customization options Archives

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 alternatives to the Windows Task Manager that you should be using

Windows Task Manager has been enhanced in Windows 11, featuring a streamlined interface and improved functionality. Alternatives to Task Manager include: - System Informer: A free, open-source tool that monitors system resources with real-time performance graphs and detailed process information. It displays CPU, memory, and disk usage, tracks file access, and offers advanced features like call stack traces. - System Explorer: Integrates system monitoring with security features, providing a clean interface for exploring processes, modules, and network connections. It includes a built-in file database and VirusTotal integration for security assessments. - Process Lasso: Extends Task Manager capabilities by allowing users to adjust CPU priority and core affinities. Features include ProBalance for automatic CPU adjustments, performance mode for optimizing CPU usage, IdleSaver for power management, and SmartTrim for memory optimization. - Process Explorer: A Sysinternals tool that offers a detailed view of running processes in a hierarchical tree format, showing user, PID, and resource usage. It includes a search capability for identifying resource usage and integrates with VirusTotal for security checks. - Task Manager DeLuxe (TMX): A portable task management tool that consolidates system stats across multiple tabs, providing quick access to CPU and memory usage, along with graphical representations of network and disk activity. It allows filtering and searching for processes and can be run from a USB drive.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

What can we expect from Minecraft 1.21.80 Update | Esports News – The Times of India

The 1.21.80 update for Minecraft introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including the Flat World Presets feature, which allows players to select templates for flat world creations such as "Redstone Ready," "Snowy Kingdom," and "Water World." This feature is accessible in the Advanced tab on the Create New World screen and enhances player customization. The update also upgrades Mojang's Realms service by adding server region preference settings, enabling players to choose the geographical location of their Realm and providing information about the active server region upon logging in. Additionally, the update aligns the random offset behavior of trees, plants, and environmental blocks between Bedrock and Java editions, promoting consistency across platforms. Various fixes are included, such as resolving a bug with the "invincible pet" mob and changing the use of fireworks for Elytra to prevent unintended activations.

AppWizard

April 26, 2025

How to create personalized avatar on Facebook app for Android

Users can customize avatars using a variety of options, including skin tones, hairstyles, facial features, and outfits, to create a representation that reflects their identity or ideal self.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055627 update released with 30 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5055627 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which introduces new features and bug fixes. This update is part of optional non-security preview updates and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings under Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3915 and includes features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), improved Windows Search, Narrator enhancements, Phone Link, interactive Widgets, curated views in File Explorer, updated Settings for app recommendations, and Windows Studio Effects. It also addresses bugs related to blue screen errors, DHCP Client connectivity issues, Windows Hello functionality, and provides estimated offline times for updates. Notable issues include potential installation blocks for Citrix components and download issues for Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, with workarounds available.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Download WampServer (free) for Windows

WampServer is a web development environment designed for Windows users, integrating MySQL, Apache, and PHP into a single package for local web application development. It simplifies the setup process, allowing novice developers to create functional development servers without affecting live websites. WampServer operates independently of an internet connection and provides a user-friendly control panel for managing server components. It supports both free-form PHP coding and content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. WampServer is free to use and compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, but not with macOS or Linux. Alternatives to WampServer include MAMP, XAMPP, and Apache HTTP Server, each offering different features and compatibility.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Steam’s gonna start listing ‘adjustable difficulty,’ ‘save anytime,’ and other accessibility features right on a game’s store page soon

Video games are increasingly incorporating accessibility options to cater to a diverse audience. A new accessibility-support questionnaire has been introduced by Valve for developers on Steam, allowing them to specify various accessibility features in their games. The questionnaire includes options such as adjustable text size, narrated menus, and colorblind options. Valve plans to display these selected accessibility features on game store pages and will allow players to filter search results based on these features. While participation in the system is not mandatory, it is encouraged to enhance accessibility. The listed accessibility options cover gameplay, audio, visual, and input categories, including adjustable difficulty, custom volume controls, adjustable text size, and various input methods.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer is getting visual updates, and you probably won’t even notice them

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to apply their selected accent color to the selection box in File Explorer, moving away from the traditional gray or white. Users can modify their accent color through Settings > Personalization > Colors, choosing either automatic selection based on their background or a manual option. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the visual aspects of progress bars in File Explorer, with the storage progress bar now in a darker blue shade and the file transfer progress bar redesigned to a flatter, darker green tone.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

TranslucentTB is the best free program I use to make Windows 11 look even better

Windows 11 has limited customization options for the taskbar compared to previous versions, leading to user dissatisfaction. TranslucentTB is a free application that allows users to customize the taskbar's transparency and color independently from other elements, offering various effects such as Mica and Acrylic. Users can eliminate the taskbar's border and adjust transparency levels for a personalized appearance. The app also enables different transparency effects and colors based on specific scenarios, such as when no windows are open or when the Start menu is accessed. TranslucentTB is available on the Microsoft Store.