court's Disclosure Order regarding potential conflicts of interest was invalid. The CAFC also indicated that one argument from Columbia regarding the "model of function calls" should be examined upon remand, as it may constitute an inventive concept. The court upheld the district court's interpretation of the "emulator" and denied judgment as a matter of law for Norton regarding willful infringement, while reversing the enhanced damages award and instructing a reassessment of attorneys’ fees.