convenience Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Before Windows 10 goes EOL, I’m testing three alternative Linux distros to save my 6-year-old laptop from the landfill

The CachyOS installer offers an aesthetically pleasing yet somewhat confusing installation experience, particularly regarding the Bootloader selection, where the default is Systemd-boot instead of the more familiar Grub. Additionally, the additional package installer lacks sufficient context, which may confuse users. The installation process has become more streamlined compared to the past, where users had to deal with multiple ISO images and CDs. Now, one can easily create a Live USB using software like Rufus, Raspberry Pi Imager, or Balena Etcher. A Live USB allows users to test the operating system before installation and serves various purposes such as troubleshooting and data recovery. The author is installing CachyOS on a Lenovo X390 laptop with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-8265U.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

I stored a file inside Pokémon Emerald’s in-game PC so you don’t have to

Pokémon Emerald allows for data storage through a tool called mon-fs, which encodes files as Pokémon. Each Pokémon carries 68 bits of data, including attributes like species and gender. The mon-fs tool has two modes: Lite, which stores files up to 3.2 KB, and Full, which supports files up to 10.8 KB but requires a save editor. Players can effectively use four Pokémon—Poochyena, Whismur, Taillow, and Nincada—for data storage, each having a 20% or higher appearance rate on Route 116. A web utility assists users in capturing and naming Pokémon to represent their data, but the process is time-consuming and not efficient for file transfer.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Bring the “Windows 10 look” back to Windows 11 — Everything I changed to restore the desktop UI experience

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 find the new design and interface changes challenging. Windows 11 features a centered Taskbar, a simplified Start menu, and an updated File Explorer and Settings app. Users can customize their Windows 11 experience to resemble Windows 10 by making several adjustments. To align the Taskbar and Start menu to the left, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select "Left" for Taskbar alignment. To show app labels in the Taskbar, users need to select "Never" for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting in the same menu. For those preferring the classic File Explorer, they can access it by searching for Windows Tools in the Start menu and selecting Home or This PC. Users can also change the color scheme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting "Custom" mode, choosing a dark theme, and enabling accent colors for the Start and taskbar. To display classic desktop icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the desired icons. In Notepad, users can disable new features by adjusting settings in the app to revert to a more classic experience. For further customization, third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk can be used. ExplorerPatcher allows users to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, while Windhawk provides a framework for modifying Windows 11 with community-created mods. Both tools can be installed via the Windows Package Manager and offer options to revert to classic aesthetics.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft Brings Steam Games to Xbox PC App for a Unified Gaming Library

Microsoft is testing a new version of its Xbox app for Windows, which will feature a combined library that includes games from various storefronts like Steam and Battle.net. Users will be able to view and launch these games directly within the Xbox app, eliminating the need to switch between different launchers. Games installed from supported storefronts will automatically appear in the "My library" section and the "Most recent" list in the sidebar. Users can join the gaming preview by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on their Windows PCs, with the feature expected to roll out later this year.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Xbox’s New ‘Aggregated Gaming Library’ For PC Gives Look At What To Expect With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft has announced a collaboration with ASUS to develop the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld devices, which will allow access to the Xbox library and games from platforms like Battle.net, GOG, and Steam. Xbox Insiders will have an exclusive preview of the new "aggregated gaming library" feature in the Xbox PC app for Windows 11, debuting this week. This feature will enable users to view their complete Xbox library, explore Game Pass titles, and access installed games from other PC game stores from a single interface. The aggregated library will launch with the Xbox Ally devices this holiday season, allowing seamless integration of games from supported PC storefronts into the Xbox PC app. Users can hide specific games from their libraries if desired. Non-Xbox Insiders can join the program for early access to these features.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Xbox Officially Adds Steam Integration Via New PC App Feature

Xbox has begun rolling out Steam integration within the Xbox PC app as part of the Aggregated Gaming Library, allowing players to access games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts in one place. Users will need the respective launchers installed, but games will automatically populate in the Xbox app. The feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview and will be accessible on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X later this holiday season. Users can disable certain storefronts through the app's settings, and there are plans to expand support to more storefronts in the future.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Xbox App For PC Adds Aggregated Gaming Library in Preview

Microsoft is testing the integration of games from various digital storefronts, including Steam, into its Xbox app for PC, creating a new aggregated library accessible on the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally devices. This feature is available to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming preview starting today. The library will include titles from platforms like Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG, allowing users to view all installed games in one place. Users must join the PG Gaming Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub to participate in testing. Additionally, the Xbox app for PC will introduce a new section this month for better game discovery, featuring games from Microsoft and third-party publishers on Game Pass.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Best Android apps to split bills in 2025

Traveling or dining out with family and friends can lead to challenges in splitting bills. Various bill-splitting applications are available to simplify this process. Splitwise allows users to track expenses, create groups for bill-splitting, and input entries offline, supporting multiple currencies. It has a free version and a paid plan for full functionality. Settle Up enables users to share expenses equally or differently, with a feature that allows non-users to join via a shareable link. It supports various currencies and provides real-time exchange rates, with both free and paid versions available. Splid offers features for group travel, accommodating uneven shares and supporting over 150 currencies. Users can download expense summaries in PDF or Excel formats and use the app online or offline. Venmo is a mobile payment platform that allows easy money transfers and cost-splitting among friends, with no-fee transfers for shared expenses. Tab is designed for dining, allowing users to upload a bill photo, select items to pay for, and automatically calculate each person's share, including tax and tip, while integrating with Venmo for payments.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Get all the power of MS Office for life—and for less than $30

Microsoft Office 2019 is available for a one-time payment of .97, representing an 86% discount off the regular price of 9.99. This package includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, which features Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and OneNote, but does not include Microsoft Teams. The purchase grants lifetime access, future updates, and customer support, and is valid for installation on one Windows PC. Upon purchase, users receive links and software license keys via email for downloading within seven days.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Rhythm bundles, fishing festivals, and DRM-free summer sales

The Humble Store has launched its June Tunes collection, which includes three pricing tiers: the first tier features Wanderson, Everhood, and Onde; the second tier includes Rhythm Fighter, One Btn Bosses, and Oddada; and the top tier showcases Trombone Champ, DJMAX RESPECT V, and Ragnarock. Additionally, Humble has introduced the Serenity Forge Storyteller's Bundle, consisting of 12 indie games like LISA the Joyful, LISA the Painful, Neversong, Death's Gambit, and Smile for Me, divided into three pricing tiers. The Epic Games Store is offering The Operator for free until June 26, replacing Two Point Hospital. Three games are available for free weekend access: Victoria 3, Len's Island, and Dead by Daylight. The GOG store has started its summer sale with thousands of DRM-free games at reduced prices.