Head's up -- program update

Brightfort ( formerly Javacool ) has updated their SpywareBlaster v5.4; there are now 17401 new unique security signatures added to it's database

The free version will require users to manually check the database to get the update; paid version users will be able to get the updates automatically

Head's up -- Software updates

Piriform has released CCleaner v5.16.5551; the Standard offline installer comes with a Google Chrome bundle installer ( for those who don't have Chrome in their gear ) is now available at the main publisher's site, as well as at most reputable downloading hubs

Sidenote1: For those that don't want the bundled software, may have to wait for one week until CCleaner Slim will be released - this offline installer is only available at the main publisher's Builds download hub

Sidenote2: For those that want to avoid the installer, the Portable variant is available

Sorry, been out-of-town for the Holy Week

Head's Up -- Software Updates

For the recapped week, Sun Oracle has released JAVA Runtime Enviroment ( JRE ) v8 update 77 for 32- and 64-bit machines, and Google has released Chrome 49.0.2623.108

Both offline installers for the programs mentioned are now available at the main publisher's, as well at most reputable downloading hubs

It's been of late that I want to share this -- for a couple of weeks, a few friends have been asking me why their Win7/Win8 laptops would get a strange icon that keeps prompting them to upgrade to Win10... and by now you know the stories behind this

And since the 1-year promotion of Microsoft's free Win10 upgrade will be ending by late June this year, it wouldn't be surprising that the Security Updates will be 'dumping' ( such a choice word, isn't it? ) those 'recommended patches' to make the transition to Win10

So, for good reading, I'll provide a few Tech Blog entires that look into how to prevent in installation of Win10 -- that is, if you really don't want to upgrade -- as well what else to do; the following entries are found at the Ghacks Blog that has a large repository of articles that look over such, as well that each has it's recommended links that readers may like to view for more in-depth information

Reference sources:
a) If you don't want Windows 10, do this! - gHacks Tech News
b) This preference (DisableOSUpgrade) prevents the upgrade to Windows 10 - gHacks Tech News
c) How to remove Windows 10 upgrade updates in Windows 7 and 8 - gHacks Tech News

Head's up -- Software Warnings ( Bloatware )

For members that are using AVAST Free Anti-Virus, and have received the latest update ( which is v11.2.2260 ), should know that the publisher has incorporated a Bloatware with the new update -- known as SafeZone Browser, which is a derivative variant from the Chromium browser

According to the PCWorld Tech article, they found the SafeZone Browser from Avast as being unsafe for use due to vulnerabilities; details can be seen at the link below:

Reference source -- Serious flaw discovered in Avast's security-focused SafeZone browser | PCWorld

It is now required that users must uninstall the said component from their gear; at the GHacks Tech Blog, they have a detailed step-by-step guide to uninstall and remove the said Bloatware ( as seen at the link below )

Reference source -- How to uninstall Avast SafeZone Browser - gHacks Tech News

SIDENOTE: As of this post date, there are already a number of users now visiting the AVAST Forums in regards to the said issue -- and it isn't a pretty sight

EDIT: AVAST has offered the offline installer on v11.2.2729 -- make sure to opt for a Custom install to avoid installing any more Bloatware

Head's up -- Software Updates

Adobe has now released Flash Player v21.0.0.213 for IE and Non-IE Browsers ( two different plug-ins ); the installers are available only at the main publisher's site, while most reputable downloading hubs will be offering a transfer-link to the publisher's downloading section

Head's up -- Software Updates

Mozilla has now released a patch for Firefox; Firefox Stable Release is now on v45.0.2 -- the new patch is available by manually checking your browser's updater, while the offline installer will be available in a few minutes at the main publisher's site ( if anyone wishes to do a fresh install instead )

Reference source -- Firefox — Notes (45.0.2) — Mozilla

Also, there is also talks that Mozilla may soon depreciate / reduce or eventually remove the use of Adobe's NPAPI Plugins; details can be seen at the GHacks Tech Blog:

Reference source -- Firefox, DRM, and the end of NPAPI - gHacks Tech News