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8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools
Winsage
December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.
I've been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything
Winsage
December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.
A Windows 11 update bug is leaving devices without security patches: here's how to dodge it
Winsage
December 26, 2024

A Windows 11 update bug is leaving devices without security patches: here’s how to dodge it

Several Windows 11 users who installed the 24H2 update via USB or CD are experiencing issues that block future security patches. Microsoft issued a warning on Christmas Eve about a known issue affecting users who installed the October or November updates through external media, indicating that devices using this installation method may be unable to receive subsequent Windows security updates. This problem is specific to installations that included the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates. Users who updated through Windows Update or downloaded the update from the catalog are not affected. Microsoft advises against installing the 24H2 update via USB or CD and suggests affected users either wait for a fix or uninstall the update.
Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11
Winsage
December 25, 2024

Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11

Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.
Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.
PostgreSQL vs. the Cloud for GenAI? 4 Things To Consider
Tech Optimizer
December 24, 2024

PostgreSQL vs. the Cloud for GenAI? 4 Things To Consider

Generative AI (GenAI) is expected to transform industries by improving productivity and revenue. A Deloitte report states that 80% of enterprises with advanced AI capabilities plan to increase AI investments. Companies must modernize legacy systems and tackle data challenges to implement GenAI, but many still use outdated technology, leading to costly transitions and downtime. Nearly half of US generative AI decision-makers expect returns on their investments within three years, which may underestimate the complexities of AI implementation. While cloud computing offers scalability, managing costs can be difficult, prompting many enterprises to adopt financial operations frameworks (FinOps). Concerns about third-party cloud services are leading businesses to consider on-premises and hybrid solutions, with predictions that by 2025, half of enterprises will use on-premises models for AI development. Choosing the right database is crucial for GenAI development, with PostgreSQL being a strong option due to its extensibility, seamless integration, open-source benefits, and deployment flexibility. Successful GenAI strategies focus on rapid development, cost-effective failures, and effective scaling, with Percona offering support to help organizations achieve these goals.
Windows users, this is one upgrade you won't want to miss
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Windows users, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss

Windows 11 features a sleek interface and enhanced security measures. It includes an AI assistant called Copilot, which uses GPT-4 Turbo for task automation and productivity. AI capabilities are also integrated into applications like Paint, allowing users to easily edit images. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from its regular price of 9.
I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it
Winsage
December 23, 2024

I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it

The transition from a MacBook Pro to an HP Spectre x360 has highlighted significant differences between macOS and Windows 11. Windows 11, despite improvements in its user interface, suffers from inconsistent design elements, with modern apps contrasting sharply with older tools. First-party applications also show design discrepancies, and third-party apps on Windows often lack the quality and features found on macOS. Exclusive macOS applications, such as CleanShot X and MoneyCoach, offer superior functionality compared to their Windows counterparts. File management is notably better on macOS, with Finder providing a more efficient experience than File Explorer, and the Preview app offering useful features for PDF editing and image manipulation. Overall, the user experience on macOS is perceived as more polished and intuitive compared to Windows.
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