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| ITBrief - 4 hours ago (ITBrief)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) One New Zealand is set to move its Auckland Support Office to Wynyard Quarter by late 2025, focusing on sustainability and employee wellbeing. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 hours ago (PC World)TL;DR: Take the leap to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for one of the lowest prices you’ll see — just $22.97 — through July 21.
Running the most up-to-date operating system is one of the best ways to ensure your computer stays secure and you have the best tools to work more effectively. When you have Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, you’ll be set up to reach all of your productivity and security goals. Through 7/21, you can get it for one of the lowest prices you’ll find at just $22.97.
Windows 11 Pro was made with the hybrid working world in mind, replete with productivity features like seamless redocking, snap layouts, widgets, and an array of custom tools to help you work the way you want. It also offers the Copilot AI to assist with research and tedious tasks, as well as a ton of security features to protect your device when you’re working out in public.
Get an OS upgrade for a can’t-miss price. Through 11:59 pm PT on 7/21, you can get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $22.97 (reg. $199).
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $22.97
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 9 hours ago (PC World)TL;DR: During our version of Prime Day, you can get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows for just $34.97 (reg. $499).
Coding is difficult enough. With the right tools, however, complex projects can be made a lot more accessible. That’s where Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows comes in. This leading 64-bit integrated development environment (IDE) is Microsoft’s finest, giving you the tools you need to streamline your coding workflow and collaborate more effectively. During our version of Prime Day, you can get it for more than $450 off.
Microsoft Visual Studio makes it much easier to code cross-platform and in multiple languages in the same central interface. You can save time by completing lines or blocks of code automatically with IntelliCode, and collaborate live with coworkers or colleagues with Live Share. CodeLens gives you deeper insights into your code to debug more effectively, track changes, and more.
Find out why Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows has earned a 4.6/5-star rating from both Capterra and GetApp. During our version of Prime Day, you can get it for just $34.97 (reg. $499).
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows – $29.97
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | - 10 hours ago ()The websites are currently legal in Australia, but many do not have adequate controls preventing them from generating images of children. Read...Newslink ©2024 to | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | Ars Technica - 11 hours ago (Ars Technica)Living cells isolated from juvenile foreskin are flexible enough to grin when moved. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Ars Technica | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 11 hours ago (PC World)If you’re dealing with the aches and pains from sitting in an old office chair and are looking to replace it with a new one, you’ve come to the right place. Staples is currently selling the Hyken Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair for just $90 with the coupon code 94171 (it shaves off an additional $10), plus free shipping. This specific chair is the chair of choice among Reddit’s chair nerd hivemind at r/buildapc, so you know it has serious staying power.
Plus, I happen to own this exact chair model and can confidently vouch its comfort and ergonomics. I’ve been using it for years at this point! Back pain? Sore shoulder? Never heard of them.
Looking for more desk accessories? Check out real PC enthusiasts swear these 24 desk accessories changed their life.
The Union & Scale chair features a mesh back and seat, a swivel-tilt mechanism, and a tension knob that allows you to change the resistance for easy reclining. It’s capable of holding up to 276 pounds and it will require assembly. According to the Reddit wizards (aka commenters), this chair has a good mix of support and comfort, especially if you plan on sitting in it for a long time. I spend an embarrassing amount of time at my desktop computer and rarely do I feel any aches and pains from this chair. If I do feel pain, it’s usually my own doing, as I sit like a pretzel on occasion.
This is an awesome deal, so don’t sleep on it. Get it now before the chance to grab Reddit’s favorite desk chair for a pittance disappears.
Get the Union & Scale Mesh Swivel Task Chair for $90 at Staples
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 11 hours ago (PC World)The Steam Summer Sale is in full swing, and there are deals to be had everywhere you look. But most of them—especially the more popular and more recent games—only have modest discounts at best. I’ve picked out some of my favorites that have the biggest savings.
In no particular order, here are the best Steam Summer Sale deals on the games I personally love and think everyone should check out. Fill up your Steam backlog at a steep discount right now!
1. Fallout 76 — $9.99 (75% off)
Fallout is all the rage at the moment thanks to the Amazon series, but sadly it’s been years since the last mainline game—and it’ll be years more before a new one comes out.
Take this opportunity to get Fallout 76 at a huge discount and dive into the rich lore of this post-apocalyptic world, presented as a prequel to every other Fallout game. The rest of the series is deeply discounted as well, including fan-favorite Fallout: New Vegas.
2. Horizon: Zero Dawn Complete Edition — $12.49 (75% off)
This is one of my all-time favorite games, and the PC version of Horizon: Zero Dawn—with its more precise controls and even prettier graphics—is the best way to experience it.
This package includes the original open-world, robo-dino-hunting game and the excellent Frozen Wilds DLC at an amazing price. If you enjoy this one, you’ll want to move on to the sequel Horizon: Forbidden West… if your PC can handle it.
3. Tunic — $14.99 (50% off)
Tunic is a top-down, Zelda-inspired action-RPG that’s absolutely adorable, animating like a series of kids’ toys come to life. But don’t let the cutesy graphics fool you. With its expansive setting and punishing combat, there’s more than a little Dark Souls flavor to this comely adventure.
4. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut — $3.99 (90% off)
If you want to sink your teeth into a narrative-heavy RPG, you’ll find none deeper than Disco Elysium, which became an instant classic upon release.
Its stunningly original world and neo-noir trappings will suck you in, even as you acquaint yourself with its original take on role-playing and exploration. Make sure you have plenty of free time before you start, as this game will devour it.
5. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor + Shadow of War — $6.99 (90% off)
These games are a bit old now, but they combine Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings setting (albeit a sort of fanfiction version) with the excellent combat of the Batman Arkham games.
Even better, the legendary Nemesis system always gives you dynamic and interesting orcs to fight (and eventually recruit to your own army). Start with Shadow of Mordor, then move on to Shadow of War—this bundle makes them an incredible bargain.
6. Civilization VI — $2.99 (95% off)
What can I say about Civilization VI that hasn’t already been said? Nothing, that’s what. If you have any love for the classics of turn-based empire building, or if you’re just curious to see what all the fuss is about, there’s never been a better time to pick it up.
7. Doom (2016) — $3.99 (80% off)
Doom‘s reimagined reboot from nearly ten years ago arguably kicked off the modern boom of boomer shooters, and it’s easy to see why.
An incredible blend of classic and modern elements makes this a demon-punching joy from start to finish, with super-fast movement, satisfying shooting, and fantastic levels. Play Doom (the slightly less old one) for a taste of a nearly perfect shooter.
8. Dead Cells — $12.49 (50% off)
You got your roguelike in my Metroidvania! Dead Cells is one of those rare indie games that nails just about everything it sets out to do, from its colorful pixel art to its smooth-as-butter platforming to its punishing-yet-satisfying combat.
If you’re looking for a challenge and you’re strung out on 3D soulslikes, give this one a go. It’s an absolute winner.
9. Slay the Spire — $8.49 (66% off)
The one that popularized today’s deluge of digital deck-building games, Slay the Spire mixes simple mechanics and deep strategy with a hearty dose of randomness for maximum engagement.
After a few runs, you’ll start to seek out the card combos and battle techniques that can make the difference between a flub and an epic run. Warning: this one can be seriously addictive!
10. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun — $14.29 (35% off)
The grimdark future of Warhammer 40K and the pixelated perversity of boomer shooters make for a perfect combination, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun proves it.
Step into the chunky size-18 boots of a legendary space marine and rid a beleaguered planet of its demonic infestation. Come for the breathless, non-stop shooting—even if your PC can’t handle the newer Doom games—and stay for the deep lore.
11. Yakuza: Like a Dragon — $11.99 (80% off)
The Yakuza series is legendary for its alternately serious and wacky atmosphere, but its usual beat-em-up combat doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer your role-playing games with turn-based combat, this more recent entry should be more your style.
The surrealist setup of Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes everything wackier in a way that’s charmingly anime, and the new protagonist means you don’t need to have played any of the other Yakuza games to dig in.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 2:15AM (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsClean, simple interfaceEssential protection against malwareLower impact on PC system resourcesConsLess participation in testing performed by independent security organizationsExtremely light on featuresOur VerdictMalwarebytes Premium Security offers a simple, easy-to-use alternative to Windows Security—but don’t expect big bang for your buck. Seasoned security vets may also find the lower amount of available independent performance test results offputting.
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Malwarebytes was once a crucial piece of software—a necessary supplement for your main antivirus scanner. You couldn’t always count on just one program to catch everything, and Malwarebytes rose to prominence as a reliable secondary tool.
But the world has changed since 2010. Now if you run multiple antivirus apps, you could open yourself up to software conflicts or increased risk for system vulnerabilities. One single program is the way to go—and if you’re a newbie to security and prefer a dead simple app, then Malwarebytes’ streamlined, elegant approach can fit the bill.
How much does Malwarebytes Premium Security cost?
As a simple suite, Malwarebytes Premium Security costs $60 per year. New subscribers can sign up for a two-year package to save $9 ($111 total). Unlike most other antivirus vendors, Malwarebytes bills in monthly installments over a 12-month term, rather than charging the total cost upfront.
For its consumer products, the company offers a 14-day trial, and a 60-day money back guarantee.
Single-device plan (3 devices)
$60 per year (billed monthly over a 12-month term)
Malwarebytes’ plan allows you to spread your device allotment over those running Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even ChromeOS.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
If you want to cover more gear, or save a little more cash, you can get licenses for Malwarebytes through third-parties like Amazon and the PCWorld Software store with more flexible terms and at lower rates. However, such plans currently don’t include VPN service, which Malwarebytes added to the subscriptions it sells directly.
What does Malwarebytes Premium Security include?
When you step up from Malwarebytes’ free version to a paid subscription, real-time monitoring for malware, email, web, and select network threats becomes active. (The free plan only scans if you initiate a manual check.) Overall, you’re protected against viruses, ransomware, and other malware, as well as other common attacks like phishing attempts, zero-day exploits on the web and over email, and suspicious apps.
Choosing Malwarebytes Premium Security adds on access to the company’s VPN, which Malwarebytes advertises as a no-log service. As premium upgrades go, this one is simplistic—you don’t get parental controls, a password manager, additional defenses like protected folders, or PC utilities, as you do with a rival like AVG. The company seems to weigh its VPN service as equally valuable to a collection of such antivirus features.
Key features of Malwarebytes Premium Security
Installation and user interface
After you install the app, you’ll see the main dashboard. The interface is incredibly streamlined, with just two tabs on the left navbar—Dashboard and Settings. You can choose between Light, Dark, or matching Windows’ mode.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
Accordingly, you’ll send almost all your time on the Dashboard view, which is divided into three segments. In the larger one, you’ll see a couple of sections blocked out. At the upper left is Security, with Scanner, Detection History, and Real-Time Protection as the three options and their settings:
Scanner lets you run a quick, full, or custom scan, as well as jump directly to related settings. You can also access the scheduled scans to review what’s already set up and create new ones.
Detection History shows quarantined items, the history of events (like detected viruses), and your allow list—items that you’ve approved as safe after initially being flagged by Malwarebytes.
Real-Time Protection is not so much a feature, but an explanation for how Malwarebytes and how it safeguards your PC continuously.
Directly underneath the security section is one for the VPN. It puts the major controls at your fingertips, letting you quickly activate the service and change the location. You can also jump into related settings.
Along the right side is a rating for your PC’s protection level—Malwarebyte’s assessment of how close you are to utilizing the app fully. You can also check on other devices associated with your account.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
Generally, the interface is clean and simple, as are the settings for the app and its features. The only area where you can dig in deeper are the antivirus protection settings—but as Malwarebytes rightly warns, nearly all users are better off leaving the defaults as they are.
One tip: Once the software is installed, head to Settings > Notifications, scroll down to the bottom, and turn off marketing notifications.
Virus, malware, and threat protection
Real-time protection
Malwarebytes Premium Security constantly keeps an eye out for a variety of threats. When you’re opening or adding files, using apps, or browsing the web, it’ll block viruses, ransomware, and other malware like rootkits, along with phishing attempts.
Unlike other rivals, Malwarebytes doesn’t offer a firewall. That job is left to Windows. It also doesn’t offer additional protections against dangers like DNS hijacking and webcam takeovers. As for identity protection, like dark web monitoring and insurance coverage, you must upgrade to the company’s Complete Protection plan, which costs twice as much per year.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
If you want to adjust your real-time scanning settings, you can change what the app screens for and how stringent it is with its filters, as well as how it handles suspicious files. Malwarebytes allows you dig surprisingly deep, though only experts should get into the weeds. The overwhelming majority of users should keep the defaults as they are.
Scheduled and manual scans
At installation, Malwarebytes Premium Security automatically creates a scheduled scan for once per week. It runs whenever your system is idle, which the app calls a “smart scan.” You can edit this default or create additional scheduled scans.
For manual scans, Malwarebytes offers three types. The default is a threat scan, which checks commonly targeted areas of your PC, including things running in memory and at startup, as well as registry changes. Files stored on your PC are also looked over.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
To fire up a quick or custom scan, you must choose Advanced Scan from the three-dot menu for the Scanner on the dashboard. Custom scans let you tweak a handful of settings related to file types and areas of your PC, as well as how to handle potentially unwanted programs and modifications to your system.
Additional features
Browser extension
Malwarebytes offers a Browser Guard extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, but despite being available as a separate free download, it’s still considered a component of the Premium Security suite. After installation, it runs quietly in the background, protecting your browser from malware and scams (including credit card skimming), as well as serving as an adblocker.
VPN
Malwarebytes keeps its controls for its VPN simple rather than restrictive. Firing up the service is quick and fast, as is choosing a location for a server—and Malwarebytes lets you choose a handful of cities within countries outside of the US, more similar to a dedicated VPN.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
You can choose servers in Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Ukraine, USA.
This country list isn’t as large as with some VPN services, but as mentioned above, you can generally choose between two to four cities per country. The exception is the United States, which has 18 cities available, coast to coast.
Speeds held stable when using the VPN during light testing. For US server speeds, Los Angeles (within the same state as PCWorld’s San Francisco location) showed a decrease of about 5 to 7 percent, while New York saw a roughly 26 percent drop.
Customer support
From within the app, you can jump to Malwarebytes’ user guide, support pages, and support tool. You can also use an AI chatbot for answers to your questions, or if you’re signed into your Malwarebytes account, to contact customer support—you’ll get funneled to your choice of email or live chat.
Updates and maintenance
Updates for the app and virus definitions happen automatically in the background, but you can also trigger a check manually. You’ll need to click on the person icon in the upper right of the app window, then choose About Malwarebytes and click on the Check for updates button.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
Performance
While Malwarebytes participates in some independent benchmarking of its software, it has no current results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, two major organizations that test how well antivirus suites can catch threats.
Instead, the company points the curious toward AVLabs’s testing data. During the May 2024 advanced in-the-wild test, Malwarebytes caught all 521 samples—though its detection rate was split between 78.32 percent pre-launch and 21.38 percent post-launch of the samples (that is, before the malware samples could activate versus after). In comparison, rivals Bitdefender and McAfee caught nearly all the samples before they could execute, with 97.98 percent and 99.3 percent pre-launch detection, respectively.
When asked about its participation in independent benchmarks, a representative from Malwarebytes said the company “focuses on third-party testing that is most closely aligned with the needs of customers” and that it works “with the third-party testers that are most relevant to what our customers encounter in today’s threat landscape.”
PCWorld / AVLab
PCWorld / AVLab
PCWorld / AVLab
During hardware performance tests on our budget Acer Aspire 3 test laptop, Malwarebytes lived up to its claims of light impact on PC resources. When left idle in the background, it had virtually no effect on typical tasks, as shown by PCMark 10’s extended benchmark. That test simulates video chatting, web browsing, gaming, image and document editing in free apps like GIMP and LibreOffice, and the like.
If you work instead on Microsoft Office documents, our UL Procyon tests showed a minimal impact on results, with a less than 3 percent difference. Similarly, our Handbrake encoding test only dipped by about 4 percent.
Even running a threat scan continuously during our benchmarks didn’t disturb these numbers much—PCMark 10 slipped by about 7 percent, Procyon by about 14 percent, and Handbrake by about 19 percent. Given how rival antivirus engines from rivals like McAfee and Norton are far greedier about system resources, Malwarebytes does distinguish itself in this regard.
Conclusion
If you dislike complicated interfaces, Malwarebytes Premium Security can be a good fit as an alternative to Windows Security—so long as you don’t mind not getting as much bang for your buck. The app is attractive and clean in its layout, and the settings are clear and straightforward. However, more seasoned security vets may have reason to hesitate on pulling the trigger, due to the relatively low amount of independent testing data available about software performance.
Antivirus Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 2:15AM (PC World)If you’re looking to boost your productivity with an extra screen, especially when you’re on the go, the Arzopa S1 Table Portable Monitor is now just $64 at Amazon, down from $130.
While this price is technically a Prime deal—big savings that are only for Amazon Prime members—non-Prime shoppers can still get this awesome portable laptop monitor for $90.
The Arzopa S1 Table serves as an excellent portable monitor since you can easily slip it into your bag right next to your laptop. Whether you’re multitasking with multiple applications or just need a bigger screen for your spreadsheets, this monitor helps you stay productive.
Featuring a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen, this monitor delivers vibrant colors and crystal-clear image quality. The anti-glare display ensures you can work comfortably even in brightly lit environments, such as under fluorescent lighting or outdoors.
The display’s 60Hz refresh rate isn’t the best for gaming, but it’s all you need for reasonably smooth visuals while working on presentations, streaming videos, or just browsing the web.
This portable monitor is lightweight (1.7 pounds) and slim (0.3 inches thick), so you won’t have any trouble carrying it around.
The Arzopa S1 Table features dual USB-C ports, so it can easily connect to smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles. The mini HDMI port further extends compatibility to most modern laptops, ensuring you have a way to use the monitor with any device.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get this 15.6-inch Arzopa portable monitor for just $64 if you’re a Prime member. If you aren’t one, sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime and you’ll be able to join in on this plus all the upcoming Prime Day deals, too!
This 15.6-inch portable laptop monitor is only $64Get it now at Amazon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 1:55AM (PC World)Microsoft has stopped delivery of June 25th’s KB5039302 update. While the update had some interesting stuff in it, it turns out that it can cause Windows 11 PCs to restart in a continuous loop.
Specifically, Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 11 version 22H2 are affected by this bug. Windows servers are not affected.
Fortunately, KB5039302 isn’t installed on all Windows 11 computers because it’s an optional update. (It’s a preview of the standard update for all Windows 11 machines that will be released on Patchday in July 2024.)
In other words, KB5039302 will only be on your Windows 11 computer if you explicitly installed it.
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Microsoft wrote the following:
After installing updates released on 26 June 2024 (KB5039302), some devices may not restart. Affected systems may restart repeatedly and require recovery operations to restore normal use.
The Redmond software company continues:
This issue is more likely to affect devices that use virtual machine tools and nested virtualization features, such as CloudPC, DevBox, Azure Virtual Desktop. We are investigating to determine the exact conditions under which this issue may be triggered. Windows Home Edition users are less likely to experience this issue as virtualization is less prevalent in private environments.
And further:
While our investigation is ongoing, this update is not being offered through Windows Update and Windows Update for Business. For this reason, this update may not be offered for your device at this time.
Microsoft is working on a solution to the problem and plans to release it with one of the upcoming updates.
What to do if you’re stuck restarting
If you’ve installed the update on your computer and it enters the never-ending reboot loop, you’ll have to wait until Windows 11 begins the Windows 11 recovery environment by itself.
When it does, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Uninstall Updates, and finally click on Uninstall latest quality update. Then confirm removal of the update.
It will take some time for KB5039302 to be removed. Once it’s done, restart your computer and it should work properly again.
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