command-line

AppWizard
July 25, 2025
The July 2025 Android Canary build of the Linux Terminal app introduces the ability to run graphical Linux applications, allowing users to interact with a graphical interface via a new “Display” button. By typing ‘weston’, users can access a graphical environment with Weston preinstalled. Users can also enable hardware acceleration by creating an empty file named virglrenderer in the /sdcard/linux directory, which enhances performance for running demanding Linux software. The feature is currently available in the Canary build, with speculation about its rollout to Beta or Stable channels in the second quarterly release of Android 16, expected in December.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Users often face challenges in keeping applications updated on Windows, leading to outdated versions and missed features. The Windows Package Manager, or WinGet, simplifies the update process by allowing users to update multiple applications simultaneously through a command-line interface. It is integrated into Windows 10 and 11 and works with about 90% of applications, typically executing updates in a few minutes. To use WinGet, users need to open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDERddcd0de405f7da24. Some applications may require separate updates, and Microsoft applications can also be updated via the Microsoft Store. If issues arise, users may need to upgrade the WinGet app installer package using the command PLACEHOLDER907cae8359ff2d8e.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
Windows PCs come with tools to manage power consumption, notably the Power Settings Command-Line Tool (Powercfg.exe), which can generate a battery report. This report, saved as an HTML document, details battery usage, capacity, and historical data. Users can create a battery report by opening Command Prompt and entering specific commands. The report shows the design capacity and current full-charge capacity of the battery, helping track degradation over time. The battery report also includes usage data over the past three days, allowing users to analyze which activities impact battery performance. The Battery Life Estimates section provides insights into potential battery longevity based on usage patterns. Windows 11 allows users to check app-specific power consumption through Settings > System > Power & Battery. The Energy Recommendations checklist in Windows 11 offers energy-saving options and direct links to relevant settings. Users can adjust sleep and display settings according to their preferences. The Shutdown command can be executed from Command Prompt or the Run dialog box for transitioning between power states. The Battery Saver feature, now called Energy Saver in version 24H2, conserves battery life by disabling non-essential activities and can be manually activated.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Google is rolling out an update to its Android operating system that allows its Gemini AI to access third-party applications by default, overriding users' previous privacy settings. This change, effective July 8, has led to confusion among users, as many received unclear email notifications regarding the update and how to disable the new feature. Google has stated that human reviewers may process app data, and conversations could be stored for up to 72 hours, even if users opt out of activity tracking. The update is part of Google's strategy to integrate Gemini more deeply into its ecosystem, replacing the Google Assistant with Gemini on mobile devices. The company plans to open its Gemini Nano model to third-party developers, further embedding AI into applications.
Tech Optimizer
July 7, 2025
The XWorm Remote Access Trojan (RAT) has evolved its attack strategies by incorporating advanced stagers and loaders to evade detection. It is known for its capabilities, including keylogging, remote desktop access, data exfiltration, and command execution, and is particularly targeted at the software supply chain and gaming sectors. Recent campaigns have paired XWorm with AsyncRAT for initial access before deploying ransomware using the leaked LockBit Black builder. XWorm utilizes various file formats and scripting languages for payload delivery, often through phishing campaigns with deceptive lures like invoices and shipping notifications. It employs obfuscation techniques, including Base64 encoding and AES encryption, and manipulates Windows security features to avoid detection. Persistence mechanisms such as registry run keys and scheduled tasks ensure sustained access. XWorm conducts system reconnaissance, queries for antivirus software, and attempts to disable Microsoft Defender. It can propagate via removable media and execute commands from command-and-control servers. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detections for suspicious activities related to XWorm infections. Indicators of compromise include various file hashes for different scripts and loaders associated with XWorm.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of PowerShell 2.0, as confirmed through a recent update from the Windows Insider program. PowerShell 2.0, which debuted with Windows 7 and was included in several other versions, has been deprecated since 2017 but remained available for backward compatibility. Most current Insider Preview builds of Windows 11 have removed PowerShell 2.0, and it has also been deprecated for Windows Server. Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for its removal from the server operating system.
Winsage
July 1, 2025
The Linux operating system faces challenges in gaming, particularly with triple-A titles, as many prominent developers do not support it, resulting in a limited selection compared to Windows. Approximately 70 percent of triple-A games available on Windows can be played on Linux, according to ProtonDB. However, some major titles, like Fortnite, are not natively playable on Linux and require cloud gaming services for access. Compatibility issues with anti-cheat software, such as Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat, hinder the expansion of the Linux gaming library. There are potential developments from Microsoft regarding kernel-level anti-cheat software, but no concrete solutions have emerged. Performance on Linux can vary, with some players experiencing drops while others report better performance than on Windows. Additionally, Linux has a steeper learning curve, often requiring command-line interface engagement for software installation and configuration.
TrendTechie
June 26, 2025
Western users have discovered a technique for downloading torrents that helps evade warnings from internet service providers and financial penalties for copyright infringement. This method uses Google Colab with the aria2 downloader to mask the user's IP address. The process involves running programs in Google Colaboratory, which installs aria2 on a virtual machine, allowing users to download torrent files via magnet links. The downloads occur on Google’s servers, displaying a Google IP address to the torrent network. Files are stored in Google Drive for retrieval. Although this method conceals the user's IP address, downloading copyrighted materials remains illegal in many jurisdictions.
AppWizard
June 6, 2025
Packet is a Linux application developed in Rust with a GTK4/libadwaita interface designed for wireless file transfer between Android and Linux devices. It utilizes Android's Quick Share feature, requiring devices to have Bluetooth enabled and be connected to a compatible Wi-Fi network. Users can easily send files by dragging and dropping them in Packet or using the Quick Share option on Android. The app allows customization of device names, visibility, download folders, and can run in the background. Packet is available for installation from Flathub or can be built from source on GitHub.
Search