Firefox Archives

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Firefox is about to drop support for older Windows versions – says if you can’t upgrade, then switch to Linux

Firefox version 115 will be the last to support Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Users of these operating systems must upgrade to Windows 10 or newer to continue receiving updates after February 2026. Mozilla has decided to discontinue support for these older versions of Windows due to the cessation of security updates from Microsoft since January 2023 and the associated costs and risks. Other major browsers have also stopped supporting these outdated systems. Users unable to upgrade can consider switching to a Linux-based operating system, which often comes with Firefox pre-installed. Firefox is favored in the Linux community for its open-source nature and efficient memory usage compared to browsers based on Google's Chromium codebase.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

You Can Now Install—and Update—Microsoft Store Apps Using the Command Line

Microsoft has introduced a new command line interface for the Microsoft Store, accessible through PowerShell by typing "store." Users must have all current Windows 11 updates installed for functionality. The interface features ASCII art and a list of sub-commands, allowing users to search, install, and update software with minimal keystrokes. Users can install applications without needing to remember exact names, and commands like "store install firefox" yield accurate results. Limitations include the inability to install applications not available in the Microsoft Store. Users can also search for apps, gain insights into specific applications, and browse categories. The command "store updates" allows users to manage application updates efficiently.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

You Can Now Install—and Update—Microsoft Store Apps Using the Command Line

Microsoft has introduced a new command line interface for the Microsoft Store that allows users to bypass the traditional interface for app installation and management. Users can access this feature by launching PowerShell and typing “store.” If the command doesn't work, ensuring Windows 11 updates are current may resolve the issue. The interface includes an ASCII art display and a list of sub-commands for searching, installing, and updating software with minimal keystrokes. Users can install applications by typing commands like “store install firefox,” which searches for the app and provides relevant information. The tool can only install apps available in the Microsoft Store, excluding some popular options. Users can also use commands like “store search” and “store browse-apps” to explore available applications. Additionally, the command “store updates” allows users to install all pending Store updates collectively or update individual apps. This new command line approach aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of software management on Windows.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Mozilla ends support for Firefox on older versions of Windows

Mozilla has ceased support for Firefox on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, with the final version available being Firefox 115. Users will continue to receive updates through the Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) channels until February 2026. This decision follows Microsoft's end of support for these Windows versions in January 2023. Mozilla encourages users to upgrade to newer operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11, or to switch to Linux. Additionally, Mozilla has faced criticism regarding plans to transform Firefox into an AI-driven browser, but assured users that all AI features will be optional.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2026

How to Install McAfee Antivirus on Windows 11 or 10

Installing third-party antivirus software like McAfee on Windows 11 can be challenging due to the built-in Windows Security, which can complicate the installation process. Users may face issues such as silent failures from conflicting software, permission problems on restricted machines, or restrictions due to S Mode on new laptops. Windows 11 includes Windows Security, which is effective for malware protection, but McAfee may be necessary for compliance, additional features, or centralized protection for multiple devices. McAfee supports Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Education editions but not Enterprise. The minimum hardware requirements include a processor of 1 GHz or faster, at least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended), 1.3 GB of free disk space, an internet connection for download and updates, and a display resolution of at least 1024×768. McAfee requires a persistent internet connection for activation and updates. Before installing McAfee, users should check if their device is in S Mode, as McAfee cannot be installed in this mode. They must remove any existing antivirus software completely, as leftover files can interfere with the installation. Users should also ensure that Windows 11 is up to date and verify that there is enough disk space available. To download McAfee, users should go directly to the McAfee trial page to avoid scams. After downloading, they need to run the installer and restart their computer after installation. Users should then activate McAfee, run a manual update, and conduct a full system scan. Common installation problems include freezes during download, errors due to S Mode, and issues with Windows Security not recognizing McAfee as the active antivirus. Users can verify that McAfee is functioning correctly by checking the system tray icon, Windows Security settings, and the McAfee dashboard. To uninstall McAfee, users should go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, select McAfee, and follow the prompts to remove it. After uninstallation, Windows Security will reactivate automatically. McAfee offers several plans for Windows users, including Basic, Essential, Premium, and Advanced, each with different features and device limits. The Basic plan is suitable for single-device users without additional needs, while families may benefit from the Essential or Premium plans.

Winsage

February 19, 2026

Firefox is finally ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, and urges users to upgrade or switch to Linux

Mozilla has announced that "Firefox version 115 is the last supported Firefox version for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1." Support for these operating systems began phasing out in January 2023, with access to the Extended Support Release (ESR) for critical security updates available until the end of February 2023. Firefox will continue to support Windows 10 for the foreseeable future, but transitioning to Windows 11 may present challenges due to hardware requirements. Mozilla suggests considering a shift to a Linux-based operating system for users whose hardware cannot accommodate Windows 10 or higher, as most Linux distributions come with Firefox as the default browser.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

From mainstream to underdog: These are the apps I recommend

In a recent poll, 20% of respondents favored mainstream applications, while 80% preferred underdog alternatives. Vivaldi is a web browser that prioritizes user privacy and offers extensive customization options, built on a Chromium foundation for compatibility with Chrome extensions. Anytype is an offline-first application that combines features of Notion and Obsidian, focusing on privacy and security. Deezer is highlighted as a superior music streaming service compared to Spotify, with an extensive library and a user-friendly interface that includes a personalized music recommendation feature called Flow. Perplexity is an AI platform that provides verified sources and a user-friendly interface, offering access to multiple AI models through a single subscription. Superlist is a to-do list application developed by the creators of Wunderlist, featuring natural language input, AI-driven task organization, and a free version with a Pro subscription for expanded features.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

5 Essential Free Apps That Aren’t Available On The Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store has recently added applications like VLC, Foobar2000, Firefox, and Brave, but several essential applications are still missing, leading users to download installers from developers' websites. Microsoft has discontinued support for Office installations via the store, and the transition to allowing Win32 app formats has introduced more applications, although many developers may find this shift too late, with full support for Win32 apps not expected until 2025. Notable applications currently unavailable on the Microsoft Store include: - Steam: A critical gaming platform with over 140 million users, absent from the store due to Valve's competition with Microsoft. - Notepad++: A popular text and code editor known for its simplicity and versatility, requiring direct download from its official website. - Calibre: An open-source e-book manager that allows users to organize, convert, and enrich e-books, also needing to be downloaded from its official site. - qBittorrent: A free and open-source torrent client offering a clean interface and extensive features, available only through direct download from its official website. - Paint.net: While available on the Microsoft Store for a fee, it can be downloaded for free from the developer's website, providing robust image editing features.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I turned my phone into a Linux desktop with this free app

Smartphones can function as desktop replacements, exemplified by the Steam Deck and the introduction of Local Desktop, which allows users to install a full Arch Linux environment on Android devices. Users can run applications like VS Code and Firefox by connecting a keyboard, with installation taking about ten minutes and not requiring root access. However, the installation process may require multiple attempts for stability due to various errors. Once set up, users can enhance their experience with the yay package manager, although some applications may not perform optimally. Local Desktop operates by installing an Arch Linux ARM64 filesystem within the app's internal storage and using proot to create a chroot-like environment. The display mechanism employs a minimal Wayland compositor for improved responsiveness. While it offers a portable Linux environment, performance can vary, and it is not suited for heavy workloads. The experience may appeal to tech enthusiasts willing to navigate its challenges.