Continuous Improvements Archives

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Securing Windows Endpoints in 2025 Enterprise Environments

In 2025, 61% of organizations worldwide have adopted Zero Trust initiatives, up from 24% in 2021. Microsoft's Zero Trust framework centralizes security policy enforcement through the cloud, with integrated solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. AI is now a critical component of endpoint security, enabling systems to detect irregularities and autonomously isolate compromised devices. Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to allow IT administrators to fix unbootable PCs remotely. Windows Server 2025 features enhanced security measures, including advanced algorithms and a customized security baseline with over 350 preconfigured settings. Additionally, 75% of organizations are consolidating security vendors, favoring comprehensive platforms like SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender XDR. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has been enhanced to better regulate application usage, with Microsoft promoting its adoption over AppLocker.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Google Play Store just lost a ton of apps, but this is actually a good thing

The Google Play Store has seen a decline in available apps from 3.4 million to approximately 1.8 million since the beginning of 2024, representing a loss of nearly 47%. The "games" category lost 200,000 apps, the education sector lost around 160,700 apps, and the business category saw a reduction of 115,400 apps. This removal is part of Google's effort to combat ad fraud, particularly from "vapor apps" that misled users and generated recurring advertisements. Over 56 million downloads were affected across 180 apps. Google has implemented new policies for tracking and removing spammy applications, including expanded verification requirements, mandatory app testing, and enhanced human reviews.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Lucky for EU, users there can run Windows 11 on their iPads.

A leading software company has launched a new product aimed at streamlining business operations and enhancing productivity. Key features include an intuitive user interface, advanced analytics for real-time insights, customizable workflows, and robust security measures. Industry analysts predict positive market response, with early adopters reporting improvements in productivity and collaboration. The company will provide ongoing support and updates to ensure continuous improvements and customer satisfaction.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Download freeCAD (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux

FreeCAD is a free computer-aided design (CAD) software that offers a comprehensive suite of features comparable to expensive alternatives. It has a parametric modeling engine that allows users to make seamless adjustments to design parameters, ensuring changes are automatically reflected throughout the design. The software includes multiple workbenches for different design phases, such as the Sketcher for 2D geometry and the Part and Design workbenches for solid modeling. FreeCAD also features Computer Numerical Control (CNC) capabilities for converting 3D models into G-code and provides Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for stress testing designs. Advanced users can utilize Python scripting for automation and customize their experience with industry-specific plugins. FreeCAD supports various file formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Here’s everything new Samsung’s Android 15 update, One UI 7, and the full changelog [Gallery]

Galaxy AI offers features for enhancing writing, including spelling and grammar correction, tone adjustment, summarization, and formatting. The Samsung Phone app includes a transcription feature for recorded calls, displaying conversations as text. One UI 7 introduces a redesigned aesthetic with new buttons, menus, notifications, and control bars. The Home screen has a new grid layout, customizable app icons, and larger folders for easier access. The Lock screen features a Now bar for essential tasks and customizable clock options. Quick settings and notifications are separated for efficient access, with customization options available. The camera interface has been improved for ease of use, with enhanced zoom controls and saved exposure settings. Users can erase unwanted objects in photos and create collages in the Gallery app. Samsung Health introduces a Mindfulness feature for stress management. One UI 7 enhances productivity with app previews and simplified alarm management. Calendar management includes drag-and-drop functionality and customizable widgets. Quick Share recommends devices for file transfers, and Knox Matrix provides a security overview. Battery settings allow users to customize power saving options and charging levels. Accessibility features include one-finger zoom and enhanced screen controls. Continuous improvements include video replay, a unified contacts list, and optimized gaming experiences.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

I made Windows Search use Google instead of Bing and here’s how it went

Windows Search has been criticized for its inefficiency, particularly in locating files and applications, and its integration with Bing often frustrates users who prefer other search engines. Microsoft previously allowed users to choose their preferred browser for searches, but this option was removed, leading some to disable web search features. A tool called MSEdgeRedirect allows users to replace Bing with Google or other search engines, though it does not completely eliminate Bing results. MSEdgeRedirect can be downloaded from GitHub, installed with or without admin rights, and configured to redirect searches to the user's chosen search engine. After using MSEdgeRedirect, users can achieve more relevant search outcomes, especially for location-based queries, although Bing results may still appear in search highlights. Other tools like OpenWebSearch and GoAwayEdge are also available as alternatives to enhance the search experience.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

These are the lasting things that Half-Life 2 gave us, besides headcrabs and crowbars

Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004, and is recognized for redefining the first-person shooter genre and setting new standards for storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Gabe Newell, founder of Valve Software, emphasized the importance of innovation in game development, expressing disdain for mediocrity. The Collector’s Edition of Half-Life 2 contained 2.6GB of files, showcasing its extensive content. The Source engine, developed during the original Half-Life, allowed for continuous improvements and was used in iconic games like Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Portal 1/2, and Left 4 Dead. The open Source code tools have enabled many aspiring developers to contribute to the gaming industry.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

7 reasons to use Evernote over OneNote on Windows

Evernote has introduced several new features to enhance its functionality, making it a strong competitor to OneNote. Version 10 includes a Home menu for personalized dashboards, allowing easy access to notes, tasks, and tags. It integrates tasks directly into notes with reminders and due dates, eliminating the need for a separate to-do app. Evernote also offers calendar integration, allowing users to manage events within the app and sync with Gmail. The modern editor features a slash command for inserting various elements and supports a dynamic table of contents. Users can link related notes easily using the @ symbol, create notes tied to calendar events, and utilize a robust tagging system for better organization. These improvements position Evernote as a compelling choice for power users.

Tech Optimizer

July 4, 2024

Workaround for T-SQL global temporary tables in Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL | Amazon Web Services

Customers migrating from commercial databases like SQL Server to Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL encounter a limitation with the lack of support for T-SQL global temporary tables. Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL only supports local temporary tables, which do not allow cross-session data access. A workaround involves modifying existing T-SQL code to implement T-SQL global temporary table behavior using permanent tables, but it does not replicate all capabilities, such as automatic drop behavior.