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Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool
Winsage
December 1, 2024

Rainmeter is an impressive Windows customization tool

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer in Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice among enthusiasts. Various recommendations from the community include Total Commander and Directory Opus. A user experienced burn-in on their QD-OLED monitor after using a static image for a year but found relief by switching to dynamic wallpaper. They appreciate QD-OLED technology and plan to upgrade to a newer generation panel. The Linux ecosystem features numerous distributions, with the user rotating between NixOS, Pop_OS!, Debian, and Q4OS based on their needs. A user transformed an outdated dual-Xeon CPU and motherboard into a home lab and budget gaming system, highlighting its versatility. Despite being a professional writer, the user relies on four fingers for typing and feels retraining could hinder productivity. Their first laptop was a Dell Inspiron 8500, which sparked their interest in technology. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration in Windows 11 has mixed reviews, with some users disabling automatic backups for a cleaner workspace. The gradual rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has not introduced significant changes, leading some users to wait for broader adoption. A Discord server dedicated to co-working has helped one user maintain productivity while working from home. The challenge of non-repairable tech is noted, with companies like Framework promoting sustainability through repairable products. Opinions on drive partitioning vary, with some advocating for multiple partitions while others prefer a single partition for simplicity. Casual gaming with Vampire Survivors has become a favorite for low-stress gameplay. The need for RAM in gaming PCs is increasing, with 16GB being standard and 32GB ideal for many users. The user was motivated to build their first PC for better gaming performance, inspired by the original Titanfall game. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant, enhancing device management. Obsidian is being explored for running tabletop RPGs, showcasing its versatility. The user transitioned from the unreliable Snipping Tool to Greenshot for capturing screenshots. Odd-length M.2 drives are noted as scarce in consumer markets despite the rise of smaller NVMe SSDs. The user is exploring alternative browsers like Floorp and Vivaldi after years of using Chrome.
The gamepad of portable consoles has become more convenient for typing in Windows 11
Winsage
October 19, 2024

The gamepad of portable consoles has become more convenient for typing in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced enhancements in Windows 11, focusing on gamers and developers. Key features include an on-screen keyboard for gamepad users, currently available for testing in Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, which allows text entry and navigation using Xbox controllers. Other updates include a refined messaging system, quick access to Phone Link from the Start menu, and customizable Copilot key remapping. The Windows 11 24H2 update also adds support for the ReFS (Resilient File System) on desktop computers, previously limited to server versions. ReFS offers block cloning for faster file copying, with claims of up to 94% speed improvement over NTFS for transferring large files. It is designed for server applications and large file storage, featuring integrity checking and automatic backup mechanisms. ReFS is presented in the Dev Drive format for developers and professionals, optimizing file management and performance for storage operations, while not intended for operating system installations. Its practicality for everyday home users may be limited.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
September 17, 2024

6 best Windows tweaks I can’t live without

- Disabling power-saving brightness adjustments on laptops to ensure consistent screen brightness. - Enabling dark mode to reduce eye strain and enhance aesthetic during extended use, especially at night. - Disabling OneDrive backups to avoid clutter and confusion from automatic syncing of Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders. - Using Flow Launcher to quickly launch applications, access settings, and execute commands, enhancing productivity. - Utilizing ClickMonitorDDC or Twinkle Tray for adjusting brightness and contrast on external monitors directly from the desktop. - Implementing PowerToys FancyZones to create customizable snapping layouts for better window organization on large screens.
Do you use Windows Hello?
Winsage
September 6, 2024

Do you use Windows Hello?

Microsoft has made OneDrive a default feature in Windows 11 to back up essential folders like Desktop, Pictures, and Documents to the cloud, which has received mixed reactions from users. Many users find the automatic backup feature to create clutter and confusion on their desktops, prompting some to create guides on how to disable it. The author prefers Adobe's Photoshop for photo editing and has found value in its subscription model. They transformed an old PC into a smart home hub using Home Assistant to manage devices like Google speakers and smart TVs. The author currently uses the Ducky Zero 6108 keyboard but is considering switching back to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL. For capturing screenshots, they have settled on Greenshot after finding the Snipping Tool inconsistent. The author enjoys exploring various Linux distributions, favoring NixOS for coding, Pop_OS! for Nvidia GPUs, and Debian for stability.
Here are the pros and cons of using Windows BitLocker
Winsage
August 18, 2024

Here are the pros and cons of using Windows BitLocker

Encryption transforms sensitive information into a scrambled format that can only be reverted to its original state by those with a specific key. The Atbash cipher is a historical example of encryption. Microsoft’s BitLocker, an encryption tool, has been available on certain Windows versions but is now accessible by default on Copilot+ PCs with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 starting June 18th. Users must be aware of where their encryption key is stored, as Microsoft has not announced when existing Windows 11 installations will receive this update, expected around September or October 2024. Upgrading to version 24H2 does not automatically enable BitLocker; it activates only during fresh installations or reinstalls. Microsoft is also easing hardware requirements for BitLocker. Pros of BitLocker include enhanced security and hardware-based security through the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Cons include complexity for non-technical users, risk of data lockout without the encryption key, potential performance impact of up to 45%, and troubleshooting challenges with TPM issues. It is critical to back up both the encryption key and vital data, as various glitches may require access to the key outside normal usage. Using an automatic backup service, like Carbonite, is advisable to ensure data remains secure and retrievable even if local backup drives are encrypted.
Data Doctors: Pros and cons of Windows BitLocker encryption - WTOP News
Winsage
August 16, 2024

Data Doctors: Pros and cons of Windows BitLocker encryption – WTOP News

Microsoft's BitLocker is a built-in encryption tool available in various versions of Windows, providing robust protection for sensitive information. Historically, BitLocker was exclusive to Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions, but with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 on June 18 for Copilot+ PCs, it is now available for Windows Home users as well. Users must know where their encryption key is stored and how to back it up, as upgrading to version 24H2 does not automatically enable BitLocker. The feature is reserved for fresh installations or reinstalls, and Microsoft is easing hardware requirements to allow older systems to utilize BitLocker. BitLocker enhances security by integrating with the operating system and leveraging the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for secure key storage. However, it can pose challenges for nontechnical home users, particularly in managing encryption keys, as losing access to the key can lock users out of their data. BitLocker may also cause a performance decrease of up to 45%, and troubleshooting issues with the TPM can be complex. Users should ensure they have backups of the encryption key and critical data, as glitches may require the key for access. An automatic backup solution, like Carbonite, is recommended for BitLocker users.
22 awesome free apps already installed on your Windows PC
Winsage
July 29, 2024

22 awesome free apps already installed on your Windows PC

Windows 11 comes with a suite of pre-installed applications designed to enhance productivity and creativity. - Clipchamp: A free video editing tool for basic editing tasks, with paid options for advanced features. - Microsoft Edge: Integrated with Copilot for AI-driven features, enhancing browsing capabilities. - Microsoft Photos: Manages images with advanced search, slideshow creation, and editing features, including AI tools for background removal. - Outlook: A unified platform for managing multiple email accounts and includes productivity tools like a calendar and to-do list. - Microsoft Paint: Updated with AI capabilities and a Layers function for advanced image editing. - Quick Assist: Allows remote access to assist others with technical issues. - Phone Link: Connects Windows computers with Android devices for messaging and notifications. - Windows Backup: Automatically backs up files to Microsoft OneDrive. - Notepad: Enhanced with tab functionality and a spell checker. Additional applications include Family for monitoring children's online activities, Sticky Notes for reminders, Game Bar for gaming performance, Calculator for calculations, Camera for photography, Maps as an alternative to Google Maps, Getting Started guide, Audio Recorder, Media Player, Teams for virtual meetings, Tips for suggestions, Todo for task management, and Xbox features.
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