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Carbon Copy Cloner is a utility software that allows users to clone data from one volume to another on a Mac. It has been a popular choice for this task for over 20 years and has grown in reliability and features over time. The software is priced at $49.99 for a Personal and Household license, with a 30-day free trial available. It supports macOS 13 Ventura or later, HFS+ and APFS drive formats, and can back up to local and network volumes. However, it does not support Windows file formats, optical media, or web-based platforms. The software has a user-friendly interface, customizable filters, and various configuration options. It also includes tools for scheduling backups and a task manager for managing multiple backup tasks. One limitation is that creating a bootable drive for Apple Silicon Macs can be hit-or-miss due to Apple's protocols. The initial price of the software may also be higher than expected. Overall, Carbon Copy Cloner is a reliable and highly configurable utility that pairs well with other backup tools and has a supportive user community. [Extracted from the article]

Kaspersky antivirus has been shut down in the US due to national security concerns. Users are advised to remove the app from their PCs and switch to alternative antivirus software that will receive regular updates. Free users can use Windows Defender, while paid users will be automatically switched to Pangos' UltraAV software at no cost. For those looking for a closer replacement to Kaspersky, options like AVG Internet Security, Norton 360 Deluxe, McAfee Total Protection, Avira Prime, and Panda Dome Complete are recommended. These alternatives offer various features and levels of protection at different price points. [Extracted from the article]

The article compares the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT AWD and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD, two family-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) with similar features and range estimates. The Equinox EV is longer and wider than its gas-powered counterpart, while the ID.4 shares its platform with another electric model. The ID.4 offers more cargo room and a more engaging driving experience, while the Equinox EV has a softer suspension and features GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system. The ID.4 has a higher MPGe rating and faster charging times, but the Equinox EV has a larger touchscreen and physical HVAC controls. Ultimately, the article concludes that the ID.4 is the winner due to its quicker acceleration and more playful chassis. [Extracted from the article]

Adobe Acrobat is a PDF editing tool that offers a range of features for power users, but it comes at a cost. The free version of Adobe Acrobat is not worth it compared to Apple's built-in Preview app, which offers similar features and better execution. However, if you are willing to pay for a subscription, Adobe Acrobat provides advanced editing functionalities, such as text and media editing, form filling, signature collection, and collaboration tools. The pricing for Adobe Acrobat ranges from $12.99 to $19.99 per month, with additional add-ons available. While it is a useful tool for professionals who work with PDF documents regularly, casual users may find better alternatives elsewhere. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Macworld - Digital Edition reviews pdfFiller, a PDF editor for macOS, highlighting its high cost and limited functionality. The software offers basic PDF editing features but falls short in delivering all advertised features, such as image exports and password protection. Despite being a cross-platform solution with apps on various devices, the Mac app lacks reliability and performance, making it less appealing compared to other more affordable and feature-rich PDF editors available in the market. [Extracted from the article]

Readdle PDF Expert is a highly recommended PDF editor for Apple users. It offers a wide range of features, reliable performance, and a user-friendly interface. The app allows users to edit, annotate, convert, and sign PDF documents, among other functionalities. While it may not have the advanced tools of Adobe Acrobat, PDF Expert is more than sufficient for most users. The app is only available for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, and the mobile version requires a subscription. Overall, PDF Expert is a feature-rich and visually appealing PDF editor that meets the expectations of users. [Extracted from the article]

SuperDuper! is a reliable and easy-to-use cloning and restoration app for Mac. It allows users to create an archive of their hard drive on an external volume, making it easily accessible and recoverable. The app supports APFS and HFS+ file formats and offers customization options for scheduling and specifying files to be copied. However, it currently lacks support for network volumes and FAT, exFAT, and NTFS formats. Despite these limitations, SuperDuper! is praised for its solid performance, user-friendly interface, and reasonable price. [Extracted from the article]

NotchNook is an app that adds a multi-function toolbox to the menu bar of MacBooks with notches. It allows users to access media controls, shortcuts, a file repository, and more. The app opens by moving the cursor to the notch and has two main functions: the Nook and the Tray. The Nook provides access to media controls, shortcuts, and a FaceTime Mirror, while the Tray offers utilities like AirDrop support and file management. NotchNook has a price of $25 for a lifetime license or a $3 per month subscription. However, there are concerns about the app's privacy policy, as it is not posted on the developer's website. Overall, NotchNook offers an alternative way to access certain features, but there are already existing options in macOS. Other notch utilities are also available for users to try. [Extracted from the article]

Avira Prime is an antivirus software suite that provides comprehensive protection and PC utilities. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of tools, including malware and web defenses, a password manager, unlimited VPN, and dark web monitoring. The software also includes PC performance tools such as speeding up the computer and finding duplicate files. It does not have parental controls but offers various backup options. The subscription costs $60 for the first year and $105 per year thereafter, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The default plan covers five devices, but users can upgrade to a 25-device plan for $130 per year. Avira Prime is easy to install and navigate, providing real-time protection against online and offline threats. It offers scheduled and manual scans, as well as a firewall to monitor network traffic. Additional features include a password manager, a secure browser, and a system speedup tool. Overall, Avira Prime is a user-friendly antivirus suite that offers strong security and a reasonable subscription price. It is suitable for beginners who want a simple start and gradually learn more about PC management. While it performs well in malware detection and protection tests, it may struggle with sophisticated, targeted threats. [Extracted from the article]

Avast Premium Security for macOS is a reliable antivirus software that aims to keep Mac computers secure from viruses and malware. It offers various modules, including Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, Quarantine, and Store. The software provides easy access to these tools and allows users to run different types of scans. It also includes features like Traffic Monitor and Network Inspector to monitor network activity and ensure safety. While the installation process can be lengthy, the software runs smoothly and offers valuable insights into network security. Avast Premium Security operates on a subscription-based model, with additional features available at higher subscription tiers. Overall, it is a comprehensive and reasonably priced antivirus suite worth considering. [Extracted from the article]

BitMedic Pro Antivirus, developed by Pocket Bits, is a good antiviral program available on the Mac App Store for $10. It offers a range of tools, including an Antivirus Scan module, an Adware Cleaner module, a Result Log, a Custom Scan module, a Browser Privacy module, and a System Settings module. While the program performed well in initial tests, it did crash twice during testing. The lack of specific descriptions for infected files and the absence of an elapsed time for scans were also noted as shortcomings. The inclusion of an Adware Cleaner module was seen as a positive, although it could have been categorized under viruses or malware. The Results Log module provided limited information, and the Browser Privacy module was considered overbroad. The Custom Scan and System Settings modules were praised for their ease of use. However, the program has not been updated since 2020, and the antiviral cleaning was inconsistent. Additionally, the constant prompts to write an App Store review were seen as annoying. Overall, while BitMedic Pro Antivirus has some good features, it falls short in certain areas and may not be worth more than its $10 price point. [Extracted from the article]

Apple's recent update to its visionOS operating system includes several improvements and hints at future product plans. While there is no mention of Apple Intelligence in the update, the company has previously stated that it is working on a version of Siri with more contextual intelligence to be released in 2025. The update includes enhancements to gesture controls, the ability to turn photos into spatial images, support for external keyboards and mice, and improvements to the Safari browser. Apple has also expanded the number of immersive environments available and introduced features such as Guest mode and Live Captions. [Extracted from the article]

The Windows 11 2023 Update brings several new features, including an AI-infused tool called Windows Copilot, which can perform tasks and provide information. However, Copilot is slow and lacks a consistent search experience. The update also includes improvements to File Explorer, Passkeys for simple and secure logins, and changes to the user interface, such as the Taskbar, Settings, and volume interface. AI-powered enhancements to apps like Paint and Photos are also introduced. However, some expected features, like in-field inking and enhanced Windows Spotlight options, are not included. Overall, the update is a step towards Microsoft's vision of an AI-infused PC, but there is room for improvement. [Extracted from the article]

There is a kind of program starter called My Norton through which you manage the actual antivirus program or additional programs such as VPN, a password manager, and cloud backup. In a test by the auditors at AV-Test (fave.co/3Ej1bnY) in March 2023, the program's Mac malware detection earned an impressive score of 100%. WORKING MAC Norton is one of the oldest software utility names in the Mac world and a big name in software security, so we were intrigued by the various Norton 360 bundles, including Norton 360 Plus, Standard, and Deluxe. [Extracted from the article]

Whether utility software falls into the category of subscription-based software is debatable, and just because the software industry is trending this way doesn't mean Nektony needs to follow suit. WORKING MAC There's no shortage of cleaning and optimization utilities (fave.co/3UiyU6m) for the Mac these days, and while Ukrainian developer Nektony's MacCleaner Pro (fave.co/3ATBSYi) doesn't offer the most revelatory set of features, what's present here is a handy, powerful selection of tools. [Extracted from the article]

Forest City Gear, a precision gear manufacturer, has been in business for over 60 years and credits its success to a long-standing relationship with Sunnen Products Company, a leading honing systems manufacturer. The company specializes in custom gear solutions for diverse industries, with a focus on high-tech precision and innovation. By utilizing advanced honing technology, Forest City Gear ensures superior quality, durability, and performance in its products, catering to industries such as aerospace, medical, military, and industrial applications. The company's commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has solidified its reputation as a leader in the gear manufacturing industry. [Extracted from the article]

Version 13 of XtalOpt , an evolutionary algorithm for crystal structure prediction, is now available for download from the CPC program library or the XtalOpt website, https://xtalopt.github.io. In the new version of the XtalOpt code, a general platform for multi-objective global optimization is implemented. This functionality is designed to facilitate the search for (meta)stable phases of functional materials through minimization of the enthalpy of a crystalline system coupled with the simultaneous optimization of any desired properties that are specified by the user. The code is also able to perform a constrained search by filtering the parent pool of structures based on a user-specified feature, while optimizing multiple objectives. Here, we present the implementation and various technical details, and we provide a brief overview of additional improvements that have been introduced in the new version of XtalOpt. Program Title: XtalOpt CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/jt5pvnnm39.4 Developer's repository link: https://github.com/xtalopt/XtalOpt Licensing provisions: BSD 3-clause Programming language: C++. Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Commun. 237 (2019) 274–275. Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes. Reasons for the new version: Implementation of a multi-objective evolutionary search within the XtalOpt program package. Summary of revisions: Implemented a general user-friendly multi-objective search capability, made various improvements to user interface and functionalities, performed bug fixes. Nature of problem: The XtalOpt algorithm is designed to search for (meta)stable crystal structures, optionally with specific functionalities – a grand challenge in computational materials science, chemistry and physics. Solution method: A generalized scalar fitness function, where a set of user-specified objectives contribute to the fitness value for candidate structures, is implemented within XtalOpt. This generalized fitness biases the search towards the discovery of (meta)stable phases with structural motifs that are key for the desired characteristics. As a result, the evolutionary search explores regions of the energy landscape of higher relevance in terms of target properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Super apps, which combine multiple mini apps and services under a single platform, have gained popularity in the consumer world. Now, there is growing interest in bringing super apps to the enterprise. These employee-centric super apps aim to consolidate the tools and resources employees use daily into one platform, providing a familiar interface and simplifying user adoption. While consumer super apps have mainly been successful in Asia and emerging markets, there is potential for enterprise super apps to enhance efficiency, user experience, and security. However, organizations should consider the cultural shift, cost, and potential vendor lock-in associated with developing or deploying super apps. Ultimately, businesses must weigh the benefits and challenges to determine if super apps align with their mobile and enterprise strategies. [Extracted from the article]

PLAYLIST If you're a music fan, there are basically two options: Spotify and Apple Music. From radio stations to playlists, Apple Music is a fantastic place to both find new music and learn a little more about the music you love. [Extracted from the article]

The search for new comparably light (well below the electroweak scale) feebly interacting particles is an exciting possibility to explain some mysterious phenomena in physics, among them the origin of Dark Matter. The sensitivity study through detailed simulation of projected experiments is a key point in estimating their potential for discovery. Several years ago we created the DMG4 package for the simulation of DM (Dark Matter) particles in fixed target experiments. The natural approach is to integrate this simulation into the same program that performs the full simulation of particles in the experiment setup. The Geant4 toolkit framework was chosen as the most popular and versatile solution nowadays. The simulation of DM particles production by this package accommodates several possible scenarios, employing electron, muon or photon beams and involving various mediators, such as vector, axial vector, scalar, pseudoscalar, or spin 2 particles. The bremsstrahlung, annihilation or Primakoff processes can be simulated. The package DMG4 contains a subpackage DarkMatter with cross section methods weakly connected to Geant4. It can be used in different frameworks. In this paper, we present the latest developments of the package, such as extending the list of possible mediator particle types, refining formulas for the simulation and extending the mediator mass range. The user interface is also made more flexible and convenient. In this work, we also demonstrate the usage of the package, the improvements in the simulation accuracy and some cross check validations. Program title: DMG4 CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/cmr4bcrj6j.1 Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License 3 Programming language: c++ Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Commun. 269 (2021) 108129 Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes Reasons for the new version: Numerous developments, addition of new features Summary of revisions: WW approximation cross sections for the muon beam are implemented and cross-checked, models with semivisible A ′ (inelastic Dark Matter) and spin 2 mediators are added. The range of possible mediator masses is extended. Several important improvements for the annihilation processes are made, the number of possible annihilation processes is extended. User interface is improved. Several bugs are fixed. Nature of problem: For the simulation of Dark Matter production processes in fixed target experiments a code that can be easily integrated in programs for the full simulation of experimental setup is needed. Solution method: A fully Geant4 compatible DM simulation package DMG4 was presented in 2020. We present numerous further developments of this package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riedl says the "aha" moment for ChromeOS's enterprise potential struck when Google itself started issuing Chromebooks to its own employees as the default device across the company. Google's ChromeOS is the Rodney Dangerfield of modern operating systems: It's been around for ages now, and it pops up in all sorts of unexpected places. [Extracted from the article]

The latest Windows 11 Insider build, 25977 Canary, now supports Bluetooth Low Energy hearing aids, allowing users to seamlessly connect their hearing aids to Windows laptops and desktops. This update addresses a previous lag in Bluetooth support for high-end hearing aids. The specific compatibility of a device depends on the Bluetooth radio included in the hardware, but a USB adapter can be used to add the capability if necessary. Future updates are planned to allow users to adjust audio presets on their hearing aids directly within Windows. The build also includes improvements to app-by-app location privacy settings, SMB over QUIC for remotely managed machines, and user interface tweaks and bug fixes. [Extracted from the article]

Designed as freeware with an option to pay for a professional version and its appropriate annual license, CCleaner achieves what it sets out to do: help clean up gigabytes of cache files and internet history files, and locate and purge large files on your Mac, all with an impressive level of control. Piriform's CCleaner, which was initially created to help clean up Registry files on Windows-based machines, made its way to the Mac in the Mac OS X 10.7 Lion days and hasn't looked back. You provide CCleaner with full hard disk access in the macOS Security and Privacy preference pane, and the software goes to work. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE Free COMPANY Titanium Software DIAGRAM: Onyx: A must-have utility for your Mac software toolbox DIAGRAM: Onyx: A must-have utility for your Mac software toolbox PHOTO (COLOR) WORKING MAC Macworld EDITORS' CHOICE Since the days of Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar, Onyx (fave.co/3Dqy4vT) has been in the arsenal of Mac techies to help fix Macs and assorted operating system weirdness. [Extracted from the article]

A review is presented of Vue 3, which is an open-source model–view–viewmodel JavaScript framework for building user interfaces and single-page applications.

The article evaluates the Claude generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by Anthropic.

Ediphi, a new platform created by Dustin DeVan, aims to modernize preconstruction estimating in the construction industry by moving it to the cloud. Currently, the majority of estimators still use manual spreadsheets or on-premise software. Ediphi provides a proprietary set of estimation capabilities, integrating data sheets and unit mixes, and allows estimators to create assemblies for different scales of projects. The platform also brings transparency and allows users to track the steps and learn how estimates were derived. Several construction companies, including Hensel Phelps and DPR Construction, have participated in pilot programs to test Ediphi's capabilities. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the portable Tono-Vera Tonometer with ActiView Positioning System from Reichert Technologies.

MacStadium has introduced a new tool called Orka Desktop, which allows enterprise developers to create and manage multiple macOS virtual machines locally. This free macOS virtualization tool is particularly useful for developers who need to test apps on virtual Macs, as it accelerates and democratizes the development process. Orka Desktop provides an easy-to-use interface for developers to make changes to virtual machines and supports collaboration through the creation and sharing of macOS image versions. The tool also offers features such as near-native performance on Apple Silicon, the ability to build and share Open Container Initiative (OCI) images, and the option to wrap and compress virtual machines for easier distribution. [Extracted from the article]

The article evaluates the Macrex indexing software.

A review is presented of Commander One 2.1 file manager app for use with Apple computers and devices.

Departments & Features This Model Y Long Range doesn't look much different from one we tested in 2020. Our figure-eight test revealed quick and precise steering, as well as how capable and fun the Model Y can be. We can't say it's leagues better than other, newer electric SUVs, but we also can't say any of those EVs are leagues better than the Model Y. There is one area where Tesla blows away the competition: the Supercharger network. [Extracted from the article]