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Winsage

December 23, 2024

Your Windows 11 PC is acting up? 4 essential settings I always check first

Windows 11 users may experience a decline in performance due to resource-heavy applications, unoptimized settings, or malware. A simple reboot can refresh the RAM and system connections. To enhance performance, users can: 1. Download the latest updates by checking the Windows Update section in Settings and installing any pending patches. Users can revert to a previous version if performance issues arise post-update. 2. Disable startup applications through the Task Manager to prevent them from launching at boot, which can improve system performance. OneDrive syncing can also be paused to reduce slowdowns. 3. Deactivate unused features, such as notifications and Transparency Effects, to free up system resources. 4. Remove malware by installing a robust antivirus program. Windows Security provides basic protection, but alternatives like Bitdefender Total Security or AVG Antivirus may offer more comprehensive security against threats.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Using Windows 11? Change these 4 settings to keep your PC running smoothly

Windows 11 users may experience a decline in performance due to resource-heavy applications, unoptimized settings, or malware. Restarting the computer can refresh RAM and system connections. To improve performance, users should: 1. Download the latest updates: Check for updates in the Windows Update section of Settings and install any pending updates. Users can also look for optional driver updates and revert to previous versions if performance declines after an update. 2. Disable apps on startup: Manage startup applications through the Task Manager by disabling unnecessary ones, which can improve boot time and performance. Pausing OneDrive syncing may also help. 3. Deactivate unused features: Evaluate and disable unused features, such as notifications and Transparency Effects, to free up system resources. 4. Remove malware: Install a reliable antivirus program for protection against malware. Windows Security provides basic protection, but alternatives like Bitdefender Total Security and AVG Antivirus offer more comprehensive security options.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

5 Docker containers you should be using on your Windows 11 PC

Linux distributions are effective for self-hosting and containerization, allowing users to run containers on Windows 11 after setting up WSL2 and Docker Desktop. Notable self-hosted services include: - Penpot: A free, SVG-based design tool that offers vector image editing and prototyping capabilities, supporting SVG, CSS, and HTML. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted cloud storage solution that ensures data privacy and offers features like file synchronization, mobile apps, and collaboration tools. - Joplin: A note-taking application with markdown support and tagging, allowing users to self-host their own server for syncing notes without privacy concerns. - LibreOffice: A free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports various file formats and can be containerized for optimal performance. - Linux Distros: Users can run full Linux operating systems in lightweight containers, with popular options including Ubuntu and Alpine Linux, and even macOS in Docker containers. Additional Docker images for enhancing home networks and workflows include WireGuard, NetAlertX, Pi-Hole, Immich, Calibre-web, Jellyfin, Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx.

TrendTechie

November 16, 2024

GOG are doubling down on game preservation, and making it easier to see which games run well on modern PCs

GOG has evolved from focusing on classic games to including modern blockbusters and has announced a commitment to enhancing vintage titles for contemporary hardware through the GOG Preservation Program. This program aims to restore older games, focusing on eliminating bugs and integrating modern features, and will award a "Good Old Game" badge to titles that pass the restoration process. Games with this badge will include all downloadable content, expansions, manuals, and offline installers, and will be DRM-free. GOG is relaunching over 100 games with this status, including notable titles like the Resident Evil series, Diablo, System Shock 2, and Fallout. The program aims to eventually include all games, but restoration requires permission from original developers or publishers.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

GOG’s Preservation Program is the DRM-free store refocusing on the classics

GOG reports that classic PC games now make up only 20 percent of its catalog, down from its original identity as "Good Old Games." To address this, GOG has launched the GOG Preservation Program, focusing on revitalizing classic titles with a selection of 100 games that will remain DRM-free and receive ongoing technical support. Notable games included in the preservation effort are the Jagged Alliance series, System Shock 2, Warcraft I & II, Dungeon Keeper Gold, Theme Park, SimCity 3000 Unlimited, and the Wing Commander series. GOG is also extending support to Mac users with 34 titles and plans to enhance compatibility for Linux players through Proton.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Bazzite delivers the SteamOS experience Windows handhelds need

Bazzite is a Linux-based operating system designed for Windows gaming handhelds, offering a user experience similar to SteamOS. It is built on Fedora and features a console-centric design, allowing for smooth controller navigation and stable performance. Bazzite includes specific enhancements for the Asus ROG Ally, such as TDP modes and lighting options. The latest version has resolved initial issues with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, allowing for low frame-rate compensation. Game performance on Bazzite is generally positive, with some titles experiencing a performance penalty compared to Windows. Bazzite mitigates shader compilation stutters better than Windows and offers slightly improved battery life. The installation process requires partitioning internal storage and is comparable in complexity to installing Windows on the Steam Deck. Users can dual-boot between Bazzite and Windows. Overall, Bazzite enhances the gaming experience on the ROG Ally, despite some trade-offs in performance and compatibility.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Meta announces big new Quest features, ecosystem updates – virtual desktop for Windows, Dolby Atmos

During the recent Meta Connect event, Meta announced several new features for Quest users with an upcoming update to Horizon OS. 1. A Virtual Desktop-like capability will be integrated into the Meta Quest, allowing seamless connection to Windows PCs and supporting multiple virtual displays in augmented reality. 2. Dolby Atmos support will be added to enhance the audio experience for movies and TV shows. 3. Core social applications, including Facebook Messenger and Instagram, will be revamped to include mixed reality functionalities and enhanced multi-window support. 4. Horizon Hyperscape will allow users to scan their physical environments to create photorealistic virtual representations, currently available only in the United States with plans for broader rollout.

Winsage

August 2, 2024

30 best Windows alternatives to the best Mac applications

Mac users have access to a curated selection of productivity applications, while Windows users also have numerous alternatives. For video editing, DaVinci Resolve is a free alternative to Final Cut Pro, with Adobe Premiere Pro and MAGIX Vegas Pro as other options. In music production, Cakewalk serves as an alternative to GarageBand, with Audacity for podcasting and MAGIX ACID Music Studio for electronic music. For disk management, CCleaner is comparable to CleanMyMac X, with WinDirStat and Eusing Cleaner as additional options. Microsoft OneNote is a suitable replacement for Notability in note-taking, while Obsidian offers a minimalist interface. In task management, Trello, TickTick, and Microsoft To Do provide various options for Windows users, while Affinity Photo and Paint.NET serve as alternatives to Pixelmator Pro for image editing. For file archiving, 7-Zip is a free option, with WinZip and PowerArchiver offering premium features.

Winsage

July 10, 2024

Use Windows 10? New lifeline saves you from switching to Windows 11 or paying Microsoft for critical updates

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving PCs without bug fixes and updates. 0patch offers extended support for Windows 10 until the 2030s at a lower cost than Microsoft's Extended Security Updates.