Te Pati Maori boss John Tamihere was unflinching at the praty’s annual general meeting, even as his leadership was called into question. Read...

Nvidia is reactivating a feature that many of you may have already written off: The new Game Ready driver 591.44 brings back PhysX support for selected older games. For owners of a GeForce RTX 50 graphics card, this is a very relevant change — especially if you enjoy playing classic games with elaborate physics effects. Why PhysX is important – and why it was removed PhysX has been a mainstay in PC gaming for many years, creating realistic effects for fabrics, smoke and particles in titles such as “Borderlands 2” and “Batman: Arkham City.” But Nvidia cancelled PhysX support at the beginning of 2025: New RTX-50 series graphics cards could no longer accelerate PhysX calculations in 32-bit games via GPU. As a result, the calculations landed entirely on the CPU — with significant performance losses compared to prior generation GeForce cards. Some gamers reacted with a hilarious, yet totally functional workaround: They plugged an older Nvidia card into their computer just to be able to continue using PhysX effects. Driver 591.44: PhysX returns – but only for select games With the current driver, there is now a turnaround. Nvidia is introducing a so-called “Custom Support” level. This is not a complete return of the old 32-bit support, but rather individually created profiles for a hand-picked selection of particularly popular PhysX titles. These nine games now benefit from GPU acceleration again: Alice: Madness Returns Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Batman: Arkham City Batman: Arkham Origins Borderlands 2 Mafia II Metro 2033 Metro: Last Light Mirror’s Edge Nvidia has announced additional support for “Batman: Arkham Asylum” for the first half of 2026. Whether other games will follow remains to be seen. Nvidia writes that it has initially focused on the most popular classics that are still frequently played today. PhysX technology originally comes from Ageia, which developed its own physics processor unit (PPU) around 20 years ago. Nvidia took over Ageia in 2008 and integrated PhysX calculations directly into the CUDA cores of its own GeForce graphics cards. This made the additional PPU card superfluous, but also tied the effects firmly to Nvidia hardware. Driver also brings optimizations and bug fixes In addition to the return of PhysX, Nvidia’s new Game Ready driver offers further improvements: Optimizations for “Battlefield 6: Winter Offensive” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7”, especially in conjunction with DLSS 4. Fixes for graphics artifacts in “The Witcher 3”. Stability fixes for Adobe Premiere Pro. Driver 591.44 is available for download as usual via the Nvidia app or the Nvidia website. If you play classic games with PhysX effects, the update should bring noticeable improvements — often significantly higher frame rates and reactivated graphical effects. If, on the other hand, you only play modern titles, you will primarily benefit from the general optimizations and bug fixes. Read...

Building a gaming PC is one of those activities where restraint can be difficult. Naturally, you want to get the best PC that your money can buy. But in the decision-making process it’s easy to overstretch and end up spending way more than you need to. Here I list five of the most common ways PC builders waste money when building a gaming rig. Don’t go too big with the power supply It’s easy to over-spec your power supply and go too big. That doesn’t mean you don’t want to upgrade when you need more power. For example, say you have a less powerful graphics card like an AMD 7600 XT running on a 500W power supply, but later on you find a good deal on an Nvidia RTX 3090 and want to swap that in. Because that card needs a lot more power than your power supply can support, you’ll need a bigger one. That’s a legitimate change that’s going to be worthwhile. But it’s easy to go too big. If you look at the difference in price between a 500W power supply and a 1,000W power supply, it can be substantial, so you should just use the power supply that matches your power needs at any time. Don’t over-spec the RAM Typically, you don’t need huge amounts of RAM in a gaming PC. Some games utilize more RAM than others, but for the most part you can get away with 16GB of DDR4 running at 3800MHz and be perfectly fine for years to come rather than splurging on the latest DDR5 RAM in a super-quick and large module. The price difference between the different speeds of RAM increases exponentially. If you take the difference between RAM running at 5,200MHz and RAM running at 7,200MHz, it can often be double the price. What you’ll often find, too, is that the RAM running at a higher transfer speed has a slower timing than the RAM with the slower transfer speed, so it doesn’t always make good sense to go for the RAM with the faster transfer speed and the higher price. Resist gaming editions or specialist hardware Manufacturers found out eons ago that if they put “gaming edition” or “founders’ edition” in front of a piece of hardware, it can be very tantalizing to buyers. That doesn’t mean the hardware is any better than the standard version, it’s usually just an aesthetic difference that gives that impression, like RGB for example. That said, gaming edition hardware usually costs a premium. So, if you’re shopping for anything and you see the words “gaming edition” or “founders’ edition” in the name, it doesn’t necessarily mean the item is bad, just don’t be fooled into thinking it’s going to give you an edge in performance — i.e., your cash can go further with a less expensive option. Avoid RGB components As well as buying expensive founders’ edition hardware, you may be tempted to buy gaming gear decked out with RGB. But if you really want to save money, you should avoid it. The truth is that your PC games are going to run the same regardless of whether you have RGB or not in your hardware, so buying more expensive RGB components isn’t a good idea. RGB truly is for show purposes unless it’s for keyboard backlighting, so carefully consider whether your money could be better spent on parts that deliver more bang for the buck. Pexels: Atahan Demir Don’t over-spec the storage If you look at two SSDs from different generations — PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 5 — you’ll notice a huge difference in price, in some cases upwards of $200. That would make you think there is going to be a significant performance difference between them, and under controlled conditions there is, but I guarantee you that you won’t notice the difference when you’re gaming and surfing the web and just using your PC for general computing. Even a high-MB transfer rate of 12,400MB/s is going to be hard to notice compared to a slower 3500MB/s transfer rate. To notice the difference, you’d need to be moving a large file from one location to the next, which unless you’re a professional that deals with large files, you’re not going to be doing. So, know that you can get away with a PCIe Gen 3 or PCIe Gen 4 SSD for gaming and don’t necessarily need a PCIe Gen 5 SSD. Related content Why PC gamers shouldn’t waste money on a PCIe 5.0 SSD 6 reasons to skip RGB lights in your PC Best SSDs: From SATA to PCIe 5.0, from budget to premium Read...

Eagle is a former Labour MP and has headed up the council since November 2023. Read...

An intimate ceremony filled with singing, tears and laughter marked the opening of a new Pacific student space at the University of Auckland`s general library dedicated to Fa`anana Efeso Collins. Read...

Do you know what happens to the data and traces you leave behind on your PC and smartphone during your online activities? If not, you are in good company. The majority of people fear losing track of their personal data. But instead of just burying your head in the sand, take back control. Our guide takes a pragmatic approach: you should by no means give up online use, but rather bring back previously used services and functions from the cloud to your local IT at home. After all, much of what you have set up online for convenience at some point can be replaced again with virtually no restrictions. Time to say goodbye to the cloud! Windows without a Microsoft account, only log in to the apps For some time now, Windows setup has required an online account with Microsoft; in fact, the company no longer wants you to be able to use your PC without one. The online requirement not only affects data protection, but can also lead to problems if you want to use Microsoft apps with a second account. But you can do without it. When reinstalling the operating system, the mandatory online link can be deleted using the command oobe\bypassnro or a USB installation stick modified with Rufus. Our online guide to how to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account explains, in more detail, both ways to do this. It’s also possible to switch from online to local login later. Important: Before permanently deleting the Microsoft account, it’s always a good idea to back up the documents, images, and other content stored in it. Tip: Even if you use your computer with a local account, you don’t have to completely do without Microsoft apps that require an online account. If you cannot use an app without logging in, first start to log in to it. In the next window, click on the Microsoft apps only option instead of Next and the system will continue to work locally. The plural in “Apps” should be taken literally here, as signing in to a Microsoft app also applies to all other apps, including the cloud storage OneDrive. To remove the apps-account link later, click on Accounts > Email and accounts in the Windows settings and on Remove > Yes under your online account on the right. Secure access to all data at home without online storage Cloud storage from Dropbox, Google, Microsoft and others is extremely practical because it synchronizes local files over the internet, making them available across all devices. Everything is always up to date automatically and in the background. However, what happens to the data stored there is difficult to keep track of. This is particularly true for the cloud-based image analysis of Google Photos, for example. As an alternative to US providers, choose a cloud service that is guarantees personal data protections or one that is based in the EU that is subject to the strict European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Protection against unauthorized access to sensitive content—and therefore also against the cloud providers themselves—requires end-to-end encryption. It encrypts the files locally before they are transferred to the online server. Unlike the previously popular Boxcryptor, Cryptomator also supports multiple cloud storages in parallel in the free version. The open source tool Cryptomator can also be used to encrypt data in Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft Onedrive cloud storage.Cryptomator The open source tool is easy to set up and use. To encrypt data stored online, select a directory in the cloud provider’s local synchronization folder as the storage location when setting up the vault. You can also use a network hard drive (NAS) for online access to the data stored on it and the apps running on it. The device manufacturers usually offer a separate option for NAS access without having to worry about firewall configuration or port forwarding. Using a virtual private network (VPN), you can also remotely access the entire home network at home, including your smart home. Upload photos from your mobile phone automatically on your computer without the cloud What Microsoft offers for synchronizing smartphone images to a Windows PC beyond the clouds of Apple, Dropbox, Google, Microsoft and Co. is cumbersome, slow and therefore not very practical. The classic transfer via cable works quickly, but not automatically. There’s no getting around plugging in the connection and transferring it on your mobile phone. Tip: It is more convenient to transfer the recordings with the PC app Windows Photo Viewer using the “Import” function than via the file explorer. In principle, wireless image transfer is also possible via Bluetooth. However, this is slow due to the large amounts of data involved, repeatedly falters, and is therefore not recommended. You can find the function after pairing the PC and smartphone in the Windows settings under Bluetooth and devices > Devices > Send or receive files via Bluetooth > Receive files. The faster WLAN alternative via the Smartphone Link app integrated in Windows again requires a Microsoft account though. My Phone Explorer does this better; the tool transfers all images from the Android smartphone locally, offline, and quickly via WLAN. The prerequisite is that the mobile phone and Windows PC are on the same network (also via LAN cable) which thankfully, is practically always the case at home. With just a few settings, you can configure the MyPhoneExplorer tool so that it automatically synchronizes new pictures from the smartphone to the Windows PC at home.Sam Singleton This is how it works: After installation on the computer, start My Phone Explorer and click on the blue Sync button. In the setup wizard, activate the options Phone with Google Android-OS and WiFi and confirm with OK. On the smartphone, install the My Phone Explorer Client app from the Google Play Store and authorize data access and display via other apps. Start the mobile app and tap the QR code button in the top right-hand corner. Scan the QR code displayed on the PC in the setup wizard, authorize PC access to the phone and confirm again with OK. The two devices are now permanently linked. To use My Phone Explorer to automatically transfer your photos from the smartphone to the computer, click on File > Settings in the PC program. Here you activate the the option on starting MyPhoneExplorer. On the left under Multi-sync”, also activate the Sync photos entry and finish by clicking OK. Every time you now start your computer, My Phone Explorer transfers the new photos to the picture directory on the local hard drive. Further synchronization options can be found under Settings > Multi-sync > Sync files. Streaming devices, fitness watches, surveillance cameras and more Thanks to the apps provided by the device manufacturers, a network hard drive can be used for functions including playing locally stored music and videos. Without a NAS, the media center software Kodi (formerly XBMC) is a good alternative. Kodi runs on various platforms, including Windows PCs and Raspberry Pi. The Android app Gadgetbridge works entirely without the cloud and replaces the manufacturer apps of many sports, fitness and smart health devices such as the Amazfit Band 7 (right). IDG Whether smart home devices can be operated without the cloud depends on the specific device and manufacturer. Surveillance cameras that record images and videos locally are available from Eufy, Reolink, and TP-Link, among others. Many smart home or smart health devices, which involve particularly sensitive data, also work without a cloud, even though the manufacturer does not intend for them to do so. On Android smartphones, the Gadgetbridge app replaces the official apps and therefore often replaces the cloud requirement. Gadgetbridge processes all data locally on the mobile device and even allows you to change devices thanks to the import and export function. Remember, the best way to avoid personal data on the internet is to not publish it in the first place, or at least to publish it sparingly. Smartphones without Google Because smartphones can now be used for almost everything and most people have them with them all the time, comprehensive user profiles can be created using the data collected: on interests, purchasing behavior, communication, movement, and much more. “De-Googled” systems aim to prevent Android devices from sending data to Google so that you retain control over your data. An easy-to-use alternative to the Google operating system is /e/OS. The system offers its own app store and can be installed on over 200 phones, with the so-called Easy Installer available for some models. There are even some smartphones with pre-installed /e/OS are also available to buy. Another alternative—curiously only for Google’s own Pixel smartphones—is Graphene OS. The current version is based on Android 15 and moves apps that require Google’s Play services and therefore extensive rights to the protected “Confidential profile” area. If the confidential profile is only activated when necessary, the included apps do not run and therefore cannot send any data. Both systems require some familiarization; their installation and operation are well documented on the Internet though if you wish to take the time to educate yourself. Read...

Is your PC slow, programs start sluggishly, and current games stutter? This does not automatically mean that you need a new computer. Targeted upgrades are often enough to significantly improve performance. In this guide, you’ll find out which components are really worthwhile – from SSD and RAM, to graphics cards and processors, through to coolers, fans, and peripherals. SSD: Faster storage for everyone An SSD (Solid State Drive) is the simplest and most worthwhile upgrade of all and provides the biggest performance boost per dollar invested in everyday use. Anyone still working with an old hard disk drive (HDD) is wasting time unnecessarily. However, SSDs differ in terms of design and technology. Classic 2.5-inch models use the older SATA interface and achieve up to 550 MB/s, while modern flash memory in M.2 plug-in card format can be plugged directly into the mainboard and deliver data rates of several thousand megabytes per second via PCI Express (via the NVMe protocol). These NVMe drives are therefore significantly faster, but require a corresponding M.2 slot on the motherboard. Our article“SATA, PCIe, and M.2: The slots on your motherboard, explained” also provides clarity here. Corsair PCIe 4.0 models such as the Crucial P310 or WD Black SN7100 offer up to 7,000 MB/s, making them ideal for gaming or video editing. Even faster are PCIe 5.0 models such as the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 or Crucial T710, which achieve transfer rates almost twice as high at over 12,000 MB/s. However, these high-end models are primarily worthwhile for professional applications, large video files, or particularly demanding users, as they generate more heat and are significantly more expensive. If you have an older system that can only boast SATA connections, you will still benefit enormously: A 2.5-inch SSD (such as the Crucial BX500) for around $60 will get even old PCs up and running again. It’s important that the motherboard supports the appropriate connection, i.e. M.2 for NVMe or SATA ports for 2.5-inch SSDs. Kingston Tip: Cloning old systems saves you time as you take over Windows and programs. However, this method uses a little more storage space because old system files, temporary data and possibly faulty structures are also copied. A new installation takes longer, but ensures a tidier system with a little more free memory. Be sure to check out our list of the best SSDs for even more great upgrade options. Working memory (RAM): More room for multitasking If Chrome has 20 tabs open and Excel reacts sluggishly, more RAM is usually the easiest solution. And upgrading is also less complicated than many people think: open the housing, release the side clips on the slots, remove the old latches, and insert the new modules firmly. Then after switching your computer on, usually the system will recognize the memory automatically. G.Skill Today, 16GB is standard for office users, 32GB is worthwhile for gamers and creative types, and those who regularly work with large photos, videos, or music projects will even benefit from 64GB. Currently, 16GB DDR4 can cost less that $50; kits such as the Kingston Fury Beast or Corsair Vengeance LPX are good options. DDR5 RAM, such as the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 kit, offers higher clock rates, lower power consumption and more bandwidth. However, this requires an up-to-date motherboard and modern processors: DDR5 is supported by Intel from the 12th Core generation (Alder Lake) with chipsets such as Z690, B660, and newer, and by AMD from the Ryzen 7000 series (AM5 platform) with B650, X670, or X670E boards. DDR4 therefore remains the first choice for older systems, while DDR5 is the future-proof option for new PCs. Above all, gamers should consider which DDR5 RAM is currently the best choice. Dual-channel operation is also important: If two identical modules run in parallel, the memory controller can process twice as much data at the same time, which can increase performance by up to 15 percent depending on the application. It’s therefore worthwhile to always install RAM in pairs and make sure there are free slots for both. Swapping out smaller modules pairs can maximize performance, stability, and value for money. Graphics card (GPU): The biggest upgrade for gamers If you want to enjoy games in high quality, there’s no getting round an up-to-date graphics card (GPU). The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB offer sufficient performance for Full HD resolution (1080p). If you want to play in WQHD (1440p), you should opt for a graphics card such as the Radeon RX 9070 or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070. For 4K gaming, cards like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070 Ti are the minimum required to deliver smooth results. Video memory (VRAM) is just as important as pure performance. Today, it should be at least 12 GB so that modern games have sufficient buffer for textures and effects. Cards with less memory are increasingly reaching their limits, especially at high resolutions. Before buying, you should check whether the power supply delivers enough power (at least 550 watts) and whether the correct connections are available: PCIe power connectors are the cables used to supply the graphics card with power in addition to the mainboard. Older power supplies often only have 6- or 8-pin connectors, while new GPUs sometimes require special 12VHPWR connectors. Also, make sure there is enough space in the case: many modern graphics cards are long and occupy up to three slots. Mifcom If you don’t game, you can save yourself the GPU upgrade. This is because the integrated graphics solutions of modern processors (such as Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Graphics) are completely sufficient for office, streaming, or everyday tasks. Processor (CPU): Computing power for those who need it A CPU upgrade is only worthwhile if the processor really slows things down – and if the new CPU is a good technical fit for the system. Compatibility with the socket and chipset as well as support for the existing RAM are important. Depending on the age of the PC, it may also make sense to change the motherboard so that you can install a modern processor. For many users, a current six-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is completely sufficient. If you absolutely need an Intel CPU, then the Intel Core i5-14600K is similar to the AMD CPU in terms of performance, but is typically more expensive. Nevertheless, both offer enough power for gaming, office, and multimedia, but both require motherboards with suitable sockets: Intel’s 14600K relies on an LGA1700 socket with a Z690, B660, or Z790 chipset, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F requires an AM5 motherboard with a B650 or X670 chipset and DDR5 RAM. More demanding users opt for eight-cores such as the Ryzen 7 7800X or Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, which deliver more performance in computing-intensive applications, but also require up-to-date platforms. Anyone coming from an older platform (e.g. Intel’s eighth Core generation or the Ryzen 1000 series) almost always has to change the motherboard and RAM as well. Although this increases the effort and costs, it also brings greater efficiency, better energy management, and future-proofing. A CPU replacement is rarely worthwhile for pure office computers. An SSD instead provides a more noticeable improvement here. If you need a lot of CPU performance, you should go straight for a modern 12- or 16-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X or AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Intel currently isn’t competitive in this area, so we cannot make a recommendation here. Aorus Motherboard: A centerpiece for future upgrades A motherboard change usually goes hand in hand with a new CPU, as sockets and chipsets often change. This makes the replacement more complex than a RAM or SSD upgrade, for example, as the CPU, cooler, RAM, and cabling usually have to be completely reassembled during the upgrade. This can quickly become a challenge for beginners, as many sensitive components are affected. Anyone who dares to take this step should therefore prepare well or seek expert help. Whether the effort is worth it depends on how old the system is and which interfaces are required. As a rule of thumb, if your computer is more than five years old, a motherboard upgrade is usually worthwhile. Modern motherboards differ significantly in terms of size, connectivity, and features. The form factor determines the size of the board and therefore what the housing can be: ATX offers the most slots and expansion options, Micro-ATX is more compact and a good mid-range option, while Mini-ITX is primarily intended for small, space-saving systems. Aorus Technical features such as PCIe 5.0 slots for graphics cards and fast SSDs, several M.2 slots for additional memory, and sufficient RAM banks are important. A good power supply (VRMs) ensures stable performance, especially with powerful CPUs. Integrated functions such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C also increase convenience and future-proofing. A solid mid-range board typically costs around $200. Those who upgrade frequently or plan for the long term should invest a little more, as the motherboard forms the foundation of every system. CPU cooler: Targeted upgrading instead of overcooling A cooler upgrade is particularly worthwhile when new processors are installed or older systems are subjected to higher loads. Boxed coolers quickly reach their limits. Anyone switching from a Core i5 to a Ryzen 7, for example, should immediately plan for a more efficient cooler. Models such as the Arctic Freezer 36 or the Bequiet Pure Rock Pro 3 offer significantly more cooling reserve for $50 to $60 and remain whisper-quiet. For applications where CPUs get particularly hot – such as rendering or overclocking – AiO (all-in-one) water cooling systems from $100 are a good choice. However, AiO cooling is not automatically always the best choice. Phanteks However, it’s important to check whether the new cooler physically fits into the case before buying: For air coolers, the height is the most important factor, so that the cooler does not hit the side panel. For water coolers, there must be sufficient space for the radiator and the mounted fans – often at the top or front of the housing. Socket compatibility and housing size are equally important. A targeted cooler upgrade can improve stability, volume, and service life without breaking the budget. Case fans: Airflow efficiency for old and new systems Many PCs run too hot because the case ventilation is inadequate. Especially after a CPU or GPU upgrade, better airflow can be crucial. Two 120mm fans – one blowing in at the front, one blowing out at the back – significantly improve the cooling performance and cost less than $30. Models from Arctic or Noctua combine efficiency with low noise output. It’s worth cleaning or replacing the fans when upgrading. Dust filters, PWM control, and the correct air flow direction are more beneficial than additional fans alone. RGB light remains a matter of taste, the decisive factor is the temperature advantage. Bequiet Peripherals: The finishing touches An upgrade can also make sense outside the case as well. Those who work a lot will benefit from an ergonomic setup with a good monitor arm and flicker-free display. There are many good 27-inch 1440p monitors with 144 Hz that can be had for under $400 which are equally beneficial for gaming and working from home. The best mechanical keyboards with linear switches or quiet buttons offer more precision when typing or gaming. While a high-quality mouse with a low weight and precise sensor ensures control and comfort. Asus In general, the upgrades mentioned cost comparatively little, but increase productivity and well-being – the ideal finishing touch after a successful PC upgrade. Conclusion A targeted upgrade is almost always worthwhile. SSD, RAM, and graphics card deliver the greatest performance per dollar right off the bat, while CPU and motherboard upgrades can payoff in the long term. If you look after your PC regularly, keeping your components clean and upgrading wisely can keep your system running at peak performance for many years without having to buy a completely new one. Read...

Analysis - Headline writers have had their fun calling it `Coster`s Last Stand`, and like the general`s doomed battle, it ended with a crushing fall, writes Craig McCulloch. Read...

Google has fixed 13 vulnerabilities in Chrome versions 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.40 for Linux. According to Google, none of these vulnerabilities have been exploited for attacks in the wild. This major update brings Chrome up to version 143 and comes one week late with no reason given by Google for the delay. In the Chrome Releases blog post, Srinivas Sista lists the security vulnerabilities that have been fixed, all of which were reported to Google by external researchers. Google classifies four vulnerabilities as high risk, including a new incarnation of the type confusion issue in the JavaScript V8 engine (CVE-2025-13630). Three other vulnerabilities are classified as medium risk, the rest as low risk. What’s new in Chrome 143? Google is promoting Chrome’s new ability to read web text aloud. To do this, you have to first activate reading mode using the right-click menu and selecting “Open in reading mode,” which opens in a sidebar. At the top of that panel, you’ll now also see options for reading aloud: Play, Voice speed, Voice selection, and Voice highlight. Google is also integrating more “AI” features into Chrome. You can now access the so-called “AI Mode” of Google Search directly via the address bar and the New Tab page. Gemini in Chrome—the “AI” support that’s now baked into the browser—is designed to summarize text, explain concepts, and answer questions. Gemini in Chrome will initially be introduced for Windows and Mac users in the US who use English as their default language. Other languages are to come and will be added gradually. Security fixes in Chrome 143 On November 17th, Google released an emergency update to Chrome 142.0.7444.176 to close a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-13223). On November 20th, Google delivered Chrome 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.34 for Android as an early stable update to 0.5 percent of existing Chrome users, but with a one-day delay likely due to the aftermath of the emergency update. Since then, the release blog and update channels have been quiet. According to schedule, the general release of Chrome 143 would have taken place on November 25th. However, Google did not release Chrome 143 until a week later on December 2nd. Google has not yet given a reason for this. It likely wasn’t due to serious problems with the version distributed with the Early Stable Update, as this is exactly the same version that was previously released to everyone. Chrome usually updates itself automatically when a new version is available. You can trigger the update check manually using the menu item Help > About Google Chrome. The Extended Stable Channel for Windows and macOS now contains Chromium version 142.0.7499.226. Google does not plan to release Chrome 144 until January 2026. Other Chromium-based browsers The makers of other Chromium-based browsers are now required to follow suit with updates. Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi are currently at the security level following the emergency update a fortnight ago. Opera has temporarily reduced its backlog with browser version 124 based on Chromium version 140, which was released on October 13th. The developers have backported additional security patches, namely the fix for the zero-day vulnerability CVE-2025-13223, but overall haven’t come any closer to the desired parity with other manufacturers. Read...

Time and again, hackers infect other people’s computers as well as routers or other network devices in order to misuse them for their botnet. What’s a botnet, you ask? Simply put, it’s a collection of computers and other devices that have been infected with malware. From such a botnet, cybercriminals launch attacks on websites or servers. For example, DDoS attacks or they send spam and phishing emails. The owners of the hijacked computers and network devices are unaware of this unless they check the traffic coming from their machines. However, this requires experience in using network analysis tools such as Wireshark or Nmap. But there is an easier way that doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge. The security company GreyNoise has provided a free online tool called GreyNoise IP Check on its website, with which you can immediately check whether your network’s IP is connected to a botnet. The check takes barely a second, and you will immediately know whether there are hijacked or remotely controlled computers or other network devices in your network. You don’t have to log in to use it, and you don’t even have to enter an email address. According to Bleepingcomputer, three classifications are possible: Clean: No malicious scanning activity has been detected. Malicious/Suspicious: The IP address has shown scanning activity. Users should check the devices in their network. General corporate service: The IP address belongs to a VPN, a corporate network, or a cloud provider, and the scan activity is normal for these environments. Restriction: Of course, the result only applies to the current IP address of your computer. However, this changes regularly for private users (albeit after different periods of time), unless they have a fixed IP address, which is the exception for private users. If the classification is malicious/suspicious, you should immediately scan all of your computers with an up-to-date virus scanner. The manufacturer writes: “The tool shows you when the activity was first and last observed, what types of scanning behavior were detected and advises you of the next steps.” Install the latest available firmware on all network-enabled devices (including smart TVs or network cameras, etc.) to close any newly discovered security gaps. Next, change all access data/passwords on the affected devices and switch off remote access functions if you do not need them. More information on the free GreyNoise IP Check scan tool is available from the manufacturer here. Read...