digital environments Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

My 18 favorite Android apps of 2025

Mishaal Rahman shared her favorite Android apps from 2025, which include: - Octopi Launcher: A launcher designed for foldable smartphones that allows users to create custom layouts for different screen orientations. - Nobook: A lightweight alternative to the official Facebook app, offering a simplified social media experience without ads. - Banana Browser: A browser that excels in video handling, featuring a built-in player and ad-blocking capabilities. - NotebookLM: A digital manual and note-taking app that helps users organize information effectively. - OSS Document Scanner: An open-source PDF scanner with automatic capture and OCR support. - whoBIRD: An app for identifying birds by their calls using real-time audio sampling. - Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that integrates focus and rest periods into productivity routines. - Stellarium: An app for exploring celestial bodies with detailed information about stars and planets. - Google Journal: A straightforward journaling app that stores entries locally and supports multimedia integration. - Next Player: A simple video player that supports various formats and offers organizational features. - Weather Master: A user-friendly weather app with customizable data sources and concise summaries. - Perplexity Comet: An AI browser that enhances news and information access. - LocalSend: A file-sharing app for quick and secure transfers across devices on the same network. - Super Display: An app that turns any Android device into a secondary monitor. - URLCheck: A link manager that scans for security threats and allows users to choose apps for opening links. - Samsung Food: A recipe management app that helps users curate digital cookbooks. - DeepSeek: An AI chatbot offering versatile capabilities and offline access. - Androidify: An app for creating personalized avatars and customizing devices with unique designs.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Ho ho ho! December’s Patch Tuesday delivers three zero-days

Organizations using OneDrive, SharePoint sync, or third-party cloud storage should validate sync-root connectivity and file hydration workflows, including connection/disconnection, hydration/dehydration processes, client restarts/upgrades, unexpected crashes, account unlinking/relinking, and multi-user interactions. For Windows Sandbox, organizations should install and enable it, configure folder mappings, and validate the accessibility of mapped folders for file operations. The Start Menu’s User Tiles UI has been updated, and organizations should validate UI rendering, functionality, dynamic updates, error handling, and performance during user switching.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 tweak that preloads File Explorer in the background to make it faster

Microsoft is introducing a feature in Windows 11 that preloads File Explorer in the background to improve its launch performance. This change aims to reduce the delay users experience when opening File Explorer from a cold start, allowing the interface to load almost instantaneously. Windows president Pavan Davuluri acknowledged user feedback regarding performance and confirmed that enhancements are being made to the platform beyond recent AI advancements.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

Banned Russian antivirus maker Kaspersky rolls out new products — basic plan for Linux starts at $59.99 a year

Kaspersky has entered the Linux market by porting its flagship antivirus software for Linux, initially priced at .99 for the first year, increasing to .99 thereafter. This product targets Linux home users outside the U.S. and aims to address the security needs of Linux users, who may have previously felt underserved in antivirus protection.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Advancing security with Windows and Surface | Microsoft SFI Report Nov 2025

Microsoft is committed to security through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which employs 34,000 engineers to enhance cybersecurity. The November 2025 SFI Progress Report outlines advancements in security, including principles of Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Secure Operations integrated into Windows and Surface products. Key updates include: - Windows 11 introduces passwordless sign-in with Passkeys and FIDO2 credentials to reduce phishing risks. - Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now widely used, lowering account compromise risks. - Windows Hotpatch allows security updates without device restarts, achieving 81% compliance within 24 hours of Patch Tuesday. - Windows 11 features quick machine recovery for automatic, cloud-connected recovery from boot failures. Surface devices lead in security by enabling all recommended features by default and developing memory-safe firmware to address vulnerabilities. Notably, 70% of security vulnerabilities are linked to memory safety issues, and Surface uses Rust-based UEFI firmware to enhance defenses. Surface also develops Windows drivers in Rust to eliminate memory safety bugs and shares innovations through the Open Device Partnership to improve security across the ecosystem.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

New research project encourages young people to connect with nature through digital world of Minecraft

The Bridging Worlds initiative, co-led by researchers from Plymouth Marjon University and the University of Salford and funded by the Kusuma Trust, engages students from Plymouth schools in hands-on activities focused on wildlife and environmental conservation. Participants take part in wildlife surveys, photography, and virtual habitat creation, receiving positive feedback for the transformative learning experience. The project emphasizes listening to young people's perspectives and incorporates creativity and play to address issues like biodiversity loss. Students engage in activities at Poole Farm, identifying rare species and creating conservation projects in Minecraft. The initiative utilizes technology to foster collaboration and creativity among participants. Insights from the project have been shared at national conferences, with plans for future educational resources.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Windows will soon prompt for memory scans after BSOD crashes

Microsoft is introducing a feature for Windows 11 that prompts users to conduct a memory scan after a blue screen of death (BSOD) to improve system reliability. When a device encounters a bugcheck, users will receive notifications upon logging in, suggesting a quick memory scan. This feature is not available for ARM64 devices or systems protected by Administrator Protection or BitLocker without Secure Boot. If users choose to run the scan, it will be scheduled for the next reboot, typically taking five minutes or less. Notifications will inform users if any memory issues are detected and resolved. The feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels with specific Insider Preview Builds. Additionally, Microsoft is testing new connectivity capabilities for its AI-powered Copilot digital assistant, allowing it to connect with Outlook, Gmail, and third-party services like Google Calendar and Google Drive.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Meta Launches AI Anti-Scam Tools for WhatsApp and Messenger

Meta Platforms Inc. has launched a suite of anti-scam tools for WhatsApp and Messenger to enhance user security amid increasing online fraud. The company has disrupted over 8 million fake accounts this year. The new features include real-time scam alerts for suspicious messages, advanced AI for identifying scam patterns, and enhanced account security measures like passkey support. User education is also prioritized through in-app resources. These tools integrate across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, with contextual pop-ups for reporting suspicious activity. The initiative coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month and aims to address regulatory pressures and user complaints about scams that cost consumers billions. Meta is also blocking malicious domains and collaborating with law enforcement. Concerns about data privacy exist, as the tools focus on metadata to maintain end-to-end encryption. This upgrade represents a significant evolution of Meta’s platforms toward enhanced security.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Dev and Beta Builds with Copy & Search and Other New Features

Microsoft has released updates for the Windows Insider Program, providing new builds for the Dev and Beta channels. Dev channel users can upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2, build 26220.6982, while Beta channel users will move to version 24H2, build 26120.6982. Key features of the update include: - Copy & Search: Users can search for text copied to the Clipboard directly from the Taskbar, with a Paste icon appearing next to the Search box. - Voice Typing Improvements: Users can customize the “Wait time before acting” option in Voice Typing for better accuracy. - Proactive Memory Diagnostics: Users will be notified if their PC experiences a blue screen and restarts, with a suggestion for a memory scan during the next reboot. Additional changes include enhancements to Device Cards in Settings, improved information in Settings > About, a scrollable Settings search flyout, and alignment of the search box in the new Start menu with the one in Search, along with various fixes and improvements.