alternative Archives

Winsage

May 11, 2025

10 Windows services I safely disable, and you can too

Windows 11 includes various background services that can be disabled to enhance performance or privacy. Users can access the Services window by searching for "Services" in the search bar. Key services that may be unnecessary for many users include: - Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: Often unnecessary as most laptops lack a mobile data connection. - Fax: Rarely needed for personal computers. - Downloaded Maps Manager: Manages downloaded maps, likely to become less relevant with the deprecation of Windows Maps. - Certificate Propagation: Essential for smart card functionality; can be disabled if not using smart cards. - Windows Insider Service: Manages enrollment in the Windows Insider program; advisable to disable if not participating. - Parental Controls: Useful for families; can be disabled if the device is for personal use. - Windows Image Acquisition: Facilitates image acquisition from scanners and cameras; can be disabled if no scanner is used. - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Aids communication with local network devices; can be disabled for most home users. - Xbox Live Game Save: Syncs save data with Xbox Live; unnecessary for users who primarily use other gaming platforms. - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects diagnostic data; disabling it can enhance privacy. Disabling these services may not lead to significant performance improvements but can create a more personalized computing experience. Users can re-enable any service if needed later.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

5 reasons I use File Pilot to manage my files on Windows

Microsoft's File Explorer for Windows 11 is considered adequate but lacks certain features, leading users to seek alternatives like File Pilot, which is currently in beta and expected to have a paid release later this year. File Pilot allows users to adjust file views with a slider for seamless transitions and enhances usability by enabling real-time customization. It offers advanced file preview capabilities, particularly for images and TXT files, and features a command bar for quick navigation and access to various functions. The split view feature allows users to create multiple customizable panels for better organization. File Pilot is lightweight, with a download size of 1.8MB, and provides rapid performance, making it effective for managing large sets of files.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

I made my Windows Terminal exactly the way I want it, and it’s hard to go back to GUI apps

The author has been using Linux, specifically Ubuntu Server, for over a decade for cloud deployments, game server management, and media streaming. They primarily use a MacBook for daily tasks but also require Windows for gaming on a main PC, utilizing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The author has configured Windows Terminal to manage multiple command-line shells, including Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL, all within a single application. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for earlier versions. The author's Windows Terminal setup opens a WSL environment by default and includes options for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Developer Command Prompts. They have customized their experience by removing trailing whitespace when pasting, organizing tab order, hiding the title bar, and using a Dark theme with the Monokai Remastered color scheme and JetBrains Mono font. The WSL configuration is set to access an Ubuntu terminal directly. Windows Terminal allows the author to connect to Proxmox hosts or virtual machines via SSH and supports multiple tabs for managing different systems. It features a "Quake" mode for quick command execution and the ability to create automated tools with keyboard shortcuts. The author plans to explore adding SSH profiles for easier server connections.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Windows 10 End of Support: Should Developers Be Concerned?

Developers using older machines may struggle as Windows 10 approaches its end of support, with many unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Microsoft encourages upgrades but acknowledges the challenges posed by older systems. While some users can still perform daily tasks on Windows 10, workarounds exist for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. The conversation around transitioning to Linux has gained traction, with user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint offering alternatives that can run alongside Windows. Users can explore various platforms, as many services now operate seamlessly across different systems. For those sticking with Windows 10, Extended Security Updates are available but come with risks of security vulnerabilities. Users with older machines face several choices: hack the system, invest in new hardware, explore Linux, pay for updates, or ignore the warnings.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

I tried Google’s secret Gallery app, and it has one big advantage over Google Photos

Google Gallery is a new app from Google that focuses on managing images stored locally on devices, without cloud syncing or AI enhancements. It features a simple design with two main sections: Photos, which shows images in reverse chronological order, and Folders, which categorizes files. The app includes basic editing tools and highlights overlooked files like screenshots and downloads. It is designed for offline use, making it useful in areas with limited connectivity. Google Gallery is free to download, takes up minimal space, and serves as a complementary tool to Google Photos. However, its future support is uncertain, as it was previously known as "Gallery Go" and may face competition from other apps like Focus Go.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Windows 11, version 24H2 has officially rolled out, but some devices may face installation issues due to unresolved problems. This week features discounts on various apps, with users encouraged to check the Store for offers. BleachBit 5.0 has been updated, enhancing its functionality as a temporary file cleaner and secure file deleter, while discontinuing support for Windows 7 and earlier versions and addressing several DLL vulnerabilities. Sucrose is a new open-source wallpaper tool for Windows that allows users to download animated wallpapers or create their own, including transforming websites into dynamic wallpapers. Winhance 5 is a free utility for customizing Windows, allowing changes to system settings and removal of system apps, with a more intuitive graphical user interface compared to its predecessor.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages has received a range of critical reviews, with ratings as follows: EuroGamer - 80, tsa - 80, HardcoreGamer - 100, Tom's Guide - 90, PCGamesN - 80, DigitalTrends - 70, VG247 - 80, TechRadar - 80, IGN - 90, and Vice - 90. Critics noted the game's nostalgic charm, engaging combat, and stunning graphics, while some pointed out weaknesses such as underdeveloped features, pacing issues, and disappointing new mechanics.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Do You Really Have to Stop Using Windows 10?

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users will continue to use Windows 10, but it will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware supports it, purchase a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed, or consider alternative operating systems such as ChromeOS Flex or Linux.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

So many people had no clue this Google app for managing photos and videos existed!

Google's Gallery app, previously known as Gallery Go, has over a billion downloads and has been available for six years, yet remains largely unknown to many users, including Pixel device owners. It serves as a simpler, offline alternative to Google Photos, appealing to users with limited storage or unreliable connectivity. A trending Reddit thread revealed users' surprise at the app's existence, with many expressing frustration with Google Photos' complexity. Launched in 2019, the Gallery app was initially aimed at low-end devices and has seen minimal marketing and updates since then. Its primary function is to allow users to view locally stored photos and videos, and it includes basic AI-powered photo organization.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Cosy board game Flamecraft is getting a digital adaptation for PC

Flamecraft, a board game featuring artisan dragons, will be adapted into a digital version for PC by Monster Couch, known for their work on Wingspan and Calico. The game allows 1-5 players to take on the role of a "Flamekeeper," interacting with dragons to enhance shops and develop a village. The digital adaptation will maintain the original gameplay while featuring vibrant visuals and lively dragon icons. Players will strategically position dragons, gather resources, cast enchantments, and aim to accumulate reputation points to become the Master of Flamecraft. A release date has not been announced, but players can wishlist the game on Steam.