Microsoft's Window Defender engineering team has finally found the time to address a long term bug within its anti-malware software - relating to performance issues with Mozilla's Firefox web browser. User feedback stretching back to five years ago indicates extremely sluggish web surfing experiences, caused by a Windows "Anti-malware Service Executable" occupying significant chunks of CPU utilization (more than 30%). The combination of Firefox and Windows Defender running in parallel would guarantee a butting of (software) heads - up until last week's bug fix. A Microsoft issued update has reduced the "MsMpEng.exe" Defender component's CPU usage by a maximum of 75%.

Microsoft and Mozilla developers have collaborated on addressing the disharmonious relationship between Defender and Firefox. A plucky member of the latter's softwareengineering team has been very transparent about the sluggish browser experience. Yannis Juglaret has provided a string of project updates via Mozilla's Bugzilla tracking system - one of his latest entries provide details about the fix: "You may read online that Defender was making too many calls to VirtualProtect, and that global CPU usage will now go down by 75% when browsing with Firefox. This is absolutely wrong! The impact of this fix is that on all computers that rely on Microsoft Defender's Real-time Protection feature (which is enabled by default in Windows), MsMpEng.exe will consume much less CPU than before when monitoring the dynamic behavior of any program through Event Tracing for Windows (ETW). Nothing less, nothing more."

Despite Microsoft ending Windows 7 support on January the 14th and declaring it End-Of-Life (EOL), most of the antivirus providers are still providing their services to Windows 7 users. With a large portion of the users unable to switch to the newer and supported OS versions like Windows 10, antivirus providers see a good opportunity to gain new customers that want to protect their PCs from the possible threats. Thanks to the AV-Test report we have a list of antivirus providers that are going to support Windows 7, and it includes all of the big players with a plan to support their software on Windows 7 until 2022. So some of the Windows 7 users unable to upgrade to the newer OS are going to be at least semi-protected against possible vulnerabilities, with exception of course for those found in OS level.

When it comes to the number one source of the threats, the browser, there is some good news there as well. Google plans to support its Chrome browser to at least July 2021, while Mozilla declared no official information about their support plans, however, if they behave as they did with Windows XP and its support ending, your Firefox browser will likely get some more mileage out of it.

KeysWorlds began 2020 with a bang offering the lowest possible prices on genuine, globally-valid software your PC can't do without, such as genuine Windows 10, Office 2019 (and 2016), and leading PC security software from the likes of Kaspersky and Trend Micro. You'll be happy to know that KeysWorlds has extended its sale, and its introductory prices are still in effect! This would be a great time to upgrade your Windows 7 machine to Windows 10 Pro at just $9.95 with a TechPowerUp-exclusive discount; buy twin-packs of Windows 10 Pro for less than the sum of the whole; pick up Office 2019 Professional Plus for less than your annual Office 365 license, or benefit from Windows+Office bundles for new PC builders. KeysWorlds only sells genuine software licenses, and uses PayPal payment gateway to secure both your purchase and your payment instrument.

Apply the coupon-code KWNY35 on the items below to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Windows 10 Pro for $9.95 | Buy Windows 10 Home for $10.66 | Buy Windows 10 Pro Twin-Pack for $16.35 | Buy Office 2016 Professional Plus for $23.46 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus for $44.08 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2016 Professional Bundle for $27.73 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Bundle for $49.77

Apply the coupon KWNY25 on the following items for the prices you see here.
Buy Kaspersky Antivirus 1-PC 1-year for $19.69 | Buy Kaspersky Internet Security 1-PC 1-year for $21.32 | Buy McAfee Antivirus 1-PC 1-year for $13.12 | Buy McAfee Internet Security 1-PC 1-year for $14.67 | Buy Trend Micro Maximum Security 3-PC 1-year for $9.84

BZFuture is a small-business focused discount genuine software digital retailer with an irresistible Black Friday deal: pick up the Antivirus or Security Software Suite of your choice, and get a lifetime-valid Windows 10 Pro license for free. This is a boon for small businesses especially, as they can not only renew the annual licenses of their preferred security software, but also freely upgrade any Windows 7-powered machines they may have over to Windows 10 Pro. That's not all, the security software on sale is going for half the prevalent prices. All big popular security software brands are covered, including Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET, Avira, and McAfee. Don't need security software at this time? No worries, browse through other useful system software on offer, such as AOMEI, Flexepin, etc., and get your Windows 10 Pro license as well. Two popular deals are recommended below.

Buy McAfee Antivirus 1-PC, 1-year + Windows 10 Pro from BZFuture for $10.96 | Buy Kaspersky Internet Security 1-PC, 1-year + Windows 10 Pro from BZFuture for $23.24 | Check Out Other Stunning Deals

BZFuture is a new deep-discount software company that lets you save big on renewals of your PC's premium security software from big brands, such as Kasperky, McAfee, ESET, Avira, and BitDefender. With the BZFuture Autumn 2019 Sale, enjoy discounts of up to 60% over prices quoted by these vendors for 1-year per-PC licenses to premium security software suites that include not just antivirus and anti-spyware protection, but also must-haves such as anti-spam, firewall, and anti-ransomware. BZFuture wishes to particularly recommend McAfee Antivirus for USD $11.02, and Kaspersky Internet Security for $18.20.

But why stop at renewing your antivirus? Still on Windows 7 or know someone dear who still is? BZFuture is bundling a genuine, globally-valid Windows 10 Pro permanent OEM license with all of its security software products! BZFuture operates globally, and accepts payments via reputed gateways such as PayPal, so your payment instruments stay secure. The store is also emerging as a great place to buy well-priced gaming peripherals. BZFuture in particular would like to recommend the MotoSpeed CK80, a full 104-key mechanical gaming keyboard with RGB LED lighting and Outemu Gold switches (comparable to Cherry MX Blue), for just $69.46, shipped for free worldwide. Slash 10% off the price of this keyboard with the coupon-code "Techpowerup" at checkout!

Buy McAfee Antivirus 1 PC 1-year + Windows 10 Pro for $11.02 | Kaspersky Internet Security 1 PC 1-year + Windows 10 Pro for $18.20 | Buy MotoSpeed CK80 Gaming Keyboard for $62.51

You probably have heard about security giant Kaspersky having previously fired some shots (figurative ones, which translated into a very real antitrust complaint recently) towards Microsoft. The gist of the issue stands on Windows' handling of third party security software suites, with Windows sometimes removing those suits' installations on basis of "incompatibility" with more recent Windows versions. Other points of conflict mention the coloring in Windows Defender, where a user's security status appears as "not green", which leads customers towards believing that even though their systems have a third party security software installed, only Windows Defender can really and fully protect them (which is visually conveyed by the Window adopting a green coloring when customers select to activate Windows Defender.)

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the release of McAfee Antivirus for Turbo NAS systems. Available now with a limited-time special offer, QNAP users can protect their data using a world-leading antivirus solution that stays up-to-date with the latest virus definitions and can also heal infected files.

The threat of a virus infecting and corrupting data is a real and all too often harsh reality for both businesses and home users alike. With a subscription to McAfee Antivirus, QNAP users can ensure their data stays protected from viruses, heal currently-infected files and receive the latest definitions to combat present & future virus threats.

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced the release of the ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) 2.1 Beta Program for all of its NAS devices (2, 3, and 6 Series). All ASUSTOR users are welcome to download the beta firmware from the official ASUSTOR website and experience all the brand new features firsthand.

The ADM 2.1 Beta Version expands the core functionality of the system and includes newly expanded support for Bluetooth devices along with MyArchive, an exclusive new storage technology developed by ASUSTOR. Furthermore, a number of in-house developed Apps have been added to ASUSTOR's App lineup that are sure to please both business and home users alike.

Great news NAS lovers, a new high-value 7-bay NAS is now available on the market! Thecus put their hands together and added a new tower to the Vision series. Equipped with an Intel Atom processor, 2 GB of DDR3 RAM, HDMI output and offering incomparable data protection with the McAfee antivirus, this NAS will offer lots of power and lots of storage capacity without spending lots of money. With the 2-bay N2800, 4-bay N4800 and N4510U and the 5-bay N5550, the 7-bay N7510 completes the Vision series of Intel Atom NAS from Thecus.

The new ThecusOS 5.0 has been released! This means that users will be able access more innovative functions with their Thecus NAS. Dedicated Thecus users know that Thecus NAS utilizes the best and most up-to-date hardware. The new ThecusOS 5.0 is the key piece that will unlock the most efficient and advanced NAS on the market. Ultimately, Thecus is a well-known innovator in the storage industry and ThecusOS 5.0 sets higher limits.

McAfee AntiVirus protects Thecus NAS, giving users the security and confidence while managing sensitive data. NAS protection is seldom looked into; however it's important to have a reliable antivirus fully operating on a NAS, as it is to back up digital data. The predicament whether essential data is safe or not is a serious note. In fact, if your NAS is not protected, the information inside aren't as well. Ultimately, Thecus NAS are outfitted with McAfee AntiVirus module to offer the most secure NAS on the market.

The annual event is approaching, computer gurus, enthusiasts and novices all alike prepare anxiously to cover the grounds of Computex 2012. Attendees seek for the most innovative technology available and exhibitors are kept on their toes to present eye-catching IT hardware and software. The time has come Computex 2012 is set for June 5th - 9th at Nangang Exhibition Hall, Taiwan. Visit Thecus at booth K0510 as new hardware and software will be presented to the public.

Thecus proudly exhibits:

• ThecusOS 5.0
• McAfee Antivirus
• TopTower Series
• Microsoft Windows Storage Servers: W Series
• V Series (Microsoft Windows 2008R2 Certified)
• Home & Small Office: Vision & EVO Series
• Thecus NVR, Visoguard

I-O Data launched its EasyDisk V Series (ED-SV3 / C) USB flash drives which, apart from storing your data, come with portable versions of TrendMicro Antivirus. The drives are available in 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 GB capacities, with 1 year (warranty + antivirus updates), 2 year, and 3 year support sub-variants. Measuring 23.5 x 58.6 x 8.8 mm, and weighing about 11 g, the drives are built in the cap-less slider form-factor. The drives only use legacy USB 2.0 HiSpeed interface. Prices start at 9300 JPY (US $117), and vary by capacity and support period.

VirusScan, otherwise known as McAfee Antivirus is the best safeguard measure to minimize and prevent virus attacks. With Thecus VirusScan module, users can rest assure that their vital data is protected with advanced features to eliminate possible threats. Thecus NAS now comes with free McAfee VirusScan module for maximum data security.

McAfee is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation and is the world's largest dedicated security company, offering industry-leading, award-winning product which is a reason why Thecus decided to partner with them.

Buffalo Technology rolled out the HDS-PXVU2 line of portable hard drives. Available in 320 GB, 500 GB, and 1 TB capacities, the HDS-PXVU2 offers built-in Trend Micro antivirus protection that keeps viruses and malware off its file-system. It also features a data-encryption software to protect confidential data. To protect the drive itself, a 16-point shock-absorbing mechanism is in place. The drive measures 90 x 20 x 134 mm, weighing 300g. It connects to the PC over USB 2.0, the cable is wound around the drive. An automatic data sync/backup software, along with the ecoManager power-saving software is also bundled. The 320 GB, 500 GB, and 1 TB variants are priced at ¥15,700 (US $192); ¥20,000 ($245); and ¥28,500 ($349), respectively.

Intel Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire McAfee, Inc., through the purchase of all of the company's common stock at $48 per share in cash, for approximately $7.68 billion. Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close after McAfee shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions specified in the agreement.

The acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing. Today's security approach does not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and ATM machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats. Providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, recently announced its alliance with Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in Internet content security, to offer advanced Trend Micro USB Security software preloaded on its newest USB flash drive, the JetFlash V15. With this powerful combination of Transcend hardware and industry-leading Trend Micro software, users can now share, store and manage valuable data more safely and securely than ever.

Trend Micro USB Security is a unique software program specially developed to protect against malicious content in files transferred to USB Flash Drives. With its easy-to-use interface and simple one-step activation process, Trend Micro USB Security protects the JetFlash V85 from the first moment it is connected. Upon finding threats, the software will alert the user and move all dangerous files to a hidden quarantine folder. Additionally, when the JetFlash V85 is plugged into a computer with Internet access, Trend Micro USB Security will automatically download and install the latest security updates directly onto the drive. Thanks to its powerful Trend Micro USB Security built-in software, Transcend's JetFlash V85 AntiVirus USB Flash Drive can freely be used in any computer with no danger of malicious data hitching a ride while transferring files.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced its alliance with Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in Internet content security, to offer advanced Trend Micro USB Security software preloaded on its newest USB flash drive, the JetFlash V15. With this powerful combination of Transcend hardware and industry-leading Trend Micro software, users can now share, store and manage valuable data more safely and securely than ever.

To combat against a rise in Autorun malware that infect removable drives and then spread across corporate networks that Trend Micro threat researchers discovered last year, a unique software program called Trend Micro USB Security was developed specifically to protect against malicious content in files transferred to a USB flash drive. With its easy-to-use interface and simple one-step activation process, Trend Micro USB Security protects the JetFlash V15 from the first moment it is plugged in. If threats are discovered, users will be alerted and all infected files will be quarantined.

We all know that Windows Explorer can be a bit of a nuisance from time to time, but classifying it as malware is a little extreme. However, that's just what an update for Kaspersky Lab's antivirus did earlier this week, resulting in explorer.exe being quarantined or, in extreme cases, deleted. The update, which was released at around 7:00pm on Wednesday, was only active for about two hours before Kaspersky became aware of the issue and withdrew it to limit the damaged it caused. David Emm, a senior technology consultant at Kaspersky, gave the following statement:

This is classic false-alarm territory. We will check through our systems and see if we can tighten them up so we don't run into this problem in the future. No antivirus company, including ourselves, can say they have never had a false alarm [but], on all fronts, we do what we can to minimise any potential risk for our customers.

Fortunately only one corporate customer and a handful of home users have reported being affected by this problem.

Is the software we're using to protect ourselves from online attacks becoming a liability? That's what Thierry Zoller believes. For the past two years, the security engineer for n.runs AG has taken a close look at the way antivirus software inspects e-mail traffic, and he thinks companies that try to improve security by checking data with more than one antivirus engine may actually be making things worse. Why? Because bugs in the "parser" software used to examine different file formats can easily be exploited by attackers, so increasing your use of antivirus software increases the chances that you could be successfully attacked. Antivirus software must open and inspect data in hundreds, if not thousands, of file formats. One bug in the software that does this can lead to a serious security breach.