accounts Archives

Winsage

March 9, 2025

5 reasons you should use Bazzite instead of Windows on your gaming PC

Windows has dominated the PC gaming landscape for decades, but the Steam Deck's introduction by Valve, which runs on Linux, has prompted a shift. Bazzite is a solution that replicates the Steam OS experience on any PC, offering an alternative to Windows for gamers. It provides better privacy by eliminating mandatory Microsoft accounts and intrusive ads. Bazzite supports most modern PC games through Proton, allowing many titles to run effectively, and some games may even perform better on Bazzite, especially those using Vulkan. It also facilitates retro gaming through EmuDeck, simplifying setup for various platforms. Bazzite is designed for controller-based gaming, allowing users to navigate games comfortably without needing a keyboard and mouse.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Free Alternatives to Paid Windows Software

Windows operating systems often require third-party software for specialized tasks, with free alternatives available to replace paid options. 1. BleachBit is used for system cleaning as a free substitute for CCleaner Pro, effectively enhancing PC performance by removing unnecessary data without tampering with the Windows Registry. 2. Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free tool for uninstalling programs and bloatware, scanning for leftover files and simplifying the cleanup process with filtering options and color-coded listings. 3. Google Docs is preferred over Microsoft 365 for its user-friendly nature and free 15 GB storage per Gmail account, while LibreOffice is recommended as an alternative for standalone applications. 4. GIMP serves as a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop, offering essential graphic design tools without being resource-intensive. 5. Kdenlive is a free video editor that meets basic video editing needs and is compatible with lower-end PCs, providing a comprehensive suite of features and regular updates. 6. Audacity is used for audio editing, capable of handling both basic and professional tasks, with tools for noise elimination and vocal enhancement. 7. 7-Zip is a lightweight file compression and archiving tool that offers superior compression capabilities and password protection, operating unobtrusively in the background.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

GTA 5 Enhanced for PC Is Rockstar’s Worst-Reviewed Game Ever on Steam Daily Fix – IGN

The Enhanced Edition of Grand Theft Auto 5 for PC has received negative reviews on Steam due to issues such as the need for complete reinstallation, difficulties in transferring saved games and accounts, the absence of certain text communication features, and the emergence of bugs. Sony has launched a rental program for the PlayStation 5 in the UK, allowing gamers to lease the console and other devices for a fee, but it does not operate on a rent-to-own basis, potentially leading to higher costs for those who decide to purchase later. A Flamin' Hot Cheeto resembling a Pokémon sold at auction for ,000, highlighting the trend of novelty items fetching high prices.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

The Windows 11 Beta will finally bring peace to your chaotic file organization

The Windows 11 Beta has introduced a "Recommended Files" section in File Explorer, available in Beta build 22635.5025, which allows users to quickly access relevant files based on recent activities. This section displays a carousel of thumbnail previews of frequently used, recently downloaded, or added files. It is accessible to all Windows Insiders signed in with personal Microsoft or local accounts, although residents of the European Economic Area may not have immediate access. Additionally, the Beta version highlights commonly snapped applications in the Start menu, providing shortcuts for users to launch pairs of applications that they frequently use side by side.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5025 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5025 (KB5053661) has been released to the Beta Channel for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include recommended files in File Explorer, which displays frequently used and recently downloaded files, and a feature in the Start menu that recommends snap groups of apps. Enhanced support for web search providers in Windows Search for the EEA has also been implemented. Fixes include resolving an issue causing File Explorer to close slowly. Known issues involve delays in displaying app icons in the Start menu and the organization of Windows Tools related apps. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053661 beta brings a new Start menu feature that snaps apps together

Microsoft has released build 22635.5025 for Windows 11 23H2 in the Beta channel for Insiders, identified under KB5053661. This update introduces a Recommended files feature in File Explorer, accessible to Insiders with personal or local Microsoft accounts, showcasing relevant files based on user activity. Users with work or school accounts will receive additional recommendations, though this feature is not yet available in the European Economic Area. The Start menu now suggests snap groups of recommended apps for improved multitasking. A fix has been implemented to address lag issues in File Explorer when closing the application. Known issues include delays in app icon appearance in the Start menu and the organization of Windows Tools related apps into folders. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

There’s finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that’s older than Windows 11

Microsoft has announced four solutions to address the error code 0x80131500, known as the "Try that again" error, which has affected users for over six years. The solutions include: 1. Resetting the Microsoft Store app 2. Checking for updates 3. Running the Microsoft Store troubleshooter (for Windows 10 users) 4. Updating internet TLS settings to ensure TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are enabled while disabling TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1. The error was first discussed on the r/Windows10 subreddit, where users shared temporary fixes, including resetting the app and creating new local accounts. Microsoft’s recent guidelines aim to help both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users resolve this issue.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Windows 10 has replaced Windows 11 as Steam’s top OS again

Windows 11 has experienced slow adoption rates, taking over three years to gain traction in the gaming community, while Windows 10 has regained its status as the preferred operating system on Steam as of February 2025. The latest Steam Hardware Survey indicates that Windows 10 64-bit has increased by 10.47%, giving it over 50% of Valve's user base, compared to Windows 11's 44.10%. Factors contributing to Windows 10's resurgence may include its reputation for speed in gaming and issues with Windows 11, particularly following the 24H2 update. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in Simplified Chinese users on Steam, which now accounts for 35% of the platform. Meanwhile, the transition to Windows 11 is ongoing, with a consistent 2% monthly increase reported by Statcounter, likely influenced by the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Despite this, the upgrade process has faced criticism due to initial compatibility issues related to TPM requirements.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

BadBox Malware Infects 50,000+ Android Devices via 24 Apps on Google Play

HUMAN's Satori Threat Intelligence and Research team has identified a cyberattack named "BADBOX 2.0," which has compromised over 1 million consumer devices globally through 24 malicious applications on the Google Play Store. The operation utilizes a backdoor called BB2DOOR for persistent access to infected devices, primarily distributed via pre-installed apps on low-cost Android devices and third-party marketplaces. Four threat actor groups—SalesTracker Group, MoYu Group, Lemon Group, and LongTV—collaborate in this operation, which supports fraudulent activities such as residential proxy services, programmatic ad fraud, and click fraud, generating up to 5 billion fraudulent bid requests weekly. Despite efforts by HUMAN and Google to disrupt BADBOX 2.0, the threat actors may continue their operations due to the resilience of their supply chain. Users are advised to download apps only from official marketplaces to reduce infection risks.