MacworldAt a GlanceExpert's RatingProsGood level of configuration and customizationConsErrors removing some malware infectionsToo focused on upsellingOur Verdict If youre looking for a security utility that will supposedly help protect you on multiple fronts there are better options out there.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodaySometimes theres a reason you havent heard of a software company or its products. This is the case with Total Security Limiteds TotalAV Antivirus Pro 2025 software, which functions as an intended jack-of-all-trades security suite centered around virus and malware protection and removal, with almost every other utility that can be conceived of included and available as premium add-ons.TotalAV, which requires Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later to install and run, is available as a free trial and retails for a $99/99 license fee for one year (currently discounted to $29 in the U.S. but not in the U.K.), which offers licensing for three Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android devices. The software downloads and installs cleanly, and granted full access to my hard drive for scanning with minimal fuss. An elegant user interface greets the user, and the software itself is centered around the Dashboard, Smart Scan, Password Vault, Malware Scan, VPN, Identity Protection, Total Adblock, Data Breach Check, WebShield, Junk Cleaner, Duplicate Finder, Large & Old Files, Disk Usage, Browser Cleaner, Startup Programs, and Uninstaller modules. To see how TotalAV compares to other antivirus software we have reviewed see our Best Mac Antivirus apps round-up. TotalAV offers a good level of configuration and customization, allowing the user to create whitelists as to files to avoid checking, and the generic Smart Scan feature, which runs upon initially launching TotalAV, came up with issues such as 132 tracking cookies, duplicate files, and storage that could be reclaimed.To its credit, TotalAV allows for the easy targeting and scanning of specific folders and external and removable volumes, and the software was able to identify, quarantine, and remove large swaths of infected sample software, but thats about where the good times end. Just about everything within TotalAV is a push to get you past the free trial, to Get Protected Now, and the fact that the trial version of the software only allows for viral infections to be quarantined as opposed to quarantined and removed says something. Until you pull the trigger and shell out $29 for the first years subscription, youll be limited in what you can do, and even the act of purchasing the software led to my bank texting me to question whether this was a valid transaction, which has never happened before in my years of purchasing utility software. This, combined with no less than 64 pages of complaints about Total Security on the Better Business Bureau website doesnt leave potential users feeling great about what theyve purchased or whom theyve purchased it from.TotalAV locating two additional instances of malware that it had a hard time removing.FoundryAside from the few things the software does well, the strikes against it just kept coming. In addition to letting reams of sample malware be installed, macOS GateKeeper feature offering warnings that needed to be bypassed, setting up TotalAVs supposed Real-Time Protection feature was vague, and the software takes you to macOS Privacy & Security settings, but doesnt specifically open the extensions menu you need. Its unclear as to which extension theyre referring to and if youre installing it correctly, and while TotalAV was able to find and remove 102 examples of malware on its first major test run, it missed the OSX.Backdoor.Adwind and OSX.Loader infections, which had to be removed with another utility. The results of TotalAVs malware scan and the application returning an error in quarantining the OSX.Keylogger infection.FoundryThe application found 15 more pieces of malware on a follow-up scan and had errors removing some malware infections, crashing once and continuously posting pop-ups asking you to review it, even after purchasing the software. While the ad blocker feature works well, the WebShield function proved to be all but worthless, and allowed visits to websites from every possible element of my Gmail spam folder with no warnings to speak of. Other features, such as VPN and Identity Protection proved to be ads for additional services that could be purchased, including TotalAVs cloud service for storage.TotalAV discovering an additional 15 malware infections on a follow-up security scan.FoundryOther modules, such as Junk Cleaner, Duplicate Finder, Large & Old Files, Disk Usage, Browser Cleaner, Startup Programs, and Uninstaller, work well enough and chase down cache files, language files, cookie files, duplicates, and the like, but offer nothing beyond what other utility programs of this kind tend to offer. These functions run well, but feel impeded by the rest of the suite, which is an anchor around the neck of what TotalAV could be. Finally, theres the presence of Total Security as a company, and the failures therein. Head over to the TotalAV website, and theres next to no means of contacting the company outside of submitting help tickets. I never heard back from media relations regarding questions I had, and the general feeling here is for you to purchase as high a level of services from them/give them your account information and go away. The website, as ridden with typos and grammatical errors as it is, offers little that makes one feel confident about dealing with Total Security in and of itself.Should you buy TotalAV Antivirus Pro?Whats present here is an outright mess of a utility thats trying to do everything at once and does little of it well. Yes, the user interface is elegant and the performance is speedy, but this comes at the cost of functionality, reliability, and the fact that TotalAV just seems to be trying to upsell you as to the next feature. Any sane software company would have offered a fully-featured trial version of its software as well as sorted out the bugs prior to release, and I feel as if this barely came up as an option for Total Security. This is the software equivalent of visiting your friends home and talking with their small children, who are telling you about their toy collection and proceeding to take 459 toys out of a toy chest and show each of them to you with half a sentence of explanation as to each toy before moving on to the next one, something that doesnt pass muster if youre looking for a security utility that will supposedly help protect you on multiple fronts. There are better options out there, and youd be better off seeking them out than in giving Total Security any of your time, attention, and money until they dramatically overhaul TotalAV and make it focused, reliable, and better suited to the users needs.

Nvidia is expanding its GeForce Now game streaming service to more platforms, including the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, Pico, and, yes, even the Apple Vision Pro.GeForce Now coming soon to Apple Vision Pro On Tuesday, Nvidia announced that those with select VR headset models will soon be able to stream games directly to their devices. The Apple Vision Pro was among the supported models.It's worth noting that this doesn't mean you'll be able to stream VR games. Instead, you'll stream the games in an Apple Vision Pro Environment. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

In a bid to reinvigorate PC sales, Dell should've put a lot of thought into how it rebrands its PCs. Instead, it ripped off the iPhone's Pro and Pro Max naming conventions.Dell Pro 14 Premium beside an iPhone 16 Pro Max - Image Credit: Dell, AppleWhile a company can use brand names for its products successfully for long periods of time, they sometimes feel the itch to try something new. Rebranding efforts from major organizations can take a lot of resources and focus group meetings to create something new, but it seems Dell decided against that route altogether.Announced on Monday for the annual CES tradeshow, Dell proudly declared that it's grown tired of its existing product names. Titles such as "XPS" and "Inspiron" have been used for years, denoting the performance and target markets for the models, but they won't anymore. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

One of our partner schools, the University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment, has shared its Winter 2025 public events and speakers information as part of our Get Lectured series for the new academic term.Events begin this week with Katharina Koerber on January 8. Hers is followed by three more from Malcolm Fraser (January 13); Helen Lucas (January 15); and Natalia Echeverri (January 15). The one-day symposium Practicing Development, Marketing, and Strategy comes afterward in Portland on January 24, and Robert Hutchinson begins the next month with a lecture on February 3.February continues in Portland with the symposium 'City of Possibility: Bold Visions from Portland' on February 10. The month will also include lectures from ZGF partner Gene Sandoval (February 12); Malu Borja Lopez (February 17); Doug Streeter (February 19); and Mandy Butler & Paul Saftier (February 26) in Eugene. Mira Engler takes to the lectern on March 3 to conclude the terms lectures.Be sure ...

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!In 1930, the economist John Maynard Keynes predicted in an essay, Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren, that by 2030, we would be working just three hours a day, with the rest of our time devoted to leisure, cultural pursuits and civic engagement. Unsurprisingly, experts at the time laughed. Yet, as we rapidly approach that date, his almost a century-old prediction feels less like a pipe dream and more like a possibility. Artificial intelligence is surging toward a projected $1.3 trillion market value by 2030 and entire categories of human labor are expected to vanish in its wake. As a result, we now see ourselves standing at the threshold of what some are calling a post-work society. Unlike in Keyness time, many experts are now confident that the spread of AI could mean that human labor is no longer necessary to generate the material wealth required for everyone to live comfortably. Across Europe, Universal Income is already being explored with generally positive results. Its radical new territory where economic survival moves away from individual professional contribution to collective state support that evens the playing field. What would be left is societies and communities that have time and mental space for activities that free the human potential.Skamlingsbanken Visitor Centre by CEBRA, Kolding, Denmark | Photo by Adam MrkOf course, these shifts challenge longstanding cultural assumptions. Work has, for most people, always been a matter of survival and, later, an economic imperative. Now, the conversation is evolving to suggest an era that will support self-expression rather than necessity. That possibility, rather than spelling doom, invites us to reconsider not just what we do each day but the way our built environment actually functions. Entirely changing the requirements of the spaces where we live, learn and come together, Ultimately presenting new challenges for the architects of the future.For decades, architecture has always mirrored an economy that was and is shaped by nine-to-five routines and career hierarchies. Corporate high-rises, business parks and communities that are optimized for the daily commute are the standard. If AI takes over routine tasks even those requiring interpersonal finesse, eventually what then becomes of these spaces? Instead of focusing on efficiency and productivity, we might design spaces that support personal development, social bonds and continuous learning.MASSIMODECARLO Pice Unique by PiM.studio Architects, Paris, France | Photo by Thomas LannesIts suggested that in a post-work society, cultural pursuits would no longer be confined to evening and weekend hobbies. Without a job-defining identity, creative pursuits and continuous education might fill the day instead. Future architecture would nurture these aspirations with buildings that support co-creation in the form of studios, maker spaces or even mini-amphitheaters. All spaces where residents could present their art, share new culinary experiments or teach each other new skills.In that vein, our daily lives would not be dictated by the typical eight or more hours-a-day work week. Without dictated schedules, people would be aligned with their circadian rhythm and therefore, each individual could be awake or asleep, productive or resting, whenever their age, hormones or genetics required. In this scenario, facilities would also be less governed by fixed schedules, and 24-hour spaces would become more common. The fact that most spaces would not require human intervention to run them would also support this reality. Architects and designers would need to prioritize safety, longevity of materials and systems automation to allow spaces to be in use all day, every day.Nunawading Community Hub by fjcstudio, Australia | Photo by John GollingsMany believe that in a post-work society, individual resource collection would not be the goal, and the idea of collective stewardship would be fundamental. Tool libraries and communal storage areas would be valuable spaces that allowed residents to share resources rather than duplicating them. This sense of collective resilience would aid circular economy loops too, reducing waste of materials and time. The idea of a library of things is a practice already adopted by many self-sufficient communities around the world, and should the post-work society become a reality, they would likely become a key element to civilization in the future.George Street Plaza & Community Building by Adjaye Associates, Sydney, Australia | Photo by Trevor MeinAnother component of society that is already changing is the shift towards understanding the value of health and well-being. Many companies are currently moving to a four-day workweek to provide a better work-life balance and support the mental and physical health of their employees. If completely freed from the grind of career advancement, individuals and communities would be able to invest more time in well-being, both personal and collective. Architecture would be encouraged to support these pursuits, with more investment in outdoor spaces, while longer and healthier lives would need fewer medical facilities and more community centers designed for human experiences.What Keynes imagined a time when human labor is obsolete is now within reach. The post-work society, rather than liberating us into idle spectating, would grant us with time and freedom to deepen our humanity. If adopted correctly, technology could usher in an era where economic survival is decoupled from professional identity and architecture has the power to become a medium for supporting a richer life, where civic rooms are more valuable than corner offices, communal garden rooftops busier than parking lots and sprawling learning hubs would be more common than silent waiting rooms. It is a future that would allow architects to design a world where human potential flourishes more widely than ever before.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The post Post-Work Society: Architecture for a Future World Without Jobs appeared first on Journal.

At 500px, weve always believed in the power of photographyreal, raw, human creativity. Over the years, photography has evolved, but one thing remains constant: the passion of photographers to capture moments, tell stories, and push creative boundaries.However, with the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), its become increasingly challenging for genuine photographers to gain recognition. Thats where PULSEpx steps inwith a bold new solution to keep the focus on real talent.Introducing the PULSEpx AI ModerationCompetitions are at the heart of PULSEpx, and we are committed to keeping them fair, meaningful, and focused on real photography. Thats why weve introduced PULSEpx AI Moderationa practical tool designed to ensure authenticity and uphold the integrity of our contests. Heres how it works:AI-Generated Image DetectionAs generative AI tools become more common, distinguishing between authentic photography and AI-generated content is increasingly important. Our moderation system identifies and filters out AI-generated images, ensuring that all submissions come from genuine human creativity. This keeps the playing field level and fair for all participants.NSFW Content FilteringTo maintain a professional and welcoming space, PULSEpx AI Moderation also screens for inappropriate or offensive content. By automatically filtering out NSFW images, we ensure that our competitions remain respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved.By prioritizing fairness and authenticity, PULSEpx continues to be a platform where real photographers can confidently showcase their talent.Photo by: lucasphotostreamJoin the Technology QuestTo celebrate the launch of the PULSEpx AI Moderation feature, were introducing a special contestthe Technology Quest. This challenge invites photographers to capture the intersection of humanity and technology, showcasing how real creativity can thrive in a tech-driven world. Whether its futuristic scenes, high-tech gadgets, or urban landscapes, this is your chance to prove that real photographers are irreplaceable.Winners will receive:Increased exposure to PULSEpx and beyondExclusive rewards and prizesRecognition as leaders of authentic photographyJoin this QuestWhy Join PULSEpx?If youre searching for a platform that values real photography and gives everyone a fair shot, PULSEpx is where you belong. With no gimmicks, no pay-to-win tactics, and a fair voting system, your skill and creativity are what truly matters here.At PULSEpx, you can join Questsphoto contests designed to keep your creativity sharp. With over 200 Quests every month, theres always something new to inspire you. Plus, youll compete with photographers at your skill level, making every contest both fair and fun. Whether you want to improve your craft, stay motivated, or get recognized, PULSEpx offers the perfect place to grow.And now, its even betterthanks to our new AI detection feature, only authentic, human-created photos compete, so your genuine creativity always stands out.Ready to show the world what real photography looks like?Join PULSEpx NowThe post Introducing the PULSEpx AI Moderation: Ensuring Fair Competitions for Real Photographers appeared first on 500px.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced a new Like a Dragon Direct for January 9th at 9 am PST. It will offer first looks and a deeper gameplay dive into Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the developers next spin-off in the series. Thankfully, there wont be any spoilers.Starring Majima Goro, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sees him waking up on Rich Island with no memories. Shortly thereafter, Majima commands his own pirate crew and vessel, venturing to Nele Island and even Honolulu from Infinite Wealth. Players can engage in naval combat and board opposing ships, taking down enemies with the new Sea Dog Style with its cutlasses and firearms.Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 21st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. While its a spin-off from the mainline series similar to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, its 30 percent longer. Check out some gameplay of the various play spots and the English voice cast.LIKE A DRAGON DIRECT be comin Thursday, Jan 9th at 9am PST | 6pm CETJoin us for first looks and a deeper dive into Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gameplay N dont ye worry matey, we aint gonna spoil the story YouTube (SEGA_West) & Twitch (SEGA) pic.twitter.com/cgvaHHcLUm RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) January 7, 2025

Microsoft has announced the first wave of titles coming to Game Pass in January 2025, starting with the narrative-focused adventure title Road 96. Its available for Game Pass Standard, Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud.Next up is Lightyear Frontier (available in Game Preview), My Time at Sandrock, Rolling Hills and Robin Hood Sherwood Builders, all playable on January 8th for Game Pass Standard subscribers. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can experience EA Sports UFC 5 on January 14th for Xbox Series X/S and the cloud.The original Diablo is also playable on PC for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers on the same. Its an eclectic range of titles across various genres and platforms.Of course, as is the case every month, several titles will leave Game Pass on January 15th. Members can purchase them at up to 20 percent off for permanent ownership. Check out all the games leaving next week:CommonHood (Cloud, Console, and PC)Escape Academy (Cloud, Console, and PC)Exoprimal (Cloud, Console, and PC)Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC)Insurgency Sandstorm (Cloud, Console, and PC)Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Nvidias 50 series of GPUs have finally been unveiled alongside DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation. Several titles benefit from the latter, including id Sofwares upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages. It will also launch with DLSS Ray Reconstruction and Path Tracing. A sneak peek is visible in the trailer below.DLSSs new transformer AI model will also enhance DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction alongside sharper DLAA image quality. If thats not enough, Nvidia confirmed that the first-person shooter will be available to stream via GeForce NOW, with Premium subscribers benefiting from RTX-level hardware and performance.DOOM: The Dark Ages is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC this year. Though a release date is unconfirmed, its rumored to launch sometime in May. As a prequel to DOOM (2016), it focuses on the Slayers fight against demons in Hell with medieval weaponry like shields and flails. Creative director Hugo Martin has also confirmed that the action will be slower but more impactful with larger arenas.

Photo credit: Tracy Armstrong. Venue credit: InformprojectsTheArchitectural Institute of British Columbiahas transitioned its achievement awards to theArchitectural Foundation of BC (AFBC). Since 2021, the rebranded AFBC has undertaken the program which includes the Lieutenant Governor Awardsan institution that the AIBC had run for several decades. Kudos must go to the AFBC board for their ongoing efforts to which we can now add theAFBC Architectural Achievement Awards, having had its inaugural launch on November 21st in the Vancouver Railtown District.Sitting next to Vancouvers bustling port, thevenuewas generously provided for by Nancy and Niels Bendsten atInform, offering a peek at their recently renovatedInform Projectsshowroom next to theAmerican Can Companybuilding. Located on the sixth floor and facing the port and waterfront, the reno was itself the recipient of aLieutenant GovernorAward in 2023 forOMB Architects. With several prominent members of Vancouvers architectural community receiving awards, the turnout was a packed house despite the evenings inclement weather.Photo credit: Tracy Armstrong. Venue credit: InformprojectsWith AIBC board members Michelle Fenton and Kim Barnsley as emcees for the evening, AFBC Chair Karl Gustavson said a few opening words about theFoundation, after which the evenings program began with a land acknowledgment and Coast Salish performance byCoastal Wolf Pack. Six awards were then given out in total, two of which were for recipients unable to receive them in 2020 due to COVID restrictions:2020 Award RecipientsAbdel Munem Amin Barbara Dalrymple Memorial Award (not in attendance)Nick Milkovich Lifetime Achievement (attended)2024 Award RecipientsNancy Mackin Community Stewardship(attended)Darryl Condon Barbara Dalrymple Memorial Award for Community Service (attended)Peter Cardew Lifetime Achievement (awarded posthumously)William R. Rhone Lifetime Achievement (attended)The evening provided those representatives present from Vancouvers architecture and design firms the opportunity to honour these six individuals and allow their friends and family to see the impact their careers have had on our Little Village by the Sea. It was a privilege to be sitting next to both Bill Rhone and Nick Milkovich, two individuals whose careers have touched any architect who has lived and worked in BC. It was also a delight to see the projects Nancy Mackin had brought to share, along with the impact that her stewardship has had on the communities shes worked with.As Treasurer of the AIBC Council (now Board) in 2018, I was fortunate to have served alongside one of the evenings recipients, Darryl Condon, who for many years led theInstitute, and continues to lead along with the other principals athcma. We chatted afterward that his award was not a lifetime achievement award because he is very much still in mid-stride.On a more serious note, the evenings most somber moment came in the posthumous award to the latePeter Cardew, who we sadly lost during COVID-19. Along with the projects of Milkovich and Rhone, these three constitute a lions share of architectural achievement in Metro Vancouver. Nick Milkovich was honoured for his own firms work along with his lifelong collaboration withArthur Erickson, while Bill Rhone was awarded for his firmRhone & Iredalewhere Peter Cardew also workedand itself a titan firm in its day.It was overall a generous evening hosted by the AFBC, and we can look forward to other future achievement awards in between the bi-annualLieutenant Governorawards. As Karl Gustavson noted in his opening comments, both architects and architecture need a voice in Metro Vancouver and the province. With the rebranding of the AFBC in 2021, very much in anticipation of the Professional Governance Act replacing the BC Architects Act, theFoundationcurrently has the opportunity to be that voice. To provide not just awards programs but scholarships, walking tours, and perhapsas Karl hintedeven a return ofArchitecture in Schools.One may ask where is Vancouvers architecture centre? Recently visiting Montreal, it occurred to me they have called the CCA theCanadianCentreforArchitectureso there is no mistaking it there. And in Toronto, for many years theDesign Exchangewas run by theToronto Society of Architectsand the de facto centre of architecture in TO (sadly shuttered in 2019). So, where is Vancouvers? For some time there was theAIBC Architecture Centre, but with it closing its doors in 2020 perhaps the AFBC can look to locate somewhere in 2025.Photo credit: Tracy Armstrong. Venue credit: InformprojectsOur country is vast, and our provincial architectural associations can only do so much given their regulatory mandate. And national organizations like theRAICandCACBcannot possibly provide for everyone given limited staff and resources to support local advocacy for each metropolitan area. It is up to each of us, with boots on the ground in our local architectural communities, to advocate whether to write a piece like this one or attend an event like theAchievement Awards. Local architects and designers can each do their part by being present for our profession. Those who came out this past rainy November night to 411 Railway Street did just that, and congratulations again to all the evenings award recipients!For more information on the event go toArchitectural Awards of Excellence AFBC, and view the evenings photo galleryhere.Sean Ruthenis a Metro Vancouver-based architect.The post AFBC Architectural Achievement Awards Round-Up appeared first on Canadian Architect.