desktop environments Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2025

5 awesome Linux features that will blow the mind of a Windows user

In 2025, Linux is becoming a viable alternative for desktop and laptop users, previously overshadowed by Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. Recent advancements in user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint have made Linux more accessible, allowing users to operate without needing to engage with the command-line interface (CLI). Proton, a tool developed by Valve, enables users to play a wide range of games on Linux without the need for dual-boot setups. Modern Linux distributions have become stable and customizable, providing a reliable user experience. Linux powers a significant portion of the world's servers, showcasing its versatility and reliability. It is completely free and open-source, allowing users to explore different distributions without cost. Many distributions offer a live environment for users to test the OS without altering their existing systems.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft publishes seven tips to get more from Windows 11

Microsoft has shared seven tips to enhance the user experience of Windows 11, which include personalizing the Start Menu, using Snap layouts for multitasking, creating multiple desktops for organization, utilizing widgets for updates, and employing Focus sessions for productivity. Windows Hello and Dark Mode are also recommended features. Despite these suggestions, Windows 11 is still struggling to gain widespread user enthusiasm and continues to lag behind Windows 10 in market share. Microsoft is set to discontinue free support for most versions of Windows 10 soon, which may motivate users to upgrade to Windows 11.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 25 is a mod for Windows 11 that makes everything so much better

Users have modified operating systems, particularly Windows, for a personalized experience, leading to a community that shares tweaks and cosmetic changes. The Windows 25 mod enhances Windows 11 by addressing user criticisms, such as the design of the Start menu and context menu accessibility. Created by modder AR 4789, it utilizes the Windhawk customization tool and involves a multi-step installation process. The mod offers a futuristic interface that combines elements of Windows 11 and macOS, featuring simplified icons, transparent elements, and a movable Start menu. It also restores the classic context menu for easier access to options. Users can further customize their experience and can revert to their original setup if needed.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google says its new Linux Terminal feature isn’t a replacement for Android’s desktop mode

Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app for Android, allowing users to run a Debian instance within a virtual machine. This app aims to integrate more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android ecosystem, rather than providing an additional desktop environment. The Linux Terminal app features a text-based command line interface and does not include a graphical desktop environment by default, although users can install desktop environments like XFCE or GNOME. Google is enhancing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to support this development, with plans for future updates to improve functionality, including tab support and GPU acceleration. Currently, launching Linux apps outside of the Terminal is limited, but Google envisions a future where Linux applications work seamlessly alongside native Android apps in desktop mode.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Linux on Android: Google clarifies the new Terminal app’s purpose

Google's new Linux Terminal app for Android, launched with the March 2025 Pixel Drop, allows users to create and manage a Debian virtual machine on their Pixel devices through a command-line interface. The app is designed to enhance the Android app ecosystem by enabling the use of Linux apps, tools, and games, rather than creating a new desktop environment. Users can control their Linux environment, including storage allocation and port forwarding. While users can install Linux desktop management systems like XFCE or GNOME, these will not be the default experience. Google is also preparing GPU acceleration for future releases. The development indicates a convergence between Android and ChromeOS, but both systems will retain their distinct functionalities, with Android focused on mobile use and ChromeOS optimized for desktop productivity.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Gaming on Windows on Arm is getting pretty cool

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with unique features, such as NixOS, Pop_OS! for Nvidia compatibility, Debian for stability, and lightweight options like Q4OS. Many individuals rely on a few fingers for typing despite formal training, questioning the efficiency of using all ten fingers. Windows 11 integrates OneDrive for backing up essential folders, which some users find cumbersome. QD-OLED monitors can experience burn-in, affecting visuals after a year of use. The Dell Inspiron 8500 is often remembered as a first laptop that sparked interest in technology. The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has users debating whether to upgrade, with some preferring to wait for broader availability. Alternatives to Windows File Explorer, such as OneCommander and Total Commander, are being explored by users. The purchase of a first graphics card, like the GTX 760, marks a significant moment in PC building for many. Music streaming preferences vary among users, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music being popular choices. Content creators often prefer tools like Greenshot for capturing screenshots due to reliability. Linux desktop environments, such as KDE, allow for aesthetic customization. Transforming an old PC into a smart home hub can enhance living spaces by integrating devices. The first app installed on a new system often reflects personal habits, with browsers like Firefox or gaming platforms like Steam being common choices.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Google Reveals the Real Purpose of Android’s New Terminal App

Google introduced a Terminal app on Android as part of the March Pixel drop to facilitate the integration of more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android environment. The app is not intended to create another desktop environment, as Google aims to avoid confusion from multiple window management options. The focus is on supporting Desktop Linux applications similarly to ChromeOS, while allowing users to install alternative Linux desktop environments if desired. Future enhancements include GPU acceleration and the ability to install applications via Flatpaks or APT repositories, with the recent Android 16 Beta 3 update adding support for multiple tabs within the Linux Terminal.

BetaBeacon

March 7, 2025

Winlator is still my favorite app for emulating PC games on Android

Linux distros offer endless customization options, including the ability to choose from a variety of desktop environments to enhance the user interface.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

4 Big Reasons To Quit Windows And Try Linux In 2025

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving an estimated 240 million PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to new hardware requirements. Users can extend the life of their existing PCs by transitioning to Linux, which operates well on older hardware and is free. The installation of software on Linux has become easier with the introduction of Flatpak, allowing for quick and straightforward app installations. Linux provides a less intrusive user experience compared to Windows, with unobtrusive updates and no mandatory online accounts. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, with many Windows games now running smoothly due to advancements like Valve's Proton compatibility layer. Transitioning to Linux involves choosing from various distributions to suit individual needs, with guides expected to assist users in the process.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Qualcomm’s next-gen ARM chip for Windows to add 50% more cores

Qualcomm is developing the Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs, featuring up to 18 Oryon V3 cores and designated as SC8480XP. It will utilize a system-in-package (SiP) design, integrating RAM and flash storage to enhance data transfer speeds and energy efficiency. Potential configurations may include up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The Snapdragon X2 is expected to be a high-TDP variant, with thermal management innovations including an all-in-one liquid cooling solution. It is branded as “Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium” and aims to compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple's M-series chips. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 will incorporate the Oryon v3 CPU, following the Oryon v2, which offers a 30% performance boost and 57% increase in power efficiency. The Snapdragon X2 could impact the Windows on ARM ecosystem, although challenges with software compatibility and market adoption remain.