desktop environment Archives

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Is Going for Pennies on the Dollar, a 92% Price Drop Makes It Almost Free

Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced networking and security features compared to Windows 11 Home. A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is currently available at a discounted price on StackSocial. It includes tools like snap layouts, virtual desktops, improved voice typing, and the AI assistant Copilot, which aids in navigation and productivity. Windows 11 Pro also features essential Microsoft applications, advanced security measures, and enhancements for gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Updaing your Windows 10 PC? I found a Linux distro that can give it 5 to 10 more years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution focused on stability, performance, and security, built on Ubuntu LTS. It features a lightweight architecture with Joe's Window Manager, resulting in an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process takes less than five minutes, and the desktop layout resembles traditional environments. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store, requiring users to manage software via the command line. Users can install Synaptic for easier software management. FunOS is designed for older Windows 10 machines, offering a practical solution for extending their lifespan without the bloat of heavier operating systems.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

This lean Linux distro can give your Windows 10 PC an extra 5 to 10 years of life

FunOS is a Linux distribution built on Ubuntu LTS, focusing on stability, performance, and security. It has an idle RAM usage of approximately 250 MB and an installer size of 1.8 GB, making it suitable for older hardware. The installation process is straightforward, taking about five minutes. FunOS features a familiar desktop layout but lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager and does not include an app store. Users can install Synaptic via the terminal for software management. FunOS is designed for users with older Windows 10 machines, aiming to extend their lifespan while prioritizing a simple and efficient user experience.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (KB5058515) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the Microsoft 365 Text Action in Click to Do, allowing users to draft content in Word by selecting recognized text. Lock screen widget personalization is now available globally, enabling users to customize their lock screens. The update introduces support for multiple dashboards in Widgets, enhancing organization and access to favorite widgets. Improvements include recommendations from the Microsoft Store in the "Open with..." dialog and a new PC-to-PC migration experience in the Windows Backup app. Various fixes have been made to the Start Menu, Task Manager, Narrator, and Voice Access. Known issues include incorrect build version display post-PC reset and Bluetooth issues with Xbox Controllers. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include enhanced intelligent text actions in Click to Do for AMD and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite text. These features are available when the default language is English and at least 10 words are selected. For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, only Summarize, Create a bulleted list, and Refine options are temporarily available. Improvements include the ability to safely remove devices compatible with Dynamic Lighting and the introduction of a FAQs section in Settings to help users find information about their PC. Fixes have been made to the Start menu, File Explorer, Voice Access, Taskbar, Windows Spotlight, and Live captions. Known issues include problems with the PC reset option and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs, allowing access to tools like Cocreator and Generative Fill in Paint, and summarization or rewriting in Notepad. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

As Windows 10’s death looms, Linux fans still promote “no ads or telemetry” for your old laptop instead of buying a Copilot+ PC

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11, purchase an additional year of support through the Extended Security Updates program, or switch to a different operating system. Approximately 240 million PCs are not ready for Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading hardware for Windows 11, highlighting Linux's advantages such as being free, open-source, and environmentally friendly. They encourage users to explore beginner-friendly Linux distributions and assure support from the Linux community. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 42.69%, while Windows 10 has a dominant 54.2%.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows for good? This is the Linux distro I recommend for beginners

SDesk is a free Linux distribution designed for users hesitant to explore Arch-based systems. It features a user-friendly interface utilizing the GNOME desktop environment, with a traditional layout that includes a panel, menu, top bar, and desktop icons. Pre-installed applications include LibreOffice, Geary, GNOME Music, GNOME Video, Octopi, GNOME Maps, and Swirl. Users can install additional software easily through Octopi and Flatpak. SDesk offers commendable performance with swift application launches and effective window snapping capabilities. However, it has some issues, including a bug that can cause the desktop to freeze upon reboot after an update and the lack of multimedia codecs for MP3 and MP4 playback, which can be resolved by installing VLC media player.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

This incredible desktop replacement will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 has received mixed feedback from users, particularly regarding its limited customization options, such as the inability to reposition the taskbar. Seelen UI is a free application that offers extensive customization, allowing users to overhaul their user interface. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, with the former recommended for easier updates. Upon installation, Seelen UI replaces the taskbar with the Seelen Dock and introduces a Fancy Toolbar for system stats. The Seelen Dock can be customized in size and position, offering more flexibility than Windows 11's default taskbar. Seelen UI also features a Windows Manager that organizes open windows in a cascading manner, enhancing productivity and allowing for further layout customization. Overall, Seelen UI encourages users to create a personalized desktop environment that boosts productivity.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

You can run Arch Linux in Windows now

Arch Linux has officially become available as a distribution for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This release follows earlier reports from It's Foss News in February. WSL allows users to run a complete Linux environment on Windows, and the addition of Arch Linux introduces a rolling release model. The Arch Linux WSL image is maintained by Robin Candau and is built and released monthly through a GitLab CI schedule, with systemd support included. Users are advised to run pacman -Syu after their first launch to ensure they have the latest updates. To use Arch Linux on WSL, WSL 2 must be installed. The installation process involves running commands in PowerShell: PLACEHOLDER2f45746c1eb6702b for WSL 2, followed by PLACEHOLDERcebb97c90d3dc3e4 to add Arch Linux, and then PLACEHOLDERff7af59bfa5f1c11 to boot into it. Users should also update their system with PLACEHOLDERe23a8bb0ce81dc13. WSL 2 supports running Linux GUI desktops via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), but available images are primarily command-line based.