editing Archives

Winsage

January 14, 2026

How much RAM does your PC really need in 2026? A Windows and Mac expert’s verdict

Shopping for a new computer involves focusing on three critical components: the processor, storage drive, and RAM. For Windows machines, 16GB of RAM is the operational minimum for new consumer laptops, while 4GB is the minimum requirement for Windows 11. MacBook users can find satisfactory performance with 8GB of RAM, but Apple has set 16GB as the starting point for its new MacBook Air M4. Chromebooks can operate effectively with 8GB or less. More RAM generally improves performance, but excessive memory can lead to diminishing returns. DDR stands for "double data rate," with DDR5 being the latest standard for faster data transfer speeds. Most users find 16GB adequate, while gamers and creative professionals may need 32GB. Beyond 32GB is typically excessive unless engaged in demanding activities, where 48GB or 64GB may be warranted.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Tech Bloggers Switch to Linux Over Windows Privacy Woes in 2026

In early 2026, many prominent technology writers are transitioning from Windows and macOS to Linux-based systems, citing frustrations with Windows 11's mandatory updates, privacy concerns, and software bloat as key reasons for the shift. The appeal of Linux is bolstered by advancements in gaming compatibility, user-friendly distributions, and a growing open-source community. While some users face challenges such as a steep learning curve and software incompatibilities, the overall sentiment is positive, with predictions suggesting significant growth for Linux desktops in 2026. Economic factors, including the cost of proprietary software and hardware demands, are also driving users towards Linux, which remains free and efficient. Community support plays a crucial role in easing the transition, and there is optimism about Linux's potential to capture more market share in various fields, despite some realism regarding the need for proprietary software in certain workflows.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer Lag: Legacy XP Feature Fix via Registry Tweak

File Explorer in Windows 11 has been reported to have performance issues, particularly delays when navigating folders with many media files or documents. This problem is linked to the auto-discovery feature, which optimizes folder display settings based on content but incurs a significant computational burden. Disabling this feature through registry modifications can lead to improved performance, with users experiencing faster navigation and reduced folder load times. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and plans to preload File Explorer for quicker launches, but the underlying problems remain largely unaddressed. Users have shared their experiences and solutions, including registry tweaks that set folder types to "NotSpecified" to eliminate scanning overhead. Despite some incremental updates from Microsoft, many users still face core lags, prompting ongoing community-driven fixes and discussions about the need for deeper audits of legacy code.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

I never expected an AI app to replace my keyboard, but I was wrong

A new tool called Wispr Flow allows writers to use voice dictation instead of typing, enhancing speed and efficiency in the writing process. Current writing methods show that 71% of writers type on a keyboard, 9% use voice dictation, 18% use a mix of both, and 3% utilize AI-assisted editing. Wispr Flow captures spoken words accurately, including mid-sentence corrections, which helps users avoid the frustrations of traditional voice typing tools. However, there are occasional issues with dropped words or incorrect punctuation. Many users report a 90-95% accuracy rate with the tool, leading to subscriptions and a shift towards voice dictation for initial drafts, while keyboards are still used for editing. This hybrid approach reflects a balance between traditional writing methods and modern technology.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Microsoft says you should upgrade to Windows 11 AI PCs if you want to be prepared for the next generation of computing

Microsoft is introducing the "Copilot+ PC," a new category of Windows PCs that run on Windows 11 but have specific hardware requirements, including up to 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 40+ TOPs. The NPU is crucial for AI and machine learning tasks, allowing for on-device AI processing. Not all Windows 11 devices qualify as Copilot+ PCs, particularly older models with lower NPU capabilities. Microsoft claims that Copilot+ PCs enhance productivity and creativity with features like a dedicated Copilot key, Recall for screen activity, Live Captions in over 40 languages, image generation in Paint, and tools in Microsoft Photos for editing. Despite the focus on AI, some manufacturers are shifting their attention to other features such as build quality and gaming performance.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

How to edit text files directly from Command Prompt and PowerShell on Windows 11 — using Microsoft Edit just like Linux’s Nano

Windows 11 includes the Microsoft Edit command-line tool for editing text files directly within Command Prompt or PowerShell. The tool is under 250KB in size. To install Microsoft Edit, users can open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.Edit. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from GitHub, but manual configuration is required. To use Microsoft Edit, users can launch it by typing PLACEHOLDERb167be8248c505bb in Command Prompt or PLACEHOLDER4905f66b5f26fc6f for administrator access. Existing text files can be edited using the command edit filename.txt, and new files can be created with the same command. Basic editing options include undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find and replace. Files can be saved with "Ctrl + S" and exited with "Ctrl + Q". The tool is designed for straightforward text editing without the need to switch applications.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

This new foldable phone could be a game changer for photographers

Motorola has unveiled the Razr Fold, its first book-style foldable phone with proper stylus support, making it the only flagship foldable in the US market with dedicated stylus capability. The phone has a 6.6-inch display when closed and an 8.1-inch screen when opened. It also features a main sensor, ultra-wide lens, telephoto lens, external selfie camera, internal camera, and can record video in Dolby Vision. The Razr Fold is expected to launch in the summer with pricing yet to be announced.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Windows 11 finishes an embarrassing last in speed test of six Windows generations — but there’s a big catch

A YouTuber named TrigrZolt conducted tests comparing six versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) using six Lenovo ThinkPad X220 notebooks with Intel Core i5-2520M CPUs, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB HDDs, which do not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Windows 11 ranked last in several metrics, including boot-up speed, memory consumption, and battery life. It was slower than all other versions in opening applications, particularly Paint and File Explorer. However, it ranked fourth in storage efficiency and performed reasonably well in one web-page loading test. The testing conditions, including outdated hardware and the choice of benchmarking applications, may have skewed the results against Windows 11. Users expressed concerns about Windows 11 being bloated and criticized its performance issues.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

5 Essential Productivity Apps Every Android User Should Start Using

Focus Friend is an app developed by Hank Green that helps users maintain concentration by temporarily locking distracting applications during focus sessions, which can last from five minutes to two hours. Users earn in-app currency by focusing, which can be used to purchase furnishings for their virtual Bean Friend's space. If a session is ended prematurely, the user's earnings are lost. Files by Google is a file management app that allows users to back up files directly to Google Drive, declutter storage by suggesting deletions, and includes a document scanner. However, it lacks advanced organization tools like tagging and color-coding. Adobe Scan is an app that transforms physical documents into PDFs by capturing them with a phone's camera. Users can edit, rotate, and annotate scanned images, but some features require a subscription. Notein is a note-taking app that allows users to create plain notes and checklists, with formatting options and calendar integration for reminders. It currently lacks support for images or drawings. Todoist is a task management app that combines tasks with calendar functionality, allowing users to prioritize tasks, set due dates, and add sub-tasks. Some features require a Pro subscription. All featured apps have over a million downloads and a minimum 4.5-star rating on the Google Play Store, ensuring they are user-friendly and effective for productivity.