VPN Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

I’ve found the best antivirus software to protect your PC in 2026

The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Windows 11 includes Microsoft's built-in Defender, but its security measures are basic. Effective antivirus solutions provide comprehensive threat analysis, advanced malware protection, and additional privacy features such as VPNs and password managers. No antivirus can protect against every threat, so users should download applications from trusted sources and use strong, unique passwords. The best antivirus apps for 2026 include: - Bitdefender Total Security: £42.49 for the first year, rated 5/5, includes a limited VPN, offers multi-device coverage, excellent malware detection, and built-in tools for phishing and ransomware protection. - Malwarebytes Plus: £29.99 annually for the basic package, rated 4/5, includes a VPN in the 'plus' bundle costing £49.99, focuses on malware removal and identity protection features. - McAfee Premium: Rated 4/5, includes unlimited VPN, compatible with various platforms, offers a firewall, ransomware protection, and AI-powered scam detection. - F-Secure Total: Rated 4/5, includes a password manager and deep scanning capabilities, but the basic plan covers only a single device. - Sophos Home Premium: Rated 4/5, allows coverage for up to ten devices under one subscription, features real-time scanning and parental controls, but does not include a password manager. Most antivirus applications offer free trials. The testing involved installing each application on a Windows 11 PC and conducting scans, while also reviewing reports from independent security testing labs.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

Bitdefender partners Digimune to sell consumer security

Bitdefender has partnered with Digimune Australia to allow Digimune to distribute Bitdefender's consumer cybersecurity products in Australia. This partnership aims to improve access to cybersecurity solutions amid rising threats like scams and ransomware. The products available through Digimune include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Premium, Bitdefender Mobile Security, and Bitdefender Premium VPN, which support various platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The collaboration focuses on household consumers, providing local support and simplifying the purchasing process for multi-device subscriptions. The partnership also addresses the growing competition in the Australian consumer security sector and aims to meet the demands for protection against various digital threats.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

Best Antivirus Software August 2026: I Tested the Top 5

The top five antivirus software packages for 2026 are: 1. Norton 360: - Best overall antivirus software. - First-year pricing: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus. - Features: Fastest scanner, uncapped VPN, robust firewall, 50 GB cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and a refund guarantee. - Detection rate: 99.8% with three false alarms. - Scan times: Quick scan in 58 seconds, full scan in 13 minutes and 22 seconds. - Renewal prices: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus. 2. Bitdefender: - Best value and lightest on system resources. - First-year pricing: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family. - Features: Advanced Threat Defense, multi-layer ransomware remediation, Safepay banking browser. - Detection rate: 99.8% with five false alarms. - Scan times: Quick scan in 1 minute and 4 seconds, full scan in 14 minutes and 3 seconds. - Renewal prices: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family. 3. Avast One: - Best free antivirus and ideal for gamers. - Free tier available; paid options start at .99 for the first year. - Features: Modular features allowing users to activate only what they need. 4. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro: - Best antivirus and VPN in one. - Pricing starts at .49 per month on the Complete plan. 5. McAfee+: - Best for unlimited devices and mobile. - First-year pricing: .99 for unlimited devices. - Features: Top-notch mobile applications. Overall rankings are based on independent lab results, system impact, bundled features, two-year cost, and customer support. Norton 360 is rated 4.8/5, and Bitdefender is rated 4.7/5.

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2026

Meet the antivirus software that covers more than just viruses

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an award-winning security suite for Windows PCs that provides continuous system monitoring and real-time threat detection, effectively blocking viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and spyware. A one-year subscription includes features such as Advanced Threat Defense, anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, ransomware defense, network threat prevention, a vulnerability scanner, anti-tracking tools, and Safepay for secure online transactions. It also offers a built-in VPN with 200MB of encrypted traffic daily. The subscription is available for both new and existing users in Canada and the United States. The current price for a one-year subscription is CAD, reduced from its original price of CAD.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

VPN provider built a script to block Microsoft’s hidden GDID tracking on Windows — Windscribe’s “deGDID” erases existing identifiers and blocks new ones from being created

Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) was instrumental in the FBI's arrest of an alleged hacker, raising privacy concerns among advocates. In response, Windscribe launched an open-source project called "deGDID," which removes the GDID from users' PCs but may disrupt certain Microsoft cloud services. The deGDID script can be executed via PowerShell and includes three execution flags: –Status (checks if GDID is active), –Status –Redact (logs with GDID redacted), and –Protect (removes GDID and prevents new identifiers). Users have reported effective functioning of the script, though it can cause issues with Microsoft applications. Windscribe notes that deGDID is a research project that will evolve, but it may not eliminate all GDID instances, and Microsoft retains access to previous keys.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Private Internet Access now lets you ditch Google as it brings its VPN app to F-Droid

Private Internet Access (PIA) has launched its VPN application for Android on F-Droid, a platform known for privacy and open-source software. This allows users to download the VPN without sideloading, simplifying the installation process and reinforcing PIA's commitment to transparency. The F-Droid platform provides a catalog of free and open-source Android applications, ensuring that apps are compiled from public source code by volunteers, which helps eliminate concerns about tampering. The introduction of PIA's app on F-Droid allows users to install the VPN easily while prioritizing their privacy. F-Droid operates under a model emphasizing user trust and community engagement, with strict privacy policies in place. This collaboration enhances PIA's accessibility and solidifies its position in the open-source VPN market.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

“Control Panel gets tricky” Microsoft CVP explains why killing Windows legacy code takes so long, and how it’s evolving its tools to make modernizing apps like File Explorer and Registry Editor faster

Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Design and Research for Windows and Devices, discussed the company's efforts to refine the user interface of Windows 11, focusing on modernizing the Control Panel. This initiative began with Windows 8 over 13 years ago and is still ongoing.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Meet deGDID: Windscribe’s answer to the Windows tracker that VPNs cannot mask

Windscribe has introduced deGDID, a tool aimed at countering the Global Device Identifier (GDID), a Windows tracking mechanism that can trace user activities despite VPN usage. The GDID is a persistent identifier assigned to individual Windows installations, remaining unchanged through updates but reset during a clean reinstallation. It can link telemetry data and browsing history to a specific device, allowing Microsoft to track users across different sessions. deGDID works by modifying the hosts file and implementing firewall rules to prevent Windows from retrieving the GDID and to erase local identity artifacts. Users can download and execute the degdid.ps1 script from GitHub in PowerShell, which includes options for checking status, blocking the GDID, and reversing changes. The tool is not designed for corporate machines and may disrupt access to services like Xbox and Outlook due to its firewall rules. Windscribe warns that it cannot guarantee the complete eradication of GDID pathways or existing records held by Microsoft.

Tech Optimizer

August 3, 2026

How to Turn Off McAfee

McAfee provides various cybersecurity features, including real-time antivirus protection, firewalls, VPNs, and browser extensions. Users can adjust settings based on their device. To pause real-time scanning on Windows, open the McAfee app, click on My Protection Widgets, select Real-Time Scanning, and turn it off. For Mac, click the McAfee icon in the menu bar, access the product console, and turn off Real-Time Scanning. To shut down the Advanced Firewall, open the McAfee app, select Advanced Firewall, and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the McAfee app and using the Turn off control. To turn off Secure VPN, open the app, find the Secure VPN tile, and toggle it off. For disabling McAfee WebAdvisor in browsers, users should manage extensions in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. To stop notifications and alerts, users can adjust settings in Windows and various browsers. Uninstalling McAfee involves navigating through the device's settings, and to stop renewal billing, users must log in to their McAfee account and disable auto-renewal. Users should be aware of older and managed-device guides and how to stop notifications on mobile devices. Disabling features does not uninstall McAfee, and turning off auto-renewal does not remove the application from the device.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Microsoft Ended Windows 10 Support, but You Don’t Necessarily Need a New PC

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, which means it will no longer receive technical assistance, feature updates, or security patches. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which has been extended to October 2027, allowing users to continue receiving essential security updates if their device meets specific criteria. Eligibility for ESU includes running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, having the latest Windows update installed, being signed in with an administrator Microsoft account, and enabling Windows Backup. ESU is free for users utilizing Windows Backup; otherwise, a one-time fee or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is required. For devices not qualifying for ESU, alternatives include installing third-party antivirus software, upgrading to Windows 11, or switching to Linux. To enroll in ESU, users can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where an Enroll Now link will appear if eligible.