display Archives

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Compare Dell Latitude 5420 Laptop Intel Core i5 11th Gen-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe 8GB 256GB SSD Windows 10 vs Lenovo ThinkBook 15 21A4A09TIH Laptop AMD Ryzen 3 5300U/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 – Dell Latitude 5420 Laptop Intel Core i5 11th Gen-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe 8GB 256GB SSD Windows 10 vs Lenovo ThinkBook 15 21A4A09TIH Laptop AMD Ryzen 3 5300U/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 Comparison by Price, Specifications, Reviews & Features

The Dell Latitude 5420 is powered by an Intel Core i5 11th Generation processor (1135G7), Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 features an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The Dell Latitude 5420 runs on Windows 10, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 comes with Windows 11. The Dell Latitude 5420 is positioned as a premium option, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 is a more budget-friendly alternative.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

Why You Should Use a PostgreSQL GUI Instead of the Command Line

PostgreSQL is a robust and reliable open-source database system. A graphical user interface (GUI) offers several benefits over the command line, including: - Easier navigation through databases without memorizing commands. - Better organization of data in structured views like tables or charts. - Simplified query creation with user-friendly editors that include syntax highlighting and suggestions. - Time-saving tools that streamline tasks with built-in shortcuts. - Visual feedback displaying query results in sortable and filterable tables. - Learning support for newcomers with tooltips and example queries. - Fewer errors by monitoring user input and flagging issues before execution. - Enhanced collaboration features for teams, including shared connections and real-time updates. - Customization options allowing users to modify layouts and save queries to fit their workflows.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Your Android phone will run Debian Linux soon (like some Pixels already can)

Qualcomm claims that its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 288V chip. Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal application in its March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, available exclusively on the latest Pixel devices running Android 15. This Linux Terminal operates on a Debian Linux virtual machine and allows users to run desktop Linux applications directly from their devices. Users must enable Developer Mode to access the app, which requires downloading a 500MB Debian package. Graphical user interface applications are not yet supported, but enhancements in Android 16 are expected to improve compatibility with traditional PC input methods and display options. There is speculation about a potential merger between Android and Chrome OS, aiming for a seamless integration between smartphone and desktop experiences. The integration of Linux into Android devices may lead to large Android phones and tablets replacing traditional laptops for some users.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. A significant update to the Task Manager has been initiated, aligning CPU utilization metrics with industry standards, and a new optional CPU Utility column is available on the Details tab. Several fixes have been made, including resolving issues with popular games, printing bugs, blank search windows, Settings app crashes, inaccurate battery icon colors, and BitLocker performance. Known issues include a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches and a warning for Copilot+ PCs transitioning to the Canary Channel regarding the loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. Enhancements to the Microsoft Store include a new spotlight design and updates to the Downloads page. Insiders in the Canary Channel are reminded that builds may not correspond to specific releases and may evolve or be removed. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 Canary build 27808 is out with better CPU monitoring in Task Manager and more

Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel can download build 27808, which includes enhancements to CPU monitoring in Task Manager and various fixes for gaming, printing, search, graphics, BitLocker, and more. Notable updates include a change in how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization, aligning it with industry standards, and the introduction of an optional CPU Utility column on the Details tab. Fixes include: - Resolved a bug causing games like Roblox to crash upon launch. - Corrected a printing issue that triggered crashes in certain applications. - Fixed a glitch resulting in a blank search window in the taskbar. - Addressed a crash issue in Settings when adding a color profile. - Rectified inaccurate color displays in the battery icon. - Improved performance for loading BitLocker UI elements and fixed a looping issue with BitLocker. - Resolved an error with the Get-BitLockerVolume command. Known bugs include issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, and ongoing investigations into a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

BetaBeacon

March 7, 2025

This quirky new handheld might be the best way to play Nintendo DS games

The MagicX Zero 40 is a handheld device that offers a new approach to Nintendo DS emulation by featuring a tall screen that displays the two screens from the Nintendo DS on top of each other.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week's highlights include the updated Copilot app from Microsoft, which has transitioned from a progressive web app to a fully native application available for Insiders in the Microsoft Store. Users should expect improved performance and usability, though it will gradually reach the stable release channel. Notable discounts are available this week, with some apps enjoying extended offers. New or improved apps include: - Intel Graphics Software (Beta): A management hub for Intel graphic cards, offering features like graphics settings and performance monitoring, requiring .NET Runtime 8 or newer. - PowerToys 0.89: An update introducing a new feature in the Advanced Paste tool that allows users to transcode audio and video files to mp3 or mp4 formats using a shortcut. - PreventSleep: A utility that keeps Windows systems awake by preventing sleep mode, screen dimming, or screensaver activation.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

What does ‘good performance’ really mean in the context of PC gaming?

Performance in gaming is a complex topic, with debates on the importance of frame rates and visual fidelity. Some gamers prefer a steady 30 FPS, while others aim for 120 FPS or more. Newer games do not always guarantee better performance, as advanced rendering techniques can be resource-intensive. Frame rate alone is an inadequate measure of performance; both frame rate and frame time data should be considered. A flat frame-time graph is crucial for good performance, as spikes indicate stutters. Achieving a stable frame rate, such as 60 FPS on a 120 Hz display, is preferable to fluctuating rates. Performance targets should align with the monitor's refresh rate, and tools like G-Sync and RivaTuner can help optimize gaming experiences.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Android 16 Beta 2.1 gives us a sneak peek at Live Updates

Android 16 Beta 2.1 introduces Live Updates for Google Maps, allowing users to monitor navigation progress via the status bar, notification panel, and lock screen. This feature is not fully operational, as it appears collapsed on the always-on display. The update also addresses bugs, including one that caused Pixel phones to restart unexpectedly. Live Updates provide time-sensitive notifications similar to iPhone's Live Activities, showing information like rideshare status and journey progress. Currently, these updates are visible in select areas, but support for the always-on display is incomplete. The status bar displays a minimalistic notification indicating the time remaining until arrival, while more detailed information is available on the lock screen and notification panel.