file search

Winsage
January 8, 2026
The Command Palette is a feature in PowerToys for Windows 11 that allows advanced users to access applications, settings, and system tools quickly, similar to macOS Spotlight. To install it, users must install PowerToys via Command Prompt or the Microsoft Store. Configuration involves enabling the Command Palette, customizing activation shortcuts, and adjusting display settings. Users can search for applications, settings, and files, perform calculations, access clipboard history, and execute system commands. Keyboard modifiers enhance functionality, and users can create custom search shortcuts with community plugins. The Command Palette also includes a Registry browser extension for navigating the Windows Registry.
Winsage
January 7, 2026
Windows PCs can become slow due to digital clutter from uninstalled applications, unused registry entries, and background processes. This software bloat can often be optimized using lightweight, free tools instead of upgrading hardware. Microsoft PC Manager is a user-friendly utility that enhances performance by clearing temporary files and freeing up RAM, featuring sections for System Protection, Storage Management, and App Management. The Everything app provides rapid file search results by reading the Master File Table, conserving system resources and allowing customization of search preferences. Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility is a powerful debloater tool that can remove telemetry and bloatware, with options for tweaking system settings to improve performance, though caution is advised to avoid instability. The Thorium Browser is a lightweight alternative to resource-intensive browsers, built on the Chromium framework, providing speed and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with older hardware. Bulk Crap Uninstaller offers a thorough uninstallation process, removing all traces of software and allowing for bulk uninstalls, with features like color-coded categorization and the option to create restore points.
Winsage
January 6, 2026
The text discusses three free file managers that enhance file management capabilities for Windows users: 1. Total Commander: - Dual windows with drag-and-drop support - Side panels for navigation - Built-in tools for batch renaming and archiving - FTP client integration - Favorites for quick access - Comprehensive file operations (copy, move, delete, rename) - File comparison with a built-in text editor - Folder synchronization - Encoding and decoding options - Full-text and duplicate file search - Customizable layout and toolbar - Background downloading support - Secure FTP over SSL/TLS 2. OneCommander: - Custom rendering and DirectX support - Session-saving tabs - Dual-pane view - Choice between Miller-Columns navigation and standard layout - Dark and light themes - User-editable icons - Built-in file preview capabilities - Support for long Unicode paths - Organized favorites into project groups - Quick filtering options - Adaptive view and dynamic columns - File Automator for advanced renaming and conversion 3. FileVoyager: - Dual-pane interface - Multiple browsing modes (report and thumbnail) - Comprehensive file operations - Support for numerous compression formats - Multimedia playback for audio and video - Folder synchronization and file comparison tools - Quick preview for any file format - Support for viewing ebooks and comic book files - Syntax highlighting for source code - Display files in flat or hexadecimal format All three file managers are available for free, with OneCommander offering a Pro version for additional features.
Winsage
December 25, 2025
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
November 10, 2025
Google has introduced the File Search Tool, a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system integrated into the Gemini API. This tool allows developers to leverage documents and databases to provide factual context for Gemini responses, which include citations for verification. The File Search Tool utilizes the Gemini Embedding model to automate processes like file storage, chunking, embeddings, and dynamic context injection. It supports various file formats, including PDF, DOCX, TXT, and JSON. A demo application is available in the Google AI Studio, and the tool operates on a paid model, costing [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know Google is rolling out the File Search Tool, an easy-to-use RAG system that's built into the Gemini API. The File Search Tool can leverage documents and databases to ground Gemini responses with factual context. Gemini API responses using the File Search Tool include citations that allow users to check the model's work. In a significant advancement for developers, Google has introduced a native retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system to its Gemini API, aptly named the File Search Tool. This innovative feature aims to simplify the integration of reliable data into AI applications, allowing developers to enhance their tools with factual context effortlessly. Described by Google as a "simple, integrated and scalable way to ground Gemini with your data," the File Search Tool promises outputs that are "more accurate, relevant and verifiable," as highlighted in the recent announcement. The File Search Tool operates by utilizing the Gemini Embedding model, alleviating users from the burdensome task of creating a custom RAG system. It automatically manages essential processes such as file storage, chunking, embeddings, and dynamic context injection. By employing vector search technology, the tool comprehensively understands user prompts and retrieves pertinent information from the supplied documents. It supports a variety of major file formats and programming types, including PDF, DOCX, TXT, and JSON, making it remarkably straightforward for users to integrate their existing databases with the Gemini API. For those eager to explore its capabilities, a demo application is available in the Google AI Studio, offering developers a glimpse into how the File Search Tool can be effectively utilized within their business applications. While the tool operates on a paid model, developers benefit from a fixed rate of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out the File Search Tool, an easy-to-use RAG system that's built into the Gemini API.The File Search Tool can leverage documents and databases to ground Gemini responses with factual context.Gemini API responses using the File Search Tool include citations that allow users to check the model's work.Google is adding a native retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system to the Gemini API in an effort to make it easier for developers to back up their AI tools with hard data. It's called the File Search Tool, and the company describes it as a "simple, integrated and scalable way to ground Gemini with your data." It results in outputs from the Gemini API that are "more accurate, relevant and verifiable," per the announcement blog post.The File Search Tool makes use of the Gemini Embedding model, but takes the heavy lifting required to develop a custom RAG system off the user. Instead, the tool handles file storage, chunking, embeddings, and dynamic context injection automatically. From there, the File Search Tool uses vector search to understand a given prompt and identify related information and data from provided documents.here. It includes most major file formats and programming types, like PDF, DOCX, TXT, and JSON. This makes it easy to take your existing database and hand it to the Gemini API via the File Search Tool.There's a demo app in the Google AI Studio that gives developers an idea of how the File Search Tool can be used in their business applications. The tool is paid, but developers only need to pay a fixed rate of $0.15 per 1 million tokens when initially embedding and indexing their files. After that, storage and embedding generation is free for each individual query.Google says this payment model "makes the File Search Tool both significantly easier and very cost-effective to build and scale with." It's available now in the Gemini API for those that want to try it out. (Image credit: Google)This is the second Gemini API announcement of the week, as Google previously unveiled support for JSON Schema, which makes it easier to use the API in multi-agent workflows.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].15 per 1 million tokens for the initial embedding and indexing of their files. Subsequent storage and embedding generation for each individual query come at no additional cost, rendering the File Search Tool both accessible and economically viable for scaling. Google emphasizes that this pricing structure significantly simplifies the development process, making the File Search Tool an attractive option for businesses looking to leverage AI with reliable data. This latest feature is now available in the Gemini API, inviting developers to experiment with its potential. (Image credit: Google) This announcement marks the second significant update to the Gemini API within the week, following Google's earlier introduction of support for JSON Schema, which enhances the API's usability in multi-agent workflows." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].15 per 1 million tokens for initial embedding and indexing, with free subsequent storage and embedding generation for individual queries. This feature aims to simplify the integration of reliable data into AI applications.
Winsage
October 14, 2025
Open-source software offers robust alternatives for Windows users, with notable applications including: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that supports MS Office formats and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A customizable file search and application launcher that is free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, available for free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for file storage and collaboration that can be hosted locally and is free to install. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface, free to use. 6. YAZB: A tool that creates custom top bars for Windows, providing system information and quick access controls, available for free. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files through a right-click context menu, free to install. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with a web browser extension, free to use with optional paid features. 9. AutoHotKey: An automation scripting language for defining hotkeys and streamlining tasks, available for free. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI application that allows interaction with various models, free to install and use.
Winsage
October 10, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out an update for the Copilot app on Windows, introducing several enhancements. The new version allows users to connect with personal services such as OneDrive, Outlook, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts, enabling natural language search across these accounts. Users can link both Microsoft and third-party accounts through the Settings page in the Copilot app. Additionally, the updated Copilot app enables users to create and export content in various file formats, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations, directly from their session. The update is version 1.25095.161.0 and higher, being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the app.
Winsage
September 27, 2025
Transitioning from Windows 11 to macOS led to the discovery of Raycast, a launcher that has become preferred over Flow Launcher. Raycast is currently in beta for Windows and offers enhanced productivity features compared to traditional launchers. It includes a clipboard management system that retains copied items for up to three months and an emoji selector that improves user experience. Raycast's performance in file searching is superior to Flow Launcher, which relies on the inconsistent Windows search indexer. The extension ecosystem for Raycast on Windows is expansive, with integrations for platforms like Slack, Notion, and Google Calendar, although some niche extensions are still missing. The Pro version of Raycast, which includes AI-related features, is considered expensive by some users who prefer a more affordable option without these functionalities.
Winsage
September 17, 2025
Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.
Search