IObit released Advanced SystemCare 19 back in October, and it's now launching Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18. The version numbers may look out of order, but that's because the two products are actually quite different. While Advanced SystemCare 19 focuses on cleanup and performance, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 includes full antivirus protection.

The biggest addition to the new software is Safe Folder, a feature that allows users to place sensitive files behind a protective barrier. This folder blocks unauthorized access, which includes potential ransomware attempts. The antivirus database has also been expanded and targets a broader mix of malware to reduce the number of threats that reach a system.

Windows 11 remains familiar territory for many users, but it continues to frustrate those dealing with sluggish performance and high system demands on older machines. Frequent updates often fix some problems while introducing others, leaving users searching for an alternative. For those ready to move away from Windows, there's Nitrux Linux 5.

After a long wait, the latest version of the Debian-based Linux distribution has arrived, bringing with it a wealth of changes and improvements. Top of the list is the Hyprland desktop which replaces KDE Plasma.

Stardock has launched a new application for Windows called Connection Explorer, a beta tool designed to reveal and visualize every network connection made by a PC. Aimed at improving data transparency, it allows users to monitor, understand, and control how their devices communicate online.

The software maps out every connection a computer makes, transforming complex background activity into a readable visual interface. Stardock says the goal is to give users direct insight into how data flows between their systems and the internet, removing the guesswork from identifying unfamiliar or unwanted activity.

Every so often, we get hints about Windows 12, but Microsoft has yet to announce it. Now that the tech giant is only officially supporting one Windows OS, perhaps that will change.

But as 2025 draws to a close, and with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to look forward to fresh beginnings and groundbreaking innovations. It’s time for a new Microsoft operating system. Let me introduce you to Windows 26.

Other World Computing has added two new products to its Thunderbolt 5 lineup with the launch of the OWC Mercury Helios 5S and OWC StudioStack. Both devices are designed to provide professionals with faster data transfer, expanded connectivity, and flexible upgrade options across Mac and PC.

SEE ALSO: OWC's latest portable SSD offers up to 8TB in a palm-sized design

Avast has introduced Scam Guardian and Scam Guardian Pro for mobile devices, expanding its AI-driven scam protection from desktop to smartphones and tablets. The new tools, part of Avast Mobile Security and Avast Premium Mobile Security, aim to address the rising wave of scam and social engineering attacks on mobile platforms.

Avast, part of Gen, said that over 80 percent of mobile threats blocked by Gen Threat Labs this year were scams. In fact, on average, four mobile scam attempts are stopped every second. Scam Guardian and its Pro version extend Avast's existing protection ecosystem to mobile users on Android and iOS.

A new compliance report shows a sharp rise in financial institutions capturing ChatGPT communications. Global Relay’s Communication Capture Trends Report 2025 found a 3,000 percent increase in the number of firms recording ChatGPT data compared with a year ago.

The report analyzed data from more than 12,000 financial institutions and over 200 communication channels to see how firms are adapting to changing workforces and the introduction of new communication tools.

GitLab has published new findings highlighting what it calls the “AI Paradox,” whereby artificial intelligence is speeding up coding but introducing new productivity barriers as a result. The company’s 2025 Global DevSecOps Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, surveyed 3,266 professionals working in software development, IT operations, and security. The results suggest that while teams deploy faster than ever, they are losing time to inefficiencies that AI alone cannot fix.

According to the study, DevSecOps professionals lose about seven hours per week to inefficient processes. The main causes include fragmented toolchains and collaboration gaps between teams.

MX Linux 25 “Infinity” has been released and offers a major update for the Debian-based distribution known for stability and usability. The cooperative project between the antiX and former MEPIS communities offers editions based on Xfce, KDE Plasma, and Fluxbox desktops and is built on Debian 13 “Trixie” with MX’s repositories included.

All core releases now include systemd by default, a shift from the project’s long history with sysVinit. Any users who prefer the older initialization system can still download alternative sysVinit editions. The developers say this change improves compatibility with modern Debian packages and simplifies maintenance going forward.

Fitnexa has announced SomniPods 3 ultra-light earbuds developed for sleep use. They combine active noise canceling, sleep tracking, and app-based analysis to help users monitor and adjust their sleep patterns.

SomniPods 3 features a dual-microphone hybrid active noise canceling system designed to reduce external noise by up to 42dB in Fitnexa-tested conditions. The feedforward and feedback microphones detect and counter background sounds through reverse sound waves, cutting disturbances from snoring or low-frequency hums.

Viwoods has introduced the AiPaper Reader, a 138g Android 16-powered e-reader that adds on-page AI assistance. The compact device lets readers verify terms, translate passages, or summarize figures directly within text. Viwoods thinks this will be of particular use to professional and academic users who read for long stretches or while traveling.

AiPaper Reader keeps answers beside the text rather than diverting users to another app or browser. Its 6.13-inch 300ppi E Ink Carta 1300 display features a low-reflectance layer and adjustable front light for comfortable reading in different environments.

Enhancv has released a new study challenging the long-standing myth that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or AI automatically reject most resumes before a human review. According to its interviews with 25 U.S. recruiters and HR professionals, 92 percent said their systems do not auto-reject resumes based on formatting or content.

Instead, recruiters point to overwhelming application volume and the timing of submissions as the real reasons many candidates never make it as far as the interview stage.

Ookla has unveiled Speedtest Pulse, a new diagnostic device aimed at solving the long-standing “Wi-Fi blame game.” The technology is designed to help ISPs and enterprise IT teams accurately identify whether connectivity issues stem from the network, the router, or the device itself.

Speedtest Pulse is described as a smartphone-based tool that puts two decades of Ookla’s connectivity expertise into the hands of field technicians.

Tuxedo designs and builds Linux computers. The InfinityBook Max 15 is the German firm’s newest Linux laptop, and it arrives with Wayland as the standard graphics system, even on models that use Nvidia GPUs.

The new laptop is the company’s third model to use Wayland by default, following the Polaris 15 Gen5 and Gemini 17 Gen3, which both faced issues running X11 under Ubuntu and Tuxedo OS.

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 last month, leaving most systems without regular updates. For users in the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, the software giant offers free Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) patches to keep PCs protected. Unfortunately, for many who qualify, the ESU registration option doesn’t appear in Windows Update.

The missing registration prompt issue is typically the result of incomplete system updates, disabled Windows services, or files required for the registration process going AWOL. If your Windows 10 installation isn't fully up to date or certain services aren't running, the ESU registration won't automatically appear.