command-line tool Archives

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows 11’s sneaky new AI tool is a game-changer

Microsoft introduced Foundry AI Local, a command-line tool for running large language models (LLMs) on users' machines, aimed initially at developers but accessible to a broader audience. The installation process utilizes the "winget" tool, allowing users to install it by opening a command line and entering the command: winget install Microsoft.FoundryLocal. Users can run the Phi-3.5-mini model with the command: foundry model run phi-3.5-mini and explore other models with: foundry model list. Foundry AI Local automatically selects the best model for the user's hardware, enhancing performance. While currently functioning as a local chatbot, it has potential applications beyond text generation, including text extraction tools and integration into Windows applications. Future enhancements may include art generation and custom model training.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

You Need a Windows Package Manager — Virtualization Review

Microsoft's WinGet is a command-line tool for managing software on Windows, allowing users to install, update, list, and uninstall applications. UniGetUI is an open-source graphical user interface that enhances WinGet's functionality, making it easier for users to manage software without using the command line. UniGetUI supports various package managers and features batch operations, automatic updates, and custom installation options. To install UniGetUI, users can execute the command winget install --exact --id MartiCliment.UniGetUI --source winget or download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can easily navigate its interface to discover, install, and uninstall packages.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

I ditched Windows Explorer for a terminal-first file manager, and I’m never looking back

Windows users often experience limitations with File Explorer, which can be slow and cumbersome. Yazi is an alternative file management tool built using Rust, designed for speed and reliability. It operates asynchronously, preventing freezes and inefficiencies, and features a minimalist terminal interface for efficient file management. Yazi is accessible for both power users and beginners, allowing navigation with arrow keys and mouse interactions. It includes advanced features such as batch renaming, multi-tab support, and scrollable previews for various file types. The command-line tool “ya” enhances plugin management and customization options, allowing users to adjust appearance and functionality. Yazi is available for download on GitHub.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

9 SysInternals tools that should be built into Windows

Windows is a popular operating system known for its versatility but often lacks advanced troubleshooting and system monitoring tools. SysInternals is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft for power users and IT professionals, offering enhanced control over systems. Key tools in the SysInternals suite include: - Process Explorer (procexp.exe): Provides a detailed overview of running processes, including resource usage and file access, and allows users to identify locked files and potential malware. - Process Monitor (procmon.exe): Records file system, registry, and process activities in real-time, with filtering options to diagnose performance issues and application errors. - Autoruns (autoruns.exe): Displays all startup programs and processes, allowing users to disable or delete unnecessary entries to improve performance and security. - TCPView (tcpview.exe): Shows active TCP and UDP connections, detailing which processes are using network connections, enabling users to manage network activity. - SDelete (sdelete.exe): A command-line tool for secure file deletion that overwrites data to prevent recovery, useful for safeguarding sensitive information. - ZoomIt (zoomit.exe): Enhances presentations by allowing users to zoom in on screen areas and annotate, beneficial for educators and IT professionals. - RamMap (rammap.exe): Analyzes physical memory allocation, helping identify memory leaks and inefficient usage. - PendMoves (pendmoves.exe): Lists files scheduled for movement or deletion upon reboot, aiding in troubleshooting file modification issues. - BgInfo (bginfo.exe): Generates a desktop background displaying vital system information, customizable for user needs. The integration of these tools into Windows would enhance its diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities, benefiting both everyday and power users.

Winsage

October 20, 2024

Installing PDQ Using Winget on Windows 11 or 10

PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory are enterprise-level IT solutions for software deployment and asset management, beneficial for IT administrators in large-scale environments. To install PDQ on Windows 10 or 11, users can utilize the Windows package manager, Winget, which requires administrative privileges. Steps for installation include: 1. Verify Winget installation by executing the command winget. 2. Search for PDQ packages using winget search PDQ. 3. Install PDQ Deploy with winget install PDQ.PDQDeploy. 4. Install PDQ Inventory with winget install PDQ.PDQInventory. 5. Confirm installation by running winget list PDQ. 6. Keep PDQ updated using PLACEHOLDERc41f1f0325 and PLACEHOLDER4c7c64418c. 7. Uninstall applications with PLACEHOLDERef3b3482e0 and PLACEHOLDER3f5d6ecf63.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2024

Postgres17 Brings Improvements to JSON, Backup, And More

Postgres is the fastest-growing database globally, catering to various workloads. The recent Postgres 17 launch includes significant performance enhancements, such as a revamped vacuum process that is up to 20 times more efficient and improvements to the write-ahead-log (WAL) that may double throughput in high-concurrency scenarios. SQL queries using “IN” clauses and B-tree indexes will execute faster, and BRIN indexes can now be built in parallel. The query planner has optimizations, and SIMD support will expedite computations. EnterpriseDB contributed to Postgres 17 by introducing block-level incremental backups, reducing backup times from 70 minutes to four minutes. The new “pg_combinebackup” utility allows users to create full backups from multiple incremental backups. Sub-transaction support has improved, benefiting transactional workloads, especially in financial services, and users can optimize cache settings without extensive application changes. JSON functionality enhancements align with the SQL/JSON standard, allowing users to analyze JSON data using standard SQL. Logical replication has been improved, eliminating the need for logical replication slots during major upgrades and simplifying the upgrade process. A new failover control feature enhances high availability, and a command-line tool has been introduced for converting physical replicas into logical replicas.

Winsage

September 17, 2024

5 Easy Ways To Free Up Storage Space On Windows 11 – SlashGear

Many Windows laptops or PCs may experience sluggish performance, especially with smaller hard drives. Users can enhance device performance without third-party tools by utilizing built-in features: 1. Disk Cleanup Tool: - Open search menu with Windows + S, type "disk cleanup," and select the tool. - Choose the primary drive, click OK, then "Cleanup system files." - Select temporary files to delete, confirm deletion. 2. Storage Sense: - Access Settings with Windows + I, navigate to System > Storage, and enable Storage Sense. - Configure options for automatic cleanup of temporary files and set a frequency for operation. 3. Delete Unwanted Apps and User Accounts: - In Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps, sort by size, and uninstall unnecessary apps. - Remove unneeded user accounts under Accounts > Other users. 4. Find and Move Large Files: - Open File Explorer with Windows + E, search for large files using size filters, and transfer them to cloud storage or external drives. 5. Compact OS Command-Line Tool: - Open Terminal (Admin) from the Start menu, run the command compact.exe /compactOS:always to compress system files and applications. - This can be reversed with compact.exe /compactOS:never. These methods can help free up storage space and improve performance on Windows devices.

Winsage

September 3, 2024

VMware Workstation Pro 17.6 is out with Windows 11 23H2, Server 2025 support and more

VMware Workstation Pro has transitioned to a free model for personal use with the release of version 17.6. This update introduces a new command-line tool, vmcli, which allows users to perform operations such as creating virtual machines and modifying VM settings via Command Prompt or Terminal. The update expands support for guest and host operating systems, including Windows Server 2025, Windows 11 Version 23H2, Ubuntu 24.04, and Fedora 40. It addresses critical issues such as VMware KVM crashes, slow virtual machine performance on non-admin Windows accounts, and installation failures on Linux hosts with kernel version 6.8. Notable changes include the removal of legacy VMTools ISOs, end-of-life support for Bluetooth hub passthrough, discontinuation of physical host parallel ports support for Windows, removal of Unity mode, and the Enhanced Keyboard driver. VMware Workstation Pro can be downloaded for free for personal use, but a free account is required, and commercial use still requires a license.

Winsage

August 12, 2024

10 Windows PowerShell commands you need to be using

Microsoft PowerShell is a command-line tool integrated into Windows 11 that replaces the traditional Command Prompt and enhances automation capabilities. - PowerShell can back up drivers and integrate them into a Windows ISO for reinstalls. - It simplifies the management of Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) with a single command. - PowerShell can remove bloatware from Windows to optimize system performance. - Users can back up device drivers using the command: Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "full path of the backup folder". - Server administrators can install RSAT tools with the command: Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT* -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online. - PowerShell can remove unwanted applications through a script. - Users can disable Hyper-V virtualization with the command: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off. - Administrators can delete user accounts using the command: Remove-LocalUser -Name "USERNAME". - Users can generate a battery health report with the command: powercfg /batteryreport /output "C:battery_report.html". - The Windows Package Manager (Winget) is integrated into PowerShell for managing software installations.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2024

Kaspersky releases free tool that scans Linux for known threats

KVRT can be downloaded and run as root for maximum functionality, with the option to use a GUI or command-line interface. Regular users may not have the necessary permissions to scan all directories and partitions.