community support Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

This long-running cozy tavern life sim on Steam just added online multiplayer, so now you can design and run a medieval pub with your pals

Travellers Rest is a life simulation game that allows players to manage their own tavern, brewing beverages, serving meals, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. It has gained popularity among fans of farming sims and cozy gameplay, often being discussed as an alternative to Stardew Valley. The game features engaging mechanics and fosters a sense of community. A recent multiplayer beta has increased interest, allowing players to share their tavern experiences with friends. Players have been given instructions to back up their saved games to preserve their progress.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros to try because change is hard

Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternatives like Linux. Linux is a strong competitor to Windows and MacOS, offering benefits such as reliability, security, user-friendliness, and being free. Three recommended Linux distributions for users transitioning from Windows are: 1. KDE Neon: Based on Ubuntu, it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which can be customized to resemble Windows 10 or 11. It is user-friendly and available for free. 2. Linux Mint: Also based on Ubuntu, it provides a Windows-like experience with a familiar interface through its Cinnamon desktop environment. It is free and has strong community support. 3. Zorin OS: Offers multiple desktop layouts, including options that resemble Windows. The free version includes four layouts, while the Pro edition, costing .99, provides additional configurations. It is built on the GNOME framework and is customizable. All these distributions are open-source and can facilitate a smooth transition for users moving away from Windows.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Valve changed gaming forever with a single app

Valve's Steam was launched on September 12, 2003, as a digital game distribution platform, initially intended to distribute updates for games like Half-Life 2. It evolved from a patching service to a comprehensive storefront, allowing players to buy, download, install, and launch PC games quickly. Steam's requirement for internet access and authentication for Half-Life 2 marked a significant shift in the gaming landscape. The platform faced challenges, including the problematic Steam Greenlight program, which was replaced due to an overwhelming number of submissions. Despite competition from other platforms, Steam has maintained its market dominance, raising questions about digital ownership. Users appreciate Steam for its sales, functionality, and user-friendly interface, making it a preferred choice for many gamers.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

4 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is a solid OS for home labs

Many operating systems designed for server tasks are based on Linux due to its secure architecture, extensive packages, and community support, leading to a preference for Linux among DIY enthusiasts. Windows 11, particularly the Pro version, offers features that make it a viable option for experimentation servers, including a beginner-friendly GUI, built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), higher RAM limits, dual-CPU support, and a built-in Hyper-V toolkit for running Windows VMs. Windows 11 Pro supports over 128GB of RAM and dual-processor setups, unlike the Home version, which has limitations. It can also function as an all-in-one workstation for gaming and everyday tasks, allowing users to host private game servers and run experimental virtual machines without complex configurations. However, Windows systems generally have less security and incur performance overhead compared to Linux-based platforms.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

The Game Awards 2024 results: All the winners

The Game Awards celebrated its tenth anniversary with major announcements and awards. Highlights included the reveal of a new Witcher title, a spinoff of Elden Ring, and a first look at Borderlands 4. Astro Bot won four awards, including Game of the Year, while Metaphor: Refantazio and Balatro each won three awards. Baldur's Gate 3 was recognized for Best Community Support. Key award winners: - Best Fighting Game: Tekken 8 - Best VR/AR Game: Batman: Arkham Shadow - Best Esports Game: League of Legends - Best Esports Athlete: Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) - Best Esports Team: T1 (League of Legends) - Games for Impact: Neva - Innovation in Accessibility: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Best Family Game: Astro Bot - Best Performance: Melina Juergens (Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2) - Best Action Game: Black Myth: Wukong - Most Anticipated Game: Grand Theft Auto 6 - Best Multiplayer Game: Helldivers 2 - Best Game Direction: Astro Bot - Best Action Adventure Game: Astro Bot - Content Creator of the Year: Caseoh - Best Sports/Racing Game: EA Sports FC 25 - Best Sim/Strategy Game: Frostpunk 2 - Best Ongoing Game: Helldivers 2 - Best Adaptation: Fallout - Best Score and Music: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth - Best Independent Game: Balatro - Best Debut Indie Game: Balatro - Best Mobile Game: Balatro - Best Audio Design: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 - Game Changer: Amir Satvat - Players' Voice: Black Myth: Wukong

Winsage

November 25, 2024

3 of the biggest differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell

PowerShell has gained prominence over cmd.exe due to its deep integration with Windows and enhanced developer tools. It uses .NET framework syntax for automation, allowing for dynamic scripts, while cmd relies on batch scripts. PowerShell outputs .NET objects, improving interoperability but complicating output viewing. It is cross-platform, functioning on macOS and Linux since PowerShell Core 6, reflecting Microsoft's shift towards inclusivity. PowerShell is partly open-source, with development tracked on GitHub, allowing community contributions that enhance its reliability and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Indie dev Studio Thunderhorse closes its doors

Studio Thunderhorse, an indie game developer founded in 2015 by Simon Filip, has announced its closure due to a series of challenges and development hurdles. The studio released two mobile titles, Samurai Blitz and Raccoon Rascals, and transitioned to PC gaming with the 2021 title Flynn: Son of Crimson, which was funded through Kickstarter and published by Humble Games. The team expressed gratitude for the community's support and acknowledged that despite their efforts, they faced challenges that led to the decision to close for the long-term health of the team and studio.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

6 package managers for Windows that can make it easier to install apps

Windows 11 users often face a tedious software installation process, typically involving multiple web searches and downloads. To simplify this, Windows offers several package managers. 1. Ninite: A user-friendly package manager with a graphical interface that allows users to select applications from a curated list and install them without optional add-ons. 2. RuckZuck: Provides a GUI and a command-line version (RZGet) for installing over 600 software options, allowing users to browse and manage installations easily. 3. Scoop: Utilizes "buckets" for customized application selection and installs apps as portable packages, simplifying installation and uninstallation. 4. Chocolatey: A popular package manager with a repository of over 10,000 packages, offering detailed app descriptions and community support. 5. WinGet: Microsoft's built-in package manager that requires no installation, supports Microsoft Store applications, and allows exporting and importing of installed applications. 6. UniGetUI: Integrates multiple package managers into a single interface, allowing for easy management of applications and features like package backup and app bundling.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

5 best Linux distros to replace Windows 11 and take control of your PC

Linux is a robust and user-friendly alternative to Windows 11, with several distributions catering to different user needs: - Ubuntu: Recognized as a gateway to Linux for newcomers, it features a user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and a straightforward installation process. It includes essential software and has lightweight versions like Xubuntu and Lubuntu for older hardware. - Linux Mint: Offers a Windows-like interface with a familiar desktop layout and pre-installed multimedia codecs, making it easy for users to enjoy media without additional software. It is based on Ubuntu for stability. - Pop!_OS: Developed by System76, it is tailored for gamers with built-in support for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, and features tiling window management for enhanced productivity. It allows users more control over their systems without forced updates. - Fedora: Known for its cutting-edge features and rapid release cycle, it emphasizes security and is popular among developers, featuring the GNOME desktop environment. - Manjaro: Built on Arch Linux, it offers a rolling release model for continuous updates while being beginner-friendly. Users can customize their experience with various desktop environments like KDE Plasma or XFCE.